Everton-UEFA Cup, Portsmouth Slip
Bolton and Reading lose as Blackburn Win and Spurs Wait for UEFA Cup
The contenders for the UEFA Cup battle on - Everton win and guarantee a place but Portsmouth, Bolton and Reading lose. Spurs wait as Blackburn make a late rally.
The contest between the teams immediately below the top four clubs in the Premiership, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, continues as they search for a place in next season’s UEFA Cup.
Two of the clubs contesting those positions from fifth through to seventh met head to head at Goodison Park. Everton overcame their disappointment at losing a week ago to Manchester United by recording an emphatic 3-0 win. Their midfield player, Mikel Arteta controlled the game and set them on their way by opening the scoring with a penalty after an hour. Portsmouth had had the better of the first but without managing to score and it was the home side who took control after the interval. A second goal three minutes later from Joseph Yobo following a corner and a late headed goal by Gary Naysmith from an Arteta corner completed the victory. With Everton’s superior goal difference, their qualification for European football has been assured while denting Portsmouth’s prospects.
Bolton Wanderers’ hopes of European football next season took a dent when under new manager Sammy Lee, they lost 1-3 at relegation threatened West Ham United. Bolton found themselves three goals behind inside half an hour with the controversial Argentine, Carlos Tevez, scoring twice. Bolton did improve in the second half and Gary Speed’ goal introduced some nerves into the home team’s play but it was too late. A win next week would ensure Bolton’s European qualification but their recent form has been disappointing.
Another team whose European hopes took a blow was Reading who lost at home to bottom club, Watford. Reading had much of the possession and created numerous goal scoring opportunities, including hitting the bar and being denied a penalty, but couldn’t take them. They lost to two second half Watford goals scored by Danny Shittu and Marlon King.
Blackburn Rover's Late Challenge
Coming up on the outside are Blackburn Rovers whose recent run of results has lifted them to tenth place, four points behind Reading in seventh. With two matches remaining they could still slip into a European qualification place. Their win at Newcastle United came through goals from Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts and added to a miserable season for the home side.
Michael Owen again played for Newcastle and had a shot cleared off the line but another disappointing performance from Newcastle increases the pressure on their manager Glenn Roeder.
Tottenham Hotspur - in their own hands
The final club with European aspirations are Tottenham Hotspur who will meet relegation threatened Charlton Athletic at The Valley on Monday. A win for the visitors would lift them to sixth, above three of their main rivals, Bolton, Reading and Portsmouth as well as condemning the home team to the Championship.
Remaining fixtures:
Spurs face a busy week with three games in seven days. After visiting Charlton, they face a crucial home game against Blackburn and then their final home match against Manchester City. Spurs have European qualification in their own hands – six to nine points from three games and it’s guaranteed.
Blackburn Rovers have to visit Tottenham and then face the other European contenders, Reading, at Ewood Park.
On the final Sunday of the season Everton travel to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge while Bolton are at home to Aston Villa and Portsmouth play Arsenal at Fratton Park.
With Everton’s place assured, five clubs are still in with a chance of breaking into the UEFA Cup positions and should Spurs lose to Charlton, the intensity of the fight will become even greater.
