Thomaz Posted June 14, 2009 Author Share Posted June 14, 2009 4pm Chelsea v West Ham United A London rivalry took place in west London as West Ham would attempt to defy the odds and get something at Stamford Bridge. Last season, the game finished 1-1. Teams Chelsea (4-4-2) Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Lampard, Essien, Kalou, Drogba, Anelka. Subs: Hilario, Shevchenko, Deco, Alex, Sahar, Ballack, Ivanovic. West Ham (4-3-2-1) Green, Behrami, Collins, Upson, Neill, Guana, Parker, Noble, Dyer, Boa Morte, Ashton. Subs: Walker, Eyjolfsson, Tomkins, Collison, Cole, Davenport, Faubert. -------- There was an intense atmosphere around Stamford Bridge as West Ham kicked off the game. Chelsea had yet another manager at the helm and they still had the thought in the back of their minds that this may not come to prove worthwhile either. West Ham fans came with hope more than expectancy. A bright start with slick passing and intelligent movement from Chelsea rewarded them with a goal just 8 minutes into the game. Soloman Kalou had the ball deep down the left hand side for Chelsea, and he played a good ball towards the feet of Anelka who was waiting 2 yards inside the penalty area. The French striker struck the ball first time as it came across him and it flew past Green and into the top right hand corner to hand Chelsea a dream start. West Ham brought their 5-man midfield together and kept it tight, stopping Chelsea from creating a chance until the 18th minute when Bosingwa’s deep right hand side cross was met by Kalou at the back post, but Robert Green did well to tip the ball over the bar. A few minutes later Drogba should have doubled Chelsea’s lead when his close range header from a Bosingwa corner went narrowly wide of the near post when he looked odds on to score. On 27 minutes Joe Cole was put through in the box by Drogba but his low drive was well parried by Green. Soon after, Ashley Cole’s deep cross was met by Drogba at the near post but he couldn’t direct his header. West Ham were sitting narrow and deep but Chelsea were punishing them down the flanks now. Bosingwa’s teasing cross was met by Anelka on 32 minutes but his header from 10 yards flashed over the bar as again Chelsea threatened down the flanks. A few minutes later and we had a sending off. Parker put through Dean Ashton near the half-way line but Carvalho pushed the England striker before he could reach the ball. A second yellow card offence it was deemed, and the Portuguese central defender was sent off. Chelsea responded by removing goal scorer Anelka for central defender Alex. John Terry flashed a header wide right on half time as the teams went in at the break with a one goal advantage Chelsea’s way. Ivanovic came on for Kalou at half time as Chelsea shifted their shape for the second period. A rather slow opening 10 minutes was brought to a halt by West Ham. A corner from the right was met by Ashton at the near post but Cech reacted well to push the ball away. Chelsea sat defensively now and looked to stifle West Ham who looked eager to take advantage of the extra man they had. On 54 minutes James Collins made a superb intervention to deny Drogba who had got free of everyone in the box, but the defender’s diving challenge blocked his shot. Chelsea started to regain possession but were struggling to properly break West Ham down. A few corners here and there, but neither side were grasping the game by the scruff of the neck as the half wore on. On 64 minutes Chelsea changed to a slightly more attacking mentality and were rewarded for it 10 minutes later. Ballack’s strike from the edge of the area was parried by Robert Green before the ball fell to Bosingwa, who flicked the ball back into the path of Ballack and the German made no mistake this time from 16 yards, drilling a shot low inside the near post. Chelsea had a 2 goal lead and the game was seemingly over. Carlton Cole had an excellent chance late on for West Ham to make for an interesting end to the game, but Cech smothered his close range effort after Collison played a superb through ball for him in the box. The game ended soon after, after a rather drab second half but Chelsea had deservedly come away with all 3 points and West Ham could have no complaints. Chelsea 2 – 0 West Ham United Anelka 8’ Ballack 73’ Van Basten: “We had lots of chances to score today so in a way I’m disappointed we only got two. There is always the argument that Chelsea should not play 4-4-2 as they do not have the players to accommodate it but as long as two strikers can work together it can work. People didn’t have faith in Drogba and Anelka together but they have shown they can make a difference.” Zola: “You know when you come to Chelsea it will be difficult to get a result as they are a fantastic team. We tried to overpower them in midfield with the extra man but it didn’t work too well as they outplayed us with their width. When Carvalho went off I thought we might be able to stamp some authority but we couldn’t do that which is disappointing.” round-up Aston Villa 3 - 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Bolton Wanderers 1 - 0 Arsenal Burnley 0 - 3 Everton Chelsea 2 - 0 West Ham United Hull City 1 - 0 Birmingham City Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester City Manchester United 3 - 0 Sunderland Portsmouth 1 - 0 Fulham Stoke City 1 - 2 Blackburn Rovers Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 0 Wigan Athletic Coming up - another week of transfer dealing and rumours Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 17, 2009 Author Share Posted June 17, 2009 Monday, 25th August With the second week’s action done and out the way, the talk was all about how the rest of the transfer window would end up. No deals wrapped up on the Monday, but there was more gossip as September drew nearer. Cardiff’s Peter Whittingham, who was on the verge of a move to Burnley it seemed, expressed his delight after it was made apparent that Wolves were interested in the English midfielder. The ex Aston Villa player seemed desperate to move to the Premiership and a move would surely soon be wrapped up. Burnley were also reportedly chasing Middlesbrough’s Adam Johnson. Bolton and Birmingham were also in the news as they looked to move for Cruz Azul’s midfielder Gerardo Torrado, though the Mexican midfielder is reportedly close to moving to Racing of La Liga. Joao Moutinho was also linked with a move to the Premier League, with Aston Villa reportedly willing to pay the 7.75m price tag. Tuesday, 26th August Wolves’ interest in Whittingham seemed too late as Burnley wrapped up the deal on Tuesday, in a 2m deal. Owen Coyle expressed his joy in the signing. Coyle: “Delighted to capture Peter as I think he will bring a wealth of experience to the side despite his age. He played in the Premiership for Aston Villa many times and this will hopefully help the rest of the side gain some of his knowledge. He’s an excellent technical player and creative. I’m sure he’ll do well with us.” Meanwhile, West Ham were reportedly looking to land out-of-favour Man City midfielder Elano. Gianfranco Zola insisted that he would only look to get the player for the right price. Zola: “Yes we are looking at him but only if Man City will play ball in terms of fee. We don’t have a lot of money to spend, so only if the price is right.” Elsewhere, Bolton were linked with Dinamo Kiev midfielder Olexandr Aliev. Wednesday, 27th August On a Carling Cup evening in England, the focus was on the football but other things were developing off the pitch. First, Elano responded to Zola’s comments with seemingly contradictory words. Elano: “I feel I am a top player and I need to be at the best team. West Ham are a good side but I want a good offer to go there.” After Hull failed first time for Benjani they were reportedly looking to approach the Man City striker again. Elsewhere, Stoke were reportedly looking at Celtic defender Mark Wilson, Wigan are interested in Dinijar Bilyaletdinov of Lokomotiv Moscow, and Wolves are looking at West Ham midfielder Jack Collison. Thursday, 28th August More gossip on the Thursday as a number of players were linked with moves to the Premier League. First off, Moutinho reportedly was interested in a move to Villa and Blackburn were reportedly set to make a move for Sevilla centre-back Aquivaldo Mosquera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 Friday, 29th August Only news seeping through the news wires was that Man City were lining up a bid for Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson and the news of Manchester United’s win over Zenit in the Super Cup. Following that was all the previews for the weekend’s games. Arsenal v Portsmouth Arsenal remain injury hit as Gallas (ribs), Arshavin (groin strain), Bendtner (ankle), and Walcott (cruciates) all miss out. Denilson and Diaby return, though. For Portsmouth, Ashdown and Kaboul return with no fresh absentees for the south-coast side. Wenger: “Well yes if you had told me I would have only one point from my opening two games I would be surprised. Both of those games we should have won though, we were the better side in both matches and created a lot of chances, a lack of luck on our side was the reasoning I think. I think we will put that right tomorrow though, despite how well Portsmouth have played in their opening two games.” Hart: “We’ve played very well in our opening two matches and should have six points. The belief is here and the players are here, we want to achieve a good finish in the league this season like a Europa League spot. We’re wary of Arsenal and how well they have played in their opening games, but we have played well as well so it should make for a good match.” -------------- Birmingham City v Liverpool Queudrue (ankle), Pearce (face), and Fahey (hip) all miss out for Birmingham. For Liverpool, Cavalieri is the only absentee with a hip injury while Lucas and Babel return after international duty. McLeish: “There’s no doubt we have a chance to do something great this season but you can’t judge the opening few games on it. We got a fortunate win on the opening day and then were unlucky not to get something last week. We’re optimistic about tomorrow though as Liverpool were rocked last week.” Benitez: “We want to bounce back from last week. Since Monday’s training session we’ve been desperate to play again and I think tomorrow we have ideal game. Birmingham are a decent side but we have the quality to beat them and with a few players returning I think we will triumph.” -------------- Burnley v Stoke City (Sunday) Burnley are injury free for the visit of Stoke on Sunday and Steven Caldwell returns from suspension for the Lancashire side. Stoke are missing a few players though, as Abdoulaye Faye (face), Whelan (ankle), and Fuller (knee) all are out with injuries. Coyle: “Last week didn’t go well for us with the sending off and then the result that ensued. We’re confident we will do better this time though and although Stoke are quite a tough side to play against but I believe we will win the game. We’re at home and we have the crowd behind us again.” Pulis: “Back-to-back defeats is always bad but it’s early days and we don’t think it bares any meaning to how our season will go. We’ve got a strong squad with a good mentality and we know the task ahead. Sunday will be tough as Burnley look a good technical side but I think if we play to our strengths we will beat them.” -------------- Everton v Manchester United (Monday) Everton are missing Mikel Arteta who has a thigh strain but Phil Neville and Marouane Fellaini return. For Man Utd, Foster (ankle) and Tevez (hamstring) remain out. Moyes: “We’ve made the perfect start and we want that to continue. Obviously it’s a tough game but I think they may be a bit tired after Friday’s game so it’s advantage for us. It’s good to have Phil (Neville) and Fellaini back as they are and will be crucial to our aims this season.” Ferguson: “I don’t believe we will have a continental hangover but it will be a tough game anyway as Everton always is. They’ve made a good start and we have as well so it should be a good game to watch but obviously we go there to win and I think our strength will mean we will come away with three points.” -------------- Fulham v Hull City A few absentees for Fulham, as Kamara (ankle) and Zamora (groin) are both out but Gera may return after a back injury. For Hull, Zayatte (knee) and Fagan (wrist) both miss out with George Boateng 50/50 to return to action. Hodgson: “I’m still disappointed about last week to be honest as those are the games we need to get points from in order to progress. Tomorrow we play a Hull side who have been poor in their opening two games despite a win last week and they struggle on their travels so I think we will win tomorrow but I’d like us to win well.” Brown: “The win last week gives us a bit of breathing space as I don’t think we wanted the fact we hadn’t won yet hanging over our heads. We would like a result tomorrow, even if it’s smash and grab like last season was but it will be difficult and the players need to be solid defensively for us to get anything.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers Kompany (cheekbone) and Hamann (spine) are City’s only casualties, as Fernandinho returns from international duty and Zabaletta is deemed fully fit. Blackburn are missing 2 key players for the short trip to Manchester, with Paul Robinson suspended and Roque Santa Cruz out with a broken arm. Hughes: “We’ve made an encouraging start and we have a great chance to maintain that tomorrow if we can get the better of Blackburn. They look a tidy outfit under Sam Allardyce and I’ve no doubt we need to be at our best to get a convincing win tomorrow and I think we will do that with the abundance of quality we have in our squad.” Allardyce: “A good win last week but it can’t get any tougher this week. City look very good, I went to the game at Liverpool last week and they were exceptional. It’s going to be a very tough game, especially now Paul (Robinson) and Roque Santa Cruz are out.” -------------- Sunderland v Aston Villa (Sunday) Torres (groin) and Barragan (hamstring) definitely miss out for Sunderland with Anton Ferdinand (thigh strain) doubtful. Stuart Taylor (ankle) remains out for Aston Villa but Curtis Davies returns. Jones: “The table doesn’t lie, we’re second bottom. We’ve not made a good start at all and considering our performances as well it’s most disappointing. We were very sloppy again Burnley and put up no fight against Manchester United, if we perform like that again on Sunday we will get beat again. It’s time to get points on the board.” O’Neill: “I stand by that there is no easy game in the Premier League. We’ve made a good start and they’ve (Sunderland) made a poor one but it’s so early on and things can change very easily. They’ll be determined to turn around their fortunes as soon as possible so we need to match them well.” -------------- West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur Ilunga (suspended) and Molinaro (knee) again miss out for the Hammers with Gabbidon set to return. For Spurs, again Corluka (gashed leg) and Modric (ankle) both miss out along with Robbie Keane who is undergoing the second match of his suspension. Huddlestone (concussion) may return but unlikely. Zola: “I know our fans really want to win this and so do I but it will be difficult as Spurs are a very efficient team. They have a very good manager in Harry Redknapp too so it’s going to be tough but we have the mental strength and hopefully we can give our fans something to shout about.” Redknapp: “I love returning to Upton Park, it’s a great place. We went there last season and won 2-0 so a repeat score would be good. We’re missing three key players in Ved (Corluka), Modric, and Keane so it will be difficult and the players that come in for them will need to be at their best if we are to get something.” -------------- Wigan Athletic v Bolton Wanderers De Ridder (ankle) and Kapo (shoulder) remain out for the Latics but Pollitt returns from suspension. Bolton are injury and suspension free. Bruce: “A game I’m sure the neutrals won’t be looking forward to watching on an early Saturday afternoon but I anticipate a good game. We played quite well last week against Spurs and got a deserved point but Bolton beat Arsenal so they will be eager to play tomorrow.” Megson: “After last week we feel we can beat anyone. Tomorrow we play a Wigan side with new players still trying to settle in and I think if we can defend like we did against Arsenal we can nick a win tomorrow.” -------------- Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea Wolves have fully available squad for the visit of Chelsea tomorrow. Their visitors have Ricardo Carvalho missing through suspension. McCarthy: “We’ve had a very tough opening three fixtures with United, then Villa, and now Chelsea. It’s good though because in a way we get the hard games done and out the way we can play teams we know we have a good chance against. Tomorrow will be a good game though I think, we will play with a style that may surprise a few.” Van Basten: “No offence to Wolves but I expect us to continue this winning start. We are very strong, very organised, and have quality throughout the team. They have had two difficult first games but we will be their toughest opposition and if we play the way I want I think it could end up being a very convincing result.” -------------- Rumours came rife on Friday evening that Burnley were set to land 2 or 3 players come Saturday morning, after Stern John had been photographed at Burnley's training ground. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 Saturday, 30th August. Many people would have woken up this morning with the shock news that Burnley had landed four players over the course of Friday night. Stern John joined from Southampton for 200k, Lee Miller joined from Aberdeen for 1.5m, Alan Gow joined from Rangers for 1.1m, and Chris Riggot joined from Middlesbrough for 2.1m. A sensational achievement that the media had failed to pick up on until early Friday evening after Stern John had come to Burnley’s training ground for a medical, soon the news filtered through others were on the way. Owen Coyle expressed his delight at the deals. Coyle: “It was very tight for us, I made decisions late on and the chairman threw the offers at the teams on Thursday night. Next morning they had all been accepted which was great but I didn’t think I’d be able to get them all in by Saturday morning so credit must go to the players and our staff for acting quickly as they could.” “I think Stern (John) will add depth to our strike force and Gow and Miller add quality to it and I think we needed some good finishers which they both are. We also needed another strong centre half and Chris Riggot had been on my radar for a while, he’s a great player and I’m delighted to have him here along with the others.” The third weekend of Premier League football was set to get underway with the weather worse for wear this time around with rain and winds across the country. 12:45pm Wigan Athletic v Bolton Wanderers Best fitting was an early kick-off between Wigan and Bolton at the JJB stadium with both sides looking to kick on after good results last weekend. The pitch wasn’t in the best of states but the rain and winds hadn’t affected this area of the north…yet. Teams Wigan (4-4-1-1) Kirkland, Zebina, Boyce, Veron, Figueroa, Koumas, Cattermole, Scharner, N’Zogbia, Watson, Rodallega. Subs: Pollitt, Miller, Thomson, Melchiot, King, Brown, Bramble. Bolton (4-5-1) Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Cahill, Goian, Samuel, Mota, Joey O’Brien, Muamba, Fernandes, Gardner, Elmander. Subs: Al Habsi, Taylor, Shittu, McCann, Larsson, Steinsson, Andy O’Brien. A bright start to the game and a rather even affair as well and that was further proven on 9 minutes with the first chances of the game. First, N’Zogbia’s effort from the edge of the box was parried by Jaaskelainen. From the resulting clearance, Elmander found himself surging forward for Bolton and his run and shot from 30-yards sailed over the bar. A few minutes later Elmander had another chance, but he snatched at his shot from the edge of the Wigan penalty area and the ball sailed high and wide. Despite the somewhat negative formation of Bolton, the game was still open and free flowing. A lack of quality in the final third was letting the teams down though and it meant the next chance had to wait until the 23rd minute. Paul Scharner’s turned O’Brien outside the Bolton box and played a pass to Charles N’Zogbia, but the French winger couldn’t keep his right footed shot from 18-yards down as it went narrowly over the bar. 10 minutes later and Bolton had two decent chances in the space of a few minutes. First, Joey O’Brien’s effort from 23 yards sailed harmlessly over the Wigan goal before O’Brien again went from distance but left foot curler went narrowly wide of Kirkland’s left post. On 35 minutes it was Wigan’s turn to test the Bolton goal, and what a chance they had. N’Zogbia’s surging run down the left ended with a deep cross to the back post. The on-rushing Ben Watson jumped up to meet the ball but his header crashed back off the far post. Wigan would live to regret that miss, as Bolton gained the advantage just 3 minutes later. Wigan defender Veron tripped Elmander just outside the Wigan box and a free kick was awarded. Ricardo Fernandes stepped up to take the free kick for Bolton, and from 20 yards bent the ball around the wall and into the top left hand corner to send the Bolton fans barmy. A sublime left foot strike, which showed you don’t need power to beat a keeper from distance. In added on time at the end of the half, Joey O’Brien fed Johan Elmander at the edge of the Wigan box. The striker turned defender Boyce superbly and struck a left foot strike inches wide of the far post with Kirkland well beaten. The half-time whistle then went with Bolton edging a tight first half with a narrow lead. Marlon King was brought on for Wigan at half time with defender Veron making way. The rain began as the players trudged out for the second half. In the second half, Bolton seemed to revert to their tactics from the previous week against Arsenal as they sat deep to soak up Wigan pressure. N’Zogbia seemed to be the main threat as Wigan looked to attack down that left hand side, but Nicky Hunt was playing well forcing him wide and reducing his crosses to near post at best. It took until the hour mark for the next chance of the game to come and surprisingly it went Bolton’s way. Fernandes whipped in a corner from the right and it landed at the head of the unmarked Ricardo Gardner who could only direct his powerful header from 8 yards into the hands of Chris Kirkland. Wigan brought on Kenny Miller for Rodallega on 62 minutes in an attempt to regain some control of the game, but the players seemed unsure of what they were doing and Steve Bruce didn’t seem too interested on the sidelines. Bolton were holding the game easily and started to regain control of it as O’Brien and Fernandes continued to connect well in the centre of midfield. It took until the 72nd minute for the next talking point. Fernandes’ free kick from the left hand side was met by Gary Cahill at the back post but the defender merely met the ball without direction and the it went harmlessly wide. Straight after, Wigan were down the other end in the Bolton box as Gary Cahill seemed to leap on top of Marlon King to win the ball and Wigan wanted a penalty. Nothing given. Wigan continued their one-dimensional approach of using N’Zogbia who was being sussed easily by Bolton. Rodallega’s replacement Miller was having no effect at all and Wigan had seemingly lost the battle physically and tactically. The game pittered out, and after Wigan opted to change sides and use Koumas it proved to be too late as Wigan succumbed to their second defeat of the season and Bolton celebrated their second win. Wigan Athletic 0 – 1 Bolton Wanderers ................................................Fernandes 38’ Bruce: “I’m actually angry about today’s result as I think it’s somewhat embarrassing. Bolton are an efficient team but we should be beating them. We were poor all over the pitch, didn’t stamp our authority, and got beat – we deserved it, plain and simple. We maybe should have had a penalty but a draw would have been harsh on them.” Megson: “Another impressive result for us. I thought the team were great, we studied Wigan’s approach play from previous games and we nullified their attacks well. We also scored a sublime goal which makes it all the better and hopefully we can keep it going.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 20, 2009 Author Share Posted June 20, 2009 3pm Arsenal v Portsmouth A wet and windy afternoon in London as Portsmouth made the short trip north for a tough away tie. Teams Arsenal (4-4-2) Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Clichy, Nasri, Fabregas, Denilson, Traore, Adebayor, van Persie. Subs: Fabianski, Ramsey, Simpson, Rosicky, Senderos, Vela, Eduardo. Portsmouth (4-5-1) James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, O’Neil, Diop, Davis, Mullins, Kranjcar, Utaka. Subs: Begovic, Pamarot, Kaboul, Gonzalez, Crouch, Hreidarsson, Primus. Not an empty seat in the house at the Emirates Stadium as the rain teemed down on a coat-laden crowd. The slick pitch and fast moving ball played to Arsenal’s advantage and they created two good chances in the opening 5 minutes. First, Traore’s shot from the edge of the box flew wide before Adebayor found space at the edge of the box but his shot was superbly parried by James and Johnson scrambled the ball clear. Arsenal had certainly started the stronger and good positioning and anticipation from Belhadj denied Nasri a good chance on 10 minutes. However, soon after, Portsmouth produced a very tight line and narrow formation, which again this season frustrated Arsenal who couldn’t get through a stubborn Portsmouth side as the game started to bore a fair few in an increasingly quiet Emirates Stadium. The second half wore on with Portsmouth sitting deep and Arsenal’s grounded football finding no one. Adebayor and van Persie had no space to move and neither Nasri nor Traore could get beyond the Portsmouth full backs. It took until 35 minutes for the next chance to come and it went Portsmouth’s way. Utaka found space in the Arsenal half and his reverse pass found O’Neil surging past Clichy and onto the ball. The midfielder probably should have had a bit more guts to close in on goal but instead went for goal from 20 yards, which Almunia gathered easily. Right on half time Distin prevented van Persie turning the ball into the net with some very good marking, the half ending followed. Not the best 45 minutes ever seen and Portsmouth would understandably be the happier of the two sides. The second half began with no changes to either side. Arsenal gained the initiative though and on 53 minutes probably should have gone in front. Soon after Denilson’s effort from the edge of the box which went over, Nasri received the ball on the edge of the Portsmouth box and his right foot drive went narrowly wide of the far post. A few minutes later, Traore’s deep cross from the left was met by the on-rushing van Persie 6 yards out. He beat Campbell with a diving header, but he somehow headed it straight against David James who knew very little about it. The ball was then scrambled clear as Arsenal took control of the half. Arsenal were finding the gaps now and Portsmouth’s sitting deep tactics were being exposed and on 66 minutes, Arsenal came forward again. Van Persie let fly from 25 yards and James did very well to push the ball away. He could only push it into the path of Traore though, who’s shot beat the grounded James but Distin was back defending and cleared the ball before it could reach the line. O’Neil bundled over Denilson in attempt to get to the ball and Arsenal had a free kick. Van Persie cut it back to the edge of the penalty area but substitute Senderos could only send his shot high and wide. Portsmouth found themselves in the Arsenal half on 71 minutes, but Utaka’s run and shot from the edge of the box went a whisker wide of Almunia’s left post. 2 minutes later and Arsenal substitute Rosicky lashed a shot from the edge of the area over the bar. Arsenal were throwing all forward now in the final 15 minutes with Portsmouth sitting very deep. Both sides had made many substitutions, many wondered whether it would prove futile for either. James was called into action on 76 minutes to smother Rosicky’s byline cross, then 3 minutes later Fabregas lashed a shot at goal from 22 yards but James did well to get down and save it. On 85 minutes Portsmouth threw on Pamarot for Kranjcar in order to sit out the remaining minutes. Time ticked down, and on 86 minutes David James had to acrobatically tip over Senderos’ shot from the edge of the box. Soon after, Fabregas tried a shot from the edge of the box but the ball went wide. It looked as though it was another fruitless game for Arsenal who couldn’t break down the Pompey door. Deep into extra time, Portsmouth got a free kick on the right hand side. Hearts were in mouths as the ball went toward Crouch at the back post, but the lanky striker headed the ball across goal and wide with everyone motionless. The game ended with boos round the red quarters of the ground, but Portsmouth were feeling good again as they picked up a very respectable point at Arsenal, who’s frustrating start continued. Arsenal 0 – 0 Portsmouth Wenger: “We continue to play well but not take our chances, this is a real problem. It’s only three games but you lose ground all the time and today we didn’t have enough quality in front of goal or on the ball in general. Portsmouth defended for most of the game as expected but just like last week that’s no excuse not to win.” Hart: “I have to praise the defence and David James today because it was a very good display. Everyone knows the quality Arsenal possess so it’s important you get it right and we did today, we restricted them to shots from outside the box for the most part and even had a few chances ourselves. Hopefully we can keep up this start and our performances so the results will come.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 20, 2009 Author Share Posted June 20, 2009 3pm Birmingham City v Liverpool Dark and cloudy afternoon in Birmingham but it wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of the fans. Liverpool came with expectancy, to put right what went so wrong last week. Teams Birmingham (4-4-1-1) Doyle, Kelly, Martin Taylor, Ridgewell, Murphy, Galletti, Carsley, Larsson, McSheffrey, Tom, McFadden. Subs: Maik Taylor, Carr, Parnaby, Johnson, Jerome, Wilson, Kodalak. Liverpool (4-5-1) Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Kuyt, Mascherano, Gerrard, Alonso, Babel, Torres. Subs: Itandje, Riera, Lucas, Voronin, Skrtel, Pennant, Dossena. Both sides emerged with expectancy on their shoulders. Birmingham had lost to Hull last week and Liverpool to Man City – both rather unfortunately. Inside a minute, the first chance came. Ryan Babel’s surging run down the left troubled the Birmingham defence, and eventually the ball fell to Torres on the edge of the box. He turned Ridgewell superbly and was in one-on-one with Doyle but struck it straight at him. Liverpool started the brighter and with Birmingham’s narrow pitch it seemed to suit them. Their attacking players’ runs were causing Birmingham problems. On 15 minutes Xabi Alonso bent a free kick narrowly wide, before Reina had to tip James McFadden’s deflected shot away. 5 minutes later Torres’ drive from the edge of the box was well turned over the bar by Doyle. Torres again tested the Birmingham goal a few minutes later but dragged his shot well wide from 16 yards. On 28 minutes the deadlock was finally broken. Ryan Babel made a superb run down the left hand side and crossed from near the byline. The ball went to the other side of the box and found Dirk Kuyt at the edge of the penalty area. The Dutchman took a touch before driving a superb right foot shot through a crowd of players and into the bottom left hand corner. Moments after kick-off, Liverpool surged forward again but Gerrard’s long-range shot went narrowly over the bar. Birmingham sat deep after the goal in attempt to stifle a dominant Liverpool side. They succeeded in seeing out the half just one down as both sides trudged into the dressing room at half time with the game so far going the way expected. The second half began with Liverpool continuing their ascendancy. An Aurelio corner on 48 minutes found Kuyt at the near post but his header was superbly tipped over by Doyle to deny he and Liverpool a second goal. From then on, Liverpool were rampant. On 52 minutes a free kick from Alonso found Babel on the edge of the box. He turned Kelly and from 16 yards out lashed the ball against the bar. 2 minutes later and Kuyt surged down the right and put in a deep cross toward the back post where Babel waited. The winger again failed to score, smashing his first time volley from 12 yards into Doyle, who didn’t know much about it. Just before the hour, Kuyt cut in from the right and from the edge of the box curled his effort high and wide. Then on 64 minutes, Liverpool had their second goal. Kuyt did well to win the ball in the air in the Birmingham penalty area and flick the ball on for the on-rushing Gerrard. The England midfielder smashed his shot first time from 15 yards and in off the underside of the bar leaving Doyle hopeless and Birmingham sunk further into trouble. Birmingham reverted defensively after starting the half in a balanced mentality, Liverpool responded by going more attacking. Following that, Liverpool maintained their dominance as Babel struck from a tight angle, which Doyle had to turn behind at the near post. Babel struck again soon after, surging into the box with time and space but lashed his shot over the bar as Birmingham seemed to have little reply to Liverpool’s control. Liverpool relaxed in the final 10 minutes and sat on their lead as Birmingham tried to get forward, but their attempts were smothered rather easily. Then, on 88 minutes, Liverpool were home and dry and in bizarre fashion. Liverpool had a corner on the right that Aurelio stepped up to take. He whipped it in far too deep and took all by surprise, including goalkeeper Doyle who watched the ball sail over him and hit the post, then crash into the back of the net. It rounded off a rather ghastly afternoon for Birmingham. Larsson had a late chance for Birmingham that was superbly blocked by Agger, and the game ended with Liverpool getting a convincing first win of the season and Birmingham suffering their second straight defeat. Birmingham City 0 – 3 Liverpool ..................................................Kuyt 28’ ..................................................Gerrard 64’ ..................................................Aurelio 88’ McLeish: “We can’t afford to perform like that again. We could have conceded six today had it not been for Doyle who I can’t fault despite their late goal. We know it’s still a slight experience being back in the Premier League and getting back to basics but we showed ourselves up as a Championship side today and got beaten far too easily.” Benitez: “I told the players I expected a response from last week and they gave one. It was a very good performance and a very good win. I am also pleased to have Ryan Babel back as we missed him last week. He’s a fabulous player and he was probably our best player out there today to be honest.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Perfect-Fm'er! Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 Still one of my favourite reads, brilliant! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 20, 2009 Author Share Posted June 20, 2009 Still one of my favourite reads' date=' brilliant![/quote']Cheers pal. Still can't decide how to set up the score and scorers at the end of the reports, doesn't seem to be any neat way of putting the scorers directly underneath each team. What is the common way on here of setting it out? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssestig Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 You could put it in code tags by adding [ code] and [ /code] around the scorer(s) - without the brackets though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manxie_Ash Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 I tend to set it out Like Liverpool 3: <insert scorers here> Birmingham 0 I think it looks quite neat Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 20, 2009 Author Share Posted June 20, 2009 Cheers guys I will try those out. Next update later tonight by the way, for those who care :-P Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
salkster2102 Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 Nice to see the mighty Liverpool winning. I was thinking of doing something similar to this a few months ago but didn't have the guts to do it because of how big it would be. So I do admire your courage to try out something as big as this Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Perfect-Fm'er! Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 Yeah for me the best two ways of setting it out personally are: Liverpool: Goalscorers Blouse: Goalscorers Or for Eg: Blues 1-2 Liverpool Cameron Jerome Steven Gerrard Fernando Torres. so like goalscorer(s) for first team, then a gap then goalscorer(s) for team b. Either way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 20, 2009 Author Share Posted June 20, 2009 3pm Fulham v Hull City Two sides with 1 win apiece so far this season went head-to-head in west London with Fulham expected to triumph. Teams Fulham (4-4-2) Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Edman, Dempsey, Etuhu, Teymourian, Konchesky, Owen, Andrew Johnson. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Murphy, Omozusi, Eddie Johnson, Davies, Baird. Hull (4-4-2) Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Gardner, Dawson, Garcia, Bullard, Marney, Kilbane, Folan, Palermo. Subs: Warner, Mouyokolo, Mendy, Geovanni, Cousin, Doyle, Cooper. Another stadium doused in rain was packed to the rafters as Fulham got the game underway. It was 3 minutes in when the first talking point came. A long ball into the Hull box was headed clear by Gardner, who appeared to clamber all over Michael Owen who was very unhappy that no penalty was given. A few moments later, Dickson Etuhu’s free kick from 23 yards sailed harmlessly over the bar. It was an open start to the game with the pitch glistening and the ball fizzing around the pitch. It was on 13 minutes the pitch played its part. A superb move by Hull involved Marney feeding Palermo half way inside the Fulham half. He then played the ball out wide to Kilbane who played the one-two return to Palermo who was now free in the box and the striker tucked the ball under Mark Schwarzer to give Hull a surprise lead. It took until the 30th minute for the next chance as Fulham were rocked. Andrew Johnson was fed the ball on the edge of the Hull box but he took too much time on the ball and placed his shot into the hands of keeper Myhill when it looked easier to test the keeper. A few minutes later, Anthony Gardner’s last ditch tackle on Danny Murphy had the former Liverpool midfielder fuming as he felt Gardner got him first before the ball. Moments later, Fulham moved down the left with Konchesky. The ex-Charlton player cut inside and from halfway inside the Hull half played the ball into the penalty area. Whether it was an intended cross or shot no one will know but it caught everyone by surprise, including Myhill, who was left grasping air as the ball crashed off the post. The ball was then falling to Andy Johnson, but Turner put in a sublime challenge to deny him a goal-scoring chance. Right before halftime Hull came forward with a sublime pass from Kilbane finding the path of Palermo. The striker ran onto the ball and got past Hangeland, but from just inside the box sent his weaker footed effort narrowly over the bar. Half time then came, with Hull having a surprising lead. Hull kicked off the second half with the intention of holding their lead, but they were tested early on. A corner by Murphy from the left-hand side was sent to the back post where Hangeland and Turner waited. The Fulham centre half won the ball in the air and sent a bullet header goalwards, which Myhill knew little about but managed to throw himself in front of the ball and Marney cleared. On 57 minutes, a throw in from the left went to the feet of Konchesky. He ran toward the byline before cutting a cross across the penalty area toward the back post. The ball found Dempsey coming away from goal and he tried a header from 13 yards. The American made perfect contact, as the ball looped inside the near post with Myhill only able to push the ball further into the net as Fulham drew level. 2 minutes later, the comeback was complete for Fulham. Andy Johnson received the ball at the edge of the area and flicked the ball behind him into the path of Michael Owen, who couldn’t miss one-on-one with Myhill. Hull were rocked now, and Fulham had started the second half superbly. Teymourian and Johnson hit long range efforts just over the bar soon after the second goal, before Schwarzer was called into action for the first time in the second half on 68 minutes. Bullard put a great through ball in for Palermo, but his first touch was a bit too heavy. He panicked and struck a shot from the edge of the box right into the hands of the Fulham keeper. Fulham then maintained pressure, as another Teymourian effort was tipped over by Myhill, before the Hull keeper again was there to deny Fulham as Johnson got free in the box. On the 75th minute mark, Fulham wrapped the game up. A corner from the left was whipped in by Koncheksy, which Hughes met on the penalty spot. His header wasn’t forceful and the ball fell to the feet of Danny Murphy 8 yards out but Turner blocked the shot. Andy Johnson went for the third attempt, and made no mistake from 13 yards out, shooting through a crowd of bodies and past the frozen Myhill. Fulham sat out the remaining minutes with Hull looking defeated. They had one late chance in stoppage time through Turner but Fulham defender Hughes blocked his shot. The final whistle went with joy around a drenched Craven Cottage and Hull sinking to their second defeat of the season. Fulham 3 – 1 Hull City Dempsey 57’ Owen 59’ Johnson 76’ Palermo 13’ Hodgson: “The first half was frustrating because we were the better side but went in behind. We didn’t need to do a lot for the second half we just needed to keep it up and hope the goal would come, fortunately we scored early so it gave us the confidence to go on and put the game beyond doubt. Today’s result is a bit sweet for us as last year we dominated but they still beat us with a late goal.” Brown: “Disappointed we didn’t maintain pressure after our goal. Palermo had a few chances today and I thought he would put them away but we struggled to create that much other than that. Defensively again we were suspect as Dempsey’s header was soft and we had three chances to clear for their third goal but didn’t. Again I think our home form may be crucial to our season.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 21, 2009 Author Share Posted June 21, 2009 3pm Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers Man City were on a high following two very good wins to start the season. Blackburn would want to earn a second win out of two after their win over Stoke last week. Teams Man City (4-5-1) Given, Srna, Dunne, Richards, Bridge, Valencia, Palombo, de Jong, Ireland, Robinho, Vagner Love. Subs: Hart, Bellamy, Zhirkov, Onuoha, Jo, Wright-Phillips, Coloccini. Blackburn (4-5-1) Fielding, Emerton, Nelsen, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Diouf, Dunn, Grella, Reid, Duda, McCarthy. Subs: Brown, Gamst Pedersen, Andrews, Roberts, Olsson, Gallagher, Treacy. Man City kicked off the game at the City of Manchester Stadium with the home side expected to take the game. Despite City being expected to take the game, they got off to a shaky start. Srna’s mistake let Duda in down the left hand side and he crossed for the unmarked McCarthy, who took a touch before aiming for the bottom right hand corner, but Given got down superbly to tip the ball away. On 10 minutes Warnock’s deep cross from the left was met by Diouf at the back post but he couldn’t direct his header on target. City appeared to have started rather complacently, giving the ball away and Blackburn were trying to take advantage, as McCarthy’s wild effort on 20 minutes went high and wide but they were gaining in confidence. On the half-hour mark Man City would feel they should have gone in front. First, Ireland’s superb through ball found Vagner Love on the edge of the box and he turned Nelsen with ease. He was in on goal and should have scored but struck the ball straight against Fielding. Soon after, Man City got a corner on the left which was whipped in by Robinho. The ball found Dunne at the back post who headed the ball down and Vagner Love turned the ball into the net from 5 yards. The referee’s whistle went straight away though, as Dunne was deemed to have tripped Grella to win the ball. At the end of the half, Ryan Nelsen won Duda’s right sided corner at the near post but his header flashed across goal and out for a goal kick. The half time whistle went with a dampened atmosphere after a poor 45 from Man City but Blackburn had been surprisingly in control for the most part. Man City replaced Palombo with Onuoha in a change of formation for the second half. Right at the start of half, Robinho hit a long-range effort over as the game took a boring turn for the second period. Both sides sat tight and neither team could break the other down for most of the half. Vagner Love and Robinho were up front together now but couldn’t get a grip of the ball and Man City’s 3 man midfield was struggling to get a grip on the game, but Blackburn’s midfield struggled to find the isolated McCarthy. The half was so uneventful that we had to wait until the 73rd minute for the next talking point. Srna took a corner from the left and found substitute Craig Bellamy on the edge of the 6-yard box. The Welsh striker got his head to the ball but it crashed back off the bar and Blackburn scrambled clear. Shortly after, another corner from Srna found Onuoha just outside the 6-yard box and unmarked. Somehow though, the centre half bundled the ball into the hands of Fielding when it looked so much easier to score. Those 2 set pieces proved to be the only eventful moments until the 89th minute when the game was sent into entertain mode. De Jong fed Robinho who was 35 yards from goal. The Brazilian turned toward goal, found his feet, and blasted a left footed strike from 30 yards into the top left hand corner to send the City fans barmy. It was a sublime strike that could be regarded as goal of the season already. Blackburn promptly threw everyone forward in a desperate attempt to grab an equaliser, but they were punished for their forward thinking deep into extra time. Onuoha intercepted Warnock’s pass and lofted a ball forward over the halfway line, which Robinho ran onto. He beat Khizanishvili for pace and was in one-on-one with Fielding who was emerging from goal and the Brazilian made no mistake tucking the ball past him to seal Man City’s win. A harsh end for Blackburn who looked like they had earned a point, but the quality of Robinho punished them. Manchester City 2 – 0 Blackburn Rovers Robinho 89’, 90+2’ Hughes: “Was a tough game as they were difficult to break down but when you have players of Robinho’s quality you can win with the occasional moment of brilliance. He hit the ball superbly for his first goal, I don’t know many players who can score a goal like that and he did very well for the second goal as well.” Allardyce: “We denied them space and time on the ball and it worked well for most of the game but they pop up with a great goal and they win the game. We were better than them first half and I think we should have been in front, but they have quality players all over the pitch and they were better second half and in the end may have deserved it.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Perfect-Fm'er! Posted June 21, 2009 Share Posted June 21, 2009 Damm it Robinho! (don't like Citeh) Just wondering if you would post say a monthly League Table? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 21, 2009 Author Share Posted June 21, 2009 Damm it Robinho!(don't like Citeh) Just wondering if you would post say a monthly League Table? Yup I plan on doing that, will do it on the Monday after the Everton - Man U game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 21, 2009 Author Share Posted June 21, 2009 3pm Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea Wolves were off the back of 2 defeats and Chelsea 2 wins. The latter were certainly favourites going into this tie at Molinuex. Teams Wolves (4-5-1) Hennessey, Foley, Ward, Stearman, Dong-Jin, Kightly, Henry, Berra, Jones, Albin, Ebanks-Blake. Subs: Murray, Elokobi, Ward, Norris, Flavio, Hill, Collins. Chelsea (4-4-2) Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Essien, Lampard, Kalou, Drogba, Shevchenko. Subs: Hilario, Anelka, Deco, Ivanovic, Sahar, Brighi, Ferreira. Shevchenko, who was supposed to depart Chelsea this summer, appeared to be staying as he made a surprise start up front with Drogba. Chelsea kicked off the game at Molinuex and took early control as John Terry headed a Lampard free kick from the left narrowly over the bar, before Chelsea managed to grab a goal, or Hennessey seemingly. Lampard’s corner from the left was very deep and the Wolves keeper came for the ball. He misjudged it though, and with such severe whip on the ball, he could only grab it and then fall over the line. He tried to throw the ball out but there was no denying it was a goal and Chelsea had the lead after 4 minutes. 7 minutes later, Chelsea had the ball in the net again. Joe Cole’s immaculate through ball found Shevchenko free in the box and the Ukraine striker turned the ball in from 6 yards, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. It took until 24 minutes for the next chance to come, as Lampard fizzed a shot from 20 yards towards goal and Hennessey did very well to tip the ball over. Lampard then had 2 more chances just after the half hour mark. First, his free kick from 23 yards went high and wide before his volley from 25 yards did the same. Chelsea kept the pressure up on a tight formatted Wolves team and on 39 minutes should have gone 2 ahead as Drogba turned Ward in the penalty area, but his left foot shot fizzed past the right hand post. With that, the half ended and Chelsea had a 1-goal lead at half time and were unlucky not to have more. Wolves kicked off the second half with the intention of getting back in the game. They took the early initiative and Jones’ near post header after 49 minutes went narrowly over the bar. Shortly after, Chelsea regained control as Norris replaced Stearman for Wolves and Anelka replaced Shevchenko for Chelsea. Drogba tested Hennessey from distance on 64 minutes, before Chelsea did manage to get their second goal. This time Lampard took a corner on the right and whipped it in outswinging at the near post. Terry met it with a bullet header that bounced between Hennessey and Berra, who was on the far post, and into the back of the net. Wolves sat tight and deep in order to keep the goals down. This frustrated the Wolves fans who wanted to see their team go for it and get back in the game. They were saved for thinking otherwise on 79 minutes. Anelka’s superb flick found Essien in the box, and then Albin tripped the Ghanian midfielder. Referee Lee Mason made no hesitation in pointing to the spot with no protest from the Wolves players. Ashley Cole was the man to step up and take the penalty, and he made no mistake tucking the ball home leaving Hennessey hopeless. On 85 minutes Chelsea rubbed salt into the wound. Substitute Brighi surged down the right and his great cross from the edge of the penalty area was met superbly by Kalou at the back post, and from 13 yards hit a superb volley past Hennessey at his near post. Moments later Bosingwa tried his luck from the edge of the box but the ball went over. Wolves were defeated easily, and had Hennessey not tipped over Anelka’s effort in extra time the result could have been even worse. Another loss without a whimper from Wolves who were yet to record a point or a goal on the board. Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 – 4 Chelsea Hennessey OG 4’ Terry 68’ Cole pen 79’ Kalou 85’ McCarthy: “People will say we’ve made an awful start, and we have, but look at who we’ve played; Man United, Villa, and now Chelsea. We’ve been well beaten by two of those and we have Arsenal next week so it continues to be difficult. I’m disappointed we’re not stepping up in these games and it’s lucky for Hennessey because he’s keeping the goals down at the moment. Still, we've got a two week break now so we need to regroup and come back fighting." Van Basten: “We continue to start well and play well. I’m very happy with how we performed today and with a convincing result too makes it all the better. We have some tricky ties coming up now though so these will be the real tests and if we can get through them the sky is the limit.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 21, 2009 Author Share Posted June 21, 2009 5:30pm West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur A big game for West Ham who always look to get one over Spurs. Tottenham have made an average start with 2 points from 2 games with West Ham having 1 from 2. Teams West Ham (4-4-2) Green, Neill, Collins, Gabbidon, Upson, Behrami, Bowyer, Parker, Boa Morte, Ashton, Tristan. Subs: Walker, Spector, Tomkins, Guana, Cole, Davenport, Eyjolfsson. Tottenham (4-4-2) Gomes, Chimbonda, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Bentley, Palacios, Jenas, Rose, Bent, Defoe. Subs: Cudicini, dos Santos, O’Hara, Pavlyuchenko, Hutton, Boateng, Lennon. Spurs drafted in youngster Danny Rose to play on their left hand side, which was met with much surprise. West Ham kicked off the game in east London, in very wet conditioning. West Ham fans were in full voice as the game got underway, and they made the brighter start because of it. 2 minutes in Bentley tripped Upson just outside the penalty area. Boa Morte stepped up to take the free kick but put it wide. Shortly after, Bowyer hit a belter from 25 yards that crashed back off the post. On 11 minutes there was another chance for West Ham as Parker found space in the box but Gomes parried his left foot shot. The noise level was very high now as the Hammers sensed an opportunity. The next chance went Spurs’ way though. On 17 minutes, Danny Rose did superbly down the left and then fed Defoe on the edge of the box. The striker turned but his left foot drive went harmlessly wide. 5 minutes later Palacios tried his luck from distance, but the ball went narrowly over the bar. Moments later Tristan got free in the Spurs box following a great ball from Bowyer but he couldn’t convert as Gomes made another good save. It was a very entertaining opening at Upton Park with both sides going for it but with West Ham having the upper hand thus far. There were 2 late chances at the end of the half, one for each side. First, Green did superbly to push away Bentley’s close range effort and then Gomes had to be on hand to parry Parker’s driven effort from range. The half time whistle then went with Spurs the happier of the two sides. West Ham seemed to start the second half the same way they began the first, with a good early chance. Boa Morte whipped in a corner and James Collins got to the ball at the near post. He controlled and volleyed at goal but Gomes pushed the ball away very well to deny West Ham again. 15 minutes later Defoe tried his luck again from the edge of the box but he couldn’t keep his shot down. A great chance came for Spurs right on the hour as Rose’s left sided byline cross found Bent at the back post, but his close range header was denied a goal by Green. Moments later Jenas header just over the bar from a Bentley cross. Boa Morte was replaced Guana and Tristan by Cole 70 minutes as West Ham looked to try and find a winner. Shortly after, O’Hara replaced the impressive Rose and Pavlyuchenko replaced Bent for Spurs. Both sides seemed to lose rhythm following those changes, and it took until the last 10 minutes for the game to come back to life again. On 84 minutes, Gabbidon volleyed wide from distance for West Ham before O’Hara drove a shot from 20 yards, which Green gathered. The final chance of the game came late in extra time as both sides wanted to go for it. Palacios played a superb pass for Defoe who was free in the box but he rushed his shot and dragged it horribly wide when the shot have at least tested Green. The game ended with neither side particularly disappointed with the result, but both sides would have felt they could have won it in an even and entertaining game. West Ham United 0 – 0 Tottenham Hotspur Zola: “We started the game very well and could have buried one of those chances. We had a few others after and their goalkeeper did well to keep us at bay. It’s a respectable point but we’ve had two home games this season against sides I think we should be beating if we want to finish in a Europa spot so we need to improve a bit on the finishing.” Redknapp: “Never easy to come here and get a result but we got one today. A good performance in what I thought was an even game and I think if either side would have taken it, it would have been harsh on the other. Gomes has come in for criticism time and time again but he’s top class there’s no doubt about that and today he proved again how good he is.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 21, 2009 Author Share Posted June 21, 2009 Sunday, 31st August. In the early hours of Sunday, Blackburn confirmed the signing of Sevilla defender Aquivaldo Mosquera for 3.5m. Allardyce: “Delighted to have Aquivaldo here. He’s a very good centre back who I’ve watched for a while. He’s good in air, very good physically, and will hopefully have a positive mental influence on the team.” There would be 2 games on this day, starting with Burnley against Stoke at Turf Moor. 1:30pm Burnley v Stoke City Burnley’s last home game ended as a 3-0 defeat to Everton, they would be looking to rectify that loss with a win against a Stoke side that have lost both of their games so far this season. Teams Burnley (4-4-2) Jensen, Duff, Riggott, Kilgallon, Jordan, Robertson, McDonald, McCann, Whittingham, Miller, Gow. Subs: Penny, John, Paterson, Gudjonsson, Caldwell, Blake, Berisha. Stoke City (4-4-2) Sorensen, Valera, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Dickinson, Lawrence, Jarosik, Faye, Pugh, Sidibe, Beattie. Subs: Simonsen, Sonko, Higginbotham, Tonge, Kitson, Davies, Cort. Burnley were introducing a number of new signings for this game, most of which had only joined 24 hours ago. Riggott, Miller, and Gow were all starting the game for Burnley, in a game that would endure pouring rain and strong winds. This didn’t dampen the spirits of the fans who packed into every seat at Turf Moor, Stoke also sold out their away allocation. Coyle and Pulis had a brief meeting of the hands before the game before taking to their respective dugouts. Burnley started the game off with a roar from the crowd. Awful conditions, epitome of northern England but that didn’t take away from what was expected to be a good spectacle. The game opened up evenly. Despite the wet surface, the ball was moving quite well. Neither side was tempted to play long ball with the strong wind in force. Burnley created the first opportunity after 4 minutes. Alan Gow was given the ball by McDonald and surged toward goal with plenty of space in front of him. He went for goal from 23 yards but his shot sailed high and wide. Moments later, a Burnley corner was caught by Sorensen but then the Stoke keeper promptly dropped the ball and had to boot the ball away to prevent anyone reaching it before him. Just a minute later, Burnley had a free kick 30 yards from goal after Faye brought down McCann. McCann himself stepped up to take the free kick, and he blasted it towards goal. The ball swerved in the air and went inches over the bar as Burnley looked to have taken early control. Stoke turned the tide on 13 minutes though, as Liam Lawrence received an excellent pass from Faye deep in the Burnley box. The midfielder went for goal from a tight angle but the ball sailed across goal and out for a goal kick, not testing Jensen. Moments later, though, Jensen was tested. Jiri Jarosik, with 2 goals to his name already this season for Stoke, hit a strong left foot shot from outside the box but Jensen moved well to hold the ball. The rain swirled around the ground as the wind picked up. Burnley and Stoke fans continued to sing as the atmosphere rose with each passing moment. It was opening up to an interesting game. Tony Pulis and Owen Coyle, both in tracksuits, braved the weather and stood on the edge of their technical boxes barking directions. On 24 minutes, Sidibe tried his luck from the edge of the box but the ball flew over the bar, with the Stoke striker falling on his backside and getting quite muddy. A minute later there was a moment of superb defending as Miller broke free in the box for Burnley, but a brilliant last ditch tackle from Dickinson denied him a chance of shooting on goal. 5 minutes later, Burnley got a corner on the left. Whittingham whipped it in near post with Robertson reaching for the ball. Faye got there ahead of him but could only deflect the ball away from Robertson, but the Burnley midfielder regained composure and lashed at goal from 12 yards. The ball smashed off the left hand post, came out, hit the diving figure of Sorensen in the back and flew into the back of the net to send Burnley in front in bizarre circumstances. The team did a collective sliding on knees celebration as Coyle punched the air in delight. Rotten luck for Stoke. Straight from kick-off, Burnley won the ball back and surged forward. McDonald unleashed a shot from 30 yards which Sorensen watched carefully before tipping the ball over the bar to deny Burnley a quick-fire second. 5 minutes later, Jensen gathered the ball from a Pugh free kick and then had to be on hand to deal with a Lawrence corner. Soon after, he was again called into action and made a great save as Beattie received the ball from Jarosik on the edge of the box. No one expected the Stoke striker to shoot first time but he did on the volley, and Jensen had to react very quickly to acrobatically tip the ball over the bar. The game was open and good to watch. Stoke were passing well and seemed to have a bit more conviction following Burnley’s goal. On 38 minutes, Pugh tried an effort from the edge of the Burnley box but Jensen got down well to save the ball as it skidded off the surface. Burnley then changed to a more conservative style as the half drew to a close. There was still one late chance for Stoke as Beattie again tried a volley from just outside the box. Again Jensen was on hand to tip the ball over the bar. The half ended with cheers around Turf Moor as the soaking wet players trudged off the pitch. Stoke had been the better side but Burnley had had the luck so far. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 22, 2009 Author Share Posted June 22, 2009 Pitch staff worked feverously over half time to try and drain some of the rain from the pitch, but it was slowly becoming waterlogged. Fans moved toward the back of the stands to stay out of the wet and wind while Richard Keys and Jamie Redknapp sat contently in their box analysing the first half’s action. The players slowly splashed out onto the pitch for the second half and took their places, as did the fans, and the noise rose once again as Stoke kicked off the second half. They kicked off in the ascendancy as well, as just 4 minutes into the second period they created a good chance as Jarosik sent a 35-yard crashing drive inches over the bar and into the Stoke crowd behind the goal. Both sides tried to keep the ball down and play slick passing but the pitch was taking control. The ball splashed around as the players slowly began losing their footing more and every footstep was met with a spray of water. The wind slowly died down though, which slightly helped the direct style of play. It took until the hour for the next meaningful chance as Liam Lawrence’s low drive inside the box was well held by Jensen. Stoke’s first half control had certainly died away in this half with both sides struggling for grasp of the game and it started to look ugly. Coyle and Pulis had both resorted to the dugout. 10 minutes after Lawrence’s chance, Stoke came forward again. Pugh was fed down the left and his deep cross found Beattie on the edge of the box but for the third time today he lashed his first time effort over the bar. Moments later, Jarosik tried again from distance…this time it was on target but Jensen got behind it and held the ball well. Stoke and Burnley made double substations on 72 minutes. Tonge and Kitson replaced Faye and Beattie for Stoke, and Stern John and Robbie Blake came on for debutants Miller and Gow for Burnley. 5 minutes later, a lofted ball into the box came to Sidibe who should have done better from 10 yards out but instead lashed his effort wide. Soon after, a superb challenge by Riggott dispossessed Kitson, who was fuming a penalty wasn’t given, but it did seem like the wet surface played it’s part more than Riggott did in Kitson’s fall. With 10 minutes left, Burnley’s Berisha came on for goalscorer Robertson. Burnley sat deep to prevent Stoke getting any chances and their long balls were easy for Burnley to soak up as the game drew to a close. Pulis was on the edge of his technical area for the rest of normal time. 3 additional minutes were added, as the game drew to a close. Stoke threw everyone forward in a desperate attempt to grab what would have been a deserved draw, but Burnley held out and recorded their second win of the campaign. Burnley 1 – 0 Stoke City Sorensen OG 29’ Coyle: “It’s our second win and we’re relieved to have got it. Very ugly conditions today and I don’t think we played particularly well but we still got the win so I think that shows our strength. The debutants did quite well I thought, especially Riggott who was very good I think. We have a two week break now which is great and we need to get ready for Man Utd.” Pulis: “We were unlucky really. We had some good chances but didn’t put them away but that’s football. We conceded the softest of goals and that’s done us today which is a big shame but we move along. I’m not concerned we’ve had three straight defeats as I think we’ve played OK overall but we just need a bit of luck.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 22, 2009 Author Share Posted June 22, 2009 3pm Sunderland v Aston Villa Dave Jones would be looking for his first win of the season as Sunderland manager with a tricky home tie to Aston Villa. Teams Sunderland (4-4-2) Gordon, Halford, Nosworthy, McShane, McCartney, Malbranque, Leadbitter, Whitehead, Richardson, Chopra, Jones. Subs: Fulop, Healy, De Mul, Collins, Murphy, Tainio, Bardsley. Aston Villa (4-5-1) Friedel, Luke Young, Cuellar, Davies, Shorey, Agbonlahor, Sidwell, Petrov, Barry, Ashley Young, Carew. Subs: Guzan, Gudjohnsen, Milner, Harewood, Bouma, Gardner, Reo-Coker. Aston Villa kicked off the game at the Stadium of Light, which was almost full. It was dry in Sunderland and the expectation was high as the Black Cats looked to get their first win of the campaign. An early chance was created and it went Sunderland’s way. Jones’ superb ball found Malbranque in space down the right and the Frenchman surged into the box and was one-on-one with Friedel, but the American keeper did well to get down and push the shot away. 4 minutes later Sunderland had another chance. A free kick was given on the left hand side, which Richardson stepped up to take. He delivered the free kick to just inside the 6-yard box where Kenwyne Jones waited and the big striker met the ball with his head and directed it past Friedel at the near post to give Sunderland the lead. The sound of chairs smacking back rests was deafening as Sunderland fans went mad with joy. Villa controlled possession soon after and tried to play their way through the Sunderland midfield but despite the extra man they couldn’t keep the ball. Carew hardly moved and was left isolated up front. Villa’s lack of penetration was ended on 18 minutes though when Carew dragged just wide from close range. Soon after, Villa got a corner on the right hand side. Young whipped it in toward the back post and Curtis Davies rose brilliantly to head back across goal and into the far corner to bring Villa level at the Stadium of Light on 20 minutes. Shorey picked up a knock shortly after and was replaced by Bouma, then got injured himself soon after. Late in the half, Davies’ excellent intervention denied Chopra a goalscoring opportunity. Right on half time, we had a leading team. Malbranque received the ball on the left and surged into the box. His shot was partially blocked by Luke Young but the ball fell to the on-rushing Leadbitter who tucked the ball home from 12 yards in at Friedel’s near post to give Sunderland the advantage at half time. Milner replaced Sidwell at half time for Villa who looked to come out for the second half with the intention of grabbing an early goal. A massively uneventful opening 15 minutes of the first half as Sunderland stifled Villa’s midfield and made it difficult for them to play. On 67 minutes Kieron Richardson unleashed a shot from the edge of the box but Friedel saved easily. Richardson tried again shortly after but his banana shot from 30 yards went high and wide. Villa, at this point, didn’t seem to have any answer to Sunderland’s firm defence. In an attempt to try and get back Gudjohnsen came on for Carew for Villa, while Collins came on for Nosworthy for Sunderland. As we came toward the end of normal time, Jones came close for Sunderland as his dinked effort from just outside the box whisked just over the bar. Villa threw everyone forward in added time and were lucky not to concede a second though deep into it. Davies misjudged a lofted ball for Jones and the striker was in on goal, but from a tight angle Friedel managed to turn the ball around the post and out for a corner. The final whistle went soon after with relief around the stadium as Sunderland recorded their first points of the season. Villa were very much below par. Sunderland 2 – 1 Aston Villa Jones 8’ Leadbitter 45’ Davies 20’ Jones: “It’s the relief more than anything to have got the first win so hopefully we can push on from here. We played well and could have had more and I thought the midfield was excellent today considering what they were up against. It’s a shame we now have a two week break and can’t really go into stride but I think the team is collectively much happier now.” O’Neill: “It’s a shame that we didn’t step up to the plate today. We have some good quality in this side but we couldn’t unlock their defence so it has to be looked at as a poor performance. I think defensively we were quite suspect too as the first goal Jones has too much space and the second one no one tracks Leadbitter so it’s a shame our lack of concentration has denied us something today.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 Monday, 1st September. One bit of transfer news on the final day of the window as Elliot Omozusi departed Fulham for Middlesbrough in a 975k deal. Also there was the final game of the weekend’s action with Everton facing Manchester United. 7:45pm Everton v Manchester United Both sides emerged at Goodison Park with back-to-back wins to their names. The game was expected to go the way of the Champions Teams Everton (4-4-1-1) Howard, Phil Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Pienaar, Fellaini, Osman, Baines, Cahill, Yakubu. Subs: Nash, Gosling, van der Meyde, Saha, Hibbert, Kissock, Rodwell. Man Utd (4-4-2) Van der Sar, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park, Scholes, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov. Subs: Kuszczak, Campbell, Carrick, Brown, Welbeck, Hargreaves, Evans. Manchester United kicked off the game on a dry cool evening on Merseyside. Everton were first to test their opponents’ goal. Yakubu received the ball from Cahill just inside the United box and his turn and shot was well parried by van der Sar. Yakubu tried again a few minutes later but his long range shot was tipped over the bar by the keeper. United finally threatened on 7 minutes as Fletcher’s free kick went narrowly over the bar before another fluent Everton move again found Yakubu in the penalty area but again van der Sar was on hand to produce a good save to keep Everton at bay. Everton’s dominance died down soon after as United gained control. Then, on 17 minutes, Man United got a corner on the right side. Park whipped it in toward the back post, and Vidic steamed forward to power a header past Howard and into the back of the Everton net to give United the lead. The Everton defence was at a standstill as Vidic powered home. Man United gained full control after that goal with 2 good chances. First on 35 minutes, Park hit a decent effort into the arms of Howard before Rooney’s effort from the edge of the box was parried away by the Everton keeper. Shortly after, Everton came forward again but Pienaar’s drive from distance was easily held by van der Sar. The half slowly drew to a close with United keeping possession well and Everton chasing shadows for the most part and they were thankful when the referee blew for half time. It took 5 second half minutes for the first chance to come, as Park hit a free kick from 24 yards over the Everton bar. 10 minutes later, van der Sar was called into action again as Cahill also tried his luck from a free kick but the Dutch keeper did well to tip the ball over the bar. Everton felt comfortably coming past the hour mark and seemed to sense an opportunity. On 65 minutes, Cahill unleashed a rocket from 30 yards which went inches past van der Sar’s left post before Manchester United grabbed their second goal. Patient build-up from United eventually saw the ball find Park on the right hand side. He surged to the byline and crossed to the back post where Ronaldo leaped and headed into a gaping Everton goal to seemingly put the game beyond doubt. Everton didn’t let up, though, and shortly after the goal had 2 good chances. First, Yakubu’s low drive from the edge of the box had to be held well by van der Sar, before substitute Gosling met Baines’ deep free kick at the back post but couldn’t get his header on target. As the final 10 minutes came around, Yakubu was again well denied by van der Sar when the Nigerian got beyond Vidic in the box and soon after Fellaini directed a header wide. United sat deep and played cautiously to hold out in the remaining minutes. Everton kept up the pressure as Cahill struck a free kick narrowly wide, but their attempts to create more chances failed as Manchester United sat out the remaining minutes comfortably to record a respectable win. Everton 0 – 2 Manchester United Vidic 17’ Ronaldo 70’ Moyes: “We more than matched them today and I’m happy with the shift we put in. Yakubu’s had a few chances and he’s started the season well so you’d expect him to put at least one of them away but van der Sar was very good in goal as well. We’ve made an encouraging start, we’re playing well and looking effective so hopefully we can keep it going.” Ferguson: “It’s a sign of champions when you don’t play so well but you still can win, especially at a place like Everton. I thought we put in a good shift but were a tad fortunate our goalkeeper was in good form today as it could have ended differently. We have a two week break now to re-charge our batteries and hopefully keep this good start going.” The third weekend’s action was done and out the way with no surprising results particularly but the table did make for slightly interesting reading. Wigan Athletic 0 – 1 Bolton Wanderers Arsenal 0 – 0 Portsmouth Birmingham City 0 – 3 Liverpool Fulham 3 – 1 Hull City Manchester City 2 – 0 Blackburn Rovers Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 – 4 Chelsea West Ham United 0 – 0 Tottenham Hotspur Burnley 1 – 0 Stoke City Sunderland 2 – 1 Aston Villa Everton 0 – 2 Manchester United Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 Tuesday, 2nd September. The table at the end of August’s action looked like this: | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Chelsea | | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | +8 | 9 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Man City | | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | +7 | 9 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Man Utd | | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 9 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Everton | | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Fulham | | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Bolton | | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Burnley | | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Aston Villa | | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 4 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Portsmouth | | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Liverpool | | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 3 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Tottenham | | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Blackburn | | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Sunderland | | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 3 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Birmingham | | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Hull | | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | -5 | 3 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Arsenal | | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 2 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | West Ham | | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 2 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Wigan | | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Stoke | | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Wolves | | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | -8 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| Chelsea, Man City and Manchester United had started off strongest with a 100% record. Fulham and Burnley had also made encouraging starts. Arsenal had struggled to start the season and Wolves and Stoke were the only two sides without a point thus far. Awards for the first month of the season went as follows: Young Player of the Month: Fabrice Muamba – Bolton Wanderers Player of the Month: John Terry – Chelsea Manager of the Month: Mark Hughes – Manchester City Goal of the Month: Johan Elmander – Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal Wednesday, 3rd September. Only news today was that the England under 19’s had smashed Andorra 6-0 in a friendly match. The scorers included Everton’s Dan Gosling and Andy Carroll who got a hat trick. Thursday, 4th September. Rather surprising news was making it’s way out of the south coast as Israeli businessman Matan Ohana made his interest in Portsmouth public. Ohana: “I have been talking with the respective parties and if a buyout fee can be agreed then I will make sure Portsmouth has everything it needs for the future including a big transfer budget.” Friday, 5th September. England U21’s could only manage a draw with the Republic of Ireland U21’s. The score ended 2-2 with Blackburn’s Keith Treacy, Everton’s Jack Rodwell, and Manchester United’s Fraizer Campbell on the scoresheet. Saturday, 6th September. England beat Andorra 3-0 in the World Cup Qualifying game in Barcelona. Rooney, Ashley Young, and Joe Cole with first half goals sealing England’s win. Monday, 8th September. No news on the Sunday, but on Monday England U19’s lost 2-0 in Croatia. News also crept through the wires that Gareth Barry was very close to moving to Manchester City on the final day of the transfer window but for unknown reasons the deal fell through. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 Tuesday, 9th September. England U21’s smashed Kazakhstan 5-1 at the Bescott Stadium in Walsall. Milner, Agbonlahor, Huddlestone, and Campbell on the scoresheet for England. Reports were suggesting Liverpool could be the target of a possible takeover by Ben Downes. Wednesday, 10th September. In the World Cup Qualifiers England were beaten 2-0 by Croatia in Zagreb leaving England 4th in the group. Arsenal’s Eduardo was on the scoresheet for Croatia. Teams had been hit by injuries since the last weekend of Premiership action and today Man City were to be dealt a blow with Vagner Love sustaining a fractured wrist keeping him out for up to 6 weeks. Thursday, 11th September. Jason Roberts received a knock in training for Blackburn and will miss the weekend’s action, with people chomping at the bit to see domestic football return. Friday, 12th September. Today saw the team news for the coming weekend’s games and the manager’s comments on their current progress and what lies ahead. Aston Villa v Everton (Sunday) Villa are missing 2 goalkeepers as Guzan (thigh) and Taylor (ankle) are nursing injuries. For Everton, Howard (dead leg) may return but Leon Osman is out with a hamstring injury. Mikel Arteta returns and is match fit. O’Neill: “They say never look early on at the table but sometimes you can’t help yourself. We’ve one win, one loss, and one draw, which is a decent start but the loss came against Sunderland a fortnight ago in a very poor display. I want us to put that right on Sunday. We know what Everton can offer they have started the season well and are playing well so we need to be back to our best.” Moyes: “I expect Tim (Howard) to be back and fit for Sunday, also Mikel (Arteta) will be back which will help us. We have started well and we want to keep that going and I think on Sunday if we play the way we did against Man United we have an excellent chance of a result but we need to put our chances away in order to get something.” -------------- Blackburn Rovers v Birmingham City Blackburn have a number of absentees for the visit of Birmingham on Saturday. Grella (head) and Roberts (toe) miss out and Santa Cruz (broken arm) remains out with Ryan Nelsen a doubt with a facial injury. Paul Robinson returns from suspension. For Birmingham, Murphy (hamstring) is a fresh injury worry. Queudrue (ankle) remains out and Fahey (hip) is doubtful. Pearce looks set to return. Allardyce: “We do have a number of players missing again but it’s about sucking it up and getting on with it. We still have good players who can do the business but we do need to be at our best as Birmingham look a decent outfit so far. We need to be careful and play a methodical game in order for us to get a win I think.” McLeish: “We’re 14th now after three games and if you offered me that at the end of the season I think I would take it. Everyone can see this will be an interesting campaign, lots of improved teams and some surprising starts so it should make for a good season. With regards to tomorrow we have a good chance with them missing a few players but we need to be at our best to take advantage.” -------------- Bolton Wanderers v West Ham United For Bolton, centre back Dorin Goian is the only absence with a hamstring injury. West Ham are without Jack Collison who is suffering from food poisoning. Molinaro (knee) and Cole (also knee) are doubts. Ilunga returns from suspension. Megson: “We’ve won two on the bounce and we want to make it three tomorrow. We beat Arsenal and then Wigan away so it’s two very tough games that we’ve come out on top in. We have good work ethic in this team predominantly but our quality is also here and I think we will have too much for them tomorrow and win.” Zola: “No of course I’m not happy with our start, but you need to look at our team. I hate to say it but it’s not that great and to get two points off Spurs and Villa we have to say those are decent results and that’s where the contrast comes in, to be happy with those results but be in a poor position. It’s too early to judge, but I want us to grab a win soon, tomorrow would be ideal but it will be very tough.” -------------- Chelsea v Sunderland John Terry is the only doubt for Chelsea with a groin strain, otherwise Chelsea are at full strength with Ricardo Carvalho returning from suspension. Sunderland are missing Healy (gashed leg), Barragan (hamstring), and Halford (suspended). Ferdinand returns though along with Torres. Van Basten: “We have made the perfect start and I expect that to continue tomorrow. I know what Sunderland have to offer but we will over power them and get a good win I think. I’m not the arrogant type, I’m more confident than anything and I expect the players to go out there and give 100% as that is the only way a team can win.” Jones: “That win against Villa has lifted our spirits no end. We have belief we can cause a surprise tomorrow if we play it right and defend well, which we did last time. We have two important players in Ferdinand and Torres returning which helps us as well. The trick is not to be phased and try to take them by surprise. I must admit we may not have been prepared for this game if we didn’t beat Villa last time.” -------------- Hull City v Arsenal Cousin (foot) misses out for Hull with defender Zayatte (knee) a doubt but Fagan and Boateng return. Arsenal are on the mend with Arshavin and Bendtner in line to return to action but Gallas (ribs) and Walcott (cruciates) remain out. Brown: “We have the hardest start possible but people won’t look at our fixtures, they will just say ‘well Hull are near the bottom’. There is no pressure on us at this early stage, we want to get through this tough run of games and then start our season so in a way we’re thankful we have these tough games now to get them done and out the way. That is not to say we fear the opposition, we don’t, but we know it won’t be easy at all.” Wenger: “It’s a poor start but we’ve had a few players missing. Tomorrow we have Arshavin back which is great and Bendtner can offer something different so I think we have a good chance to get back on track. Hull have had a difficult start with the teams they have played but they will be prepared for us so we need to take our chances when we get them.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 Liverpool v Fulham Cavalieri remains the only casualty for Liverpool with a hip injury. For Fulham, Baird (knee) and Andreasen (back) are out with Zamora remaining a doubt. Benitez: “We want to push on and get on with the season. I don’t like these fortnight breaks at the start of the season, you get into your stride then suddenly there’s a break. We beat Birmingham and we’re on a high from that and are determined to keep that going tomorrow but Fulham have started strongly so we can’t afford any complacency.” Hodgson: “When you get off to a good start you believe in yourself and those around you. There is an excellent team spirit here and we have the belief we can take anyone on so tomorrow is an ideal test for us. I know Rafa Benitez well and he will have his players ready for tomorrow already. He will have studied us and our way of playing so we may need a surprise or two up our sleeves.” -------------- Manchester United v Burnley Gary Neville has a groin strain and misses out but Foster and Tevez return for Manchester United. Burnley are only missing Chris Eagles (suspended) for the short trip to Manchester. Ferguson: “It’s a results business and we can do that in whatever way we want. We were poor last time out but still grabbed a good win and that’s a sign of champions. We have the quality all over the pitch and when players like Vidic score and Ronaldo scores with a header you know what you have on your hands. I think we will win well tomorrow, we are very strong and I think Burnley are still finding their feet.” Coyle: “Very tough test for us but this is what everyone lives for, to play the biggest and best teams. A lot of people just want the game done and out the way but not me, I can’t wait. It will be a great game with some great football and hopefully we can cause a surprise or two.” -------------- Portsmouth v Wigan Athletic (Sunday) Utaka (knee) misses out with Johnson (arm) and Kaboul (ill) doubtful for Portsmouth. For Wigan, Kapo remains out with a dislocated shoulder but De Ridder returns. Hart: “The takeover talk doesn’t faze me to be honest, if it happens it happens. I have a job to do here and I want to remain in the job for as long as I can so that even if new owners did come in I would have a chance to stay here. As a club we want to progress, this season we feel that is possible, and we’ve made a decent start so we need to build on that.” Bruce: “The Bolton game still sticks in the throat a bit to be honest. It was an ugly game and we didn’t play well and it’s those types of games I’m tired of being associated with. We had some quality players who have now jumped ship, that’s when we had some good football to play but we’ve got to deal with what we’ve got. It will be tough to achieve goals, but what else can you do?” -------------- Stoke City v Manchester City Stoke have a number of absences for their game this Saturday. Tom Soares is suspended, Jarosik has a thigh strain, Abdoulaye Faye remains out with a facial injury, and Whelan remains out as well with an ankle injury. Fuller returns for the Potters. For Man City, Given (groin), Fernandes (thigh strain), and Vagner Love (wrist) are fresh injury worries. Hamann remains out with a spine injury but Kompany is set to return. Pulis: “Having absences is such a pain for a manager. You set your team out how you want and then two of them get injured in quick succession, it’s typical really. Jarosik has been a great player for us so far so to lose him is a big blow and having two experienced players in Faye in Whelan absent is a shame.” Hughes: “The test now for us now is how do we deal with having key players out. Given and Vagner Love have been great for us so with them gone it’s a chance for others to step up and show what they have to offer, which in a way is a good thing. I know Stoke are a tough outfit to play against but I think we will be able to get a win with our quality alone.” -------------- Tottenham Hotspur v Wolverhampton Wanderers Spurs are without wingers Bentley (back) and dos Santos (thigh) for the home game against Wolves. Modric could return but Corluka and Keane are available. For Wolves, Matt Jarvis is the only doubt with food poisoning. Redknapp: “We have a few players back but we’re also missing some too so it’s disappointing I can’t have a selection headache for this game! We know Wolves have made a poor start but we can’t be complacent, we need to make sure we do the job tomorrow and I think with our quality we can triumph.” McCarthy: “We’ve had two weeks to get our heads together and think what to do. The coaching staff and myself have tried a few things and we want to put them into practice tomorrow, as we need to turn our fortunes around. We’ve not had the easiest start, but we’re not stamping any authority on any of the games so we need to change that.” -------------- NOTE - sorry for the delay in next update, I haven't abandoned the story I'm just away from my PC at the moment! Next update on Tuesday. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 8, 2009 Author Share Posted July 8, 2009 Saturday, 13th September. The 4th weekend of action was about to begin, with Bolton and West Ham going head-to-head at the Reebok Stadium to start the weekend off. 12:45pm Bolton Wanderers v West Ham United Bolton would be looking to continue their good start to the season with West Ham hoping to get a run going. Teams Bolton (4-5-1) Jaaskelainen, Joey O’Brien, Cahill, Andy O’Brien, Samuel, Davies, Muamba, McCann, Fernandes, Mota, Elmander. Subs: Al Habsi, Gardner, Riga, Larsson, Hunt, Taylor, Obadeyi. West Ham (4-4-2) Green, Neill, Davenport, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Dyer, Guana, Behrami, Ashton, Tristan. Subs: Walker, Gabbidon, Collins, Parker, Lopez, Spector, Tomkins. -------------- A dry day in the northwest with Bolton expected to take the game but West Ham looked confident during the warm-up. Both sides engaged in a huddle before kick-off. West Ham appeared to be the more inspired side as they started off on the front foot. Early pressure ended with them getting a free kick just outside the Bolton penalty area, but Guana’s effort sailed just over. West Ham kept the pressure up and two Dean Ashton chances within a minute should have had them ahead. First, he found space in the box but fired high and wide before Jasskelainen denied him from the edge of the box, holding onto the ball well. It took until 26 minutes for Bolton to test the West Ham goal, with Muamba driving a shot from distance that went narrowly wide of the right-hand post. Shortly after, though, West Ham had the lead. A long ball into the Bolton box was won by Muamba, but Tristan had been denied a chance to win the ball by Andy O’Brien, who tripped him in an attempt to get to it. Referee Stuart Attwell had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Dean Ashton, who made no mistake tucking the ball into the bottom left corner to give the Hammers a deserved lead. Bolton rallied and had two decent chances before the half ended. A Fernandes free kick was met at the back post by Cahill but Green parried well to deny him before another Fernandes free kick was met by Davies, but he couldn’t keep his header down. Going in at half time West Ham had a deserved lead and were defending well. Bolton were looking somewhat one-dimensional and would need inspiration for their second half display. West Ham started the second half sitting deep and isolating Elmander. Mota and Davies were unable to beat West Ham’s fullbacks and it was proving to be a largely uneventful second half, so much so that the first chance had to wait until the 62nd minute. Joey O’Brien’s deep cross from the right found Elmander in space in the penalty area, but the striker’s turn and shot was well tipped over by Green. Shortly after, Elmander tried again, but his banana shot from outside the box went harmlessly over. On 65 minutes Cahill headed narrowly wide from a Fernandes free kick with West Ham looking comfortable. Bolton were looking frustrated though and made a few changes coming into the final 15 minutes in a desperate attempt to get something. Ricardo Fernandes had without doubt the best chance of the game going into the final 10 minutes. Substitute Henrik Larsson fed him in the penalty area but the midfielder rushed his effort and from 14 yards poked the ball wide when it looked easier to score. 3 minutes of additional time were added, as Bolton looked tired and lacking ideas. West Ham looked like winners and were fighting for every ball. One would have considered it harsh on West Ham for Bolton to nick a draw, and you would be right in assuming the Gods weren’t looking down on them in injury time. Samuel was far forward and he fed Larsson on the edge of the box. The Swede turned Davenport with ease and was in on goal. Green had emerged from his goal line, but in vain, as Larsson tucked the ball past him and into the back of the net from 12 yards to grab a point for Bolton and send the fans barmy. A lucky point for Bolton who looked a shadow of their former selves, West Ham were again involved in late match drama. Bolton Wanderers 1 – 1 West Ham United Larsson 90+3’ Ashton (pen) 34’ Megson: “We’ve not played well today so we should be thankful Henrik (Larsson) was able to role back the years with some sublime work. I think we looked a tad cocky out there and struggled to ever get a grip on the game. West Ham played well though and will no doubt feel hard done by but that’s football.” Zola: “It’s painful to take because we looked like we had the win in the bag, but you lapse in concentration for a second and you get punished. Looking at it with good perspective it’s a good point to get as Bolton have done well this season, but we were thirty seconds from three points and that is very hard to take.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 8, 2009 Author Share Posted July 8, 2009 3pm Chelsea v Sunderland Chelsea would be looking to maintain their 100% record at the expense of Sunderland, who grabbed their first win of the season against Villa last time out. Teams Chelsea (4-4-2) Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Alex, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Drogba, Shevchenko. Subs: Hilario, Anelka, Brighi, Belletti, Kalou, Mikel, Ivanovic. Sunderland (4-4-2) Gordon, Bardsley, Ferdinand, McShane, McCartney, Whitehead, Leadbitter, Malbranque, Reid, Chopra, Jones. Subs: Fulop, Nosworthy, Torres, Richardson, Murphy, Collins, M’Voto. -------------- The game at Stamford Bridge got underway slightly late with Sunderland’s team bus being delayed, and their start to the game seemed delayed as well as Chelsea took the initiative. Shevchenko received the ball just outside the box and his turn and effort was well saved by Gordon, before Essien’s cross from the edge of the box found Shevchenko again, and the Ukrainian striker’s first time effort blasted into the top right hand corner leaving Gordon no chance. Chelsea kept up their dominance, with Drogba having a header cleared off the line from a Malouda corner, Shevchenko denied form close range by Gordon, and then Shevchenko again coming close but lashing over from close range. All of this after just 11 minutes of the game. They were rewarded again for their dominance on 13 minutes. Malouda’s superb run down the left ended with a cross deep into the Sunderland box. Drogba arrived at the back post to nod the ball beyond Gordon and into the back of the net to seemingly put the game out of reach of Sunderland, who had hardly touched the ball. A superb run from Drogba ended with a through ball for Shevchenko on 19 minutes but Gordon did superbly to get down and tip the ball away. Moments later Kenwyne Jones turned Carvalho and fired at goal, but his shot went high and wide for Sunderland’s first effort. Sunderland played like they were holding on for a win for the rest of the half, sitting very deep and defending as best they could to ride out the half just 2 goals down, which they did. A surprise for the second half as Shevchenko was replaced by Anelka. Shevchenko wasn’t injured and was playing effectively, which left many confused. Kalou also replaced Malouda. It took 5 minutes for Chelsea to re-ignite their dominance as Joe Cole got free in the box but somehow flashed his shot wide from 8 yards. Moments later though, he did what he should have done. Essien played the ball to the feet of Anelka on the edge of the box and the Frenchman turned and flicked the ball on for Cole. He made his way toward the six yard box and tucked the ball past Gordon at his near post to seemingly seal victory for Chelsea. Sunderland switched to 5 at the back to try and save face, but Chelsea kept up their control. On 62 minutes Drogba received the ball from Essien in the box but his super finish was ruled out for offside. Moments later, Andy Reid took a free kick for Sunderland 20 yards out and the ball came off the right hand post and out for a goal kick. Jones then tried to lob the on-rushing Cech but he had too much power in the shot and the ball went over as Sunderland tried to surprise Chelsea. 73 minutes in Essien fed Drogba on the edge of the box and the Ivorian turned and surged into the box, but Gordon produced a superb save to deny him a 2nd goal. Moments later, Sunderland had salt rubbed into their wounds, as Ashley Cole was hacked down late by Kenwyne Jones and referee Mike Dean had no hesitation sending the striker off. 2 minutes later Kalou won the ball in the air in the box but Gordon parried the ball away as Sunderland continued to look completely out of their depth. Reid and Leadbitter were booked late on for Sunderland as the game came to an end, with Chelsea winning comfortably and maintaining their 100% record. Chelsea 3 – 0 Sunderland Shevchenko 2’ Drogba 13’ Joe Cole 54’ Van Basten: “Shevchenko is integral to my plans this season and you saw today how well he played. I don’t want to discuss why he came off I just chose to make a change at half time, that is all it is. He is not unhappy at the change, he is a professional and he is pleased we won today. That is all I want to say.” Jones: “It seems we’re lacking any presence away from home. We have no players who can get a grip of a match and keep hold of the ball and if you don’t have that you’re asking for it, especially against Chelsea. I’m still not concerned, it’s still early days and we’re not trying for a mammoth achievement this season so we keep going.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 3pm Hull City v Arsenal Hull were not the favourites going into this game against Arsenal, but the Londoner's team sheet was a surprise to all. A number of key players were absent, with numerous youngsters drafted in. The reasoning wasn't clear, but Matt Le Tissier who was on Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports echoed the majority feeling; “Wenger's either very clever or very stupid. He's got a Champions League tie during the week perhaps that is why he has rested players but I can't see how this team he's put out will beat Hull now.” Teams Hull (4-4-2) Myhill, Mendy, Turner, Gardner, Dawson, Bullard, Boateng, Pratley, Kilbane, Fagan, Palermo. Subs: Warner, Mouyokolo, Ricketts, Giovanni, Folan, Doyle, Halmosi. Arsenal (4-4-2) Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Pedro, Barazite, Randall, Denilson, Traore, Eduardo, Vela. Subs: Fabianski, Bendtner, Simpson, Nasri, Song, Murphy, Sunu. -------------- With the teamsheets announced, Hull fans increased the volume and Arsenal fans were quieter. The game started out evenly with both sides feeling each other out, before Denilson's long range effort on 12 minutes had to be pushed away by Myhill. Shortly after it was Hull's turn to test a goalkeeper, as Boateng's through ball found Palermo in the penalty area, but Almunia did superbly to smother his shot. The Arsenal youngsters were playing OK but still looked slightly fazed, but they were keeping Hull at bay for now and managed to create the next chance on 22 minutes as Barazite came forward but Myhill was behind his long range effort all the way. Hull suddenly burst into life on 24 minutes as they launched a counter attack. Fagan fed Kilbane down the left hand side and the Irish winger returned the pass to Fagan in the box. Running onto the ball, he stuck out a leg and slid the ball home from 14 yards to give Hull the lead. Arsenal were somewhat rocked and a few mistakes were popping up here and there. They were punished further for their errors on 35 minutes. Andy Dawson surged down the left hand side as his cross was met by Palermo at the near post but Almunia did well to parry the ball. Unfortunately, he could only parry it right back to Palermo's feet and he managed to tuck the ball home at the second attempt. A Toure header from a Denilson corner shortly afterwards went narrowly over, before Denilson hit a stinging effort that Myhill could only parry. Eduardo had a chance to score just before half time, but his header went high and wide from 8 yards. Hull were living the dream at half time and went in 2 to the good. All eyes were on Wenger and how he could change the game back in Arsenal's favour with those available to him. He made no changes at half time which surprised a fair few as the second half got under way. Hull sat deep to start with and this was frustrating Arsenal. Hull were closing down the younger players quicker now which forced them into errors as Eduardo fired over from just inside the box on 56 minutes. The errors continued to show and it looked like it had proved Arsenal's down fall on the hour. Craig Fagan looked to have beaten Pedro for pace but the young defender hauled down Fagan just inside the box in an attempt to stop him. No complaints from him or his Arsenal team mates as the referee pointed to the spot. Palermo stepped up to take the kick and made no mistake blasting past the stranded Almunia. Wenger then made changes as Song came on for Randall and Eduardo was replaced by Bendtner. Arsenal suddenly turned into a team possessed. Denilson fired narrowly over from 18 yards before they were right back in the game. Denilson fed Vela on the edge of the penalty area and the Mexican produced a moment of magic as, without breaking stride, he turned 90 degrees and sent a beautiful left footed 20 yard effort in the top right hand corner. The goal took all by surprise, due to it's timing and quality. Armand Traore's near post header on 74 minutes went into the side netting before Nasri replaced the troubled Pedro. Soon after, Denilson hit a long range effort just over the bar. It looked as though the game was going to Hull, until in the 89th minute when the game took another surprise turn. Barazite's surging run down the right ended with a deep cross to the near post. Substitute Bendtner rose highest to nod the ball toward the far corner, the ball bounced off the underside of the bar and into the net to silence the Hull fans and galvanise the Arsenal fans. Caleb Folan came on for Palermo with time ticking down in an attempt to time waste as Hull sat on their 18 yard line. Arsenal went 4-2-4 and were camped in the Hull half. In the 3 minutes of added time though, Arsenal could only muster a long range effort from Bendtner which went high and wide. With that, Hull had a win under their belts, their second of the season, and thousands of seething Arsenal fans left the KC Stadium with too many questions on their mind. Hull City 3 – 2 Arsenal Fagan 24' Palermo 35' pen 61' Vela 69' Bendtner 89' Brown: “Obviously the result is great and I'm very pleased. It was a weak team they put out but you can only beat what's put in front of you and come season end no one will remember who played just that Hull beat Arsenal. We defended very well for a change and looked dangerous when we came forward, we need to build on this now so it sets us up better for the rest of the campaign.” Wenger: “I picked the team I did because I thought it would win, simple as that. I don't need to answer why these players didn't play because that is not relevant, I have my reasons and they are my own. We were the better side despite losing, Hull were fortunate to win and my young players did well today, so I am comfortable despite the result.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenthreeleader Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I'm impressed by your match-writing skills, Thomaz. You're doing a great job! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 Cheers TTL! 3pm Liverpool v Fulham Liverpool, like Arsenal, rested a few experienced players in an attempt to seemingly aim for Champions League glory. Fulham would be looking to continue their encouraging start. Teams Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Mascherano, Alonso, Pennant, Voronin, Babel, Kuyt. Subs: Itandje, Lucas, Leto, N'Gog, Dossena, Benayoun, Riera. Fulham (4-4-2) Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Edman, Davies, Teymourian, Dempsey, Konchesky, Owen, Johnson. Subs: Stockdale, Stoor, Kallio, Murphy, Nevland, Smalling, Volz. -------------- Owen received a good response from the Liverpool fans as Liverpool kicked off the game at Anfield and were not holding back as they forced Teymourian and Edman into early knocks. Fulham started comfortably and were dealing with Liverpool quite well, whose long balls were proving ineffective thus far. It was 23 minutes in when the first chance came. Davies' cross evaded everyone but found Konchesky on the far side. The winger put a low cross into the 6-yard box and Skrtel's attempts to get in the way of the ball had the Kop with their hearts in their mouths as it bounced off him and Reina had to divert the ball around the post to keep Fulham at bay. It was 5 minutes later when Fulham tested Liverpool again. Dempsey's ball into the box from the edge of the area found the feet of Michael Owen with back to goal. The ex Liverpool striker turned and shot at goal but Reina did superbly well to push the ball around the post again. On 38 minutes Liverpool punished Fulham for missing those chances. Aurelio picked up the ball on the left-hand side and his immaculate deep cross found Mascherano at the back post and the Argentine made no mistake tapping home from 8 yards. Directly from the kick off Fulham surged forward but Johnson's effort from outside the box sailed harmlessly over the Liverpool crossbar. 2 good chances in a minute soon followed as Fulham and Liverpool both went close. First, Owen again received the ball in the box but his turn and shot was again well saved by Reina. Liverpool broke from the resulting corner and Dirk Kuyt fired hopelessly wide when free in the box. Half time came around and with Fulham having been the better team there was muted happiness around Anfield, Liverpool emerged for the second half with Pennant having made way for N'Gog. Straight from kick off Liverpool came forward but Babel fired over from the edge of the box. 5 minutes later a superb ball from Mascherano found Babel free in the box but the Dutch striker's effort was superbly pushed away by Schwarzer. From the resulting corner, Carragher headed just wide. Lucas came for Alonso just after the hour mark and nearly scored within seconds of coming on as Kuyt's cross from the right found the Brazilian in the box, but despite beating Teymourian in the air he couldn't beat Schwarzer who pushed his header away. Moments later Fulham tried for the first time in the half to threaten the Liverpool goal, but Davies' long range shot went over the bar. As the final 20 minutes were entered Liverpool looked to put the game beyond doubt. Babel made an excellent run down the left which ended with him crossing near the byline toward N'Gog. The French striker's touch was poor and he should have hit it first time, fortunately his touch deceived Schwarzer and he was able to follow up and stroke the ball into the net to put Liverpool 2 to the good. Fulham looked to play defensive and seemingly play counter-attacking football, they nearly got a goal from it on 77 minutes but Dempsey's cross-cum-shot was pushed away by Reina. From the resulting clearance, Lucas tried his luck from the edge of the box but Schwarzer saved easily. Fulham made a few late changes to salvage something from the game but failed to create anything more meaningful as Liverpool ran out winners. Liverpool 2 – 0 Fulham Mascherano 38' N'Gog 72' Benitez: “We weren't great but we got the win so that's all that matters. I do have one eye on the Champions League game during the week that is why a few were rested and I'm very happy the players who filled in did well enough to get us a win. To be fair to Fulham they put up a good fight and created some good chances and the loss was somewhat harsh on them.” Hodgson: “We've had chances to get a few goals today and it's a shame we didn't get them. We conceded two rather soft goals but aside from that we were defensively sound. I see us improving all the time and as long as we keep performing well like we did today we can achieve something this season but we need to keep our key players fit and get a little bit of luck.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 3pm Manchester United v Burnley The odds were firmly stacked against Burnley who would be looking for a miracle result at Old Trafford. Teams Man Utd (4-4-2) van der Sar, O'Shea, Brown, Vidic, Evra, Park, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Tevez, Berbatov. Subs: Kuszczak, Campbell, Fletcher, Evans, Manucho, Hargreaves, Simpson. Burnley (3-5-2) Jensen, Caldwell, Riggot, Kilgallon, Elliot, McDonald, Thrilwell, McCann, Whittingham, Miller, Gow. Subs: Penny, Jordan, Kaivenes, Mahon, Blake, Alexander, Duff. -------------- No Rooney or Ferdinand in the United line-up as they kicked off the game at Old Traffford. Burnley's 3-5-2 was causing United problems. They seemed to have come out somewhat cocky and with the belief they could take the game easily, Burnley had other ideas. The back 3 were covering ground well and good support from Elliot and Whittingham who tracked back well made it difficult for United to properly test Burnley. As a result of the above, it took until the 21st minute for the first talking point as Tevez' cross from the left was met by Berbatov at the back post, but he could only nod it wide when it looked easier to hit the target. Moments later Gow got free in the United box but his flick on for Miller was superbly dealt with by Vidic. A lacklustre first half was drawing to a close Burnley continued to sit deep and frustrate Manchester United. Their long balls down the flanks were easily being dealt with and the forward men were not having the best of games. The half couldn't end soon enough for United who went in at half time booed by their fans. United made 2 changes at half time, with Fletcher coming on for Scholes and Hargreaves coming on for Carrick. The second half started in a much more positive way than the first 45. It was said a moment of pure inspiration would be the only thing to unlock either goal, we got that moment just 4 minutes into the 2nd period. Hargreaves fed Berbatov who was a 35 yards from goal. The Bulgarian turned on the spot and made 2 strides before unleashing a sublime curling right-footed effort into Jensen's top left hand corner to put United in front. Pure quality from Berbatov who may never score a goal like that again! Manchester United rallied and soon after Berbatov came close again as his one-on-one chance was brilliantly saved by Jensen. It was Berbatov again moments later, he dinked past Caldwell and was in on goal but dragged his shot narrowly wide. Paul Thirlwell then had a chance for Burnley a few minutes later, but his long range effort sailed high and wide. United's dominance persisted and on 68 minutes they seemed to have the game beyond doubt. Berbatov tried to feed Tevez in the box but Thirlwell hauled down the Argentine before he could reach the ball. Howard Webb pointed to the spot with full on protests from the Burnley players who felt it was a harsh decision. Up stepped Hargreaves to take the penalty, but the England midfielder hit it too close to Jensen and he saved it. Berbatov tried to follow up but was blatantly pulled down McDonald who had a fistful of his shirt. Another penalty! No protests this time from Burnley, as they watched Berbatov step up and dispatch the penalty with ease to double his and United's tally. Fraizer Campbell replaced Tevez directly after and nearly got a goal moments later when he tried his luck from the edge of the box but the ball skimmed the top of the bar and went over. Manchester United eased off after their second goal and looked content passing the ball around. They made the occasional break through but Burnley's defensive line was playing well and denied them. In added on time United's confidence entitled them to a 3rd goal. After Evra had dragged a shot wide, Campbell fed Fletcher just inside the box and his low drive bounced back off the post. They managed to get their 3rd in the final minute of injury time, as Park's superb run down the right ended with an excellent cross to the far post. Hargreaves waited, controlled the ball, and blasted a right-footed half volley into the back of the net from 13 yards to seal United's win. A deserved win for Manchester United but Burnley hadn't played too badly to warrant this scoreline. Manchester United 3 – 0 Burnley Berbatov 49' pen 68' Hargreaves 90+1' Ferguson: “After a poor first half it was important we found the space for the second period. They had nullified us well but we knew what to do for the second half and we played a lot better. Dimitar (Berbatov) was excellent today and it shows he can do the business for us when many had doubted him. He's determined to do well here and I'm delighted with the shift he put in today.” Coyle: “I thought we were very good in the first half, defended exceptionally and kept them at bay, also winning the midfield battle. They scored a blinder right at the start of the second half and heads dropped which is a shame. Two penalties conceded which both were probably rightly given so it's tough to take that two of their goals have been down to a bit of bad luck on our part but we're not sad today, we keep our chins up and move on.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 3pm Stoke City v Manchester City 2 sides with opposing records went head-to-head at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke looking for their first win of the season and Man City looking to maintain their great start. Teams Stoke (4-4-2) Sorensen, Valera, Wilkinson, Higginbotham, Griffin, Lawrence, Diao, Faye, Etherington, Sidibe, Kitson. Subs: Simonsen, Sonko, Davies, Pugh, Fuller, Dickinson, Shawcross. Man City (4-5-1) Hart, Srna, Coloccini, Richards, Bridge, Valencia, Ireland, Palombo, Fernandinho, Zhirkov, Robinho. Subs: Schmeichel, Jo, Wright-Phillips, Onuoha, Sturridge, Johnson, Dunne. -------------- A quite cool day in Stoke-on-Trent as Man City got the game underway at the Britannia. Man City took an early grasp on the game and Thomas Sorensen had to be awake to tip over Ireland's superb volley from just outside the box. Soon after, Richards was lucky to get away with just a yellow card as he took down Sidibe – Stoke felt he should have been off as he was the last man. Moments later City again tested the Stoke goal as Palombo drove a superb effort from the edge of the box that Sorensen did very well to tip round the post. City had applied the early pressure and were proving difficult handle, a point which was further proved in the 23rd minute. Stephen Ireland surged into the box and tried to cut the ball back toward Fernandinho, but the midfielder missed the ball due to the power on the pass by Ireland. Fortunately, Valencia was awake and managed to bury the ball at the back post with everyone standing still. His first goal in City colours. Stoke tried to react, and Micah Richards had to be awake to deny Sidibe a shot on goal in the 29th minute that Hart would not have been able to deal with. Shortly after, a corner by Srna was met by Valencia at the near post but his header flashed over the bar and across goal as City searched for a 2nd goal. Etherington and Robinho picked up knocks late in the half as City managed to ride out the remaining minutes to go in ahead at half time. No changes at half time for either side, but City took control again as Robinho teased the Stoke back line with his runs but no balls could find him. It was 10 minutes into the 2nd half when Stoke looked to have a good chance. Kitson was brought down by Coloccini just outside the box, and Diao stepped up to take the free kick but couldn't get it on target, hitting it narrowly wide. Moments later on the hour, Fernandinho beat Wilkinson the air and had it not been for the reactions of Sorensen City could have been 2 up, as he tipped the ball over the bar. Robinho headed just wide shortly after from a Zhirkov corner. Both sides looked to engage the game into entertain mode as City took off Fernandinho for Dunne and Stoke brough on Pugh for Etherington and Fuller for Kitson. Stoke's changes did them no favours though, as City pressed on. Srna played a long ball into the box for Palombo to get to but the midfielder was being clambered all over by Diao. It looked a harsh decision, but a penalty was awarded. Srna stepped up to take and made no mistake sending Sorensen the wrong way and seemingly wrap up victory for City. Stoke then brought on Griffin for Shawcross. The change seemed to make a difference as Stoke instantly came right back in the game, and in spectacular style. Sidibe fed Fuller who was 40 yards from goal. Fuller surged forward, and after getting past Richard Dunne, sent a stunning 30 yard strike into the top left hand corner. A great run and shot from Fuller who may have just bagged one of the goals of the season. Stoke seemed to take their foot off the gas just after though, as Robinho tested Sorensen from just outside the box before Zhirkov's superb run and shot was denied at close range by Sorensen who did superbly to get down low to push the ball away. As the final 10 minutes were entered Pugh sent a decent curling effort just over the bar as Stoke searched in vain for an equaliser. Stoke failed to test the City goal in added on time and maintained their pointless run with City continuing their 100% record. Stoke City 1 – 2 Manchester City Fuller 68' Valencia 23' Srna pen 64' Pulis: “We've not made a good start and it's difficult to put my finger on what's going wrong. We don't lack the physical battle but I just think we've outdone in terms of quality so far. City were far better than us today and you would expect them to beat us today but when you hardly test their goal at all, and you're at home, you know there are problems not just because the opposition is good.” Hughes: “We push on, another win and in a tricky place too. We missed a few players today but we've shown good our squad is that someone like Given can go out and Hart can come in or Vagner Love goes out and Robinho can step in. It's encouraging and I really think we can keep it going.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 10, 2009 Author Share Posted July 10, 2009 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Wolverhampton Wanderers Spurs, with no goals conceded this season, went up against Wolves, who had no goals for this season! Teams Tottenham (4-4-2) Gomes, Chimbonda, Woodgate, Corluka, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Palacios, Zokora, Gilberto, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe. Subs: Cudicini, Bent, O'Hara, Dawson, Keane, Boateng, Hutton. Wolves (4-5-1) Hennessey, Foley, Stearman, Berra, Dong-Jin, Kightly, Norris, Henry, Jones, Albin, Ebanks-Blake. Subs: Murray, Shackell, Elokobi, Edwards, Flavio, Stephen Ward, Darren Ward. Spurs kicked off the match at a sold out White Hart Lane, with Spurs expected to take the game. Spurs tested Wolves early on as Lennon's mazy run ended with a deep cross which almost took Hennessey by surprise but the keeper managed to punch the ball clear. Shortly after Lennon came forward again but defender Dong-Jin tackled him superbly. Spurs had their first real chance on 8 minutes as Gilberto's cross was met by Pavlyuchenko at the far and the Russian should have done better but could only direct his header well over the bar from 7 yards when it looked easier to score. Moments later, Defoe did brilliantly to get beyond Stearman and into the box, but Hennessey did well to deny Defoe with his legs. The home side were fully in control, as Gilberto should have done better when the ball fell to him in the box but he completely missed the ball in his attempt to shoot at goal. Moments later, Spurs' pressure paid off. Palacios picked out Defoe with a pass to the edge of the box and Defoe did well to turn Foley and was in the area. He made no mistake placing the ball past the on-rushing Hennessey, burying the ball into the bottom right-hand corner. Lennon continued to tease Wolves' left hand side with the Midlands' side having no answer to Spurs' dominance. Right before half time Spurs had another great chance as Defoe played a great through ball for Lennon, who tucked the ball away but the flag went up for offside, which was a questionable decision. The half couldn't end soon enough for Wolves who again looked out of their depth and posed no threat coming forward and couldn't prevent Spurs dominance. Wolves had looked so lacklustre again, with Ebanks-Blake isolated and no quality in the midfield it was impossible to create chances. Their defence was so shaky as well. Wolves made no changes for the second half and they found themselves in more trouble early in the half. Corluka's long ball into the box seemed to evade everyone as Hennessey came for the ball. The keeper misjudged it himself and ended up punching the ball off the back of his fist so the ball continued towards goal. Pavlyuchenko steamed forward and beat Dong-Jin in the air to nod the ball home from 2 yards and seemingly end another Wolves' nightmare. On 59 minutes Zokora tried his luck from range but his shot was always rising as he searched for his first ever Tottenham goal. Spurs eased off the gas and were knocking it around nicely, while Mick McCarthy looked unsure of what to do, standing in his technical area biting his lower lip. 73 minutes in Defoe jinked past Stearman to again test the Wolves goal but his shot was straight at Hennessey who deflected the shot away. 10 minutes later Palacios tried a long range effort but the ball went harmlessly wide. Time ticked down at White Hart Lane with Spurs easing to their first win of the season against a Wolves side who again flattered to deceive and their one-dimensional ineffective play proved to again be their downfall. Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Defoe 25' Pavlyuchenko 55' Redknapp: “No goals conceded so far but I'm more interested in us scoring goals right now. We've struggled to do that so far this season but today we played very well and could have had more than the two we got. I understand how tough Mick McCarthy has it at Wolves and they've not made a good start but it's early days yet and I think they'll get out of this.” McCarthy: “It's another ineffective display and it's concerning to be honest with you. Some players, not naming names, look very much out of their depth and it's starting to show for other players who are getting frustrated. I still think one win will fire us up but I'm looking now and wondering where that win will come, because quite frankly we look hopeless at the moment.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 10, 2009 Author Share Posted July 10, 2009 5:15pm Blackburn Rovers v Birmingham City Blackburn and Birmingham faced each other in the evening kick-off at Ewood Park. Teams Blackburn (4-5-1) Robinson, Emerton, Samba, Mosquera, Olsson, Diouf, Dunn, Warnock, Duda, Pedersen, McCarthy. Subs: Brown, Derbyshire, Reid, Khizanishvili, Rigters, Andrews, Nelsen. Birmingham (4-4-2) Maik Taylor, Kelly, Martin Taylor, Ridgewell, Parnaby, Galletti, Carsley, Larsson, McSheffrey, Jerome, McFadden. Subs: Doyle, Carr, Pearce, Tom, Bent, Johnson, Wilson. -------------- Birmingham kicked off the game in a rather chilly and wet Blackburn. It was Blackburn who got off to the stronger start, as Diouf made a surging run down the right. His byline cross went to the back post where Duda waited, but his shot deflected off Olsson and came back off the post from 5 yards. Shortly after, Diouf tried his luck from the edge of the box but Taylor did well to get behind it. Moments later it was Birmingham's turn to test the Blackburn goal, as Jerome robbed Mosquera, his cross was met by Larsson but from 12 yards it landed safely into the hands of Robinson. It was an open start with both sides trying to play football. In the 19th minute Duda flashed a good effort from the edge of box agonisingly wide before Martin Taylor's questionable challenge on McCarthy led to no card when it deserved at least a yellow. A few minutes later the first goal came. Emerton's superb deep cross found the right foot of McCarthy 7 yards out and his perfectly timed volley went straight through Robinson's legs to give Blackburn the lead. Birmingham responded with sitting tight and trying to catch Blackburn on the counter with the pace of Jerome and McFadden, but the passes their way were wayward. Right at the end of the half Blackburn should have had a 2nd goal as Diouf received an excellent ball from McCarthy on the right hand side of the box. He had so much time and space, he took the shot first time and the ball bounced off of Taylor's near post and away. Minutes later, Cameron Jerome looked to be through on goal but Warnock beat him in the air. The referee had spotted an elbow though, and as Jerome lay squirming on the floor clutching his head, Warnock was given his marching orders to put a dampener on the half for the home side. Pedersen promptly came off for Reid. The second half began with Birmingham intending to get back level with their one man advantage as Larsson hit an early chance a whisker over the bar. 10 minutes later Diouf found himself again with space and time in the box but Taylor was again equal to his efforts and pushed the effort away. On 67 minutes, Duda unleashed a strike from the edge of the box which skimmed the bar before going over as the game continued to be entertaining. 8 minutes later it was substitute Reid who had a chance and his superb effort was very well saved by Taylor who managed to get his finger tips to the ball. Despite being a man down, Blackburn still looked the better side and were keeping the ball well. McLeish tried to spur his side on but they struggled to get possession. In the 86th minute Blackburn hit the woodwork for a 3rd time as Duda's curling effort crashed back off the bar with Taylor beaten. Moments later substitute Andrews lashed over the bar for Blackburn who tried for their 2nd goal. They managed to get it 2 minutes later – Ridgewell upended Diouf on the right hand side of the box. Who else but the left footed Duda to step up and bend a superb free kick around the wall and beyond the diving Taylor into the top corner. Blackburn had the points wrapped up. There was still time for Larsson to send another stinging effort over the bar before the referee blew for full time and Blackburn had their second win of the season. Blackburn Rovers 2 – 0 Birmingham City McCarthy 26' Duda 88' Allardyce: “It's a good result and very good performance considering the circumstances. We had the fear Birmingham would come back in the second half and make it tough for us but we kept possession, kept control, and managed to get a second goal late on. We've scored two very good goals today and hopefully we can use this as a springboard to a good result next week.” McLeish: “We sensed an opportunity at half time to get back in the game with an extra man, but to be fair to Blackburn they were excellent second half and kept the ball very well. We were disappointing defensively and couldn't create many chances so it's a shame really but we're still adjusting being back in the league so hopefully things will pick up soon.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 10, 2009 Author Share Posted July 10, 2009 Sunday, 14th September. The news today surrounded the possible takeover of Portsmouth by Matan Ohana who had recently declared interest. BBC and Sky Sports were reporting a deal was close to being agreed for Portsmouth to have a new owner, their third in recent months. It is said Ohana is very close to have complete takeover of the club. Meanwhile, Portsmouth had footballing matters to attend to in a home match with Wigan. 1:30pm Portsmouth v Wigan Athletic With the takeover on their minds, and no sign of the chairman Al Fahim in the directors box, Portsmouth were predicted to slip up in their home tie to Wigan. Teams Portsmouth (4-5-1) James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, O'Neil, Diop, Davis, Mullins, Kranjcar, Crouch. Subs: Ashdown, Kanu, Gonzalez, Hreidarsson, Hugent, Mvuemba, Pamarot. Wigan (4-4-1-1) Kirkland, Zebina, Boyce, Veron, Figueroa, Koumas, Cattermole, Scharner, N'Zogbia, Watson, King. Subs: Pollitt, Bramble, Melchiot, Thomson, Miller, Won-Hee, Pearson. -------------- With a nervous atmosphere around Fratton Park, Portsmouth got the game underway. If the players had felt the nerves, they certainly did show it as Portsmouth took a very early lead. Kranjcar had a free kick deep in Wigan territory on the left side. He whipped it in toward Crouch who failed to get the ball as Zebina intervened, but the ball then fell into the path of Sean Davis who fired first time left footed into the back of the net from 12 yards. The Portsmouth fans celebrated widely, perhaps all was well with the club again. Any joy was short lived though, as another surprise turn came just minutes later. N'Zogbia whipped in a corner from the left and Marlon King received the ball at the near post. He controlled and did a 180 degree turn with the ball before driving it through a crowd of players to draw Wigan level and silence the Portsmouth fans who had just before burst into song. Merely a minute later and Portsmouth could have been in front again as Johnson's teasing cross found Crouch at the near post but his effort was well pushed away by Kirkland. On 11 minutes Drop tried his luck from distance but hit his effort high and wide. Shortly after, Zebina tried the same but had an identical result. Portsmouth managed to get a bit more grip on the game and the fans were back behind the team again. They were rewarded for their support on 30 minutes as Portsmouth re-took the lead. Kranjcar's excellent run found him in space in the middle of park. He picked out Diop's run forward superbly and the midfielder managed to tuck the ball past the on-rushing Kirkland from just inside the box to re-ignite the Portsmouth glee. Melchiot replaced Veron soon after for Wigan. 2 minutes from the end of the half Portsmouth should have scored again. Johnson's superb cross from the right found Crouch at the near post but his effort was well pushed away by Kirkland, then the ball fell to Mullins who failed to make good contact and the ball rolled into the hands of Kirkland when it looked so much easier to score. Cattermole had a late chance for Wigan from range but it failed to test the Portsmouth goal as the home side went in at half time 1 goal to the good. Wigan changed shape for the 2nd period as Miller came on for defender Zebina. It didn't seem to help Wigan who picked up where they left off, as O'Neil drove forward and smashed a 20 yard effort back off the cross-bar to the frustration of the Pompey faithful. On 52 minutes Diop's effort from distance was tipped round the post by Kirkland as Portsmouth put on the pressure but they would live to regret their missed chances as Wigan drew level 2 minutes later. Wigan broke on the counter and the ball was with N'Zogbia down the left. The winger surged into the box and cut the ball back across goal where Cattermole was running onto the ball. His contact wasn't great as he tried to head it back into the opposite corner of the goal, but Sean Davis, who was marking him helped the ball on as the ball bounced off him and past the despairing James as Wigan equalised. Groans around the ground as the most cruel of goals had Portsmouth back to square one. Hart chucked his clipboard to the ground in frustration. O'Neil had a curling effort go narrowly over the bar on the hour, but moments later we had the 5th goal of the game. Great work down the right from Koumas ended with a squared pass to substitute Miller. He drove on and into the right hand side of the box but was halted by Campbell as the ball rolled free. Fortunately for Miller, and Wigan, Cattermole was following up and his first time right foot drive 16 yards from goal crashed in off the right hand post to put Wigan in front. Hart looked emotionless, Bruce clenched his fists with joy. In the 72nd minute good build-up from Pompey ended with a Davis shot from the edge of the box which Kirkland got down well to save and hold. Moments later Mullins rose to a Kranjcar corner but couldn't direct his header as the ball went harmlessly over. Wigan sat tight now and defended deep as Portsmouth struggled to break them down. Runs from Kranjcar were proving ineffective and Crouch was unable to win anything in the air. 3 minutes of additional time was added but Portsmouth failed to muster a chance as Wigan ran out very fortunate winners. Portsmouth 2 – 3 Wigan Athletic Davis 3' Diop 30' King 7' Davis OG 56' Cattermole 67' Hart refused to answer any question regarding the takeover, but gave his views on the match: “Well it's tough to take really because again this season we've controlled a game and got nothing from it. Sloppy defending three times today has cost us and it's not good enough, we came forward well enough and were in control but it means nothing if you don't put those chances away and defend as poorly as we did.” Bruce: “It was somewhat smash and grab but I think we've done well enough today to earn that win. Kirkland was great and we defended well for the most part and three points away from home against any team in this league is a great achievement. We're very pleased to have got our first win on the board for this season so hopefully it can push us on now and up the table.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 10, 2009 Author Share Posted July 10, 2009 4pm Aston Villa v Everton Two sides who had engaged in many thrilling games over recent years went against each other at Villa Park. Teams Villa (4-5-1) Friedel, Luke Young, Cuellar, Davies, Bouma, Milner, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Barry, Ashley Young, Heskey. Subs: Siegrist, Agbonlahor, Gudjohnsen, Knight, Carew, Sidwell, Shorey. Everton (4-4-1-1) Howard, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Arteta, Fellaini, Neville, Peinaar, Cahill, Yakubu. Subs: Nash, Hibbert, Jacobsen, Gosling, Saha, Valente, Rodwell. -------------- Aston Villa got the game underway, with Fulham boss Roy Hodgson sitting in the stands. It took just 4 minutes for the first chance on goal as Milner tried his luck from a tight angle but the ball sailed high wide and hansom. Minutes later Yakubu tried to convert from a tight angle also, but his shot could only find the side netting. The game was slow and stifled as neither side seemed to want to risk another thriller it seemed! After 18 minutes Yakubu had picked up a knock and had to be replaced by Saha. Soon after, Baines' superb defensive actions denied Reo-Coker a sure-fire goal as he was free in the box but Baines' tackle from behind was immaculate and Everton cleared. Ashley Young was next to receive an injury and he went off, replaced by Agbonlahor. Martin O'Neill made an inaudible note toward Moyes and was clearly not happy with Everton's enigmatic play. It was Agbonlahor's introduction that nearly had Villa in front on 41 minutes but his effort from near the edge of the 6-yard box was well pushed away by Howard. Suddenly, deep into added on time, Saha broke down under a challenge from Petrov and the man who had replaced Yakubu had to be replaced himself, as Valente trudged on and Everton changed formation. The injury to Saha occurred just outside the Villa box and a free kick had been awarded. Mikel Arteta stepped up to take it, and from 30 yards smashed a superb effort beyond Friedel and into the right hand corner of the net. No swerve, no curl, just pure power and potent accuracy as Everton walked in at half time a goal to the good. The 2nd half began in a slow tone, much the way the first half had gone, and we had to wait until the 57th minute for the next chance as Arteta's excellent drive from the edge of the box was well held by Friedel. Arteta then had another chance just after the hour, but his free kick from 23 yards went just over the bar. Everton kept up the pressure and another Arteta free kick, this time on the right, was played short to Lescott but he couldn't keep his first time effort down from just inside the box. On 66 minutes yet another chance for Arteta to dispatch a free kick goalwards, but from 20 yards he bent the ball just wide of Friedel's left post as Villa continued to live dangerously around their own area. On 73 minutes Villa managed to get forward but this time Milner's free kick was far from goal as he hit it well wide. 3 minutes later substitute Gudjohnsen fired in a half volley from the edge of the box but he got the contact horribly wrong and the ball went far wide. In the 85th minute Gudjohnsen fed Agbonlahor in the box but the England striker lacked composure and blasted the ball over the Everton goal from the right side of the box. Villa were struggling to get shots on target and Everton looked to be comfortably heading for 3 points again. It was deep on added on time when Steve Sidwell's superb pass found Petrov free in the box but the midfielder inexplicably missed the ball completely when going for goal and the ball rolled out for a goal kick. Heads in hands for Villa fans as if he had made contact he would surely have scored or at least tested Howard. Everton rode out extra time to record a good win at Villa, who suffered their second loss of the season. Aston Villa 0 – 1 Everton Arteta 45+3' O'Neill: “Games between ourselves and Everton usually cough up a good game of football but today wasn't very good as both sides were a bit too withdrawn I think and had we had a bit more guts about us the result may have been different. I don't know how serious Young's injury is we'll have to assess it but it didn't look too serious we'll have to see.” Moyes: “Good result in a poor game but we can't complain really. It's a tough place to come and in the end we had to rely on a free kick for us to score and for most of our chances. I'm not too impressed with Villa's tactics today they were far too brutal I think and they left Saha and Yakubu in a bad state, hopefully they will be OK for next week.” -------- Round-up Aston Villa 0 - 1 Everton Bolton Wanderers 1 - 1 West Ham United Blackburn Rovers 2 - 0 Birmingham City Chelsea 3 - 0 Sunderland Hull City 3 - 2 Arsenal Liverpool 2 - 0 Fulham Manchester United 3 - 0 Burnley Portsmouth 2 - 3 Wigan Athletic Stoke City 1 - 2 Manchester City Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 11, 2009 Author Share Posted July 11, 2009 Monday, 15th September. Many woke today to the news that Israeli Matan Ohana had completed his takeover of Portsmouth. This comes merely months after Al Fahim had taken over the club but he had left now after it seemed Ohana's offer was too good to refuse. Ohana spoke of his delight in capturing the club: “Many will think it a surprise and it is a bit but I had my eye on Portsmouth a long time so now I am very happy to be a part of them. I will not impose big changes, it is important the club remains stable and I will provide firm financial backing for years to come so we can challenge with the best.” No word yet on the future of Paul Hart. Tuesday, 16th September. Focus today was on the Champions League games which saw Liverpool beat Anderlecht 2-1 and Chelsea beat Steaua 3-0. Sky Sports News managed to get in contact with Paul Hart who merely said: “I don't know what's happening at the moment, my focus is purely on the next game.” Ex-Portsmouth staff made their views known on the takeover. Harry Redknapp: “It's what the club has needed for a long time. I don't know if the previous fella had the same ideas but I know this guy will deliver for them. He's got plenty of money and I think if they can keep Paul at the club and give him financial backing they'll be in good shape.” Peter Harris: “It's been a bizarre last few days and I wonder if this had any effect on the game on Sunday. Still, I think they need to stand by Paul and give him the backing he needs and they will go far. Ohana looks serious about the future of Portsmouth so let's wait and see.” Wednesday, 17th September. In the Champions League, Manchester United beat Bayern 3-0 at the Allianz Arena but Arsenal succumb to a 2-0 home defeat by Juventus. If any of you are curious as to how the relegated teams last season are getting on the in the Championship – Newcastle sit 3rd after 7 games with 4 wins and 3 draws, West Brom sit 4th with 3 wins and 4 draws, and Middlesbrough sit 12th with 2 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses to their name so far. Thursday, 18th September. Paul Hart looked happy facing the press on this day as it seemed his future had been decided: “I am staying on now so we can push on and focus on the future. I am delighted to be able to stay and I look forward to the progress we make with Matan Ohana at the helm.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 11, 2009 Author Share Posted July 11, 2009 Friday, 19th September. Team news for the coming weekend's games was on the agenda. There would be a big split this weekend with 5 games played on the Saturday and 5 on the Sunday. Arsenal v Liverpool (Sunday) For Arsenal, Gallas (ribs) and Walcott (cruciate ligaments) remain out. Senderos is a fresh injury worry. Liverpool are still without Cavalieri and Aurelio looks a doubt after picking up a gashed leg during the week. Wenger: “I am well aware of our poor start but it is not true to our performances. In every games we have played we have deserved to win but we have not had luck on our side. This game will be very difficult for us as Liverpool are a good side but we will be full strength again this time and we can be sure we will not make the same mistakes as before.” Benitez: “I don't look at form this early, their poor start means nothing. Wenger is an excellent manager and he will know what he wants from his players and he will make sure they perform to their best. We need to be tight-knit defensively and make every chance count, it will be tough but we can triumph if we play the way we have so far this season.” -------------- Birmingham City v Manchester City For Birmingham, Murphy looks set to remain out along with Queudrue. Fahey could return but Jerome is a fresh injury worry with a twisted knee. Manchester City are without Zhirkov (toe), Vagner Love (wrist), and Hamann (spine). Given could return but Caicedo is a doubt with a cold. McLeish: “We've found it hard so far on our return and we have a big test tomorrow against City. They have quality all over the park and we have struggled to get goals and defend properly so it could end up being a recipe for disaster but you never know. We are confident, we're always confident, so we'll approach it best we can and hopefully we can get a win.” Hughes: “No such thing as an easy away game and this is the same. We are the better side on paper but this is the kind of game new foreign players dread, a tough physical away game. We dealt well with Stoke last week and we're expecting a similar approach from Birmingham tomorrow so we need to be prepared for that.” -------------- Burnley v Aston Villa (Sunday) Chris Eagles returns for Burnley but striker Steven Thompson is out with a neck injury. For Villa, Guzan and Taylor are back fit but Ashley Young (rib) is doubtful. Coyle: “We're back at home again and we can't wait. These are the games we look forward to with the crowd behind us and on the turf we know well. I'm sure we can do well on Sunday, Villa are a good side but we have the home advantage the key is making it count. Chris (Eagles) being back is important to us as he is a top player, hopefully he can help inspire us.” O'Neill: “Last week went badly, and after a bad week the last place you want to go is an away game to a tough side. We need to be on our toes and up for the physical battle as Burnley will be difficult to play against. Their pitch is wide and short which doesn't suit our play so we need to adapt our football and try our hardest to get something. Ashley (Young) looks a doubt but we persevere.” -------------- Everton v Chelsea (Sunday) For Everton, Osman (hamstring) is a doubt but Yakubu (hamstring) and Saha (groin) are both definitely out. Chelsea are again without John Terry who suffered a strained neck on Champions League duty. Moyes: “We're on a high after last week but we're missing our two first choice strikers which is a massive blow. James Vaughan is our next option and I hope he can deliver because he will be an important outlet for us. I do have faith in him and although it's a big occasion I know he can rise to it and hopefully he can lead us to a win on Sunday.” van Basten: “I don't see why Terry being is out is such a big deal, yes he is a top player but we have done immaculately without him so far so what is the worry? I see Everton are missing their key strikers and this benefits us a lot. We need to nullify their attacking threats and the result will come for us.” -------------- Fulham v Blackburn Rovers Fulham have Baird and Zamora back in action but Andreasen (back) remains out. Pantsil (cold) is also expected to miss out. Blackburn have Santa Cruz (broken arm) out and Warnock missing through suspension but Grella, Roberts, and Nelsen all return for Rovers. Hodgson: “I look at the Liverpool game as a rather unfortunate one as we more than deserved something from that game. But we look to Saturday and Blackburn are visiting which will be a tough game. They were excellent last weekend and I know they will be tough to play against, I anticipate a great match.” Allardyce: “We have a few players returning which is good and will no doubt do us favours for tomorrow. Fulham have performed well this season but where we are strong is in strength and speed which we have plenty of and if we use it in the right places I think we could nick a result which would be excellent.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 12, 2009 Author Share Posted July 12, 2009 Manchester United v Stoke City Gary Neville (groin) remains out for Man United. For Stoke, Jarosik (thigh strain) and Whelan (ankle) remain out but Soares and Faye return. Ferguson: “I love how people say 'Oh United get the easy games first' well it doesn't make a difference because we all play the same teams twice. We've had two home games on the trot I don't see the issue, other teams will have that as well. On the subject of the game I expect Stoke to come at us but we have the strength in quality and I think we will win well.” Pulis: “Going fazed into these games is a recipe for disaster. We need to go in with chins up and go for the win or you're destined to lose. Stranger things have happened, it's same number of players each, both goals the same size, anything can happen but we need to be on top of our game tomorrow to get anything.” -------------- Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur (Sunday) Jones (suspended) and Collins (rib) will miss out for Sunderland. Healy, Barragan, and Halford return. For Spurs, Bentley (back) remains out but dos Santos looks set to return. Gilberto will miss out with a damaged elbow. Jones: “It's been a disappointing start but we continue on. We know what we need to do, we need to tighten up defensively and try and get some goals on the board which is easier said than done. Spurs are no pushovers and they haven't conceded yet this season so it will be a tough game but I think we can turn it around on Sunday with a bit of luck.” Redknapp: “Games like this are not good for any team. Travelling all the way up north for a game on a wet day is never fun and it will be a tough physical battle and we need to use our quality if we want to win the game. Sunderland haven't started well but there's no way they'll roll over. We need to be at our best to win.” -------------- West Ham United v Portsmouth (Sunday) West Ham are without Davenport (hamstring) and Behrami (knee) but Collison, Molinaro, and Cole return to action. Portsmouth are still without Utaka (knee) with Nugent also now out suffering from the same injury and Begovic too misses out through suspension. Kaboul returns. Zola: “Last week still stings a bit. We were very close to three points after a very good performance so we want to rectify that with a win on Sunday. We have some players coming back which is good and I feel we can triumph despite Portsmouth's good performances this season.” Hart: “Knowing I'm staying in the job is a massive weight off my shoulders and I feel very relaxed going into this game. We are still upbeat despite last week and we are playing very well but the results sadly aren't coming for us. West Ham haven't made the best of starts and we need to capitalise on that with three points.” -------------- Wigan Athletic v Hull City Kapo (shoulder) remains out for Wigan with Ben Watson also missing with a damaged elbow. For Hull, Cousin (foot) remains out with Kilbane (ankle) and Palermo (thigh strain) also out. Bruce: “These are the games we need to win if we really want to finish in a European place. People say it's early days but the points stack up and at the end of the season you don't want to be looking back saying 'well if we got points here we would have finished there'. We got a fortunate win last week but you need fortune now and then and hopefully we'll have some more tomorrow.” Brown: “Results like last week tell you anything is possible, no one gave us a chance. We know what we can do now if we work hard and as a team and take our chances. It's a shame Palermo is missing because he's been good for us so far but it's up to the rest of the team to step up now and deliver to get us some points tomorrow.” -------------- Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bolton Wanderers Matt Jarvis returns for Wolves but Albin (elbow) misses out. For Bolton Goian remains out with a hamstring injury and Nicky Hunt looks set to join him on the sidelines with a bruised rib. McCarthy: “We're aware of what we need to do and that's play better. No goals scored and a shedload conceded, it's a problem. We need to change that in a tactical sense and I will try something against Bolton tomorrow that will hopefully work but we do need to get out this place despite it being early days yet.” Megson: “We're up against a team that has been poor and we need to maintain their poor run. We can do that as we have the quality and the belief we can do it so I expect us to go all out tomorrow for a win. I suspect Wolves will be fighting to get points on the board now but if we play the way we normally do I think we will triumph.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 12, 2009 Author Share Posted July 12, 2009 Saturday, 20th September. Today would see the start of more football action with some teams looking to maintain good starts and others looking to get their first wins on the board. 12:45pm Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bolton Wanderers Wolves' poor start had to end soon and a home game to Bolton looked to be a great chance of doing that. Bolton would be looking to get their third win of the season. Wolves (4-4-2) Hennessey, Foley, Stearman, Berra, Eolokobi, Kightly, Henry, Norris, Dong-Jin, Flavio, Ebanks-Blake. Subs: Murray, Jones, Edwards, Iwelumo, Shackell, Potter, Jarvis. Bolton (4-5-1) Jaaskelainen, Joey O'Brien, Cahill, Andy O'Brien, Samuel, Mota, Muamba, McCann, Fernandes, Gardner, Elmander. Subs: Al Habsi, Riga, Davies, Larsson, Steinsson, Taylor, Obadeyi -------------- Expectation was high around Molineux as the Wolves fans believed their pointless and goalless cause would come to an end. With Wolves having started in a 4-4-2 for the first time this season everyone could see how their football looked better. It was more free-flowing and passes were connecting. The football contained shorter passes and not long hoofs, it also enabled Wolves to play with a bit of width. With Wolves having the brighter start, they managed to create the first chance on 6 minutes as Favio's turn and shot from the edge of the box was well held by Jaaskelainen. The Bolton keeper had to be called into action again 6 minutes later as Foley's deep hit free kick evaded everyone except Ebanks-Blake, but he somehow managed to place his effort into the palms of Jaaskelainen when it looked easier to score. Wolves kept the pressure up as on 15 minutes Dong-Jin got up well to head at goal but it was saved easily. Moments later Bolton managed to finally test the Wolves goal as Mota's header at the back post went agonisingly over. Bolton looked to be getting a grip back on the game, and on 16 minutes it was Fernandes' effort from range that went just over as the game opened up. On 24 minutes Wolves had their second great chance of the game. Kightly whipped in a corner from the right which was met by Dong-Jin at the edge of the box but his thunderous volley was superbly tipped over by the Bolton keeper who was having a good game. Dong-Jin was the man causing problems and again Jaaskelainen had to be on hand to save to his driven shot from the edge of the penalty area. However, Wolves' pressure wasn't enough to stir Bolton as the away side took the lead on 43 minutes. After Jaaskelainen had to be on hand to turn Ebanks-Blake's close range effort over the bar, Bolton broke forward and a good pass from McCann found Elmander on the edge of the box. The striker did well to evade Berra and bent a superb right foot effort inside Hennessey's near post. Groans around the ground as luck just didn't seem to be on their side. Wolves surged on, and right on half time Flavio received a good pass from Ebanks-Blake in the box, but his first time effort from 12 yards bounced back off the post and was cleared as McCarthy and the Wolves fans looked to the heavens and wondered how they didn't at least have one goal in this half. At half time both sides were cheered off the pitch. They were behind, but Wolves' fans knew that their better football had to reward them at some point. Wolves got the second half underway with fans in full voice but they were soon silenced as tactics became clear. Their good football in the first half looked to be put to waste in the second period as Bolton tightened their midfield and reduced the gap between defence and midfield. They looked dangerous on the counter and Wolves were starting to look like their former selves again. The 57th minute saw the first chance of the second half as Gardner fired over just outside the box. The half wore on with seemingly no answer to pleasure in this game as it pittered out into a dull ping-pong affair. That was until the 73rd minute when the game sprung to life. Flavio got the ball down the right for Wolves and his excellent run ended with a cut-back cross into the penalty area. Kevin Foley of all people was steaming in and from 13 yards drilled the ball first time into the bottom right hand corner to draw Wolves level. The players all piled on Flavio and Foley as they experienced their first goal of the campaign. It was a rare break for Wolves and they had to wait until the 84th minute to test again. With the fans behind them singing their songs, Jones stepped up to take a free kick just outside the box. He hit it well, but Jaaskelainen dived well to right and hold the ball. Moments later, Stearman sent a long ball into the Bolton box and substitute Iwelumo struck the ball first time on the volley but the ball flashed across the beaten Jaaskelainen and the far post for a goal kick. Bolton sat deep for the remainder and Wolves were unable to break down their stubborn side as the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 1 Bolton Wanderers Foley 73' Elmander 43' McCarthy: “You'd think I'd be happy, and I am, but I'm also frustrated because everyone knows we should have won that. We controlled the first half superbly and had so many chances but their superb goalkeeper plus a bit of bad luck has denied us. We went in at half time a goal down and coming out for the second half we struggled to get a grip but the one good chance in that forty-five we had we buried so I suppose that's hindsight!” Megson: “We wanted to stifle them and catch them on the break but they lined up differently to what I expected. We were very lucky to come in at half time a goal up but did well second half to defend and deny them space. Pure inspiration from an individual has gotten them a point in the end but I'm disappointed with us because we didn't play as well as we could have.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3pm Birmingham City v Manchester City Struggling Birmingham had the odds against them at home to high flying Manchester City. Birmingham (4-4-2) Maik Taylor, Kelly, Martin Taylor, Ridgewell, Carr, Galletti, Carsley, Larsson, McSheffrey, Phillips, McFadden. Subs: Doyle, O'Connor, Tom, Pearce, Bent, Johnson, Parnaby. Man City (4-5-1) Hart, Srna, Coloccini, Dunne, Bridge, Valencia, Palombo, de Jong, Ireland, Robinho, Bellamy. Subs: Schmeichel, Jo, Fernandinho, Richards, Benjani, Wright-Phillips, Onuoha. -------------- Man City kicked off the game at St. Andrews in the first of the afternoon games. Man City had started the stronger with Robinho and Valencia teasing Birmingham's flanks and it resulted in them getting a chance on 15 minutes. After Coloccini did superbly well to block McFadden's close range effort, Man City got a free kick 30 yards from goal, but Ireland hit it just over the bar. Moment's later, Galletti's volley at the near post from a McSheffrey corner was cleared off the line by Dunne. It took until 29 minutes for the next real chance, as Taylor had to be quick to steal the ball from Robinho's feet as the Brazilian looked like he was about score. Moments later Birmingham broke forward and Phillip's header from 12 yards went narrowly over the bar. The away side had the stronger team on paper but it meant little as Birmingham were more than matching them so far. On 35 minutes the best chance of the game came. Bellamy exchanged passes with Palombo and the Welsh striker was in on goal, but with Taylor advancing the striker could only lash hit shot over the bar from 13 yards when it looked easier to score. You had to feel that if Vagner Love was fit, he would have been the one to bury it. 2 late chances in the half as Galletti's header went high and wide and Valencia tried his luck from the edge of the box with the ball flying over but the half ended goalless with the home side no doubt the happier of the two teams. One half time substitute was made, as the frustrating Bellamy was replaced by Benjani. A tight-knit second half that struggled to get going had to wait 15 minutes for it's first chance as Robinho's inspired run ended with the striker lashing just over the bar from the edge of the box. Soon after Robinho had another chance, but Taylor did well to push his volley away. A surprise change on 70 minutes as Robinho was replaced by Fernandinho for Man City. It ended up doing them no favours as they were soon behind. Kelly's cross came toward McFadden but de Jong was clearly obstructing him as the Scot fell to the ground arms outstretched. Referee Steve Tanner pointed to the spot, and McFadden himself stepped up to blast the penalty home and give Birmingham the lead. Both sides made changes just after, as Johnson came on for McSheffrey for Birmingham and Jo replaced de Jong for Man City. On 84 minutes Man City got a corner which was well floated in by Ireland, but Dunne directed his header wide as the away side got increasingly frustrated. Moments later Jo tried his luck from the edge of the box but his bending effort went a whisker over the bar. City were awarded for their persistence on 87 minutes. Wayne Bridge surged down the left and his cross to the back post found Carr. The Irish defender tried to volley clear but he got the contact all wrong and the ball rolled into the path of Benjani who couldn't miss from 6 yards out. He was clearly desperate to stake his claim at Man City, with his cupping the ear celebration. 5 minutes of time was added on at the end, and had it not been for Hart's reactions Johnson could have snatched it for Birmingham but he took too long with the ball at his feet in the box. In the dying seconds, Fernandinho picked up the ball by the touchline and whipped in an excellent cross to the back post that Jo met with a full on header, but the ball skimmed the bar on it's way over as the Birmingham hearts settled back down in their chests. It ended in a draw, a result the home side would be happy with. Birmingham City 1 – 1 Manchester City McFadden pen 78' Benjani 87' McLeish: “We applied ourselves well today I think as it was no easy contest. It's our first point on the board since the opening day so we're glad to have picked it up and move on up the league. Do I think it was a penalty? It may have been a tad harsh but these things even themselves out so I don't think they (Man City) can complain too much.” Hughes: “We knew it would be tough and we knew it could be a potential banana skin so we're content with a point. Many people did rite off Benjani but he has a place in this team and if he can pop up with moments like that again then it even more proves the fact we have a very good squad of players here.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenthreeleader Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 More excellent match writing. You're making this a must-read for me. Well done! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PluckaDuck Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Brilliant work mate, am loving reading this! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 14, 2009 Author Share Posted July 14, 2009 Cheers for the comments fellas! 3pm (9th) Fulham v Blackburn Rovers (8th) Both sides had had encouraging starts to the season and this game was expected to be a good one, with both sides playing good football so far this campaign. Fulham (4-4-2) Schwarzer, Stoor, Hangeland, Hughes, Edman, Davies, Teymourian, Dempsey, Konchesky, Owen, Andy Johnson. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Gera, Kallio, Eddie Johnson, Murphy, Volz. Blackburn (4-5-1) Robinson, Emerton, Nelsen, Samba, Olsson, Diouf, Dunn, Grella, Duda, Pedersen, McCarthy. Subs: Fielding, Andrews, Treacy, Derbyshire, Mosquera, Gallagher, Judge. -------------- Fulham kicked off the game at a breezy Craven Cottage with a good game anticipated. It was the away side who got off on the front foot as inside the first minute Gamst Pedersen fed McCarthy through on goal but the striker lashed over the bar from the edge of the box. Shortly after, Diouf's turn and shot from edge of the box had to be scooped over the bar by Schwarzer as Blackburn looked to be rewarded for their good start. From the resulting corner, Samba headed just wide. On 7 minutes it was Schwarzer again who had to be called into action, as Dunn fed McCarthy in the box but the striker, in one-on-one was denied superbly by the Fulham keeper. Fulham struggled to contain Blackburn and on 14 minutes the away side again had a good opportunity, but despite being put through one-on-one in the box by Duda this time, McCarthy hit his shot over the bar when it looked easier to score. Fulham were dwindling, their movement was poor and the gaps between their defence and midfield was seemingly too vast and Blackburn were exploiting it very well. Fulham managed to form a chance on 21 minutes, as Johnson squared the ball across the box for Stoor to shoot at goal, but the right-back got too much power behind it and the ball sailed over the bar. Moments later though Blackburn were back establishing their dominance as Diouf's low drive from the edge of the box was well held by Schwarzer, who got down well and held the ball. The game continued to entertain the viewers, as a long ball from Konchesky found Johnson's run and the England striker surged into the box but couldn't convert as Robinson blocked the shot with his legs. 5 minutes before half time, Pedersen's free kick was well gathered by Schwarzer but there were 2 more chances at the end of the half as Dempsey fired high and wide from distance and Stoor's long range drive went just wide. Fulham were relieved to hear the half time whistle, as Blackburn would be looking to keep up their dominance for the 2nd half. Dempsey started off the 2nd halves' action with a free kick that went just over, before Duda also got a free kick, and his effort from 25 yards was tipped over the bar by Schwarzer who was having an excellent game. Fulham's attempts to tighten up had not worked too well but they looked a bit more threatening coming forward. Blackburn were moving and passing well and it appeared Hodgson had no answer to their control. On 54 minutes Blackburn would again have felt they should have the lead. Pedersen fed McCarthy in the penalty area and again with just the keeper to beat he hit it straight at Schwarzer's legs. The ball rolled out to the on-rushing Pedersen who inexplicably placed his effort over the bar when it looked easier to score. Head in hands for all Blackburn fans, Allardyce followed suit. After Dempsey's long range drive had gone over on 58 minutes, Fulham made a double change to try and change the game in their favour as Kallio came on for Hughes and Murphy came on for Owen. For Blackburn, the fruitless McCarthy was replaced by Judge as both sides changed shape. On 65 minutes, a Blackburn corner from the left was whipped in by Duda and met by Nelsen at the near post. He flicked the ball into the path of Grella who chose to control instead of shoot. He layed the ball back to Nelsen who came short for support and the centre-half struck toward goal through a crowd of bodies but again the superb work of Schwarzer denied him as the Fulham keeper dived low to his right to parry the shot away. Fulham replaced Andy Johnson for Eddie Johnson soon after, in a seemingly desperate attempt to change the fortunes of this game. Blackburn appeared to be tiring but it was doing little for the work of dominance as Dunn fired over on 73 minutes. 10 minutes later that man again Schwarzer was on hand to tip over Pedersen's bending effort from the edge of the box. The Fulham fans were silent and were seemingly just waiting for the goal to come, as Blackburn fans sang out proud but were getting edgy now as the game drew to a close. Another excellent chance went the away sides' way on 85 minutes as Pedersen excellent cross found substitute Derbyshire at the near post, but his bullet header from 5 yards was straight at Schwarzer and he managed to push the ball away without much knowledge of doing so. Straight after, Judge tried his luck from just inside the box, but slipped and the ball went high and wide. Fulham had no choice but to sit deep and try and control Blackburn's attacking threat and they were looking like the Brazil of old at the moment. In the 89th minute, the ball was at last in the net. Judge's effort was deflected wide and a corner was given. It was whipped in by Dunn but half cleared and Pedersen controlled and smashed at goal from 18 yards. Schwarzer yet again saved well and the ball fell to Derbyshire 8 yards out and the striker tapped home in front of the Blackburn fans to send them barmy...but only for a matter of seconds, as the ironic cheers came up from the Fulham fans, from relief more than anything, as the linesman flag went up - Derbyshire was a yard offside. The exhausted Blackburn team were unable to muster a chance in the 3 minutes of additional time, as Fulham ran out with a very fortuitous draw. Fulham 0 – 0 Blackburn Rovers Hodgson: “If Mark (Schwarzer) isn't on top of his game today we get thrashed, simple as that. It was a very poor display, we couldn't get a grip of the ball and gave them way too much time and space. Defensively we were all over the shop and lady luck shone down on us today but we can't afford to play like that again, because we will get punished and badly.” Allardyce: “One of the best performances I've witnessed from this team since I took charge but we didn't even win. Everything was perfect except for the finishing, which was below standard, but to be fair their goalkeeper had a superb game and on another day we might have had four or five goals. We've played well so far this season, if we could keep it up who knows where we might end up?” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3pm (14th) Wigan Athletic v Hull City (10th) Wigan, tipped for a Europa spot, went up against Hull, tipped for relegation, at the JJB. Wigan (4-4-1-1) Kirkland, Zebina, Boyce, Veron, Figueroa, Koumas, Scharner, Thomson, N'Zogbia, Cattermole, King. Subs: Pollitt, Rodallega, Brown, Melchiot, Miller, Won-Hee, Bramble. Hull (4-4-2) Myhill, Zayatte, Turner, Gardner, Ricketts, Mendy, Bullard, Boateng, Halmosi, Fagan, Geovanni. Subs: Warner, Mouyokolo, Dawson, Pratley, Barmby, Doyle, Ashbee. -------------- A wet and chilly day in Wigan, as the home side got the game underway. The game started brightly, as Marlon King drilled a shot from the edge of the box that went just wide before Kirkland had to be on hand to deny Fagan from a tight angle, after the striker had made a superb run with the ball. All this occurring in the opening 5 minutes. The game started quite open, with fast flowing direct football that the wet surface was helping with as the ball bounced and skidded around the pitch at pace. On 15 minutes Koumas' free kick from the left was whipped in with pace and Scharner met it at the back post but he could only direct it wide. On the half hour mark the first change of personnel occurred, as Veron was replaced by Melchiot for Wigan. Verson looked surprised and bothered to be taken off when he had done little wrong thus far. Shortly after, Marlon King found space in the box but he lashed horribly wide as the game looked to get out of it's quiet spell. Moments later N'Zogbia tried his luck from an angle, but the ball went into the side netting. The half ended without a whimper as the poor first 45 were thankfully over. Hull would be the happier of the two sides though, as despite the opening phases being good to watch, eventually both sides went deep to try and stifle each others fast counter attacks which prevented further chances. The 2nd half began with Geovanni of Hull being replaced by Barmby as they changed shape. 7 minutes in we saw the first chance as good individual work from Fagan ended with him driving a shot from the edge of the box, but his weaker foot effort went harmlessly wide. The half seemed to pick up where the first left off with a not so entertaining football match on show. On the hour mark though, a good chance for Hull as Halmosi's corner was met by Boateng and his bullet header was acrobatically tipped over by Kirkland. Brown then came on for N'Zogbia for Wigan, before Halmosi's scuffed cross nearly took Kirkland by surprise but the England keeper managed to tip it over to prevent embarrassment. On 70 minutes, King received Koumas' pass on the edge of the box and surged into the area. His placed effort, corner bound, was well tipped away by Myhill though as again King struggled to punish Hull. Myhill had to be on hand again to make 2 saves moments later, as Koumas' free kick was well held by him before substitute Miller hit a good drive from distance that he had to get behind well. Both sides had made many changes, and after Dawson had came on for Halmosi, Zebina got free of the sub and drove a shot from the edge of the box narrowly over the bar on 82 minutes. It was looking as though the game was going to a goalless draw as the rain came down on a poor Wigan pitch and poor overall game. Time ticked down, as 3 additional minutes were added and nothing special was expected...that was until 2 minutes into additional time. Boateng's pinged pass found Barmby free in the box, but with all the time in the world struck his effort against Kirkland and the ball went out for a corner. Dawson whipped it in. It was just about to meet the front post before a shrill whistle from the referee indicated a foul, but to whom? The referee had pointed to the spot, after Zebina fouled Boateng at the near post by tripping him in an attempt to get to the ball. Penalty to Hull. Wigan protested furiously, but to no avail. For the first time in this match, you could cut the tension with a knife as it was Barmby who placed the ball down on the spot. He was confident as ever, as the legendary midfielder ran up and smashed the ball into the top left hand corner to give Hull the win and leave Wigan gutted. Wigan Athletic 0 – 1 Hull City Barmby pen 90+3' Bruce: “It's a harsh decision and it's denied us a point today. I don't think Zebina made much contact at all, not any more than would normally be in a penalty area and then their player has gone down like he's been shot. It's a shame the game ended this way for us, but then again we had plenty of time to win the match but we've not played well anyway so it wouldn't have been deserved.” Brown: “We didn't get these kind of decisions last season, not once can I remember that. Some might say it was soft but I think the referee has made the correct decision and well done to Nicky Barmby for stepping up to take it with such confidence. We've flown up the table after today's win and we want to stay up there, consistency is the key and now we need to show it, though it is still early on.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 14, 2009 Author Share Posted July 14, 2009 5:15pm (3rd) Manchester United v Stoke City (20th) 100% record met 0% record at Old Trafford in a game that was not expected to upset the odds. Man Utd (4-4-2) van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Fletcher, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez. Subs: Foster, Berbatov, Carrick, Brown, Campbell, Nani, Evans. Stoke (4-4-2) Sorensen, Wilkinson, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Griffin, Valera, Delap, Amdy Faye, Pugh, Sidibe, Fuller. Subs: Simonsen, Higginbotham, Dickinson, Lawrence, Kitson, Davies, Sonko. -------------- Man United got the game underway at Old Trafford, as Stoke fans sang proud but deep in their minds wondered if their confidence would be short lived. They'd be forgiven for thinking so, as United took an early grasp of the match. After Scholes' drive from the edge of the box went over on 8 minutes, Evra's excellent deep cross found Rooney at the back post but the striker's headed goal was ruled offside, a decision he wasn't best pleased about! United needn't have worried though, as a few minutes later they did take the lead. Good build-up play ended with Tevez making a superb run which took him through 4 or 5 Stoke players before coming to the byline. He cut the ball back in the penalty area, where Darren Fletcher waited. He took a touch before tucking the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards to give United an early lead, but questions were certainly being asked over Stoke's defending for the goal. Stoke had come into the game with the intention of going for it, which appeared to be a bad idea as Shawcross' last ditch tackle prevented Tevez from doubling the home sides' lead a few minutes later. Moments after, Tevez' header was deflected wide for a corner and from the resulting set-piece Ronaldo rose highest at the near post to head at goal, but the ball flashed across goal and wide as United looked for a quick-fire second. 2 chances in a minute followed on the half hour as the waves of United pressure kept coming. First, Tevez was put through by Scholes in the box but Sorensen got down well to push the ball away for a corner. The corner was whipped in by Giggs, but Vidic's header at the near post went wide. Pulis seemed to have no answer to this early dominance but to force his side back and to try and prevent more good chances. Stoke did get their first chance just 5 minutes later, as Abdoulaye Faye drove forward but his long range swerving effort grazed the top of the crossbar. Merely a minute later though, United looked back in control as a Scholes freekick went narrowly over, before Ronaldo's powerful effort was well held by Sorensen. The half drew to a close but it didn't prevent the home side from piling pressure on. Giggs' deep cross found Tevez unmarked at the near post on 44 minutes but his diving header was very well tipped behind by the fingertips of Sorensen. From the resulting corner, Vidic headed high and wide before Rooney's long range effort was tipped over by the Stoke keeper. The resulting corner did produce a goal this time, as Giggs' delivery found Tevez at the back post, and the Argentine inexplicably beat Shawcross in the air to power home a header and give United a 2 goal lead going in at half time. Stoke kicked off the second half but it was business as usual for United who kept up their control. First, on 52 minutes, Rooney tried his luck from the edge of the box but his effort clipped the bar before going over. 2 minutes later, Scholes curled one from range but the ball went inches wide of the far post as Stoke tried to sit deep and prevent United's ongoing pressure on their goal. On 58 minutes Stoke could have been back in the game, but Fuller's pile-driver from distance skimmed the crossbar on its way over. Moments later Sorensen was called upon again, as Ronaldo's bullet effort from the edge of the box was tipped behind by the Stoke keeper. Pulis looked bemused of what to do as United continued to look comfortable, and on 72 minutes he had his keeper to thank again as he denied Scholes a goal from a curling effort before Giggs' half volley was well held by him. Stoke then brought on Kitson for Fuller and United brought on Nani and Berbatov for Ronaldo and Rooney respectively as the game ticked into the final 15 minutes. Fuller tried his luck again from range on 75 minutes but it was van der Sar who was comfortably behind it to deny him. Moments later and the game looked to be dead and buried as United got a penalty. Kitson upended Giggs in the box and with no protest from Stoke players, Berbatov stepped up to take the kick but he put too much power behind it and the ball cannoned back off the bar and was cleared. A lifeline for Stoke? The game looked to be over as Amdy Faye dragged a shot wide on 86 minutes, but there was in fact time for more as the game came to a close. Good build up ended with the ball coming to Tevez just outside the box. His reverse pass found Berbatov who took a touch past Faye and was in on goal. The Bulgarian chose to do one more special moment though, as he rounded the on-rushing Sorensen and tapped in from 4 yards out to seal the win. The final whistle blew after 3 minutes of added time with no surprises once again at Old Trafford, as Stoke sank to a 5th consecutive defeat. Manchester United 3 – 0 Stoke City Fletcher 19' Tevez 44' Berbatov 89' Ferguson: “One of our best displays in recent times I think. We were excellent all over the pitch and should have had more goals but there's no reason to complain it's a good result for us. Every point matters and this early on it's vital to get points on the board and show that you mean business. We're pulling away from those below us already, it's vital we keep that going.” Pulis: “We were helpless to stop the onslaught and it ever proves the distance between teams like ourselves and the top four sides. We were totally outclassed, and I can't go in there and yell at the players because it's not their fault they can't match the quality they have. We're very disappointed to have got off to this awful start, we need to put it right though, and fast.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
salkster2102 Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Got to say the effort you put into doing this is incredible. My hat goes off to you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 Sunday, 21st September. The days action kicked off at The Stadium of Light where Sunderland hosted Tottenham. 1:30pm (17th) Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur (10th) Sunderland would be looking to get their second win of the campaign where as Spurs would be hoping to keep their unbeaten and clean sheet record in tact. Sunderland (4-4-2) Gordon, Torres, Nosworthy, Ferdinand, McCartney, Malbranque, Whitehead, Leadbitter, Richardson, Chopra, Murphy. Subs: Fulop, De Mul, Reid, Stokes, Bardsley, Tainio, Halford. Tottenham (4-4-2) Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Bale, Keane, Jenas, Palacios, Modric, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe. Subs: Cudicini, Bent, O'Hara, Hutton, Dawkins, Lennon, Chimbonda. -------------- Sunderland kicked off the match to a cauldron of noise. The opening stages were rather fruitless as both sides tried to feel each other out. There had been a handful of corners but the closest anyone came in the first 10 minutes was from Tottenham's Modric as his good effort from inside the box was well blocked by Ferdinand. It took 22 minutes for the first real chance of the game to come as Chopra's bent effort from outside the box whisked narrowly over the bar. Shortly after, Whitehead volleyed from 20 yards but Gomes got behind it well as the game looked to open up somewhat. Richardson was replaced by Halford on 31 minutes in a surprise change that looked to change the fortunes of Sunderland, but Spurs nearly scored moments later as Jenas' header from a Modric corner had to be held well by keeper Gordon. Spurs kept the pressure up and Gordon again had to be on hand to deny Palacios from distance shortly after. The final 5 minutes of the half were entered rather gladly for the watching contingent as it looked to be a stalemate of a first half, or so it seemed. On 43 minutes Whitehead's corner was cleared away to King. He took too much time on the ball though and Whitehead stole the ball off him. He fed Chopra who was waiting on the shoulder of the last defender in the penalty area, and he took the ball forward a few steps before placing the ball beyond Gomes and into the far corner to give Sunderland the lead going into half time. Spurs tried to start off the 2nd half on the front foot but their gung-ho attitude nearly cost them as Sunderland broke forward on a counter attack and ex-Spurs player Malbranque got the ball in the box but his low drive was poor and Gomes gathered easily. On 53 minutes Spurs did manage to muster a chance or 2 as Pavlyuchenko's drive from the edge of the box was well tipped over by Gordon. The resulting corner, taken by Modric, looked to fall to the unmarked Defoe 6 yards out but his attempts to head the ball were futile as he made minimal contact and Sunderland scrambled the loose ball clear. Defoe did manage another chance 3 minutes later as Pavlyuchenko fed him on the edge of the area, but his curling effort was held well by Sunderland keeper Gordon. Spurs made a double change on the hour as Hutton replaced Corluka and O'Hara replaced Defoe as Keane moved up front with Pavlyuchenko. Spurs were starting to look the better side but Sunderland were defending well too which made the game fade out into a rather quiet affair. Time rode on and for 30 minutes neither side were able to test one another. Both sides made a handful of substitutions but to no avail, though Sunderland could be regarded as holding out for the win at the moment. Bent had replaced Pavlyuchenko as Redknapp tried to add another dimension in attack to break down the resilient Sunderland defence, but his one dimensional running was doing Spurs no favours. 2 minutes of time were added on and an Andy Reid free kick which went harmlessly wide was all that could be mustered, as a rather dull affair at The Stadium of Light came to an end with Sunderland celebrating. Sunderland 1 – 0 Tottenham Hotspur Chopra 43' Jones: “It's the second win so we're very happy to have got it, and against a Spurs side who hadn't conceded a goal before today so it's a good achievement. We defended well, stayed organised and weren't wasteful on the ball which is a welcome change but now we need to build on this and hopefully our season will be kick-started now. Redknapp: “Well we weren't really at our best today and I think our performance showed that, we had a strong team out though and you'd expect us to do better. I think the goal we conceded was rather soft as well but these things happen and we've had a good defensive record so far so we need to keep that in tact but again today we didn't manage to score or properly test their goal and if you don't do that, you don't win games.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3pm (11th) Burnley v Aston Villa (12th) Two mid-table claret and blue sides went against each other at Turf Moor, with Burnley looking to continue their encouraging start. Burnley (4-4-2) Jensen, Duff, Riggott, Kilgallon, Jordan, Eagles, Thirlwell, McCann, Whittingham, Miller, Gow. Subs: Penny, John, Elliot, Caldwell, Blake, Gudjonsson, Kaivenes. Aston Villa (4-5-1) Friedel, Gardner, Cuellar, Davies, Bouma, Milner, Gudjohnsen, Reo-Coker, Barry, Ashley Young, Carew. Subs: Guzan, Agbonlahor, Petrov, Luke Young, Harewood, Sidwell, Knight. -------------- Burnley got the game underway at Turf Moor with the vocal home support behind them. It was Aston Villa who managed to create the first chance of the game inside the opening 2 minutes. Jordan tried to clear for Burnley but the ball smacked off Carew and came back across goal. Gareth Barry rose above Thirlwell and directed a header at goal, but the ball went agonisingly wide of the left post. Soon after, Carew let fly from distance but his shot went high and wide of the Burnley goal. Burnley managed to get forward on 7 minutes but Whittingham's possession of the ball and attempted shot was denied by an excellent Cuellar challenge. Burnley held out from then on and kept possession well, but despite being error free for that time, they let it slip on 26 minutes. Young whipped in a corner from the right and the ball was scrambling around the box. Eventually it fell to Milner, who's drive from a tight angle was parried into his own net by Jensen as Villa went ahead. Milner tried to claim it, but Jensen was off his line and his attempted dive had clearly pushed the ball into the net. Burnley didn't let the goal shake them though as they tried to come back a few minutes later. Gow and Miller exchanged passes outside the box and Miller let fly from 20 yards but the ball went just over the bar. Moments later it was Villa's turn again to challenge, but Carew, who should have done much better, fired his effort over after good working getting into the box. Chris Eagles let fly from range on 42 minutes and Friedel had to be alert to turn the ball away as it swerved in the air. The belief was there for Burnley to get back but so far their long range efforts were proving fruitless. Villa punished them for their lack of pushing-on right on half time. Jordan upended Reo-Coker just outside the Burnley penalty area and Barry stepped up to take the free kick which was a good 25 yards from goal. He hit it so sweetly that despite Jensen guarding the correct post, Barry still managed to score as the ball crashed off the post and into the net to give Villa a 2 goal lead going in at half time. Burnley brought on Gudjonsson for Thirlwell at half time in an attempt to get back in the game, but it was Villa who had the first chance of the half just 2 minutes in as Milner's run and shot had to be well judged by Jensen to save it. Moments later Burnley did test the Villa goal as Whittingham's near post cross was controlled well by Gow, but the striker fired at Friedel who was standing at his near post and the American made a comfortable parry. 2 minutes after, Friedel had to be alert again as Chris Eagles' byline cross found Whittingham in the middle, but his header was straight into the hands of the Villa keeper as Burnley carved out 2 good chances in a few minutes. On the hour Ashley Young fired wide from the edge of the box before Eidur Gudjohnsen's curling effort from range found row Z. Burnley hadn't put in an inspired second half display but they got a goal back on 68 minutes. Good build up from Burnley then saw Gudjonsson run down the right. He crossed the ball from the byline and Chris McCann was on hand at the back post to turn the ball into the net to bring Burnley back into life. Burnley threw men forward, and on 72 minutes Jordan's effort from distance went narrowly over the crossbar. 8 minutes later Petrov tried his luck from the same place with the same result. Burnley looked tired now though and lacked ideas as Villa soaked up their pressure. Added on time was 5 minutes, but Burnley could only muster a few corners with no result as Villa ran out winners. Burnley 1 – 2 Aston Villa McCann 68' Jensen OG 26' Barry 45' Coyle: “We keep going but we knew consistency was going to be tough. You will have your ups and downs in the first few games and today we've had one of those games where we tried but penultimately the opposition were better and that's why they won. Can't fault our effort though and if we can keep this level of commitment up we will do well.” O'Neill: “I wasn't looking forward to this game as it's the kind of game you don't know what to expect, and I'm obviously pleased it's gone our way today. We got a bit fortunate for the first goal but it was a great second goal and I thought we defended well and overall we deserved the win.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 3pm (4th) Everton v Chelsea (3rd) With Man United hopping over Chelsea to 1st, it was up to the Blues to win by 2 goals to get on top. Everton would be looking to maintain their good start. Everton (4-4-1-1) Howard, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Arteta, Neville, Fellaini, Pienaar, Cahill, Anichebe. Subs: Nash, Gosling, Rodwell, Vaughan, Hibbert, van der Meyde, Kissock. Chelsea (4-4-2) Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Alex, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Essien, Lampard, Kalou, Drogba, Anelka. Subs: Hilario, Shevchenko, Deco, Ivanovic, di Santo, Ballack, Belletti. -------------- Chelsea got the game underway and managed to create a chance early on. Kalou ran down the left and played a simple ball into the path of centralised Lampard who was 20 yards from goal. He took one touch before bending a superb effort toward the far corner, but the ball crashed back off the post before being scrambled clear. Chelsea regained early control, and on 13 minutes Anelka beat Jagielka to the ball on the edge of the box but fired his shot at Howard who pushed the ball away. Howard was being called into early work and again on 20 minutes he had to be on hand to turn Anelka's volley away after good build up from Chelsea. The Everton fans voiced their frustration as they struggled to get into the game. Soon after Cahill's long range shot was saved by Cech, Chelsea came forward again and Lampard went for a carbon copy of the shot he had in the opening minutes, this time the ball went an inch past the post and wide. They were determined to make their dominance count, with good movement and flowing football Chelsea were looking very good. They were rewarded for their dominance 5 minutes from half time. Drogba made a great run down down the right side before entering the penalty area. He cut the ball back for Lampard who was running onto it, and from 8 yards out stroked the ball across goal and into the far corner to give Chelsea the lead. Just before half time Drogba headed a Joe Cole corner into the hands of Howard, as Everton continued to reel. The half time whistle couldn't come soon enough for the home side who would need a lot of work done to take any control of this game, where they looked like the away team. Everton started the second half in a defensive manner, soaking up pressure and forcing Chelsea wide. Lescott and Jagielka were dealing with the crosses well but on 56 minutes their strong hold failed. A straight forward move saw Bosingwa throw short to Anelka deep in Everton territory. The Frenchman played a cross to the feet of Drogba, who controlled well and poked the ball home from a tight angle at Howard's near post to double Chelsea's lead and seemingly put the game beyond Everton's reach. Jagielka was promptly replaced by Hibbert as he went to right back and Yobo back to the centre. Chelsea kept possession well and chose not to tire themselves, Everton were chasing shadows. An excellent pass from Lampard on 67 minutes found Kalou with time and space but he hit his shot at the perfect height for Howard to deal with as Everton continued to struggle. Rodwell came on for Cahill and Anichebe was replaced by Vaughan shortly afterwards. A Pienaar corner on 84 minutes was headed just over by Yobo as Everton looked hopeless to get back in the game. Vaughan tried an individual effort on 88 minutes but his run was halted by the closing down of Cech. There was still time for Howard to tip a Lampard effort round the post in injury time, as the game then ended and Chelsea left Merseyside with a comfortable 3 points. Everton 0 – 2 Chelsea Lampard 39' Drogba 56' Moyes: “Not our usual home display I come to expect but then again this is a revitalised Chelsea team who look a lot better than before. They pass the ball so well and their movement is very tough to pick up so it's a very difficult game to play in. We were below par, but that was mostly down to their performance.” van Basten: “It's another very good display and I think we showed how strong we are that we can come to a team like Everton and outplay them for ninety minutes. I love how my team plays how well they pass and work together and without that you cannot be a success so it is important we keep that together. Yes, I think Drogba is the best striker in the league, he has five (goals) to his name so far, more than anyone else.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3pm (16th) West Ham United v Portsmouth (13th) West Ham would be looking to pick up their first win of the season, with Portsmouth looking to move up the league. West Ham (4-4-2) Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Parker, Guana, Boa Morte, Ashton, Tristan. Subs: Walker, Collins, Molinaro, Dyer, Cole, Tomkins, Spence. Portsmouth (4-5-1) James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, O'Neil, Diop, Davis, Mullins, Kranjcar, Crouch. Subs: Ashdown, Gonzalez, Thomas, Kanu, Pamarot, Little, Basinas. -------------- West Ham got the game underway at an expectant Upton Park. They were soon on top as well. After Faubert had struck a free kick into James' hands, Guana surged forward and tried a long range effort which went narrowly wide as the noise level got louder around the ground. On 11 minutes it was the home side again who tested, as Parker's 35 yard free kick skimmed the top of the bar on it's way over. On 15 minutes Portsmouth fashioned their first chance of the game as Kranjcar cut inside and smacked a right foot shot well wide when he should have done better. Shortly after it was Crouch's turn to test the West Ham goal, as he sent a long range drive wide. Portsmouth had suddenly got a grip on the game and on 29 minutes Green had to be on hand to turn away a Diop effort from the edge of the box as the game opened up. A well worked move from a free kick had Portsmouth in again on 33 minutes, but Kranjcar, with acres of time and space, chose to take the volley first time from a tight-ish angle and Green was able to push the ball around the goal at the near post. Ilunga tried his luck for West Ham late in the half, but his left foot drive which looked destined for the net dipped over as both sides trudged in at half time wondering how the scores were still level. Within 7 second half minutes the first chance came. First, Diop tried his luck from range with the ball going clean over the bar, before Diop again went for goal this time from 35 yards, but despite beating Green the ball clipped off the top of the bar and went over. West Ham came back into the game on the hour mark, as Portsmouth failed to clear a corner, Faubert received the ball at the edge of the box but couldn't convert, firing the ball over the bar. Moments later it was Tristan's turn, as Faubert's excellent pass found at the edge of the box. The striker controlled, but lashed over. Shortly afterwards, Ashton's long range effort found the hands of James. The game continued to be open, with both sides playing attacking football but to no avail so far. 2 chances in a minute came for Portsmouth on 73 minutes. First, Mullins dinked past Guana and was in the box but his left foot drive was palmed away by Green, before Crouch tried his luck from the edge of the box but the ball just went over. As the final 10 minutes were entered, both sides were going for it as the census came through that their had to be a winner. James kept hold of substitute Cole's effort before Portsmouth brough on Little for Diop. Thomas replaced Kranjcar before Kanu came on for Crouch. Added time came and with 4 additional minutes it was hoped a winner would come forth, but no such thing occurred as the game ended goalless. West Ham United 0 – 0 Portsmouth Zola: “We still search for that win, some might say we should have had it today but I think a draw was a fair result. I know we have the quality to win so it's a question of why it isn't happening, I'm not sure but we need to fix this and soon as if we can't win at home it will be tougher to get points away and who knows what situation we might end up in.” Hart: “Tricky place to come but a good result to come away with. We should have won, though, I feel. We worked hard, created chances, looked the better side but it's been the story of our season so far; playing well but not getting what we deserve. I think we will learn from these things though and as long as we keep playing well the results will come.” Coming up - struggling Arsenal face Liverpool Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomaz Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 4pm (18th) Arsenal v Liverpool (9th) Arsenal's very poor start wasn't tipped to improve as they hosted Liverpool in the biggest game of the season yet. Liverpool had two games in hand on the rest at this point and would be looking to make up ground with a win here. Sky Sports showed the game and the ever present Andy Gray was giving his views: “One way I see this game going, and that's Arsenal. They will make up for lost time today, they have been so unlucky so far but their luck will kick in today. Liverpool look good, but they won't be good enough today I feel.” Whereas, in the studio, Graeme Souness had the opposite view: “I think Liverpool will triumph. Arsenal have been unfortunate but until they get a goal that gives them a lead their confidence will be rocked. They got two last week but still lost, and Liverpool are playing well so it should make for a good game but it's all about who has their finishing boots on, and right now, that's Liverpool.” Arsenal (4-4-2) Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Adebayor, van Persie. Subs: Fabianski, Bendtner, Vela, Rosicky, Djourou, Arshavin, Eduardo. Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Mascherano, Alonso, Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel, Torres. Subs: Itandje, Skrtel, Darby, Lucas, Voronin, Aurelio, San Jose. -------------- Both sides emerged at the Emirates to a cauldron of noise, doing high knees and kicking their heels up as both felt they were ready. For now, it seemed, the form book mattered little as Arsenal looked the more confident side and the more ready side. Both teams engaged in a huddle before kick-off, the home sides' lasting longer. Upon the break apart, Fabregas clapped feverishly and gestured to the crowd to get the noise level up. They promptly did as asked, as Torres and Gerrard stepped to the centre circle for kick-off. Roars went up from all sides as the game got underway. Arsenal's back line instantly pushing up as a quick closing down instruction seemed in order. It didn't take long for their eager possession desires to kick in as inside a minute Denilson was lucky to evade a yellow card as he went in hard on Gerrard near the half way line. It looked an open start, with Liverpool clearly not eager to sit back and every time Arsenal collected the ball and passed forward, roars of encouragement rose up and pushed them onwards. Arsenal's attacking attitude was not without defensive mind, as Nasri tracked back very well in the 9th minute to brilliantly intercept Babel's low cross to the near post. His eagerness to get Arsenal forward hindered his pass, as the clearly over-aroused midfielder over hit a pass the way of Eboue and the ball went out of play. 12 minutes in and the first chance came along. Babel was tripped by Sagna down the Liverpool left and a free kick was awarded a good 45 yards from goal. Xabi Alonso stood over the ball and whipped it in with pace toward the back post. Almunia came for it and there was a heart stopping moment when he got to the flighted ball and his punch went all wrong. The keeper punched the ball directly up in the air and the ball began to track toward the Arsenal goal, ensuring a scramble to get under the ball by both sets of players. Hands were put to mouths by the Arsenal fans, but fortunately Sagna volleyed the ball off the line and clear to thunderous applause. Wenger had sped to his technical area, stretching out his arms toward Almunia in a muted way of asking what the heck he was playing at. The home side were not shaken, though, and they broke forward on 16 minutes. Nasri's excellent run down the left had him in the box with the fans pleading for a cross. Carragher blocked the cross well though and a corner was given as the home fans were louder than ever now. The corner was wasted however, as Gerrard headed clear at the near post. Fear struck, as the ball found Babel and Liverpool sprinted clear, fortunately Eboue intercepted the ball bound for Torres, but a foul was given against the midfielder and he was promptly booked, much to the head-shaken and disappointed Wenger. Both sides soldiered on, with nerves on either side as neither team had so far managed a proper grip on the game. Just before the 20 minute mark Adebayor raced free in the box and was almost in on goal before Agger pulled off a great tackle to deny him a shot as frustrated groans rang out across the Emirates. Moments later, after Babel had picked up a knock, Arsenal could have scored through Arbeloa, but Eboue's deep cross was turned behind from 4 yards out by the Liverpool defender when he could have quiet easily turned it into his own net. From the resulting corner, Nasri whipped it in hard and low. No one seemed to attack it, but Reina emerged from goal and dive-fisted the ball out of the box when there should have been an Arsenal player waiting to turn the ball in. More poor attacking play appeared to be letting the north-London side down again. More fruitless balls into the box for Arsenal on 25 minutes as Sagna's near post cross was easily dealt with by Carragher. It seemed every cross they made was unable to evade the first defender. More Arsenal pressing followed, and after Arbeloa performed another great intervention to deny Eboue a ball into the box, Arsenal finally tested Reina. Denilson whipped in a corner from the right which Eboue won at the near post, beating Mascherano in the air. There was little time to react for Reina, but he did well to tip the ball over the bar with lightning quick reactions. Rapturous applause came and was then followed by roars of encouragement as Arsenal finally looked like they could get a goal. They could be forgiven for thinking they were back to square one again just moments later as Fabregas tripped Alonso unnecessarily on the left edge of the Arsenal box. Alonso stepped up to take it and whipped it over the wall and harmlessly over the Arsenal crossbar. Liverpool had struggled to muster a flowing move but 2 minutes after Alonso's chance good work from them saw Mascherano and Torres combine, but the Spaniard's curling drive from the edge of the box landed comfortably in Almunia's hands. The atmosphere had died down, but it was still tense. 1 goal could knock Arsenal firmly off their perch, but 1 for them themselves could ignite a great win, the belief was there. Wenger remained on the touchline for the remainder of the half, Benitez arms folded in the dugout. Liverpool won a late corner which had some Arsenal fans unable to look but it was easily cleared as the whistle blew for half time to muted applause around the ground. It was hard to tell who was the happier side at half time, but regardless, Martin Tyler summed it up well just before Sky went to a break with 'Don't turn away from this one folks...' Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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