A match of many talking points as Anfield played host to a blood and thunder Merseyside derby. As predicted the referee was busy all afternoon taking names but he appeared to have made an error in sending off Greek international Sotirios Kyrgiakos was given a red card for his part in a horror tackle that should probably have seen Marouane Fellaini sent off too.
Despite their numerical disadvantage Liverpool had two great chances to take the lead in the first half and Dirk Kuyt put the home side ahead early in the second half after Steven Gerrard puts in a top quality corner into the box which the in form Dutchman heads in for his 50th Liverpool goal.
The Reds held on to clinch another vital three points in their race to regain their place in the top four after a determined performance at Anfield after playing most of the match with ten men. To add insult to injury Steven Pienaar saw red, possibly a lot later than he should have done, in the dying seconds for a pointless tackle on Lucas.
Birmingham City continued their fine season with an excellent victory at Goodison Park. Goals from Cristian Benitez and Barry Ferguson gave Alex McLeish’s side a two goal lead that they held onto until Leon Osman grabbed one back for Everton but the St Andrews’ side held on to make it to round five of the FA Cup.
Roberto Mancini tasted defeat for the first time as Man City boss as Everton continued their fine run of form with this well deserved 2-0 win at Goodison Park.
In the only 3pm Premier League fixture that survived the cold snap Emirates played host to a topsy turvy encounter between Arsenal and Everton. David Moyes Toffee side took the lead through a Leon Osman header from a Landon Donovan corner.
The Gunners equalizer through Arsenal midfielder Denilson, who’s shot deflected into the back of the Everton net. Steven Pienaar scored to give Everton the lead against a very average Arsenal side who seemed to badly miss skipper Cesc Fabregas but Tomas Rosicky scored a last gasp goal for the Emirates outfit.
Arsenal placed yet more pressure on crisis hit Portsmouth with a very convincing win away at Fratton Park. The Emirates side found themselves two up at the break thanks to goals from Eduardo and Samir Nasri at which point the Gunners took their foot off the pedal a little. Aaron Ramsey added magnificent third midway through the second half to truly end the game as a contest before Nadir Belhadj netted a consolation goal for Pompey.
Alex Song then scored a rare goal to put Arsenal 4-1 up.
This will puts Arsenal in a great position to further attack top two Man United and Chelsea and gives Arsene Wenger three wins from three ahead of two successive home matches that the north London side will believe they should win comfortably.
Liverpool Midfield Marvel Gerrard, Arsenal Skipper Fabregas, Tottenham Winger Lennon, Chelsea Striker Drogba, Manchester United goal machine Rooney, West Ham hit man Cole? You decide!
