Wayne Bridge got his revenge on John Terry as Manchester City dented nine-man Chelsea’s title challenge with a stunning 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
While Chelsea stumbled, third placed Arsenal closed the gap to three points with a dramatic 3-1 win at 10-man Stoke.
After snubbing Terry’s offer of a handshake during the pre-match greeting between the teams, Bridge — who this week quit England duty as a result of Terry’s alleged affair with his ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel — played his part as City handed Chelsea their first home defeat in 38 games.
PHOTO: AFP
Frank Lampard put the Premier League leaders ahead in the 42nd minute but Carlos Tevez equalized in first half stoppage-time following mistakes from Terry and goalkeeper Hilario.
Craig Bellamy struck for the visitors in the 51st minute with a shot from a tight angle that Hilario should have saved.
Tevez scored his second from the penalty spot after Juliano Belletti was sent off for fouling Gareth Barry in the 76th minute, then Michael Ballack was dismissed in the closing stages.
Bellamy rubbed salt into Chelsea’s wounds with the fourth in the 87th minute before Lampard’s 90th-minute penalty reduced the deficit.
Chelsea remain just one point ahead of Manchester United, while City go above Tottenham into fourth place.
“Wayne Bridge has been playing well and this team has a fantastic spirit and for this reason we won this game,” City manager Roberto Mancini said
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said: “It was not a good day. The only good thing is that we still have one point more than Manchester United.”
“We have more chance to win the title than either them or Arsenal because that is what the table says,” he said.
At the Britannia Stadium, Arsenal trailed Stoke in the eighth minute when Ryan Shawcross flicked on Rory Delap’s long throw for Danny Pugh to tap-in.
Nicklas Bendtner equalized for the Gunners in the 32nd minute with a towering header from Fabregas’ cross.
The match was overshadowed by Shawcross’ dismissal for a late tackle on Aaron Ramsey midway through the second half that appeared to break the youngster’s leg.
Players from both sides looked stunned as the Welsh midfielder was stretchered off with an oxygen mask in an incident that brought back memories of the horrific injury suffered by Arsenal’s Eduardo in 2008.
But Arsenal regained their composure and Fabregas struck from the spot in the 90th minute after Pugh handled Bendtner’s pass, then Thomas Vermalen added a third goal from close range.
Beleaguered Portsmouth finally had something to celebrate as the Premier League’s bottom club claimed a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Burnley at Turf Moor.
Avram Grant’s team are set to be hit with a nine-point penalty after becoming the first Premier League club to go into administration on Friday, meaning this result is unlikely to save them from relegation.
But Pompey haven’t thrown the towel in yet. They took the lead in the 25th minute when Frederic Piquionne slotted home Danny Webber’s pass.
The hosts were level six minutes later as Martin Paterson produced a sublime chip over Portsmouth goalkeeper David James.
Jamie O’Hara had a chance to restore Portsmouth’s lead when Clarke Carlisle gave away a second-half penalty by fouling Piquionne, but Brian Jensen saved his spot-kick.
However, Carlisle conceded another penalty in the 76th minute with a foul on John Utaka and Hassan Yebda made him pay with a cool finish.
Portsmouth’s Ricardo Rocha was sent off in stoppage time but Burnley have now lost seven of their last eight games.
“The fans should not be victims in this scenario. Of course we should not be docked nine points. All my life I have been fighting for justice and in the interests of fair play, we need football to be decided on the field,” Grant said.
Bolton moved out of the drop zone after Zat Knight’s first goal for the club sealed a 1-0 victory against Wolves at the Reebok Stadium.
Birmingham’s bid for a Europa League place was boosted as James McFadden’s first half penalty earned a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Wigan at St Andrews.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely