EPL Saturday: Arsenal Drawn by Sunderland At The Emirates

Conor Sammon, with 93:45 showing on the clock, almost made up for Ali Al-Habsi's error. For the last hour of the match, the Wigan goalkeeper had been face with a scoreboard when the only difference between the Latics and Manchester City was a ball he let do through his legs. But when Tom Cleverley played a 30-yard ball to Sammon, and Sammon executed a give-and-go with Hugo Rodallega, the Irish attacker beat Joleon Lescott for a chance from 14 yards out. Joe Hart came off his line, giving the substitute only a ball's width of room at the far post. And as happens most of the time a player has such a thin margin for error, Sammon missed. Al-Habsi's error stood up.

That error came in the 37th minute. David Silva had gone on a run into the Wigan area before letting go of a left-footed shot that should have been an easy save. The ball headed straight for the `keeper's feet, with the Omani international bending at the waste to let the shot roll up into his chest. But his hands were too soft and too far apart, and he didn't get completely behind the ball. Silva's shot went through his arm, between his legs, and into the net for what would turn out to be the match's only score.

Even including that slip, the match was relatively evenly played. Neither side looked capable of distinguishing themselves from the other, though that error allowed City to contain the match. An event-less second half kept the play even, leading to City's 1-0 win.

The victory gives City a five point gap on fourth place Chelsea, albeit having played two extra matches. WIgan stays 20th, four points away from safety after West Ham's win over Stoke.

Ali Al-Habsi coming into goal for Wigan is one of the reasons a struggling Latics defense has yet to cost their team a chance to stay in the league, but in the first half at Manchester City, the Oman `keeper's error put his team down. A left-footed shot by David Silva should have been easily saved, but the ball went through Al-Habsi's arms and legs and into the Wigan goal for the only goal of the first half.

Granted, it was a nice display of skill on Silva's part to dribble into the Wigan third and create the shot on goal. But the shot was nothing special. It wouldn't have even qualified as testing Al-Habsi had the goalkeeper controlled the ball. However, AlHabsi-s hands were soft, his body was not behind the ball, and his legs were open. City went up 1-0 after the initial 37 minutes had been relatively even.

Over the half's final minutes, City looked to be in control, holding more possession and operating in Wigan's final third. In the broader picture, the only thing that's separated the two sides is the `keeper's gaff, with neither team playing that much better than the other.

Two goals in a five minute span of the first half gave David Moyes and Everton a happy ending to a rough week - three points earned at St. James' Park without two of their best players, on the heels of a disappointing, mid-week loss to Reading. Goals from Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka overcame an opener from Leon Best, sent the Toffees into half up 2-1, a lead Everton held through the final 45 minutes.

Best opened the scoring just after the 20 minute mark when a Kevin Nolan shot ended-up coming to the Ireland international standing in the six yard box. The striker headed the ball into Tim Howard's mepty net, giving the Magpies an early lead.

It was the end to a slow start for the Toffees, playing without Maraoune Fellaini and Tim Cahill. Near the half hour mark, Everton started ascending, a rise that culminated with Mikel Arteta bringing the ball into the attacking third from the left flank, setting up Leon Osman near the spot. The midfielder put his shot under a lunging Fabricio Coloccini and past Steve Harper, equalizing for the visitors.

Just five minutes later, one of the best crosses you'll see this season gave Everton their winner. From a dead ball 35 yards up the pitch, Leighton Baines bent a ball beyond the Newcastle line, in front of Harper, bouncing is just outside the six yard box. Phil Jagielka was the first to it, redirecting the ball with his right foot, putting Everton up to stay.

With the Toffess in the lead, the uncertain moments of the match's opening were forgotten. Everton exhibited a confidence through midfield that helped them control the rest of the match, and while Newcastle pressed for an equalizer - eventually seeing Shola Ameobi return with a face mask - the Magpies ended up dropping valuable hope points against a wounded opponent.

The loss keeps Newcastle ninth when a win would have sent them into seventh. For Everton, they're in the top half for the first time this year, siting 10th. Their goal difference is even, and they're six point clear of the drop.

An end-to-end match that thrilled neutrals, but Aston Villa fans (this one included) are walking away shaking their heads, frustrated by both their team's inability to put away easy chances and to defend against set pieces. Credit to Bolton Wanderers, however. As every announcer makes sure to state, this is a team that really believes in itself under Owen Coyle. Their attack never let up, and the 86th minute winner by Ivan Klasnic was a testimony to that sort of belief. Or, perhaps, simply an excellent shot by the substitute striker.

Darren Bent started the scoring in the fifteenth minute, although he should have given Aston Villa the lead in the third, electing instead to flub a one-on-one with Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. Bent's goal came off a wonderfully placed cross by Kyle Walker, who easily beat Stuart Holden to send the ball into the area, leaving Bent with nothing to do but poke the ball in.

In a familiar story for Villa fans, Bolton equalized just before the break, off a corner sent in by Kevin Davies. Former Villa man Gary Cahill out-muscled young Nathan Baker to head the ball into the net. Bolton had just started getting into the attack and they were thrilled to take their halftime cuppa with the scoreline level.

The second half started with six -- yes six -- chances for Aston Villa to take the lead, but a magical forcefield and the wonderstops of Jaaskelainen prevented any of the balls from reaching the back of the net. It was Marc Albrighton that broke through the Bolton defense, grabbing a cross from Stewart Downing to bounce the ball past the keeper. It may not have been pretty, but comical is sometimes nice.

But Albrighton has never scored in a match that Aston Villa have gone on to win, and this match was certainly no exception. David Wheater stuck a shoulder into Ashley Young, prompting a whistle and a penalty kick. The Villa captain himself stepped up to take the penalty, but was put off by the psychological flappings of Jaaskelainen, missing his chance to possibly put the game out of reach for Bolton.

Instead it was the home side that ended up with all three points. Cahill grabbed his second on, what else, a corner kick. Holden sent in the corner with Cahill rising to meet it, but Brad Friedel made a brilliant stop to deny the defender. Unfortunately for Friedel, Cahill's reflexes were even quicker, as he caught the ball on the volley to send it into the net.

Bolton wasn't finished, however, demanding all three points and getting them -- without even needing a corner this time. Daniel Sturridge, who surprisingly did not score in this match, sent in a deep cross for Wheater to head out to Klasnic. The super sub laced the ball through the Villa defense and into the corner of the net for Bolton's winning goal.

Fair play to Bolton. Once their attack starts, they certainly don't stop, and they kept the pressure on the Villa defense. It must be said, however, that the Villa were without three of their center backs, with Luke Young filling in centrally and young Nathan Baker taking care of the left back role. Bolton capitalized on the weakness and came away taking sixth place in the Premier League.

Mark Clattenburg has had another decisive effect on match. At least, that's what Rovers supports will tell you after Balckburn's 3-2 loss at Craven Cottage. Fulham fans - as well as most who dispassionately watched the replay - will call Clattenburg's decision justifiable. After all, there is a point where fouls are so egregious that they can't be ignored, and when you ride a man into the ground while defending a corner kick, you're being to cavalier about referee's discretion. Even if it's the 89th minute. Even if the score is 2-2.

So it was that the whistle blew against Grant Hanley and Bobby Zamora was given a chance to give Fulham three. In blasting his spot kick past Paul Robinson just before regulation time ended, the substitute put the Cottagers on track for a 3-2 win, only their fourth victory of the season. It was the third lead of the match for the home team, with Damien Duff having given Fulham one goal leads in each half.

Both times, Blackburn equalized. Just before halftime, a Hanley shot went off Brede Hangeland's head and into Mark Schwarzer's net, sending the teams into half tied 1-1. In the second half, persistence from Jason Roberts saw the Blackburn striker flick a ball back from the byline for David Hoillett, the Canadian international volleying home from 15 yards out.

But a match that looked destined to be Fulham's 15th draw ended with the Cottagers getting full points. The win vaults Mark Hughes's side into 10th place, while Blackburn, in 14th place, is only two points above the drop.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce did old friend Sir Alex Ferguson a huge favour at the Emirates today by snapping his side's four-game losing streak and holding Arsenal to a scoreless draw, but luck was very clearly on the Black Cats' side today and played a huge role in keeping the Gunners off the scoresheet. Marouane Chamahk hit the crossbar with an excellent header. Simon Mignolet pulled off a string to great saves to keep Samir Nasri and Nicklas Bentdner from scoring. Andrei Arshavin scored a perfectly legitimate goal that was ruled out for offside, and he also should have earned a penalty when pushed over in the box. That's not to say that Sunderland didn't play well or didn't deserve to get something out of the match, but if there was ever a game to indicate how important luck is in football, this was it.

Sunderland had their chances too, and were unlucky (there it is again) not to score after excellent shots by Stephane Sessegnon in the first half and Danny Welbeck in the second, which drew equally excellent saves from Wojciech Szczęsny, but I don't think anyone will contest that Arsenal were the dominant force in the match. However, games aren't won by teams simply deserving to win - they have to actually score, and Arsenal simply didn't do it. Gone is the chance to close the gap on Manchester United to one point after the leaders' 2-1 reverse at Stamford Bridge earlier in the week. Arsenal will have to settle for being three points back in second place after wasting a huge, huge opening today.

Blackburn players were incensed after Mark Clattenburg called a penalty in the last minutes of Rovers visit to Fulham. The official pointed to the spot after Grant Hanley road his mark to the ground while playing a corner. Clattenburg's whistle was immediate and decisive, giving Fulham a spot kick that Bobby Zamora converted into the go-ahead goal.

Blackburn's objections have less to do with the rules than the call. By the rules, Hanley clearly obstructed the Fulham player, but it's a call that's rarely made, let alone in the 89th minute of the match. Hanley reacted in disbelief. Christopher Samba was anger. Jermaine Jones tried to admonish the veteran official.

Bobby Zamora, recently returned from injury, blasted his shot over Paul Robinson, giving Fulham a 3-2 lead, giving the Cottagers in lead in a match that seemed destined to be drawn.

Same old, same old for Aston Villa, as it's now impossible to count the number of times the club has conceded in the last five minutes of the match. Bolton Wanderers substitute Ivan Klasnic has put the home side ahead in, what else, the 86th minute. Surprisingly enough, this time it wasn't off a corner, but once again the Villa defense simply fell apart. Daniel Sturridge sent the ball in for David Wheater to head back. Klasnic was there to control, turned and sent the ball through the gaps in the Villa defense and into the corner of the net.

A cracking match for the neutrals, certainly. Even better for Bolton fans. But Villa fans will rightly be putting dents in their walls right about now. Missed one - on - ones. Ashley Young's failed penalty conversion. Balls seemingly unable to find their way into the net. Villa's failure to find any points is entirely their own fault.

So much for an Arsenal onslaught. Sunderland put the home side on the back foot with a swift attack that builds into a major spell after Laurent Koscielny picks up a yellow card for hauling down Danny Welbeck. Eventually, Stephane Sessengon, fed by Anton Ferdinand, skips right past Gael Clichy, gets to the line, and passes for Welbeck in the centre. It was a very difficult ball, but the Manchester United loanee brought it down with a brilliant touch than hammered a half-volley towards Wojciech Szczęsny right post. The Polish goalkeeper got down brilliantly to save, then came up huge again for the Gunners as Jordan Henderson looked to turn the ball home again from the corner.

Arsenal, to put it dimly, are aggrieved to not be winning this match, and the linesman's just added fuel to the fire but ruling out a perfectly legitimate goal by Andrei Arshavin, who was completely onside when he was put through on goal. The little Russian rounded the keeper and slotted home, only for the flag to rule it out for no good reason. Ouch.

And just as we determine that Marc Albrighton has never scored in a game in which Aston Villa has won, Gary Cahill has put Bolton Wanderers even once again, as the visitors put their weakness on set pieces on display for the second time this match. Stuart Holden sent in the corner with Cahill finding another headed chance. This time, Brad Friedel reacted quickly enough, pushing the ball away. Unfortunately for the Villa defense, Cahill's reflexes were even quicker. He moved to capture the ball, sending the volley straight back to the Villa goal. This time Friedel wasn't able to get to it and Cahill is down for a brace.

Aston Villa will be ruing their missed chances, particularly the two one on ones Darren Bent has had against the Bolton keeper. Even more so, of course, they'll be regretting Ashley Young's inability to convert the penalty kick. It seems almost inevitable now that Bolton will be the ones finding the winner.

That is an absolutely fabulous save from Simon Mignolet after an excellent free kick courtesy of Arsenal captain Samir Nasri. Laurent Koscielny, marauding forward from centre back, found himself embroiled in a scrum at the edge of the Sunderland area and was hacked down by John Mensah. Nasri whipped in a sharp free kick that Mignolet somehow clawed out from under his crossbar and to safety. The Arsenal onslaught isn't over yet through. Maroune Chamakh rattled the bar with Mignolet well beaten after Jack Wilshere swung in an excellent cross, and then Bacary Sagna blazed over in plenty of space. Andrei Arshavin then missed well wide while through on goal, but that was mainly because he was shoved over by Titus Bramble while shooting. No red card, no penalty. Oops.

Tomas Rosicky has just come on for Arsenal, replacing Abou Diaby, while Steve Bruce is desperately trying to hang onto their lead with ten minutes left - striker Asamoah Gyan has come off for Ahmed Elmohamedy. It's going to be something of an onslaught until the final whistle goes, one would think.

Marc Albrighton has put Aston Villa back in front against Bolton Wanderers, after a comical first fifteen minutes of the second half that saw the visitors grab six attempts at goal, three in just one play, that bounced off the forcefield in front of Jussi Jaaskelainen's goal and back into play. This time, however, Jaaskelainen could only get a hand on the ball as it sailed into the back of the net. Fabian Delph sent a cheeky pass to Stewart Downing, sailing down the right side. Downing put in a beautiful cross to Albrighton, who controlled before bouncing the ball over a Bolton defender and into the net.

Minutes later, David Wheater put his shoulder into Ashley Young inside the Bolton area. Martin Atkinson wasted no time in pointing to the spot, although he was distracted by the protests of the Bolton players. Ashley Young stepped up to the spot but was distracted by the antics of Jaaskelainen and missed his opportunity.

Marc Albrighton has yet to score in a match that Aston Villa have won, so...there's that.

Fulham took a momentary lead in the second half against Blackburn, but after giving up an equalizer shortly after the hour mark, the Cottagers - who have drawn 14 of 28 matches this season - have been pulled back, the score now 2-2 at Craven Cottager. Damien Duff's second goal of the match had given Mark Hughes's side a 2-1 lead, but left-footed volley from David Hoilett has equalized for Blackburn.

Duff's goal came after bulid-up down the right left him with a opportunity from just outside the Rovers area. The ball played centrally to Moussa Dembele, the Beligan laid a ball off for the right-winger to come in on his strong foot. A nice strike beat Paul Robinson low for the go-ahead goal.

The equalizer was as much the product of Jason Roberts' hard work as it was Hoillett's strike. The Blackburn forward, working to the left of goal, near the byline, eventually flicked a ball back toward the spot, winning possession away from two Cottagers. There, David Hoillett unloaded on a nice, controlled volley that sliced into the left side netting, making it 2-2.

Arsenal need a change, and Arsene Wenger has opted to remove Denilson for striker Marouane Chamakh. Denilson had had a miserable game in the midfield, and Chamakh gives the home side another outlet in front of goal. He very nearly provided one on his first touch, bursting free down the sideline and cutting the ball back for Andrei Arshavin, who blasted a shot straight at Simon Mignolet when it seemed easier to score. It's unclear how Arsenal's shape has changed as a result of the substitution - right now it looks like it's a 4-2-1-3 with Nasri as a central attacking midfielder.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson have both picked up yellow cards for dissent and a pointless foul respectively, and Arsenal have just had an attack broken up by what the referee is claiming is a foul throw - if that was a foul throw this game is rugby. Oh, and there's been another substitution: For Sunderland, Danny Welbeck, recovered from a long-term knee injury is on for Steed Malbranque. His last match for the first team was in early January, and they've desperately missed his incisive threat over the past few months. Can he make a difference today?

Nothing much to report from the second half except for an unfortunate collision between Johan Djourou, Sully Muntari, and Titus Bramble in the Sunderland half. It didn't look like much at the beginning as the three came together to gight for the ball, but replays should that Muntari got fingers into the Arsenal defender's eye and followed that up with an elbow to the side of the head. It all looked accidental, but that doesn't mean it hurt any less. Djourou was down and not moving for several minutes before collecting his wits and rather woozily wandering off the pitch. He should be ok to continue, though.

Incidentally, and to the delight of the Emirates, Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey has begun warming up on the sidelines. Ramsey, who suffered a horrible broken leg courtesy of Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross a year ago, would be making his first Arsenal appearance since the injury, having just completed a month on loan at Cardiff City.

It's rare that teams elect to go mano a mano with a Stoke City side known for their size and physicality. Avram Grant and West Ham, however have apparently done that, starting Carlton Cole, Frederic Piquionne and Demba Ba up top. The result is a 2-0 halftime lead at Upton Park, the Hammers primed to climb out of the drop.

The goals came within an eight minute span of the first half, with West Ham's Senegalese striker again showing their January purchase was a wise one. This time, however, the goal was less the work of Demba Ba and more the fault of the defense, with Marc Wilson and Asmit Begovic having a mini-Arsenal moment, alling Ba to take advantage of their miscommunication to score from close range.

Eight minutes later, West Ham took advanatge of a Ryan Shawcross foul. Thomas Hitzelsperger targeted Manuel da Costa at the far post, with the young Portuguese defender rising for West Ham's second goal.

The Hammers are beating Stoke at their own goal. They've started titans to fight titans, and in the process are 45 minutes away from climbing above Birmingham, out of the drop.

It's a pattern that's been repeated again and again throughout the Aston Villa season: the whistle is about to blow to signal the end of the half. The Villa defense concede corner or a free kick. Suddenly, the opposition has the equalizer. Or worse (for the Villa) the winning goal.

And so it has happened today at the Reebok. Johan Elmander sent in a great shot, but both Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker were there to ensure the ball didn't threaten Brad Friedel, knocking it out of play. Kevin Davies took the Bolton corner and it was Gary Cahill, the former Villan, out-muscling Baker to send the header through the Villa defense and into the back of the net.

The teams head in to grab their tea with the score level at 1-1. With Bolton just starting to find their attack in the last five minutes or so of play, Villa will have to be on the defensive. Yet with a back line featuring three out of four inexperienced defenders, it will be a battle for the visitors to keep even one point.

A piece of fortune fall to Blackburn in first half stoppage time at Craven Cottage when a shot off the head of Brede Hangeland went past Mark Schwarzer and into the Fulham goal, sending the sides into half tied 1-1. Grant Hanley's left footed shot was originally targeted for Schwarzer's left post, but glancing off the right side of Hangeland's head, the ball went into the center of goal after the Australian had reacted, giving Blackburn their equalizer.

Fulham, however, played a huge part in the goal through their inability to clear their lines. The Rovers had stumbled over the ball for five or ten seconds in the Fulham area, and when the Cottagers took the ball off their feet, they were unable to get it more than a few yards outside their box. When a Fulahm player tried to turn on the ball and carry it away from the box, a successful challenge put the ball on Handley's feet. A couple of touches and a blast led to the own goal, Blackburn nullifying Damien Duff's opener.

It's been an interesting if not exactly explosive gave between Sunderland and Arsenal at the Emirates stadium. Arsenal have had the lion's share of scoring chances but one Nicklas Bendtner attempt aside have failed to really test Simon Mignolet in the Sunderland net. Without Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, the home side's play through the centre is looking uninspired, and Andrei Arshavin and Samir Nasri are both looking wasted on the wings, although the latter came infield much more towards the end of the half, which coincided with Arsenal's best spell. If this is Arsenal's response to being given a chance to close down Manchester United at the top of the table, than we may as well crown United champions already.

Sunderland are sensibly looking to hit their hosts on the counterattack, and are doing a reasonable job of it. Jordan Henderson and Stephane Sessegnon are looking lively, and there have been a couple of scary moments for the Arsenal back line (although primarily of their own making). This game needs a goal to make it really interesting, though.

Damien Duff was open for 15 seconds before he got the ball. While the Cottagers knocked it around in the middle, the winger stood out on the right wing, waiting, with arms outstretched. By the time his teammates got him the ball, the defense was so packed in that he had all the time he could have wanted to work against Martin Olson. Backing the Blackburn left back down to within eight years of goal, Duff blasted a ball between his counterpart's leg, under Mark Schwarzer, and into net for the match's opening goal.

The goal came after a string of possession that saw the Rovers unable to break up a string of passes from the Cottagers. Ultimately, Fulham played a ball into the defensive line for Clint Dempsey, and although the attacker immediately touched the ball back into midfield, the Rovers line had collapsed, opening up space for Duff on the wing. The Rover product made made his former club pay, giving Fulham a 1-0 lead.

Arsenal's Samir Nasri really doesn't get the plaudits he deserves. It's unfortunate (unless you're a Sunderland fan) that the French Footballer of the year is out on the wing, because we haven't seen nearly enough of him in this game. When he does get the ball, though, it's impressive. A magnificent run brought him straight through the Sunderland defence, beating four or five defenders as he got to the byline, although his attempted cutback was cleared for a corner. Gorgeous football, though.

From said corner, Nicklas Bendtner showed brilliant reactions in trying to turn a loose ball home with a well-executed overhead kick, only to fire right at Simon Mignolet. The Dane was thwarted by Mignolet once again several minutes later when he was put through from a tight angle by a chipped pass from Jack Wilshere - Bendtner struck the ball sweetly from a tight angle, and it took a phenomenal save by the Belgian goalkeeper to tip the half-volley over the crossbar. That was very, very close to an opener.

A lackluster start has given way to two goals in four minutes, giving Everton a 2-1 lead at St. James's Park. Just moments after Leon Osman had equalized, Phil Jagielka got on the end of a cutting ball from Leighton Baines, redirecting a half-volley past Steve Harper for the go-ahead goal.

The score came after Newcastle was called for a foul 35 yards from goal. Baines stepped up to a ball even with the left post and put a beguiling curve on his restart, playing the ball behind the high line before it curved nearly parallel to goal, onto the foot of Jagielka. The Everton defender had to stretch and raise his foot to ball, rising off the bounce. Once he did, Harper had no chance to prevent the visitors from assuming the league.

In the moments after the goal, Everton looked noticeable more confident on the ball, maintaining more control through midfield. The early match lulls have been shaken off. The Toffee absences have been forgetting. David Moyes's team has a 2-1 lead at St. James's Park.

Over the first minutes at St. James's part, Everton looked like a side playing without two of its best players, which is exactly what they are. As if to pick up from their mid-week loss to Reading, Everton seemed ... just kind of there, capable speed bumps for a Newcastle side with whom they would normally compete. Even after Leon Best has put Newcastle up after 22 minutes, the Toffees looked flat. They don't look ready to overcome the losses of Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill.

In Best's goal, Fellaini may have helped. Newcastle had Everton's defense pushed deep into their own area when defender Mike Williamson, over the ball in the middle of the area, laid the ball off to the left. Kevin Nolan  took a left-footed shot at goal, with the resulting ball coming to Best standing in the middle of the area. The Ireland international had an easy, go-ahead goal.

Nine minutes later, however, Everton woke up, with a rare sign of life from Mikel Arteta sparking an equalizer. The Everton star, in the midst of a down year, carried the ball in from the left, finding Leon Osman in the middle of the area. While that would normally be bad news, with Osman displaying a daft touch around goal in recent matches, the midfielder was able to convert. In the 32nd minute, the Toffess had equalized.

After fifteen minutes, Darren Bent has given Aston Villa the 1-0 over Bolton Wanderers. Kyle Walker took the ball up the right channel with Stuart Holden giving chase. Holden couldn't stop Villa's attacking defender as Walker sent a perfectly placed cross into the box. Bent was lurking, unnoticed, near the far post, and only needed to tap the ball in.

The visitors started off attacking and have yet to stop -- there's no playing for a draw here at the Reebok. In fact, Bent himself had an excellent opportunity just a few minutes in, beating the Bolton offside trap and going one on one with Jussi Jaaskelainen before seemingly losing his mind, taking too long to contemplate the shot and giving the keeper the chance to grab the ball.

The Villa attack keeps going, with the team having had a taste of four goals last week and wanting to continue savoring it (especially after a 3-0 loss to Manchester City midweek). Then again, Bolton haven't lost in their last four matches, only dropping points once, against Newcastle last week.

Appalling play from both sides over a farcical thirty seconds has resulted in the first booking of the match, the honours going to Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson. First, Stephane Sessegnon took a free kick with the ball going straight to Jack Wilshere, who raced forward and passed, for some reason, to Titus Bramble. The ball bounced kindly for Sunderland, going back down the length of the pitch for Asamoah Gyan to pick up. The striker's infield pass was... right to an Arsenal player. Denilson's control was just poor enough to give Richardson a sight of the ball, but the midfielder mistimed his tackle and was booked for the challenge. I'm embarrassed to have watched that, on behalf of both teams.

Arsenal have gone back to looking rather uninspired - there aren't any options in the centre for Wilshere to drive towards, and they're simply failing to find Samir Nasri or Andrei Arshavin out on the wings. They'll need to to a better job bringing their best attacking players into the action, because Nicklas Bendtner on his own will enver be enough to unlock a Premier League defence.

Sunderland are now looking a little more like a side who have suffered four defeats on the trot. Their defence was ripped open by quick play down the Arsenal left, and Gael Clichy's low cross was within inches of being turned goalwards by the onrushing Nicklas Bendtner. Samir Nasri, captaining the side in the absence of both Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, picked up the loose ball on the opposite flank, but his curling strike was straight at Simon Mignolet, the goalkeeper rather grateful that the ball was directed at his midriff rather than a couple of yards to either side.

Aside from that delivery by Clichy, Arsenal's cross has been both pointless and dire. With five Sunderland shirts in the box and just Bendtner to fight for the ball, crossing has mostly resulted in simply giving the ball straight to the defence - right back Bacary Sagna has passed right to a centre back three times in as many minutes. Meanwhile, Sunderland are looking very dangerous on the counterattack. Stephane Sessegnon gliding past Clichy and drawing a good save from Wojciech Szczęsny to keep the game level.

Arsene Wenger's merry band of passing wizards have had a less than magical start to the game, playing exceptionally sloppy football in the early stages of Arsenal's clash against Sunderland at the Emirates. It's not like them to simply make unforced errors in the midfield (having panicky moments at the back, however, is far for the course), but Denilson did just that, passing the ball straight to Stephane Sessegnon to launch a Sunderland attack. Jordan Henderson's cross was very nearly turned in by Steed Malbranque at the near post, but Johan Djourou got there to clear just in front of the midfielder. A few minutes later and defender Anton Ferndinand had a golden chance to score, unmarked from a corner at the near post, but Arsenal somehow scrambled clear.

So, on the significantattack-o-meter, Sunderland are in the lead. Arsenal have responded with... more passes in midfield, which appear to be lulling their opponents into something of a stupor - they were very nearly caught out by a pair of long balls over the top to Nicklas Bentdner, but he was marshalled out of bounds in the first instance and then let the ball bounce off his knee and straight to Simon Mignolet for the second.

Chelsea did London rivals Arsenal a huge favour when they defeated league leaders Manchester United earlier in the week at Stamford Bridge, preventing United from opening up a seven-point gap between themselves and the second-place Gunners. Instead, Arsenal are just four points off the top - and with a game in hand. In order to make the most of the leaders' stumble, however, Arsene Wenger's injury-hit side will have to beat Sunderland today, and Steve Bruce's side has already taken points off the Gunners this season in a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light. A draw or loss here could be season-defining for Arsenal, and not in a good way.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Denilson, Wilshere, Nasri, Diaby, Arshavin, Bendtner.

Subs: Almunia, Rosicky, Ramsey, Squillaci, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Ferdinand, Mensah, Bramble, Bardsley, Henderson, Muntari, Malbranque, Richardson, Sessegnon, Gyan.

Subs: Gordon, Riveros, Welbeck, Colback, Elmohamady, Knott, Noble.

In a universe where nothing physical is either created nor destroyed, where concepts such as karma and ying-yang have believers around the world, Birmingham City's horrible Saturday performance makes sense. The cosmos needed to even the scales after the Blues won their first trophy since 1963 last Sunday, giving their best performance in recent memory. Today, Alex McLeish's team was horrible, losing at home to West Brom 3-1, and in the process leaving themselves open to being in the drop by the end of the weekend.

In the first half, West Brom shared Brum's putrid form, the sides playing to halftime at 0-0, neither squad threatening the other. In the second half, West Brom struck first, with Youssuf Mulumbu poking the ball over Ben Foster for the opener. Moments later, Jean Beausejour equalized for Birmingham, their only decent chance of the night.

Over the next 20 minutes, Brom would take control of the match. Steven Reid was allowed to carry the ball 30 yards before setting-up James Morrison for a goal from 18-yards out. Paul Scharner was found on a far post run after Brum fell asleep defending a corner. Birmingham City would never show a willingness to fight for the match, practically conceding the game to their relegation-embattled visitors.

If Bluenoses needed something to bring them down from their Sunday high, Alex McLeish seemed intent on giving it to them. He made five changes from the squad that won the club's first piece of silverware since 1963, and while most of those were injury-motivated, the energy the Blues showed reflected a team that lacked focus. Now the team finds itself in 17th place, and if any of Wigan, Wolverhampton or West Ham win, they'll be in the drop.

Birmingham City fell asleep while defending a corner kick, still setting up their defense while West Brom put a short ball into play, finding Phil Scharner at the far post just as Brum realized what was going on. The Austrian put his ball but toward goal at a sharp angle, with Ben Foster instinctively jumping back into jump, unable to get enough of his right hand on the ball to stop West Brom's third goal. After 72 minutes, the Baggies were set to jump out of the drop and send Brum into 17th, holding a 3-1 lead.

The corner kick defense was emblematic of the entire day for the Blues. They have been flat. At the back, they've been lax, with defensive breakdowns leading to each of the three goals. In attack, they've only had two chances - Jean Beausejour's goal and a dangerous ball from distance by David Bentley. Everything Alex McLeish's club was on Sunday, they are not today.

On the corner kick, Birmingham's defenders were looking to their marks, having taken their eye off the ball when the play was restarted with a show pass. Just as Brum lifted their heads to the play, and inswinging ball from the left flank found an unmarked Scharner running to the far post. The ball was beyond the upright and only two yards from the byline, but Scharner got the ball back toward goal. Foster's right hand got enough of the ball to call the goal into question, but replayed showed the ball clearly crossed the line, sealing this match for the Baggies.

James Morrison has kept the goals coming in the second half, with a beautiful move beyond Curtis Davies setting-up a left-footed strike from the edge of the area. Though the ball was not well-placed, it was hard enough and just far enough from Ben Foster to restore West Brom's lead. Near the hour mark of their match at local rivals Birmingham City, Albion has got up, 2-1.

The movement started with Steven Reid carrying the ball from his right back position into the final third. With nobody closing him down, Reid was able to pick-out Morrison at the top of the arc. Morrison took a bounce ball and touched it to the left of an oncoming Davies, setting up a left-footed half-volley from 18 yards out. The ball tailed away from Foster as the `keeper stretch for it, unable to save it from going high into the back of the net.

With Roy Hodgson's side up and on the road, you can already see Brom going more conservative. They're spending more time standing on the ball rather than moving with it. Gonzalo Jara, a defender, has been brought on for winger Jerome Thomas, serving as Hodgson's tell.

Alex McLeish has also made a change, bringing on a third forward. The goal-scorer, Jean Beausejour, is out. Kevin Phillips is in.

Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion apologizes for a terrible first half by producing two goals in three minutes after the kicing-off the second half. Youssuf Mulumbu put West Brom up in the 47th minute, poking a ball over and past Ben Foster. One minute, twenty second later, Birmingham City broke through Brom's left side and produced a cross for Jean Beausejour to put home. After a first half that failed to produce a chance, Birmingham City and West Brom stood 1-1 after 48 minutes.

The play for West Brom's goal started with a chip over the Burm line, with substitute Peter Odemwingie failing to get to the ball before Ben Foster came onto the ball at the edge of the penalty area. The `keeper's left footed clearance went only 20 yards, allowing Mulumbu to put the ball back in for Odemwingie. The Nigerian carried the ball into the area before laying-off for the oncoming Mulumbu, who finished over the wrong-guessing Foster from 14 yards out.

Moments later, with Mulumbu off the pitch, Stephen Carr broke through West Brom's left flank before putting Lee Bowyer toward the byline, The Brum midfielder put a right footed cross through the six, where Jean Beausejour came in from the left wing, beating Steven Reid, to get the equalizer.

There's been little to reward those who work up early to watch Birmingham City's early match against West Bromwich Albion. At injury time approached, ESPN commentator Steve McManamon apologized to the viewers, calling the match "terrible" as deriding the pace of the game, saying "you have to be quicker, get your passes out." Even company man Ian Darke called it one of the worst halves of the season.

The League Cup champions and their guest go into halftime as they started, 0-0, a scoreline that will please a Baggies side that came out 4-5-1 against the notoriously conservative Blues. With Martin Jiranek, Barry Ferguson and Craig Gardner out for the hosts, you would think the opportunity for three points would entice Roy Hodgson. Instead, the veteran manager has played to type and seems content to play for one.

At some point, we're likely to see Nikola Zigic, with neither Obafemi Martins nor Cameron Jerome having any success against a well-organized Brom defense. Sebastian Larsson could also be brought on. For West Brom, we are likely to see Carlos Vela come in and try to steal another match, but if the Arsenall loanee can't replicate his heroics, Roy Hodgson will be content to try to put us back to sleep.

Birmingham City has made five changes from the team that starting last Sunday's Carling Cup final. At the back, Martin Jiranek is out, with Curtis Davies coming in to partner Roger John. Craig Gardner and Barry Ferguson are not in the team, and with Sebastian Larsson being relegated to te bench, Keith Fhaey and Lee Bowyer will be joined ni midfield by David Bentley and Jean Beausejour. Up top, Alex McLeish's 4-4-2 seeing Nikola Zigic on the bench, with Obafemi Martins and Cameron Jerome potentially giving the Blues a more ambitious look than we're accustomed to seeing.

Birmingham City, Starting XI: Foster / Carr, Davies, Johnson, Ridgewell / Bentley, Bowyer, Fahey, Beausejour / Martins, Jerome

Bench: Doyle, Parnaby, Murphy, Larsson, Mutch, Phillips, Zigic

For West Bromwich Albion, the Roy Hodgson-ization of the team continues, as evidenced by Carlos Vela and Peter Odemwingie again starting on the bench. The team looks set to go 4-5-1, with Marc-Antoine Fortune, a spare part under Roberto di Matteo, getting the start up-top. In midfield Chris Brunt, James Morrison, and Jerome Thomas will form a dangerous trio in front of Youssuf Mulumbu and Paul Scharner. At the back, Abdoulaye Meite is in, partnering Jonas Olsson at the back, with Steven Reid and Nickey Shorey out wide. Scott Carson has gotten another start, playing in goal above Boaz Myhill.

West Bromwich Albion, Starting XI: Carson / Reid, Meite, Olsson, Shorey / Mulumbu, Scharner / Brunt, Morrison, Thomas / Fortune

Bench: Myhill, Tamas, Jara, Tchoyi, Odemwingie, Vela, Cox

The match at St. Andrew's is just underway. SB Nation Soccer will be updating you throughout.

A seven-fixture English Premier League Saturday kicks-off at 7:45 a.m. Eastern at St. Andrew's, where the season's first cup winners will look to carry momentum from Wembley to Birmingham, the Blues taking on rivals West Bromwich Albion. With the clubs sitting 16th and 17th in the Premier League table, relegation six-pointer still applies, given the losing club will likely find themselves in the drop by weekend's end. Birmingham has played two fewer matches than the four teams below them, and with seven points in their last four games, only Arsenal and Tottenham have been able to take home more points in the same span.

Like A Second Home

Wearside is where they hang their hat, but when the Black Cats have gone to London this season, they've made themselves at home. Saturday's match at the Emirates will be their fourth of five matches in the capital, where they have yet to lose in 2010-11.

Date	Opponent	Result
Nov 9	Tottenham	1-1
Nov 14	Chelsea	0-3, W
Dec 11	Fulham	0-0
Mar 5	Arsenal
May 22	West Ham United

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

At 10:00 a.m., the rush: five Premier League matches highlighted by Sunderland limping into North London to face Arsenal. The Black Cats have lost four in a row (no other team's losing streak is longer then one) but have enjoyed surprising success in London this season. Everybody remembers their eye-opening (or eye-gouging) win at Stamford Bridge, but with draws at White Hart Lane and Craven Cottage, Steve Bruce's team is 1-2-0 in the capital this season. Arsenal, by contrast, has a short-running tradition of losing to clubs from the north east, dropping a 0-1 result to Newcastle at the Emirates on November 11. While Arsenal would normally be considered resounding favorites, consider the following three retorts, if you will:

1. Sunderland is 1-1-3 in their last five against Arsenal,
2. Arsenal should be without Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Thomas Vermaelen and Lukasz Fabianski, and
3. This and this.

Other 10:00 a.m. kick-offs: Bolton hosts an Aston Villa team that's suddenly only four points behind them in the table; Fulham, with a league-leading 14 draws, hosting Blackburn who've only been drawn 5 times (league low: Wolves with 4); an Everton team that will be missing Marouane Fellani and Tim Cahill goes to Newcastle with only three points separating the sides; and West Ham United looks to build on last weekend's triumph over Liverpool while hosting FA Cup quarterfinal opponent Stoke City.

The day's final kick-off is 12:30 p.m. at Eastlands, with the limping Manchester City hosts a stumbling Wigan Athletic. City has one win in their last five league matches, a swoon that has pushed them to the periphery of the title race. Wigan has one win in 10, a swoon that's pushed them to the periphery of first division football. Roberto Martínez's men failed to get a point from City last season, but in the clubs' eight previous meetings, the Citizens had only won once.

SB Nation Soccer will have live coverage throughout the day. Check back in this space for updates in the minutes before the first whistle at in Birmingham, and stay with us until time is called at Eastlands.

Here are your Saturday fixtures and viewing options: