Gunners' domestic doldrums continue
Blackburn brought Arsenal back down to earth with a bump after their midweek Champions League heroics at Ewood Park today.
The Gunners turned in a fabulous display to beat Real Madrid 1-0 at the Bernabeu on Tuesday but their return to Premiership action was in keeping with what has been a disappointing domestic campaign on the whole.
Morten Gamst Pedersen put Rovers ahead in the 18th minute after a great run by Caig Bellamy but injured himself in the process of scoring and had to be replaced immediately with Sergio Peter.
Asier del Horno’s miserable week continued as he was substituted after half an hour by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at home to Portsmouth.
The Spanish full-back, who was sent off in the Champions League following a challenge on Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, was replaced by Damien Duff as the Premiership champions sought to get back to winning ways at Stamford Bridge after Barca inflicted the first home defeat on them in 59 games since Mourinho took charge.
Emile Heskey’s 39th-minute goal gave Birmingham the first-half advantage against rock-bottom Sunderland as the Blues seek to cut the gap to West Brom in 17th.
The Wearsiders piled on some early pressure but City scored when Jermaine Pennant floated in a free-kick from the left and the unmarked Heskey rose to head past Kelvin Davis.
The day’s other 3pm kick-off at The Valley was also goalless, with Charlton being held by Aston Villa.
