England: Liverpool beat Everton; Chelsea see off Man City

Soccerway - 25 March 2006 20:08

Didier Drogba scored both of Chelsea's goals (soccer-europe.com)

LONDON, Mar 25 (SW) – Chelsea hit their top form once again as they see off an injury-ridden Manchester City, while Liverpool ease through the Merseyside derby at Anfield.

<b>Chelsea – Manchester City</b> 2-0

Man City’s first-team squad has been plagued by injuries over the past two weeks, meaning they had to settle for an under-par side to face the Blues. Didier Drogba netted twice as he sealed the victory for Chelsea, although replays suggest that he handled the ball just before he scored his second.

<b>Liverpool – Everton</b> 3-1

Liverpool continued their fine scoring form of late, with today’s result making it 11 goals in their last 3 league games. Phillip Neville opened the scoring early in the second half, unfortunately the ball went into his own net. Luis Garcia added a second in the 47th minute with Tim Cahill clawing one back for the visitors in the 61st. Harry Kewell wrapped the game up for Liverpool with 5 minutes left on the clock to send them a point ahead of Manchester United, who play on Sunday.

<b>Sunderland – Blackburn</b> 0-1

It seems the change of manager at Sunderland has done nothing to aid the Black Cats’ survival chase as they suffered their 25th defeat of the season. Steven Reid scored the only goal of the game after 15 minutes to keep Blackburn well in the chase for a European qualification spot.

<b>Wigan Athletic – West Ham United</b> 1-2

West Ham fought to the very end of this game to score the winning goal after Lee McCulloch’s strike put the home side in the lead shortly after the interval. Marlon Harewood levelled things in the 52nd minute, but England U-21 captain Nigel Reo-Coker’s goal in the 92nd minute left Wigan with no time to reply. The result leaves West Ham just a point behind Wigan in the top half of the table.

<b>Aston Villa – Fulham</b> 0-0

Fulham travelled to Villa Park in high spirits after last week’s defeat of Chelsea, but this week’s game was deep in contrast – neither side went home with anything to show apart from a shared point each.

<b>Arsenal’s</b> visit to <b>Portsmouth</b> was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The match will now be rearranged for later in the season.