EPL Saturday : Chelsea Keep Pressure on United, the Newcastle Revival Continues

Arsenal vs Liverpool, game two of the trilogy was the most hyped game for this Saturday's Premier League action.

However, as expected the game failed to meet expectations as both managers put out weaker teams. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez made no less than eight changes also giving a debut to 19 year old French midfielder, Damien Plessis.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres watched from the bench. Arsenal also missed the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Alexander Hleb from their starting line up.

Nicklas Bendtner cancelled out Peter Crouch's goal and the Emirates crowd saw another 1-1 draw.

Sunderland almost set themselves apart from the relegation battle with a 3-1 win over Fulham. Kenwyne Jones, Michael Chopra and Danny Collins bagged the goals while David Healy netted for the Cottagers.

Tottenham met Blackburn in what turned out to be another draw. Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov's strike had given the lead to the team managed by Spaniard Juande Ramos. Morten Gamst Pedersen equalised for Blackburn, connecting with a cross from David Bentley.

Wigan also came out on top against Birmingham, both goals coming from Ryan Taylor. Bolton Wanderers added to their woes in a 4-0 away defeat to Aston Villa. The Trotters are now close to getting relegated unless Gary Megson can work some magic.

Chelsea continued to put pressure on Manchester United with a 2-0 win against United's city rivals Manchester City. Richard Dunne scored an own goal while Salomon Kalou doubled the lead after the interval. Nicolas Anelka was unfortunate not to score despite getting two golden opportunities.

Kevin Keegan was delighted as the massive "Toon" revival continued with a 3-0 victory against Reading. All three front-men, Micheal Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka were on the score sheet for Newcastle's third consecutive victory.

At last, some joy for the Magpies and their fans.

In FA Cup action, Portsmouth booked a place to return to Wembley for the final with a 1-0 win against West Brom. Nwankwo Kanu scored against his former club in the second half to ensure Pompey's place in the final. Harry Redknapp will now have to prepare his side to face either Cardiff or Barnsley in the final.

Middlesbrough meet Manchester United while Everton host relegated Derby County on Sunday.

Salaar Shamsi writes for Soccernet, We Talk Football, Soccer-Digital, ESPN-World Sport and Bleacher Report.