Chelsea v Man City - 2:4 - Not a happy day for Terry’s 300th Premiership appearance. To begin with Bridge would not shake his hand (at the Bridge!). Your Ear, who has not been reading the gutter press lately, wonders why. Chelsea pressed City hard throughout the first half and were rewarded by a goal in the forty-second minute when Joe Cole’s weighted through ball let in Lampard, who shot across the keeper, putting the ball in-off the post. Three minutes later Chelsea conceded the softest of goals after Tevez got hold of a long punt up-field that Mikel failed to control. Tevez almost tripped in the 18 yard area but managed to trickle the ball gently past an amazed Hilario (Cech would have been too tall). From then on Chelsea looked edgy and City exposed Hilario’s frailties with a typical Bellamy run on the wing from which he scored from a difficult angle and from some distance (51). Things got worse for Chelsea when Belletti ran through the back of Barry in the box to get himself sent off and give away a penalty which Tevez duly buried (76). Ballack must also have wanted an early shower. He got one by charging needlessly through Tevez for a second yellow with a few minutes to go. With only nine men in defence Wright-Phillips made a simple cross to Bellamy to tap in for his second of the day (87). Barry, having won the penalty at the Chelsea end, fouled Anelka in extra time and Lampard converted (90+1). So, after a decade of failing to score at Stamford Bridge, City walked away with four, resulting in Chelsea’s first home defeat in 15 months.
Stoke v Arsenal - 1:3 - Stoke started the game having put together a run of 11 games without loss, including eliminating Arsenal and Manchester City from the FA Cup. Prior to this game Arsenal had not won at the Potteries since 1982 and to begin with they seemed unlikely to overcome a typically physical Stoke performance, especially after Pugh put Stoke ahead when Arsenal failed to defend Delap’s long throw-in (8). However, Arsenal persevered and got the equalizer when Bendtner placed a perfect header past Sorensen from a pinpoint cross by Fabregas (32). Ramsey was denied an obvious penalty (no offence ref, but you need a bit of laser treatment) before Shawcross was sent off for a very clumsy tackle that unfortunately broke Ramsey’s leg in two places. In the final minute Bendtner made a pass into the area and the ball struck Pugh on the hand. Fabregas passed the kick confidently into the right hand bottom corner of the net (90+1). Shortly after Vermaelen bundled the ball into the net (90+4). Wenger - ‘That tackle is not acceptable.’ Pulis - ‘He doesn’t know my player.’ Arsenal are back in the title hunt.
Burnley v Portsmouth - 1:2 - James was sporting a new hair-do. It was difficult to describe, but for those of you with long memories it brought back memories of Jason Lee; ♬he’s got a pineapple on his head♬. Perhaps James wore it to protest about Portsmouth being docked 9 points, or maybe it was to put off the opposition. If so, it worked. Piquionne scored Portsmouth’s first post ‘oh dear, we’re in administration’ goal (25). Shortly after Piquionne was fouled in the box, only for Jensen to save from O’Hara’s spot-kick. Burnley levelled the match with a fine lob by Paterson who beat James all ends up (31). But Pompey did not miss their second penalty, handed to them on a plate by Countdown specialist, Carlisle (Yebda, 76). Grant - ‘I’m very proud of the players, they showed character, is important.’ Burnley have now achieved only one win in 16 matches. Laws - ‘We have shot ourselves in the foot today. We gave two really poor penalties away and the second one in particular was inexplicable.’
Bolton v Wolves - 1:0 - Bolton started quickly and had several chances from good build-ups, but could not put any of them away whilst Wolves clung on grimly. Finally the pressure paid off when, from close range off Lee’s cross, Knight scored Bolton’s first goal from 550 mins of play (45+1). In the second half Wolves twice hit the post as they pushed forward, once from a free kick, then again from open play. On the other hand Bolton should have had a handball penalty decision. In the end Bolton held on for a vital win to move above their opponents. Coyle - ‘It was terrific to get the three points. Our performance was of a high standard as well. There were moments in the second half when we rode our luck. But we should have put the game to bed by that time.’ McCarthy - ‘Playing well doesn’t always get you points, does it? We switched off just before half-time. We made mistakes and it cost us the game. The goal we conceded wasn’t bad luck it was bad defending. It still remains the same. We need a certain amount of points with 11 games left to stay in this league. Can we get those points? That remains to be seen.’
Birmingham v Wigan - 1:0 - Wigan turned out in their orange away strip looking suspiciously like the Dutch national side. Unfortunately they could not play like the low-landers and Birmingham showed them the way home after McFadden scored a dubious penalty at the end of the first half (45+2). Rodallega missed one or two opportunities but the most interesting part of the game was the referee’s assistant being stretchered off with a head injury having been injured by the corner flag. He has since made a full recovery but cannot remember a thing about this unmemorable match. A tale of two cities (well, one city and a town, Birmingham and Wigan); McLeish - ‘The penalty was a bit fortunate because Fahey was running away from goal, but it was a careless tackle. Melchiot put his foot in and when you don’t get the ball you are always risking it as a defender. Keith Fahey is not a guy who goes down easily, so he’s been hit. He must have been hit.’ Martinez - ‘I don’t think there was any contact and, if there was, it was not enough for it to be a penalty. The referee was only five yards away but at the moment we are not getting the luck with decisions. Our player is trying to clear the ball and I would say their player should have been given a yellow card.’ Total unanimity, as usual.
Spurs v Everton - 2:1 - Palyuvchenko got Spurs off to a quick start (11), sliding in after some great ball control and a fine cross by Defoe. Modric went on to make it two, with an accurately placed lob shot (28). By the end of the first half there was only one team in it and Spurs were cruising. Moyes must have shouted at his team quite hard in the dressing room because the second half was a reversal of the first, with Spurs on the back foot and Everton looking aggressive. Yakubu got Everton back into the race with an untidy, scrambled goal, but they all count (55). Everton had many more chances, particularly through Pienaar and Donovan who put it wide, the miss of the season. In the end Spurs were lucky. Redknapp - ‘Overall I thought we played well and we were terrific at times in the first half. David (Moyes) obviously got into Everton at half time and they raised their game. At 2:1 we got edgy and we were defending for our lives at times.’ Moyes - ‘It was a game of two halves. Tottenham were better in the first and we were much better in the second. At half time we were dead and buried but I have to give the players credit for making a game of it.’
Liverpool v Blackburn - 2:1 - Torres stepped onto the field for the first time in 2010. The game was slow to begin with but Liverpool scored in their first real move on Blackburn (a Gerrard chip, 20). Carragher handled the ball to concede a penalty and a goal (Andrews, 40) the first goal conceded by Liverpool in five matches. Four minutes later Liverpool were back in front following a Torres effort in which he competently swept in the ball from a cross (44). This was a fractious games with six or seven bookings. Blackburn pressed Liverpool hard throughout, but Liverpool came away with the points, possibly thanks to Reina’s keeping. Rafa - ‘We need the points and we won.’ Allardyce - ‘Our problem is that we haven’t had a goal-scorer here today.’
Sunderland v Fulham - 0:0 - Zamora nearly got an early goal with a cheeky header, but missed. Sunderland, however, had the better opportunities in both halves, possibly Fulham were tired from their successful European efforts, but the game ended with no score. Bruce - ‘”We huffed and puffed and I couldn’t fault the players’ effort, but some are trying too hard to make it happen. At the death Campbell looked like he was sliding in a goal to win a horrible game 1:0, but it didn’t happen and the longer it goes the harder it becomes.’ Hodgson - ‘It has been a month to remember for the club, but this was our eighth game in a short month and so I had my fears. But I was proud of my players for limiting them to long range shots. I’m sure Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Rafa Benitez would laugh at me, because they have been doing it year after year, but coping with that amount of games is a difficult situation for Fulham. Our European campaign started early and we have a limited squad, but while January was a bad month February has been fantastic. We are back on track and this an important point.’
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Premiership round up - Week 27
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.’
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.’
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.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Premiership round up - Week 23
Man Utd v Hull - 4:0 - Rooney got United off to an early start (8), scoring off the rebound. Although there were further chances for both sides the game seemed to be moving towards a single goal result until the last few minutes, when Rooney got another three in quick succession (82, 86, 90+3), the first time he has scored four goals in a Premiership game. Rooney’s second goal was a power strike, his third a header from Nani’s, cross and the fourth a low hard drive. Rooney is in full flow at the moment, let’s hope he can maintain this form (injury-free, of course) for England.
Portsmouth v West Ham - 1:1 - West Ham should have won this game, they made far more openings early on, but Portsmouth’s keeper, Begovic, kept a clean sheet until Upson fortuitously chested the ball home (52). Portsmouth were the more adventurous side in the second half, whilst the Hammers seemed to have run out of steam, and Webber finally saved a point for Portsmouth, nut-megging Green for his first Pompey goal (76). Grant - ‘I was pleased (to get a point) because we were 1:0 down but I thought we could have had more.’ Zola - ‘It feels like two points dropped.’
Wolverhampton v Liverpool - 0:0 - To say that Liverpool should have won this game would ignore the fact that Wolves were resolute and defended well. Despite Gerrard’s return Liverpool could not take their chances although Wolves had few of their own. Neither group of fans were happy, but Wolves were the least unhappy. Benitez - ‘It was a tough game, overall… but the most positive thing is that it was another game without losing. In football you have good moments and bad moments, but the thing is to keep doing your best.’ McCarthy (on striker Kevin Doyle) - ‘If you see a better performance from a centre-forward than Doyle showed, I would like to see it. If he had just managed a goal, it would have been one of the best all-round performances.’ Now, how many centre-forwards could we say that about?
Bolton v Burnley - 1:0 - Coyle was abused by the Burnley fans, but was probably happy enough to take it in his stride as Bolton’s victory thrust struggling Burnley into the relegation red zone. This was Coyle’s first win as Bolton’s manager, leaving his successor at Burnley, Brian Laws, still awaiting his. The only goal was scored by Chung-Yong Lee, off the underside of the bar (35). Coyle insensitively strode on to the pitch after the game concluded. His attempts to sympathise with his former players and to applaud the Burnley fans was not appreciated. Coyle (on the Burnley fans’ reaction to him) - ‘I can't complain, they wanted to come and vent their anger. But if we're going to get biblical, then maybe it should be Moses (rather than Judas), because we led them from the wilderness.’ Laws (on Burnley’s injuries) - ‘While we need to defend better, the players are suffering. We could do with some new faces by the end of week.’
Tottenham v Fulham - 2:0 - A comfortable win by Spurs who dominated most of the match, although Zamora forced one good save from Gomes. Crouch got the first goal, poking the ball in past a dozing Chris Smalling from a Modric cross. Bentley, making his first league start since October, got the second (60), curling a free-kick which deflected off Riise past the hapless Schwarzer. Redknapp - ‘The main thing was for us to get the win. We have been playing well recently but have come up against a couple of keepers who have been in great form. I'm pleased with David Bentley's performance, he's got great ability and he showed that tonight. He's been unlucky not to have had more chances because of Aaron Lennon's form but all we can ask is that when he gets his chance he takes it and he did that tonight.’ Hodgson - ‘We were a little unlucky with the goals, the second one in particular because that was a cruel deflection.’ All goals against seem unlucky to the victims, Roy, even cruel.
Everton v Sunderland - 2:0 - Sunderland appear to be on a downward slippery slope as their defensive approach proved to have little effect against a resurgent Everton. Cahill put Everton ahead early with a header (7) from a well-weighted Fellaini cross. Twelve minutes later Donovan
sealed the result with his first Premier League goal, bursting into the area and ramming the ball home after Cahill won the ball in the air once more. Sunderland, without a win in nine league games, have a few home games coming up, but if they fail to take the opportunity to put their season back on course they could soon find themselves in serious relegation trouble. Bruce - ‘We haven’t started the game in the right manner, we didn't defend properly and we have to show a better attitude.’ Moyes (synopsis) - ‘The further up the league we go the more I like the way we are playing.’ (not quite what he said, but what Your Ear thinks he meant to say, nonetheless).
Chelsea v Birmingham - 3:0 - After 35 home games unbeaten and their 11th clean sheet of the season Chelsea returned to the top of the Premiership, having ended Birmingham's 15-match unbeaten run. Malouda got Chelsea off the mark early on with a simple header after good work by Joe Cole down the right wing (5). Lampard snatched the second with an accurate shot from 20 yards (32) and scored late (90) to wrap up a straightforward victory. Meanwhile, Birmingham were outclassed, and had only two shots on goal, which Cech dealt with competently. Chelsea, having scored 17 goals in the four matches without him, do not seem to have missed Drogba. Ancelotti - ‘It's good we are back at the top. We have one more point with a game in hand on United and two points more than Arsenal.’ McLeish - ‘I don't think anyone has won here this season and they have battered better teams than us. Chelsea are a good side, they have the foreign flavour, the keep-ball and movement is excellent. They are one of the favourites for the Champions League, let alone the Premier League. We have kept the ball better than that and were wasteful in possession, but I'll forgive the players this one. There's no disgrace losing here.’
Blackburn v Wigan - 2:1 - Defensive errors were responsible for all three goals in a nervy and uninspiring match. Wigan's defence was severely tested throughout the first half. Pedersen profited from one of Wigan keeper Stojkovic’s many errors (20) before Caldwell’s second-half header made it 1:1 (58). Pedersen headed against the crossbar before his corner kick was headed home by Kalinic (76). Allardyce - ‘We put enormous pressure on Wigan with the quality of our football, pressing them in their own box and it looked like it was going to be a case of dominating the play without scoring. Then all of a sudden Morten came up with an outstanding goal. You’d have to go a long way to see a better goal than that in the Premier League this season.’ Martinez - ‘In the first half we didn't get going… we weren't ourselves and couldn't get two or three passes together and found it difficult. The second half was different. We got the goal, but lapses in concentration meant we lost a football game we needed to get something out of.’
Aston Villa v Arsenal - 0:0 - Arsenal hit the woodwork twice, but failed to return to the top of the League as they were held to a draw by Villa. This was a dour struggle rather than exciting stuff, both sides tried to score but lacked any edge. Agbonlahor saw an early effort saved and Fabregas hit the post. And in the second half Downing headed wide and Rosicky’s close-range strike came off the crossbar. Villa remain in seventh place while Arsenal stay third. O'Neill - ‘We haven't had the points on board we probably deserve from our last four games. We haven't won or scored in four matches but we've had umpteen chances and I'm not concerned. Not just our effort but our play was terrific.’ Wenger - ‘We wanted three points, we got one. Maybe we dropped two. Villa made it difficult. We don't usually miss the chances we missed tonight. We know when we come here what we get and we were not disappointed. They play a very efficient English game with long balls and it is very physical. They are a good side at counter-attacking…’ O'Neill’s response to Wenger's comments - ‘He has made a few ridiculous statements in his time here and that is as good as any. That is an appalling insult. I thought we played splendidly in the game. Their keeper made a great save from Gabby (Agbonlahor) early on and Ashley Young produced some incredible balls into the box that just needed a touch on them.’ Handbags at the ready, gentlemen.
Portsmouth v West Ham - 1:1 - West Ham should have won this game, they made far more openings early on, but Portsmouth’s keeper, Begovic, kept a clean sheet until Upson fortuitously chested the ball home (52). Portsmouth were the more adventurous side in the second half, whilst the Hammers seemed to have run out of steam, and Webber finally saved a point for Portsmouth, nut-megging Green for his first Pompey goal (76). Grant - ‘I was pleased (to get a point) because we were 1:0 down but I thought we could have had more.’ Zola - ‘It feels like two points dropped.’
Wolverhampton v Liverpool - 0:0 - To say that Liverpool should have won this game would ignore the fact that Wolves were resolute and defended well. Despite Gerrard’s return Liverpool could not take their chances although Wolves had few of their own. Neither group of fans were happy, but Wolves were the least unhappy. Benitez - ‘It was a tough game, overall… but the most positive thing is that it was another game without losing. In football you have good moments and bad moments, but the thing is to keep doing your best.’ McCarthy (on striker Kevin Doyle) - ‘If you see a better performance from a centre-forward than Doyle showed, I would like to see it. If he had just managed a goal, it would have been one of the best all-round performances.’ Now, how many centre-forwards could we say that about?
Bolton v Burnley - 1:0 - Coyle was abused by the Burnley fans, but was probably happy enough to take it in his stride as Bolton’s victory thrust struggling Burnley into the relegation red zone. This was Coyle’s first win as Bolton’s manager, leaving his successor at Burnley, Brian Laws, still awaiting his. The only goal was scored by Chung-Yong Lee, off the underside of the bar (35). Coyle insensitively strode on to the pitch after the game concluded. His attempts to sympathise with his former players and to applaud the Burnley fans was not appreciated. Coyle (on the Burnley fans’ reaction to him) - ‘I can't complain, they wanted to come and vent their anger. But if we're going to get biblical, then maybe it should be Moses (rather than Judas), because we led them from the wilderness.’ Laws (on Burnley’s injuries) - ‘While we need to defend better, the players are suffering. We could do with some new faces by the end of week.’
Tottenham v Fulham - 2:0 - A comfortable win by Spurs who dominated most of the match, although Zamora forced one good save from Gomes. Crouch got the first goal, poking the ball in past a dozing Chris Smalling from a Modric cross. Bentley, making his first league start since October, got the second (60), curling a free-kick which deflected off Riise past the hapless Schwarzer. Redknapp - ‘The main thing was for us to get the win. We have been playing well recently but have come up against a couple of keepers who have been in great form. I'm pleased with David Bentley's performance, he's got great ability and he showed that tonight. He's been unlucky not to have had more chances because of Aaron Lennon's form but all we can ask is that when he gets his chance he takes it and he did that tonight.’ Hodgson - ‘We were a little unlucky with the goals, the second one in particular because that was a cruel deflection.’ All goals against seem unlucky to the victims, Roy, even cruel.
Everton v Sunderland - 2:0 - Sunderland appear to be on a downward slippery slope as their defensive approach proved to have little effect against a resurgent Everton. Cahill put Everton ahead early with a header (7) from a well-weighted Fellaini cross. Twelve minutes later Donovan
sealed the result with his first Premier League goal, bursting into the area and ramming the ball home after Cahill won the ball in the air once more. Sunderland, without a win in nine league games, have a few home games coming up, but if they fail to take the opportunity to put their season back on course they could soon find themselves in serious relegation trouble. Bruce - ‘We haven’t started the game in the right manner, we didn't defend properly and we have to show a better attitude.’ Moyes (synopsis) - ‘The further up the league we go the more I like the way we are playing.’ (not quite what he said, but what Your Ear thinks he meant to say, nonetheless).
Chelsea v Birmingham - 3:0 - After 35 home games unbeaten and their 11th clean sheet of the season Chelsea returned to the top of the Premiership, having ended Birmingham's 15-match unbeaten run. Malouda got Chelsea off the mark early on with a simple header after good work by Joe Cole down the right wing (5). Lampard snatched the second with an accurate shot from 20 yards (32) and scored late (90) to wrap up a straightforward victory. Meanwhile, Birmingham were outclassed, and had only two shots on goal, which Cech dealt with competently. Chelsea, having scored 17 goals in the four matches without him, do not seem to have missed Drogba. Ancelotti - ‘It's good we are back at the top. We have one more point with a game in hand on United and two points more than Arsenal.’ McLeish - ‘I don't think anyone has won here this season and they have battered better teams than us. Chelsea are a good side, they have the foreign flavour, the keep-ball and movement is excellent. They are one of the favourites for the Champions League, let alone the Premier League. We have kept the ball better than that and were wasteful in possession, but I'll forgive the players this one. There's no disgrace losing here.’
Blackburn v Wigan - 2:1 - Defensive errors were responsible for all three goals in a nervy and uninspiring match. Wigan's defence was severely tested throughout the first half. Pedersen profited from one of Wigan keeper Stojkovic’s many errors (20) before Caldwell’s second-half header made it 1:1 (58). Pedersen headed against the crossbar before his corner kick was headed home by Kalinic (76). Allardyce - ‘We put enormous pressure on Wigan with the quality of our football, pressing them in their own box and it looked like it was going to be a case of dominating the play without scoring. Then all of a sudden Morten came up with an outstanding goal. You’d have to go a long way to see a better goal than that in the Premier League this season.’ Martinez - ‘In the first half we didn't get going… we weren't ourselves and couldn't get two or three passes together and found it difficult. The second half was different. We got the goal, but lapses in concentration meant we lost a football game we needed to get something out of.’
Aston Villa v Arsenal - 0:0 - Arsenal hit the woodwork twice, but failed to return to the top of the League as they were held to a draw by Villa. This was a dour struggle rather than exciting stuff, both sides tried to score but lacked any edge. Agbonlahor saw an early effort saved and Fabregas hit the post. And in the second half Downing headed wide and Rosicky’s close-range strike came off the crossbar. Villa remain in seventh place while Arsenal stay third. O'Neill - ‘We haven't had the points on board we probably deserve from our last four games. We haven't won or scored in four matches but we've had umpteen chances and I'm not concerned. Not just our effort but our play was terrific.’ Wenger - ‘We wanted three points, we got one. Maybe we dropped two. Villa made it difficult. We don't usually miss the chances we missed tonight. We know when we come here what we get and we were not disappointed. They play a very efficient English game with long balls and it is very physical. They are a good side at counter-attacking…’ O'Neill’s response to Wenger's comments - ‘He has made a few ridiculous statements in his time here and that is as good as any. That is an appalling insult. I thought we played splendidly in the game. Their keeper made a great save from Gabby (Agbonlahor) early on and Ashley Young produced some incredible balls into the box that just needed a touch on them.’ Handbags at the ready, gentlemen.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Premiership round up - Week 22
Chelsea v Sunderland - 7:2 - Sunderland were totally outclassed from start to finish. Chelsea looked hungry from the outset and relentless pressure in the first half saw four good Chelsea goals before Sunderland had more than a sniff at a chance. Anelka, (8) settled Chelsea's nerves almost walking the ball into the net having 'rounded' the keeper. Ten minutes later Malouda scored an excellent goal, shrugging off two physical challenges and running a third the length of the pitch to slot the ball in across the keeper. Ashley Cole's goal (22) was possibly even better, with great control and a perfect finish from a pin-point Terry forward pass. Lampard got the fourth (34) with an outstretched leg on an Ashley Cole pass following Anelka's through ball. So Chelsea went in 4:0 up at half time and making the game look simple. They proceeded to carry on regardless in the second half with no signs of complacency. Ballack scored with his head from a text book Joe Cole cross (52) and not too much defence in evidence. Zenden (56) scored a tidy goal for Sunderland, his first goal on returning to England from Marseilles. But Anelka got his second and Chelsea's sixth goal less than ten minutes later, making any odd goal scored by Sunderland academic. Lampard got his second goal in the 90th minute and finally Bent scored Sunderland's second (the least celebrated goal of the season) in the second minute of extra time. There were many more chances; Anelka might have scored four and laid off at least a half dozen chances for others and the final tally might have been in double figures, but the Blues were very well pleased with this result. Bruce - 'From the first minute to the ninetieth it was one of them horrible ones… Chelsea were fantastic, we couldn't get anywhere near them. Sometimes you just to hold your hands up and say we've had our backsides well and truly kicked…' Ouch, indeed. Ancelotti 'We played very well… Also, always the people, journalists they are talking about the African players, but I think we did very well also without the African players.' Exhibition stuff.
Man United v Burnley - 3:0 - The score-line belies the first 50 minutes of the game, where United were more than a little lucky not to go one, or even two, behind. In the second half ManU began to apply ever more pressure until finally Rooney put Berbatov through to score a good goal (64). Berbatov had another shot saved, but the ball came out to Rooney who took his time and picked his spot for his 16th goal of the season (69). The game was made safe by Diouf with a nicely timed header in extra time (90+1), his first goal for the club. New Burnley manager, Brian Laws - 'When you come to places like this there's key moments in games and you've got to take those key moments…' Unfortunately for them, Burnley didn't today, producing another dismal away result.
Everton v Man City - 2:0 - Spring-boarding from their good performance at Arsenal the week before, Everton looked good from start to finish, and despite early opportunities for City Everton took the lead with an accurate free kick (Pienaar, 36), the first time Mancini has seen City go behind. It almost loosened his tightly bound supporters scarf, which was not around his neck when he was interviewed later. Saha made it two from a penalty (45+4), having had his shirt pulled in the box by Richards (stupid boy!). Embarrassingly for Robinho he was substituted twice, once to bring him on, then to take him off again. Fellaini, on the other hand, had a very good game, nearly scoring on a couple of occasions and denying Bellamy with some nifty footwork. As Everton steadily climb the table David Moyes is certainly looking happier these days. Not so sure about Mancini; currently Man City have 2 points more than where they stood at the same relative point in time last season, when they finished 9th in the Premiership. Wonder where they will finish.
Stoke v Liverpool - 1:1 - A totally uninspiring game, but after 57 minutes Liverpool's Kyrgiakos managed to bundle the ball home following a free kick Liverpool might not have been given on another day. The match continued in scrappy fashion until Huth finished in almost equally untidy way just before the game ended (90). Both sides might have won the game in extra time but the result was drawn. Rafa - 'The game was very tough, very physical, very difficult… I think the players on the pitch did a very good job. It was very clear we should have had two penalties.' Pulis - 'It was a fair result, it was scrappy… to be fair, Liverpool came at us and were dogged…' As usual for Liverpool, no Gerrard, no Torres = no result and for the first time Rafa answered a question with the words; 'If I am still here…' admitting the possibility that he might not be, soon. But it's not a new manager Liverpool needs, it's a couple of players.
Wolves v Wigan - 0:2 - Wolves should have gone ahead but missed, then Wigan repaid the favour and missed at the other end. Stearman was sent off for a stupid shirt pull when there was no danger of Wigan scoring, reducing Wolves to ten men. But the penalty was saved and the rebound missed. So honours were even at half time. Wigan scored first (McCarthy, 60) after a Wolves defender was blocked from challenging the scorer by the referee (you have to run round them, apparently, treat refs as if they aren't on the pitch, for once). Wolves were given some hope when Hendry Thomas was sent off for a lunging tackle (second yellow) but Wigan kept going forwards until N'Zogbia cooly scored Wigan's second in the 73rd minute. Further chances at either end produced nothing more. McCarthy (on Dave Jones being blocked by the ref) - ' What on Earth could he have done to make an issue of it? He did ask the referee and he said he was trying to get into the best possible position to block him, no sorry, to have a view of N'Zogbia if there'd been a penalty.' Benitez - 'We started strong and got stronger.'
Spurs v Hull - 0:0 - Hull won this fixture last season so it's possible Spurs were lucky to get away with a draw. Maybe they should have done better but Hull's keeper, Myhill, did more than well to keep out early (and late) shots by Palacios, Keane and Defoe. In the second half Keane should have buried a chance, but failed to and Modric missed two, whilst Hull had a couple of near misses themselves. Finally man-of-the-match Myhill stopped a header, then a shot from Crouch, both in extra time. Possession stats were 60% Spurs, 40% Hull but pressure unconverted is no result. Brown - 'When you look at the strength of Tottenham's squad that was a magnificent clean sheet.' St Hal - 'I'm disappointed not to have won, obviously, but we gave everything today… but their keeper today turned in one of the finest performances I've seen in years, He was incredible today.' Myhill - 'I'm quite fortunate I've got a big head - for one of them (saves), I didn't even know nothing about that and to be quite honest with you the game was a bit of a blur…' Humour apart that was quite modest of Myhill, he had a great game.
Bolton v Arsenal - 0:2 - Coyle's first match in charge of Bolton was less than happy. Arsenal were unlucky to be denied a penalty for a challenge on Fabregas, but he scored a good goal in the 28th minute anyway, after some fine close control by the Gunners. He might have scored a couple more in the first half but his touch deserted him. Merida scored Arsenal's second goal (78) with a workmanlike finish. Bolton had their chances throughout the game but Almunia was up to the job, making several good saves. The Bolton faithful are clearly much happier under Coyle's leadership, but they lost anyway. Coyle - 'I think anyone who was here that watched the game would have seen that on a different day that could have been a very different result.' Maybe, but Your Ear doubts it.
Aston Villa v West Ham - 0:0 - West Ham beat Villa last November but were unable to do better than a draw this time out. Villa were more dominant but the Hammers’ dour defending paid off and they kept a clean sheet. Nouble made a fine surging run from his own half but lacked finishing skill. At the other end Agbonlahor turned well and shot but Green made a fine save. Carew was given offside whilst Agbonlahor missed another opportunity. A better result for West Ham than Villa. O'Neil - 'Disappointed with the result but not the effort of the team.' Zola - 'I am really proud, I am fortunate to have players like them.' Nouble - 'I felt good out there, I knew if I was playing up front by myself I had to run about and make sure the defenders never had the time to settle, just be a pest really. I done that.' He did, too, which was not bad for an 18 year-old - he could have a bright England future.
Blackburn v Fulham - 2:0 - Blackburn made early inroads and scored the first goal from a corner (Samba, 25). Fulham do not seem to be on their game at the moment, despite having rested for some 12 days since their last match. Nevertheless, Dempsey made a fine effort with an overhead kick and hit the bar and had another bright moment minutes later in the box, but his shot was saved. Later he was unfortunate to become injured. Nelsen got Blackburn's second (54), with a header from McCarthy's free kick. Allardyce (as both goals were scored by central defenders) - 'We don't mind where we get the goals as long as we get them.' Wise words. Fulham were unlucky today, firstly not to get at least one goal from a penalty decision which failed to go their way, and Blackburn's second goal was probably offside, but not given.
Liverpool v Tottenham - 2:0 - In a game Liverpool could hardly afford to lose Dirk Kuyt did the business for a hungry Liverpool. Liverpool are now only one point behind Spurs, which takes some of the pressure off Rafa Benitez. Kuyt got off to an early start (6) when he picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and rammed it past Gomes. Spurs were rarely convincing at any time during the match although a goal by Defoe was disallowed. Kuyt’s twice-taken penalty (90+3) sealed Spurs’ fate, after Bassong floored substitute N’Gog in the area. Spurs have not won a league game against any of the ‘big four’ teams for over 16 years, and on the face of it seem unlikely to break their duck this season. A the end of the game The Kop rang to the sound of the fans singing the name of Benitez. You have to admire Liverpool - their fans must be amongst the most faithful of any club.
Arsenal v Bolton - 4:2 - Just to make life interesting Arsenal allowed Bolton to go two up without reply until close to the end of the first half. First Cahill volleyed in a shot (7), then Taylor scored from the penalty spot following a foul by Denilson (28). In reply Rosicky scored from 20 yards (43) and Fabregas slid home a controversial equalizer (52). Vermaelen got the third with his left foot (65) before Arshavin scored from Eduardo’s pass (85). Arsenal needed to win by two clear goals to top the table and they achieved it, demonstrating the hunger and determination Mr Wenger has referred to frequently of late. Bolton were not happy, following a foul not given in the build-up to Arsenal's second goal. Coyle, apparently, was ‘incensed’ by the Gallas challenge on Davies, when play was allowed to continue and Arsenal scored before his striker was stretchered off. Interviewed after the game Wenger responded to Coyle's criticism, saying it was for the referee to stop the game if he thought it necessary and that he would be happy to sit down and go through replays of all challenges made by both sides over their last two games. For once Your Ear would agree - Bolton are a physical side and should have no complaint. Meanwhile, Arsenal move above Chelsea on goals scored whilst Chelsea have a game in hand.
Football News - Players To Be Given ‘Stage Names’ - Newscasters and commentators alike have demanded that footballers, particularly Premiership footballers, should adopt ‘stage names’ to avoid confusion. ‘There are many occasions when there is more than one Cahill, and sometimes several Coles on the field of play, to say nothing of sundry McCarthys, Taylors, and Benitezes - the list is (almost) endless. This can be confusing to spectators, commentators, viewers and particularly listeners.’ said a self-proclaimed official FA source. “The solution is that players should adopt ‘pitch’ names, or nicknames if they prefer, like ‘Chucho’ Benitez.’ Fans will be asked to offer suggestions on what names their favourite players should go by. Understandably Wayne Rooney is said to prefer ‘the Priest’, ‘Roo’ ‘The Boy Wonder’ or even ‘Roonaldo’ to ‘Spudface’. Real Bid For Rooney - Rumours that Real Madrid are pursuing Rooney for £60m and £170k per week have been confirmed. This values him at three quarters the price Real paid United for Ronaldo. Sources say that Ronaldo has been asked to sweet-talk Rooney into agreeing the move. Your Ear cannot see these old pals coming together again on the back of that conversation. Ferguson's view (as repeated by a minion) - ‘United won’t sell Rooney before the summer, particularly on his current form. The lad can leave when we’ve signed his son.’ Manchester United Out Of The Cup! One of the few big teams to take non-league and non-Euro games seriously, ManU have been knocked out of the FA Cup, losing 1:0 to lowly Leeds United. ‘It is a great loss,’ said Arsene Wenger.
An open question to ManU supporters - would you see last season's sale of Ronaldo as;
a) £80m in the kitty, a deal well done, or;
b) the 2009/10 season sold down the river?
Answers on a postcard please.
Managers’ New Year Resolutions;
Allardyce - I will lose at least one pound in weight, from my jaws.
Ancelotti - I'm gonna do better than that Portuguese guy.
Benitez - See you next year, probably.
Brown - I agree with Rafa.
Bruce - Mumble, mumble, mumble.
Coyle (at Burnley) - We will win an away game, soon - I am fully committed to this club.
Coyle (at Bolton) - This looks like a nice place - I am fully committed to this club.
Ferguson - I shall nae speak to the BBC, nevermore.
Grant - I will smile three times a week, even if it hurts.
Hodgson - Mr Fayed is happy, so we are all happy.
Hughes - I shall stop counting my severance pay.
Mancini - We're gonna lift the Premiership title this year (dream on!)
Martinez - Wigan - a great place to raise a family.
McCarthy - We shall not be mullahed again.
McLeish - I hope nothing happens to Sir Alex, but I can hardly wait to get to Manchester.
Megson - I shall empathize with the fans, and I will not count Mark Hughes' severance pay.
Moyes - I fully intend to play eleven players in our next match… probably.
O'Neil - I will talk about something other than football, at least once in the next 12 months.
Pulis - I will use my head in an emergency - no, I WON'T use my head in an emergency.
St Hal of Totten Ham - It’s time we made a bit more dosh out of Robbie Keane.
Wenger - I did not see the New Year in, I saw nothing.
Zola - I’m so ‘appy!
One year ago - Fulham owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed was demanding that the Premier League should introduce a cap on transfers and salaries following Manchester City's rumoured £100m-plus pursuit of Kaka. City had been flexing new-found financial muscles, having been taken over by Sheikh Mansour and were willing (apparently) to smash the world transfer record to bring Brazil star Kaka to Eastlands on a salary reputed to be £500,000 a week. Al-Fayed believed such a deal would be detrimental to football, 'It's madness,' he told the BBC, and added he would not pay more than a mere £15 million for any player. Meanwhile, Mark Hughes was 'in a hurry to reinforce Manchester City.' One year on, Hughes has gone, City could hardly be described as 'reinforced', the FA have not introduced any transfer caps, but it has to be said that Fulham are having another pretty good year, nonetheless.
Being There - Your Ear was lucky enough to be gifted a free ticket to watch the last Chelsea match (v Sunderland), and had no problem in supporting the Blues on the day. And what a match to be lucky enough to see (7:2 if you need a reminder). But besides going for the football on the pitch, which was of the highest quality, there is always the supporters’ songs and banter. Frankly some of it is mindless, racist nonsense, but much of it is almost poetic, albeit in the form of lyrics and chants, and beats the hell out of the new wave poetry championed by BBC Radio 4. Most of it, if not all, is good humoured and seems to come out of the crowd spontaneously. Some of it is a little unfriendly, but meant in a friendly way, like when a Chelsea fan shouted; 'Come on, you German bastard!' at Ballack in encouraging fashion. I heard another Chelsea supporter behind me say; 'That shouldn't be funny, but somehow it is.' Then the crowd (after Chelsea were 4 or 5 up, began to sing to Sunderland how ♫we'd love you to stay but we know you have to go♫. But the one which got the most laughs was the lone voice in front of me which, to what sounded like the tune to the scout's fireside song 'The Quartermaster's Store', piped up with; ♫He's here, he's there, he's every-f#¢king-where! Joey Cole, Joey Cole!♫ Scarlet Pimpernel stuff, and accurate too - Cole was playing well and was everywhere. But, (from the transfer rumours) ‘everywhere’ might soon include Tottenham, where, along with John Carew, he will be welcomed. After St Hal has shifted Keane, of course.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Man United v Burnley - 3:0 - The score-line belies the first 50 minutes of the game, where United were more than a little lucky not to go one, or even two, behind. In the second half ManU began to apply ever more pressure until finally Rooney put Berbatov through to score a good goal (64). Berbatov had another shot saved, but the ball came out to Rooney who took his time and picked his spot for his 16th goal of the season (69). The game was made safe by Diouf with a nicely timed header in extra time (90+1), his first goal for the club. New Burnley manager, Brian Laws - 'When you come to places like this there's key moments in games and you've got to take those key moments…' Unfortunately for them, Burnley didn't today, producing another dismal away result.
Everton v Man City - 2:0 - Spring-boarding from their good performance at Arsenal the week before, Everton looked good from start to finish, and despite early opportunities for City Everton took the lead with an accurate free kick (Pienaar, 36), the first time Mancini has seen City go behind. It almost loosened his tightly bound supporters scarf, which was not around his neck when he was interviewed later. Saha made it two from a penalty (45+4), having had his shirt pulled in the box by Richards (stupid boy!). Embarrassingly for Robinho he was substituted twice, once to bring him on, then to take him off again. Fellaini, on the other hand, had a very good game, nearly scoring on a couple of occasions and denying Bellamy with some nifty footwork. As Everton steadily climb the table David Moyes is certainly looking happier these days. Not so sure about Mancini; currently Man City have 2 points more than where they stood at the same relative point in time last season, when they finished 9th in the Premiership. Wonder where they will finish.
Stoke v Liverpool - 1:1 - A totally uninspiring game, but after 57 minutes Liverpool's Kyrgiakos managed to bundle the ball home following a free kick Liverpool might not have been given on another day. The match continued in scrappy fashion until Huth finished in almost equally untidy way just before the game ended (90). Both sides might have won the game in extra time but the result was drawn. Rafa - 'The game was very tough, very physical, very difficult… I think the players on the pitch did a very good job. It was very clear we should have had two penalties.' Pulis - 'It was a fair result, it was scrappy… to be fair, Liverpool came at us and were dogged…' As usual for Liverpool, no Gerrard, no Torres = no result and for the first time Rafa answered a question with the words; 'If I am still here…' admitting the possibility that he might not be, soon. But it's not a new manager Liverpool needs, it's a couple of players.
Wolves v Wigan - 0:2 - Wolves should have gone ahead but missed, then Wigan repaid the favour and missed at the other end. Stearman was sent off for a stupid shirt pull when there was no danger of Wigan scoring, reducing Wolves to ten men. But the penalty was saved and the rebound missed. So honours were even at half time. Wigan scored first (McCarthy, 60) after a Wolves defender was blocked from challenging the scorer by the referee (you have to run round them, apparently, treat refs as if they aren't on the pitch, for once). Wolves were given some hope when Hendry Thomas was sent off for a lunging tackle (second yellow) but Wigan kept going forwards until N'Zogbia cooly scored Wigan's second in the 73rd minute. Further chances at either end produced nothing more. McCarthy (on Dave Jones being blocked by the ref) - ' What on Earth could he have done to make an issue of it? He did ask the referee and he said he was trying to get into the best possible position to block him, no sorry, to have a view of N'Zogbia if there'd been a penalty.' Benitez - 'We started strong and got stronger.'
Spurs v Hull - 0:0 - Hull won this fixture last season so it's possible Spurs were lucky to get away with a draw. Maybe they should have done better but Hull's keeper, Myhill, did more than well to keep out early (and late) shots by Palacios, Keane and Defoe. In the second half Keane should have buried a chance, but failed to and Modric missed two, whilst Hull had a couple of near misses themselves. Finally man-of-the-match Myhill stopped a header, then a shot from Crouch, both in extra time. Possession stats were 60% Spurs, 40% Hull but pressure unconverted is no result. Brown - 'When you look at the strength of Tottenham's squad that was a magnificent clean sheet.' St Hal - 'I'm disappointed not to have won, obviously, but we gave everything today… but their keeper today turned in one of the finest performances I've seen in years, He was incredible today.' Myhill - 'I'm quite fortunate I've got a big head - for one of them (saves), I didn't even know nothing about that and to be quite honest with you the game was a bit of a blur…' Humour apart that was quite modest of Myhill, he had a great game.
Bolton v Arsenal - 0:2 - Coyle's first match in charge of Bolton was less than happy. Arsenal were unlucky to be denied a penalty for a challenge on Fabregas, but he scored a good goal in the 28th minute anyway, after some fine close control by the Gunners. He might have scored a couple more in the first half but his touch deserted him. Merida scored Arsenal's second goal (78) with a workmanlike finish. Bolton had their chances throughout the game but Almunia was up to the job, making several good saves. The Bolton faithful are clearly much happier under Coyle's leadership, but they lost anyway. Coyle - 'I think anyone who was here that watched the game would have seen that on a different day that could have been a very different result.' Maybe, but Your Ear doubts it.
Aston Villa v West Ham - 0:0 - West Ham beat Villa last November but were unable to do better than a draw this time out. Villa were more dominant but the Hammers’ dour defending paid off and they kept a clean sheet. Nouble made a fine surging run from his own half but lacked finishing skill. At the other end Agbonlahor turned well and shot but Green made a fine save. Carew was given offside whilst Agbonlahor missed another opportunity. A better result for West Ham than Villa. O'Neil - 'Disappointed with the result but not the effort of the team.' Zola - 'I am really proud, I am fortunate to have players like them.' Nouble - 'I felt good out there, I knew if I was playing up front by myself I had to run about and make sure the defenders never had the time to settle, just be a pest really. I done that.' He did, too, which was not bad for an 18 year-old - he could have a bright England future.
Blackburn v Fulham - 2:0 - Blackburn made early inroads and scored the first goal from a corner (Samba, 25). Fulham do not seem to be on their game at the moment, despite having rested for some 12 days since their last match. Nevertheless, Dempsey made a fine effort with an overhead kick and hit the bar and had another bright moment minutes later in the box, but his shot was saved. Later he was unfortunate to become injured. Nelsen got Blackburn's second (54), with a header from McCarthy's free kick. Allardyce (as both goals were scored by central defenders) - 'We don't mind where we get the goals as long as we get them.' Wise words. Fulham were unlucky today, firstly not to get at least one goal from a penalty decision which failed to go their way, and Blackburn's second goal was probably offside, but not given.
Liverpool v Tottenham - 2:0 - In a game Liverpool could hardly afford to lose Dirk Kuyt did the business for a hungry Liverpool. Liverpool are now only one point behind Spurs, which takes some of the pressure off Rafa Benitez. Kuyt got off to an early start (6) when he picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and rammed it past Gomes. Spurs were rarely convincing at any time during the match although a goal by Defoe was disallowed. Kuyt’s twice-taken penalty (90+3) sealed Spurs’ fate, after Bassong floored substitute N’Gog in the area. Spurs have not won a league game against any of the ‘big four’ teams for over 16 years, and on the face of it seem unlikely to break their duck this season. A the end of the game The Kop rang to the sound of the fans singing the name of Benitez. You have to admire Liverpool - their fans must be amongst the most faithful of any club.
Arsenal v Bolton - 4:2 - Just to make life interesting Arsenal allowed Bolton to go two up without reply until close to the end of the first half. First Cahill volleyed in a shot (7), then Taylor scored from the penalty spot following a foul by Denilson (28). In reply Rosicky scored from 20 yards (43) and Fabregas slid home a controversial equalizer (52). Vermaelen got the third with his left foot (65) before Arshavin scored from Eduardo’s pass (85). Arsenal needed to win by two clear goals to top the table and they achieved it, demonstrating the hunger and determination Mr Wenger has referred to frequently of late. Bolton were not happy, following a foul not given in the build-up to Arsenal's second goal. Coyle, apparently, was ‘incensed’ by the Gallas challenge on Davies, when play was allowed to continue and Arsenal scored before his striker was stretchered off. Interviewed after the game Wenger responded to Coyle's criticism, saying it was for the referee to stop the game if he thought it necessary and that he would be happy to sit down and go through replays of all challenges made by both sides over their last two games. For once Your Ear would agree - Bolton are a physical side and should have no complaint. Meanwhile, Arsenal move above Chelsea on goals scored whilst Chelsea have a game in hand.
Football News - Players To Be Given ‘Stage Names’ - Newscasters and commentators alike have demanded that footballers, particularly Premiership footballers, should adopt ‘stage names’ to avoid confusion. ‘There are many occasions when there is more than one Cahill, and sometimes several Coles on the field of play, to say nothing of sundry McCarthys, Taylors, and Benitezes - the list is (almost) endless. This can be confusing to spectators, commentators, viewers and particularly listeners.’ said a self-proclaimed official FA source. “The solution is that players should adopt ‘pitch’ names, or nicknames if they prefer, like ‘Chucho’ Benitez.’ Fans will be asked to offer suggestions on what names their favourite players should go by. Understandably Wayne Rooney is said to prefer ‘the Priest’, ‘Roo’ ‘The Boy Wonder’ or even ‘Roonaldo’ to ‘Spudface’. Real Bid For Rooney - Rumours that Real Madrid are pursuing Rooney for £60m and £170k per week have been confirmed. This values him at three quarters the price Real paid United for Ronaldo. Sources say that Ronaldo has been asked to sweet-talk Rooney into agreeing the move. Your Ear cannot see these old pals coming together again on the back of that conversation. Ferguson's view (as repeated by a minion) - ‘United won’t sell Rooney before the summer, particularly on his current form. The lad can leave when we’ve signed his son.’ Manchester United Out Of The Cup! One of the few big teams to take non-league and non-Euro games seriously, ManU have been knocked out of the FA Cup, losing 1:0 to lowly Leeds United. ‘It is a great loss,’ said Arsene Wenger.
An open question to ManU supporters - would you see last season's sale of Ronaldo as;
a) £80m in the kitty, a deal well done, or;
b) the 2009/10 season sold down the river?
Answers on a postcard please.
Managers’ New Year Resolutions;
Allardyce - I will lose at least one pound in weight, from my jaws.
Ancelotti - I'm gonna do better than that Portuguese guy.
Benitez - See you next year, probably.
Brown - I agree with Rafa.
Bruce - Mumble, mumble, mumble.
Coyle (at Burnley) - We will win an away game, soon - I am fully committed to this club.
Coyle (at Bolton) - This looks like a nice place - I am fully committed to this club.
Ferguson - I shall nae speak to the BBC, nevermore.
Grant - I will smile three times a week, even if it hurts.
Hodgson - Mr Fayed is happy, so we are all happy.
Hughes - I shall stop counting my severance pay.
Mancini - We're gonna lift the Premiership title this year (dream on!)
Martinez - Wigan - a great place to raise a family.
McCarthy - We shall not be mullahed again.
McLeish - I hope nothing happens to Sir Alex, but I can hardly wait to get to Manchester.
Megson - I shall empathize with the fans, and I will not count Mark Hughes' severance pay.
Moyes - I fully intend to play eleven players in our next match… probably.
O'Neil - I will talk about something other than football, at least once in the next 12 months.
Pulis - I will use my head in an emergency - no, I WON'T use my head in an emergency.
St Hal of Totten Ham - It’s time we made a bit more dosh out of Robbie Keane.
Wenger - I did not see the New Year in, I saw nothing.
Zola - I’m so ‘appy!
One year ago - Fulham owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed was demanding that the Premier League should introduce a cap on transfers and salaries following Manchester City's rumoured £100m-plus pursuit of Kaka. City had been flexing new-found financial muscles, having been taken over by Sheikh Mansour and were willing (apparently) to smash the world transfer record to bring Brazil star Kaka to Eastlands on a salary reputed to be £500,000 a week. Al-Fayed believed such a deal would be detrimental to football, 'It's madness,' he told the BBC, and added he would not pay more than a mere £15 million for any player. Meanwhile, Mark Hughes was 'in a hurry to reinforce Manchester City.' One year on, Hughes has gone, City could hardly be described as 'reinforced', the FA have not introduced any transfer caps, but it has to be said that Fulham are having another pretty good year, nonetheless.
Being There - Your Ear was lucky enough to be gifted a free ticket to watch the last Chelsea match (v Sunderland), and had no problem in supporting the Blues on the day. And what a match to be lucky enough to see (7:2 if you need a reminder). But besides going for the football on the pitch, which was of the highest quality, there is always the supporters’ songs and banter. Frankly some of it is mindless, racist nonsense, but much of it is almost poetic, albeit in the form of lyrics and chants, and beats the hell out of the new wave poetry championed by BBC Radio 4. Most of it, if not all, is good humoured and seems to come out of the crowd spontaneously. Some of it is a little unfriendly, but meant in a friendly way, like when a Chelsea fan shouted; 'Come on, you German bastard!' at Ballack in encouraging fashion. I heard another Chelsea supporter behind me say; 'That shouldn't be funny, but somehow it is.' Then the crowd (after Chelsea were 4 or 5 up, began to sing to Sunderland how ♫we'd love you to stay but we know you have to go♫. But the one which got the most laughs was the lone voice in front of me which, to what sounded like the tune to the scout's fireside song 'The Quartermaster's Store', piped up with; ♫He's here, he's there, he's every-f#¢king-where! Joey Cole, Joey Cole!♫ Scarlet Pimpernel stuff, and accurate too - Cole was playing well and was everywhere. But, (from the transfer rumours) ‘everywhere’ might soon include Tottenham, where, along with John Carew, he will be welcomed. After St Hal has shifted Keane, of course.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Monday, 11 January 2010
Premiership round up - Week 21
Stoke City v Fulham - 3:2 - Stoke held off a late Fulham rally to secure a first league win in six games at the Britannia. Awful defending gifted Stoke three goals by half-time. Tuncay started with a neat header (12). Faye slid in from close range (34) and Sidibe half-volleyed the third 3 minutes later. Despite Duff's deflected shot (61) and Dempsey's dipping long-range shot (85) Stoke held on. Pulis - ‘We've played better than today and not got a result. But the longer you go without a win, you get nervous and very uptight.’ Hodgson - ‘We were determined to give a better performance in the second half, and I think we did. In the second half, we showed we are a good football team, but unfortunately there aren't many teams that come back from three down in 45 minutes.’ Spot on.
Arsenal v Everton - 2:2 - Everton started well, and, having been beaten so solidly by Arsenal last time around (6:1), did well to take the lead (Osman, 12). The shock of going behind seemed to wake up the Gunners who pressed forward hard until they equalized (Denilson, 28). Everton, however, would not be kept down and had several chances of their own in heavy snow conditions. With nine minutes to go Pienaar scored with a confident cheeky chip. Rosicksy salvaged a draw for Arsenal in extra time with a deflected shot (90+2). This was a tough game in tough conditions. Arsenal suffered more problems, notably Denilson, who collapsed unchallenged in the second half and was stretchered off with a mystery injury, which is as yet not diagnosed. Arsene Wenger was complimentary to his opponents - 'It was closer to 3:1 (to Everton) than to 2:2.'
Birmingham v Man United - 1:1 - It was -6°C on the pitch but the game went ahead. Fletcher's missed shot sounded an early warning to Birmingham that ManU were well up for this game. Only a good save by Hart kept out Rooney. Nevertheless on their first sight of goal Birmingham put the ball away tidily (Jerome, 39) to gain the lead for the home side. The goal gave Birmingham heart but United levelled the game, forcing an own goal (Dann, 63). The game was end to end stuff thereafter, Fletcher was sent off and Kusack made a great save to make the game a draw for United. Twelve games unbeaten, nine games unchanged for Birmingham - a Premiership record.
Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers - 4:1 - A Tevez hat-trick winched City up to fourth place in the league following an emphatic win over Blackburn. Tevez put City in front from close range in the seventh minute before Richards doubled the lead after a strong 50-yard run (39). Tevez extended City’s lead after the break with a good 20-yard finish (49). Pedersen pulled a goal back for Blackburn (71) before Tevez got his third with a superb finish in extra time (90+1). Tevez looks good for the money now, and is homing in on Rooney’s seasonal tally of goals. Mancini - ‘We don't watch the table. We watch the table (in) two months. Now it is not important. There are 17 games to the end. Now it's important that we continue this way, we continue to play well and we continue to improve.’ Allardyce - ‘I have no complaints that Manchester City have beaten us, but we could have defended properly to stop some of those goals.’
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Arsenal v Everton - 2:2 - Everton started well, and, having been beaten so solidly by Arsenal last time around (6:1), did well to take the lead (Osman, 12). The shock of going behind seemed to wake up the Gunners who pressed forward hard until they equalized (Denilson, 28). Everton, however, would not be kept down and had several chances of their own in heavy snow conditions. With nine minutes to go Pienaar scored with a confident cheeky chip. Rosicksy salvaged a draw for Arsenal in extra time with a deflected shot (90+2). This was a tough game in tough conditions. Arsenal suffered more problems, notably Denilson, who collapsed unchallenged in the second half and was stretchered off with a mystery injury, which is as yet not diagnosed. Arsene Wenger was complimentary to his opponents - 'It was closer to 3:1 (to Everton) than to 2:2.'
Birmingham v Man United - 1:1 - It was -6°C on the pitch but the game went ahead. Fletcher's missed shot sounded an early warning to Birmingham that ManU were well up for this game. Only a good save by Hart kept out Rooney. Nevertheless on their first sight of goal Birmingham put the ball away tidily (Jerome, 39) to gain the lead for the home side. The goal gave Birmingham heart but United levelled the game, forcing an own goal (Dann, 63). The game was end to end stuff thereafter, Fletcher was sent off and Kusack made a great save to make the game a draw for United. Twelve games unbeaten, nine games unchanged for Birmingham - a Premiership record.
Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers - 4:1 - A Tevez hat-trick winched City up to fourth place in the league following an emphatic win over Blackburn. Tevez put City in front from close range in the seventh minute before Richards doubled the lead after a strong 50-yard run (39). Tevez extended City’s lead after the break with a good 20-yard finish (49). Pedersen pulled a goal back for Blackburn (71) before Tevez got his third with a superb finish in extra time (90+1). Tevez looks good for the money now, and is homing in on Rooney’s seasonal tally of goals. Mancini - ‘We don't watch the table. We watch the table (in) two months. Now it is not important. There are 17 games to the end. Now it's important that we continue this way, we continue to play well and we continue to improve.’ Allardyce - ‘I have no complaints that Manchester City have beaten us, but we could have defended properly to stop some of those goals.’
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Premiership round up - Week 20
Chelsea v Fulham - 2:1 - José Mourinho was in the stands to watch this game. It does not seem that long, but Ancelotti is the fourth manager since the departure of ‘the special one’. Ancelotti made six changes to his previous line-up and Zhirkov, the £18m Russian, made his first start in blue. Gera took advantage of Chelsea’s fragile defence and scored within the first five minutes. In reply Drogba got his 19th goal of the season with a good header (73), largely against the run of play. Fulham lost the game with a most unfortunate own goal by Smalling (75). Chelsea were not at their best but Fulham, as they did in this match, take the game to all their opponents. They also defend well and were unlucky to lose this fixture. After the early Chelsea defensive cock-up, John Motson, commentating for the Beeb, observed; ‘I wonder what Mourinho thinks about that. Those sort of errors did not happen too often when he was manager. ’ Don’t we all wonder, Motty? And it poses the question on whether Mr Abramovich (if he watches them at all) reviews replays of his team’s performances with the commentary turned down, or off. Luckily for Chelsea, with several players about to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations, Anelka is due to make his return shortly.
Wolves v Man City - 0:3 - City home in on the top four as Mancini notches up six points after two games (and two clean sheets) in charge, City's first away win for three months, played in fog at Molineux. Mancini (still sporting his scarf) started Bellamy rather than Robinho. Wolves came off the blocks quickest but do not have the finishing quality of the wealthier teams and could not convert any of their chances. Bellamy missed, unusually, at point blank range, but soon made up for it, his pace and sharp cross allowed Tevez to score by deflection (33). Bellamy missed another sitter in the second half, and Wolves had further good chances which were saved. Tevez sized up a free kick and took attention away from Garrido, who scored City’s second goal (69) infuriating Mr McCarthy, who objected to the free kick being awarded (Bellamy should have been given offside just beforehand). Then it was Tevez’ turn to miss an opportunity after a good City build-up, but he got his second goal (86) after Robinho (on for Bellamy) fired in a long-range low cross. McCarthy - 'I'm not going to comment on it (City's second goal). It might cost me a few quid if I do… But in terms of our performance, I thought the final score-line was very harsh.' Mancini - 'To play like that just two days after beating Stoke makes me very happy because we played very well. In Italy it is impossible to play two games in three days, but this is England and this was a fantastic performance.' Can't play two games in three days? That's why you have so many Bank Holidays over there, Roberto.
Tottenham v West Ham - 2:0 - The last time the Hammers beat Spurs St Hal was their manager. Well, he isn’t now and much as this column respects Zola there was a clear gulf in quality, West Ham, particularly being hit with injuries. Modric opened the account for Spurs (11) after Lennon’s pace sliced through West Ham’s defence like a super-heated knife through easy-spread butter. Crouch might have had another, Defoe a third, Lennon a fourth, Huddlestone a fifth and Crouch a sixth. Finally, after so many missed chances and with some edginess creeping into their game, Defoe settled the outcome with a thudding strike following a save to his first shot (81). St Hal denied rumours that Parker (or any other player) is on his way to White Hart Lane - ‘We’ve got a good squad here.’ He’s right. Zola - ‘I got players out, but, as long as the players give me performance like today, I’m going to be all right.’ Your Ear hopes so.
Stoke City v Birmingham - 0:1 - Beattie started for the first time in five weeks. No doubt his boss was in a good mood. Jerome scrambled in Birmingham’s only goal (50), but Paul Hart made at least three superb saves from good Stoke efforts to keep a clean sheet, Gordon Banks, England’s legendary goal-keeper, was watching this game and would no doubt have approved of Hart’s performance, even though he supports Stoke. Stoke were unfortunate overall to lose this game but were most unlucky to have been denied a good penalty shout. It’s sometimes hard to understand how referees, who are paid to watch the game, after all, can miss the bleedin’ obvious.
Blackburn v Sunderland - 2:2 - Bent opened the scoring from a close range opportunity (52) only for Pedersen to level the match a minute later with Blackburn’s first home goal in five hours of match play. Blackburn missed chances to take the lead, but Bent got his and Sunderland’s second goal in the 65th minute. Big Sam made three substitutions to shake things up and bad boy Diouf came on and scored the equalizer for Blackburn (77). Good saves by Sunderland prevented Blackburn from snatching the winner late in the game. Steve Bruce, almost admiringly, - ‘Blackburn always ask you questions.’
Everton v Burnley - 2:0 - Nugent, a long term Everton supporter, nearly scored an early goal for Burnley nonetheless. Yakubu hit the post before the first half concluded, goal-less. At the start of the second half Nugent again missed, off the post, and his team-mate Jordan was sent off for a second (silly) yellow. A Yakubu header was saved by Jensen and Yakubu had another shot saved before he missed a cross entirely, fortuitously allowing Vaughan (only on the pitch for seconds) to drive the ball home (83). Yakubu provided the second goal for Everton, his through pass being snapped up by Pienaar in extra time (90+2). David Moyes was happy with his ‘edgy’ result. Owen Coyle was less happy, believing Yakubu to be offside for one of the Everton goals. He was wrong, and had obviously forgotten that Burnley were playing away.
Aston Villa v Liverpool - 0:1 - Well, you can't leave it much later than this - Torres scored the only goal in extra time (90+3) to give Liverpool a dramatic victory over Aston Villa. Villa were spirited and dour throughout and Liverpool were unconvincing in snowy conditions, although their recently suspect defence held up well. Both sides had chances but the goalies at either end earned their keep (a small New Year pun). As the match wore on a draw seemed more than likely but Torres pounced on a ricochet and scored. In doing so he set a record for reaching 50 league goals for Liverpool in the fewest appearances. A good last gasp win for Liverpool but very frustrating for the industrious Villa side, who now drop to sixth place, having scored fewer goals than Man City.
Bolton v Hull City - 2:2 - Stephen Hunt scored twice as Hull battled back from 2:0 down to deny fellow strugglers Bolton victory. Klasnic put the hosts ahead on 20 minutes, the lone highlight in a dire first half. A keeper error allowed Davies to head home a second from Robinson's free-kick (61). 10 minutes later Hunt began the comeback when he headed in Fagan's cross and 7 minutes after that Hunt’s acute shot crossed the line to square the match. A point each keeps both sides in the relegation zone, but Phil Brown was certainly the happier of the two managers. In fact this was the match that did for Megson, the fans having had enough. Phil Brown - ‘At 2:0 down you are not staring into the abyss you are staring at ways of getting back into the game.’ Brown, of course, is more expert in being 2 down than 2 up in the Premiership.
Portsmouth v Arsenal - 1:4 - Arsenal increased Portsmouth's demotion difficulties with a comprehensive win. They took the lead when Eduardo's free-kick deflected in off Kaboul (28). Nasri fired in a second 14 minutes later. Ramsey made it 3:0 with a great solo goal, hammered in from 20 yards (69), before Belhadj's close-range strike gave Pompey some hope (74). However, Song headed in a Nasri cross to clinch it for Arsenal (81). The Gunners maintain pressure at the top, moving to within 4 points of Chelsea and staying 2 behind Man United with a game in hand on each. An interesting aside, this last but one league game of the year was a Premiership first in that there was no Englishman in either starting line-up. A sorry state of affairs for any league.
Man Utd v Wigan - 5:0 - Man United’s easy win over Wigan moved them back to within 2 points of league leaders Chelsea. A dominant Rooney performance throughout was rewarded with the first goal (28), a clipped finish from da Silva's cross. Carrick got the second (32) and Rafael the third (45) with a left-footed shot. Just after the break Berbatov tapped in the fourth (50) and Valencia rounded off a terrific performance with a fine chipped fifth (75). It could have been a lot more as Wigan crumbled, leaving the Latics only a point off the relegation zone. But this was more a case of the hosts being good than the visitors being bad.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Wolves v Man City - 0:3 - City home in on the top four as Mancini notches up six points after two games (and two clean sheets) in charge, City's first away win for three months, played in fog at Molineux. Mancini (still sporting his scarf) started Bellamy rather than Robinho. Wolves came off the blocks quickest but do not have the finishing quality of the wealthier teams and could not convert any of their chances. Bellamy missed, unusually, at point blank range, but soon made up for it, his pace and sharp cross allowed Tevez to score by deflection (33). Bellamy missed another sitter in the second half, and Wolves had further good chances which were saved. Tevez sized up a free kick and took attention away from Garrido, who scored City’s second goal (69) infuriating Mr McCarthy, who objected to the free kick being awarded (Bellamy should have been given offside just beforehand). Then it was Tevez’ turn to miss an opportunity after a good City build-up, but he got his second goal (86) after Robinho (on for Bellamy) fired in a long-range low cross. McCarthy - 'I'm not going to comment on it (City's second goal). It might cost me a few quid if I do… But in terms of our performance, I thought the final score-line was very harsh.' Mancini - 'To play like that just two days after beating Stoke makes me very happy because we played very well. In Italy it is impossible to play two games in three days, but this is England and this was a fantastic performance.' Can't play two games in three days? That's why you have so many Bank Holidays over there, Roberto.
Tottenham v West Ham - 2:0 - The last time the Hammers beat Spurs St Hal was their manager. Well, he isn’t now and much as this column respects Zola there was a clear gulf in quality, West Ham, particularly being hit with injuries. Modric opened the account for Spurs (11) after Lennon’s pace sliced through West Ham’s defence like a super-heated knife through easy-spread butter. Crouch might have had another, Defoe a third, Lennon a fourth, Huddlestone a fifth and Crouch a sixth. Finally, after so many missed chances and with some edginess creeping into their game, Defoe settled the outcome with a thudding strike following a save to his first shot (81). St Hal denied rumours that Parker (or any other player) is on his way to White Hart Lane - ‘We’ve got a good squad here.’ He’s right. Zola - ‘I got players out, but, as long as the players give me performance like today, I’m going to be all right.’ Your Ear hopes so.
Stoke City v Birmingham - 0:1 - Beattie started for the first time in five weeks. No doubt his boss was in a good mood. Jerome scrambled in Birmingham’s only goal (50), but Paul Hart made at least three superb saves from good Stoke efforts to keep a clean sheet, Gordon Banks, England’s legendary goal-keeper, was watching this game and would no doubt have approved of Hart’s performance, even though he supports Stoke. Stoke were unfortunate overall to lose this game but were most unlucky to have been denied a good penalty shout. It’s sometimes hard to understand how referees, who are paid to watch the game, after all, can miss the bleedin’ obvious.
Blackburn v Sunderland - 2:2 - Bent opened the scoring from a close range opportunity (52) only for Pedersen to level the match a minute later with Blackburn’s first home goal in five hours of match play. Blackburn missed chances to take the lead, but Bent got his and Sunderland’s second goal in the 65th minute. Big Sam made three substitutions to shake things up and bad boy Diouf came on and scored the equalizer for Blackburn (77). Good saves by Sunderland prevented Blackburn from snatching the winner late in the game. Steve Bruce, almost admiringly, - ‘Blackburn always ask you questions.’
Everton v Burnley - 2:0 - Nugent, a long term Everton supporter, nearly scored an early goal for Burnley nonetheless. Yakubu hit the post before the first half concluded, goal-less. At the start of the second half Nugent again missed, off the post, and his team-mate Jordan was sent off for a second (silly) yellow. A Yakubu header was saved by Jensen and Yakubu had another shot saved before he missed a cross entirely, fortuitously allowing Vaughan (only on the pitch for seconds) to drive the ball home (83). Yakubu provided the second goal for Everton, his through pass being snapped up by Pienaar in extra time (90+2). David Moyes was happy with his ‘edgy’ result. Owen Coyle was less happy, believing Yakubu to be offside for one of the Everton goals. He was wrong, and had obviously forgotten that Burnley were playing away.
Aston Villa v Liverpool - 0:1 - Well, you can't leave it much later than this - Torres scored the only goal in extra time (90+3) to give Liverpool a dramatic victory over Aston Villa. Villa were spirited and dour throughout and Liverpool were unconvincing in snowy conditions, although their recently suspect defence held up well. Both sides had chances but the goalies at either end earned their keep (a small New Year pun). As the match wore on a draw seemed more than likely but Torres pounced on a ricochet and scored. In doing so he set a record for reaching 50 league goals for Liverpool in the fewest appearances. A good last gasp win for Liverpool but very frustrating for the industrious Villa side, who now drop to sixth place, having scored fewer goals than Man City.
Bolton v Hull City - 2:2 - Stephen Hunt scored twice as Hull battled back from 2:0 down to deny fellow strugglers Bolton victory. Klasnic put the hosts ahead on 20 minutes, the lone highlight in a dire first half. A keeper error allowed Davies to head home a second from Robinson's free-kick (61). 10 minutes later Hunt began the comeback when he headed in Fagan's cross and 7 minutes after that Hunt’s acute shot crossed the line to square the match. A point each keeps both sides in the relegation zone, but Phil Brown was certainly the happier of the two managers. In fact this was the match that did for Megson, the fans having had enough. Phil Brown - ‘At 2:0 down you are not staring into the abyss you are staring at ways of getting back into the game.’ Brown, of course, is more expert in being 2 down than 2 up in the Premiership.
Portsmouth v Arsenal - 1:4 - Arsenal increased Portsmouth's demotion difficulties with a comprehensive win. They took the lead when Eduardo's free-kick deflected in off Kaboul (28). Nasri fired in a second 14 minutes later. Ramsey made it 3:0 with a great solo goal, hammered in from 20 yards (69), before Belhadj's close-range strike gave Pompey some hope (74). However, Song headed in a Nasri cross to clinch it for Arsenal (81). The Gunners maintain pressure at the top, moving to within 4 points of Chelsea and staying 2 behind Man United with a game in hand on each. An interesting aside, this last but one league game of the year was a Premiership first in that there was no Englishman in either starting line-up. A sorry state of affairs for any league.
Man Utd v Wigan - 5:0 - Man United’s easy win over Wigan moved them back to within 2 points of league leaders Chelsea. A dominant Rooney performance throughout was rewarded with the first goal (28), a clipped finish from da Silva's cross. Carrick got the second (32) and Rafael the third (45) with a left-footed shot. Just after the break Berbatov tapped in the fourth (50) and Valencia rounded off a terrific performance with a fine chipped fifth (75). It could have been a lot more as Wigan crumbled, leaving the Latics only a point off the relegation zone. But this was more a case of the hosts being good than the visitors being bad.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Sunday, 27 December 2009
Premiership round up - Week 19
Man City v Stoke - 2:0 - Mr Mancini’s first game, and in case the fans (or anyone else) fails to recognize him Roberto always seems to wear a supporter’s light blue and white scarf wrapped tightly around his neck (unsurprisingly), tied in a large knot. Your Ear thinks we will all know him from now on. Petrov got City’s first goal on Mancini’s behalf when he tapped the ball home after a determined City attack (28), although Stoke were unfortunate not to have been in the lead at this point, Given having made a good save from Tuncay. Tevez got City’s second with a fine stretch at shoulder height off Barry’s header to ease the ball past the keeper (45+3). Bellamy replaced Robinho and was unlucky not to have scored or been awarded a penalty. Robinho was first choice over Bellamy in this game. Whether this was because Mancini prefers Robinho’s style or because Bellamy was vocal about his unhappiness at Hughes’ departure is not known. Bellamy is reputedly considering a move, and Spurs might figure in his plans (and St Hal’s of course). When Bellamy was brought on the crowd roared its approval, showing that English football fans appear (as was the case in the Man United Tevez/Berbatov debate) to like honest endeavour and persistence more than flair and even genius. This is an issue for Mancini, although if he follows Sir Alec’s way of thinking Bellamy might be on his way shortly.
West Ham v Portsmouth - 2:0 - Once Portsmouth had conceded a penalty to West Ham after a goal-mouth scramble Diamanti converted it to give the Hammers the lead (23). Collison should have made it two at the end of the half but dragged the ball wide. Portsmouth did not start to threaten until mid-way through the second half but West Ham defended well and had chances of their own. The game was nervy for both sides until Kovac buried a header from a free kick in the 89th minute. Zola - ‘When you play these games there’s a lot of pressure, a lot of tension, you have to suffer until the end.’ Grant - ‘We played well in the second half but football is a game of goals and we did not score.’ There is great footballing wisdom in that statement.
Birmingham v Chelsea - 0:0 - Birmingham have been in good form recently but Chelsea provided all the early initiative and might have gone three or four ahead before Birmingham (Benitez) was denied the first goal by a debatable offside decision. The half ended goal-less. Cech kept Birmingham at bay early in the second half and collided painfully with the post for his trouble. Chelsea might have scored four or five in the second half, but could not put the ball away. Malouda was sent off (two yellows for sliding tackles) but a good league point, in the end, for both sides. Birmingham, who look by far and away the strongest of the three teams promoted last season, should credit their keeper, Paul Hart, for the draw.
Liverpool v Wolves - 2:0 - Liverpool gave Wolves a hard time in pouring rain and sleet in the first half but Wolves kept out good attempts on goal by Gerrard and Torres and had chances of their own. After mistaken identity nearly resulted in the wrong man being warned, Ward was sent off (two yellows), reducing Wolves to ten men. A few minutes later Gerrard scored emphatically with the back of his neck, a great power goal (62). Liverpool continued to harass Wolves and Benayoun duly scored a second (70). Although the scousers’ victory looked comfortable Wolves might have won this game. Mick McCarthy - ‘Liverpool needed a break, and they got one.’
Sunderland v Everton - 1:1 - Everton started slowly and paid the penalty when Bent put Sunderland ahead with a simple header (17) from a good cross. But going behind roused Everton and they dominated the second half until finally Fellaini buried a shot from close range (85). Bruce - ‘You're always disappointed to concede when you get so close to full time… but if someone asked me at the start of the season that we would be 10th at Christmas, I would have taken that.’ Moyes - ‘I thought near enough from the start we just about completely dominated the game. They scored a very good goal and put us back. If we hadn't got anything out of the game it would have been a travesty.’
Wigan v Blackburn - 1:1 - a nervous start nearly produced own goals at either end but McCarthy settled Blackburn by putting them ahead (30) with his first goal of the season. Robinson did well on more than one occasion to deny Wigan but eventually Rodallega scored the equalizer (53) with a very well taken header. The home side always looked more likely to score thereafter, although Kirkland made a fantastic reaction save from a strong overhead kick attempt by McCarthy. Both managers were dissatisfied with the draw - one of them must be wrong.
Burnley v Bolton - 1:1 - This midlands derby was the first meeting between the two teams in top-flight football for 45 years. Honours were fairly even until Taylor scored a fine free kick from distance for Bolton (29). Narrowly missed chances at both ends kept the crowd on edge but it was Burnley, seeking to protect their admirable home record, who were on target (Nugent, header, 56) with the second goal of the match. Burnley had the initiative from then on and missed a few decent chances.
Fulham v Tottenham - 0:0 Another derby, another draw. Gera almost scored a trick goal with a back-heel but Gomes swept it up easily enough and saved a couple more from an aggressive Fulham. Spurs’ best chance was when Crouch put the ball into the net, which did not count as the referee had already blown for a foul on Kranjcar. Fulham hit the bar and had several more chances but Gomes was on great form and made a number of fine saves. Schwarzer did much the same thing at the other end, although he was forced to do so by Spurs on fewer occasions. Spurs kept their defensive shape well in this game, but clearly do not like being pressurized to the extent that Fulham put them under. Both managers were complimentary about their opponents and (separately) agreed that the result was fair. A good day for the keepers.
Arsenal v Aston Villa - 3:0 - After typically dour Villa defending for the first hour or so, Fabregas (brought on after 57 minutes despite a hamstring problem) curled in a 25-yard free kick (65) after being fouled by Dunne. Friedel had previously denied Gallas from point-blank range and saved a shot by Arshavin. Arshavin made the game safe for Arsenal with a quick finish from a Walcott pass (81). A Diaby strike wrapped up the win for Arsenal in extra time (90+1). Although Arsenal won the game it may come at some cost - Fabregas had to be replaced on 84 minutes, having aggravated his injury. Arsenal are closing in on Chelsea and Man United, nonetheless. O'Neil - 'Villa will bounce back… We are up there in the league because we deserve to be. Now it is down to us to see if we can maintain the form which put us there in the first place.' O'Neil is no fool, and what he said applied equally last year, when Villa failed to achieve their target of top four status.
Hull City v Man Utd - 1:3 - Although Hull came prepared for a busy and physical game, Rooney scored first for United on the stroke of half-time. Later he made a bad back-pass which led to a Hull penalty. Fagan levelled from the spot (60), but Rooney’s low cross, which caused Andy Dawson to score an own goal (73), made amends. Berbatov sealed the win following a top-drawer pass from Rooney. This is just the start of the second half of the season when United traditionally begin to hit their stride. However, ManU were not at their best and Hull were unlucky to be denied an early penalty after a strong Vidic challenge on Garcia. As a small aside the penalty shout was denied by Alan Wiley, the referee whose ‘fitness’ was questioned by Ferguson after United drew against Sunderland earlier this season. Well done, ref. Manchester United are now within two points of Chelsea in the race for the Premiership title. Phelan - ‘We're well positioned for title bid.’ Brown - ‘We had Man United rocking.’ Maybe he should have added ‘We could have been a contender.’ Perhaps not.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
West Ham v Portsmouth - 2:0 - Once Portsmouth had conceded a penalty to West Ham after a goal-mouth scramble Diamanti converted it to give the Hammers the lead (23). Collison should have made it two at the end of the half but dragged the ball wide. Portsmouth did not start to threaten until mid-way through the second half but West Ham defended well and had chances of their own. The game was nervy for both sides until Kovac buried a header from a free kick in the 89th minute. Zola - ‘When you play these games there’s a lot of pressure, a lot of tension, you have to suffer until the end.’ Grant - ‘We played well in the second half but football is a game of goals and we did not score.’ There is great footballing wisdom in that statement.
Birmingham v Chelsea - 0:0 - Birmingham have been in good form recently but Chelsea provided all the early initiative and might have gone three or four ahead before Birmingham (Benitez) was denied the first goal by a debatable offside decision. The half ended goal-less. Cech kept Birmingham at bay early in the second half and collided painfully with the post for his trouble. Chelsea might have scored four or five in the second half, but could not put the ball away. Malouda was sent off (two yellows for sliding tackles) but a good league point, in the end, for both sides. Birmingham, who look by far and away the strongest of the three teams promoted last season, should credit their keeper, Paul Hart, for the draw.
Liverpool v Wolves - 2:0 - Liverpool gave Wolves a hard time in pouring rain and sleet in the first half but Wolves kept out good attempts on goal by Gerrard and Torres and had chances of their own. After mistaken identity nearly resulted in the wrong man being warned, Ward was sent off (two yellows), reducing Wolves to ten men. A few minutes later Gerrard scored emphatically with the back of his neck, a great power goal (62). Liverpool continued to harass Wolves and Benayoun duly scored a second (70). Although the scousers’ victory looked comfortable Wolves might have won this game. Mick McCarthy - ‘Liverpool needed a break, and they got one.’
Sunderland v Everton - 1:1 - Everton started slowly and paid the penalty when Bent put Sunderland ahead with a simple header (17) from a good cross. But going behind roused Everton and they dominated the second half until finally Fellaini buried a shot from close range (85). Bruce - ‘You're always disappointed to concede when you get so close to full time… but if someone asked me at the start of the season that we would be 10th at Christmas, I would have taken that.’ Moyes - ‘I thought near enough from the start we just about completely dominated the game. They scored a very good goal and put us back. If we hadn't got anything out of the game it would have been a travesty.’
Wigan v Blackburn - 1:1 - a nervous start nearly produced own goals at either end but McCarthy settled Blackburn by putting them ahead (30) with his first goal of the season. Robinson did well on more than one occasion to deny Wigan but eventually Rodallega scored the equalizer (53) with a very well taken header. The home side always looked more likely to score thereafter, although Kirkland made a fantastic reaction save from a strong overhead kick attempt by McCarthy. Both managers were dissatisfied with the draw - one of them must be wrong.
Burnley v Bolton - 1:1 - This midlands derby was the first meeting between the two teams in top-flight football for 45 years. Honours were fairly even until Taylor scored a fine free kick from distance for Bolton (29). Narrowly missed chances at both ends kept the crowd on edge but it was Burnley, seeking to protect their admirable home record, who were on target (Nugent, header, 56) with the second goal of the match. Burnley had the initiative from then on and missed a few decent chances.
Fulham v Tottenham - 0:0 Another derby, another draw. Gera almost scored a trick goal with a back-heel but Gomes swept it up easily enough and saved a couple more from an aggressive Fulham. Spurs’ best chance was when Crouch put the ball into the net, which did not count as the referee had already blown for a foul on Kranjcar. Fulham hit the bar and had several more chances but Gomes was on great form and made a number of fine saves. Schwarzer did much the same thing at the other end, although he was forced to do so by Spurs on fewer occasions. Spurs kept their defensive shape well in this game, but clearly do not like being pressurized to the extent that Fulham put them under. Both managers were complimentary about their opponents and (separately) agreed that the result was fair. A good day for the keepers.
Arsenal v Aston Villa - 3:0 - After typically dour Villa defending for the first hour or so, Fabregas (brought on after 57 minutes despite a hamstring problem) curled in a 25-yard free kick (65) after being fouled by Dunne. Friedel had previously denied Gallas from point-blank range and saved a shot by Arshavin. Arshavin made the game safe for Arsenal with a quick finish from a Walcott pass (81). A Diaby strike wrapped up the win for Arsenal in extra time (90+1). Although Arsenal won the game it may come at some cost - Fabregas had to be replaced on 84 minutes, having aggravated his injury. Arsenal are closing in on Chelsea and Man United, nonetheless. O'Neil - 'Villa will bounce back… We are up there in the league because we deserve to be. Now it is down to us to see if we can maintain the form which put us there in the first place.' O'Neil is no fool, and what he said applied equally last year, when Villa failed to achieve their target of top four status.
Hull City v Man Utd - 1:3 - Although Hull came prepared for a busy and physical game, Rooney scored first for United on the stroke of half-time. Later he made a bad back-pass which led to a Hull penalty. Fagan levelled from the spot (60), but Rooney’s low cross, which caused Andy Dawson to score an own goal (73), made amends. Berbatov sealed the win following a top-drawer pass from Rooney. This is just the start of the second half of the season when United traditionally begin to hit their stride. However, ManU were not at their best and Hull were unlucky to be denied an early penalty after a strong Vidic challenge on Garcia. As a small aside the penalty shout was denied by Alan Wiley, the referee whose ‘fitness’ was questioned by Ferguson after United drew against Sunderland earlier this season. Well done, ref. Manchester United are now within two points of Chelsea in the race for the Premiership title. Phelan - ‘We're well positioned for title bid.’ Brown - ‘We had Man United rocking.’ Maybe he should have added ‘We could have been a contender.’ Perhaps not.
The Ear - all the news that's fit to spout.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
