Newz Forum: SOCCER: Barclays Premiership results 12/02/05

Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Barclays Premiership after a narrow win against 10-man Everton at Goodison Park.

Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen scored the only goal of the game in the 69th minute, tapping in from close range after William Gallas had hit the bar. The hosts played 82 minutes without James Beattie after the striker was sent off for headbutting Gallas. Nigel Martyn produced a string of saves to frustrate the visitors until Gudjohnsen struck to give his side a 12-point lead at the summit, with title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal not in action.


At the other end of the table, Blackburn pulled away from the relegation zone after beating Norwich 3-0 at Ewood Park. Morten Gamst Pedersen scored his fifth goal of the season after 17 minutes, taking advantage of Simon Charlton's blunder and smashing past Robert Green from just inside the area. Paul Dickov added the second six minutes from half-time, heading in from Pedersen's centre. Green's mistake handed Dickov his second of the match, and his 100th club goal of his career.


Aston Villa recorded a rare away victory with a 2-1 win against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. The visitors took the lead after 17 minutes with Pompey skipper Arjan de Zeeuw scoring an own goal from Luke Moore's dangerous cross. But the hosts restored parity seven minutes later when Gareth Barry brought down Steve Stone in the penalty area and Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored from the spot. Thomas Hitzlsperger was brought on in the second half and volleyed in the winner after 73 minutes following good work from Juan Pablo Angel.


Liverpool's Champions League qualification hopes were dented at St Andrews as Birmingham recorded an impressive 2-0 win. Walter Pandiani blasted in the opener from the penalty spot after Sami Hyypia was adjudged to have fouled Emile Heskey seven minutes from the break. Julian Gray added the second, volleying home after a deep cross from Jermaine Pennant on the stroke of half-time.

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