Relegation Review - Keane On His Way Out At Mackemland!

Last updated : 03 December 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
MACKEMS THRASHED AND KEANE UNDER PRESSURE

Roy Keane's problems continued as his Sunderland team slipped into the bottom three after a 4-1 thrashing by Bolton at the Stadium of Light.

Djibril Cisse (12) fired the Black Cats into the lead from Steed Malbranque's incisive pass before Matt Taylor (18) looped a header past Craig Gordon to level.

Gary Cahill (21) rifled in a crisp low shot to put Wanderers in front after the hosts failed to clear a free-kick, and a possible equaliser for Cisse was then ruled out for a foul by Kenwyne Jones, while Johan Elmander shot over after dribbling around Gordon.

The Swede then made amends in the 39th minute by adding a third from a tight angle after Danny Collins' horrible miscontrol, and scored a fourth (55) after more slack defending.

FULHAM DO A NEWCASTLE!

Roy Hodgson's battling Fulham side claimed a creditable 0-0 draw at fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Just as Newcastle held on for 0-0 draws at Stamford Bridge and the Riverside, the Cottages have done a carbon copy at Anfield and Villa Park.

Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel set a new record as he made his 167th consecutive league appearance - beating David James' benchmark - but there was little to cheer at Villa Park when the action got under way in a dull first half.

Ashley Young shot wide from close range and Stiliyan Petrov headed over but the Cottagers stood firm.

Young fired over after the break as Villa piled on the pressure, and Gareth Barry saw his header turned onto the bar by Mark Schwarzer, although Friedel was also forced into a smart save by Clint Dempsey.

But Fulham held out to build on their goalless draw at Liverpool last weekend.

STOKE GRAB A POINT WITH DODGY PENALTY

Promoted sides Stoke and Hull drew 1-1 at a foggy Britannia Stadium.

Marlon King's fine turn and finish in first-half injury time handed Hull the lead after a poor opening half.

Substitute Michael Tonge shot just wide for the visitors before Ricardo Fuller was brought down for a penalty which he squeezed past Boaz Myhill (73).

WIGAN SURVIVE ANOTHER BRAMBLE BLUNDER

Emmerson Boyce's 87th-minute header gave Wigan a 2-1 victory over bottom club West Brom at the JJB Stadium.

Henri Camara missed an early sitter for the hosts and Emile Heskey headed wide as the Latics dominated the opening half, but the side who started the day bottom took the lead in the 47th minute when Ishmael Miller fired home after Titus Bramble's miscontrol.

James Morrison missed a great chance for the Baggies moments later, and they were made to pay when Camara (61) latched on to Paul Robinson's woeful back header to volley home with his back to goal.

Boyce then sent a brilliant header into the top corner to clinch a late win.