In contrast to Everton's tight defensive line, Arteta and Cahill were able to pick holes and expose frailties in the home side's rearguard.

BBC: Manchester City 0-2 Everton

Neil Lennon's side struggled to breach the Saints rearguard and the hosts were compact throughout the first half.

BBC: Sport - Football - St Mirren 0-1 Celtic

Celtic had the bulk of possession in the early part of the game, but found it hard to break down the Accies rearguard with the home side pressing Celtic players whenever they were on the ball.

BBC: Sport - Football - Hamilton Accies 1-1 Celtic

The Ibrox side had begun brightly and continued to threaten the Greeks' rearguard - Boyd just failed to connect with a dangerous right-wing cross from Kirk Broadfoot.

BBC: Panathinaikos 1-1 Rangers

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will no doubt feel his side deserved their victory, not least for their hugely impressive rearguard action, although no-one could argue they were slightly fortunate to be ahead at the interval.

BBC: Birmingham 1-0 Chelsea