Heskey hits form at the right time...
Lion-watch: EMILE HESKEY rediscovered his goal touch just when Liverpool needed it most on Saturday. Heskey hit his first Premiership goal since September to help his side beat Southampton - their first win in 11 attempts. With the spotlight on MICHAEL OWEN, Reds manager Gerard Houllier reformed his tried and trusted partnership with Heskey, and the former Leicester striker powerfully headed the winning goal after 14 minutes.
"I asked Emile to show more presence - I always felt we would see the best of him after Christmas," said a delighted Houllier after his side's 1-0 win at St Mary's.
"He went to the World Cup and then had a couple of injuries. That took a lot out of him but it is great to see him back to his best."
Heskey's second league goal of the season overshadowed the performance of Southampton's JAMES BEATTIE and the Saint then found himself overtaken by Thierry Henry as the Golden Boot leader after firing a blank this time.
It was a good weekend generally for England strikers past, present and future.
England under-21 striker JERMAIN DEFOE showed the alertness of a born goalscorer by pouncing onto Edu's backpass to score for West Ham at Arsenal.
Ten-man Hammers put up a plucky show at Highbury with goalkeeper DAVID JAMES outstanding before a late solo show from Henry. Boyhood West Ham fan RAY PARLOUR came on as a substitute for his first Arsenal appearance in six weeks following a calf injury and the Gunners eventually wo
DARIUS VASSELL produced Aston Villa's best moments in a 1-0 home defeat against Spurs after coming on as half-time sub, but the game was settled by a terrific volley from TEDDY SHERINGHAM, one half of the Euro 96 SAS team.
Sheringham, who was in England's World Cup squad in the summer, said: "Over the years you always get few chances at Villa. I was lucky to get a sweet strike on the ball."
Sheringham's partner from Euro 96 ALAN SHEARER scored after only 10.4 seconds against Manchester City - the second-fastest goal in Premiership history.
"I was surprised my legs could get from the halfway line into the penalty area in that time," joked the jubilant Geordie after his team's 2-0 win.
ROBBIE FOWLER was given a hero's welcome when he came on for Leeds at home to West Brom but was unable to break the deadlock at Elland Road.
ALAN SMITH came closest to scoring in a 0-0 draw but was denied by RUSSELL HOULT.
Fowler turned down a move to Manchester City last week but manager Terry Venables won't put his mortgage on him staying at Elland Road beyond the transfer window.
"We are delighted to have Robbie here, he is our player...for the moment," said Venables.
PAUL SCHOLES remains the most in-form English player in the Premiership. He scored for the fifth game running as Manchester United kept the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table, beating Chelsea 2-1.
Former FA Technical Director HOWARD WILKINSON led his Sunderland team to a five-day break to Spain on Sunday.
They lost 2-1 at Everton to remain in the bottom three and Wilkinson is keen for the club to try and play their way out of trouble.
“I can see improvement in our play when we have the ball. Players must take responsiblility – we can’t get lucky all the time,” he said.
Premiership results Jan 18/19
Arsenal 3 West Ham 1
Aston Villa 0 Tottenham 1
Blackburn 1 Birmingham 1
Charlton 1 Bolton 1
Everton 2 Sunderland 1
Leeds 0 West Brom 0
Man Utd 2 Chelsea 1
Newcastle 2 Man City 0
Southampton 0 Liverpool 1
Lions Watch is compiled by Joe Bernstein