What Would We Do Without The Mackems?
Last updated : 10 March 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Everton maintained their pursuit of a Champions League place with a 1-0 victory at the Stadium Of Sh***, and we can rest easy in our beds this week.
Andy Johnson got the winner in the second half with the ball going in off his shoulder after a cross from Mikel Arteta. But we suffered a similar fate with Liverpool's lucky opener at Anfield.
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard made a wonder save in injury time to take the point to Goodison. He preserved their lead - and earned himself a fifth clean sheet in his last six league games - with a great stop from Andy Reid's 30-yard free kick.
The result keeps the Toffees level on points with arch rivals Liverpool, although Everton trail the Reds on goal difference.
But Wigan jumped above the Toon with a home draw against the Gunners. Arsenal slipped up once again in the Premier League title race being held to a goalless draw.
Emmanuel Adebayor might have put the Gunners in front in the very first minute but he was thwarted when one-on-one with keeper Chris Kirkland.
Then in the 90th minute Cesc Fabregas was again denied by the England stopper.
The result leaves Arsenal two points clear at the summit but rivals Manchester United can go top by winning their game in hand.
Like Newcastle, Wigan are now three points above the dreaded relegation zone.
MIDDLESBROUGH - 29pts
Remaining games: Aston Villa (a), Arsenal (a), Derby (h), Chelsea (a), Man Utd (h), Tottenham (a), Bolton (h), Sunderland (a), Portsmouth (h), Everton (a).
READING - 28
Remaining games: Liverpool (a), Birmingham (h), Blackburn (h), Newcastle (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), Wigan (a), Tottenham (h), Derby (a).
NEWCASTLE - 28
Remaining games: Birmingham (a), Fulham (h), Tottenham (a), Reading (h), Portsmouth (a), Sunderland (h), West Ham (a), Chelsea (h), Man City (a).
WIGAN - 28
Remaining games: Bolton (h), Blackburn (a), Portsmouth (a), Birmingham (h), Chelsea (a), Tottenham (h), Reading (h), Villa (a), Man Utd (h).
SUNDERLAND - 27
Remaining games: Chelsea (h), Aston Villa (a), West Ham (h), Fulham (a), Man City (h), Newcastle (a), Middlesbrough (h), Bolton (a), Arsenal (h).
BIRMINGHAM - 26
Remaining games: Portsmouth (a), Newcastle (h), Reading (a), Man City (h), Wigan (a), Everton (h), Aston Villa (a), Liverpool (h), Fulham (a), Blackburn (h).
BOLTON - 25
Remaining games: Wigan (a), Man Utd (a), Man City (h), Arsenal (h), Aston Villa (a), West Ham (h), Middlesbrough (a), Tottenham (a), Sunderland (h), Chelsea (a).
FULHAM - 20
Remaining games: Everton (h), Newcastle (a), Derby (a), Sunderland (h), Reading (a), Liverpool (h), Man City (a), Birmingham (h), Portsmouth (a).