Leeds United 0, West Bromwich 0
Leeds, with Robbie Fowler on the bench after calling off his widely-expected move to Manchester City, failed to break down a determined defensive performance by West Brom -- who had Andy Johnson dismissed in the 74th minute.
A fine effort by Alan Smith was the best Leeds had to show for a workmanlike first half performance and manager Terry Venables sent on Fowler after West Brom were reduced to 10 men in a vain bid to break the deadlock.
But the visitors clung on to their point in a season-long battle to avoid a swift return to the first division.
Newcastle United 2, Man. City 0
Skipper Alan Shearer scored within 10 seconds -- matching the record set by Spurs defender Ledley King -- and Wales striker Craig Bellamy sealed the win in the second half.
Shearer struck when an upfield clearance by City keeper Carlo Nash hit the Newcastle skipper and he quickly recovered to send the ball into an empty net. Ali Benarbia was denied a prompt equalizer by the woodwork, while Shearer had another effort cleared off the line in a hectic first half.
But Newcastle continued to create chances after the re-start and their efforts were finally rewarded when French winger Laurent Robert crossed from the left and Bellamy, at full stretch, stuck out a leg to guide the ball home in the 64th minute.
Southampton 0, Liverpool 1
Liverpool ended their 11-match league run with a win -- their worst spell for half-a-century -- with a well-deserved 1-0 win at South-ampton where the home team lost for the first time this season.
The only goal came after 14 minutes when Emile Heskey headed home a cross from John Arne Riise -- his first in the league for 18 matches since September.
Michael Owen wasted a great scoring chance midway through the second half to wrap-up the points, but Liverpool held firm to secure a long-overdue victory.



