England round-up: Beattie stuns United
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Article summary
James Beattie brought an end to Manchester United FC's winning run as the champions lost at Southampton FC.
Article body
A late header from England striker James Beattie brought an end to Manchester United FC's winning run as the Premiership champions lost 1-0 at Southampton FC on Sunday.
First defeat
United had begun the new Premiership season with three straight victories but were below par against a tenacious Southampton side, whose winning goal came two minutes from time. Visiting goalkeeper Tim Howard failed to reach Graeme Le Saux's corner and Beattie was on hand to nod into the unguarded net and condemn United to their first league defeat in 22 games.
Kleberson blow
A further blow to the champions came in the form of an injury to Brazilian midfield player Kleberson, who was replaced midway through the second half. An x-ray revealed the player has dislocated his shoulder and will face a spell on the sidelines.
Chance seized
United's defeat gave Arsenal FC the chance to go clear at the top and despite trailing in their game against Manchester City FC, second-half goals from Sylvain Wiltord and Fredrik Ljungberg kept their 100 per cent record intact.
Seaman beaten
A tenth-minute own goal by Lauren gave City the early advantage but Wiltord equalised three minutes after half-time and Ljungberg pounced on a loose ball to drive the winner past former team-mate David Seaman with 18 minutes left.
Owen double
On Saturday, Michael Owen scored twice as Liverpool FC secured a first league win of the season, 3-0 at neighbours Everton FC. The home side began the match brightly, and created a number of goalscoring opportunities, but it was the visitors who took the lead just before half-time as Owen converted Harry Kewell's pass.
Second blow
Rooney missed a great chance to equalise almost immediately before Owen doubled the Reds' lead in the 51st minute. Everton substitute Duncan Ferguson then struck a free-kick against the crossbar but the match was all over ten minutes from time as Kewell capitalised on a loose ball to score his first Liverpool goal.
Chelsea pegged back
Later on Saturday, Chelsea FC dropped their first points of the season as Andy Cole twice gave visitors Blackburn Rovers FC the lead at Stamford Bridge, but two equalisers from Adrian Mutu and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink earned the home side a point.
Third defeat
Newcastle United FC suffered a third home loss inside a week, with David Dunn's second-half strike enough to give Birmingham City FC a 1-0 win and compound Newcastle's misery following defeat by FK Partizan in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.
Leeds delight
Lamine Sakho, Zoumana Camara and Mark Viduka scored to give Leeds United AFC a 3-2 win at Middlesbrough FC, whose goals came from Szilard Nemeth and Juninho. Meanwhile, the matches between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Portsmouth FC, and Bolton Wanderers FC and Charlton Athletic FC finished goalless.
Scoring start
Aston Villa FC scored three times inside 16 minutes at home to Leicester City FC, with a Ben Thatcher own goal and two Juan Pablo Angel strikes putting the home side in command. Although the visitors lost Les Ferdinand to a red card shortly before half-time, a Muzzy Izzet strike in the second half restored some pride.
Home setback
Tottenham Hotspur FC suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Fulham FC, with Barry Hayles finding the net in each half to give the visitors a two-goal cushion, before Luis Boa Morte completed the scoring.