Everton v Man United - 3:1 - The game was a little slow to start with and Everton looked the more ambitious side early on, before Berbatov made something out of very little and scored with a decisive strike (16). Within three minutes, unfazed by this ill-fortune, Bilyaletdinov had whacked the ball past Van de Saar to equalize (19). There followed good chances for Rooney and Donovan, but both missed. In the second half Fletcher missed narrowly with a good strike as ManU began to take more of the initiative. Then Everton’s two super-subs stepped forward; first Gosling steered the ball into the net, profiting from a defensive error (76) and finally Rodwell went through on his own to seal it (90). Everton seem be be back at their best, with Pienaar at the heart of most Evertonian moves, whilst Rooney was not firing on all cylinders (only 5 or so).
Wolves v Chelsea - 0:2 - Wolves made all the early chances but Drogba slid home the first goal with a tidy tap-in from a good cross by Zhirkov (40). Wolves were not deterred and continued to press hard but Drogba turned Wolves over again, following a long punt up-field by Cech, which Drogba nodded down and past the keeper before passing the ball into the net (67). Anelka might have had another but could not beat all three defenders he was facing. McCarthy - ‘I had a bit of a chew at the lads. We had our chances… We let ‘em off the hook.’ Ancelotti - ‘There’s eleven games to go… Nothing is decided at this point.’ But there is that 4 point lead, Mr Ancelotti.
Arsenal v Sunderland - 2:0 - Walcott’s pace was telling, allowing him to skin Sunderland’s defenders with ease. Bendtner nearly got a goal which was blocked and bounced up and over the bar. Eboue made a great run into the box and Bendtner tapped it in (27). Jones missed a sitter at the other end shortly after. Walcott went on a run of his own and nearly scored, as did Bent, but both keepers did well. Eboue cut back gloriously but Ramsey missed, then Nasri missed, then missed again, but Fabregas earned and scored a penalty in the dying moments of the game (90+3). Sunderland might have got into the game at only one down but Arsenal were at a clay pigeon shoot and were lining them up. Fortunately for Sunderland Arsenal could not knock off most of their chances. Wenger - ‘We had good rhythm in the first half, less in the second.’ Bruce - ‘When you come here you don’t get many (chances). We had one or two good ones, and missed them, but overall I’m delighted with our performance.’
West Ham v Hull - 3:0 - All West Ham who delivered their best performance of the season by far - Diamanti's fine free kick in the first minute was met with a good save, but the Hammers had set out their store from the off. Two minutes later Behrami let fly with Swiss precision for West Ham’s first (3). Behrami thumped another close range shot soon after which was saved and was denied on his third attempt following a great cross by Diamanti. Finally Green was forced to do a bit of work at the West Ham end, but saved at full stretch. Fagan’s second yellow, pulling back on Diamanti, reduced Hull to 10 men. The Hammers took full advantage and before long Carlton Cole had scored competently from an inch-perfect Faubert forward pass (59). Diamanti was having a very good day and chanced his arm with a shot from inside his own half, almost clearing the keeper - one for the photo album had it gone in. In extra time Gardner was stretchered off after what looked like an awkward fall reducing Hull to nine men and Faubert ran up the pitch and scored well from range across the goal-mouth (90+3). Zola - ‘It was good, I think we can do better. The difference was the way we started, we started very well.’ Games like this demonstrate why managers (and players) can become frustrated - without wishing to second guess Zola Your Ear can’t help but wonder whether ‘Why can’t they always play like that?’ ran through his mind.
Portsmouth v Stoke - 1:2 - Stoke remain unbeaten in 2010, but whatever their financial troubles off the pitch Portsmouth came to this game well-prepared and took the initiative from the outset. First Piquionne was given offside (wrongly) for what would otherwise have been neat meat. Belhadj then had a go from range but his shot went over. Finally, Owusu-Abeyie did some sterling work on the left wing, ran in, had his forward pass laid off back to him by O’Hara, let loose a fierce shot which the keeper blocked but failed to hold and Piquionne scored his fourth of the season from a narrow angle (35). All very good work by Portsmouth, but things turned sour for them in the second half. Stoke’s Tuncay shot directly at James, which he saved easily but shortly after a Wheelan corner delivered Huth with a free header from which he scored Stoke’s equalizer (50). Wilkinson was sent off for a second yellow and Portsmouth seemed to have the edge over Stoke’s ten men, but Fuller ran the ball deep into the Portsmouth 6 yard box, James dived at his feet and Fuller managed to cross the ball for Diao to push home (90+1), taking all three points. Poor ol’ Portsmouth, when you’re down, you’re down.
Aston villa v Burnley - 5:2 - To begin with Burnley thought they might lay the ghost of their poor away form to rest, having gone one up by merit early in the game (Fletcher, 10). It took Villa twenty minutes to make their reply when Young got a goal, possibly after two deflections (32). but at half time the game looked fairly even. The second half proved to be more interesting. Downing got his first Villa goal with an accurate strike across the face of the goal (56). Then Downing turned on a sixpence and pounded another low strike deflected in off Fox for Villa’s third (58). Heskey made no mistake for their fourth from Agbonlahor’s cross (61) Agbonlahor got the next one, sliding in from Heskey’s accurate lay-off, returning the favour. Paterson got one back (90+2) from a good cross, but it was too little, too late. Overall, Burnley had no answer to Villa’s pace.
Man City v Liverpool - 0:0 - A fairly quiet first half produced a few errors but not many opportunities to score. The best chance of the match fell to Adebayor after an hour, who drove a low shot, straight and true, but Reina saved well. Towards the end Liverpool seemed to have the upper hand, but the match fizzled out to a goal-less draw.
Wigan v Spurs - 0:3 - After their appalin’ maulin’ last time around at White Hart Lane, Wigan looked good from the off with crisp chances falling particularly to Rodallega. Defoe equalled his season’s best (22 goals) with Spurs’ first goal, an easy take from a good cross by Bale (27). Wigan were unlucky, Defoe was miles offside, but the goal stood and it was one nil at half time. There followed chances at either end but Defoe was very lively and cracked in a couple of shots which were saved. Modric struck one off the post into Kirkland’s grateful arms. Palyuvchenko got his first Premiership goal of the season, then his second in quick succession. The first was a good clipped finish from an excellent Modric pass (84), the second an opportunist strike after Boyce failed to clear (90+3). Three goals for Spurs and Modric had a very good game. Understandably, Martinez was not a happy bunny, particularly with the first goal and then one or two Defoe challenges, but mainly with the referee’s decisions - ‘I think from small decisions to big decisions the referee made the game impossible for us.’
Fulham v Birmingham - 2:1 - An unfocussed Baird forgot which end of the pitch he was at, and he headed in the first goal for his opponents with great accuracy (o/g, 3). Duff scored a brilliant goal with his left foot in-off the post to equalize (59). Fulham won the game when Zamora curled in a wonderful free kick in the late stages (90+1). Hodgson - ‘We got off to the worst possible start with the own goal after three minutes. But to come in at half-time 1-0 down after the way we had played was harsh on the players. We had more shots, more opportunities and more of the play - we had to dig deep and score two great goals to win it, but we got there in the end.’ McLeish - ‘We lost because of two pieces of inspiration from Fulham, the finishes were brilliant. That’s the difference in quality we have to aspire to. And Bobby Zamora was the big difference. Today my players had a hard game against one of the best strikers in the league. If they are going to step up to the next level they have to overcome players like him.’ Praise indeed - does England beckon?
Blackburn v Bolton - 3:0 - Heavy snow did not deter the determination of either side and both teams went at it hammer and tongs from the outset. Blackburn nearly went ahead and Bolton had chances as well, but neither side took the advantage until Kalinic got a a deflection off Knight (41). Roberts got Blackburn’s second with an overhead kick (73) and Givet their third with a glancing header (84) earning a precious three points for the home side. Allardyce (smug against his old club) - ‘It's our biggest win of the season. We're making everyone sit up and think what a game they're going to get here - and they certainly are. The second goal knocked the stuffing out of Bolton and we just opened them up if and when we saw fit.’ Coyle - ‘It's no excuse to say you've played a lot of games, we still expect better than what we offered today. The goals we lost, I wouldn't expect to lose those in the school playground. That was really disappointing.’
Man Utd v West Ham - 3:0 - Rooney’s seasonal tally rises to 27 as United beat West Ham soundly. Although the first half was evenly contested Rooney made no mistake with a firm header from Valencia's top volleyed cross (38). Twenty minutes later in the game another Valencia cross was headed home by Rooney for United’s' second (55) before Owen clipped a late third from a Scholes' pass (80). West Ham battled throughout, but were outclassed. Ferguson - ‘We had to win and we did that. In the second half, especially, we played some really good football and it could have been more. But we're happy with the three points. Wayne Rooney was magnificent again. They were two excellent headers, although there was also some good play from Antonio Valencia.’ Zola - ‘We played some good football and looked like we were in the game for most of the first half, but after that we did not play as well. Manchester United are a fantastic team and we could not live with them. We probably played them at the wrong time after their defeat on Saturday and, in Rooney, they have a player who turns everything to gold. He is one of the most complete strikers in the world. Now we look ahead to the game against Bolton, which is absolutely massive for us.’
Saturday 27 February 2010
Friday 19 February 2010
Premiership round up - Week 26
Everton v Chelsea - 2:1 - A long ball forward, helped on by Drogba's backward header, gave Malouda a golden chance to score which he grabbed gratefully with both hands (or with one of his feet, anyway, 17). Everton woke up and began to take the game to Chelsea, and following a well-taken corner Saha scored a glancing header (33). Shortly after Everton won a penalty (Donovan leaving Carvalho for dead) but Cech saved Saha's poor penalty kick. However, Saha did not miss his next opportunity, using great chest control, allowing the ball one bounce, and slapping it into the net with his left boot (75). Everton were on fire for their first win over Chelsea for 12 years, but what and where for Chelsea now in the league?
Aston Villa v Man United - 1:1 - Cuellar required two attempts to get his eye in but on the second scored a fine header to put Villa ahead (19). Coilins was then unfortunate to score an own goal after Giggs had driven the ball hard into the Villa box, possibly just to see what would happen. Later Nani was sent off, having got the ball but with studs showing. This ensuing 3 match ban rules him out of the Carling Cup Final against Villa. Friedel made a competent save after Rooney had run 40-50 yards and Milner was denied at the other end of the field. In the second half Berbatov came on for Giggs and ManU continued to press Villa hard, and a great Rooney shot from outside the box was saved by equally good keeper effort. Villa showed their typically staunch defensive attitude and ManU were fortunate towards the end when Villa might have had a penalty awarded in their favour. Unusually, United's Mike Phelan was happy with the Nani decision.
Arsenal v Liverpool - 1:0 - Considering the quality of the sides this proved to be a slow, tense game with few chances until the last twenty minutes, when an unmarked Diaby had little difficulty in finishing a good cross with his head (72). Arsenal got the win but were lucky, Fabregas handled the ball after a Liverpool free kick on the edge of the box. Wenger - ‘We are just trying now to win our next game and if they slip up let's us be consistent… I believe there's a chance (to win the league) because it shows that everybody drops points everywhere, so in the end the most consistent team will win it…' Benitez - ‘It was a pity because in the last 20 minutes we were pushing hard and had chances. It was just quality in final third that made the big difference. The second half was much better and we could have got something. It's important for us to have a good run of results. There's a long way to go and we need to keep on going.’
Wolves v Spurs - 1:0 - A woeful night for Tottenham and their fans - Spurs never seemed up for this game, which allowed Wolves to complete the double over Spurs, lifting Wolves out of the relegation zone. Slack defending allowed Jones to side-foot the ball easily past Gomes (27) and Wolves' lead was rarely threatened in the second half, a shot by Palacios the only effort on target by Spurs. Harry - 'I'm very disappointed. It was probably our worst performance of the season!' McCarthy - ‘Teamwork was the key. We've got a terrific team of lads and they've worked hard and deserved that victory. It's been proved this season that teams like us can get points off the big teams. We've got Chelsea and Manchester United coming up, who's to say we won't take points off them?’ Your Ear thinks Mr Ancelotti and Sir Alex might have something to say about that.
Portsmouth v Sunderland - 1:1 - Pompey went one behind when Rocha, as last man, saw red for tripping Bent. The striker scored from the spot (12), but the penalty should never have been given. Conversely Cattermole and Meyler were sent off for Sunderland. At one point Grant became so incensed he remonstrated too much with the officials and was sent into the stands. However Dindane equalized as the final sands hit the bottom of the egg-timer (90+6) to earn cash-strapped Portsmouth a draw. Grant - ‘In the last 10 days too many decisions have gone against us. Against Manchester City there was a clear penalty and a goal from offside. Against Fulham there was a clear offside against Bobby Zamora. Against Manchester United it was 1-0 and there was no penalty when Evra used two hands. Against Sunderland, two clear penalties against us. I can fight against everything but sometimes it is too much. Maybe it is too easy to do things against us.’ Bruce - ‘Our own stupidity, two rash challenges, have cost us the game. To go down to 9 men when we're 1:0 up is not acceptable. They're young and genuine players and I hope they learn from it but they've badly let us down today. There's a huge frustration there over our lack of professionalism and discipline. To concede in the last 10 seconds is another kick in the teeth.’
West Ham v Birmingham - 2:0 - The new Hammers’ owners, David and Sullivan Gold were pitted against their former club for the first time. The first half saw few chances at either end. A good Diamanti shot early on was saved but a strong run by Parker resulted in a free kick on the edge of the box which Diamanti scored from, dipping the ball over the wall into the corner of the net. (45+2). The Hammers' second goal came from Carlton Cole, following a cross whipped in by Faubert (67). Despite their recent good form and a penalty shout they were denied, Birmingham managed only a couple of half-chances from Jerome throughout the game. Zola - It was a massive game… our first goal came at just the right moment.’ McLeish - ‘The timing of the first goal hurt us…’ Crumbs, at last - two managers who agree on something! But largely it was a massive win for Zola, and on the first goal the home crowd went wild and most of the West Ham players went to celebrate with Zola in a show of unity.
Blackburn v Hull - 1:0 - Hull, who seem to be a better side when playing against the big clubs, appear quite vulnerable when playing against their peers, and suffered the consequences versus a well-organized Blackburn. A good Myhill save from Nelsen's close-range header kept Hull out of trouble for a while, but Olsson’s sheer determination was rewarded when he nut-megged the keeper (16). Hull made life easier for Blackburn when Boateng was red-carded for leading with his elbow on Pedersen just before half time. Allardyce - ‘It's three home wins on the trot and that's a very pleasing thing. That's top-eight form, and here at Ewood Park we're a force to be reckoned with. Olsson's goal was a piece of outstanding ability, so I think it would be a shame if it was taken off him. Technically, Boateng's offence was a red, but, for me, it wasn't intentional.’ Brown (on George Boateng's dismissal) - ‘For me, it was a poor decision. I'm not saying the game hinged on it, but the referee reacted too quickly. It was a clash of heads with two players going for the ball. George can't believe it, I can't believe it, and hopefully Lee Probert will look at it and he won't be able to believe it either.’
Man City v Bolton - 2:0 - On the face of it a good win for City, but an uninspired match, overall. A good run by Johnson resulted in a penalty after being brought down by Robinson. Tevez duly powered the ball into the net off Jaaskelainen (31). Meanwhile Bolton should have had a penalty of their own when Toure fouled Elmander. Later Tevez hit the crossbar from a free-kick before Emmanuel Adebayor struck a beautiful volley to secure the points (73). Mancini - ‘I feel good after a victory but if we want to arrive at our targets we must improve. We must win at home, we must win away and we must play better. Coyle was delighted with Bolton despite the loss - ‘City have a squad that cost over £200m and we made them look ordinary. If they are honest they will admit they were fortunate. The first five minutes belonged to Man City but I thought that we really took the game to them after that.’ Your Ear has been saying that City look ordinary since the season began, but they now lie fifth in the table, nonetheless.
Fulham v Burnley - 3:0 - Burnley's dismal away form continued at Craven Cottage. But the visitors were hard done by - two offside goals put Fulham ahead (Murphy (23) and Elm (31). Although Burnley had their chances (one off the bar) Zamora clinched Fulham's victory with a precision (but debatable) free-kick (54) to give Fulham a comfortable win. Hodgson - ‘We made the win comfortable with the quality of our play, particularly our defending. We were good value for our two goals at half-time and Burnley will be grateful their keeper was in good form. We've lost a lot of quality players through injury, all at the same time, so I'm pleased that February has started well.’ Laws - ‘It's been clearly shown that the first two goals were offside, but we've contributed to that too with our defending. Even though we didn't play particularly well, you want consistency from the referee and the linesman. We know we have to change things away from home, whether it's the personnel or the formation.’
Wigan v Stoke - 1:1 - Scharner put Wigan ahead early on with a great first-half header from just inside the box (14) and Rodallega almost extended Wigan’s lead with an overhead kick that nicked the bar. But after a great deal of nip and tuck Stoke's Tuncay equalized with an equally well-taken header late in the game (74). From then it was all Stoke and they were unfortunate not to take all three points through efforts by Sidibe and Beattie. Wigan have now drawn after being ahead in eight games, which ranks with Bolton as the worst record in the league. Pulis - ‘The longer the game went on I thought there was only one side that was going to win it. They were the better team in the first half hour but in the second half we were really disappointed we didn't put more chances away.’ Martinez - ‘It's always disappointing when you take the lead and can't get the three points but it's another point, that's the way we're thinking. In the second half Stoke came out with a lot of pressure and momentum. They put bodies forward, and to be honest the pitch didn't help us to get through that pressure.’
Stoke v Man City - 1:1 - City failed to convince once again as they struggled to draw with ten man Stoke. Mr Mancini was wearing his trade mark blue and white scarf, but this did not match the colour of his face as his blood pressure rose on the sidelines. The first half was dominated by the home side, but produced no goals. The second started in the same vein but in the 53rd minute Faye was shown a straight red card as last man, having been judged to have fouled Adebayor. The loss of Faye did not dent Stoke’s willingness to go forward and Whelan scored first from some distance with a low, driving shot (72). City were fortunate to be rescued by Barry close to the end of the game when he hooked the ball in from close range (85). The point lifts City to 4th place in the league, displacing Liverpool, who they must face at Anfield next Sunday.
Wigan v Bolton - 0:0 - Two relegation candidates produced a nervous draw in difficult conditions (snow, hail and rain at times) to earn a point each and leave the table largely unchanged, although Bolton have overtaken Burnley. Wigan produced more chances; N'Zobgia hit the post early on with a good left-foot shot, and Rodallega headed one effort wide and missed over the bar with an overhead kick. Bolton could have snatched the result towards the end but Taylor missed another of several chances that had fallen to him. Martinez - ‘It's the same pitch for both sides. We must adapt and be ourselves and not use it as an excuse. I felt we did everything apart from score. We looked a threat and we have a great platform for our next game.’ Coyle - ‘It was a very hard-fought game and we both tried to win it. We showed desire and hunger and felt we had the better goal-scoring chances. We feel we should have got more than a point, but it could be important.’ It’s as well to make the best of it, these managers are as tricky as politicians. In fact, they are politicians.
Football News - Arsenal exit FA Cup - 'It is a great loss,' said Alex Ferguson.
Potential Player Fire Sale - Portsmouth, with debts of roughly £60m, face a winding-up order on 1 March. The club has asked to be allowed to sell players outside of the transfer window, desperate to raise more cash by offloading other players (it sold three in the last window). The FA will consult the other 19 Premier clubs before making their decision, but if the request were granted it is likely any players sold would only be permitted to play in the Premier league. If Portsmouth is wound up the season might be forced to continue with only 19 clubs. All very upsetting and Your Ear, for one, wishes Portsmouth well and takes no pleasure in their current difficulties. On the plus side, it would simplify the relegation battle. But there are other ways to look at Portsmouth’s debt; at £60m it represents just over 0.034% of Britain’s annual deficit (170bn), and just over 0.007% of our total debt (£0.8485tn - that’s trillion, folks, or the old billion). If a generous soul were to rescue Portsmouth by covering its debts this might value the club at the £60m it owes. So if the UK could find just under 3000 things like Portsmouth FC to sell it would cover the annual debt, just over 14000 would clear the lot. Your Ear wonders what the whole town of Portsmouth might be worth? We could start with that. Or sell the Elgin Marbles to Greece (no, cancel that, they can’t afford them). Or the Falklands to Argentina? Perhaps not, thar’s oil in them thar Antarctic wastes. Your Ear would suggest selling Gibraltar, but the Spanish are as stoney broke as we are. However, I wonder what the Isle of Wight might fetch on the open market? Or Wales? Failing the sale of real estate we could look for high-cost projects to cancel - apparently the go-ahead for a high-speed Scotland to London rail line is 'only a few weeks away'. Now such a rail link probably costs more than several football clubs, and as many Scots want independence we could grant it, cancel the project and with only a few bricks needed in the wall to make us safe again, save a few bob. While we are it perhaps we should close the channel tunnel (it seems to be closed much of the time anyway) forcing people into the air in order to travel. Then we could whack a huge tax on air fuel, making a mint and/or benefiting the planet in one. Football teaches us everything and all you need do, Mr Chancellor, is use your imagination.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Aston Villa v Man United - 1:1 - Cuellar required two attempts to get his eye in but on the second scored a fine header to put Villa ahead (19). Coilins was then unfortunate to score an own goal after Giggs had driven the ball hard into the Villa box, possibly just to see what would happen. Later Nani was sent off, having got the ball but with studs showing. This ensuing 3 match ban rules him out of the Carling Cup Final against Villa. Friedel made a competent save after Rooney had run 40-50 yards and Milner was denied at the other end of the field. In the second half Berbatov came on for Giggs and ManU continued to press Villa hard, and a great Rooney shot from outside the box was saved by equally good keeper effort. Villa showed their typically staunch defensive attitude and ManU were fortunate towards the end when Villa might have had a penalty awarded in their favour. Unusually, United's Mike Phelan was happy with the Nani decision.
Arsenal v Liverpool - 1:0 - Considering the quality of the sides this proved to be a slow, tense game with few chances until the last twenty minutes, when an unmarked Diaby had little difficulty in finishing a good cross with his head (72). Arsenal got the win but were lucky, Fabregas handled the ball after a Liverpool free kick on the edge of the box. Wenger - ‘We are just trying now to win our next game and if they slip up let's us be consistent… I believe there's a chance (to win the league) because it shows that everybody drops points everywhere, so in the end the most consistent team will win it…' Benitez - ‘It was a pity because in the last 20 minutes we were pushing hard and had chances. It was just quality in final third that made the big difference. The second half was much better and we could have got something. It's important for us to have a good run of results. There's a long way to go and we need to keep on going.’
Wolves v Spurs - 1:0 - A woeful night for Tottenham and their fans - Spurs never seemed up for this game, which allowed Wolves to complete the double over Spurs, lifting Wolves out of the relegation zone. Slack defending allowed Jones to side-foot the ball easily past Gomes (27) and Wolves' lead was rarely threatened in the second half, a shot by Palacios the only effort on target by Spurs. Harry - 'I'm very disappointed. It was probably our worst performance of the season!' McCarthy - ‘Teamwork was the key. We've got a terrific team of lads and they've worked hard and deserved that victory. It's been proved this season that teams like us can get points off the big teams. We've got Chelsea and Manchester United coming up, who's to say we won't take points off them?’ Your Ear thinks Mr Ancelotti and Sir Alex might have something to say about that.
Portsmouth v Sunderland - 1:1 - Pompey went one behind when Rocha, as last man, saw red for tripping Bent. The striker scored from the spot (12), but the penalty should never have been given. Conversely Cattermole and Meyler were sent off for Sunderland. At one point Grant became so incensed he remonstrated too much with the officials and was sent into the stands. However Dindane equalized as the final sands hit the bottom of the egg-timer (90+6) to earn cash-strapped Portsmouth a draw. Grant - ‘In the last 10 days too many decisions have gone against us. Against Manchester City there was a clear penalty and a goal from offside. Against Fulham there was a clear offside against Bobby Zamora. Against Manchester United it was 1-0 and there was no penalty when Evra used two hands. Against Sunderland, two clear penalties against us. I can fight against everything but sometimes it is too much. Maybe it is too easy to do things against us.’ Bruce - ‘Our own stupidity, two rash challenges, have cost us the game. To go down to 9 men when we're 1:0 up is not acceptable. They're young and genuine players and I hope they learn from it but they've badly let us down today. There's a huge frustration there over our lack of professionalism and discipline. To concede in the last 10 seconds is another kick in the teeth.’
West Ham v Birmingham - 2:0 - The new Hammers’ owners, David and Sullivan Gold were pitted against their former club for the first time. The first half saw few chances at either end. A good Diamanti shot early on was saved but a strong run by Parker resulted in a free kick on the edge of the box which Diamanti scored from, dipping the ball over the wall into the corner of the net. (45+2). The Hammers' second goal came from Carlton Cole, following a cross whipped in by Faubert (67). Despite their recent good form and a penalty shout they were denied, Birmingham managed only a couple of half-chances from Jerome throughout the game. Zola - It was a massive game… our first goal came at just the right moment.’ McLeish - ‘The timing of the first goal hurt us…’ Crumbs, at last - two managers who agree on something! But largely it was a massive win for Zola, and on the first goal the home crowd went wild and most of the West Ham players went to celebrate with Zola in a show of unity.
Blackburn v Hull - 1:0 - Hull, who seem to be a better side when playing against the big clubs, appear quite vulnerable when playing against their peers, and suffered the consequences versus a well-organized Blackburn. A good Myhill save from Nelsen's close-range header kept Hull out of trouble for a while, but Olsson’s sheer determination was rewarded when he nut-megged the keeper (16). Hull made life easier for Blackburn when Boateng was red-carded for leading with his elbow on Pedersen just before half time. Allardyce - ‘It's three home wins on the trot and that's a very pleasing thing. That's top-eight form, and here at Ewood Park we're a force to be reckoned with. Olsson's goal was a piece of outstanding ability, so I think it would be a shame if it was taken off him. Technically, Boateng's offence was a red, but, for me, it wasn't intentional.’ Brown (on George Boateng's dismissal) - ‘For me, it was a poor decision. I'm not saying the game hinged on it, but the referee reacted too quickly. It was a clash of heads with two players going for the ball. George can't believe it, I can't believe it, and hopefully Lee Probert will look at it and he won't be able to believe it either.’
Man City v Bolton - 2:0 - On the face of it a good win for City, but an uninspired match, overall. A good run by Johnson resulted in a penalty after being brought down by Robinson. Tevez duly powered the ball into the net off Jaaskelainen (31). Meanwhile Bolton should have had a penalty of their own when Toure fouled Elmander. Later Tevez hit the crossbar from a free-kick before Emmanuel Adebayor struck a beautiful volley to secure the points (73). Mancini - ‘I feel good after a victory but if we want to arrive at our targets we must improve. We must win at home, we must win away and we must play better. Coyle was delighted with Bolton despite the loss - ‘City have a squad that cost over £200m and we made them look ordinary. If they are honest they will admit they were fortunate. The first five minutes belonged to Man City but I thought that we really took the game to them after that.’ Your Ear has been saying that City look ordinary since the season began, but they now lie fifth in the table, nonetheless.
Fulham v Burnley - 3:0 - Burnley's dismal away form continued at Craven Cottage. But the visitors were hard done by - two offside goals put Fulham ahead (Murphy (23) and Elm (31). Although Burnley had their chances (one off the bar) Zamora clinched Fulham's victory with a precision (but debatable) free-kick (54) to give Fulham a comfortable win. Hodgson - ‘We made the win comfortable with the quality of our play, particularly our defending. We were good value for our two goals at half-time and Burnley will be grateful their keeper was in good form. We've lost a lot of quality players through injury, all at the same time, so I'm pleased that February has started well.’ Laws - ‘It's been clearly shown that the first two goals were offside, but we've contributed to that too with our defending. Even though we didn't play particularly well, you want consistency from the referee and the linesman. We know we have to change things away from home, whether it's the personnel or the formation.’
Wigan v Stoke - 1:1 - Scharner put Wigan ahead early on with a great first-half header from just inside the box (14) and Rodallega almost extended Wigan’s lead with an overhead kick that nicked the bar. But after a great deal of nip and tuck Stoke's Tuncay equalized with an equally well-taken header late in the game (74). From then it was all Stoke and they were unfortunate not to take all three points through efforts by Sidibe and Beattie. Wigan have now drawn after being ahead in eight games, which ranks with Bolton as the worst record in the league. Pulis - ‘The longer the game went on I thought there was only one side that was going to win it. They were the better team in the first half hour but in the second half we were really disappointed we didn't put more chances away.’ Martinez - ‘It's always disappointing when you take the lead and can't get the three points but it's another point, that's the way we're thinking. In the second half Stoke came out with a lot of pressure and momentum. They put bodies forward, and to be honest the pitch didn't help us to get through that pressure.’
Stoke v Man City - 1:1 - City failed to convince once again as they struggled to draw with ten man Stoke. Mr Mancini was wearing his trade mark blue and white scarf, but this did not match the colour of his face as his blood pressure rose on the sidelines. The first half was dominated by the home side, but produced no goals. The second started in the same vein but in the 53rd minute Faye was shown a straight red card as last man, having been judged to have fouled Adebayor. The loss of Faye did not dent Stoke’s willingness to go forward and Whelan scored first from some distance with a low, driving shot (72). City were fortunate to be rescued by Barry close to the end of the game when he hooked the ball in from close range (85). The point lifts City to 4th place in the league, displacing Liverpool, who they must face at Anfield next Sunday.
Wigan v Bolton - 0:0 - Two relegation candidates produced a nervous draw in difficult conditions (snow, hail and rain at times) to earn a point each and leave the table largely unchanged, although Bolton have overtaken Burnley. Wigan produced more chances; N'Zobgia hit the post early on with a good left-foot shot, and Rodallega headed one effort wide and missed over the bar with an overhead kick. Bolton could have snatched the result towards the end but Taylor missed another of several chances that had fallen to him. Martinez - ‘It's the same pitch for both sides. We must adapt and be ourselves and not use it as an excuse. I felt we did everything apart from score. We looked a threat and we have a great platform for our next game.’ Coyle - ‘It was a very hard-fought game and we both tried to win it. We showed desire and hunger and felt we had the better goal-scoring chances. We feel we should have got more than a point, but it could be important.’ It’s as well to make the best of it, these managers are as tricky as politicians. In fact, they are politicians.
Football News - Arsenal exit FA Cup - 'It is a great loss,' said Alex Ferguson.
Potential Player Fire Sale - Portsmouth, with debts of roughly £60m, face a winding-up order on 1 March. The club has asked to be allowed to sell players outside of the transfer window, desperate to raise more cash by offloading other players (it sold three in the last window). The FA will consult the other 19 Premier clubs before making their decision, but if the request were granted it is likely any players sold would only be permitted to play in the Premier league. If Portsmouth is wound up the season might be forced to continue with only 19 clubs. All very upsetting and Your Ear, for one, wishes Portsmouth well and takes no pleasure in their current difficulties. On the plus side, it would simplify the relegation battle. But there are other ways to look at Portsmouth’s debt; at £60m it represents just over 0.034% of Britain’s annual deficit (170bn), and just over 0.007% of our total debt (£0.8485tn - that’s trillion, folks, or the old billion). If a generous soul were to rescue Portsmouth by covering its debts this might value the club at the £60m it owes. So if the UK could find just under 3000 things like Portsmouth FC to sell it would cover the annual debt, just over 14000 would clear the lot. Your Ear wonders what the whole town of Portsmouth might be worth? We could start with that. Or sell the Elgin Marbles to Greece (no, cancel that, they can’t afford them). Or the Falklands to Argentina? Perhaps not, thar’s oil in them thar Antarctic wastes. Your Ear would suggest selling Gibraltar, but the Spanish are as stoney broke as we are. However, I wonder what the Isle of Wight might fetch on the open market? Or Wales? Failing the sale of real estate we could look for high-cost projects to cancel - apparently the go-ahead for a high-speed Scotland to London rail line is 'only a few weeks away'. Now such a rail link probably costs more than several football clubs, and as many Scots want independence we could grant it, cancel the project and with only a few bricks needed in the wall to make us safe again, save a few bob. While we are it perhaps we should close the channel tunnel (it seems to be closed much of the time anyway) forcing people into the air in order to travel. Then we could whack a huge tax on air fuel, making a mint and/or benefiting the planet in one. Football teaches us everything and all you need do, Mr Chancellor, is use your imagination.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Monday 8 February 2010
Premiership round up - Week 25
Man United v Portsmouth - 5:0 - For forty minutes or so it seemed as likely that Bolton would take the lead, although the clearest missed chance fell to Berbatov. But Rooney started to build a good win for ManU with a fine header five minutes before half time. ManU's second goal was fortunate, Nani's shot trickled over the line by deflection off Vanden Borre (o/g, 45+1). Carrick got the third with another deflection (59). Berbatov. Berbatov was allowed far too much room and scored the fourth, slotting the ball into the far corner of the net (62) and finally Bolton finished the game with another own goal (Wilson, 69, off a cross by Evra). Grant - 'We need to concentrate…'
Hull v Man City - 2:1 - An easy fixture for City (with Viera on the pitch for the first time) on the face of it, top six club against relegation candidates. But Hull are proving to be difficult opponents for the top teams and from the off Hull were positive and aggressive. Hull might have scored twice early on whilst City could hardly clear the half-way line. Finally the pressure told when Vennegoor of Hesselink laid off the ball for Altidore to pass tidily into the back of the net (31). City tried to make an immediate reply but ended the half one down. Early in the second half (54), Boateng struck the ball mightily and lo, it passed into the back of the net, unimpeded, a mighty strike, indeed. City got back into the game through Adebayor's opportunism during an untidy scramble in the Hull goal-mouth (59) but they failed to make any further impression on the game. Drawn with Chelsea, win against City, Hull look on course to stay in the Premiership.
Liverpool v Everton - 1:0 - Not much football, but a lively derby game, and not, as they say, for the faint-hearted. Pienaar was booked early for a challenge on Kuyt and might have had a second card for a challenge in which two players went in hard, but Kyrgiakos was sent off. The few half-chances in the first half led to nothing but Liverpool did not look like the side minus a man and Kuyt (55) scored the only goal of the match with his head from a corner. Yakubu might have scored an equalizer but his fine long-range shot was saved by Reina. Finally Pienaar collected a second yellow for a challenge on Gerrard, who had had moments of his own. So, 2 red cards but only one goal settled it.) - Liverpool are back in the race for fourth place. Rafa - 'I will not speak about the referee…'
Burnley v West Ham - 2:1 - A simple lob earned Burnley the lead (Nugent, 14). West Ham failed to score at least twice from good positions but Burnley were fortunate and dug in well. Then Danny Fox (on his debut) sent a curling, looping free kick sailing over Green's head for Burnley's second (55). West Ham almost retrieved a goal three times (disallowed, off the line, off the bar) before Ilan, West Ham's new boy, (80) threw the Hammers a lifeline. Mido almost won a draw with an outstretched leg but hit the post. Zola - 'We can't afford to start games the way we started today.' Carlton Cole - 'I'm getting bored of it (losing).' Join the club.
Spurs v Aston Villa - 0:0 - A typical Spurs game these days, many chances made and none taken. Besides one determined effort by Agbonlahor, Villa hardly saw Gomes at close range. A happier point for Villa than for Spurs. St Hal - 'They got some good blocks in, every time we pulled the trigger it seemed to take a deflection or hit somebody, but overall I was pleased how we played.' O'Neill - 'At times in the second half it was every man to the pumps… Man United on Wednesday, there's no respite.'
Stoke v Blackburn - 3:0 - A n early roundhouse left-footed strike by Higginbotham (8) put Stoke in front and Sidibe made it two just before half-time (45+2). Samba was sent off, reducing Blackburn to 10 men (2nd yellow) and Robinson stopped the ball well twice or it would have been two more before Etherington finally got Stoke's third (67). Stoke looked comfortable and competent at home in this, their best win of the season, whilst Blackburn seemed bereft of ideas.
Sunderland v Wigan - 1:1 - Two struggling sides met at the Stadium of Light, although Diame, in scoring his first goal for Wigan, did not seem at all stressed when he muscled his way through Sunderland's defence and pounded the ball into the goal from fifteen yards (20). Soon after Kenwyne Jones nearly got Sunderland back on terms in much the same way, but his shot was deflected wide. However, it was Jones who got the equalizer, with a well-taken header in the second half (64). Bent nearly won the game for Sunderland but his shot was blocked by his own player - Jones, again.
Bolton v Fulham - 0:0 - Schwarzer pulled off 'save of the month' without knowing much about it to deny Davies and Bolton. Bolton were on the offensive for much of the game but could not put the ball away. At the death Davies scored but was judged to have shoved a defender and the goal was disallowed. The managers, understandably, did not agree, one was fully behind the referee, one was not. Readers are invited to guess which way the managers voted.
Chelsea v Arsenal - 2:0 - Drogba started the game in awesome form and cracked in one wonderful individual goal (8) before poaching another from a corner (23). He might have had a hat-trick from a free kick as well (Almunia, obligingly, never moved). In reply Arsenal had the greater possession, struggled hard and Arshavin had one or two opportunities but Chelsea had the finishing power and walked away with the points.
Birmingham v Wolves - 2:1 - Chances went begging at either end but Wolves should have grabbed the lead with a Zubar header which went wide. Doyle opened the scoring for Wolves (42) after a deflection and a rebound off the keeper. Phillips levelled the game with a crafty take in front of goal (80) and won the game five minutes later with superb control off his chest to shoot on the volley. McCarthy - 'This is as bad as I've ever felt…'
Hull v Man City - 2:1 - An easy fixture for City (with Viera on the pitch for the first time) on the face of it, top six club against relegation candidates. But Hull are proving to be difficult opponents for the top teams and from the off Hull were positive and aggressive. Hull might have scored twice early on whilst City could hardly clear the half-way line. Finally the pressure told when Vennegoor of Hesselink laid off the ball for Altidore to pass tidily into the back of the net (31). City tried to make an immediate reply but ended the half one down. Early in the second half (54), Boateng struck the ball mightily and lo, it passed into the back of the net, unimpeded, a mighty strike, indeed. City got back into the game through Adebayor's opportunism during an untidy scramble in the Hull goal-mouth (59) but they failed to make any further impression on the game. Drawn with Chelsea, win against City, Hull look on course to stay in the Premiership.
Liverpool v Everton - 1:0 - Not much football, but a lively derby game, and not, as they say, for the faint-hearted. Pienaar was booked early for a challenge on Kuyt and might have had a second card for a challenge in which two players went in hard, but Kyrgiakos was sent off. The few half-chances in the first half led to nothing but Liverpool did not look like the side minus a man and Kuyt (55) scored the only goal of the match with his head from a corner. Yakubu might have scored an equalizer but his fine long-range shot was saved by Reina. Finally Pienaar collected a second yellow for a challenge on Gerrard, who had had moments of his own. So, 2 red cards but only one goal settled it.) - Liverpool are back in the race for fourth place. Rafa - 'I will not speak about the referee…'
Burnley v West Ham - 2:1 - A simple lob earned Burnley the lead (Nugent, 14). West Ham failed to score at least twice from good positions but Burnley were fortunate and dug in well. Then Danny Fox (on his debut) sent a curling, looping free kick sailing over Green's head for Burnley's second (55). West Ham almost retrieved a goal three times (disallowed, off the line, off the bar) before Ilan, West Ham's new boy, (80) threw the Hammers a lifeline. Mido almost won a draw with an outstretched leg but hit the post. Zola - 'We can't afford to start games the way we started today.' Carlton Cole - 'I'm getting bored of it (losing).' Join the club.
Spurs v Aston Villa - 0:0 - A typical Spurs game these days, many chances made and none taken. Besides one determined effort by Agbonlahor, Villa hardly saw Gomes at close range. A happier point for Villa than for Spurs. St Hal - 'They got some good blocks in, every time we pulled the trigger it seemed to take a deflection or hit somebody, but overall I was pleased how we played.' O'Neill - 'At times in the second half it was every man to the pumps… Man United on Wednesday, there's no respite.'
Stoke v Blackburn - 3:0 - A n early roundhouse left-footed strike by Higginbotham (8) put Stoke in front and Sidibe made it two just before half-time (45+2). Samba was sent off, reducing Blackburn to 10 men (2nd yellow) and Robinson stopped the ball well twice or it would have been two more before Etherington finally got Stoke's third (67). Stoke looked comfortable and competent at home in this, their best win of the season, whilst Blackburn seemed bereft of ideas.
Sunderland v Wigan - 1:1 - Two struggling sides met at the Stadium of Light, although Diame, in scoring his first goal for Wigan, did not seem at all stressed when he muscled his way through Sunderland's defence and pounded the ball into the goal from fifteen yards (20). Soon after Kenwyne Jones nearly got Sunderland back on terms in much the same way, but his shot was deflected wide. However, it was Jones who got the equalizer, with a well-taken header in the second half (64). Bent nearly won the game for Sunderland but his shot was blocked by his own player - Jones, again.
Bolton v Fulham - 0:0 - Schwarzer pulled off 'save of the month' without knowing much about it to deny Davies and Bolton. Bolton were on the offensive for much of the game but could not put the ball away. At the death Davies scored but was judged to have shoved a defender and the goal was disallowed. The managers, understandably, did not agree, one was fully behind the referee, one was not. Readers are invited to guess which way the managers voted.
Chelsea v Arsenal - 2:0 - Drogba started the game in awesome form and cracked in one wonderful individual goal (8) before poaching another from a corner (23). He might have had a hat-trick from a free kick as well (Almunia, obligingly, never moved). In reply Arsenal had the greater possession, struggled hard and Arshavin had one or two opportunities but Chelsea had the finishing power and walked away with the points.
Birmingham v Wolves - 2:1 - Chances went begging at either end but Wolves should have grabbed the lead with a Zubar header which went wide. Doyle opened the scoring for Wolves (42) after a deflection and a rebound off the keeper. Phillips levelled the game with a crafty take in front of goal (80) and won the game five minutes later with superb control off his chest to shoot on the volley. McCarthy - 'This is as bad as I've ever felt…'
Thursday 4 February 2010
Premiership round up - Week 24
Birmingham v Spurs - 1:1 - Birmingham are a well organized team and Spurs allowed them more possession and room than Chelsea had three days beforehand. The action was fairly evenly shared in the first half but the second produced more chances for Spurs until Crouch delivered a strange-looking headed assist for Defoe to wallop into the corner of the net (69). Thereafter Birmingham threatened to level the match several times, but had to wait until injury time (90+1) for Ridgewell to score from point-blank range for honours even. St Hal put the Birmingham goal down to 'pretty horrendous defending from a team that had defended well all day.' McLeish (given the disparity in club wealth and squad quality) - 'a marvellous result on a not very fantastic performance by us.'
Fulham v Aston Villa - 0:2 - Schwarzer made couple of good saves to keep Villa out in the first half and Fulham had opportunities to score of their own. Finally Agbonlahor put Villa ahead with a well-placed header (40). Agbonlahor got his second goal four minutes later with a quality precision pass curled round the keeper. Fulham's low-strength team pushed hard to get back on terms, missed a couple of chances and had a goal disallowed for offside, but Villa were largely too good for them on the day. Fulham are at a low ebb at the moment and need a win soon to restore their confidence.
Liverpool v Bolton - 2:0 - Bolton made a good start but could not take advantage from it, despite forcing a couple of near desperation saves by Liverpool. However, Liverpool responded and Aquilani did well to lay off a header for Kuyt to stab home (37). Bolton's Chung-Yong was carded for diving (he won't be in contention for any Oscars, but on the replay his foot did appear to have been trodden on). Liverpool could have scored more in the second half. Gerrard had a good game and thumped a couple of decent-looking shots, one of which N'Gog should have put away from a rebound, but he missed. Liverpool had more long-range opportunities and their second goal came from what the trade calls a 'cruel' deflection (o/g, Davies, 70). The final ten minutes were all Liverpool, Lucas might have headed one in from a Gerrard cross and Maxi nearly got one at full stretch but the game ended at 2:0.
Wigan v Everton - 0:1 - Everton, in full black away strip, had two early near misses on goal and Saha might have won a penalty, whilst Wigan's Scotland also had a sniff or two on goal. Rodallega pushed the ball too far for his own good and over-ran it, and at the other end Fellaini had a goal denied. So, end to end stuff, with Everton just edging it until the 84th minute when Cahill got away from Figueroa, leapt a full head-height over all other Wigan defenders, and scored a great header. From the jump he achieved Your Ear thinks Cahill's boots might have provided him with spring-loaded assistance. N'Zogbia nearly equalized but it was Everton’s result. Martinez - 'The only thing we were missing was a goal…' Not as silly a comment as might first seem.
Hull v Wolves - 2:2 - This was a big game for both low-lying clubs. Hull got their noses in front first after 11 minutes with a powerful strike from the edge of the box by Vennegoor of Hesselink. Hull gifted Wolves their first with an unlikely slice in an attempt to clear the ball (o/g Gardner, 48). Wolves returned the favour soon after (52), conceding a foolish penalty which Hunt converted against his old club. The game flowed well from end to end until Jarvis equalized with help from a slight in-off (67). At the end Wolves looked the more likely side, but could not win the laurels. Brown - 'Everyone said it was going to be drab nil-nil affair, but how wrong they can be…' McCarthy 'Double-decker buses, two (goals) come along… I don't care who scores for us, I don't care whether we play well, I don't care what people think of us, I just want to score points and stay in the league.' Fair enough, but he might have given some credit to Hull for scoring on Wolves' behalf.
West Ham v Blackburn - 0:0 - West Ham looked good from the off, pressurizing well and missing a couple of chances. Having said that the closest effort and highlight of the first half was Pederson's free kick, which hit the bar. Blackburn had several near misses in the second half but squandered some good opportunities and Green performed well in goal. Diamanti's free kick was the equal of Pederson's but was well saved by Robinson. Zola - 'It hasn't been our best game.' Allardyce - 'Unfortunately for us a mixture of poor finishing and a couple of good saves… and the fact that we think there's a handball on the line which stopped a certain goal, an absolute certain goal, so that should have been a penalty… my assistant asked him (the linesman) but they unfortunately didn't see it, and that's a big problem for us, because, when you do see it, it's stopped an absolute certain, blatant goal, and that would have been 1:0 for us and probably would have been the winner…' Let it all out, Sam, no hard feelings.
Burnley v Chelsea - 1:2 - a stiff test for Burnley's first home game under Brian Laws, and one at which, not surprisingly, they failed. After chances at both ends Cech threw the ball out hard to Joe Cole who did not touch it until it was three quarters up the pitch. Cole nudged it forward twice, crossed to Malouda who whipped it first time across the goal-mouth to Anelka, who had the simplest tap in for Chelsea's first (27) - six in six for Anelka. Bad boy Terry, under heavy barracking from the home crowd for misdemeanours reported off the pitch, was booked for obstruction before Fletcher's determination to go forward scored a fine equalizer for Burnley, beating two defenders and Cech in the process. Joe Cole might have scored from a Burnley goal-mouth melee from Anelka's cross but was given offside, a marginal decision. Chelsea pressed hard and might have scored several times but Burnley defended well and rode their luck. Finally, Terry scored a powerful header from a corner to break the deadlock (82).
Arsenal v Man Utd - 1:3 - ManU started the brighter of the two and had several near misses. Eventually great skill by Nani beat three defenders, allowing him to chip the goalkeeper. The chip may have been intended as a cross, but it forced an own goal from Almunia (33), who palmed the ball over his head, but unfortunately not over the bar. Rooney scored the second (his 100th goal in the Premiership), passing the ball forward to Nani and running over half the length of the pitch to collect the return pass and score by shooting across the goal mouth (37). In the second half United maintained the pressure and Park made it three with a good aggressive solo run and shot (52). Late in the game Vermaelen got one back with a deflected volley from the edge of the box (80). Gallas might have had another but lost his bearings, facing away from the net. Rooney nearly got another but his shot squeaked wide of the left hand post. A huge win in the title race for a dominant Man United, and although there were many fine players on the pitch Nani and Rooney showed great quality. Wenger - 'It's unusual for us to be as poor as we have been today. Everywhere, in every area, we have been really poor.' Sometimes you can only play as well as you are allowed to play, Arsene.
Man City v Portsmouth - 2:0 - Portsmouth are selling players left, right and centre. Meanwhile, Robinho has flown to Brazil, on loan to Santos, but he was not missed. Having said that the nearest early miss went to Portsmouth, who hit the bar. City appeared to be jumpy but Ireland passed forward into central space made by awful Portsmouth defending and Adebayor finished well for City to take the lead (40). Tevez was busy, as usual, and made several chances, finally wining a corner. Petrov smacked the ball across the goal with pace allowing Kompany to head the ball home with the sort of power that would render ordinary mortals insensible, a great goal (45+1). Portsmouth had their chances, Webber had one of them, but fell over his own feet. City also had further opportunities and Tevez hit the post. Despite the defeat Grant should have been pleased with the spirit and effort shown by his players. Mancini - 'Satisfied for the victory, yes, but the play - so-so. But probably after the Wednesday match against United we were so tired.' Ahhh, shame. Grant (always positive) - 'We need points, but, er, you know, I believe that if you do the things right you have the points. We have many games until the end, not too many, but also many games that we can turn things around, but we need to do the right things. I think today we did the right things but the result was not good… Nobody likes the situation but there is two ways, or to give up or to fight, I always choose the second way.' I think we'd all agree with him, if we could only work out what Avram is trying to say.
Sunderland v Stoke - 0:0 - Stoke are unbeaten in five matches after this tedious draw against Sunderland. Whitehead missed a good chance to put Stoke in front in the third minute after a clever back-heel by Tuncay, but his shot was saved. Whitehead and Cattermole were both shown yellow cards as the tension began to rise. Jones cleared a goal-mouth scramble which Sidibe missed narrowly early in the second half, but Campbell squandered Sunderland's best chance when he missed a cross by Zenden in the 77th minute. Bruce - ‘There was a resilience about us. It was never a classic, in fact it was a horror story, but it was a point on the board and a little springboard that we need.’ Pulis - ‘We are pleased. That (team) is as good as Steve has had for a long time. We knew it was going to be difficult tonight, we've got great respect for everybody in this league.’
Hull v Chelsea - 1:1 - Hull held a lacklustre Chelsea to a surprise draw with their hard-fought, never-say-die approach. Hull took the lead when unmarked Mouyokolo headed in Hunt's corner from six yards (30). Drogba, on his return from Africa Cup duty, equalized from a free-kick (42), but Hull continued to trouble Chelsea with a high-octane performance and held on for a draw. Brown - ‘We went 1:0 up and I was disappointed with the goal we conceded. Then you've got the second half and you've got to defend valiantly, which we did. But we played some great football too, we put them under pressure - no doubt about it. We fully deserved a point and maybe even all three.’ Meanwhile Ancelotti was happy to send an unfocussed Terry on holiday.
Fulham v Portsmouth - 1:0 - Jonathan Greening's debut goal for Fulham heaped more pressure on cash-strapped, bottom-of-the-heap Portsmouth. Portsmouth dominated the opening half-hour, but missed a few first-half chances whilst Fulham's Okaka headed an easy chance wide. But Fulham took the lead and won the game in the 74th minute when Greening slotted in a cross from the right by Damien Duff. Once again Portsmouth looked and played like a side that should not be propping up the league, but again their industry and endeavour failed to deliver a result. Grant - ‘We played very good football, created a lot of chances and were by far the better team. They did not even deserve a draw. There was also a mistake by the referee in the goal, because Zamora was offside… As long as we have a chance, we will fight. With the situation of the club, I am trying to do my best for the team. I love this club and when all of the city is supporting the team, I feel committed. I am trying to do my best in these circumstances.’ He’s a good man, Avram Grant.
Fulham v Aston Villa - 0:2 - Schwarzer made couple of good saves to keep Villa out in the first half and Fulham had opportunities to score of their own. Finally Agbonlahor put Villa ahead with a well-placed header (40). Agbonlahor got his second goal four minutes later with a quality precision pass curled round the keeper. Fulham's low-strength team pushed hard to get back on terms, missed a couple of chances and had a goal disallowed for offside, but Villa were largely too good for them on the day. Fulham are at a low ebb at the moment and need a win soon to restore their confidence.
Liverpool v Bolton - 2:0 - Bolton made a good start but could not take advantage from it, despite forcing a couple of near desperation saves by Liverpool. However, Liverpool responded and Aquilani did well to lay off a header for Kuyt to stab home (37). Bolton's Chung-Yong was carded for diving (he won't be in contention for any Oscars, but on the replay his foot did appear to have been trodden on). Liverpool could have scored more in the second half. Gerrard had a good game and thumped a couple of decent-looking shots, one of which N'Gog should have put away from a rebound, but he missed. Liverpool had more long-range opportunities and their second goal came from what the trade calls a 'cruel' deflection (o/g, Davies, 70). The final ten minutes were all Liverpool, Lucas might have headed one in from a Gerrard cross and Maxi nearly got one at full stretch but the game ended at 2:0.
Wigan v Everton - 0:1 - Everton, in full black away strip, had two early near misses on goal and Saha might have won a penalty, whilst Wigan's Scotland also had a sniff or two on goal. Rodallega pushed the ball too far for his own good and over-ran it, and at the other end Fellaini had a goal denied. So, end to end stuff, with Everton just edging it until the 84th minute when Cahill got away from Figueroa, leapt a full head-height over all other Wigan defenders, and scored a great header. From the jump he achieved Your Ear thinks Cahill's boots might have provided him with spring-loaded assistance. N'Zogbia nearly equalized but it was Everton’s result. Martinez - 'The only thing we were missing was a goal…' Not as silly a comment as might first seem.
Hull v Wolves - 2:2 - This was a big game for both low-lying clubs. Hull got their noses in front first after 11 minutes with a powerful strike from the edge of the box by Vennegoor of Hesselink. Hull gifted Wolves their first with an unlikely slice in an attempt to clear the ball (o/g Gardner, 48). Wolves returned the favour soon after (52), conceding a foolish penalty which Hunt converted against his old club. The game flowed well from end to end until Jarvis equalized with help from a slight in-off (67). At the end Wolves looked the more likely side, but could not win the laurels. Brown - 'Everyone said it was going to be drab nil-nil affair, but how wrong they can be…' McCarthy 'Double-decker buses, two (goals) come along… I don't care who scores for us, I don't care whether we play well, I don't care what people think of us, I just want to score points and stay in the league.' Fair enough, but he might have given some credit to Hull for scoring on Wolves' behalf.
West Ham v Blackburn - 0:0 - West Ham looked good from the off, pressurizing well and missing a couple of chances. Having said that the closest effort and highlight of the first half was Pederson's free kick, which hit the bar. Blackburn had several near misses in the second half but squandered some good opportunities and Green performed well in goal. Diamanti's free kick was the equal of Pederson's but was well saved by Robinson. Zola - 'It hasn't been our best game.' Allardyce - 'Unfortunately for us a mixture of poor finishing and a couple of good saves… and the fact that we think there's a handball on the line which stopped a certain goal, an absolute certain goal, so that should have been a penalty… my assistant asked him (the linesman) but they unfortunately didn't see it, and that's a big problem for us, because, when you do see it, it's stopped an absolute certain, blatant goal, and that would have been 1:0 for us and probably would have been the winner…' Let it all out, Sam, no hard feelings.
Burnley v Chelsea - 1:2 - a stiff test for Burnley's first home game under Brian Laws, and one at which, not surprisingly, they failed. After chances at both ends Cech threw the ball out hard to Joe Cole who did not touch it until it was three quarters up the pitch. Cole nudged it forward twice, crossed to Malouda who whipped it first time across the goal-mouth to Anelka, who had the simplest tap in for Chelsea's first (27) - six in six for Anelka. Bad boy Terry, under heavy barracking from the home crowd for misdemeanours reported off the pitch, was booked for obstruction before Fletcher's determination to go forward scored a fine equalizer for Burnley, beating two defenders and Cech in the process. Joe Cole might have scored from a Burnley goal-mouth melee from Anelka's cross but was given offside, a marginal decision. Chelsea pressed hard and might have scored several times but Burnley defended well and rode their luck. Finally, Terry scored a powerful header from a corner to break the deadlock (82).
Arsenal v Man Utd - 1:3 - ManU started the brighter of the two and had several near misses. Eventually great skill by Nani beat three defenders, allowing him to chip the goalkeeper. The chip may have been intended as a cross, but it forced an own goal from Almunia (33), who palmed the ball over his head, but unfortunately not over the bar. Rooney scored the second (his 100th goal in the Premiership), passing the ball forward to Nani and running over half the length of the pitch to collect the return pass and score by shooting across the goal mouth (37). In the second half United maintained the pressure and Park made it three with a good aggressive solo run and shot (52). Late in the game Vermaelen got one back with a deflected volley from the edge of the box (80). Gallas might have had another but lost his bearings, facing away from the net. Rooney nearly got another but his shot squeaked wide of the left hand post. A huge win in the title race for a dominant Man United, and although there were many fine players on the pitch Nani and Rooney showed great quality. Wenger - 'It's unusual for us to be as poor as we have been today. Everywhere, in every area, we have been really poor.' Sometimes you can only play as well as you are allowed to play, Arsene.
Man City v Portsmouth - 2:0 - Portsmouth are selling players left, right and centre. Meanwhile, Robinho has flown to Brazil, on loan to Santos, but he was not missed. Having said that the nearest early miss went to Portsmouth, who hit the bar. City appeared to be jumpy but Ireland passed forward into central space made by awful Portsmouth defending and Adebayor finished well for City to take the lead (40). Tevez was busy, as usual, and made several chances, finally wining a corner. Petrov smacked the ball across the goal with pace allowing Kompany to head the ball home with the sort of power that would render ordinary mortals insensible, a great goal (45+1). Portsmouth had their chances, Webber had one of them, but fell over his own feet. City also had further opportunities and Tevez hit the post. Despite the defeat Grant should have been pleased with the spirit and effort shown by his players. Mancini - 'Satisfied for the victory, yes, but the play - so-so. But probably after the Wednesday match against United we were so tired.' Ahhh, shame. Grant (always positive) - 'We need points, but, er, you know, I believe that if you do the things right you have the points. We have many games until the end, not too many, but also many games that we can turn things around, but we need to do the right things. I think today we did the right things but the result was not good… Nobody likes the situation but there is two ways, or to give up or to fight, I always choose the second way.' I think we'd all agree with him, if we could only work out what Avram is trying to say.
Sunderland v Stoke - 0:0 - Stoke are unbeaten in five matches after this tedious draw against Sunderland. Whitehead missed a good chance to put Stoke in front in the third minute after a clever back-heel by Tuncay, but his shot was saved. Whitehead and Cattermole were both shown yellow cards as the tension began to rise. Jones cleared a goal-mouth scramble which Sidibe missed narrowly early in the second half, but Campbell squandered Sunderland's best chance when he missed a cross by Zenden in the 77th minute. Bruce - ‘There was a resilience about us. It was never a classic, in fact it was a horror story, but it was a point on the board and a little springboard that we need.’ Pulis - ‘We are pleased. That (team) is as good as Steve has had for a long time. We knew it was going to be difficult tonight, we've got great respect for everybody in this league.’
Hull v Chelsea - 1:1 - Hull held a lacklustre Chelsea to a surprise draw with their hard-fought, never-say-die approach. Hull took the lead when unmarked Mouyokolo headed in Hunt's corner from six yards (30). Drogba, on his return from Africa Cup duty, equalized from a free-kick (42), but Hull continued to trouble Chelsea with a high-octane performance and held on for a draw. Brown - ‘We went 1:0 up and I was disappointed with the goal we conceded. Then you've got the second half and you've got to defend valiantly, which we did. But we played some great football too, we put them under pressure - no doubt about it. We fully deserved a point and maybe even all three.’ Meanwhile Ancelotti was happy to send an unfocussed Terry on holiday.
Fulham v Portsmouth - 1:0 - Jonathan Greening's debut goal for Fulham heaped more pressure on cash-strapped, bottom-of-the-heap Portsmouth. Portsmouth dominated the opening half-hour, but missed a few first-half chances whilst Fulham's Okaka headed an easy chance wide. But Fulham took the lead and won the game in the 74th minute when Greening slotted in a cross from the right by Damien Duff. Once again Portsmouth looked and played like a side that should not be propping up the league, but again their industry and endeavour failed to deliver a result. Grant - ‘We played very good football, created a lot of chances and were by far the better team. They did not even deserve a draw. There was also a mistake by the referee in the goal, because Zamora was offside… As long as we have a chance, we will fight. With the situation of the club, I am trying to do my best for the team. I love this club and when all of the city is supporting the team, I feel committed. I am trying to do my best in these circumstances.’ He’s a good man, Avram Grant.
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