EPL review - Manchester Derby ends in a draw, Chelsea wins

The much awaited Manchester Derby didn't quite live up to expectations Wednesday.  Manchester City fans had hoped for more as they hosted hated crosstown rivals Manchester United.  Instead, it was a quality United passing game against a staunch City defense.  Manchester United controlled long stretches of play, but were unable to break down the City defense.  On the other end, Carlos Tevez was rarely a threat as Manchester City had trouble holding onto the ball. 

In the end it was a 0-0 draw as both sides fell a bit farther behind leaders Chelsea who defeated Fulham.  A first half goal from Michael Essien was enough for the defending champions as they held on for a 1-0 victory over a testy Fulham side.  Petr Cech was forced into action late on denying two quality Fulham chances to preserve the shutout.

Elsewhere, Newcastle's strong run of play ended as they dropped a 2-1 decision at home to Blackburn.  Jason Roberts notched the winner in the 82nd minute.  Arsenal won comfortably as they took care of Wolves 2-0 behind two goals from Chamakh.  Everton got a Jermaine Beckford goal in stoppage time to salvage a 1-1 draw with Bolton at Goodison Park.

As far as the EPL standings go, Chelsea (28 points) extended their lead at the top to 4 points over Manchester United.  Arsenal moved clear of Man City to take third place while Tottenham sits in 5th place.  In the relegation zone both Wigan and West Ham earned draw but were unable to get out of the bottom three.