Liverpool 3 - 2 Galatasaray
It took Peter Crouch only 9 minutes to stamp his authority on the match with a great volley. Liverpool's second came five minutes later, when Garcia headed a cross from Pennant past the Galatasaray goalkeeper. Two nil up at the interval and Liverpool seemed to be strolling to victory.
Crouch made it two for himself, and three for Liverpool in the 52nd minute, with a wonderful scissors kick all the more spectacular for such a tall man.
Then the unexpected happened. Two rapid fire headers by Karan in the 59th and 65th minutes put the visitors back in the game. Liverpool managed to hold on for the remaining 25 minutes but would not have been sorry to hear the final whistle!
Drogba, Drogba, Drogba.
Levski Sofia 1 - 3 Chelsea
With goals in the 39th, 52nd and 68th minutes you would have to say Drogba was something of a match winner.
Drogba's first goal came six minutes before the interval; when he took advantage of Retkov's palmed save. Soon after the interval he was at it again, skilfully netting the ball with his left foot. Then he scored his third which was an unusual affair, when the ball sped in, seemingly off his heel.
His work done Drogba was substituted with Robben in the 70th minute. Although Levski got one back in the 89th minute it was Chelsea's night, or was it Drogba's, makes no difference really!
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Liverpool vs Galatasary
soccer and football
Levski Sofia vs Chelsea
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Striker Rooney Not Firing!
Benfico 0 - 1 Manchester Utd
This was not a classic football match. In my opinion the man of the match was again Cristiano Ronaldo. He was busy throughout the game, and although he can be selfish at times, he fittingly provided the pass that enabled Saha to score the only goal of the match. Saha took the ball well just on the hour and scored cleverly.
Benfico had greater possession, particularly in the first half, but failed to take their chances and United came back strongly after the interval. They would have scored again but for the gallant efforts of Benfico keeper, Quim including saving three rapid fire shots in the 87th minute.
Ferguson confounded the pundits by playing Rooney as something of a central defender out towards the left flank. Whatever the plan was it didn't work, which must reflect more on the boss than on Wayne, who was not in a position to do what he does best - score goals!
Henry Uses His Head!
Arsenal 2 - 0 Porto
Arsenal resurgence continues under the leadership of their splendid captain Thierry Henry, whose intelligent style of play suggests that he is using his head, even when he is kicking the ball! However, in this instance it was his head that directed the ball into the net from a fine pass delivered by Eboue.
Shortly after the interval, Arsenal went two up when Henry passed the ball to Hieb who put it away, to crown another good night for the Londoners.
Tags:
Benfico Man Utd
soccer and football
Arsenal Porto
This was not a classic football match. In my opinion the man of the match was again Cristiano Ronaldo. He was busy throughout the game, and although he can be selfish at times, he fittingly provided the pass that enabled Saha to score the only goal of the match. Saha took the ball well just on the hour and scored cleverly.
Benfico had greater possession, particularly in the first half, but failed to take their chances and United came back strongly after the interval. They would have scored again but for the gallant efforts of Benfico keeper, Quim including saving three rapid fire shots in the 87th minute.
Ferguson confounded the pundits by playing Rooney as something of a central defender out towards the left flank. Whatever the plan was it didn't work, which must reflect more on the boss than on Wayne, who was not in a position to do what he does best - score goals!
Henry Uses His Head!
Arsenal 2 - 0 Porto
Arsenal resurgence continues under the leadership of their splendid captain Thierry Henry, whose intelligent style of play suggests that he is using his head, even when he is kicking the ball! However, in this instance it was his head that directed the ball into the net from a fine pass delivered by Eboue.
Shortly after the interval, Arsenal went two up when Henry passed the ball to Hieb who put it away, to crown another good night for the Londoners.
Tags:
Benfico Man Utd
soccer and football
Arsenal Porto
Monday, September 25, 2006
Quick Draw Ronaldo!
Reading 1 - 1 Manchester Utd
It began to look as though United might lose to newly promoted Reading, until Ronaldo corrected their deficiency in style in the 73rd minute, to level things up at 1 - 1 . That proved to be the final score.
Reading manager, Steve Coppell generously praised Ronaldo, who is outperforming fellow United striker, Wayne Rooney. It seems that the latter is still not fully match fit, which is something like double jeopardy for getting banned! Reading worked hard and deserved a point, which could possibly have been three, but for that touch of Ronaldo brilliance.
Three Goal Spree!
Liverpool 3 - 0 Tottenham
It was not until the 63rd minute that Gonzalez put Liverpool ahead, from a Gerrard cross, shortly after Jenas had missed a sitter for Spurs. That was it really. Kuyt got another for fired up Liverpool in the 73rd minute, before Riise fired in a torpedo to make it three in the 89th minute. Liverpool's results are getting better but Spurs seem to be losing it at the moment!
Tags:
Reading ManchesterU Liverpool Tottenham
soccer and football
Reading ManchesterU Liverpool Tottenham
It began to look as though United might lose to newly promoted Reading, until Ronaldo corrected their deficiency in style in the 73rd minute, to level things up at 1 - 1 . That proved to be the final score.
Reading manager, Steve Coppell generously praised Ronaldo, who is outperforming fellow United striker, Wayne Rooney. It seems that the latter is still not fully match fit, which is something like double jeopardy for getting banned! Reading worked hard and deserved a point, which could possibly have been three, but for that touch of Ronaldo brilliance.
Three Goal Spree!
Liverpool 3 - 0 Tottenham
It was not until the 63rd minute that Gonzalez put Liverpool ahead, from a Gerrard cross, shortly after Jenas had missed a sitter for Spurs. That was it really. Kuyt got another for fired up Liverpool in the 73rd minute, before Riise fired in a torpedo to make it three in the 89th minute. Liverpool's results are getting better but Spurs seem to be losing it at the moment!
Tags:
Reading ManchesterU Liverpool Tottenham
soccer and football
Reading ManchesterU Liverpool Tottenham
Beware -The Blue Lamp!
Fulham 0 - 2 Chelsea
Frank Lampard scored twice to put Chelsea back on top. He blasted home a penalty in the 73rd minute, and then put the game beyond dispute seven minutes later.
Fulham deserved to be level at the interval, after a hard fought first half. They thought they should have had a penalty in the 53rd minute, but to the Fulham manager's disgust the referee did not agree, and guess what - it was full marks to Chelsea!
Not So Easy!
Arsenal 3 - 0 Sheffield Utd
This home win for Arsenal was not as easy as the score line suggests. However, with superstar Henry recovering from injury, their late surge won the day.
The visitors were unlucky late in the first half, when Leigertwood had a goal disallowed, because the referee had already blown for a foul. That might have just made the difference, because Arsenal did not assert until Gallas scored in the 65th minute. Then Henry forced Jagielka to turn the ball into his own net, before scoring himself in the 80th minute.
A good strong finish but it wasn't easy and the score line was somewhat flattering.
Tags:
Fulham Chelsea Arsenal Sheffield
soccer and football
Fulham Chelsea Arsenal Sheffield
Frank Lampard scored twice to put Chelsea back on top. He blasted home a penalty in the 73rd minute, and then put the game beyond dispute seven minutes later.
Fulham deserved to be level at the interval, after a hard fought first half. They thought they should have had a penalty in the 53rd minute, but to the Fulham manager's disgust the referee did not agree, and guess what - it was full marks to Chelsea!
Not So Easy!
Arsenal 3 - 0 Sheffield Utd
This home win for Arsenal was not as easy as the score line suggests. However, with superstar Henry recovering from injury, their late surge won the day.
The visitors were unlucky late in the first half, when Leigertwood had a goal disallowed, because the referee had already blown for a foul. That might have just made the difference, because Arsenal did not assert until Gallas scored in the 65th minute. Then Henry forced Jagielka to turn the ball into his own net, before scoring himself in the 80th minute.
A good strong finish but it wasn't easy and the score line was somewhat flattering.
Tags:
Fulham Chelsea Arsenal Sheffield
soccer and football
Fulham Chelsea Arsenal Sheffield
Monday, September 18, 2006
Arsenal Save Face!
Manchester Utd 0 - 1 Arsenal
Ronaldo, often a match winner, slipped up towards the end of a hard fought game, and handed the points to Arsenal. Of course he is a very accomplished footballer, and a brilliant ball player, but he should not have been caught out "showing off" his skills. That might be a bit like saying what's the point of having a voice if you don't sing, but there is a time and a place! That place is not trying to put the ball through the legs of Fabregas in a potentially dangerous, situation, particularly if you don't succeed. This mistake resulted in the only goal of the match, as Fabregas sped away to pass to Adebayer, who neatly flicked the ball past Kuszczak.
United had their chances with good attempts, particularly by Ronaldo and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer whose shots were saved by Lehmann. Ronaldo's best shot was struck hard and hit Lehmann full in the face, momentarily laying him out. Supersub Solskjaer's shot, was saved by Chelsea's world class goalkeeper, who somehow got his fingertips to what looked sure to be an equalizer.
A Sorry Display by Ballack!
Chelsea 1 - 0 Liverpool
This was another match won by the only goal scored, but this time it was the home side that won. Drogba scored a magnificent goal in the 42nd minute which proved in the end to be crucial. However, a different result seemed possible, when Michael Ballack was sent of in the 51st minute, and Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. Ballack's tackle on Sissoko looked ugly, but he apologised afterwards, to at least try to redeem himself.
This was a hard fought game and the result could have gone either way. Liverpool should have had a penalty, when Lampard pushed Gerrard over to deny him an obvious chance within the box. When the chips are down though Mourinho's marauders make a habit of coming out on top, and this game was no exception.
Tags:
ManchesterUtd Arsenal Chelsea Liverpool
soccer and football
ManchesterUtd Arsenal Chelsea Liverpool
Ronaldo, often a match winner, slipped up towards the end of a hard fought game, and handed the points to Arsenal. Of course he is a very accomplished footballer, and a brilliant ball player, but he should not have been caught out "showing off" his skills. That might be a bit like saying what's the point of having a voice if you don't sing, but there is a time and a place! That place is not trying to put the ball through the legs of Fabregas in a potentially dangerous, situation, particularly if you don't succeed. This mistake resulted in the only goal of the match, as Fabregas sped away to pass to Adebayer, who neatly flicked the ball past Kuszczak.
United had their chances with good attempts, particularly by Ronaldo and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer whose shots were saved by Lehmann. Ronaldo's best shot was struck hard and hit Lehmann full in the face, momentarily laying him out. Supersub Solskjaer's shot, was saved by Chelsea's world class goalkeeper, who somehow got his fingertips to what looked sure to be an equalizer.
A Sorry Display by Ballack!
Chelsea 1 - 0 Liverpool
This was another match won by the only goal scored, but this time it was the home side that won. Drogba scored a magnificent goal in the 42nd minute which proved in the end to be crucial. However, a different result seemed possible, when Michael Ballack was sent of in the 51st minute, and Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. Ballack's tackle on Sissoko looked ugly, but he apologised afterwards, to at least try to redeem himself.
This was a hard fought game and the result could have gone either way. Liverpool should have had a penalty, when Lampard pushed Gerrard over to deny him an obvious chance within the box. When the chips are down though Mourinho's marauders make a habit of coming out on top, and this game was no exception.
Tags:
ManchesterUtd Arsenal Chelsea Liverpool
soccer and football
ManchesterUtd Arsenal Chelsea Liverpool
Thursday, September 14, 2006
The Night of the Gunners
Man U 3 - 2 Celtic
Celtic outgunned by Ole. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back with a vengeance, after being out of action for nearly two years with a serious knee injury. First blood went to Celtic, when Vennegoor beat first Ferdinand, then Van der Sar to drive the ball in the net in the 21st minute. That sparked off an exciting four goal spree, with Saha grabbing two including a penalty, before Nakamura levelled it up for Celtic, to close the first half at two each.
Then, the best sub in the Premiership, or any other league for that matter, scored what was to prove to be a winner, in the 47th minute. Solskjaer has long been a favourite of Man U fans and many others. There can be little doubt that he is more than good enough to operate better than as just a very good sub. We can only surmise that he is happy in the role in which he has so often triumphed, because there is many a top club who would have loved to have him playing for 90 minutes!
Gunners - Part Two!
Hamburg 1 - 2 Arsenal
The other Gunners were busy in Hamburg, and were on target to secure maximum points. Arsenal won an early advantage, when Hamburg's keeper was sent off after ten minutes, for a foul on Van Persie. Gilberto scored from the spot.
The tireless Van Persie played a part in the second Arsenal goal, when he fed the ball to Rosicky, who scored a great goal from about 25 yards out.
Hamburg played well and scored a consolation goal in the 90th minute, but with Kirschstein missing for most of the match, Arsenal took advantage and finished on top.
Tags:
ManU Celtic Hamburg Arsenal
soccer and football
ManU Celtic Hamburg Arsenal
Celtic outgunned by Ole. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back with a vengeance, after being out of action for nearly two years with a serious knee injury. First blood went to Celtic, when Vennegoor beat first Ferdinand, then Van der Sar to drive the ball in the net in the 21st minute. That sparked off an exciting four goal spree, with Saha grabbing two including a penalty, before Nakamura levelled it up for Celtic, to close the first half at two each.
Then, the best sub in the Premiership, or any other league for that matter, scored what was to prove to be a winner, in the 47th minute. Solskjaer has long been a favourite of Man U fans and many others. There can be little doubt that he is more than good enough to operate better than as just a very good sub. We can only surmise that he is happy in the role in which he has so often triumphed, because there is many a top club who would have loved to have him playing for 90 minutes!
Gunners - Part Two!
Hamburg 1 - 2 Arsenal
The other Gunners were busy in Hamburg, and were on target to secure maximum points. Arsenal won an early advantage, when Hamburg's keeper was sent off after ten minutes, for a foul on Van Persie. Gilberto scored from the spot.
The tireless Van Persie played a part in the second Arsenal goal, when he fed the ball to Rosicky, who scored a great goal from about 25 yards out.
Hamburg played well and scored a consolation goal in the 90th minute, but with Kirschstein missing for most of the match, Arsenal took advantage and finished on top.
Tags:
ManU Celtic Hamburg Arsenal
soccer and football
ManU Celtic Hamburg Arsenal
Monday, September 11, 2006
Premiership Quartet
Everton 3 - 0 Liverpool
Liverpool had their chances but the difference was that Everton took theirs!
Tim Cahill surprised Liverpool by scoring the first half way through the first half. Andy Johnson made it two in the 36th minute, and it began to look as though Everton were going to beat their arch rivals.
Johnson scored again in the 90th minute, to crown a great day for him, and give Everton their best result over Liverpool for over 40 years! Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez summed it up after the match when he said that his side made a lot of mistakes. Nobody can argue with that, but on the day the best side won, rather easily.
Man U 1 - 0 Tottenham
That man Giggs is unstoppable!
There was only one goal but that was enough for the home side to secure maximum points. Ronaldo's 35 yard free kick was a beauty, and was mishandled by England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, to provide an easy header for Giggs in the ninth minute. It was only easy, because Ryan was in the right place at the right time, which he seems to make a habit of!
Chelsea 2 - 1 Charlton
Chelsea, who were well ahead in the first half, were hard pressed to seal it. Michael Ballack's header from a Lampard corner was kicked away by Bryan Hughes, but only as far as Drogba, an eager opportunist who put Chelsea ahead after only six minutes.
It was fitting for Charlton that ex Chelsea man, Hasselbank scored ten minutes into the second half. Chelsea went ahead again though, when Carvalho scored from another accurate Lampard delivery, in the 63rd minute.
Chelsea won, but not nearly as comfortably as they should have done.
Portsmouth 1 - 0 Wigan
Pompei go up and up!
We had better sign off with Portsmouth, who are having a tremendous run, and beat Wigan by the only goal in this match.
As Harry Redknapp said afterwards it wasn't a classic. But Portsmouth keep doing it and you can only admire their fine start to the season.
Tags:
Premiership
soccer and football
Premiership
Liverpool had their chances but the difference was that Everton took theirs!
Tim Cahill surprised Liverpool by scoring the first half way through the first half. Andy Johnson made it two in the 36th minute, and it began to look as though Everton were going to beat their arch rivals.
Johnson scored again in the 90th minute, to crown a great day for him, and give Everton their best result over Liverpool for over 40 years! Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez summed it up after the match when he said that his side made a lot of mistakes. Nobody can argue with that, but on the day the best side won, rather easily.
Man U 1 - 0 Tottenham
That man Giggs is unstoppable!
There was only one goal but that was enough for the home side to secure maximum points. Ronaldo's 35 yard free kick was a beauty, and was mishandled by England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, to provide an easy header for Giggs in the ninth minute. It was only easy, because Ryan was in the right place at the right time, which he seems to make a habit of!
Chelsea 2 - 1 Charlton
Chelsea, who were well ahead in the first half, were hard pressed to seal it. Michael Ballack's header from a Lampard corner was kicked away by Bryan Hughes, but only as far as Drogba, an eager opportunist who put Chelsea ahead after only six minutes.
It was fitting for Charlton that ex Chelsea man, Hasselbank scored ten minutes into the second half. Chelsea went ahead again though, when Carvalho scored from another accurate Lampard delivery, in the 63rd minute.
Chelsea won, but not nearly as comfortably as they should have done.
Portsmouth 1 - 0 Wigan
Pompei go up and up!
We had better sign off with Portsmouth, who are having a tremendous run, and beat Wigan by the only goal in this match.
As Harry Redknapp said afterwards it wasn't a classic. But Portsmouth keep doing it and you can only admire their fine start to the season.
Tags:
Premiership
soccer and football
Premiership
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Macedonia 0 - 1 England
England struggled against this improved opposition, and they did not win that convincingly.
If I was a tall man I'd be Peter Crouch. You don't have to rise head and shoulders above the next man if you were born that way! Peter has become a giant forward for England, in more ways than one, and true to form he scored again, for what was his 11th goal in 14 games for his country.
The first half was goalless but in the 46th minute Crouch received a cross from Frank Lampard, which he turned in to beat the Macedonian keeper, for a somewhat scrappy goal. However, he has proved that he can use more than just his head to score goals, and he has consolidated his place in the England team.
This was the first real test for England in the new McClaren era, and they came out on top - just! Macedonia certainly made a match of it, and came close to scoring themselves on a couple of occasions.
Tags:
Macedonia England
soccer and football
Macedonia England
If I was a tall man I'd be Peter Crouch. You don't have to rise head and shoulders above the next man if you were born that way! Peter has become a giant forward for England, in more ways than one, and true to form he scored again, for what was his 11th goal in 14 games for his country.
The first half was goalless but in the 46th minute Crouch received a cross from Frank Lampard, which he turned in to beat the Macedonian keeper, for a somewhat scrappy goal. However, he has proved that he can use more than just his head to score goals, and he has consolidated his place in the England team.
This was the first real test for England in the new McClaren era, and they came out on top - just! Macedonia certainly made a match of it, and came close to scoring themselves on a couple of occasions.
Tags:
Macedonia England
soccer and football
Macedonia England
Sunday, September 03, 2006
England 5 - 0 Andora
Easy, Easy, Easy
England won this game and won it well, but the opposition seemed to be extraordinarily weak to non existent. We should not get carried away by the ease of their victory.
Peter Crouch, who has not always been that popular with the England fans, got two goals, although it should have been three as he missed a sitter, That may seem like a bit of negative criticism, but at this level and against this sort of opposition, we have to count misses as well as goals, because in a better match it might have been the only chance he got!
Steven Gerrard scored a pearler, and must be a certain starter for England for years to come, as he is so reliable and adaptable. Still he is not Captain of Liverpool for nothing! Defoe got England's other two goals and has proved himself to be a useful addition to the side.
There we are then 5 - 0, but it was an embarrassingly one sided match. England under Steve McClaren still have it all to prove. They may be up to the task, but it will take more than wins against substandard opposition to wipe away memories of their World Cup failure.
Brazil 3 - 0 Argentina
Not So Easy!
This friendly game at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium was more of a match, although Brazil came out comfortable winners. They dominated the first half, after Robinho set up Elana to drive in a great goal, after only three minutes.
Brazil stepped it up again after the interval and there was an encore, when Robinho again set up Elano to score their second. Brazil then had a quiet spell and Argentina went close on a couple of occasions. But Brazil came out of defence and Kaka made it 3 - 0 with a super goal, following a devastating run past Argentine players.
A crowd of 59,000 turned up, adding to the many millions who switched on to watch the South American way, on TV.
Tags:
England Andora Brazil Argentina
soccer and football
England Andora Brazil Argentina
England won this game and won it well, but the opposition seemed to be extraordinarily weak to non existent. We should not get carried away by the ease of their victory.
Peter Crouch, who has not always been that popular with the England fans, got two goals, although it should have been three as he missed a sitter, That may seem like a bit of negative criticism, but at this level and against this sort of opposition, we have to count misses as well as goals, because in a better match it might have been the only chance he got!
Steven Gerrard scored a pearler, and must be a certain starter for England for years to come, as he is so reliable and adaptable. Still he is not Captain of Liverpool for nothing! Defoe got England's other two goals and has proved himself to be a useful addition to the side.
There we are then 5 - 0, but it was an embarrassingly one sided match. England under Steve McClaren still have it all to prove. They may be up to the task, but it will take more than wins against substandard opposition to wipe away memories of their World Cup failure.
Brazil 3 - 0 Argentina
Not So Easy!
This friendly game at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium was more of a match, although Brazil came out comfortable winners. They dominated the first half, after Robinho set up Elana to drive in a great goal, after only three minutes.
Brazil stepped it up again after the interval and there was an encore, when Robinho again set up Elano to score their second. Brazil then had a quiet spell and Argentina went close on a couple of occasions. But Brazil came out of defence and Kaka made it 3 - 0 with a super goal, following a devastating run past Argentine players.
A crowd of 59,000 turned up, adding to the many millions who switched on to watch the South American way, on TV.
Tags:
England Andora Brazil Argentina
soccer and football
England Andora Brazil Argentina
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