Premier League Preview - 21 November 2009

The afternoon kickoff on Saturday saw Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield. City, who had drawn their last five games went into the game with a nearly full strength team while, Liverpool were without their star striker Fernando Torres. The Reds suffered two injury blows in the first twenty minutes as Agger and Babel had their games cut short by injury. Liverpool took the lead early in the second half thanks to a Martin Skrtel goal from a Gerrard free kick. But Skrtel was at fault when Adebayor scored of a corner fifteen minutes later. A slick move by City saw Ireland put the visitors into the lead. But just 74 seconds later, Yossi Benayoun netted from close range to give Liverpool a well-deserved point.

Chelsea had no such problems when they hosted Wolves. Malouda started the rout as early as the fifth minute. Michael Essien scored a brace and Joe Cole scored a fourth in the second half to grant Chelsea a thumping 4-0 win over a beleagured Wolves side. The game also marked the debut of the much talked about Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta.

Arsenal suffered a jolt in their title march as they were defeated at the Stadium of Light. Darren Bent scored the winner in the 71st minute to end Arsenal’s 14-match unbeaten run. Elsewhere, Hull City and West Ham played out an entertaining 3-3 draw.

Burnley secured a very valuable point against Aston Villa at Turf Moor. Caldwell put the Clarets into the lead in the ninth minute but a late equaliser by Emile Heskey, four minutes from time, saw Aston Villa avoid defeat at Turf Moor. But Fulham were unable to avoid defeat against Birmingham. A clever Lee Bowyer goal in the 16th minute, his fourth of the season, saw them edge the tie 1-0.