© EuroFootball.com
In the English "Premier" League on Sunday, there were two final matches of the first round. Both London clubs "Chelsea" and "Arsenal," who secured the first places in the championship in the past two years, started their season with victories, although they had to work hard.
The defending champions "Chelsea" played away against league debutants "Wigan," and although before the match it seemed that the strengths were unequal, the hosts tried not to give in to their famous opponents.
In the first half, both teams missed opportunities, and in the second half, after three substitutions by coach J.Mourinho, "Chelsea" gradually took the initiative and pressed the "Wigan" eleven, but they couldn't break through the resilient defense of their opponents.
With eight minutes left until the end of the match, "Wigan" ran out of luck - a header by D.Francis hit the crossbar. In extra time, the home player A.Johansson missed a good opportunity, and just when it seemed that the match would end in a draw, H.Crespo snatched victory for the away team with a great strike.
In the other match, the vice-champion "Arsenal" played a tense game at home against "Newcastle." In the first half, the "Gunners" had a couple of chances, while the visitors only stood out with J.Jenas receiving a red card for a foul on G.Silva.
"Arsenal" dominated the match, but they only broke the opponents down towards the end. In the 81st minute, C.N'Zogbia committed a foul on F.Ljungberg in the penalty area, and T.Henry converted a penalty kick, and in the 87th minute, R.van Persie secured the victory for the London club after a pass from Ljungberg.
Yesterday, "Man Utd," "Tottenham," "Charlton," and "West Ham" added three points each to their account for a victory, while eight teams have one point each. The second round of the English Premier League will take place next weekend, so football fans can look forward to a very intriguing derby in a week, where both London giants - "Chelsea" and "Arsenal" - will clarify their relationship.
Sunday's results: 0 - 1 90' [0 - 1] Hernan Crespo 2 - 0 81' [1 - 0] Thierry Henry (pen.) 87' [2 - 0] Robin van Persie 32' Jermaine Jenas ("Newcastle") sent off
