Friedel saves Blackburn at Manchester
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-04-03 10:50

Former US international goalkeeper Brad Friedel made several standout saves Saturday to help Blackburn hold Manchester United to a 0-0 tie in the English Premier League.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, left, is brought down by Blackburn Rovers' Aaron Mokoena during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday April 2, 2005. [AP]

He blocked a pair of early shots by Wayne Rooney and Mikael Silvestre to preserve the tie. Man United also hit the post twice. Tim Howard, another American goalkeeper, started for United.

"Brad made two fantastic saves," Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said. "He made incredible saves in the first game we played. We could have gone into halftime four or five up."

Friedel, who led the United States to the World Cup quarterfinals two years ago, retired from international soccer last month.

Arsenal moved ahead of Man United on goal difference by beating last-place Norwich 4-1. Thierry Henry had a hat trick, giving him 10 goals in his last seven games and 25 for the season. Fredrik Ljungberg also scored for Arsenal.

Arsenal and Man United trail leader Chelsea by 13 points. Chelsea, which beat Southampton 3-1, got two goals from Eidur Gudjohnsen and one from Frank Lampard. Chelsea needs to win just three of its last seven games to clinch its first league title since 1955.

Also, Newcastle teammates Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer were sent off for fighting with each other in game against Aston Villa. Newcastle was already playing with 10 men when Bowyer and Dyer began punching each other in the center of the field. Referee Barry Knight ejected both players, leaving Newcastle with eight men. Villa went on to win 3-0.

"I think it's a first for me, I have never witnessed that," Newcastle manager Graeme Souness said. "Hard words between players occur in every game of football and it's very unusual for it to lead to what happened today."

Liverpool got a goal from Igor Biscan in the 86th minute to beat Bolton 1-0. Liverpool moved up to fifth place and cut Everton's advantage to one point in the race to the fourth Champions League spot. Everton plays at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

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