Premier League: Aston Villa edge out Blackpool in five-goal thriller
James Collins headed home a late corner to give Aston Villa a 3-2 victory over a stubborn Blackpool at Villa Park.
Welsh international defender Collins rose highest to thump home a priceless winner for Gerard Houllier’s men, on a night in which they had thrown away the lead twice.
Stewart Downing curled in an effort from Ashley Young’s cross to put Villa ahead, only for ex-Villa striker Marlon Harewood to level for the visitors in first half stoppage time.
Young then set up Nathan Delfouneso to restore Villa’s lead – just seconds after the young striker had seen a goal controversially ruled out – but substitute DJ Campbell thought he’d stolen a point for the Tangerines with his deflected late effort. He was wrong, and Collins’ winner takes Villa into the top half.
There were almost as many thrills and spills at Upton Park, where West Ham and West Brom drew 2-2.
The Baggies led through Peter Odemwingie’s penalty, but West Ham’s talisman Scott Parker scored a stunning equaliser to level matters right on half time.
West Ham then took the lead through Frederic Piquionne’s spot kick, but now it was the Baggies’ turn to equalise, and Pablo Ibanez headed home an excellent Chris Brunt cross to seal a point.
Further up the Premier League table – right at the top in fact – Chelsea extended their lead at the summit to four points with a 1-0 win over Fulham courtesy of Michael Essien’s header. Essien was later sent off for a two-footed challenge on Clint Dempsey.
Marouane Chamakh scored in the first minute and the last as Arsenal beat Wolves 2-0 at Molineux, with goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski impressively keeping the hosts at bay, while Blackburn’s Jason Roberts hit a late winner as Rovers boss Sam Allardyce brought former club Newcastle down to earth with a fine 2-1 win at St. James’ Park. Morten Gamst Pedersen and Andy Carroll had earlier exchanged goals.
Finally, both Merseyside clubs drew 1-1.
Fernando Torres fired Liverpool into an early lead at Wigan’s DW Stadium, only for the hosts to battle back for a deserved point courtesy of a Hugo Rodallega stike, while Jermaine Beckford’s first Premier League goal – conveniently arriving in the 94th minute – salvaged a point for a 10-man Everton at home to Bolton. Ivan Klasnic had given Wanderers the lead, with Blues sub Marouane Fellaini given his marching orders before Beckford struck.
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