Premier League News - Results

Arsenal march on, Manchester United rescue a point and Chelsea falter

It was a day of draws in the Premier League as four of the eight games ended in stalemate. At the top, Premier League title-holders Manchester United, rescued a point at Tottenham thanks to a late, late goal from Carlos Tevez. Chelsea were also held to a draw at Portsmouth, with new boys Defoe and Anelka netting. While this was going on, Arsenal continued their seemingly relentless march, with a superb 3-1 win at Manchester City.

Over at Ewood Park, two of the teams chasing the Premier League fourth spot, Blackburn and Everton, played out a scoreless draw. This allowed Liverpool to move up into fifth position, as they eventually overcome Sunderland 3-0 at Anfield. Peter Crouch, given a rare start netted on 57 minutes, with Fernando Torres adding a second, and Steven Gerrard converting a penalty on 89 minutes to wrap up the points.

In the Premier League basement, Birmingham and Derby played out a 1-1 draw, which is no good to either side at this time of the season. Wigan meanwhile had a priceless 1-0 home win against West Ham. Of the other basement teams, Bolton had a great result away to Reading, winning 2-0. Nolan and Helguson the scorers.

Arsenal are now back on top of the Premier League on 60 points, Manchester United in second on 58, and Chelsea back in third on 54. Its certainly going to go to the wire, with Manchester United and Arsenal going head to head, to the end of the season. Those in the dreaded Premier League drop places are still Birmingham, Fulham and Derby.

Second club enters chase for McFadden

McFadden Birmingham deal not done, as second club enters race

James McFadden left St Andrews last night, after being unable to agree terms wih Birmingham City. Reports also surfaced of an unnamed second club entering the chase for the Scottish international. The event will disappoint Alex McLeish who has been a long admirer of McFadden's talents from his days as Scotland boss.

Celitc have previously tried for McFadden on loan, but it is not known as yet whether they are the mystery second club.

Premier League Transfer News - Birmingham sign McFadden

McLeish nabs McFadden

Birmingham City yesterday completed the signing of Everton's James McFadden for 5.5 milllion pounds. McLeish has long been impressed with McFadden, particularly during his stint as Scotland boss.

Previous bids of 2.5m and 3.5m had been turned down, and the fee of 5.5m is in our view too high. McFadden is expected at St Andrews shortly to discuss personal terms on a 4 and half year deal.

Newcastle 2-1 Birmingham

Newcastle followed up their creditable performance against Arsenal with a heartening 2-1 against Birmingham City to ease their Premier League woes, and give manager Sam Allardyce some much needed breathing space.

They made it hard for themselves with a gift opener to Cameraon Jerome after only nine minutes. They got back in it after thirty six minutes Martins slotting home a penalty given from Sadlers challenge on him. Newcastles winner came in the last minute, with Senegal defender Beye heading home from Emres corner to flatten Birmingham with a sucker punch.

Newcastle dominated for large parts of the first half and could well have had more than Martins equaliser. After the break Newcastle fell flat, maybe because of their midweek exertions, and maybe because they were up against a determined and organised Birmingham.

It may not have been too pretty but three points following the Arsenal game will do wonders for Newcastle's confidence and give Sam Allardyce much need breathing space as he seeks to put his stamp on the team.