Newz Forum: SOCCER: Barclays Premiership results 12/03/06

William Gallas struck a spectacular injury-time winner against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea edged closer to retaining their Barclays Premiership title. The France defender cut in from the left flank past Paul Stalteri and Jermaine Jenas before unleashing an unstoppable right-footed drive into the top corner, the first of a number of stunning strikes on a thrilling afternoon.

The London derby appeared set to end in a draw after Tottenham fought back from conceding a 14th-minute opener when Shaun Wright-Phillips crossed for Michael Essien to score his first Chelsea goal. Jenas restored parity on the the stroke of half-time when he nudged past Petr Cech after Michael Dawson had beaten Robert Huth to reach a free-kick from Michael Carrick.

Nathan Ellington rescued a point for West Brom against Birmingham in the relegation battle at St Andrews, with neither side able to boost their survival hopes with a victory. Mikael Forssell had given the hosts a lead in the 49th minute when he converted from the penalty spot after getting fouled in the area by Curtis Davies. Baggies boss Bryan Robson responded by bringing Kanu off the bench, with the Nigerian helping set up fellow substitute Ellington's strike with 20 minutes remaining.

Kevin Ball's reign as Sunderland caretaker manager got off to the worst possible start as Henri Camara's unstoppable volley took Wigan towards victory at the Stadium of Light. With eight minutes gone Nyron Nosworthy failed to clear and Camara turned on the edge of the area and volleyed into the top corner, leaving Kelvin Davis with no chance. Kevin Kyle thought he had levelled but his effort after half an hour was ruled out for offside, and it remained 1-0.

Gary Speed's acrobatic strike helped Bolton towards a 4-1 win against West Ham at the Reebok Stadium after Stelios Giannakopoulos' fortuitous double had established a lead. Greece midfielder Giannakopoulos tapped in with 12 minutes gone when the ball cannoned off the post after Hammers goalkeeper Shaka Hislop had missed a cross. After 33 minutes the lead was doubled when Kevin Nolan's shot was deflected in off Giannakopoulos, with Speed adding a third with an overhead kick on the stroke of half-time. Teddy Sheringham tapped in a late consolation before Henrik Pedersen's impish finish found the top corner.

James Beattie proved to be the difference at Goodison Park after scoring twice as Everton cruised to victory against Fulham. The 26-year-old was brought down in the area by Zat Knight after 13 minutes, then thumped home the resulting spot-kick. Beattie doubled the lead with an exquisite chip from the edge of the area, before his cushioned header allowed James McFadden to thunder home a third from long distance. Collins John's penalty made it 3-1.

Pedro Mendes' breathtaking double earned Portsmouth three points against Manchester City in their bid for survival. Mendes, a January signing from Tottenham, struck after an hour when a corner was cleared to him on the edge of the penalty area. With seven minutes remaining Richard Dunne stooped for an equaliser after Georgios Samaras had flicked on at a set-piece, but Mendes lashed home with seconds remaining - again after a corner was not cleared.

In the teatime game Blackburn moved up to fifth after their 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Ewood Park, with the goals coming from Andy Todd and Craig Bellamy. Todd broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, stabbing home from a corner after Steven Reid appeared to handle in the build-up. Wales striker Bellamy doubled the lead with 19 minutes remaining after Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen failed to gather the ball.

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