EPL 09/10: Boxing day cracker and round-up

Leaders Chelsea were held to a goalless draw at St Andrews by Birmingham in a thoroughly entertaining Boxing Day encounter.

The game had just about everything barring a goal as Christian Benitez saw a goal disallowed, Alex hit the woodwork for Chelsea with a blistering free-kick, and both keepers produced world-class saves. The match also saw Florent Malouda dismissed with just a few minutes to go for a second yellow card.

Whilst Joe Hart was busier than counterpart Petr Cech, Alex McLeish’s side deserved the point which now means they are undefeated in ten Premier League games.

Frank Lampard scooped a 35-yard effort well over as Chelsea continued to push forward, while Juliano Belletti headed just wide from a tight angle in the 18th minute.

Didier Drogba continued the assault when he met Ivanovic’s cross from deep with a powerful volley that whistled wide, and soon afterwards Sturridge blasted a shot that Joe Hart did well to save.

Lampard’s snap-shot forced another good save from Hart after good forward play by Drogba to create the opening.

Fulham were denied a victory over London rivals Tottenham at Craven Cottage as a superb display from Heurelho Gomes ensured a 0-0 draw.

The second half was a scrappy affair, with both teams favouring almost identical tactics, but in-form Bobby Zamora forced a reflex save as Gomes began to deliver a Man of the Match display.

Tottenham’s goalkeeper was again in action shortly after as Fulham’s USA international Dempsey was denied from the edge of the box following a counter-attack, before another Zamora nod at goal was expertly tipped away.

Mark Schwarzer was not to be outdone by Gomes as the Fulham goalkeeper dived low to his right to brilliantly save a dipping volley from Peter Crouch, before quickly reacting to Jermaine Jenas’ follow-up, in the closing minutes.

Spurs manager Redknapp opted to start club captain Robbie Keane, who has recently been playing second fiddle to Jermain Defoe, alongside Crouch in attack.

An Alessandro Diamanti penalty and Radoslav Kovac header proved the difference as West Ham beat bottom side Portsmouth to climb out of the Premier League drop-zone.

The home side, who started the day second from bottom, got the crucial first goal when substitute Luis Jimenez was fouled in the box and Diamanti despatched the spot-kick after 23 minutes.

Soon after the break, Pompey keeper Asmir Begovic pulled off a fantastic save to deny a deflected shot from Diamanti, while substitute Kevin-Prince Boateng went close at the other end.

But Kovac made sure of the points when heading home a Jimenez free-kick with a minute to go.