Premier League Results 18th September 2010 Part 1

Aston Villa 1-1 Bolton Wanderers
Bolton can be more difficult to play against away than at home because of their tendency to park the bus. Aston Villa were unable to beat Bolton on this occasion but that wasn’t because of any bus-parking – they were surprisingly easy on the eye but still too much for Villa, who are still getting used to life without James Milner.
James Collins played the full match for Aston Villa. Most reports say he should have conceded a penalty for handball
Sam Ricketts was on the bench for Bolton, despite the suspension of Gary Cahill. Luckily for Sam, Andy O’Brien went off injured in the 18th minute and Sam was given his chance. BBC Sport said the change seemed to galvanise Bolton – and I find that very easy to believe.

Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Fulham
Fulham remained unbeaten after managing a good draw at Ewood Park. With Blackburn strong at home and Fulham known for their away struggles – and the team still adapting to the loss of Bobby Zamora – Mark Hughes is happy with the result. Although a win would have been even better.
Simon Davies had a good match for Fulham. Brian Flynn was said to be watching this match with a view to calling Simon up to the Wales squad despite his recent retirement. The signs are positive.

Stoke City 1-1 West Ham United
West Ham got their first point of the season at the Britannia Stadium, a venue where many bigger clubs have struggled.
It was a mixed day for Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross. He made the foul which led to West Ham’s goal and got away with handball and elbowing Carlton Cole in the head. But he was also struck on the head by the ball, so providing Scott Parker with the assist for West Ham’s goal. I'm not sure if it was the back of his head or his face. I thought it was the back of his head but reports differ and Ryan was probably too groggy to remember where it hit him.
Danny Collins wasn’t as naughty as Ryan but unlike Ryan, he got a yellow card.
Danny Gabbidon was back in the starting line-up for West Ham.