United crash to defeat at Burnley
The newly-promoted side won their opening home game against the champions
Also In The News
|
By Alistair Potter. |  |
Wednesday, 19, Aug 2009 11:30
By Matt Hallam.
Burnley beat Premier League champions Manchester United 1-0 at Turf Moor thanks to a spectacular strike from Robbie Blake.
Owen Coyle's newly-promoted side pulled off what may be one of the results of the season, in what was their first game at home in the top flight for 33 years.
The champions made six changes from their side at the weekend with Michael Owen starting upfront, however United's new number seven failed to impress, missing two early chances.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side were made to rue their early misses after 20 minutes when Patrice Evra's header fell to Blake just inside the box to hit a sweet volley past Ben Foster.
United had the chance to draw level just before half-time when Evra was brought down by Blake, however Michael Carrick's penalty was saved by Burnley keeper Brian Jensen.
The Danish keeper continued to frustrate United after the break, making a string of saves from Ji-Sung Park, Ryan Giggs and Owen's second-half replacement Dimitar Berbatov, as Burnley rode their luck.
However, Burnley maintained their high energy levels and frustrated a United side lacking inspiration for a memorable win.
Elsewhere, over on Merseyside Liverpool recovered from their opening day defeat to Spurs by thrashing Stoke 4-0 at Anfield. Fernando Torres scored his first goal of the season to open the scoring on four minutes.
Summer signing Glen Johnson capped a fine display at right back with an acrobatic goal on half-time before Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog rounded off a comfortable win for Rafa Benitez's side in the second half.
Birmingham beat Portsmouth 1-0 after a late penalty from James McFadden. Pompey keeper David James collided with Blues winger Sebastien Larsson and McFadden stepped up to score the winner in the 92nd minute.
The game was a poor one and looked to be heading for a draw, however the late penalty means the Premier League is yet to experience a draw after the first sixteen games of the season.