Ten-man Portsmouth trail to Bent penalty at the break
Sunderland striker Darren Bent earned his side a half-time lead at Fratton Park to add to Portsmouth’s problems in their attempts to survive in the Barclays Premier League.
Bent netted early on from the penalty spot after Ricardo Rocha brought him down, with the Pompey defender eventually sent off after Hassan Yebda was initially mistakenly dismissed.
Pompey striker Aruna Dindane could have levelled for the hosts but Craig Gordon was equal to his finish.
At Eastlands, Carlos Tevez drove home his 19th goal of the season to give Manchester City a half-time advantage in their local derby with Bolton.
The Argentina star profited from the penalty impressive new-boy Adam Johnson won for the Blues when he drew a rash and needless challenge from Paul Robinson on the half hour.
City were not impressive though and Bolton should have had a spot-kick themselves when Kolo Toure brought down Johan Elmander as the visitors tried to rally.
In the other 7.45pm game, Wigan took a one-goal advantage into the break against Stoke thanks to Paul Scharner’s early header at the DW Stadium.
Scharner connected with Charles N’Zogbia’s wonderfully-flighted free-kick to give the Latics the lead in the 14th minute.
The Austrian almost made it 2-0 with another header just before the break but sent his effort narrowly wide.
