Schwarzer almost keeps Arsenal at bay

Qantas Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer again showed why he is one of the best keepers in the English Premier League with an outstanding display, as Middlesbrough almost did the double on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Qantas Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer again showed why he is one of the best keepers in the English Premier League with an outstanding display, as Middlesbrough almost did the double on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

A late equaliser by Toure gave Arsenal a point, after the Australian keeper had earlier played a pivotal role in Boro taking a shock lead. His quickly taken free kick from deep in his own half, set Tuncay free on the left and the Turkish striker-s cross found former Arsenal striker Aliadiere, who made no mistake from in front.

Schwarzer then produced several telling saves to keep a determined Arsenal at bay, but with just four minutes remaining a header by Toure, was looking safe for Schwarzer to save. However he was hit by his own defender Andrew Taylor on the goalline in their desperation to clear and the ball and it nestled safely in the back of the net.

Mile Sterjovski started for Derby County in their clash with near neighbour Manchester United. Sterjovski had one chance saved by United keeper Ben Foster and was replaced in the 83rd minute, as United went back to the top of the table with a narrow 1-0 win.

Lucas Neill came up against his old side Blackburn Rovers, which featured Brett Emerton back from injury, with Neill-s West Ham side getting back in the winner-s circle after a series of bad defeats recently. Neill played a full game in the 2-1 win, while Emerton was replaced at half time.

It remained relatively quite for many of our boys abroad, with Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Josip Skoko, Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella, Josh Kennedy, Michael Beauchamp, Matt Spiranovic and Scott McDonald not featuring in matches over the weekend.

In the Championship, Nick Carle had a full game for Bristol City, but despite dominating the match, City went down 2-1 at home against Plymouth Argyle and subsequently lost their lead of the competition, albeit on goal difference only.

Richard Garcia played 78 minutes, as Hull City continued its impressive form with a 5-0 hammering of Southampton, which saw them move to 5th position on the table. David Carney played a full game, as Sheffield United won 2-0 at home against Norwich, while Paul Henderson and Patrick Kisnorbo played a full game and James Wesolowski came on in the 83rd minute, as Leicester City upset West Brom 4-1, to move out of the relegation zone.

Meanwhile in Holland, Brett Holman played a full game, as NEC Nijmegen won 4-2 at home against Sparta Rotterdam; Jason Culina played a full game, as PSV Eindhoven drew 1-1 away at Roda JC, while Luke Wilkshire came on after 55 minutes, as FC Twente won 4-3 at home against Vitesse Arnhem.