PORTSMOUTH GOES TOP AFTER VICTORY AT CHARLTON
Substitute Lomana LuaLua scored on Saturday to give Portsmouth a 1-0 at Charlton that took it to the top of the Premier League.
Manager Harry Redknapp’s team, which only just avoided relegation last season, jumped above Manchester United after a fourth victory in five games and is the only team yet to concede a goal.
LuaLua had been on the field for 10 minutes at The Valley when he collected a pass from Sean Davies in the 74th, beat midfielder Matt Holland and hit a low shot past goalkeeper Scott Carson.
”It’s nice to get off to a good start, but it’s just a good start,” Redknapp said. ”We have to take it as it comes. People must not get carried away.”
Manchester United is not in action until Sunday when it hosts Arsenal, and defending champion Chelsea hosts Liverpool.
Third-place Everton was held 2-2 at home by Wigan, twice taking the lead only for Austria international Paul Scharner to score twice for the visitors.
Portsmouth, which now has a goal difference of 9-0, has 13 points from five games, Manchester United has a 100% record of 12 from four and Everton has 11 from five.
In Saturday’s other games, Bolton and Middlesbrough drew 0-0, Watford and Aston Villa also played to a scoreless game and, in a meeting of two promoted clubs, Reading won 2-1 at Sheffield United.
Kevin Doyle took a pass from United States midfielder Bobby Convey to put the Royals ahead after only 16 seconds at Bramall Lane and South Korea midfielder Seol Ki-hyeon made it 2-0 in the 25th with his first goal for Reading.
Rob Hulse replied for the Blades but Reading held on and, in the top flight for the first time in its 135-year history, has climbed to fifth place.
Saturday’s other game between Watford and Aston Villa kicked off later.
Sunday’s games also include Blackburn vs Manchester City, Tottenham vs Fulham and West Ham vs Newcastle.
Cardiff returned to the top of the League Championship with a 4-1 victory over Luton, while Birmingham slipped to second after being held 2-2 by visiting Ipswich. -Sapa-AP