March’s first game week of the Barclays Premier League had some dramatic results for football fans. Among the top contests, Arsenal emerged victorious over Liverpool while Chelsea were shocked by a 1-0 defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion.
Liverpool v Arsenal: 1-2
Robin van Persie scored two goals to take Arsenal to an important victory over Liverpool. The Dutchman’s goals came after Laurent Koscielny’s own-goal gave the Reds a 1-0 lead inside 20 minutes.
Liverpool paid the price for not converting their chances early as Dirk Kuyt failed to convert a controversial penalty and Martin Kelly did not make contact with a low cross in front of an open goal.
Despite dominating the match, the Reds could not keep their composure at the end as one of the best defence this season was ripped apart by van Persie to score the winner off Alexander Song’s long-ball into the box.
The Carling Cup champions deserved at least a point but Arsenal were lucky on this day as they ended Liverpool’s 16-game unbeaten run at Anfield.
A top-four finish will now be a tough task for Kenny Dalglish’s men as Arsenal are in pole position to take it.
The Merseysiders will be looking to bounce back next week against Sunderland and try to go further ahead in the FA Cup with the hope of bagging two trophies this season.
West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea: 1-0
Chelsea’s problems under manager Andre Villas Boas intensified with a 1-0 defeat at the Hawthorns as Roy Hodgson’s men snatched a late goal to take West Bromwich Albion to their first win over Chelsea in 21 matches.
Gareth McCauly scored the winner for West Brom in the 84th minute as he deflected Liam Ridgewell’s goal-bound shot in Chelsea’s crowded penalty area.
The result will put more pressure on former Porto manager Villas Boas who could be on his way out if Russian owner Roman Abrahimovich takes that tough decision. Champions League qualification now looks increasingly difficult for the Blues.