Poor team selection Spears Liverpool’s Champion’s League hopes

By Adam Appleton

Liverpool’s Champion’s League hopes were dealt a severe blow today as they were defeated by Manchester United.

The Red’s lost 2-1 at Old Trafford in a highly-charged encounter that saw Wayne Rooney score a brace before Luis Suarez struck a consolation goal.

The Uruguayan striker was facing Patrice Evra for the first time since the Frenchman accused him of racist behaviour when the two sides met at Anfield in October.

Having served his subsequent 8-match ban, Suarez then refused to shake Evra’s hand, much to the annoyance of the wing-back. Suarez was then, in-turn, refused handshakes by Ferdinand, Valencia and Welbeck, United’s black players.

There was much surprise when Craig Bellamy and Charlie Adam were only on the bench.

Instead, Liverpool picked the far more defensively-minded options of Downing and Kuyt on the wings, whilst Jay Spearing and Jordan Henderson were both preferred over Scotland international, Adam.

They managed to keep the score-line to 0-0 for half-time despite playing averagely, but in the second half Liverpool really were a disappointment.

Dalglish later admitted that the Red Devil’s were the better team, before angrily defending Suarez, saying: “I think to suggest that (Suarez caused a tense environment) is bang out of order!”

Sir Alex Ferguson countered, branding Suarez a ‘disgrace’ and telling Liverpool to get rid of him.

It was Spearing that was to blame for the second United goal, attempting a risky pass against Valencia, who then broke free and squared to Rooney.

Such mistakes did little to justify Dalglish’s decision to leave out Adam and Bellamy.

It is hard to say that Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle or Manchester City would leave out Robin Van Persie, Daniel Sturridge, Demba Ba or Sergio Aguero in any equally big game as Liverpool did with Bellamy.

Only Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique had a good showing, and only when the former was pressing forward.

Steven Gerrard was poor, constantly misplacing passes, Luis Suarez, in spite of his goal, was never going to have his best game, whilst Stewart Downing and Dirk Kuyt were, at times, non-existent down the flanks.

Not only did Liverpool lose, but worse, they deserved to lose because in games with prestige like these you must always pick your strongest side.

But Everton-youth Wayne Rooney saw to this, and you know it’s been a strange day when he comes out with the most philosophical comment: “They are both professionals and that (the handshake incident) is between those two individuals.”

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP WEEK 1 2011/12

It’s soon come back round again, that’s right it’s the Premier League season again. This weekend has seen a fascinating opening showing from the teams involved. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all drew game they would have thought winnable, whilst Bolton stormed to the top of the table. No home games were won by the home teams until Monday evening, and a game was postponed.
Featured Matches
Liverpool v Sunderland
Newcastle v Arsenal
Stoke v Chelsea
West Brom v Man United
Man City v Swansea


HUNGRY WOLVES CLAIM COMEBACK!
Blackburn 1 v 2 Wolves
Formica 20’ Fletcher 22’
Ward 47’

• Roberts brushes past three men with great strength to play Formica in to beat Hennessy to put Blackburn ahead.
• The lead only lasts two minutes as Fletcher heads in from the back post after a well –flighted cross Jarvis.
• The winner comes via a penalty early in the second half. Whilst Robinson saves Fletcher’s effort from the spot, the ball goes out wide and is crossed in to meet a superb left-foot volley from Ward.
• Blackburn tried valiantly to gain an equaliser, but the full time whistle beat them to it. Mick McCarthy, though pleased with his team’s victory stressed about “not getting carried away” whilst Steve Kean admitted that “different areas of this team still need strengthening”.


SAME OLD STORY AT CRAVEN COTTAGE!
Fulham 0 v 0 Aston Villa

• Craven Cottage lived up to its status as the Mecca for draws in spite of a disallowed goal for Darren Bent and some great saves out of both goalkeepers. At the end of the game Martin Jol professed, “we would have liked to have points on the board”.


LOVELY LARSSON SAVES A POINT!
Liverpool 1 v 1 Sunderland
Suarez 12’ (pen) Larsson 42’

Anfield welcomed the start of yet another football season. After all of their investment, it will be interested to see what the next 9 months holds in store for them. Their opponents Sunderland have also been making some smart signings; Seb Larsson, Wes Brown and Connor Wickham being just three of them.
The game did not take long to have its first flashpoint. With 5 minutes gone, an overly casual piece of defending from Kieran Richardson caused his clearance to be intercepted by Suarez. Suarez sprinted clear, and attempted to round the keeper before being tugged down by a recovering Richardson. Somehow, the Sunderland number 3 avoiding seeing red, but did concede the penalty. Suarez duly blasted this over the bar in a poor effort to keep the deadlock.
This deadlock was not long lived though, seven minutes later, Liverpool found themselves with a wide free-kick out on the right flank. A brilliant, flat delivery from the left-footed Charlie Adam found a deflected header from Suarez, which found the net to help the Uruguayan atone for his earlier mistake and send Liverpool ahead.
Liverpool continued to dominate as Andy Carroll found himself blasting the ball into the back of the net, only to have it chalked off due to a debatable shove on Anton Ferdinand. Stewart Downing found himself beating four men with a superb, winding run from the right before cutting in and shooting with his left from 25 yards, only for the bar to deny him.
Having weathered this, Sunderland then formed a chance that would precede a more dominant showing from them in the second half. Reina hesitated to come for a Larsson free kick that almost allowed Sessegnon to head home three minutes from half time.
On the other side of the half time break, Sunderland came out firing on more cylinders to take the attack to Liverpool. Then, on 57 minutes, this pressure told. El Mohamady whipped in a cross that floated over all the Red’s defenders to an unmarked Seb Larsson, who then executed an unbelievable volley into the far corner to put the teams back on a level heading.
The only other chance was an Andy Carroll header being denied by Mignolet before the final whistle sounded.
It had been a competitive game of two halves. Liverpool had failed to kick on for all three points in the second half and it had shown in the sloppy defending that allowed Larsson to show up unattended for the equaliser. Downing looked impressive on his Liverpool debut as well as Charlie Adam, who claimed the assist. Larsson and Wes Brown did likewise for Sunderland, with Brown showing all his experience in his defending to keep Liverpool at bay.


QPR BOLTED OUT THE DOOR!
QPR 0 v 4 Bolton
45+2’ Cahill
67’ Gabbidon OG
70’ Klasnic
79’ Muamba

• Campbell has a goal disallowed in the first minute for offside.
• Kieran Dyer picks up horrible injury a minute later.
• Gary Cahill opens his account for the season with a glorious curling effort for 20 yards to put Bolton ahead in first half injury time.
• Halfway through the second period, a wide Eagles free kick runs across the goalmouth, with Gabbidon sliding the ball into the back of the net for an unfortunate own goal.
• Three minutes later a deflected shot from Klasnic after a good flick on from Kevin Davies puts Bolton 3 – 0 up.
• The final nail in the coffin came via a great Bolton move which resulted in Muamba finishing neatly after a good through ball from Klasnic.
• Warnock surmised, “We’ve got to learn quickly after this. We capitulated after 2 – 0, but we’d rather be here than the Championship.”


HOOLAHAN THE HERO AS POINTS ARE SAVED!
Wigan 1 V 1 Norwich
Watson 21’ Hoolahan 45+1’

• Di Santo wins a penalty for Wigan after DeLaet knocks him down following some slack defending from the Belgian. Ben Watson converted this penalty to put the Latics ahead.
• Hoolahan replied in injury time as Wigan keeper Al-Habsi spilled a cross to leave him with an easy finish.


GERVINHO SEES RED IN ST JAMES’ PARK STALEMATE!
Newcastle 0 v 0 Arsenal

Unfortunately for the neutrals, football was not treated to quite as entertaining a spectacle as it saw in this fixture last year when Newcastle reversed a 4 – 0 deficit to take a point. Instead, what they got was a tense game, on Arsenal’s part, it was mostly due to the speculation surrounding two of the most prominent players, Nasri and Fabregas and the fact that they were not taking part. For Newcastle, it was likely down to Joey Barton’s involvement after a full u-turn from those up-high in the St James’ Park club.
The first chance of the game fell to Tomas Rosicky, who generally impressed as cover for the absent Fabregas. Aaron Ramsey had slid across a ball to him on the edge of the area, which Rosicky curled narrowly wide after a fluid build up.
Indeed, Arsenal had much of the early running as a deflected Van Persie shot left Tim Krul scrambling in the Newcastle goal. This was followed soon after by a goal line clearance from Simpson to prevent Arsenal taking the lead. Robin Van Persie then went the closest yet, with a free kick from the right corner of the box that skimmed the roof of the net with Krul struggling to stop it if it dipped further.
An interesting incident then happened. Having been dispossessed by Song, Joey Barton was on the floor, Song then subtly stamped on the back of Barton’s leg so that the referee could not see and got away with it in spite of Barton’s protests. Barton went on to twitter a post-game statement, “if the roles were reversed and I’d stamped on him, it would be so much different”.
This episode only served to spice up the game. After Theo Walcott made Krul stretch to save an effort, Gervinho found himself tripped in the area. A penalty was not given, but Joey Barton then took it upon himself to drag Gervinho to his feet aggressively and accuse him of cheating and diving. Gervinho then struck out at Barton with a slap, to which Barton fell theatrically, clutching his face. The referee then came over and gave Gervinho a red card, whilst Barton only got a yellow. Arsene Wenger was displeased by this and remarked, “I don’t understand the red card, the referee didn’t see the incident and had his back turned to it. It is either a yellow to each player or a red to each player.” Video evidence supported Wenger’s claims about the referee view (or lack thereof) of the coming together.
In the last minute, Arsenal countered, three against two, but squandered the opportunity. This served to encapsulate their performance, whilst Newcastle managed to defend well enough to keep them out.


CHELSEA FAIL TO UNLOCK STOKE CODE!
Stoke 0 v 0 Chelsea

This game saw the possible re-emergence of a sharp Fernando Torres. He may not have scored, but he did just about everything but. After a poor start to his Chelsea career, he shielded the ball expertly, showed well-timed changes of pace and beat men aplenty as he took the man of the match award.
In spite of the 0 – 0 score line, there could easily have been 5 penalties. Kalou, Torres and Lampard were all felled in the box for Chelsea, whilst Stoke had a Terry handball rejected as well as having Shawcross dragged to the floor by Terry as they battled throughout the match at set-pieces. On review, it appeared that the Torres and Lampard penalty claims were - in most eyes – penalties, as was Terry’s handball at the other end.
The first half went mostly Stoke’s way. Their set pieces were well delivered and caused Cech and his defenders more than a few problems. Not only this, but their open play was not bad either. Ashley Cole was caught sleeping by a ball in behind him to Walters, who’s cross was denied by Cech.
This does not mean that Stoke had it all their own way. Bosingwa had an early effort put round the post by the highly impressive Asmir Begovic. Robert Huth then found himself having to produce a well-timed headed clearance from a good cross. Ramires - who also had a striking impact - managed to bully his way through several players only to have his squared pass run across the face of goal to waste.
The second half then saw Chelsea start to take over the game, really pressuring the Stoke defence. Stoke however, failed to fold and refused to back down as Chelsea threw all they had at the Potters. Torres failed to turn and score from a Terry knock down following a corner just before a rasping 25 yard shot from John Obi Mikel had to be tipped over the bar by Begovic.
The last 25 minutes saw a much more stretched game with plenty of end to end play. It was still Chelsea that were having the better of the play and this was not helped when Etherington had to go off with a suspected broken arm. Malouda hit a stinging shot straight at Begovic, and a deft chip from the newly-introduced Anelka nearly beat the stopper, who was just able to tip the ball onto the bar before saving from Kalou.
The final whistle saw a slightly despondent Chelsea, disappointed at not being able to either score or take three points back to London. However, all credit must be given to the solid Stoke back four and there supreme goalkeeper for keeping the Blues out for the duration of the game when a late winner looked nigh-on inevitable.


YOUNG SHOWS MATURITY ON DEBUT TO MAKE UP FOR DE GEA HOWLER!
West Brom 1 v 2 Man United
Long 37’ 13’ Rooney
81’ Reid OG

United were quick out of the blocks on this occasion, as opposed to their sedate approach in the Community Shield. Ashley Young marked the beginning of his debut with a well-aimed freekick that narrowly evaded the head of Danny Welbeck to put United into an early ascendency.
They would not have to wait long however. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring on 13 minutes following a great exchange with Young, who he back-heeled the ball to and was laid off by. He swivelled onto his left foot and slid the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box.
United should have doubled their lead ten minutes later after brilliant work from Welbeck and Rooney to tee up Nani, who could only fluff his shot over the bar.
Wigan then had their first chance of the game with Paul Scharner forcing a good save out of new boy David De Gea. Cleverly then had a chance denied down the other end within seconds, as the ball was taken away from him in a certain goal-scoring position. Another minute later, the Baggies got themselves right back into the game after Tchoyi battled well to get the ball across to Brunt, who then passed on to Long. Long then managed to steal half a yard with a step over to get a shot off at De Gea. De Gea was well placed enough to save it, but his movements were to slow and he could only let the ball roll underneath him as West Brom found their equaliser.
De Gea almost made a gaffe just short of half time as a cross/shot from the impressive Tchoyi came worryingly close to beating him.
United were dealt another blow soon into the second as Nemanja Vidic had to limp off with a hamstring problem that had flared up early in the first half. But United reacted well to this, with Rooney not getting the timing on his flicked header required to beat Foster, whilst Young nearly caught Foster out with a good curling effort.
Soon after this Ferdinand began to struggle with an injury of his own and quickly had to go off to be replaced by Phil Jones for his full United debut. A spot of luck finally came to the Mancunian’s as Ashley Young cleverly beat a couple of men to get his cross in, which was deflected him by Tamas and Reid into the far corner to secure United a later winner in the last 10 minutes.
Despite West Brom’s attempt at a last minute on-slaught -even bringing Ben Foster up for a free kick - United managed to hold out and claim the 3 points. Fergie was far from pleased though, “David should’ve done better” was one of his first comments on West Brom’s goal. Will the new keeper be good enough?


KUN CLICKS TO MAKE CITY SLICK!
Man City 4 v 0 Swansea
Dzeko 57’
Aguero 68’
Silva 71’
Aguero 90+1’

Man City dominated this game from the opening whistle, this is not meant to offend Swansea supporters, whose team bore up well under such pressure. Keeper Vorm was a particular standout with Swansea stringing a few nice moves together at times.
AS the headline suggests, this match was mostly about the appearance of one man. New record signing Sergio “Kun” Aguero came on with an hour gone and completely changed the game for his team. Until he was brought on, David Silva and Yaya Toure had been City’s best performers, with Silva creating the first goal that Edin Dzeko managed to dispatch, and Toure with his marauding runs and power.
Within 8 minutes of his substitution, Aguero’s named was being read out by the speaker after he got to back post to tap in a great ball across by Micah Richards. Three minutes later, he attempted an outrageous, audacious piece of skill when he kicked the ball over Vorm’s head, and seemingly out of play. Instead of giving up on the ball, we kicked it over his head for the on-rushing David Silva to put City 3-0 up and in an unassailable position with 20 minutes remaining.
Vorm managed the save of the match after a pass back was awarded. Yaya Toure blast the shot from 16 yards, underneath the wall. An unsighted Vorm managed to stretched out an arm with the ball literally about to cross the line.
Unfortunately he was to be beaten one final time though, when Aguero sized up an amazing 25 yard dart into the bottom corner to end the rout and bring Swansea into the Premier League with a bang of reality in injury time.


TEAM OF WEEK; GK - Begovic (Stoke), CM - Brown (Sunderland), CM - Huth (Stoke), LB - Warnock (Aston Villa), RB - Richards (Man City), CM - Muamba (Bolton),RCM - Young (Man United), LCM - Larsson (Sunderland), LWF - Silva (Man City), CF - Suarez (Liverpool), RWF - Aguero (Man City).

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP 7

HENRY HOWLER AS LATICS TAKE THE POINTS!

           Wigan  2  -  0  Wolves
Gomez 65`                   Henry Sent off 11`
Rodellega 85`




ALL SQUARE IN THE SECOND LONDON DERBY!

            WEST HAM  1  -  1  FULHAM
Piquionne 51`                          Dempsey 33`





MORRISON TO THE RESCUE!

            West Brom  1  -  1  Bolton
Morrison 78`                        Elmander 64`





VAN DER MAN!

           TOTTENHAM  2  -  1  ASTON VILLA
Van Der Vaart 45`, 75`              Albrighton 16`






BRUCIE'S BOYS HOLD FERGIE AT STADIUM OF LIGHT!

           SUNDERLAND  0  -  0  MAN UTD





WALTERS STOKED AS BLACK BURN

          Stoke  1  -  0  Blackburn
Walters 48`






EVERTON FINALLY OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE WITH ST ANDREW'S VICTORY!

        Birmingham  0  -  2  Everton
                                         Johnson (OG) 54`
                                         Cahill 90`






JOHNSON WINNER BUILDS CITY MOMENTUM!

         Man City  2  -  1  Newcastle
Tevez 18`                       Gutierrez 24`
Johnson 75`





FROM BAD TO WORSE AS TANGERINE'S TAKE DOWN RED'S AT ANFIELD!

       LIVERPOOL  1  -  2  BLACKPOOL
Krygiakos 53'                      Adam (Pen) 29`
                                            Varney 45`





CHELSEA OUT GUN HARD-WORKING ARSENAL!

       CHELSEA  2  -  0  ARSENAL
Drogba 39`
Alex 85`

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP WEEK 6

TEVEZ COLLECTS CITY BONUS!

            Man City  1  -  0  Chelsea

            Tevez 59’

• Tevez delivers the three points to halt Chelsea 100% start with a strong run at the Chelsea back-line in a counter-attack to then finish with a cross goal effort to beat Cech.

STUNNED AND GUNNED!

            Arsenal  2  -  3  West Brom

            Nasri 75, 90’             Odemwingie 50’

                                                Jara 52’

                                                Thomas 73’

• Almunia saves penalty in the closing minutes of the first half after he brought down Odemwingie, with Brunt failing to convert successfully.
• Odemwingie then opened the scoring 5 minutes into the second half after ex-Gunner Jerome Thomas beat Sagna down the flank and slid the ball across the goalmouth.
• Almunia turned from hero to zero as the 2^nd goal came from Jara, a low fizzing shot aimed at the Spanish stopper’s near post. Almunia went down into a long barrier that saw the ball deflect in off his knee for the latest of his rookie errors.
• Arsenal’s number one could then be put at partial fault for West Brom’s third. Brunt took the ball out wide in the penalty area, with Almunia half following him, neither committing or withdrawing, leaving Jerome Thomas with an open goal to blast into as he scored against his former club.
• Samir Nasri began Arsenal’s comeback with a well-finished goal having beaten two men to slide under Carson. This coming after Nasri had smashed the bar seconds previous.
• Nasri’s finishing skills were on show again in injury time as Arshavin slid him through to slot into the corner.

NOT ATT ALL WELL AS BLACK CATS SHOW CLAWS AT ANFIELD

            Liverpool  2  -  2  Sunderland

            Kuyt 5’                        Bent 25’, 48’

            Gerrard 64’                  

• Torres has an early goal disallowed for offside from a Gerrard free-kick.
• A bizarre opener for Liverpool after referee Stuart Attwell awards Sunderland with a free-kick. Turner rolls the ball back towards Mignolet for the free-kick to taken from its proper place. Torres intercepts and – unstopped by Attwell – slips across for Kuyt to net. After a discussion with his linesman, Attwell awarded the goal to bring controversy yet again to his name.
• Sunderland equalise through a Darren Bent penalty after Poulsen blatantly hand-balled.
• Bent then scored his 4^th League goal of the season to put Sunderland ahead just into the second half when Onouha provided him with the perfect cross to header home.
• Gerrard, as he so often does, saved Liverpool a point with a header of his own coming from a deflected Torres cross that he adapted expertly to meet.

HARRY NOT HAPPY AS HAMMERS TAKE REUNION POINTS!

            West Ham  1  -  0  Tottenham

            Piquionne 25’

• Piquionne earns West Ham’s first League win with a booming header from a Noble corner.

POOL BURNED!

            Blackpool  1  -  2  Blackburn

            Phillips 85’                   Adam (OG) 20’

                                                Emerton 93’

SCHWARZAR DENIES EVERTON!

            Fulham  0  -  0  Everton

GARDNER OFF AT ST ANDREW’S LOCKOUT!

            Birmingham  0  -  0  Wigan

KNOCKED OFF A PERCH!

            Newcastle  1  -  2  Stoke

            Nolan 43’ (pen)            Jones 67’

                                                Perch 85’

HESKEY PULLS VILLANS THROUGH!

            Wolves  1  -  2  Aston Villa

            Jarvis 61’                   Downing 25’

                                                Heskey 88’

UTD LEFT TO WANDER AT BOLTON!

            Bolton  2  -  2  Man Utd

            Knight 6’         Nani 23’

            Petrov 67’       Owen 74’

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP WEEK 5

HAMMERS ANSWER SOME PRAYERS AS GRANT CELEBRATES YOM KIPPUH!


STOKE 1 - 1 WEST HAM

K. Jones 48’        Parker 32’

With Iron’s boss Avram Grant away to celebrate the Jewish holy day, Yom Kippuh. West Ham travelled to the Brittania still needing to get off the mark. Stoke manager Tony Pulis was attending his first full match since the tragic passing of his mother the week prior.

In the early minutes it was Stoke forcing much of the pressure, but with no actual chances after a couple of Rory Delap throws failed to hit the wanted targets. They did however manage to hit the post after another Robert Green drop from a wide free kick to invite more intense pressure onto his own team’s back line.

25 minutes in saw Valeri Behrami pick up a much deserved booking after three frankly poor challenges, each of which could have seen a card themselves. With the half an hour mark having just passed, West Ham found themselves with a wide free-kick. New-man Victor Obinna stood over it and struck in a cross. After the ball cannoned around in the 6 yard box it fell invitingly to the in-form Scott Parker, who, as he did against Chelsea last week, scored. West Ham had drawn first blood and had a lead to now try to defend instead of attempting to chase a game.

The Hammers almost doubled their lead two minutes later when ex-Pompey player Piquionne rattled the crossbar with a 20 yard strike. Stoke soon came back into the game though, Kenwyne Jones scooping a close header. Following this chance came a few rash, tough tackles which saw both Cole and Whitehead take yellow cards.

The half time whistle was blown after German Robert Huth took a mean boot to the face to end the half with West Ham still in the ascendency. This could not be said for long however as Stoke found their equaliser in the 48th minute after Jermaine Pennant sprinted down the right flank, and – just like he used to – whipped in a fantastic cross at full speed which found the head of Jones magnificently to bring the scores level.

Pennant was at it against almost ten minutes later as he buzzed in another cross that Walters could not quite get his head on the end of. This came just after Behrami had to leave the field through injury.

On the hour, Stoke then had their best chance to go ahead in the game with Jones managing to shrug off defenders to get a shot of that hit the woodwork once more. He also hit the bar from an offside position after yet another brilliant cross from Jermaine Pennant, who grabbed the man of the match honour. The match then started to become very end to end, with Sorensen having to stop both Obinna and then Da Costa to keep West Ham down to one goal.

Stoke managed to hit the woodwork yet again with eight minutes remaining as Fuller headed downwards for the ball to rear up of the ground, hit the bar and bounce out after a good Delap throw. With seconds remaining, Etherington nearly lobbed Green off his line with a strike off the outside of his foot.

The final whistle blew on yet another exciting Premier League affair. West Ham have finally managed to get themselves on the board points-wise. Stoke will be disappointed to not have picked up the full allocation of points at home after having had so many chances with all their efforts that hit the wood work. West Ham though, will not be complaining, they took their best chance and even though it was scrappy, it gained them a much needed point. The Hammers face a tough home game against Spurs next week, whilst Stoke travel to St James’ in front of the Sky Sports cameras for Super Sunday.







DAVIES DRIVES BOLTON TO A POINT AT VILLA PARK AS MCDONALD TAKES HIS LEAVE

Aston Villa 1 - 1 Bolton

A Young 13’        K Davies 35’

• Young works a superb free-kick past the wall and past the keeper to score.

• Davies levels the scores when he swivels and shoots into the roof of the goal after a great Petrov pullback.





DIOUF THE DEVIL YET AGAIN AS SCHWARZAR IS LEFT FUMING!

Blackburn 1 - 1 Fulham

Samba 30’           Dempsey 56’

• From a deep free-kick, Samba rises highest as Schwarzar is purposefully knocked down by Diouf – an incident that went unnoticed twice – from Blackburn opener.

• Salcido delivers a super cross to meet Dempsey’s head and with a superb header he guides in the equalises.





NOT ARFA BAD STRIKE ON DEBUT FROM HATEM BEN!

Everton 0 - 1 Newcastle

                          Ben Arfa 45’

• New boy Hatem Ben Arfa puts Toon ahead with an absolute wonderful strike with his left foot from 30 yards to spear past Tim Howard into the top right corner. This strike bought Newcastle an important three points at a place where Man Utd could only manage one the week before.





RAFAEL STOPS THE ROT IN BRILLIANT SPURS TURNAROUND!

     Tottenham 3 - 1 Wolves

Van Der Vaart 77’      Fletcher 45’

Pavluychenko 87’

Hutton 90’

• Foley squares the ball low for Fletcher to tap in from inside near post to put Wolves ahead at The Lane.

• Van Der Vaart equalises from the spot after Hutton was brought down on the edge of the box by Ward.

• Huddlestone’s shot is blocked and rebounds to Pavluychenko who slids past Hahnemann to put Tottenham in front with 13 minutes remaining.

• Hutton finishes off the contest when he runs through, Stearman’s clearance deflects into the back of the net off his foot.





GUNNER’S BENT OUT OF SHAPE AFTER FAB FLUKE!

SUNDERLAND 1 - 1 ARSENAL

Bent 90+5’                       Fabregas 13’



Arsenal travelled to the Stadium of Light this week looking to top the Premier League for 24 hours with Chelsea playing the next afternoon. Sunderland were simply hoping to maintain their solid enough start to the season that saw them at the bottom end of the top half of the table before the whistle blew.

The match begun with neither team taking too much of a foothold within it, the ball being interchanged between both teams frequently for the first ten minutes. On 13 minutes came what is likely to be the most comical goal of the season. It began when Anton Ferdinand decided to delay his clearing of the ball 35 yards from his own goal. He back-pedalled, inviting Cesc Fabregas to close him down. Finally choosing to clear, Ferdinand did so, with quite some power. The ball cannoned in the right ankle of Fabregas and with Mignolet standing near the edge of his box, the ball looped over him and into the back of the net. Fabregas could not believe his luck, however he did – in scoring the goal – injury his hamstring and had to be removed 10 minutes later to be replaced by Tomas Rosicky.

Three minutes after the goal, Sunderland spurned their first proper chance from a corner with Onuoha getting right underneath a header that should really have hit the target to make Almunia work. This was one of the few set pieces that Sunderland worked something from because Henderson’s execution was on such poor form.

With 20 minutes gone, Arsenal had a half shout for a penalty with Anton Ferdinand ‘handballing’ off a Samir Nasri cross. The referee however waved play on. Arshavin then tested Sunderland keeper Mignolet with a low, hard drive that the keeper clung on to manfully.

Sunderland should have had an equaliser when Cristian Riveros overran a cross and instead of a diving header the ball came off his back. Song then proceeded to join Wilshere in the book after a block. It was Arsenal though, that finished off the half the brighter side, with Sunderland perhaps tiring a little from all the early running and closing down that they had subjected themselves to and score remained 1-0.

Arsenal also made the opportunity of the second half; Chamakh wasting a ‘one on one’ chance with Mignolet standing tall. Their ability to follow up this chance with others was dented when Song saw his 2nd yellow for Arsenal to see their first sending off of the new campaign. As Steve Bruce later said though, “I thought they caused us more problems when they had 10 men.”

After Bent sliced wide from a corner, Samir Nasri just put the ball onto the roof of the net with a good free-kick. Exciting Ghanian Gyan was then brought on off the bench with just under 30 minutes remaining. Rosicky then hit wide just after Arsenal had built up a strong move.

With 20 minutes or so still left in the game, and both teams still battling for the points, Nasri was tripped in the box by El Mohamedy. To the surprise of many, Rosicky stepped up to take the spot kick ahead of Nasri himself – with Arshavin and Fabregas both on the bench – and skied the ball over the bar horribly to leave Sunderland with a route back into the game.

In time added on, Sunderland capitalised on this route, with the four minutes of stoppage time up and an attack not looking forthcoming, Dowd allowed play to continue and it ended up with a scrappy period in the Arsenal box with the ball falling to Darren Bent who – as he did in last year’s fixture – scored to level proceedings and irk Arsene Wenger terribly.

Arsenal will be terribly disappointed by this result after a very sound defensive display all in all, considering it was the two new boys Squillaci and Koscielny at the back. Sunderland will be glad to have taken a point they definitely deserved. That said, how many times have Arsenal deserved a point or more and lost, so it is an interesting debate as to whether the Sunderland goal should have been allowed to happen or not. All part of the controversy and excitement that is the Premier League!





BROM DRUM BRUM IN MAGNIFICENT WIN!

WEST BROM 3 - 1 BIRMINGHAM

Dann (OG) 51’                     Jerome 15’

Odemwingie 59’

Olsson 69’

Two teams met here for a Midland’s derby. Alexander Hleb made his debut at the ground where, 2.5 years, he witnessed his team-mate Eduardo have his leg broken horrifically. West Brom new boy, Odemwingie got himself in the starting line-up.

Cameron Jerome put Birmingham ahead after Scott Dann set him up perfectly with squared across header for Jerome to simply tap the ball home. Rather than let this affect them negatively, West Brom in fact allowed going behind to give them impetus.

Scharner was saved well by Foster after a good Brunt cross. Following this came an Odemwingie effort that went just wide with Foster scampering unknowingly.

After the break, West Brom’s pressure started to pay off. Just over five minutes in, Thomas sprinted in from the wing, beat a couple of men to square across a dangerous, dangerous ball across the Birmingham goal mouth, Odemwingie appeared to miss the ball only for Dann to deflect the ball home for an equaliser to bring cheer around the Hawthorn’s. They did not have to wake long to go ahead either. With half an hour left to go, the Nigerian striker used superb anticipation to latch onto a bad Bowyer touch going back towards his own goal. Odemwingie then rounded Foster to finish excellently from a narrow angle to put his team ahead.

Olsson then sealed a West Brom with 10 minutes later, when, climbing all over the back of Liam Ridgewell from a corner, he leapt highest to head in from a well-worked corner.

This was a good, solid win for West Brom, because come the end of the season, they will be looking to avoid the drop once more. They appear to have the team to do so and home wins like these will prove invaluable. Birmingham will not be so disappointed to lose on the road so long as they can string together home wins to ensure themselves another mid-table finish and another year in the Premier League.





GLOURIOUS GERRARD COMEBACK CANCELLED OUT BY DAZZLING, DELIGHTFUL DIMITAR!

      LIVERPOOL 2 - 3 MAN UTD

Gerrard (Pen) 63’, 70’     Berbatov 42’, 59’, 84’



“The biggest of games, the biggest of names,” speaks Martin Tyler on the Sky Sports advert for this fixture, and boy was it! Liverpool have struggled so far this season and haven’t managed to get going. Man Utd have been better, but have drawn on the road twice, conceding late on both times to Everton and Fulham. Liverpool looked to new recruits Meireles and Poulsen to be the engine room in the midfield with Gerrard joining them. They would be coming head to head against the red hot Scholes and his more understated, but no less quality partner in Darren Fletcher.

The biggest names though, were not necessarily the ones to shine. Torres and Rooney were both missing during this meeting. Despite this, Rooney’s team had the better of early interchanges and with quarter of an hour done, he and Berbatov had a great exchange and the ball went onto Nani, who sliced his shot widely poorly. Liverpool had their first effort 10 minutes later when right-back Glen Johnson cut in onto his left foot and curled a shot wide from 20 yards.

Berbatov managed to round off a fairly dull first half with a brilliant header, having got in front of his marker Torres and beating him in the air, he then headed wide of Pepe Reina to put United 1-0 ahead three minutes shy of the half time whistle.

The 2nd half saw an increase in tempo of play. Fletcher created the first chance of it seven minutes in with an effort from outside the box that deflected up and over the backline to drop to Berbatov who was expertly denied his 5th League goal by Reina at close-quarters. Berbatov did not however have long to wait. After Nani thumped the post with a raging shot from a narrow angle, the Bulgarian followed it up two minutes later with an absolute beauty of a goal. He took down a cross with a touch that kept the ball just above his head level. He then went on to execute a wonderful bicycle kick with his back to goal from 10 or so yards that dipped to hit the underside of the crossbar and in.

Berbatov was finally starting to show the form that had him bought from Tottenham for £30million. Whilst it is form that is long overdue, United fans will be delighted that he has started firing, in particular in important games such as this one. He has also covered brilliantly for a most out of sorts Rooney to make sure United have kept scoring goals.

With the way United conceded a two goal advantage last week at Goodison Park, one would have thought they would be slightly more circumspect and conservative now they once again had a similar advantage. Four minutes after Berbatov’s goal though, Jonny Evans foolishly brought Torres down for a penalty. This followed a United chance that saw Carragher forced to clear off his line after a Nani cross. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard confidently stepped up to take and in-turn convert the penalty with that same confidence to bring his team right back into the game.

Unbelievably only another seven minutes later, John O’Shea brought Torres down again on the edge of the penalty area when he didn’t have the ball. O’Shea was lucky to escape with only a booking whilst Gerrard again should over a dead-ball. Fletcher moved to cause a gap in the wall. It was that precise gap that Gerrard exploited as he curled the ball through it at a low height to equalise with a magnificent exhibition in free-kick technique. Once again United had let a lead slip, something that if allowed to continue, will surely hinder them from winning a title that would take their trophy count ahead of their Scouse rivals.

With Liverpool seeming more content to keep a rescued point rather than risk losing one searching for winner, United were once again able to take the initiative and look for a winner of their own. Meireles failed to connect with a tough header when Poulsen played a long ball in over his shoulder with 18minutes to go. United then went on the attack with Macheda on for Giggs.

When there was only 6 minutes remaining came the magic moment. O’Shea delivered in a fantastic cross that Berbatov, competing with Carragher, managed to out-leap his opponent and deflect the cross in with a smart header. Berbatov had delivered when it counted most! He had finished off a brilliant hat-trick that saw his team take hold of a mightily important set of points against their fiercest of rivals in the game that Sir Alex Ferguson dubs; “The fixture”. It also saw him go to of the Premier League scoring charts for a few hours until Chelsea’s Malouda equalled him with 6 goals so far.

This win could now spur United on to greater heights following an indifferent start to the season. That said, the defending they have shown so far will need heavy work if they plan to beat Chelsea and Arsenal not only in their individual fixtures, but also to the title.







CITY IMPRESS AT THE DW!

Wigan 0 - 2 Man City

                        Tevez 43'

                        Y. Toure 70’

• Tevez opened the scoring with a majestic chip over Al-Habsi.

• Tevez squares a good ball across when he could easily have shot for Yaya Toure to blast his first Premier League goal in at back post to ensure a City win.





GONE IN 73 SECONDS!

CHELSEA 4 - 0 BLACKPOOL

Kalou 2’

Drogba 30’

Malouda 12’, 41’

To say that Chelsea dominated this match would be being generous to Blackpool. Chelsea steamrollered their opponents to such an extent that they didn’t even score in the 2nd half and it was still a rout. Even in that 2nd half it was still painfully clear to see who the Premier League Champions were and who the Championship Playoff winners were. It may indeed be frightening the way that Chelsea have devoured five teams in their start to a new campaign, scoring 21 goals and conceding only one along the way. But when you look at the teams they have faced, it reads as a who’s who of candidates all likely to finish 15th-20th come May with a struggling West Ham, limited Stoke, promoted Blackpool and West Brom and a lacklustre Wigan.

After this game Chelsea go to Eastlands next week to face the only team in the Premier League that can boast higher expenditure rates than themselves. Then they host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge the following Sunday in the biggest London Derby clash the following Sunday. These will surely give them closer examinations. It is also convenient that key players Lampard and Terry have been injured whilst they have faced the mediocre opposition with both supposedly fit to return for the trip to Manchester.

But back to the game at hand, which was one Chelsea still needed to win. As the headline reads, Chelsea did not take at all long to open their account, with Kalou netting from close range with good anticipation after an Ivanovic flick-on from a corner to bring him his 4th league goal of the season.

It was then only 10 minutes later that Chelsea doubled their lead as Drogba squared a lovely ball across to Malouda who promptly tucked the ball away neatly from the edge of the 6 yard box. Chelsea’s tempo brought the big gulf in class between the two teams, with Blackpool’s possession coming very infrequently. On the half hour mark Chelsea completely closed out the game with their 3rd goal. Albeit it a lucky one, Drogba turned and struck for the ball to take a big deflection from the edge of the area to defeat Gilks.

By half time it could easily have been 6-0 already. With Ashely Cole – who tiraded down the left flank brilliantly all game, causing all sorts of troubles and issues – skimming across a ball along the 6 yard box that no one could quite latch on to. I imagine that Chelsea could settle for 4-0 instead though as Malouda knocked in his 6th League goal of the season to take him ahead of Drogba. It was a great first time cross-goal finish from inside the area with his left foot after Kalou played him in superbly.

Drogba then narrowly failed to add a fifth just before half time after successfully bringing down another Cole cross, he negotiated to defenders, but couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet to get enough power on his shot to properly work Gilks.

Going into the second half, DJ Campbell almost doubled Chelsea’s concession tally when he shot from close range, Cech’s partial stop however took enough pace of the ball for Ivanovic to clear of the line. This was just part of a good spell of pressure from Blackpool, clearly spurred on by a good half-time team talk from the ever enigmatic Ian Holloway. They started to maintain possession more successfully and were knocking the ball around in Chelsea’s half with much more frequency. Taylor-Fletcher also came close to breaking Blackpool’s deadlock as he attempted an audacious curling effort over Cech. Cech though, managed to back-pedal well enough to deny the effort.

Malouda had –in the meantime – a penalty appeal turned down as he felt he was pulled down in the area, Clattenberg however, saw it differently. With 25 minutes remaining, Kalou was put through perfectly by Drogba, his touch was, unfortunately, too heavy and Gilks managed to smother the shot to deny him.

Again Malouda was at the forefront with two more efforts, one a bouncing volley for Gilks to tip to safety and another effort dragged wide. It seemed he was not going to emulate Berbatov in scoring a hat-trick.

Blackpool fans were celebrating when they thought they saw Marlon Harewood’s effort go into Cech’s net, only to see the ball trickle behind the goal as it hit the side-netting. Ashley Cole was also required to clear an effort off the line to add to his repertoire of great efforts during this match. Finally in the dying minutes Drogba had a stonewall penalty appeal turned down, despite the fact that Clattenberg looked like he thought it was a penalty, but simply didn’t bother to give it as there were only seconds left on his watch.

Chelsea will be ecstatic with their 100% start to this season and to have only conceded to goals with the amount they are scoring is something quite special. They will now look to build on it as they start to face tougher opposition and I for one look forward to watching and analysing how they fair in these more challenging games. Blackpool will likewise be elated by their season’s opening points haul as they look to avoid the ignominy of an immediate relegation back to the Championship.

SPORTING NEWS OF THE WEEK 6

FOOTBALL

• Safety fears hit football as 3 legs are broken in 3 days. The unlucky recipients were; Bobby Zamora, Luka Modric and Antonio Valencia.

• Europa League – Man City 2 v 0 Salzburg: Silva and Jo the scorers.

 Liverpool 4 v 1 Steaua Bucharest: Ngog x2, Cole and Leiva

CRICKET

• England win both the 1^st and 2^nd ODI’s versus Pakistan;

1^st ODI

England – 274/6 (41overs) = S Davies 87, Trott 70, Strauss 41, Bopara 35*.

Pakistan – 250/9 (41overs) = K Akmal 53, U Akmal 43.

ENGLAND WIN BY 24 RUNS.

2^nd ODI

Pakistan – 294/8 (50overs) = K Akmal 74, Shafiq 74, Broad 4-81.

England – 295/6 (49.3overs) = Strauss 126, Trott 50.

ENGLAND WIN BY 4 WICKETS

• Clydesdale Bank Semi-Final’s;

1^st Semi

Somerset – 312/6 (40overs) = Trescothick 76, Compton 55, Suppiah 42*, Butler 36.

Essex – 217allout (29.3overs) = Foster 58.

SOMERSET WIN BY 95 RUNS.

2^nd Semi

Yorkshire – 257/5 (40overs) = Rudolph 106, Brophy 64.

Warwickshire – 260/6 (35overs) (D/L) = Chopra 76, Bell 57.

WARWICKS WIN BY 4 WICKETS ON D/L.

• The sad news has emerged that Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, one of England’s finest ever all-rounders, has been forced to retire from all forms of cricket due to a troublesome knee. His presence will be missed from the game but his legacy will live on forever as a superb athlete, player, character and performer.

TENNIS

• A great couple of week’s tennis at Flushing Meadows for the US Open has come to an end. After defeating Novak Djokovic in a superb finale in 4 sets, Rafa Nadal finally completed his career slam. This came alongside Kim Clijsters beating Zvonareva in the Women’s tournament.
• The best match of the tournament was not the final though. Instead the epic semi-final between Djokovic and Federer which went to 5 sets with Djokovic finally prevailing after having gone 1-0 and 2-1 down. It was a match played with heat, intensity and rhythm and was the very finest brand of tennis that has been seen for quite some time.
• A very close friend of mine, Pearl, is a huge Djokovic fan. I would like to pay homage to her as, though her hero put her through just about every emotion (something relayed quickly on to me!) she never lost hope in him and supported him to the bitter end with great pride. She also taught me much about the passion in tennis and I must admit, I have more of a soft-spot for Djokovic than I did, even supporting him in his semi and final! “I am so proud of Nole”, says Pearl. “He played so well, I was crying when he had his match point against Federer after Federer had had two of his own”.

A magnificent spectacle for tennis and here’s to hoping for more of it next season!

FORMULA ONE

• After taking a brilliant pole-position, Ferrari man Fernando Alonso backed it up with a superb victory in front of the Tifosi to kick-start his championship challenge. After having been overtaken by Button to the opening corner things didn’t look good for him. His pit-stop managed to catapult him ahead of Button – who finished 2^nd – and he never looked back.

BOXING

• Amir Khan agrees a defence of his WBA light-welterweight title against Marcos Maidana for December 13^th in Las Vegas.

• Wladimir Klitschko successfully retained his IBF and WBO Heavyweight belts against Samuel Peter, stopping him in the 10^th round in front of the Frankfurt crowd.

• Ricky Hatton has entered rehab after allegations of cocaine snorting has appeared.

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP WEEK 4

• Apologies for tardiness, finally managed to find some work this week so unfortunately I’ve only managed 3 in depth reports. Champions League results to come!


WAYNE ABSENT AS MIKEL MAGIC STUNS UNITED TO LEAVE FERGIE ROOING!

EVERTON 3 - 3 MAN UTD
Pienaar 39’           Fletcher 43’
Cahill 90’              Vidic 46'
Arteta 90+2’         Berbatov 66’


At Goodison Park, many fans adorn a t-shirt with the words “we only hate you so much because we loved you so much” when Wayne Rooney comes to visit. These same Everton fans will have read in their programmes this morning that not only was the Croxeth boy not starting, but not taking part in any capacity, it’s likely there was probably two conflicting emotions. Whilst they will no doubt be relieved that he cannot come back to haunt them for this year, they will no doubt be downcast that they will not be allowed to hurl abuse at him, given Rooney’s recent misdemeanours.

It was a game that Rooney-less or not, was always going to have heat to it. The two most experienced Scottish Premier League managers came to clash on a day that saw some magnificent football and a finish beyond the wildest dreams of the most creative football fans.

The game began with Everton in utter dominance of proceedings as Pienaar spurned two half chances within the first five minutes with Arteta having a shot of his own blocked in the 6th. After 10minutes Everton had enjoyed 2/3rds of the possession, quite something against a team of United’s prowess.

However, as was always going to happen, United began to start to gain a foothold in the match. A superb John O’Shea effort rattled the outside of the bar from 25 yards to deny him a rare goal. Then on the half hour, Tim Howard produced what will surely go down as one of the saves of the season. The ball was rolled across to Paul Scholes from a United free-kick on the edge of the box. Scholes, as he was always going to, let one fly. The ball then took a deflection, sending Howard in the wrong direction. With a superb piece of improvisation he threw up his right foot to kick the ball over the bar, leaving most on-lookers flabbergasted.

Howard showed this was no mere fluke when he then denied Giggs eight minutes later with a save from a close-range shot from the Welshman. The ensuing corner saw a blistering counter-attack from Everton, with the ball falling to Arteta who had his one on one effort palmed out by Van Der Sar. The ball the came to Osman, who instead of shooting from his position on the edge of the box, sighted Pienaar in a goal-scoring area and accordingly played him in to roll the ball under a diving Van Der Sar.

It was a celebration that the Goodison faithful could only enjoy for 4 minutes as Nani crossed in a majestic ball for Fletcher to finish off at near post from 6 yards to equalise before half time came along. Berbatov then spurned a volley just wide with brilliant technique.

The second half began as the first had ended, with United more in control. So much so that they quickly took the lead through Nemanja Vidic with a strong header after slack marking and a pinpoint cross – yet again – from Nani. 10 minutes later Everton started to respond with more chances of their own with some pressure ending in a skewed shot from Hibbert and another effort coming from Pienaar from just outside the box that Van Der Sar had to hold.

Despite such pressure, United then closed the door shut on Everton’s attempts as a brilliant 60 yard ball over the top from Scholes found a beautiful two touches from Berbatov. There was one to run on to and one with the outside of his right foot to curl the ball around Howard to bring the score to 3-1 in the Red Devils’ favour on 66 minutes.

This did not deter Everton as they bought on Yakubu to bolster their attack. Baines hit just the wrong side of the post with a free-kick that Van Der Sar had given up on attempting to save, prompting celebrations from the Everton fans that would be in vain. What seemed likely to be the Toffees’ best chance came 12 minutes from time when the beastly Yakubu managed to out-power a couple of United defenders and play in Osman. Unfortunately the ball got trapped under Osman’s feet and he could not get the leverage to fully work the Dutch goalkeeper.

David Moyes commented after the match, “I thought our play merited more than being 3-1 down”. This, whilst a true statement, seemed to be the result that Everton were destined for going into injury time. Messrs Baines, Cahill and Arteta had other ideas. In the 1st minute of injury time, Baines whipped in a brilliant cross – to join the ranks of this game’s best – to find the head of Tim Cahill to bring the score to 3-2. Whilst this was no doubt good for Everton, the fan’s response whilst happy, still seemed to be one of condemnation to defeat. Then with a minute left, Baines popped up again with another cross. One which dropped off a United head to Arteta – 10 yards out - who shot, with the ball deflecting in off of Scholes to even the scores.

Queue pandemonium, and surely one of the greatest comebacks this league has seen. Everton had been fully deserved off such a comeback although Moyes was far from pleased that the referee blew the whistle as Everton were building another counter-attack. In the long-run he will be delighted by what occurred today as United stumbled in the final minutes.





GUNNERS GALORE AS BOLTON ARE BRUSHED ASIDE

     Arsenal 4 - 1 Bolton
Koscielny 24’     Elmander 44’
Chamakh 58’     G. Cahill Sent Off 64’
Song 78’
Vela 83’

• Koscielny scores first Arsenal goal as he scrambles in a goal after Fabregas knocked ball back.

• Elmander restored equality when Koscielny mistimed his header and Lee took the ball wide of Almunia to cross back to Elmander.

• Chamakh heads home to restore lead after an unopposed jump met a Fabregas pull back.

• The red mist descended as Gary Cahill was sent off for a lunge from behind on Chamakh.

• Song managed to squeeze in from a tight angle to double the lead and bring about Arsene Wenger’s 1000th league goal..

• Vela finished of the show after a magnificent chip through from Fabregas for the Mexican to slide the ball into the bottom corner following a 26-pass move.






MAN DOWN AS ZAMORA IS CROCKED DURING THE DEMBELE SHOW

             Fulham 2 - 1 Wolves
Dembele 49’, 90+1’ Van Damme 10’
Berra Sent Off 90’

• Van Damme creeps in at back post to finish cross-goal to put Wolves ahead away from home.

• England’s Bobby Zamora’s leg is broken a crushed in a challenge with Karl Henry, meaning he will be out for at least 4 months.

• Moussa Dembele laces the ball from the edge of the area with a slight deflection to equalise for his first Premier League goal.

• Berra finds himself on the wrong end of a second yellow after obstrucion and an off ball challenge.

• Dembele is at hand again to take advantage of the free-kick that saw Berra dismissed with a daisy-cutting shot that Hahnemann couldn’t not reach to give Fulham the 3 points late on.






BLACKBURN BATTLE TO DENY CITY BOYS!

Man City 1 - 1 Blackburn
Vieira 55’           Kalinic 25’

• Kalinic capitalises on Hart’s error as the keeper comes out of his area to collect a long ball. The communication with Toure is faulty, resulting in Hart missing his clearance and Kalinic sliding the ball home.

• City found a much needed equaliser 10 minutes into the second half when Carlos Tevez pulled back a cross for ex-Arsenal man Patrick Vieira to finish off from 3 yards.







TANGERINES PEEL OFF MAGPIES AS GILKS IS SAVIOUR!

NEWCASTLE 0 - 2 BLACKPOOL
                                   Adam (Pen) 45’
                                   DJ Campbell 90’

The first game between two newly promoted sides came together on this Saturday afternoon on Tyneside. With both teams having already had some spectacular results come their respective ways already, many were hoping for a thriller. This hope was supported by the fact that both teams play in a very attacking manner with the strong striking option of DJ Campbell for Blackpool and Andy Carroll for the Magpies. Whether both teams are simply looking to avoid the drop or indeed proceed upwards from there, a win today could be very important come May.

The first clear-cut chance came when Campbell had a one on one saved by long time Shay Given back-up Steve Harper. Harper then did well to jump at Ormerod – who was following up – with a smothering save. This goes to show that Harper was already ready to keep at the highest level, and is a committed a loyal member of the Newcastle squad to have stayed all this time as a benchwarmer.

Williamson then opened the opportunities column for the hosts. Barton presided over a deep free-kick which he sent into the danger area, with Williamson climbing highest to beat Gilks but be denied instead by his post. This got Newcastle’s momentum up somewhat. Kevin Nolan followed up this prior chance with an effort of his own that was commendably saved by the ever solid looking Gilks in the Blackpool goal.

Blackpool were then given the perfect chance to open the scoring when Alan Smith brought down Varney in the box with a needless and much regretted challenge that left Lee Mason with little option but to point to the spot. Influential skipper Charlie Adam stepped up to the mark and slotted the ball bottom left on the half time whistle. A heart-warming celebration ensued, in which the Tangerine boys dedicated the goal and the game to their critically ill youth-team coach Gary Parkinson, who fell foul of a stroke recently. Adam grabbed a shirt of the sideline which had, “4 PARKY” imprinted upon it, a touching gesture to a man at the heart of the football club.

Newcastle had the first chance of the second half, with Andy Carroll getting in behind the Blackpool back four. He then attempted to round Gilks but failed on this endeavour as the keeper smuggled the ball from his feet expertly to continue his outstanding performance. Carroll was again denied minutes on, on this occasion by the foot of Gilks to show that he is also a versatile keeper with an ever increasing reputation.

With the minutes closing in, Newcastle were looking to get as far forward as possible at every opportunity. This tactic inevitably left open spaces at the back should Blackpool retrieve the ball to counter, or simply to work the Toon’s back-line. Such opportunity presented itself glaringly as the game moved into added time. Charlie Adam played DJ Campbell in with his back to goal, with a brilliant couple of touches to turn and shoot, the ball was in the back of the net to secure a brilliant victory for the Tangerines. They are now 4th in the league, and whilst it is early days still, this start will have been beyond Holloway’s wildest, most fanciful dreams.






MODRIC AND SPURS STUNG AT THE HAWTHORNS

         West Brom 1 - 1 Tottenham
       Brunt 41’                       Modric 27’

• Ball dropped to Modric ten yards from goal for him to rattle the ball in with a low drive.

• Brunt bundles in the equaliser following a snap-shot from Fortune that was saved with Odemwingie beating Cudicini to header across to the Brom man.

• After leaving the ground on crutches it was confirmed that play-maker Luka Modric has broken his leg.






GYAN GOAL NOT ENOUGH AS ALCARAZ SECURES POINTS SHARE!

Wigan 1 - 1 Sunderland
Alcaraz 87’      Cattermole Sent Off 22’
                        Gyan 66’

• Black Cats’ skipper Lee Cattermole managed to yet again get himself sent off after two reckless, late and unnecessary challenges.

• Gyan managed a superb debut League goal as he volleyed home from a ball played in by Henderson over his shoulder.

• In the dying minutes a Cleverley strike from the edge of the box deflects of Alcaraz’s head and in to even the points.





UNHAPPY REUNION FOR AVRAM AS CHELS RULE LONDON!

WEST HAM 1 - 3 CHELSEA
Parker 85’               Essien 2’, 83’
                               Kalou 18’

The first of the season’s London derby’s here today at Upton Park, one that in days gone by would have had bigger billing and probably a better match. Having said that, West Ham are surely the unluckiest team in the league at the moment with their England representatives; Green and Upson enduring the bulk of this poor fortune. The manager of the month Carlo Ancellotti and his team strode to the Hammer’s still to drop points so far this season. New boy Ramires made his Chelsea debut in the midfield alongside Mikel and Essien, the latter of whom would enjoy a special day.

The start of this special day began 2 minutes into the game, with a strong leap at a corner enough to beat Carlton Cole’s flailing attempt to prevent it crossing the line. This served to help Chelsea’s impetus, although it came mostly in terms of possession rather than actual chances for the first fifteen or so minutes.

Claret’s new boy Victor Obinna made his first impact with his shot being denied strongly by Petr Cech, a keeper who is never easy to beat. The same can normally be said of Rob Green as well. However, after his lapse in the World Cup he seems to have lost his mojo, gained the yips et cetera. It does not help that luck continues to go against him. Such luck occurred in the 18th minute after he spilled and easy enough catch from a free-kick. Fortunately for him Upson covered him to clear the ball. Fortunately swiftly changed to unfortunately as his clearance cannoned into Kalou, looped over the hapless and helpless Green and into the back of his net to double Chelsea’s advantage and put the game all but out of sight within 20 minutes. One senses that Green could do with a break from the pressure and the limelight as it really seems to be affecting his self-confidence and belief in his ability.

Obinna then had himself another opportunity, a volley that he put narrowly wide and then followed it up with a rattling effort that also went just wide. As the game continued, Chelsea really began to press their advantage, Mikel hit the angle of the cross bar. Then with 7 minutes remaining, Essien rose high again to meet a brilliant Ferreira cross. Parker then struck a consolation goal a couple of minutes later to give the home fans something to cheer about. Following a Cech punch, the Englishman timed a precision volley over Cech and into his net. Apres ca, Piquionne then endeavoured to make easily the miss of the season so far, as he scooped an easy header over the bar from about 2 yards to embarrass himself horrifically.

After the match, Avram Grant said “the fans believe in what we’re doing here”. He will have to hope this is true, because at West Ham, if you lose the fans there is little coming back. Chelsea have managed to proceed on their stomp through their opening fixtures. However it is just fine to do this versus 4 of the teams most likely to be scrapping to stay afloat at the end of the season, the real football fans now wish to see Chelsea manage such dominating performances against a more able side/s. Blackpool at home next week will not be expected to provide this stern test, but Man City at Eastlands the following week ought to give off a stronger indicator as to what the defending Champions are made of!




      BIRMINGHAM 0 - 0 LIVERPOOL







       STOKE 2 - 1 ASTON VILLA
Jones 80’                     Downing 35’
Huth 90’

• Strong cross in from Agbonlahor, with a creeping Stewart Downing coming in beyond back post to header across goal superbly.

• Etherington provides a fine cross from the left flank and Kenwyne Jones meets it with a giant leap to nod it beyond Friedel’s reach.

• After an interesting fall from Pennant to win a free kick, he delivers in a great ball that is played around and then shot across from Etherington. Huth sticks out a foot to deflect the ball into the top corner to bring 3 points home to the roaring Brittania crowd.

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW

This week's focus Premier League matches are as followed;

Everton vs Manchester United as Rooney returns again to Goodison after Scholes is made player of the month.

A London derby as West Ham meet Chelsea with Lampard missing out on an Upton Park reunion.

Birmingham vs Liverpool as the Brummie boys look to use their new recruits against Hodgson's Red Army.

The first meeting of two promoted teams as Newcastle take on Blackpool at St James'.

Gerard Houllier returns to England as Aston Villa manager as they go to Stoke.


The other five matches are;
Arsenal Vs Bolton
Fulham Vs Wolves
Manchester City Vs Blackburn
Wigan Vs Sunderland
West Brom Vs Tottenham

SPORTING NEWS OF THE WEEK 5

FOOTBALL

· Theo Walcott, Michael Dawson and Jermain Defoe all pick up injuries on international duty as England win twice, ruling them all out for at least 6 weeks.
· Robin Van Persie’s ankle injury is to keep him out for 6 more weeks.

· John Toshack is sacked as manager of Wales.

· Gerard Houllier is set to take over the reins at Villa Park.


CRICKET

· Eoin Morgan and Michael Yardy are main stars as England cruise to victory against Pakistan in both T20’s.

· Somerset are due to play Essex in the first Clydesdale Bank 40/40 semi-final, with Yorkshire and Warwickshire contesting the other.


GOLF

· After much speculation, Tiger Woods is handed a wildcard for the Ryder Cup by captain Corey Pavin along side; Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink and Rickie Fowler.


TENNIS

· Novak Djokovic will take on Roger Federer in the First US Open semi-final after the Serbian defeated; Troicki, Petzschner, Blake and Fish. Federer beat; Dabul, Beck, Matthieu and Melzer to find his spot in the semi. The other two quarter finals are between; Wawrinka v Youzhny and Nadal vs Verdasco.



BOXING

· Audley Harrison and David Haye agree terms for a World Heavyweight Championship bout for the first all-British title fight in this weight range for 17 years.

· Ricky Burns defeated Roman Martinez in a unanimous points victory to claim the WBO Super-Featherweight Title in Glasgow.


FORMULA ONE

• Ferrari manage to dodge charge of team orders in use after FIA investigation.

SPORTING NEWS OF THE WEEK 4

A week of vast sporting activity, with Carling Cup, Champions League and Europa League action with draws for the Group Stages of Champions League and Europa League, the Transfer Deadline, Test Match Cricket and squad selections for ODI and T20 series, selections for the Ryder Cup and a Fromula One race in Spa

FOOTBALL

• Newcastle beat Accrington Stanley 3-2 with weakened side in Carling Cup, with Everton thrashing Huddersfield 5-1 with a stand-out performance from young Englishman Jack Rodwell. Fulham slaughtered Port Vale 6-0 with goals from Zamora, Gera, Dempsey and new signing Dembele. Mame Biram Diouf scored a treble against Norwich to give Blackburn a 3-1 where Diouf is currently enjoying a loan spell.

• 3RD ROUND CARLING CUP DRAW!!
Brentford v Everton
Portsmouth v Leicester
Stoke v Fulham
Chelsea v Newcastle
Aston Villa v Blackburn
Tottenham v Arsenal
Millwall v Ipswich
Wolves v Notts County
Burnley v Bolton
Birmingham v MK Dons
Liverpool v Northampton
Scunthorpe v Man Utd
West Brom v Man City
Sunderland v West Ham
Peterborough v Swansea
Wigan v Preston

• Tottenham secure Champion’s League Group Stage spot with 4-0 trouncing of Young Boys FC, with Peter Crouch scoring a brilliant hat-trick to have a 6-3 aggregate.

• Aston Villa lose home-leg to Rapid Vienna 3-2 late on after Agbonlahor and Heskey score as they crash out of Europa League on 4-3 aggregate.
• Man City beat Timisoara 2-0 at Eastlands to give 3-0 win on aggregate.
• Liverpool leave it late as Kuyt scores winner against Trabzonspor to ensure the Reds’ qualification.
• Celtic crash and burn away to FC Utrecht 4-0 to fall out of Europe 4-2 over the two legs.

DEADLINE DEALS

• After Alberto Aquilani’s exit for Juventus and, more importantly Javier Mascherano’s £18million Anfield departure, Raul Meireles has been confirmed as Liverpool’s latest transfer for £11.5million.

• Stipe Pletikosa has signed for Tottenham on a year-long loan deal.

• Birmingham have allowed Marcus Bent to go to Wolves on a loan-deal until January. They have also captured the signings of ex-Gunner Alexander Hleb on a season-long loan and Jiranek on a one-year deal. John Beausejour – one of Chile’s brightest World Cup players – has also signed.

• Wantaway City player Robinho has gotten his wish with a permanent deal to AC Milan on a 4-year contract.

• Paul Konchesky has rejoined old manager Roy Hodgson at Anfield in player-exchange plus cash deal, with Dalla Valle and Kacaniklic going to the Cottage in return

• Asamoah Gyan has become Sunderland’s new, transfer record setting signing in a move worth £13+million.

• Roberto Martinez has successfully secured a season-long loan for Manchester United youngster Tom Cleverley.

• Stoke have confirmed deadline swoops for Eidur Gudjohnsson and Jermaine Pennant as well as Portsmouth captain Marc Wilson coming to the Brittania.

• Wigan sign Franco Di Santo from Chelsea on a three-year deal with 2 minutes left on the transfer window clock to join Tom Cleverley

• Young Arsenal left-back Armand Traore has gone to Juventus on a season-long loan after the Old Lady earlier released long-serving Zebina. Emiliano Insua has made a similar move to Galatasaray from Liverpool.

• DJ Campbell has re-signed for Blackpool for an undisclosed fee, much to the delight of Blackpool fans.

• Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has made a £10.5million move to Schalke from Real Madrid to end speculation linking him with Spurs.

• Rafael Van Der Vaart makes headline deal to Spurs for £8million just before the deadline.


CRICKET

• England beat Pakistan at Lords amidst rumours of Pakistani match-fixing after two no-balls were supposedly set up after The News of The World had paid a middle-man £150,000 to make these two no-balls occur. After having been 102-7 in their first innings, Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad hit a record 8th wicket partnership of 332 to take England from being 102-7 to being 446all-out with Trott finishing on 184 and Broad 169 after Amir (one of the suspected fixers) took 6-84. Pakistan were then dismissed for 74 with Swann taking 4-12 and Finn 3-38. England put them in for the follow-on and again rolled them, this time for 147 with Swann helping himself to 5-62 this time to ensure a 3-1 series victory for England. However this series will forever be pitched into darkness after such disgraceful allegations.

• England have chosen their Natwest Series and T20 squads to face Pakistan. The shock omission being star-man Kevin Pietersen who will instead play on loan for Surrey, with Kieswetter being used as a batsman and Steven Davies being the keeper.

The 20/20 squad is as follows; P Collingwood (Durham, captain), J Anderson (Lancashire), R Bopara (Essex), T Bresnan (Yorkshire), S Broad (Nottinghamshire), S Davies (wkt, Surrey), C Kieswetter (Somerset), E Morgan (Middlesex), R Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire), G Swann (Nottinghamshire), L Wright (Sussex), M Yardy (Sussex).

The Natwest ODI Series squad is as followed; A Strauss (Middlesex, captain), J Anderson (Lancashire), R Bopara (Essex), T Bresnan (Yorkshire), S Broad (Nottinghamshire), P Collingwood (Durham), S Davies (wkt, Surrey), E Morgan (Middlesex), A Shahzad (Yorkshire), R Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire), G Swann (Nottinghamshire), J Trott (Warwickshire), L Wright (Sussex), M Yardy (Sussex).



FORMULA ONE

• After qualifying 2nd behind Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton got a brilliant start to leap-frog his rival into the first corner and drove a supreme race in mixed conditions – including rain – that had many others slipping and sliding. Hamilton himself also ran into the wall laps from the finish, but managed to regain control.. Button was removed from the race by Vettel who skidded whilst pursuing Button – 2nd at the time – leaving him with no drive and an early retirement. Webber managed to finish 2nd with Robert Kubica 3rd.

GOLF

• Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie picks Eduardo Molinari, Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald as his wildcards. With the rest of his squad as follows; L Westwood (Eng), R McIlroy (NIr), M Kaymer (Ger), G McDowell (NIr), I Poulter (Eng), R Fisher (Eng), F Molinari (Ita), MA Jimenez (Spa), P Hanson (Swe).