Sport Homepage

Football

Live Videprinter

Results

Fixtures

Tables

My Club

---------------

Gossip

Premier League

Championship

League One

League Two

Non League

FA Cup

League Cup

Scottish Premier

Scottish League

Scottish Cups

Welsh

Irish

Europe

African

Women

Football Focus

Match of the Day

Final Score

World Football

Skills

Laws & Equipment

Get Involved

Your Game

A-Z of Sports

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 18:16 GMT, Sunday, 7 February 2010

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version

Sunday's football as it happened

GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times GMT)

606: DEBATE

Your thoughts on the action

To get involved use 606 or text us your views & comments on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide). (Not all contributions can be used)

By Jonathan Stevenson

1815: I think now's as good a time as any to pack it in for the night, don't you? It's been a long old haul again, so thanks for keeping me company. If you missed anything, Match of the Day 2 is on BBC Two and online at 2200 GMT and as an added treat tonight Super Bowl XLIV is on just under an hour later. See you Tuesday evening, I'd wager. Ciao.

From Anon via text to 81111: "Erratic attacking, miserable defending and absolutely pathetic goalkeeping. It's so heartbreaking."

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge: "Chelsea will feel they have reduced the Premier League to a two-horse title race with that win - and a satisfactory end to John Terry's traumatic week. What can Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger do now after watching his team exposed again as lightweights by the power of Chelsea?"

Chelsea's Didier Drogba: "I thought I had my hat-trick, was a bit unlucky to hit the bar. But we suffered a lot in the second half, Arsenal played well. It's been a difficult week for the club, but we've tried to stay together and focus on the games and we must look forward. We have offered John Terry as much support as we can, but the best thing for him is to play football."

From shimmyshimmy on 606: "Brilliant result, great performance from every player on the pitch! Man of the Match has to be the beast, Drogba, but a close runner-up is Petr Cech, superb clean sheet. Well done boys, got the biggest smile on my face!"

1759: Chelsea captain John Terry runs over to the Matthew Harding Stand and throws his shirt to the supporters who have given him such immense backing today. There's no place like home.

1758: Full-time Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
You have to agree with Graham Taylor, don't you? Chelsea are now nine points clear of Arsenal, and that's a mountain to climb. As for the hosts - they were clinically superb today, with Didier Drogba as chief destroyer. Brutal.

1755: "Arsenal are out of the title race," says BBC Radio 5 live pundit Graham Taylor.

1752: Arsenal captain Cesc Fabgreas heads wide from the penalty spot and gets a blow to the back of the head in the process. Into injury time at Stamford Bridge and there will be five minutes to prolong Arsenal's agony. Salomon Kalou comes on for Didier Drogba, who deservedly gets a standing ovation.

1750: Ten games unbeaten to get yourselves right back into the title race and then you don't even turn up for the two biggest games of the season. It's unfathomable.

From Oli, the devastated Gunner, via text to 81111: "Get rid of Nasri and Almunia. New keeper. Van Persie back. Somehow keep Fabregas. Buy David Villa and maybe, just MAYBE, we can win a trophy next season!"

1748: Joe Cole comes on for Nicolas Anelka for Chelsea.

1746: It's so easy for Chelsea - Frank Lampard takes a free-kick from the right just outside the Arsenal area and he finds Nicolas Anelka, 10 yards out, unmarked - the French striker only goes and balloons it miles over.

1745: The woodwork is still rattling. The magnificent Didier Drogba steps up and slams a right-foot free-kick against Manuel Almunia's bar from 30 yards. Inches away from a quite stunning hat-trick.

1743: Chelsea send Yuri Zhirkov on for Michael Ballack.

1742: Ten minutes left at Stamford Bridge, where it remains Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal.

BBC Radio 5 live pundit Graham Taylor: "There might be all sorts going on off the field, but once again on the pitch John Terry has shown what a good defender he is. He's been superb today for Chelsea."

From andyyyyyy on Twitter: "Has everyone forgotten how easy Arsenal's run-in after the Liverpool game is? Not impossible."

1737: Florent Malouda swings over a corner from the Chelsea left and Michael Ballack rises high to head over the bar. Arsene Wenger is still going mental on the touchline. You can only wonder what the events of the last week have done to the Frenchman.

1735: Two final throws of the dice for Arsenal, with Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Eboue coming on for Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge: "Theo Walcott looks a dejected figure as he is replaced by Nicklas Bendtner. Virtually a non-contribution from a youngster with a fight on his hands to reassert himself with England and Arsenal. Arsene Wenger still stalking the technical area. He knows time is running out for Arsenal, not just at Stamford Bridge but in the Premier League title race."

1732: Nicklas Bendtner goes up for a header halfway inside the Chelsea half and there is not a single Arsenal player within 30 yards of the Dane looking for a flick-on or a knock-down. Do they not talk about such things?

From Normal_Norman on 606: "Bendtner to set up two and grab the winner. I'm keeping the faith, unlike most Arsenal 'fans'."

1731: Cesc Fabregas hammers it goalwards and Petr Cech makes a fine save to his left. Might have clipped William Gallas en route.

1730: Right then, Ricardo Carvalho brings down Nicklas Bendtner (who has already improved Arsenal) on the edge of the Chelsea area and this is a real chance for Arsenal.

From Nikki, via text to 81111: "Matt Damon really at Stamford Bridge? Did he come to watch his twin brother Michael Ballack? I think they look alike."

1725: It's 63 minutes too late (probably), but Nicklas Bendtner comes on for the totally ineffective Theo Walcott. That boy needs a proper run of games - on this form, he hasn't a hope of being in the World Cup squad.

1722: Samir Nasri, Samir Nasri, Samir Nasri. What the hell were you thinking? The Frenchman was through on the Chelsea goal but took an age to decide what to do - he didn't shoot, didn't pass to Andrey Arshavin and in the end Ashley Cole's block snuffed out the danger.

1720: Rampant, Didier Drogba. He surges down the left, racing past William Gallas as if the defender isn't even there, his cross finds Florent Malouda but his shot is blocked by Abou Diaby. Moments later Michael Ballack drags a left-foot shot wide from 14 yards.

1718: Matt Damon is at Stamford Bridge. On Superbowl day, too.

1717: Didier Drogba is fine and he whacks over a cross from the right that Florent Malouda volleys into the mixer and Frank Lampard instinctively flicks straight at Manuel Almunia.

1715: It's suddenly started pelting down with rain in west London. Andrey Arshavin tries and fails to send Cesc Fabregas in on goal as the Spaniard looked for a one-two with his Russian team-mate.

1714: Didier Drogba trudges back on to the pitch, but he probably senses his job is done for today. Abou Diaby slams a right-foot shot wide inside the Chelsea penalty area.

1713: Chelsea, remember, will go back to the top of the Premier League with victory today. They would be two points ahead of Man United and nine clear of Arsenal in third. Didier Drogba is limping.

1711: A rare moment of joy for Arsenal fans as Ashley Cole slices an attempted clearance horribly behind for a Gunners corner, which Petr Cech plucks from the sky with no Arsenal players around him. The joy didn't last long.

1709: William Gallas has yellow boots on this half and he heads behind for a corner when it didn't look like there was much danger in the Arsenal box. Thomas Vermaelen heads it away.

From the imperious optajoe on Twitter: "Arsenal have faced just six shots on target in the games against Man Utd and so far versus Chelsea, conceding five goals. Generous."

1707: Under way in the second half at Stamford Bridge. Is there any way Arsenal can get back into it?

From emmetmcevoy on Twitter: "Where's Kanu when you need him, Stevo?"

From 4fabregas on 606: "What are the rules on drafting Kevin Phillips in for a quick cameo?"

From Tim, Dorset, via text to 81111: "Didn't we watch this game last week?"

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge: "Chelsea just too strong in the key areas. Didier Drogba, as he often is against Arsenal, looks unplayable. Arsenal will rue the chance Andrey Arshavin should have put away, and Arsene Wenger has looked on the edge for most of the first 45 minutes. Tough half-time talk for Wenger now."

From RyanEmery on Twitter: "Why do Arsenal keep crossing? Their forward three would only reach 6ft if you stood them on top of each other."

1650: Half-time Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
I'm not much of a betting man anyway, but there aren't any odds in the world that could persuade me to put money on Arsenal winning this one. Florent Malouda needed treatment for a cut on his forehead just before the break, but it's Arsenal who are wearing the scars of that first half.

1647: Into first-half stoppage time and we're due two minutes of it.

1644: Cesc Fabregas hits one from 40 yards but he doesn't catch it at all and the ball dribbles wide of Petr Cech's goal. Even the Gunners captain looks dismayed.

1642: Five minutes left in the first half and it's Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

From JohnoLFC on 606: "Walcott absolutely anonymous. Expect to see Bendtner coming on, with Arshavin moving to the right."

1639: Gael Clichy tries to ram my words back down my throat with a hugely ambitious 30-yard left-foot volley, but the Frenchman's effort is a couple of yards wide of Petr Cech's right-hand post.

1638: The television camera pans to the Arsenal bench and a certain Danish striker, Nicklas Bendtner. As well it might.

From Harvey, Leeds, via text to 81111: "This is an absolute nightmare to watch. When did we get this bad? Fabregas won all the plaudits three weeks ago at Bolton, but now he looks a ghost of that player."

1634: Arsenal are carved open in their right-back position this time as Frank Lampard plays a stunning pass in for the marauding Ashley Cole, but the left-back took it a little too wide and Manuel Almunia makes the save.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge: "Arsenal once again prove that they are never more vulnerable than when they are on the attack. Will they never learn? Frank Lampard exposed all the gaps ruthlessly exploited by Manchester United last Sunday and Didier Drogba applied a thunderous finish. Arsene Wenger stated after Chelsea won 3-0 at the Emirates that Drogba "doesn't do a lot." Imagine if he actually did something Arsene."

1632: Didier Drogba steals the ball off William Gallas and runs at the Arsenal defence, putting the fear of God into them. He tries to slip in Nicolas Anelka, but the ball is cut out by Thomas Vermaelen.

From the imperious optajoe on Twitter: "The last team to beat Chelsea in the Premier League after being two goals behind was Arsenal in October 1999, 394 games ago."

1627: I don't want to sound too critical of Gael Clichy, I really don't, but there's no point him being out there at the moment. He just drifted towards Didier Drogba then and was so easily beaten as the striker cut inside. Sad to see a good player playing so poorly.

Chelsea goal: Hammer blow. Chelsea go all Man United on us, breaking with alarming pace as Frank Lampard leads the charge. He tees up Didier Drogba about 30 yards out, on the right - Drogba powers into the area, goes past a pathetic attempt at covering by Gael Clichy and lashes a clinical left-foot shot into Manuel Almunia's net.

1625: GOAL Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal

1622: Arsenal are in this game, make no mistake about that. Andrey Arshavin jinks into some space on the left-hand side of the Chelsea box but his low shot is blocked by the formidable frame of John Terry.

1619: What a chance. Cesc Fabregas floats the ball into the Chelsea box and it goes over Ricardo Carvalho's head straight to Andrey Arshavin, the Russian's first-time right-foot volley saved by Petr Cech's left leg. The Gunners have responded really well to going behind.

1618: Didier Drogba is flagged offside and then at the other end Samir Nasri's attempted cross is parried behind for a corner by Petr Cech. Cracking pass from Cesc Fabregas to find the Frenchman.

From ianscousemac on 606: "Leaving Terry and Drogba unmarked from a corner is just criminal."

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge: "And here we go again. Didier Drogba torments Arsenal once more as he turns in John Terry's header. Arsene Wenger is incredibly animated and has been since the kick-off. I have rarely seen him so agitated, barking at his backroom staff and the fourth official, gesturing wildly. He answered the offer of a coat by throwing it on the floor and has now taken to kicking it unceremoniously - his foul mood worsened by the early goal. Sure sign he knows defeat here will all but end Arsenal's title challenge."

1611: I'm shaking my head at the mistakes Arsenal keep making in these massive games. They just don't give themselves a chance, do they? If Chelsea win today, it's a two-horse race.

Chelsea goal: Somehow, I don't think Arsene Wenger will be chuckling now. A corner is fired over from the Chelsea left, John Terry glances it towards the far post and Didier Drogba is there, two yards out, to volley in. Gael Clichy started off at the far post, but for some inexplicable reason walked along the goalline and didn't end up marking anyone. It's just dismal, dismal defending once again.

1609: GOAL Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal

1606: Good movement from Arsenal as they keep the ball and pass it from right to left along the Chelsea penalty area - Samir Nasri's shot deflects off Branislav Ivanovic but the ref gives a goalkick.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge: "Chelsea's fans are noisily throwing their support behind John Terry as chants of "there's only one England captain" echo around Stamford Bridge. Sadly for Terry that one England captain is now Rio Ferdinand."

1603: William Gallas over-commits himself to an aerial challenge with Didier Drogba and the big striker turns towards goal, but Gael Clichy gets across well to cover for Arsenal.

1602: Under way.

From philmcnulty on Twitter: "Didier Drogba comes out in gloves, has a quick jog around and then decides he doesn't need them. He's always red-hot against Arsenal."

1600: The players are out and we're moments away from kick-off at Stamford Bridge.

1558: Chelsea v Arsenal line-ups:
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Cole, Ballack, Mikel Obi, Lampard, Anelka, Malouda, Drogba.
Subs: Hilario, Ferreira, Alex, Zhirkov, Deco, Joe Cole, Kalou.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Fabregas, Song, Diaby Walcott, Arshavin, Nasri.
Subs: Fabianski, Campbell, Ramsey, Denilson, Eboue, Rosicky, Bendtner.
Referee: Mike Dean.

1556: Even the mascots at Chelsea are motivational. A little lad in the tunnel with John Terry tells for Blues skipper "you're better than Frank Lampard" as the players prepare to emerge. I don't think Frankie could hear him.

From Malchickles on Twitter: "Calling 4-3 to Arsenal today, Anelka to miss a sitter in the last minute. I'll look awesome if it happens."

1552: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger chuckled when he was asked about Didier Drogba in his pre-match interview. The Ivorian hitman has scored 10 goals in his last nine games against the Gunners in all competitions. Monstrous.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: "It's a chance to bounce back and keep in touch with the leaders. Winning today would get us closer to them. Last week's performance was a huge disappointment and it just wasn't us. What's important is that we bounce back with a positive result."

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish on super Kevin Phillips: "There's only one person you'd want the ball to fall to in the box and that's Kevin Phillips. I spoke to Kevin after the transfer window and told him he still had a big part to play and that's why."

1544: Arsenal have only won two out of their last 15 competitive games against Chelsea, but the last four meetings between these two old adversaries have been won by the away side. Chelsea, however, are unbeaten in 23 successive home league games, since they lost 2-1 to the Gunners in November 2008.

From PanasonicVieira on 606: "I really hope Theo has a good game today, something that can really kick-start his season after his untold injury problems."

From Plaka in Australia, via text to +44 7786200666: "I could kiss Kevin Phillips right now, looked like my multibet was going down the toilet! Chelsea to win next up and it's going to be a great week for me!"

1535: I'll just add to that by saying Ashley Cole is back in the Chelsea starting line-up after he was a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw at Hull on Tuesday.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge: "Deposed England captain John Terry emerges to applause from Chelsea's fans - with the trademark 'JT Captain, Leader, Legend' banner still draped over the Matthew Harding Stand. Terry captains a Chelsea side that has Jon Mikel Obi back for the first time since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has recalled Theo Walcott as they attempt to bounce back from the damaging home defeat to Manchester United last Sunday. Abou Diaby is back as Tomas Rosicky and Denilson drop to the bench.

From HenryWhitfield on Twitter: "Phillips for England? Well, I guess the Zamora phase is over! I guess we start Phillips and Heskey in the WC!"

Birmingham matchwinner Kevin Phillips: "It was just nice to get on the pitch to be honest I haven't had much game time this season. But I knew I had to be patient and I showed today I've still got a bit left in me. I haven't stayed sharp, I'm knackered! It's a short career, I'm not long away from retiring, and days like today make me want to carry on for as long as I can."

1524: Full-time Birmingham 2-1 Wolves
What a turnaround. Wolves, having led for most of the second half, are hit by a double sucker-punch from Kevin Phillips, who had only scored once this season prior to today. Just goes to show, you never lose it.

1523: It was 10 years ago that Kevin Phillips was supposed to start in England's opening match of Euro 2000 - in PSV Eindhoven's Philips Stadium. I mean, it had his name written all over it. Has his quickfire double earned Birmingham three points this afternoon?

From Anon, via text to 81111: "Phillips for England?"

1519: Into injury time and we're scheduled to have four minutes of it. Wolves look stunned by what has just happened. What a kick in the face for their fight to stay in the Premier League.

1517: Wolves bring on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Andrew Surman for Matt Jarvis and Kevin Foley. We've got two minutes left at St Andrews.

Blues goal: Alex McLeish goes mental, St Andrews goes mental, and all of a sudden we have a very different looking scoreline on our hands. Stephen Carr does superbly well to surge down the Blues right, though he doesn't have many tackles to get though, and his cross into the box is chested down and volleyed in by the brilliant Kevin Phillips. Five Wolves players around him and not one of them bothering to mark Phillips. Unbelievable.

1514: GOAL Birmingham 2-1 Wolves

From redboychris on 606: "He is how old, Kevin Phillips, and he is still scoring those crucial goals."
He's 36.

1511: As the late, great Brian Moore once said, and as Danny the Stat just repeated, it's up for grabs now. Who wants it?

Blues goal: Slowly but surely they'd been working their way back into it, and that's the leveller, with 10 minutes left. Keith Fahey crosses to the far post from the edge of the penalty area, Craig Gardner heads it back into the danger zone and veteran goal poacher Kevin Phillips knocks it in from a couple of yards. Classic Phillips.

1508: GOAL Birmingham 1-1 Wolves

1508: Real chance for Birmingham, but Cameron Jerome's close-range effort is saved by Marcus Hahnemann after a dangerous cross from Craig Gardner.

1506: He's hit that like a missile - Adiene Guedioura lets fly with a sizzling right-foot drive from 30 yards, it's still rising as it just, just clears Joe Hart's crossbar. That stayed hit.

1505: Naughty naughty, Lee Bowyer. He tries to win the ball back but jumps in a little bit in a challenge with Karl Henry. He's not booked, but is a little lucky for that.

1503: Birmingham bring Keith Fahey on for James McFadden, who had no impact whatsoever in the second half. Kevin Phillips controls the ball 35 yards out and volleys miles wide of Marcus Hahnemann's goal.

1501: Less than 20 minutes left and it's still Birmingham 0-1 Wolves in the Midlands. Can the Blues find a way back into the game?

From arshenal on 606: "(See 1434) I am also not feeling confident about today's game but I will definitely be watching. The away team has won the last four meetings between the two teams and we have enough quality to be able to beat Chelsea. You don't deserve to call yourself an Arsenal fan. Disgrace."

1457: Wolves sub Adiene Guedioura tees himself up with his first touch and hits a left-foot shot from 18 yards with his second, Joe Hart getting down comfortably to his left to make the save.

1456: Wolves bring on Adiene Guedioura for David Jones and Birmingham replace Sebastian Larsson with former Aston Villa man Craig Gardner.

1455: Scott Dann's name is in the book now after he brings Kevin Doyle down just inside the Birmingham half after the striker tried to catch the Blues out with a quick break. The hosts are having plenty of the ball right now, but they are desperately lacking creativity.

From the imperious optajoe on Twitter: "Only one of Everton's 25 crosses against Liverpool on Saturday found a fellow blue shirt. Wasteful."

1451: Birmingham's Chucho Benitez chests a ball down in the Wolves penalty area and is taken out by a two-footed Marcus Hahnemann challenge - but it wouldn't have counted because the flag was up for offside, correctly. Kevin Phillips comes on as Benitez limps off.

1450: Kevin Phillips is preparing to come on for Birmingham.

1448: As we approach the hour mark with the score still Birmingham 0-1 Wolves, the Blues are enjoying a bit more of the ball but they are going to have to be patient as they try to break down a stubborn Wolves side.

From Anon, via text to +44 7786200666: "Lagos, Nigeria is about to burst. The Chelsea v Arsenal game for me has to be the most hyped-up game in a long time. Seems all the Arsenal fans came out of hiding today cos they are everywhere. I hope the Gunners win myself cos the Blues have definitely been outnumbered here."

1445: Better from Birmingham as they make some ground down the right and when Sebastian Larsson whips over the cross, Lee Bowyer volleys wide from an angle at the near post.

1441: Matt Jarvis holds his hands up to apologise - he knows Wolves have wasted a good chance there. They break quickly, the visitors, and Kevin Doyle finds Jarvis down the left, but after cutting into the Birmingham area he shoots tamely into the body of Scott Dann.

1439: Wolves have started the second half brightly - they've got a new lease of life after taking the lead just before half-time. How will Birmingham respond to this, then?

1436: Silly booking for David Jones for a combination of holding on to Cameron Jerome's shirt and keeping the ball after the free-kick had been given.

1434: Wolves get the second half under way at St Andrews. They lead Birmingham 1-0 thanks to Kevin Doyle's goal.

From TJ, Manchester, via text to 81111: "Just had a look for Wolves in the "as it stands" table. Went up from 20th and stopped at 15th because I thought I'd missed them. Turns out I hadn't. Can't help but feel happy for them."

From The World's Most Pessimistic Gooner on 606: "I can't be bothered to watch Arsenal at the Bridge today. I know they'll lose anyway. Stevo, you know that 2-2 predo is wrong."
Oh God. Who are you, like, the world's most pessimistic Gooner?

1427: By the way, Blues manager Alex McLeish was furious at the end of the half because he felt they should have been awarded a penalty after Ronald Zubar appeared to shove Liam Ridgewell to the ground inside the Wolves penalty area.

1423: Well this would be a shock result, wouldn't it? I wonder if there will be a surprise at Stamford Bridge later, when Chelsea entertain Arsenal? Time will tell. Kick-off is 1600 GMT, remember.

1419: Half-time Birmingham 0-1 Wolves
A half of two halves, Brian. Birmingham could have, should have been in front early on, but Wolves have bagged a crucial goal and what a win this would be for their relegation fight.

1417: Into first-half stoppage time, there will be a couple of extra minutes before the players get a breather.

1415: Free-kick Birmingham, 22 yards out, but Sebastian Larsson curls it miles over the bar. Disappointing effort.

Wolves goal: Well wouldn't you just know? Wolves have been getting better and better - and they now have a lead at St Andrews. Matt Jarvis fires over a low cross from the left-hand side of the box and it deflects off Roger Johnson and on to a post, with Kevin Doyle reacting quickest to prod the follow-up into the roof of the net from close range.

1413: GOAL Birmingham 0-1 Wolves

1412: A ball into the Birmingham box falls kindly for Kevin Foley, but the midfielder's snap-shot left-foot volley from 10 yards flies straight into the midriff of Joe Hart.

1411: Roger Johnson goes into the book for a late challenge on Stephen Ward. Bit reckless from the big defender, but nothing like as bad as the horror challenges we saw at Anfield yesterday.

1408: Brilliant inswinging corner from the Birmingham left and after Marcus Hahnemann half-punches it away, Scott Dann directs it inches wide from six yards, on the slide.

1406: Birmingham burst forward down their left and Cameron Jerome nips on to a loose ball and drives into the box, firing in a left-foot shot that Marcus Hahnemann blocks with his knees.

From Kabagak in Kampala, via text to +44 7786200666: "Kampala is shutdown in anticipation of Chelsea-Arsenal. 90% of the locals are Arsenal."

1404: Liam Ridgewell has some treatment after a blow to the side of his head following a tussle with Karl Henry. Not much doing there and he'll be fine to continue.

1402: Wolves are in the game much more than they were 10 minutes ago and a free-kick from their left is powerfully headed wide by Ronald Zubar from about three yards. Did well to get up that high, but having got there he'll be disappointed not to have scored.

1400: Two decent shooting chances for Wolves on the edge of the Birmingham area, but Matt Jarvis and Karl Henry both see their shots blocked by Stephen Carr.

From Derek on 606: "I feel sorry for Wolves fans. They're just not playing with any spirit. They take a B-side to Manchester and then go everywhere to get 0-0 draws."

1355: Joe Hart is shown the first yellow card of the game after racing from his line and bringing Kevin Doyle down outside the Birmingham area, on Wolves' left flank. A real goalkeeper's tackle, that one.

1354: Rehearsed set-piece from Wolves there, as Karl Henry taps it back to David Jones and he flicks it up and volleys a couple of yards over Joe Hart's crossbar from about 25 yards. Good invention, decent effort.

1352: It's pretty obvious already that Wolves have set up to try and get a 0-0. Best thing that could happen to the game for the neutral would probably be a goal for the Blues, which would force Wolves to come out and play a bit more.

From Tim, via text on 81111: "I'm getting sick of this. Wolves start every single game, home or away, on the back foot. Sometimes we get through it, often we concede early. Sort it out Mick!"

1347: Birmingham are getting some joy down their right, with Lee Bowyer and Stephen Carr working nicely in tandem and Bowyer's cross having to be put behind for a corner. From that corner, the ball falls for Cameron Jerome three yards out, but Marcus Hahnemann does well to smother the striker's shot.

1345: The ball sits up invitingly for Sebastian Larsson 25 yards from the Wolves goal and the Swede hits it sweetly as it flies a couple of yards over Marcus Hahnemann's crossbar.

From GoonerBeWorthTheWait on 606: "Has anyone told Wolves they kicked off at 1.30?"

1342: We've had 10 minutes at St Andrews and Birmingham probably should be ahead already. Wolves have offered nothing.

From hrabiapiurko on Twitter: "For all my love for the Gooners, hard to believe they'll come out with anything today. A proper striker is what we need."

1337: Nearly 1-0. A corner from the Blues right is headed back across goal by Liam Ridgewell and Cameron Jerome heads it goalwards from point-blank range, Michael Mancienne doing really well to nod it off the line. All Birmingham.

1336: Birmingham are playing some lovely stuff - Wolves have not started at all.

1336: Lively start from the hosts and James McFadden cuts in from the right and lashes a left-foot shot goalwards that Stephen Ward heads away from danger and behind for a corner, which comes to nothing.

An Arsenal fan, via text to 81111: "Stevo, I'm an Arsenal fan going to the Bridge today, just left Uni with the sat-nav telling me I'll miss kick-off by three minutes... the race is on."

1332: Under way in the Premier League today as Birmingham kick-off their contest with Wolves.

1330: Lovely stuff. Birmingham's current goalkeeper Joe Hart lays a decorated blue-and-white wreath on the goalline prior to a fabulous minute's applause at St Andrews. Touching scenes.

1327: The teams are out early and there will be a minute's applause at St Andrews to celebrate the life of Blues legend Gil Merrick, who died at the age of 88 on Friday. He was the England goalkeeper when they famously lost 6-3 to one of the greatest football teams of all time, The Magical Magyars (Hungary), at Wembley in 1953.

1325: Do get in touch. It's derby day, but it's your special day. Texts are welcome to 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666, the 606 debate is very much under way already and I'm around @Stevo_football on Twitter too.

1324: They're just showing off now, aren't they? Birmingham name an unchanged side for the 12th successive Premier League. Wolves revert back to the starting line-up used in their last Premier League game against Hull, with Kevin Doyle, Stephen Ward, Matt Jarvis and Marcus Hahnemann returning after the midweek FA Cup loss at Crystal Palace.

1322: I've predicted three goals in this one, but that might be a bit optimistic. Birmingham have scored 22 league goals this season, a lowly 17th in the rankings, while Wolves have the joint-lowest tally with a meagre 19. Uh-oh.

From uhavinthatdave(AST holder) on 606: "Nice negative team selection from Mick again - glad I have to work instead of seeing how far Blues have leapfrogged us since last season."

1315: Stevo's Predos:
Birmingham 2-1 Wolves
Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal
Lawro's Premier League predictions

BBC Radio 5 live's senior football reporter Ian Dennis: "I do feel it might be a missed opportunity for Fabio Capello today to have explained the England captaincy situation a little. It's only going to rumble on now and the media will just keep asking the same questions."

1310: What a difference a year makes. Last season, Wolves finished seven points better off than Birmingham as they both won automatic promotion to the Premier League. Now, Mick McCarthy's side prepare to meet their Midlands rivals 11 places and 13 points worse off than the Blues.

From swagattt on Twitter: "Stevo, we (Manchester United supporters) are 100% behind Arsenal today... LOL."

1303: Birmingham v Wolves line-ups:
Birmingham: Hart, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, McFadden, Jerome, Benitez.
Subs: Taylor, Phillips, Michel, Fahey, Vignal, Jervis, Gardner.
Wolverhampton: Hahnemann, Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Foley, Henry, Mancienne, David Jones, Jarvis, Doyle.
Subs: Hennessey, Elokobi, Ebanks-Blake, Surman, Vokes, Mujangi Bia, Guedioura.
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)

1300: Ready for derby day in the Premier League? Thought so. Let the battle for bragging rights commence...

1215: Hey people, I'm gonna grab a sarnie now so I'm ready to rock for the Premier League later. That's the Euro 2012 qualifying draw dealt with, see you at 1300 GMT for some build-up to Birmingham v Wolves. In a bit.

1212: That was brilliant from Fabio Capello. He saw the question coming and nipped it in the bud immediately, walking off before the second one could even follow. Vintage.

England manager Fabio Capello: "No questions about Rio Ferdinand, John Terry or the captaincy. I have spoken with John and will speak with Rio. No problem with the captaincy. Thanks and bye."

Ex-Switzerland manager Roy Hodgson: "I know they qualified for the World Cup, but they didn't have a very hard group. I think England's main concerns will be about the derbies with Wales."

From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "What a tough group. But we need to believe. England is going to be a great game. We'll look forward to it."

1204: Haha, I love that I'm being accused of bias already today. You know it wasn't me who chose the groups, yeah? Probably good practice for being pro/anti Chelsea/Arsenal later, in fairness to you.

From henrywinter on Twitter: "Swiss v England. Let's hope Frei doesn't gob at Gerrard again. Great to go back to Millennium, Cardiff - far better atmosphere than Wembley."

From Carl, Rushden, via text to 81111: "England and Wales must be favourites! Wales first major tournament in how many years on the cards?"

Ex-Scotland midfielder Craig Burley on BBC Radio 5 live: "Um, yeah. Goodbye. European champions Spain, that's very difficult. The Czechs struggled in World Cup qualifying, but it's a tough one. They'll all be difficult for Scotland because we haven't been to a tournament for such a long time."

1153: England last played Wales in September 2005, winning a World Cup qualifier 1-0 in Cardiff thanks to Joe Cole's deflected strike.

From gunner-zp on 606: "Wales have some great young talent, Swiss and Bulgaria are good teams and Montenegro are no slouches either."

1147: Let's summarise, briefly: great draw for England, pretty tough for the other home nations. Northern Ireland and Scotland have been handed horror draws. I love Euro 2012 already. Bring it on.

Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein

Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland

Group G: ENGLAND, Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro

Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta

Group E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino

Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg

Group C: Italy, Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands

Group B: Russia, Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra

Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan

1142: Here we go - the big boys, the Pot One-ers...

Group I: Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein

Group H: Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland

Group G: Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro

Group F: Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta

Group E: Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino

Group D: Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg

Group C: Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands

Group B: Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra

Group A: Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan

1138: We move on, to Pot Two. Ooh, the tension...

Group I: SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein

Group H: Norway, Cyprus, Iceland

Group G: Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro

Group F: Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta

Group E: Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino

Group D: Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg

Group C: NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands

Group B: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra

Group A: Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan

1135: Pot Three's turn, and Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are in this one.

Group I: Lithuania, Liechtenstein

Group H: Cyprus, Iceland

Group G:WALES, Montenegro

Group F: Latvia, Georgia, Malta

Group E: Hungary, Moldova, San Marino

Group D: Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg

Group C: Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands

Group B: FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra

Group A: Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan

1131: Now time for Pot Four - Wales are in this one.

Group I: Liechtenstein

Group H: Iceland

Group G: Montenegro

Group F: Georgia, Malta

Group E: Moldova, San Marino

Group D: Albania, Luxembourg

Group C: Estonia, Faroe Islands

Group A: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan

Group B: Armenia, Andorra

1128: That's the Pot Six teams done, then. From now on, there will be nine countries in each pot.

Group F: Malta

Group E: San Marino

Group D: Luxembourg

Group C: Faroe Islands

Group B: Andorra

Group A: Azerbaijan

1125: BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Dennis is doing a magnificent job of talking through the details of the draw to fill time. We're going to start with the weakest teams first, I think. That's Pot Six to you and me.

1123: Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino comes out on to the stage. That's progress, because he's the master of ceremonies today, this man with arguably the most Italian name of all.

From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "Euro 2012 draw is soon... didn't even know it was today. It's gonna be a tough group, but I want Spain."

From Ryan, Coatbridge, via text to 81111: "As a Scotland fan my ideal group would be, England, Romania, Cyprus, Armenia, Andorra. Need to avoid San Marino, not got a good record against them. Bring on England."

1117: In Saturday's rehearsal draw, Republic of Ireland were paired with France. This what Uefa's French president Michel Platini made of it: "It is my wish they play against each other. It would be great," said the Euro 1984-winning skipper. "I am not conducting the draw but I hope it happens." Shamelessly, I do too.

1115: Some details: The former Soviet Union states of Russia and Georgia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, will be kept apart.

1113: I don't know how to describe what we just saw. There were about eight of them on stage, dudes, youngish, massacring tunes. It momentarily made me feel ill for the world. That's better - they've rolled out the greatest Polish player of all time, Zbigniew Boniek, and Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko. Phew.

1111: The clamour for Stevo's Predos is somewhat alarming. To placate the baying mob, here goes: France will meet Republic of Ireland and England will be in a group with Scotland and Wales. More happy days. By the way - what a time for this entry.

1108: Reckon we'll be getting under way shortly and when we do, this is how it'll work: we will end up with nine groups - six with six countries and three with five - and the group winners will qualify for Euro 2012, along with the best runner-up. The other eight runners-up will meet in play-offs to decide the final four berths alongside hosts Poland and Ukraine. Capiche?

From AaronLieber on Twitter: "In Israel where we don't have a coach, but we would like to play: Russia, Switzerland, Cyprus, Lichtenstein and Faroe Islands."

1102: "Stevo, for the love of everything that is holy please tell us what pots these European countries are in for this blessed draw, will ya?" I hear you cry, impatiently. Very well...

POT ONE: Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, ENGLAND, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia.

POT TWO: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania.

POT THREE: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, Austria, Bosnia-Hercegovina.

POT FOUR: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, WALES, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus.

POT FIVE: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.

POT SIX: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino.

From RKW - Heart and Pole on 606: "Looking ahead to the draw today. So glad my country has the chance to host a major tournament. I don't think it'll disappoint in two years time. England, Scotland and Wales all to be drawn together in a qualifying group."

1056: But first, to Warsaw. I know you love draws. Want to know how I know? Well you wouldn't be here otherwise, see? Smash me a glorious morning text to 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666; get in the 606 mixer; and @Stevo_football me up on Twitter to boot. Bang, bang, bang.

1052: Don't worry, there will be actual football later today too. The derby theme continues on Sunday as Birmingham and Wolves go tete-a-tete at St Andrews at 1330 GMT, before Chelsea and Arsenal meet in a top-of-the-table carve up at Stamford Bridge at 1600 GMT. Happy days.

1049: Yep, we're getting ready for yet another draw. This one's for Euro 2012 qualifying and it takes place in the Polish capital Warsaw. Poland are the co-hosts, along with Ukraine. You knew that already, right?

1045: It only seems like a few weeks ago that the magnificent spectacle of Euro Two Thousand And Great climaxed with that sizzling Spanish side ending 44 years of hurt by lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy. But can they become the first country in history to defend their European Championship crown? The process of finding out begins here, 876 days before the Euro 2012 final in Kiev.

Bookmark with:

What are these?

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version

Print Sponsor

Premier League results

7 Feb 2010 23:59 UK

Premier League table snapshot

As it stood on 7 Feb 2010 23:59 UK

Position	Team	P	GD	PTS
1	Chelsea	25	40	58
2	Man Utd	25	41	56
3	Arsenal	25	30	49
4	Liverpool	25	17	44
5	Tottenham	25	20	43
6	Man City	23	13	41
7	Aston Villa	24	13	41
8	Birmingham	24	0	37
9	Everton	24	-2	32
10	Fulham	25	-1	31
11	Stoke	23	-4	29
12	Blackburn	25	-18	28
13	Sunderland	24	-10	25
14	Hull	25	-25	24
15	Burnley	24	-22	23
16	Wigan	23	-23	23
17	Bolton	23	-15	22
18	West Ham	24	-10	21
19	Wolves	24	-22	21
20	Portsmouth	24	-22	15

BBC Sport football