United slip renews Chelsea hope
Saturday, 7 April 2007
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Ricardo Carvalho scored the winner against Tottenham (©Getty Images)
Manchester United FC have seen their Premiership lead cut to three points after a 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth FC followed Chelsea FC's 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Cagey affair
With United not playing until the evening, Chelsea knew a home triumph at lunchtime would help them in their bid to finish the day within one win of their rivals for the first time since 30 December. After a cagey first half, the game sparked into life after the break. Tottenham striker Mido forced a great save from Petr Čech and he was to be punished for his profligacy. Barely two minutes later, defender Ricardo Carvalho was the unlikely home hero as he fired in a right-foot shot that deceived visiting goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
Own goal
United were behind early in the day's late game when Matthew Taylor followed up to score after Edwin van der Sar spilled a long-range shot. The leaders came back strongly but a bizarre own goal that saw Rio Ferdinand play the ball into his own net with Van der Sar out of position gave Portsmouth a two-goal advantage. There was still time for John O'Shea to make for a nervy finish but Portsmouth hung on to keep their hopes of a UEFA Cup place alive. Chelsea are next in action on Tuesday when they go to Valencia CF, the same night as United receive AS Roma.
Arsenal stunned
Elsewhere, it was a day for away teams, with five sides victorious. Most notably, second-from-bottom West Ham United FC made it three straight wins with a 1-0 win at fourth-placed Arsenal FC, becoming the first team to win at their new stadium. The home side spurned several opportunities and were made to pay by Bobby Zamora's fine finish just before half-time. West Ham are two points from safety after Sheffield United FC lost 2-1 at home against Newcastle United FC, while Wigan Athletic FC were defeated 3-1 by visiting Bolton Wanderers FC, who sit two points behind Arsenal.
Kuyt winner
Liverpool FC, who receive PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, increased their hold on third place with a 2-1 win at Reading FC, courtesy of a late winner from Dirk Kuyt. The Reds are now five points ahead of Arsenal. The day's other two games saw mid-table Middlesbrough FC win 4-1 at home against bottom club Watford FC and Aston Villa FC move seven points from the drop zone with a 2-1 success at Blackburn Rovers FC.
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United slip renews Chelsea hope
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