Liverpool slipped up again with a 1-1 draw against Southampton, despite Michael Owen’s 20th goal of the season. Phil Thompson’s side dominated the first half at Anfield but this failed to translate into goals. Kevin Davies scored straight after the break for the visitors, and Southampton could have easily clinched a winner, but for a fine save from Jerzy Dudek from Chris Marsden's header and a post stopping Anders Svensson's 25-yard shot.
(Read Darragh Maloney's views on the game)
Andy Cole had a disappointing return to Old Trafford, as Manchester United beat Blackburn 2-1. Even worse for Cole, the man whose arrival led to his departure, Ruud van Nistelrooy, broke the Premiership record for goals scored in consecutive games. The Dutchman scored from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time to score in his eighth game in a row. Craig Hignett equalised for the visitors three minutes after the interval, but Manchester United clinched victory with a Roy Keane goal ten minutes from time.
(Read George Hamilton's views on the game)
Newcastle were held by Leicester to a goalless draw. Dave Bassett’s team produced a fighting performance reminiscent of Martin O’Neill’s days in charge, and they could have even grabbed the three points if Muzzy Izzet and Ade Akinbiyi had not spurned great goal-scoring chances.
At the other end of the table, Ipswich continued their remarkable resurrection with a 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Derby County at Pride Park. Marcus Bent opened the scoring in the 46th minute and Martijn Reuser hammered home a magnificent 25-yard effort five minutes from time to ensure caretaker Derby boss Billy McEwan had a miserable debut.
Middlesbrough have dropped into the bottom three with a 1-1 draw against Bolton at the Riverside Stadium. Having watched Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan reject Boro in favour of Manchester United, boss Steve McClaren watched his team struggle to score. Noel Whelan had put Middlesbrough in front in the 38th minute, though he had earlier spurned two easier chances. Bolton equalised in the 74th minute through Bo Hansen, who walloped a volley into the top corner, and Boro wound up clinging on for a draw as the visitors finished strongly.
Tottenham and Everton drew 1-1 at White Hart Lane. Les Ferdinand grabbed his 14th goal of the season but failed to emerge for the second half after suffering a clash of heads with David Weir, who had scored Everton’s equaliser.
Kevin Phillips’ tenth goal of the season helped to ease under-fire Peter Reid's worries as Sunderland drew 1-1 with Fulham, who had taken the lead through Steed Malbranque.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
