United, Arsenal draw matches, give Chelsea breathing space

Manchester United and Arsenal drew their matches with Birmingham City and Everton respectively in cold Premier League outings yesterday. These draws gave Chelsea, the league leaders some space to breathe and opened up an opportunity for them to consolidate with a win.

The last season champions, United went to St.Andrews and played out a controversial 1-1 draw with Birmingham. Messy clearance from Jonny Evansa saw Cameron Jerome score and out the hosts in front. A controversial offside decision was turned out by referee Mark Clattenburg after which an own goal by Scott Dann put the visitors on level. In the absence of defense specialists, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, the United team looked weak. Birmingham though will be happy with this result after setting a 12 games unbeaten streak.

Arsenal’s match with Everton was on the other hand, marked by some good play and a rescue act by a last minute goal by substitute Tomas Rosicky. Everton went first up through Leon Osman after which Arsenal got the equaliser through Denilson’s deflected shot. Steven Pienaar then put the visitors ahead in the 81st minute and give them the sight of victory. But that was not to be as Tomas’s deflection also beat Tim Howard. The Gunners now stand 3 points clear of Chelsea who have a game to play.

Both stands ending in draws at the top of the table meant Chelsea can try and win their next match to open the gap in the League.