Chelsea’s title hopes dented by Villa draw

Chelsea’s bid to retain the Premier League title suffered blow as struggling Aston Villa snatch 3-3 draw.

LONDON: Chelsea’s bid to retain the Premier League title suffered another blow as struggling Aston Villa snatched a dramatic 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were on course for a crucial win after late goals from Didier Drogba and John Terry, but Ciaran Clark equalised in stoppage time and the reigning champions are now in severe danger of losing touch with the main title contenders.

Even a Champions League spot is not certain for fifth-placed Chelsea. The Blues have won just once in eight league games and are six points behind leaders Manchester United, who also have a game in hand.

Frank Lampard put Chelsea in front with a 23rd-minute penalty, but Ashley Young levelled from the spot four minutes before half-time. Villa took the lead when Emile Heskey headed in Stewart Downing’s cross in the 47th minute. Drogba equalised in the 84th minute and it looked as though Chelsea would steal the points when Terry netted in the 89th minute. But in stoppage time the Chelsea defence went to sleep and Clark beat the offside trap to head in the leveller.

Birmingham gunned down

Arsenal became only the second team to win at St Andrew’s in 30 games with a 3-0 victory over Birmingham City. Their success saw Arsenal stay within two points of both Premier League leaders Manchester United, top on goal difference, and Manchester City.

An early 13th-minute goal by Robin Van Persie, backed by a goal by Samir Nasri and a comical own-goal from Roger Johnson epitomised Birmingham’s miserable day.

The victory left Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in the mood for more success against Manchester City on Wednesday. “We will concentrate on City now,” said Wenger. “It is a very big game and we know that.”

In the meantime he was elated by the way Arsenal coped with Birmingham’s aggression while sticking to their passing game. “It was physically very tough but we had the mental strength to deal with it,” said Wenger. “We also kept very calm, which was good and we kept the faith in the way we can play.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2011.