Sheva breaks drought, Pompey

Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko ended his goal drought and at the same time ensured his Chelsea side would have top spot in the English Premier League for at least 24 hours after they defeated Portsmouth 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

A relieved Andri Shevchenko with Frank Lampard

The $56.4 million dollar signing had not scored since August 23 and his goal, plus another from German Michael Ballack was enough to ensure the London club has the loftiest of views of the Manchester United v Liverpool match in which Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will need all their points to return to the top of the table.

The blue half of Merseyside are already celebrating this weekend after Everton downed Sheffield United 2-0 at Goodison Park to return to the winner’s circle.

Worth the wait for goals
Worth the wait for goals

Worth the wait for goals

Goals from Mikel Arteta and James Beattie mean the newly promoted United have taken just one point from the 15 available on their travels so far this season.

Wigan Athletic rediscovered their scoring touch with a 4-0 hammering of Manchester City.

Former England striker Emile Heskey was on the score sheet in just the second minute and was followed by a Richard Dunne own goal before Henri Camara and Luis Valencia added to their tallies.

A furious City manager Stuart Pearce believed his side didn’t have the stomach for the battle.

“We didn’t give ourselves a chance. When you are two goals down in the first few minutes you are in trouble.
  
“We wanted to quieten the crowd but instead we stoked them up and when we were getting the ball back in the second half we conceded two more. We didn’t compete well enough and lost our shape as we chased the game.
  
“But credit to Wigan, they out-fought us. We’ve got a bit of hard work to do this week.
  
“It’s a lonely job at times but that’s the nature of the business. Everyone wants to pat you on the back when you win, but when you don’t they are a bit sheepish around you.”

The season isn’t getting any better for new Charlton manager Iain Dowie after his side were forced to share the points with fellow strugglers Watford in an entertaining but ultimately goalless affair at The Valley.

While in the late match, Aston Villa continued their unbeaten start to the season with their sixth draw of the campaign, a 1-1 effort with Fulham.

Midfielder Gareth Barry powered home a penalty for the Villians before Fulham defender Moritz Volz found the equaliser to promote the Cottagers to ninth.

Source: Al Jazeera