Perfect response
Monday, 22 November, 2004
TheFA.com takes a closer look at the Lions who roared in the Premiership at the weekend.
LIONS WATCH: Shaun Wright-Phillips let his football do the talking with a superb performance for Manchester City at Portsmouth.
The winger provided the perfect response to a difficult night with England in Spain in midweek by starring at Fratton Park.
He was able to shrug off the racist abuse suffered in Madrid by showing exactly what a big talent he is - scoring once and setting up another in an outstanding display.
City won the match 3-1 with Wright-Phillips twisting and jinking to turn home a shot at the far post for their opening goal.
He was later denied a goal-of-the-season contender when he shot narrowly wide after beating five men - but made up for it by helping Paul Bosvelt to score City’s third.
"My intention was just to let my football do the talking and hopefully that’s what I’ve done," said Wright-Phillips.
"I’m just a person who puts things behind me. What happened with England is in The FA’s hands now."
England U21 captain Gary O’Neil scored Portsmouth’s only goal, his first for the club.
England coach Steve McClaren is also on a high after his Middlesbrough side’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
The result strengthens Boro’s hold on fourth place, one point ahead of Manchester United. England U21 man Stewart Downing impressed once more, while defender Chris Riggott scored his team’s opening goal.
England midfielder Frank Lampard set up a goal for Chelsea after only 35 seconds, putting Damien Duff away with a perfect through-ball with the outside of his foot.
John Terry also played as the Blues were held 2-2 by Bolton but stayed top of the table.
Former Lion Paul Scholes scored his first goal of the season for Manchester United in their 2-0 victory over Charlton, with Wayne Rooney playing an impressive match and going close on several occasions. Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown also played.
Ashley Cole helped Arsenal to a 1-1 draw against West Brom
Wayne Routledge and Ben Watson, who made their England U21 debuts in Spain last week, both played in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle - who included Jermaine Jenas and Kieron Dyer.
In Spain, David Beckham and Michael Owen had a disappointing night in Real Madrid’s 3-0 defeat at Barcelona. Beckham was substituted after 54 minutes - with Owen taking his place.
In the Championship, England U21 star Dean Ashton scored twice as Crewe crushed Gillingham 4-1.