Late own goal saves Chelsea from loss at Swansea

AN own goal from Neil Taylor in injury-time saw Chelsea deny Swansea another famous win as they came back to draw 1-1 in the Barclays Premier League at the Liberty Stadium.

Ex-Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair had given Swansea a 39th-minute lead when his volley looped over Petr Cech and into the net, putting the hosts on course for a repeat of their stunning win over Arsenal.

Chelsea, without captain John Terry due to a knee injury and with new signing Gary Cahill on the bench, had Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz in central defence.

They looked set to suffer a sixth defeat of the season when Ashley Cole picked up a second booking late on. However, with time running out, Jose Bosingwa’s driven ball across the box struck Taylor and beat Swans keeper Michel Vorm.

Gareth Bale scored twice as Tottenham returned to winning ways with a stylish 3-1 triumph over a hapless Wigan side at White Hart Lane.

Spurs followed up their defeat to Manchester City with poor displays against Wolves and Watford but played free-flowing football last night before Bale put them ahead in the 29th minute. Luka Modric despatched a cool 18-yard strike to make it 2-0 five minutes later and Bale scored his second after 64 minutes before James McArthur grabbed a late consolation for the Latics.

Andy Carroll marked his first anniversary as a Liverpool player by netting the opener as Kenny Dalglish’s side cruised to a 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened Wolves at Molineux.

Carroll scored his first league goal since October 29 early in the second half and then Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt added to Wolves’ misery.

Only a fine display by Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey prevented the Reds from at least doubling their final tally.