Sunday, October 29, 2006

Everton Make Their Point! Arsenal 1 - 1 Everton

Everton Make Their Point! Arsenal 1 - 1 Everton


Everton went ahead, in the 11th minute from Cahill, and it seemed that they might sneak a memorable victory, until Van Persie levelled the score after 71 minutes. Until then the visitors had defended their lead gallantly. They held on well, despite the intense pressure from the Gunners in the last fifteen minutes.


Everton made their point by forcing a draw.


United Lamblasted! Sheffield United 0 - 2 Chelsea


Goals either side of the interval ensured maximum points for Chelsea.


United should have gone ahead after about sixteen minutes when a dubious penalty was awarded against Drogba. However, justice prevailed when Webber completely wasted the spot kick.


Lampard, blasted Chelsea into the lead, just before half time, with a free kick from about thirty yards out. Shortly after the interval, Ballack made it two and from their on it was all Chelsea, who were not about to surrender their deserved lead, and the game was won.


Tags:

soccer and football

Ruined by Rooney! Bolton 0 - Man Utd 4

Ruined by Rooney! Bolton 0 - Man Utd 4


If Sam Allardyce hadn't got other worries he would be rueing this day for some time to come, or would he be Rooneying??


The boy wonder returned to form, in no uncertain manner, and crowned his 21st birthday week with a hat track. Rooney devastated Bolton with successful strikes in the 10th and 16th minutes and then rubbed it all in on 82 minutes!


United were not flattered by the score line, as it could have been better for them and much worse for Bolton. They were simply superior. Of course Rooney was brilliant, even before he lashed in his third. Ronaldo completed the rout when he made it four just before the close.


So this was a triumphant return to form for Rooney to silence those who were writing him off. More than that, it was a triumph for the whole team, who seem to be going about their business with a United purpose.


There's No Place Like Home! Liverpool 3 - 1 Everton


Liverpool put a blip on Villa's resurgence, by completely dominating the first half, when they went three up. A fifteen minute spell produced goals from Kuyt (31), Crouch (38), and Garcia (44).


Agboniahor got one back for Villa in the 56th minute as they staged a mini revival. However, that was the best they could achieve against a Liverpool side, who must strive for repeat performances away from home!


Tags:

soccer and football

Monday, October 23, 2006

A Reading Lesson! Reading 0 - 4 Arsenal

Arsenal were in magnificent form and outclassed their Reading opponents. Thierry Henry got the first goal in less than a minute, and the scene was set. After 39 minutes Hieb fired in off the Reading keeper, and the Gunners were two up at halftime.


Van Persie got the third early in the second half. Fabregas was first to the ball, but was caught by Hahnemann as he was threatening goal. Henry put the ball away efficiently from the penalty spot and Arsenal had their foursome!


This was an excellent display and a fine result for Arsenal, who are now fourth in the Premiership. It was a welcome gift for manager Wenger on the occasion of his 57th birthday.


New Boys Score! Chelsea 2 - 1 Portsmouth


Thanks to keeper David James, Portsmouth were level in a first half dominated by a superior Chelsea. He repeatedly saved from Chelsea's consistent attacks and was largely responsible for the flattering score line.


In the second half Shevchenko scored in the 55th minute and then got himself booked for showboating. Two minutes later the equally expensive German signing Michael Ballack got another. He too was yellow carded for showing off!


Although Mwaruwari got one back for Portsmouth, in the 69th minute, Chelsea held on for a victory only limited by the fine effort of keeper David James.


Man Utd Top the Bill! Man Utd 2 - 0 Liverpool


Liverpool should not have been overwhelmed by United's record crowd but they did seem somewhat subdued. They succumbed too easily to hand the points to their opponents, who move to the top of the Premiership.


It was fitting that Paul Scholes put United ahead after 39 minutes, on his 500th appearance for the club. Surprisingly, it was Rio Ferdinand who got their second after 66 minutes. However, this was no fluke, as he controlled the ball well, to fire in past Reina. Who said the days of the attacking full back are over?


Liverpool had their chances particularly through Kuyt. His best chance was a header which was wasted and directed too close to United's keeper. Gerrard had an uncharacteristic off day. It finished up with a good win for United, in a game that did not live up to its billing.


Tags:

soccer and football

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Rooney Plays a Captains Innings! Man Utd 3 - 0 FC Copenhagen

United had the luck, and in the end easily beat a capable Copenhagen side, that did not make the most of their shooting chances.


Rooney wore the captains' arm band for the night, and despite not scoring, he played well and could have bagged a brace with a bit more luck. However, it was Paul Scholes who put the home side ahead, from 25 yards out, just before the interval. It was a typical Scholes belter, and quietened the opposition who had been fairly active until that time.


Afterwards, United had all the luck. The ball rebounded off O'Shea's dead leg for a flukey second goal. Nearing the end the Copenhagen keeper, Christiansen fumbled Richardson's shot, and United were three up.


All in all, not the most sparkling United performance but they won well. Rooney had a good game and laid the ball off to Louis Saha at least twice, only to see him miss on an off night. We are all pleased to see Wayne returning to form but many would prefer for him not to be saddled with the captain's responsibilities, and wearing a number nine shirt. It is doubtful that he would have missed the chances he gave Saha, had the boot been on the other foot! Sometimes you could question the logic of the manager.


Scotland the Brave! Celtic 3 - 0 Benfica


This was a fine result for Celtic, with Kenny Miller bagging two and also playing his part in the third.


The first half was goalless with both sides having their chances. Man of the match Miller, poked home his first after 56 minutes. Benfica retaliated, but Miller was at it again ten minutes later, beating goalkeeper Quim from about 16 yards.


Pearson got Celtics third to round off the night with a fantastic result.


Tags:

soccer and football

Sunday, October 15, 2006

United Again! Wigan 1 - 3 Man Utd

Wigan went ahead early, when Leighton Baines smashed the ball home from twenty five yards.


After the interval Alec Ferguson reverted to the traditional 4-4-2 formation, which brought about a transformation. Goals came in the 62nd, 66th and 90th minutes from Vidic, Saha, and that man Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. In truth it could have been twice as many. Rooney's goal famine continued, but he played a substantial part in two of United's goals and seems to be back to his old (young) self. He appeared more comfortable in the second half, when he was allowed to attack in his more familiar role.


Ryan Giggs came on at the interval, for Wes Brown, and continued to defy gravity in his own inimitable way!


Hard Fought Game - Reading 0 - 1 Chelsea


Although Chelsea beat Reading Jose Mourinho was understandably incensed at having not one, but two goalkeepers hospitalised. Peter Cech was knocked out in the first minute, and substitute Carlo Cudicini was clobbered by Sonko in injury time.


The consensus of opinion seems to be that neither incident was intentional. Mourinho obviously believes otherwise, particularly with regard to Peter Cech's injury. It may be difficult to prove absolutely either way but it is to be hoped that the Chelsea manager is mistaken.


At least Chelsea had a bit of luck, when just on half time. Frank Lampard's free kick was deflected into his own net by Reading's Ivar Ingimarrson. Maximum points to Chelsea in what was a hard fought game.


Celebration for Wenger - Arsenal 3 - 0 Watford


Watford must have wondered what hit them when they found the Arsenal team, and their fans, in celebratory mood. Arsene Wenger has been ten years in charge and this was a fitting tribute to his stewardship.


Stewart's own goal was Arsenal's first, but they followed up magnificently with goals from Henry and Adebayor On this occasion it was difficult to praise a particular Arsenal player. You would have to commend them all and their manager too on his rather special day.


Liverpool Struggle - Liverpool 1 - 1 Blackburn


McCarthy put Blackburn ahead after 17 minutes, and they enjoyed the better of the first half.


Craig Bellamy got his first league goal for Liverpool in the 64th minute, when he headed home from Aurelio's corner. They had forced the pace in the second half, but Rovers too had their chances, and the draw was a fair result.


Tags:

soccer and football

Friday, October 13, 2006

Not England's Finest Hour - Croatia 2 - 0 England

England were dismissed by Croatia in Zagreb, after the home side took a deserved lead in the 61st minute, when Eduardo headed home.


Until then this had not been England's finest hour, as they had they had constantly been under attack from what was a better team. England appeared to be comprised of gifted individuals, incapable of operating as a team against half decent opposition. It seemed that they had been favoured by getting into the relatively easy Group E. They are making hard work of it, and it is not difficult to imagine that they might have been slaughtered, if they had been drawn against more formidable opponents, as in Group B, for example.


Eight minutes after they scored their first Croatia were two goals ahead due to what must have been one of the most farcical goals ever! Gary Neville tapped, yes tapped, the ball back to keeper Paul Robinson, to kick down the field. But horror of horrors, the kick failed to connect with the ball, which trickled passed him into the net.


That really summed the game up! Steve McClaren experimented, with a 3-5-2 formation that did not work, as he later admitted. How could he do otherwise with such a devastatingly bad performance? He is going to have to pull his socks up very quickly, because he was not everybody's favourite to land this prestigious, well paid job.


Again we must consider McClaren's decision to fire David Beckham because his team are not doing much firing now! England do not have ball players in the class of Cristiano Ronaldo or Thierry Henry. They do have players with other skills, such as the sheer power and determination of the likes of Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard. However, the game is about keeping possession, and moving the football about, with the objective of scoring goals. Croatia seemed to apply this strategy, whereas England did not, and so often gave the ball away. When he played, Beckham was superb at passing the ball to the intended recipient. Unfortunately, that is not happening now.


Tags:

soccer and football

Monday, October 09, 2006

Bravehearts Triumph! Scotland 1 - 0 France

The bravehearts of Scotland beat the pride of France. in a thriller at Hampden Park. Ex Everton boss Walter Smith seems to be the tonic the Scotland side required to bring about a revival, Make no mistake about it this was a tremendous result against an established France, who not very long ago, were runners up in the World Cup.


Scotland took the lead in the 67th minute, from Paul Hartley's corner which fell to Celtic defender Gary Cauldwell. Unlike Gary Neville for England, Cauldwell slid the ball into France's net for what proved to be a match winner. As with any game it's goals that count in international football and so you would have to say that Cauldwell was man of the match. However, this was a real team endeavour, and all the Scotland players should be applauded, for winning a hard fought match against a class side.


Scotland had to defend well in the first half that was dominated by France. Henry went close after only nine minutes, and the pattern was set. In fact France had two goals disallowed, when first Patrick Vieira and then David Trezeguet,were judged to be offside.


Scotland's 67th minute goal galvanised the men of France, who tried hard to make amends. They nearly did so at the end, but the ball bounced away from Thiery Henry who, true to form, was magnanimous after the game. He said that Scotland had a good plan, which they stuck to so "good luck to them". So perhaps luck was on the side of Scotland, but they worked hard and deserved their win for a fine team effort.


Tags:

soccer and football

England 0 - 0 Macedonia - Bring Back Sven!

No not really. Sven Goran Erikson had proved his worthlessness to England in Germany, whereas Steve McClaren is only just starting! A goalless draw was an awful result for England, but a brave tribute to Macedonia, whose cause had been considered to be almost a joke. But the last laugh was at the expense of an England team that simply did not perform.


There are many questions to answer. Was Rooney just a flash in the pan, or will he recover his form, and if so, when? It's too early to make such judgements, but on Saturday, his performance was as bad as anybody else's. The whole team seemed to lack direction. It is up to the manager to provide such guidance but let us not forget his closeness to the old regime. His major decision so far has been to dispense with the services of David Beckham. Of course Beckham can't go on for ever, but he just might have provided the cohesion that England now seem to lack.


Crouch was perhaps England's best player, but that's no great accolade when most of the rest were ineffective. He had his chances, particularly in the second half. One such chance was only half saved and was delivered to Gary Neville, only a few feet from the goalmouth. He promptly fired the ball over the bar, which from where he was aiming was a more difficult feat than scoring. However, missing this sitter seemed to sum up his sides performance.


Wright-Phillips was industrious when he came on for Downing in the second half. In an inspirational flash, he penetrated the Macedonia defence, and Steven Gerrard rattled the woodwork. Just missed, but that sums England up at the moment. Just missed is not half good enough!


Tags:

soccer and football

Monday, October 02, 2006

Is Ronaldo Best??

Man Utd 2 - 0 Newcastle


Sorry to say it but Newcastle were outplayed, outflanked, and perhaps outnumbered by 75,664 fans! Ronaldo was again brilliant and is being compared with the late great George Best. In that respect he may have some way to go, but as he is only twenty one years of age, he would seem to have all the time in the world.


Man Utd's first goal came after 21 minutes, when Ronaldo's shot rebounded off the post to Solskjaer, who easily beat Harpur. Shortly after the interval Solksjaer scored again, after a bit of a mix up following a Ronaldo corner. Sir Alec will be pleased to have taken note of the advice given in this blog to play the Norwegian for 90 minutes!


Interviewed after the match, Solskjaer was obviously delighted to have recovered so well from the serious injury that threatened his career. Credit too to United for looking after the interests of this fine player.


It was certainly not a Newcastle day to remember, but United will not be complaining as they are back on top - of the Premier League.


Tags:

soccer and football

Volleyball!

Charlton 1 - 2 Arsenal


Charlton were first to score, when Bent easily tapped in a great cross from Hasselbaink after 21 minutes.


Arsenal then got the bit between their teeth and Van Persie scored his first on 32 minutes. Shortly into the second half Van Persie was at it again but this time in quite spectacular fashion. He received a high cross from Eboue and struck a magnificent volley which gave the Charlton goalkeeper no chance. When interviewed later the Dutchman admitted that this may have been his best goal ever.


Soon afterwards Jens Lehmann's athleticism helped him with a reactionary save from an Andy Reid drive that looked almost unstoppable. Charlton had other chances but it was not to be. They thought they should have had a penalty after 70 minutes, when the ball struck Gallas's arm, but the referee did not agree.


Perhaps Arsenal just deserved their win, because of Van Persie's super strike and Jens Lehmann performing well at the opposite end.



Tags:

soccer and football

Liverpool Succumb to Bolton's Speed!

Bolton 2 - 0 Liverpool


Bolton's first goal may have been a travesty of justice, when Reina was penalised for handling the ball outside his area. TV coverage clearly showed that that it was a bad decision by an assistant referee. However, Speed scored from the free kick and Bolton were ahead.


After 51 minutes Campa received a cross from Davies and headed home. Basically that was it. Liverpool didn't take their chances, and were beaten by a side that did, even if one such chance was created by a linesman!


Drogbal Strikes Again!


Chelsea 1 - 1 Aston Villa


Chelsea asserted their authority on a resurgent Aston Villa, when Drogba took less than three minutes, to put his side ahead from a John Terry header. After that the game swung this way and that, but it was Aston Villa who got the equaliser when Agbonlahor headed home in the 45th minute.


Chelsea dominated in the second half, but despite going close a few times, the final result was a draw.


Tags:

soccer and football

BBC Sport | Football | UK Edition