Man United v Spurs - 3:1 - ManU had the better of the first half but Gomes stood up well and United could not convert any of their chances (and they had one or two). In the second half Berbatov engineered a penalty from a back pass and finally ManU got a goal (Giggs, 58). This seemed to free Spurs to play their own game until King equalized with a header from a corner (70). Nani did very well to put United back in front with a toe-poke to leave the defenders for dead, and a chip to beat the keeper (81). Five minutes later Evra was bundled over by Palacios and Giggs competently scored his second penalty to put the game beyond Spurs’ reach (86).
Hull v Sunderland - 0:1 - Hull started nervously but they looked like relegation-fodder from the off. Bent got Sunderland’s first with a simple tap-in from Jones looping header (7). Hull had a good chance but the keeper chested the ball away (strangely, as he might have used his hands). Hull earned a ridiculous penalty (not that the player was fouled, but Hull had previously committed a couple of fouls of their own and got away with them). Justice was served and Bullard missed. Altidore and Hutton were both sent off, Hutton for provocation, Your Ear thinks, and Altidore for reacting. Hull continued to push forward but could not get back on terms.
West Ham v Wigan - 3:2 - West Ham needed this win to ensure their survival in the Premiership but an unfortunate own goal by Spector early on put Wigan ahead (4). Cole might have equalized having ‘rounded’ the keeper (and flattened Kirkland as well - 5 stitches in his lower lip and 4 in his cheek) but Cole’s shot was saved on the line. West Ham saved narrowly from another Wigan attack by McCarthy but then Ilan drew the Hammers level with an easy strike from Coles’ short pass (31). West Ham moved ahead on the stroke of half time with a determined header by Kovac (45+5). Wigan played well and in resolute fashion but could not get back on terms until Rodallega ‘stomached’ the ball in from close range (52). Wigan had other chances but West Ham finally got their noses in front when Parker hammered one (no pun intended) from 40 yards out, a beautiful strike (77). Other than mathematical improbabilities West Ham (and hopefully Zola) are now safe.
Arsenal v Man City - 0:0 - Van Persie was back but Adebayor was on the bench (and unwelcome) for this fixture at the Emirates. It was honours even at half time after strenuous efforts by both sides, with Arsenal having the better of it. When Adebayor came on in the second half he was booed as roundly as Viera (who he replaced), another ex-Arsenal player, this time a favourite, was cheered. Given was stretchered off with a badly dislocated shoulder and and the game soldiered on to a goal-less draw, a better result for City than for Arsenal.
Wolves v Blackburn - 1:1 - Blackburn nearly took the lead with a header off the post but Blackburn eventually took the lead when Nelsen tucked the ball away from a good cross (28). Wolves nearly equalized from a free kick but Robinson palmed the ball away. Wolves missed several other chances (saved, off the line, etc) until with his first touch of the ball substitute Ebanks-Blake scored with a clever header (81). Blackburn nearly regained the lead when Andrews hit the post, but the game ended in a draw. A point looks enough to keep Wolves up, with Burnley having it all to do.
Bolton v Portsmouth - 2:2 - James had no chance (twice in two minutes), first to keep out Klasnic’s well-aimed header, then to save Davies’ well-placed shot (26, 28). Dindane got one back for Portsmouth in the second half (54) with a good shot then got another in style after good work by Utaka (68) to earn the draw.
Chelsea v Stoke - 7:0 - Chelsea got their teeth into Stoke like a terrier into a rat from the outset, narrowly missing chances right and left. Kalou got the Blues’ first after masterly control and a cross by Drogba (24). Kalou got the second after another fine pass by Drogba which Lampard hammered at the keeper who failed to hold it (31). Kalou earned the third goal by staggering into the box whilst being held by Huth to get a penalty decision which Lampard converted (44). So, the match was stone cold by half time. Kalou ran the ball into the box and followed up to pass it into the net for his hat-trick (68). Chelsea might have had a couple more before Lampard tucked the ball away off the side of his foot to make it five (81). Substitute Sturridge ran round the keeper to score his first goal for Chelsea (87) and Malouda finished the goal-fest with an off-side goal which was allowed to stand (89).
Burnley v Liverpool - 0:4 - Burnley started needing to win all three of their remaining games to avoid relegation. They duly applied early pressure in greater measure than Liverpool and the best first half chances fell to the claret and blues. The half ended goal-less, but Gerrard made the first breakthrough with a deflected shot (52). He doubled his score seven minutes later with a cracking strike from distance and Maxi piled on the agony for Burnley with a third for Liverpool with a well-placed shot from a difficult angle (74). Burnley continued to try but could not show any finishing quality. Babel got the fourth goal from an off-side position to put the result beyond any possible doubt (90+4). So Burnley join Portsmouth on their way out of the Premiership, only the third relegation place (Hull’s) remains to be determined.
Aston Villa v Birmingham - 1:0 - A great derby game with good attacking initiatives by both sides - the sort of match which delights the crowd without a goal being scored, although, in the end, one was. Both keepers (Friedel and Hart) were in good form and made many excellent saves as the play roared from end to end until Agbonlahor was fouled in the box and Milner scored from the spot (83). McLeish was very unhappy with the penalty decision (due to the ref’s distance from the incident), O’Neill was in no doubt. Surprise, surprise, but McLeish was right, Johnson (the defender) won the ball.
Everton v Fulham - 2:1 - Fulham squeaked into the lead against the run of play when a careless back-pass by Baines allowed Nevland to pounce and tuck the ball away (36). In the second half a slo-mo header was touched in for an own goal by Smalling (50). Cahill nearly scored with his head (again) and Fulham failed to convert a relatively easy chance. Everton always looked the more determined until Cahill went down in the box and Arteta scored a last gasp penalty to get the result (90+4).
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Monday 26 April 2010
Thursday 22 April 2010
Premiership round up - Week 35
Man City v Man United - 0:1 - One of the last few crucial derbies of the season. Although the chances were lacklustre and not taken well it was end to end stuff, but the United stuff proved to be sterner - in the final minute the deadlock was broken by a vintage strike with his head by Paul Scholes off Nani’s cross (90+3).
Spurs v Chelsea - 2:1 - Spurs pressed Chelsea hard for the first 15 minutes of the game (now, why can’t they play like that against the lesser sides?) and eventually the ball kicked up unkindly into Terry who was judged to have handled it - Defoe duly converted from the spot (15). Chelsea looked extremely uncomfortable for most of the rest of the first half with Spurs creating chance after chance. Quite right too, as things turned out, as Bale showed tremendous pace and good accuracy to tuck the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net (44). Gomes saved brilliantly in the in the 45th minute to send Chelsea in two down. Drogba came on as a substitute and seemed to become injured before the ball was kicked off the spot at the start of the second half. Defoe could have made it three, so could Bale, so could one or two others, and Chelsea had Cech to thank for plugging a leaking Chelsea defence. Terry was sent off for a second yellow for late but unmalicious challenges and Chelsea were on the back foot thereafter. In the second minute of stoppage time Lampard got one back but it was too little, too late. Bale is in tremendous form, as are most of the Tottenham players at the moment - pity about the FA Cup. Deep joy.
Sunderland v Burnley - 2:1 - Sunderland turned the screw continually in the opening stages of the game and were rewarded when Campbell scored off Hutton’s cross (15). Campbell became provider with a good header into Bent’s path for an easy strike (40). The second half saw Burnley turn a corner (if not the screw) and substitute Thompson managed to retrieve a goal late in the game (82).
Blackburn v Everton - 2:3 - Blackburn unbeaten in eight at home, Everton unbeaten in seven games, home or away, so this was a tough fixture for both sides. Everton got their noses in front with an early penalty (Arteta, 4) following a clumsy challenge on him by Nelsen. N'Zonzi levelled it with a truly great strike in the second half (69). Yakubu came on and seconds later, with his first touch, restored Everton's lead (79). However, Roberts scored as good a goal as N'Zonzi's to level the match again (81). Yakubu was obviously not about to be upstaged so he set the ball up nicely for Cahill to tap in the winner (90), Cahill ‘s first goal with his feet in over 12 months.
Stoke v Bolton - 1:2 - This should have been Stoke’s game after Kitson put Stoke in front with a good run, and a tap around the keeper (13). Bolton’s Klasnic nearly equalized early in the second half, but swept the ball wide. Stoke nearly had a second shortly after but Kitson missed at point blank range. Bolton drew level from a debatable free kick (Taylor, 85). Then Bolton nicked it two minutes later with a cheeky flick in (Taylor again, 88). Stoke should have got a point but Faye also missed an open goal. Pulis - ‘It's disappointing - we missed so many chances, and the game really should have been out of sight by the time they scored their first. The free-kick was frustrating, but it was just one of those games. It was Bolton's day and you just have to take it on the chin.’ Coyle - ‘It's a huge three points. I certainly felt it was a free-kick, and I was delighted we got it. We're not safe yet, there are still some good teams fighting for their lives, just as we are. We've got to keep picking up points, because there will be a few twists and turns yet.’
Birmingham v Hull - 0:0 - Both sides had opportunities but the first half proved profitless for both teams. Hull were the more determined side in the second half but had to settle for a goal-less draw.
Fulham v Wolves - 0:0 - Early on Zamora tried to score his 20th goal of the season but missed a half-decent chance with his head. Wolves pressed hard on occasion but Fulham always seemed more dangerous, particularly when Zamora cracked one against the post in the second half. In the end another no-score result from two tired-looking sides.
Wigan v Arsenal - 3:2 - Must be difficult for Arsenal fans to know that Spurs all but ended Arsenal’s title hopes in the previous match. Maybe Spurs can/will do the same for other league-leaders. After an anxious start Walcott, showing his normal blistering speed, made a breakthrough for Arsenal just before half time, almost walking the ball into the net (41). Arsenal seemed to have put the game beyond Wigan’s reach with their second goal, a free header for Sylvester from a corner (48). Wigan might have got one back through various solid attempts but could not convert their chances until Watson put the ball away neatly from a good cross (80). The last ten minutes were all Wigan with Arsenal’s frazzled nerves showing clearly as they defended corner after corner. Eventually Arsenal snapped and Bramble seized a soft chance when Almunia mishandled and dropped the ball from a corner, allowing Bramble to head home from less than two yards. Arsenal’s miserable day was concluded by N’Zogbia (90+1). No excuses from Mr Wenger for once, a bad day at the office.
Portsmouth v Aston Villa - 1:2 - Portsmouth went ahead when Brown finished precisely from a cross, possibly from an offside position (9). Carew should have equalized twice, but James got lucky (again). Carew did not miss his third opportunity when he was also offside (16). After a comedy of lost possession errors in the Portsmouth box Carew won and missed a penalty (James saved). Villa were denied a good penalty shout and finally Delfouneso chose a good moment to score his first Premiership goal from a flick-on by Heskey (82).
Liverpool v West Ham - 3:0 - A cheering win for Liverpool that leaves West Ham one place off the drop. Benayoun put Liverpool ahead from Gerrard’s cross in off his stomach (19). Ngog added a second with a fierce shot from a Rodriguez pass (29). After half time Kyrgiakos headed off the post and the ball went home in-off Green’s leg (o/g 59). Benitez - ‘We have to keep doing our job. It will be more difficult now [to qualify for the Champions League] because Tottenham won [against Chelsea], normally you would not expect them to win [Your Ear thinks he means Chelsea]. But we have to be in a good position if they make a mistake. West Ham started the game pushing but as soon as we scored the first goal it was easier, we had more chances and we scored the second goal and the third one killed the game.’ Zola - ‘We started well. We were quite comfortable on the pitch. We suffered on dead balls - normally we are very good defending against them but not today. The first goal was a killer, I felt we were on top of the game. The second was a distraction, that was a killer. (That makes a double murder - Your Ear). After 2:0 it was difficult for us. (???) In the second half we tried to have a go and press them hard but they scored on a dead ball.’
Hull v Aston Villa - 0:2 - Agbonlahor got Villa into a well-deserved lead against a sorry-looking Hull with a good finish against poor defending (13). Kilbane had a shot cleared off the line whilst Vennegoor of Hesselink suffered a head injury following a clash of heads with Dunne which added 10 minutes of extra time. Finally Milner scored from the spot after being tripped by Boateng (76). O'Neill - ‘We're in the mix. We're going for everything and guaranteed nothing. We're not even guaranteed to finish eighth in the league at this minute. We've gone above Liverpool with three games to go and that's pretty exceptional. But where I've been pleased with the team is they've responded fantastically to the defeat at Stamford Bridge. We've come back and taken 10 out of the last 12 points. I think the team has shown a great deal of character all season and I think that was epitomised tonight. It was a very professional performance, and I thought we played very well, but at 1-0 the game's still in the balance and it was good to get the second goal, and we saw it through reasonably comfortably.’
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Spurs v Chelsea - 2:1 - Spurs pressed Chelsea hard for the first 15 minutes of the game (now, why can’t they play like that against the lesser sides?) and eventually the ball kicked up unkindly into Terry who was judged to have handled it - Defoe duly converted from the spot (15). Chelsea looked extremely uncomfortable for most of the rest of the first half with Spurs creating chance after chance. Quite right too, as things turned out, as Bale showed tremendous pace and good accuracy to tuck the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net (44). Gomes saved brilliantly in the in the 45th minute to send Chelsea in two down. Drogba came on as a substitute and seemed to become injured before the ball was kicked off the spot at the start of the second half. Defoe could have made it three, so could Bale, so could one or two others, and Chelsea had Cech to thank for plugging a leaking Chelsea defence. Terry was sent off for a second yellow for late but unmalicious challenges and Chelsea were on the back foot thereafter. In the second minute of stoppage time Lampard got one back but it was too little, too late. Bale is in tremendous form, as are most of the Tottenham players at the moment - pity about the FA Cup. Deep joy.
Sunderland v Burnley - 2:1 - Sunderland turned the screw continually in the opening stages of the game and were rewarded when Campbell scored off Hutton’s cross (15). Campbell became provider with a good header into Bent’s path for an easy strike (40). The second half saw Burnley turn a corner (if not the screw) and substitute Thompson managed to retrieve a goal late in the game (82).
Blackburn v Everton - 2:3 - Blackburn unbeaten in eight at home, Everton unbeaten in seven games, home or away, so this was a tough fixture for both sides. Everton got their noses in front with an early penalty (Arteta, 4) following a clumsy challenge on him by Nelsen. N'Zonzi levelled it with a truly great strike in the second half (69). Yakubu came on and seconds later, with his first touch, restored Everton's lead (79). However, Roberts scored as good a goal as N'Zonzi's to level the match again (81). Yakubu was obviously not about to be upstaged so he set the ball up nicely for Cahill to tap in the winner (90), Cahill ‘s first goal with his feet in over 12 months.
Stoke v Bolton - 1:2 - This should have been Stoke’s game after Kitson put Stoke in front with a good run, and a tap around the keeper (13). Bolton’s Klasnic nearly equalized early in the second half, but swept the ball wide. Stoke nearly had a second shortly after but Kitson missed at point blank range. Bolton drew level from a debatable free kick (Taylor, 85). Then Bolton nicked it two minutes later with a cheeky flick in (Taylor again, 88). Stoke should have got a point but Faye also missed an open goal. Pulis - ‘It's disappointing - we missed so many chances, and the game really should have been out of sight by the time they scored their first. The free-kick was frustrating, but it was just one of those games. It was Bolton's day and you just have to take it on the chin.’ Coyle - ‘It's a huge three points. I certainly felt it was a free-kick, and I was delighted we got it. We're not safe yet, there are still some good teams fighting for their lives, just as we are. We've got to keep picking up points, because there will be a few twists and turns yet.’
Birmingham v Hull - 0:0 - Both sides had opportunities but the first half proved profitless for both teams. Hull were the more determined side in the second half but had to settle for a goal-less draw.
Fulham v Wolves - 0:0 - Early on Zamora tried to score his 20th goal of the season but missed a half-decent chance with his head. Wolves pressed hard on occasion but Fulham always seemed more dangerous, particularly when Zamora cracked one against the post in the second half. In the end another no-score result from two tired-looking sides.
Wigan v Arsenal - 3:2 - Must be difficult for Arsenal fans to know that Spurs all but ended Arsenal’s title hopes in the previous match. Maybe Spurs can/will do the same for other league-leaders. After an anxious start Walcott, showing his normal blistering speed, made a breakthrough for Arsenal just before half time, almost walking the ball into the net (41). Arsenal seemed to have put the game beyond Wigan’s reach with their second goal, a free header for Sylvester from a corner (48). Wigan might have got one back through various solid attempts but could not convert their chances until Watson put the ball away neatly from a good cross (80). The last ten minutes were all Wigan with Arsenal’s frazzled nerves showing clearly as they defended corner after corner. Eventually Arsenal snapped and Bramble seized a soft chance when Almunia mishandled and dropped the ball from a corner, allowing Bramble to head home from less than two yards. Arsenal’s miserable day was concluded by N’Zogbia (90+1). No excuses from Mr Wenger for once, a bad day at the office.
Portsmouth v Aston Villa - 1:2 - Portsmouth went ahead when Brown finished precisely from a cross, possibly from an offside position (9). Carew should have equalized twice, but James got lucky (again). Carew did not miss his third opportunity when he was also offside (16). After a comedy of lost possession errors in the Portsmouth box Carew won and missed a penalty (James saved). Villa were denied a good penalty shout and finally Delfouneso chose a good moment to score his first Premiership goal from a flick-on by Heskey (82).
Liverpool v West Ham - 3:0 - A cheering win for Liverpool that leaves West Ham one place off the drop. Benayoun put Liverpool ahead from Gerrard’s cross in off his stomach (19). Ngog added a second with a fierce shot from a Rodriguez pass (29). After half time Kyrgiakos headed off the post and the ball went home in-off Green’s leg (o/g 59). Benitez - ‘We have to keep doing our job. It will be more difficult now [to qualify for the Champions League] because Tottenham won [against Chelsea], normally you would not expect them to win [Your Ear thinks he means Chelsea]. But we have to be in a good position if they make a mistake. West Ham started the game pushing but as soon as we scored the first goal it was easier, we had more chances and we scored the second goal and the third one killed the game.’ Zola - ‘We started well. We were quite comfortable on the pitch. We suffered on dead balls - normally we are very good defending against them but not today. The first goal was a killer, I felt we were on top of the game. The second was a distraction, that was a killer. (That makes a double murder - Your Ear). After 2:0 it was difficult for us. (???) In the second half we tried to have a go and press them hard but they scored on a dead ball.’
Hull v Aston Villa - 0:2 - Agbonlahor got Villa into a well-deserved lead against a sorry-looking Hull with a good finish against poor defending (13). Kilbane had a shot cleared off the line whilst Vennegoor of Hesselink suffered a head injury following a clash of heads with Dunne which added 10 minutes of extra time. Finally Milner scored from the spot after being tripped by Boateng (76). O'Neill - ‘We're in the mix. We're going for everything and guaranteed nothing. We're not even guaranteed to finish eighth in the league at this minute. We've gone above Liverpool with three games to go and that's pretty exceptional. But where I've been pleased with the team is they've responded fantastically to the defeat at Stamford Bridge. We've come back and taken 10 out of the last 12 points. I think the team has shown a great deal of character all season and I think that was epitomised tonight. It was a very professional performance, and I thought we played very well, but at 1-0 the game's still in the balance and it was good to get the second goal, and we saw it through reasonably comfortably.’
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Thursday 15 April 2010
Premiership round up - Week 34
Hull v Burnley - 1:4 - A relegation candidates’ derby. Hull went ahead in just 3 minutes when Kilbane nodded in a simple header from a cross. Burnley came back strongly, showing good spirit. Hull also began to press, challenging an uncertain Jensen repeatedly, but without gain. After much too-ing and fro-ing Paterson equalized after a fine piece of control and turn in the box (35) and the first half ended with Burnley in the ascendancy. Burnley had an open goal to go at early in the second half, but Duff failed to put it away, possibly due to near concussion from a collision of heads with his own team mate, Cory. Duff’s head was split open while Cory’s was swollen like an egg. Later Alexander scored from the spot after an unclear decision for a foul on Duff (64). Burnley’s second penalty was less unclear and Alexander buried it in the same area of the net for the second time (70). Hull might have got back into the game twice, once when Vennegoor of Hesselink crossed the ball (or was it a shot) but no one could get on the end of it, and then when Bullard shot wide. Burnley improved their goal difference stats with a great fourth goal from a free kick By Elliott (90+6).
West Ham v Sunderland - 1:0 - Many chances at either end went begging, Bent possibly having the best of them with what would have been a fine lob. West Ham were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty and the half ended without score. The Hammers got their noses in front when Cole won an aerial challenge and Ilan slid the ball in (51). Cattermole had a good shot which went wide and Bent had a great opportunity but slipped over. Sunderland pressed a nervy West Ham harder and almost scored from a free kick, which was well saved and the Hammers nearly replied from a free kick of their own. Cole might have finished the game in the 90th minute but missed and 4 minutes of anxious extra time were played. Franco thought he had scored but was judged to have handled the ball. The action moved to the West Ham end for a final corner kick which Zenden took. West Ham cleared the ball, the game was over and Zola’s face almost split in two he was smiling so hard. A good win for the Hammers that will greatly help their chances of avoiding relegation.
Blackburn v Man United - 0:0 - Blackburn have only lost twice at home all season, so from the off a depleted, deflated United knew they were in for a hard time. Robinson made a couple of good saves early on but throughout the whole 90 minutes United were unable to convert their aggressive play. No Rooney, no score. No goals, a draw.
Man City v Birmingham - 5:1- Adebayor missed an early opportunity but it was City’s day nonetheless. Late in the first half Adebayor was challenged and knocked over in the box and Tevez buried the spot kick (38). Two minutes later Onuoha headed the ball well and Tevez deflected it in with the slightest (unaware) touch for his second, showing how unfair the awarding of goals in football can be. Two minutes later (again) Jerome got one back for Birmingham, heading home from a suspected offside position. A minute later (43) Adebayor scored from a good cross by Bellamy. So, four goals in 5 minutes, not bad for the ticket money, and the crowd had to wait another 29 minutes for the next goal. Tevez nearly scored from a free kick but it was Onuoha who did (74) with a good run through the middle and a one-two off a defender. Then Adebayor did much the same thing at twice the speed (88) to make it five.
Liverpool v Fulham - 0:0 - Liverpool and Fulham are the remaining two English teams still playing in European competitions but it seems unlikely that either of them will enjoy that privilege next season, unless, of course they win the cup the Euro competition concerned. Liverpool had all the possession but Schwarzer made several good saves to keep a clean sheet. Fulham, on the other hand, only warmed Reina’s hands once and never caused him to move his feet.
Wolves v Stoke - 0:0 - Good play at either end went unrewarded in the first half. Early in the second Sidibe thrashed the ball skyward when he had a clear shot on goal and the crowd then had to wait until the end of the game for some excitement when Sorensen saved from a free kick. A good point for Wolves who now look safe.
Chelsea v Bolton - 1:0 - Chelsea were under par, Bolton defended well and the hosts were slightly fortunate to come away with all three points from the game. Anelka headed home Drogba’s cross near the end of the first half (43), but the Blues might have conceded two penalties from handballs by Terry and Drogba. On the other hand, Lampard hit the post and Terry shot wide. Then again, Elmander should have equalized but missed a header. All in all an unsatisfactory match from a spectator’s standpoint and Sir Alex’s suggestion that the game was an ‘easy’ three points for the As (Abramovich and Ancelotti) proved unfounded.
Aston Villa v Everton - 2:2 - Nip and tuck for two close rivals. Cahill made space in the six-yard box to head home Baines' cross after Bilyaletdinov nearly scored (23). Agbonlahor's glancing header levelled the game for barely a minute before Cahill scored again (72, 74). Jagielka’s unfortunate own goal in extra time under pressure from Carew (90+1) got Villa off the hook. O'Neill - ‘Maybe a point did not suit either team in terms of our respective aspirations, Everton in terms of European football and ourselves in terms of something higher. I would say we have to win the whole lot from here. It is not impossible but it will be tough. We will just give it all that we can.’ That puts Everton in their place, Your Ear thinks. Moyes - ‘I am really pleased with how well we played, I thought we played some really good football, but I was disappointed that we only got a point in the end. But they had opportunities as well. Tim Howard made a couple of really good saves in the first half but I think he, like us, will be disappointed he did not save the second one.’ So Moyes was both pleased and disappointed at the same time…
Wigan v Portsmouth - 0:0 - Wigan should have won this game many times over but could not capitalize on their opportunities. The visitors had early chances when Ritchie twice missed with headers. Wigan took control but rarely tested Ashdown and Scharner, Scotland and Rodallega all squandered chances allowing Pompey to hold on for an unlikely point. Martinez - ‘It's frustrating because we had all the possession but Pompey had a game-plan, they got behind the ball and made it very difficult. It was one of those situations where you can get punished if you don't concentrate, and the lads did well in that respect. We were brave but we tried to win with the heart rather than the head - but we've got a point. There's a bit of disappointment and if decisions had gone our way it could have been different, but there are no easy games.’ Grant - ‘We have many players who were injured so we used some players from the academy and I was very pleased with them. We needed to do it because we have a very small squad.’ It will be smaller soon.
Tottenham v Arsenal - 2:1 - With this result Tottenham might have squashed any Arsenal plans to win the Premiership, whilst boosting their own chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Rose whacked a magnificent 30-yard volley past Almunia early on (10 - a 'wonder goal' according to Redknapp) and everywhere-man, Bale, tapped in Spurs' second from six yards after a pass by Defoe just after half-time (47). Gomes made three heroic saves to keep out Arsenal before Bendtner got a goal back (85). This was Tottenham’s first league win over Arsenal in 20 games. Spurs’ supporters are hoping they don’t have to wait another 11 years for a repeat performance. Before the match both clubs’ managers had said that anything other than victory would end their hopes of achieving their respective targets this season. Your Ear has assumed that Arsene is drowning his sorrows while ‘Arry is having a (small) beer with ‘the boys’.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
West Ham v Sunderland - 1:0 - Many chances at either end went begging, Bent possibly having the best of them with what would have been a fine lob. West Ham were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty and the half ended without score. The Hammers got their noses in front when Cole won an aerial challenge and Ilan slid the ball in (51). Cattermole had a good shot which went wide and Bent had a great opportunity but slipped over. Sunderland pressed a nervy West Ham harder and almost scored from a free kick, which was well saved and the Hammers nearly replied from a free kick of their own. Cole might have finished the game in the 90th minute but missed and 4 minutes of anxious extra time were played. Franco thought he had scored but was judged to have handled the ball. The action moved to the West Ham end for a final corner kick which Zenden took. West Ham cleared the ball, the game was over and Zola’s face almost split in two he was smiling so hard. A good win for the Hammers that will greatly help their chances of avoiding relegation.
Blackburn v Man United - 0:0 - Blackburn have only lost twice at home all season, so from the off a depleted, deflated United knew they were in for a hard time. Robinson made a couple of good saves early on but throughout the whole 90 minutes United were unable to convert their aggressive play. No Rooney, no score. No goals, a draw.
Man City v Birmingham - 5:1- Adebayor missed an early opportunity but it was City’s day nonetheless. Late in the first half Adebayor was challenged and knocked over in the box and Tevez buried the spot kick (38). Two minutes later Onuoha headed the ball well and Tevez deflected it in with the slightest (unaware) touch for his second, showing how unfair the awarding of goals in football can be. Two minutes later (again) Jerome got one back for Birmingham, heading home from a suspected offside position. A minute later (43) Adebayor scored from a good cross by Bellamy. So, four goals in 5 minutes, not bad for the ticket money, and the crowd had to wait another 29 minutes for the next goal. Tevez nearly scored from a free kick but it was Onuoha who did (74) with a good run through the middle and a one-two off a defender. Then Adebayor did much the same thing at twice the speed (88) to make it five.
Liverpool v Fulham - 0:0 - Liverpool and Fulham are the remaining two English teams still playing in European competitions but it seems unlikely that either of them will enjoy that privilege next season, unless, of course they win the cup the Euro competition concerned. Liverpool had all the possession but Schwarzer made several good saves to keep a clean sheet. Fulham, on the other hand, only warmed Reina’s hands once and never caused him to move his feet.
Wolves v Stoke - 0:0 - Good play at either end went unrewarded in the first half. Early in the second Sidibe thrashed the ball skyward when he had a clear shot on goal and the crowd then had to wait until the end of the game for some excitement when Sorensen saved from a free kick. A good point for Wolves who now look safe.
Chelsea v Bolton - 1:0 - Chelsea were under par, Bolton defended well and the hosts were slightly fortunate to come away with all three points from the game. Anelka headed home Drogba’s cross near the end of the first half (43), but the Blues might have conceded two penalties from handballs by Terry and Drogba. On the other hand, Lampard hit the post and Terry shot wide. Then again, Elmander should have equalized but missed a header. All in all an unsatisfactory match from a spectator’s standpoint and Sir Alex’s suggestion that the game was an ‘easy’ three points for the As (Abramovich and Ancelotti) proved unfounded.
Aston Villa v Everton - 2:2 - Nip and tuck for two close rivals. Cahill made space in the six-yard box to head home Baines' cross after Bilyaletdinov nearly scored (23). Agbonlahor's glancing header levelled the game for barely a minute before Cahill scored again (72, 74). Jagielka’s unfortunate own goal in extra time under pressure from Carew (90+1) got Villa off the hook. O'Neill - ‘Maybe a point did not suit either team in terms of our respective aspirations, Everton in terms of European football and ourselves in terms of something higher. I would say we have to win the whole lot from here. It is not impossible but it will be tough. We will just give it all that we can.’ That puts Everton in their place, Your Ear thinks. Moyes - ‘I am really pleased with how well we played, I thought we played some really good football, but I was disappointed that we only got a point in the end. But they had opportunities as well. Tim Howard made a couple of really good saves in the first half but I think he, like us, will be disappointed he did not save the second one.’ So Moyes was both pleased and disappointed at the same time…
Wigan v Portsmouth - 0:0 - Wigan should have won this game many times over but could not capitalize on their opportunities. The visitors had early chances when Ritchie twice missed with headers. Wigan took control but rarely tested Ashdown and Scharner, Scotland and Rodallega all squandered chances allowing Pompey to hold on for an unlikely point. Martinez - ‘It's frustrating because we had all the possession but Pompey had a game-plan, they got behind the ball and made it very difficult. It was one of those situations where you can get punished if you don't concentrate, and the lads did well in that respect. We were brave but we tried to win with the heart rather than the head - but we've got a point. There's a bit of disappointment and if decisions had gone our way it could have been different, but there are no easy games.’ Grant - ‘We have many players who were injured so we used some players from the academy and I was very pleased with them. We needed to do it because we have a very small squad.’ It will be smaller soon.
Tottenham v Arsenal - 2:1 - With this result Tottenham might have squashed any Arsenal plans to win the Premiership, whilst boosting their own chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Rose whacked a magnificent 30-yard volley past Almunia early on (10 - a 'wonder goal' according to Redknapp) and everywhere-man, Bale, tapped in Spurs' second from six yards after a pass by Defoe just after half-time (47). Gomes made three heroic saves to keep out Arsenal before Bendtner got a goal back (85). This was Tottenham’s first league win over Arsenal in 20 games. Spurs’ supporters are hoping they don’t have to wait another 11 years for a repeat performance. Before the match both clubs’ managers had said that anything other than victory would end their hopes of achieving their respective targets this season. Your Ear has assumed that Arsene is drowning his sorrows while ‘Arry is having a (small) beer with ‘the boys’.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Monday 5 April 2010
Premiership round up - Week 33
Man United v Chelsea - 1:2 - United were missing Rooney while Chelsea lacked Drogba, although Cech was back. Malouda was hard to cope with from the start and eventually put in a clever cross which Joe Cole back-heeled into the net (20). Two good penalty shouts were not given, one at either end. Chelsea nearly added another early in the second half when Ferreira went on a run but Anelka could not reach his cross. United started to apply more pressure and Park had a chance but missed. Berbatov also missed with a header, and after 60 minutes Chelsea seemed to be firmly in front. United continued to push up-field and Macheda and Nani came on for Park and Scholes. Finally Drogba came on and scored, more or less on his first attack, from a clear offside position (78). Then Macheda scored with his arm (81), cancelling the offside goal at the other end. Rooney is too important for United, just like Gerrard or Torres for Liverpool.
Arsenal v Wolves - 1:0 - Wolves have not beaten the Gunners for 31 years and could have been three or four down by half time, despite the absence of Fabregas, another big player for his club. Henry, Wolves captain , charged through Rosicky, who might have made a bit of a meal of it and Wolves were unfortunately reduced to ten men. Arsenal then piled on the pressure but could not convert any of their manifold opportunities until the last minute of extra time when Bendtner solidly headed the ball home (90+4), keeping Arsenal’s title hopes alive. Arsenal should have made it 2:0 when they had a late four on one attack opportunity, but in the end Wolves were a little unlucky.
Sunderland v Spurs - 3:1 - Sunderland grabbed an early lead when a very happy Bent thumped in a pile-driver in the first 60 seconds. Bent got his second from the spot (29) after Malbranque’s cross brushed Walker’s arm. Bent might have got his third from another penalty when Modric failed to pull out of a tackle on Campbell, but Gomes made a huge save, diving to his left. The second half was a different story - Bale nearly had a header and Defoe might have scored, but Sunderland got their third penalty and Gomes again denied Bent his hat-trick after Palacios failed to get the ball and fouled Meyler. Later Ferdinand thought he had scored but Gomes (lying on the floor at the time) was ruled to have been fouled. Spurs began a comeback with a Crouch header (72), but Zenden finally put the issue beyond doubt with a cracking left foot volley (86).
Burnley v Man City - 1:6 - Adebayor got City off the blocks quickly with a well taken control and volley from a corner (4). A minute later Bellamy walked through Burnley’s defence and got City’s second (5). Tevez got the third 90 seconds later when the keeper failed to hold the ball (7). Viera nearly knocked himself out with his first goal since his return to the Premiership, a thunderous header from a cross (20), and Burnley were well and truly on the rack. Tevez hit the post, Adebayor strolled one home for an easy fifth (45) and all in the first half! Kompany headed home another (58) before Fletcher finally got a good goal for Burnley (71). Everything seemed to go City’s way, but it might have been ten goals rather than six. How long can Laws last?
Bolton v Aston Villa - 0:1 - Bolton started brightly with a couple of good attempts on goal but the first goal came from a brilliant strike across the goal by Young (11). The game was well-contested but there was no further score.
Stoke v Hull - 2:0 - Fuller started strongly and got an early goal with a strong run and strike (6). Hull responded well but Stoke managed to soak up the pressure. Boateng was stretchered off when he suffered a head injury from an overhead kick and Hull, having used all their subs, were reduced to ten men. Lawrence got the clincher late when Hull were exposed in defence (90).
Portsmouth v Blackburn - 0:0 - Both sides might have had an early goal but could not finish and despite further chances the half ended evenly balanced and goal-less. Portsmouth’s Vanden Borre was sent off for a second bookable offence but Blackburn failed to take advantage and the game fizzled out to a boring draw.
Birmingham v Liverpool - 1:1 - In the first half Rodriguez hit the bar, while Johnson headed over at the other end. Liverpool took the lead when Gerrard got past Bowyer and curled a trade mark shot after Johnson miss-hit a pass (47). Birmingham hit back as Ridgewell bundled the ball in off McFadden's cross (56) and subsequently survived three N'Gog chances. There were times when Liverpool dictated and they really needed to win this game to keep their fourth spot aspirations afloat, but they seem to lack their old resilience and Torres looks fatigued to the point of exhaustion.
Fulham v Wigan - 2:1 - Scotland powered in the opener for Wigan after Moreno took down an N'Zogbia cross (34). Fulham came back strongly after the break, when substitute Okaka tapped in a centre by Gera (47). Finally Hangeland headed in Duff's corner to take the victory (58). A good win for Fulham while Wigan remain four points adrift of safety.
Everton v West Ham - 2:2 - Bilyaletdinov won Everton a first-half lead with a good header (24). Howard preserved it, saving Mido’s penalty after a foul on Cole. West Ham worked hard and Da Costa managed to bundle the ball in from a corner to level the match (60). A late header by Yakubu seemed to have won it for Everton (85), but two minutes later Ilan equalized (87). The hard-won draw for the Hammers was fully deserved, but whilst Zola was well pleased with his point, Moyes was frustrated.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Arsenal v Wolves - 1:0 - Wolves have not beaten the Gunners for 31 years and could have been three or four down by half time, despite the absence of Fabregas, another big player for his club. Henry, Wolves captain , charged through Rosicky, who might have made a bit of a meal of it and Wolves were unfortunately reduced to ten men. Arsenal then piled on the pressure but could not convert any of their manifold opportunities until the last minute of extra time when Bendtner solidly headed the ball home (90+4), keeping Arsenal’s title hopes alive. Arsenal should have made it 2:0 when they had a late four on one attack opportunity, but in the end Wolves were a little unlucky.
Sunderland v Spurs - 3:1 - Sunderland grabbed an early lead when a very happy Bent thumped in a pile-driver in the first 60 seconds. Bent got his second from the spot (29) after Malbranque’s cross brushed Walker’s arm. Bent might have got his third from another penalty when Modric failed to pull out of a tackle on Campbell, but Gomes made a huge save, diving to his left. The second half was a different story - Bale nearly had a header and Defoe might have scored, but Sunderland got their third penalty and Gomes again denied Bent his hat-trick after Palacios failed to get the ball and fouled Meyler. Later Ferdinand thought he had scored but Gomes (lying on the floor at the time) was ruled to have been fouled. Spurs began a comeback with a Crouch header (72), but Zenden finally put the issue beyond doubt with a cracking left foot volley (86).
Burnley v Man City - 1:6 - Adebayor got City off the blocks quickly with a well taken control and volley from a corner (4). A minute later Bellamy walked through Burnley’s defence and got City’s second (5). Tevez got the third 90 seconds later when the keeper failed to hold the ball (7). Viera nearly knocked himself out with his first goal since his return to the Premiership, a thunderous header from a cross (20), and Burnley were well and truly on the rack. Tevez hit the post, Adebayor strolled one home for an easy fifth (45) and all in the first half! Kompany headed home another (58) before Fletcher finally got a good goal for Burnley (71). Everything seemed to go City’s way, but it might have been ten goals rather than six. How long can Laws last?
Bolton v Aston Villa - 0:1 - Bolton started brightly with a couple of good attempts on goal but the first goal came from a brilliant strike across the goal by Young (11). The game was well-contested but there was no further score.
Stoke v Hull - 2:0 - Fuller started strongly and got an early goal with a strong run and strike (6). Hull responded well but Stoke managed to soak up the pressure. Boateng was stretchered off when he suffered a head injury from an overhead kick and Hull, having used all their subs, were reduced to ten men. Lawrence got the clincher late when Hull were exposed in defence (90).
Portsmouth v Blackburn - 0:0 - Both sides might have had an early goal but could not finish and despite further chances the half ended evenly balanced and goal-less. Portsmouth’s Vanden Borre was sent off for a second bookable offence but Blackburn failed to take advantage and the game fizzled out to a boring draw.
Birmingham v Liverpool - 1:1 - In the first half Rodriguez hit the bar, while Johnson headed over at the other end. Liverpool took the lead when Gerrard got past Bowyer and curled a trade mark shot after Johnson miss-hit a pass (47). Birmingham hit back as Ridgewell bundled the ball in off McFadden's cross (56) and subsequently survived three N'Gog chances. There were times when Liverpool dictated and they really needed to win this game to keep their fourth spot aspirations afloat, but they seem to lack their old resilience and Torres looks fatigued to the point of exhaustion.
Fulham v Wigan - 2:1 - Scotland powered in the opener for Wigan after Moreno took down an N'Zogbia cross (34). Fulham came back strongly after the break, when substitute Okaka tapped in a centre by Gera (47). Finally Hangeland headed in Duff's corner to take the victory (58). A good win for Fulham while Wigan remain four points adrift of safety.
Everton v West Ham - 2:2 - Bilyaletdinov won Everton a first-half lead with a good header (24). Howard preserved it, saving Mido’s penalty after a foul on Cole. West Ham worked hard and Da Costa managed to bundle the ball in from a corner to level the match (60). A late header by Yakubu seemed to have won it for Everton (85), but two minutes later Ilan equalized (87). The hard-won draw for the Hammers was fully deserved, but whilst Zola was well pleased with his point, Moyes was frustrated.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
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