3 SEPTEMBER 2002

Man United (1) 1 (Van Nistelrooy (pen) 28)
Middlesbrough (0) 0

A disputed penalty gave Man United a narrow victory over Middlesbrough to send
them into the top four of the Premiership. Ruud Van Nistelrooy was sent clear on
goal but shot over under pressure from Ugo Ehigou, however his disappointment
turned to delight when the referee pointed to the penalty spot for shirt
pulling. Replays showed the Boro man holding the Dutchman's arm momentarily,
however it was enough for the official and Van Nistelrooy crashed the penalty
high into the net.


2 SEPTEMBER 2002

Liverpool (0) 2 (Hamann 54, Owen (pen) 73)
Newcastle (0) 2 (Speed 80, Shearer 88)

Newcastle scored twice in the final ten minutes to earn a vital point and deny
Liverpool top spot. Liverpool took the lead early in the second half when Shay
Given's poor throw out put Nol Solano into trouble and the Peruvian was robbed
by Dietmar Hamann. The former Newcastle star stormed into the penalty area
before slotting coolly past Given and into the net. Michael Owen doubled the
lead from the penalty spot after Dabizas climbed all over Sami Hyypia in the
area, however it only set up a late revival as firstly Craig Bellamy crossed for
Gary Speed to score from close range and then Alan Shearer headed home a Laurent
Robert corner.


Gary Dowden
Chief Editor SoccerAge UK
http://www.soccerage.com
gary@soccerage.com
garydowden@blueyonder.co.uk