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Manchester Utd 2 – 1 Portsmouth
Wayne Rooney clinched this entertaining, but controversial match, for United, when he came on for Solskjaer after about an hours play. His first goal, set up by the energetic Ryan Giggs, was a beauty, but nothing compared to his second. This was a wondrous chip over goalkeeper James, whose eyes seemed to follow the flight of the ball with a look of incredulity. Until then, he had thwarted United with a series of world-class saves, but initially Pompey had all the luck, and would have been behind sooner but for questionable refereeing decisions.
There seemed to be no doubt that the home side had scored a perfectly legitimate goal, in the 12th minute when Vidic’s header was cleared from behind the line by Pedro Mendes. The referee and his assistants must have been unsighted, but subsequent replays demonstrated that the ball was clearly over the line. Just to rub it in, United were again wrongly denied in the 55th minute, when Laarson’s volley was ruled offside. Shortly afterwards, Sir Alec, who must have been breathing fire over blatantly wrong decisions, introduced Wayne Rooney. Until then his sides bombardment had been continuous, but the superb James, together with an in form Sol Campbell, and the match officials kept them at bay.
Then the enterprising Giggs fired a ball over from the left flank, which Rooney was perfectly poised to tap home in the 77th minute. About six minutes later came that amazing clip shot, to mesmerize the fans and finish Pompey off.
The visitors got a consolation goal in the 87th minute, when Kanu deflected Mendes shot home, But the score line did not reflect United’s overall superiority, that was only contained by some quite dreadful refereeing decisions.
Chelsea Overwhelm Forest!
Chelsea 3 – 0 Nottingham Forest
Chelsea easily beat Forest, with three first half goals, when there was really only one side in it. Although the visitors were better in the second half, they were nowhere near good enough, and The Blues are in the last sixteen of the FA Cup.
Bolton Hold Arsenal
Arsenal 1 – 1 Bolton
This was not the result Arsene Wenger wanted. So they have to do it all again, at the Reebok Stadium, where they will have less of an advantage.
After a goalless first half, the visitor’s skipper, Nolan, put his side ahead on 50 minutes. That goal seemed to spur Arsenal to a more determined effort, resulting in a goal by Toure, in the 78th minute. They continued to press, but it was all to no avail, and Bolton had earned their replay at The Reebok.
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Man utd Vs Portsmouth
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Bolton
Monday, January 29, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Arsenal 2 - 1 Manchester United
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United Shot Down By Gunners
Just when it seemed that the race for the Premiership was all but over, United capitulated to a late onslaught by the Gunners.
In the first half United's new 4-2-3-1 formation seemed to catch the home side off guard, and they were not quite able to deal with it. The visitors went close on several occasions, with the best chance falling to Wayne Rooney, but Lehmann just managed to palm his shot onto the woodwork.
Larsson had a good opportunity to put United ahead, but his header, from a Giggs corner was also well saved by Lehmann. However, United's consistent pressure around the Arsenal goal was rewarded in the 53rd minute. The persistent Evra delivered a fine cross, which was met by an equally determined Rooney, whose diving header gave Lehmann no chance, and put his side in front.
Regrettably, United then seemed to take their foot off the gas, and be content with their one goal lead. When Van Persie replaced Hleb, in the 67th minute, it was clear that Arsenal were not done with. The sense of urgency had passed to the home side, and they were rewarded in the 83rd minute. Rosicky's accurate cross just passed Henry into the path of Van Persie who thumped the ball into the net. The game was all square with only seven minutes normal time left.
United would probably have been satisfied with a draw, which would have put them an extra point ahead of Chelsea in the Premiership. However, Arsenal wanted more, and it was fittingly Gunner in Chief, Thierry Henry, who fired in a fantastic header, to clinch it in the last minute of extra time.
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Arsenal Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Manchester United
United Shot Down By Gunners
Just when it seemed that the race for the Premiership was all but over, United capitulated to a late onslaught by the Gunners.
In the first half United's new 4-2-3-1 formation seemed to catch the home side off guard, and they were not quite able to deal with it. The visitors went close on several occasions, with the best chance falling to Wayne Rooney, but Lehmann just managed to palm his shot onto the woodwork.
Larsson had a good opportunity to put United ahead, but his header, from a Giggs corner was also well saved by Lehmann. However, United's consistent pressure around the Arsenal goal was rewarded in the 53rd minute. The persistent Evra delivered a fine cross, which was met by an equally determined Rooney, whose diving header gave Lehmann no chance, and put his side in front.
Regrettably, United then seemed to take their foot off the gas, and be content with their one goal lead. When Van Persie replaced Hleb, in the 67th minute, it was clear that Arsenal were not done with. The sense of urgency had passed to the home side, and they were rewarded in the 83rd minute. Rosicky's accurate cross just passed Henry into the path of Van Persie who thumped the ball into the net. The game was all square with only seven minutes normal time left.
United would probably have been satisfied with a draw, which would have put them an extra point ahead of Chelsea in the Premiership. However, Arsenal wanted more, and it was fittingly Gunner in Chief, Thierry Henry, who fired in a fantastic header, to clinch it in the last minute of extra time.
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Arsenal Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Manchester United
Saturday, January 20, 2007
North, South Divide
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Liverpool 2 - 0 Chelsea
In a weekend when the top teams go head to head, Liverpool soon showed Chelsea who rules at the Kop.
The Northerners burst into the lead, when a move started by Jamie Carragher's pass to Crouch resulted in a smart goal by Dirk Kuyt. Chelsea seemed wobbly as Riise , Crouch and Kuyt all threatened. Then Liverpool's strong start was consolidated when Jermaine Pennant thumped in their second goal after 18 minutes. It was a fine volley, from about twenty yards out, giving Petr Cech no chance.
Soon afterwards the visitors were further demoralised, when the injured Arjen Robben was replaced with Wright-Phillips. The home side continued to dominate the first half and had a comfortable two goal lead at the interval.
Chelsea attempted to recover in the second half, without making much impression, and the final score was unchanged. Although they have injury problems, they have a 'wealth' of talent to draw from, which is not quite coming up to expectations. They have been much in the news recently, and there have been rumblings, which may be having an effect on team performance.
Meanwhile Manchester United, who are due to play Arsenal at the Emirates, could go further ahead - but will they?
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Liverpool Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Chelseal
Liverpool 2 - 0 Chelsea
In a weekend when the top teams go head to head, Liverpool soon showed Chelsea who rules at the Kop.
The Northerners burst into the lead, when a move started by Jamie Carragher's pass to Crouch resulted in a smart goal by Dirk Kuyt. Chelsea seemed wobbly as Riise , Crouch and Kuyt all threatened. Then Liverpool's strong start was consolidated when Jermaine Pennant thumped in their second goal after 18 minutes. It was a fine volley, from about twenty yards out, giving Petr Cech no chance.
Soon afterwards the visitors were further demoralised, when the injured Arjen Robben was replaced with Wright-Phillips. The home side continued to dominate the first half and had a comfortable two goal lead at the interval.
Chelsea attempted to recover in the second half, without making much impression, and the final score was unchanged. Although they have injury problems, they have a 'wealth' of talent to draw from, which is not quite coming up to expectations. They have been much in the news recently, and there have been rumblings, which may be having an effect on team performance.
Meanwhile Manchester United, who are due to play Arsenal at the Emirates, could go further ahead - but will they?
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Liverpool Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Chelseal
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Chelsea Show Wigan What Four!
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Chelsea 4 - 0 Wigan
Chelsea proved that their recently reported lack of form is a myth, by giving Wigan a four nil thrashing. Any imagined lack of form can only be equated with them currently running second to Manchester United in the Premiership. They are still the champions and the season has a long way to go. There is no shame in being second, except of course, when there are high expectations that you will emerge as winners. That is still within the realm of possibilities, with their capabilities now at full strength!
Arjen Robben was back with a vengeance, and earned the free kick responsible for Frank Lampard's opener, which Wigan woefully failed to defend. So Chelsea were one up at halftime, having been gifted a lead they were not about to surrender!
Pressure, from the determined Drogba, forced a weak back pass from Harstad to Kirkland. The lurking Robben intercepted, to tap the ball home and put his side two up, in the 63rd minute. Shortly afterwards, it got worse for the visitors, when Kirkland managed to divert Robben's cross into his own goal. Wigan's position was now desperate, with no chance of stopping the rot. Drogba made it four for the Blues, just before the final whistle to emphasise their superiority.
Wigan's resistance was weak, with goalkeeper Kirkland playing a shocker. Chelsea won easily but they have much more to offer, and will realise that it cannot always be as easy as this.
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Chelsea Vs Wigan
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Wigan
Chelsea 4 - 0 Wigan
Chelsea proved that their recently reported lack of form is a myth, by giving Wigan a four nil thrashing. Any imagined lack of form can only be equated with them currently running second to Manchester United in the Premiership. They are still the champions and the season has a long way to go. There is no shame in being second, except of course, when there are high expectations that you will emerge as winners. That is still within the realm of possibilities, with their capabilities now at full strength!
Arjen Robben was back with a vengeance, and earned the free kick responsible for Frank Lampard's opener, which Wigan woefully failed to defend. So Chelsea were one up at halftime, having been gifted a lead they were not about to surrender!
Pressure, from the determined Drogba, forced a weak back pass from Harstad to Kirkland. The lurking Robben intercepted, to tap the ball home and put his side two up, in the 63rd minute. Shortly afterwards, it got worse for the visitors, when Kirkland managed to divert Robben's cross into his own goal. Wigan's position was now desperate, with no chance of stopping the rot. Drogba made it four for the Blues, just before the final whistle to emphasise their superiority.
Wigan's resistance was weak, with goalkeeper Kirkland playing a shocker. Chelsea won easily but they have much more to offer, and will realise that it cannot always be as easy as this.
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Chelsea Vs Wigan
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Wigan
Top and Bottom of It!
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Watford 0 - 3 Liverpool
Liverpool got back on course and they are still third in the Premiership, with their opponents languishing away at the bottom. This was a workmanlike performance, after their cup shocks against Arsenal. It may have taken the pressure off manager Rafa Benitez, after a critical week when he has been under fire.
Craig Bellamy, who is usually in the thick of it, got Liverpool's first after 34 minutes, from Finnan's cross. Then, in the 40th minute, Reina's end to end goal kick was received by Kuyt who delivered the ball to Bellamy. Foster saved his shot, but only into the path of Peter Crouch who headed home the visitor's second goal.
Shortly after the interval Crouch made it two for himself and put his side three ahead. That was how it finished with Liverpool claiming an easy victory.
In his post match interview it was obvious that Watford manager Andy Boothroyd expects more from his players, whom he thought were intimidated. They will have to start to live up to his expectations if they are to remain in the Premiership.
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Watford Vs Liverpool
soccer and football
Watford Vs Liverpool
Watford 0 - 3 Liverpool
Liverpool got back on course and they are still third in the Premiership, with their opponents languishing away at the bottom. This was a workmanlike performance, after their cup shocks against Arsenal. It may have taken the pressure off manager Rafa Benitez, after a critical week when he has been under fire.
Craig Bellamy, who is usually in the thick of it, got Liverpool's first after 34 minutes, from Finnan's cross. Then, in the 40th minute, Reina's end to end goal kick was received by Kuyt who delivered the ball to Bellamy. Foster saved his shot, but only into the path of Peter Crouch who headed home the visitor's second goal.
Shortly after the interval Crouch made it two for himself and put his side three ahead. That was how it finished with Liverpool claiming an easy victory.
In his post match interview it was obvious that Watford manager Andy Boothroyd expects more from his players, whom he thought were intimidated. They will have to start to live up to his expectations if they are to remain in the Premiership.
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Watford Vs Liverpool
soccer and football
Watford Vs Liverpool
Thierry In A Hurry!
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Blackburn 0 - 2 Arsenal
Thierry Henry seems determined to make up for lost time, in blazing his come back trail! The Frenchman has no need to prove to his devoted fans, or anybody else, just how good he is. Football aficionados always get full value when he is on the field, but on this occasion he provided them with something extra special.
The Gunners got their just reward after a controversial issue in the 13th minute, which saw Gilberto red carded. Robbie Savage had fouled him, and the normally cool Brazilian, retaliated, with some justification. However, rules are rules, and the referee who was on the spot, had little choice but to act accordingly. There will be many who will consider that Savage should have suffered a similar fate, for his part in the incident.
Down to ten men you might have expected Arsenal to capitulate, to a Blackburn side that have been faring better. In fact the home side were exploiting their eleven to ten advantage, with Derbyshire and Pederson, having good chances. Then in the 37th minute Robin van Persie won a free kick, which was exquisitely directed, by Henry to Toure, who headed home. Despite the perceived injustice the visitors were one up at half time.
Rovers had a great opportunity to level the score in the 69th minute, but Nonda headed over. Shortly after that Derbyshire missed another chance. Then fans of both sides were treated to an extraordinary performance by the Arsenal captain. He received the ball 80 yards out, with nothing resembling a scoring chance. However, he sped down the left flank, into the Blackburn half, with Fabregas ably reading his intentions. They played a brilliant one, two, with Henry curling a fierce shot, which gave Brad Friedel no chance.
On a controversial day, Arsene Wenger came away smiling, having seen his captain score what may well be the goal of the season, and securing three more valuable points.
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Blackburn Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Blackburn Vs Arsenal
Blackburn 0 - 2 Arsenal
Thierry Henry seems determined to make up for lost time, in blazing his come back trail! The Frenchman has no need to prove to his devoted fans, or anybody else, just how good he is. Football aficionados always get full value when he is on the field, but on this occasion he provided them with something extra special.
The Gunners got their just reward after a controversial issue in the 13th minute, which saw Gilberto red carded. Robbie Savage had fouled him, and the normally cool Brazilian, retaliated, with some justification. However, rules are rules, and the referee who was on the spot, had little choice but to act accordingly. There will be many who will consider that Savage should have suffered a similar fate, for his part in the incident.
Down to ten men you might have expected Arsenal to capitulate, to a Blackburn side that have been faring better. In fact the home side were exploiting their eleven to ten advantage, with Derbyshire and Pederson, having good chances. Then in the 37th minute Robin van Persie won a free kick, which was exquisitely directed, by Henry to Toure, who headed home. Despite the perceived injustice the visitors were one up at half time.
Rovers had a great opportunity to level the score in the 69th minute, but Nonda headed over. Shortly after that Derbyshire missed another chance. Then fans of both sides were treated to an extraordinary performance by the Arsenal captain. He received the ball 80 yards out, with nothing resembling a scoring chance. However, he sped down the left flank, into the Blackburn half, with Fabregas ably reading his intentions. They played a brilliant one, two, with Henry curling a fierce shot, which gave Brad Friedel no chance.
On a controversial day, Arsene Wenger came away smiling, having seen his captain score what may well be the goal of the season, and securing three more valuable points.
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Blackburn Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Blackburn Vs Arsenal
United Korea Away!
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Manchester Utd 3 - 1 Aston Villa
There is no stopping United, who continued their purple patch and took the points with a fine team effort.
Korean Ji-Sung Park, who has been busy all season without scoring, broke his duck in the eleventh minute. Gary Neville crossed into the box and the Villa defence failed to deal with it. Park was quickly onto the ball but was surrounded by Villa players. However, he confidently struck the ball past the lot of them, into the net. Two minutes later Park was the provider, as Carrick enrolled himself into the United shooting gallery, with a fine second goal.
Ronaldo continued his great run with yet another goal in the 35th minute. This time Carrick was the provider, demonstrating the prevailing consistency in the team. This was on the day the Portuguese star received his second successive Player of the Month award. It would be a brave man betting against him getting a third, even with Henry back in the Arsenal line-up!
You would have to say that except for a moment in the 52nd minute, when Agbonlahor got one back for Villa, they were outclassed. Baras provided a rare glimpse of his capabilities, when he stormed down the right to deliver the cross, However, he flatters to deceive and is not playing as well as he as proved he can when playing for his country.
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Manchester Utd Vs Aston Villa
soccer and football
Manchester Utd Vs Aston Villa
Manchester Utd 3 - 1 Aston Villa
There is no stopping United, who continued their purple patch and took the points with a fine team effort.
Korean Ji-Sung Park, who has been busy all season without scoring, broke his duck in the eleventh minute. Gary Neville crossed into the box and the Villa defence failed to deal with it. Park was quickly onto the ball but was surrounded by Villa players. However, he confidently struck the ball past the lot of them, into the net. Two minutes later Park was the provider, as Carrick enrolled himself into the United shooting gallery, with a fine second goal.
Ronaldo continued his great run with yet another goal in the 35th minute. This time Carrick was the provider, demonstrating the prevailing consistency in the team. This was on the day the Portuguese star received his second successive Player of the Month award. It would be a brave man betting against him getting a third, even with Henry back in the Arsenal line-up!
You would have to say that except for a moment in the 52nd minute, when Agbonlahor got one back for Villa, they were outclassed. Baras provided a rare glimpse of his capabilities, when he stormed down the right to deliver the cross, However, he flatters to deceive and is not playing as well as he as proved he can when playing for his country.
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Manchester Utd Vs Aston Villa
soccer and football
Manchester Utd Vs Aston Villa
Monday, January 08, 2007
Grand Larrsony As Solksjaer Steals It
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Manchester United 2 - 1 Aston Villa
Yet again Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solksjaer proved to be a match winner, although why he was introduced with only 12 minutes left made Sir Alec Ferguson's decisions questionable. He has recruited Henrik Larrson, supposedly for a twelve week period, and you might ask whether he is spending his clubs money wisely! This blog has long been a Solskjaer supporter, and we thought we had seen the last of the daft decisions, to use him only in a substitute capacity!
That being said if you have a surfeit of talented players you cannot play them all at the same time, but can Larrson really do anything with a football that Solksjaer can't? Although it was Larrson who put United ahead in the 55th minute he missed a sitter in the 37th minute that Solksjaer might well have had in the back of the net. That Larrson scored at all was ironic for Martin O' Neil who was his boss at Celtic. Arguably United have a good enough side without him, but it must be reluctantly admitted that if they hadn't signed him, Villa might have and the result could have been different. Ah well, who knows, but it was Solksjaer who scored the winner!
Although not playing up to expectations United were the quality side throughout giving Villa few chances, but when Milan Baras equalised in the 74th minute a draw began to look likely. Indeed that was the case after 90 minutes, but much to O'Neil's disgust four minutes extra time was allotted. In fact, only 30 seconds were required before Solksjaer got the winner, after a glaring error by the Villa keeper as the ball slid under his body.
There are many who will believe that Villa deserved a draw, but O'Neil will be man enough to admit that United were gifted their win by his goalkeeper. If Sir Alec is equally honest, he will admit that there is not a man more deserving of his place in his team, than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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Manchester Utd Vs Aston Villa
soccer and football
Manchester Utd Vs Aston Villa
Manchester United 2 - 1 Aston Villa
Yet again Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solksjaer proved to be a match winner, although why he was introduced with only 12 minutes left made Sir Alec Ferguson's decisions questionable. He has recruited Henrik Larrson, supposedly for a twelve week period, and you might ask whether he is spending his clubs money wisely! This blog has long been a Solskjaer supporter, and we thought we had seen the last of the daft decisions, to use him only in a substitute capacity!
That being said if you have a surfeit of talented players you cannot play them all at the same time, but can Larrson really do anything with a football that Solksjaer can't? Although it was Larrson who put United ahead in the 55th minute he missed a sitter in the 37th minute that Solksjaer might well have had in the back of the net. That Larrson scored at all was ironic for Martin O' Neil who was his boss at Celtic. Arguably United have a good enough side without him, but it must be reluctantly admitted that if they hadn't signed him, Villa might have and the result could have been different. Ah well, who knows, but it was Solksjaer who scored the winner!
Although not playing up to expectations United were the quality side throughout giving Villa few chances, but when Milan Baras equalised in the 74th minute a draw began to look likely. Indeed that was the case after 90 minutes, but much to O'Neil's disgust four minutes extra time was allotted. In fact, only 30 seconds were required before Solksjaer got the winner, after a glaring error by the Villa keeper as the ball slid under his body.
There are many who will believe that Villa deserved a draw, but O'Neil will be man enough to admit that United were gifted their win by his goalkeeper. If Sir Alec is equally honest, he will admit that there is not a man more deserving of his place in his team, than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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Manchester Utd Vs Aston Villa
soccer and football
Manchester Utd Vs Aston Villa
Sunday, January 07, 2007
There's No Doubting Thomas - But Henry Seals It!
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Liverpool 1 - 3 Arsenal
The Londoners dismissed the cup holders, by inflicting upon them, their first defeat at their home ground, for ten months.
The first half was fairly quiet with neither of the stand-in keepers having that much to do. Although Liverpool were having most of the early possession, it was Arsenal who broke the ice, with a slick move that produced a goal from nothing! Alexander Hleb crossed the ball to Thomas Rosicky who passed it back. Then Hleb delivered another pass back to Rosicky, which was smartly directed into the net from about 20 yards, to put the visitors in front. Just before half time they want further ahead when Rosicky, not most noted for his shooting ability, scored again. It was a very well taken goal, but you would have to criticise the Liverpool defence, because five of their players surrounding Rosicky seemed to be rooted to the ground. They were either unwilling, or unable to make a challenge, so he gratefully thumped the ball home!
Liverpool came out all fired up for the start of the second half, and although they were constantly attacking they were somehow unconvincing! However, they got a goal back in the 70th minute, from Pennant's corner. Crouch headed forward to Kuyt who nodded home to put the game in some doubt. Arsenal were a bit bogged down in their own half when suddenly Henry burst forward and went speeding down the left flank. He classily beat Carragher before stroking the ball past Dudek in the 84th minute.
So a great solo effort from their French Captain clinched the game for Arsenal. If this is what he can do whilst working his way back from enforced absence, what will he achieve when fully fit?
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Liverpool Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Arsenal
Liverpool 1 - 3 Arsenal
The Londoners dismissed the cup holders, by inflicting upon them, their first defeat at their home ground, for ten months.
The first half was fairly quiet with neither of the stand-in keepers having that much to do. Although Liverpool were having most of the early possession, it was Arsenal who broke the ice, with a slick move that produced a goal from nothing! Alexander Hleb crossed the ball to Thomas Rosicky who passed it back. Then Hleb delivered another pass back to Rosicky, which was smartly directed into the net from about 20 yards, to put the visitors in front. Just before half time they want further ahead when Rosicky, not most noted for his shooting ability, scored again. It was a very well taken goal, but you would have to criticise the Liverpool defence, because five of their players surrounding Rosicky seemed to be rooted to the ground. They were either unwilling, or unable to make a challenge, so he gratefully thumped the ball home!
Liverpool came out all fired up for the start of the second half, and although they were constantly attacking they were somehow unconvincing! However, they got a goal back in the 70th minute, from Pennant's corner. Crouch headed forward to Kuyt who nodded home to put the game in some doubt. Arsenal were a bit bogged down in their own half when suddenly Henry burst forward and went speeding down the left flank. He classily beat Carragher before stroking the ball past Dudek in the 84th minute.
So a great solo effort from their French Captain clinched the game for Arsenal. If this is what he can do whilst working his way back from enforced absence, what will he achieve when fully fit?
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Liverpool Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Arsenal
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Thierry Buries Charlton
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Arsenal 4 - 0 Charlton
Arsenal displaced Bolton, for fourth place in the Premiership, with a fine display at their Emirates stadium.
The match featured the return of the Gunners chief shooter and captain Thierry Henry, who has come back as hungry as ever as evidenced by his performance. He was involved in three of his teams' four goals, and his ability on the field is equalled by the leadership that inspires his team mates. Although Arsenal have performed satisfactorily in his absence, with the likes of Gilberto and Van Persie, in scintillating form, it would not be difficult to imagine that they would have been nearer the top if Thierry had been available sooner.
It was Arsenal's obvious superiority that resulted in their first goal after 30 minutes. Sankofa was sent off for a blatant foul on Van Persie, and Henry coolly converted from the spot. Henry was again involved when Hoyte put his side two up just before the interval, and there was no way back for the ten men of Charlton. Henry was brought down in the box in the 76th minute, but he generously allowed Van Persie to fire home the spot kick. Even then the Gunners were not finished and Van Persie made it four in the 90th minute.
You could say that Charlton were lucky that Arsenal didn't score twice as many, as their best player was Carson, their goalkeeper! It might be too late for Arsenal to make up the ground they have lost to the Premiership leaders, but strange things can happen - it's a funny old game!
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Arsenal Vs Charlton
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Charlton
Arsenal 4 - 0 Charlton
Arsenal displaced Bolton, for fourth place in the Premiership, with a fine display at their Emirates stadium.
The match featured the return of the Gunners chief shooter and captain Thierry Henry, who has come back as hungry as ever as evidenced by his performance. He was involved in three of his teams' four goals, and his ability on the field is equalled by the leadership that inspires his team mates. Although Arsenal have performed satisfactorily in his absence, with the likes of Gilberto and Van Persie, in scintillating form, it would not be difficult to imagine that they would have been nearer the top if Thierry had been available sooner.
It was Arsenal's obvious superiority that resulted in their first goal after 30 minutes. Sankofa was sent off for a blatant foul on Van Persie, and Henry coolly converted from the spot. Henry was again involved when Hoyte put his side two up just before the interval, and there was no way back for the ten men of Charlton. Henry was brought down in the box in the 76th minute, but he generously allowed Van Persie to fire home the spot kick. Even then the Gunners were not finished and Van Persie made it four in the 90th minute.
You could say that Charlton were lucky that Arsenal didn't score twice as many, as their best player was Carson, their goalkeeper! It might be too late for Arsenal to make up the ground they have lost to the Premiership leaders, but strange things can happen - it's a funny old game!
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Arsenal Vs Charlton
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Charlton
Chelsea Fail to Take Advantage
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Aston Villa 0 - 0 Chelsea
There is no disgrace in only drawing against Aston Villa away from home, but despite Jose Mourinho's claim to be happy, this was a game he would dearly loved to have won, to put pressure on his chief adversary! Villa have gone off the boil after a fine start to the season and you could have expected Chelsea to see them off. However, that did not happen so they remain six points behind, or put another way they have to win two more of their Premiership fixtures than United do. It can be done of course, but as they say a bird in hand………! It cannot be absolutely certain that an outsider will not prevail, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal stalking!
In this game the only shots on target were from Drogba and Lampard. Drogba missed his chance early on, when he received a fine cross from Essien and sent it over the bar. Lampard followed suit when he should have sealed it right at the end. Chelsea have their injury problems, including those of John Terry and Peter Cech, but you might have thought that their shooting stars would see them through!
Villa will be satisfied with their point, because they are having an up and down season but will expect to bounce back under Martin O' Neil. However, Chelsea need to get back to their winning ways if they want to be Champions again. On paper they have a wealth of scoring talent, but it will have to come off the drawing board and onto the pitch because even the ubiquitous Drogba can have an off day!
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Aston Villa Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Aston Villa Vs Chelsea
Aston Villa 0 - 0 Chelsea
There is no disgrace in only drawing against Aston Villa away from home, but despite Jose Mourinho's claim to be happy, this was a game he would dearly loved to have won, to put pressure on his chief adversary! Villa have gone off the boil after a fine start to the season and you could have expected Chelsea to see them off. However, that did not happen so they remain six points behind, or put another way they have to win two more of their Premiership fixtures than United do. It can be done of course, but as they say a bird in hand………! It cannot be absolutely certain that an outsider will not prevail, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal stalking!
In this game the only shots on target were from Drogba and Lampard. Drogba missed his chance early on, when he received a fine cross from Essien and sent it over the bar. Lampard followed suit when he should have sealed it right at the end. Chelsea have their injury problems, including those of John Terry and Peter Cech, but you might have thought that their shooting stars would see them through!
Villa will be satisfied with their point, because they are having an up and down season but will expect to bounce back under Martin O' Neil. However, Chelsea need to get back to their winning ways if they want to be Champions again. On paper they have a wealth of scoring talent, but it will have to come off the drawing board and onto the pitch because even the ubiquitous Drogba can have an off day!
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Aston Villa Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Aston Villa Vs Chelsea
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Edgar Ends United's Festivities
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Newcastle 2 - 2 Manchester United
After Paul Scholes had done his utmost to win this match for United, their unblemished Christmas record was spoilt by nineteen year old David Edgar.
Milner put Newcastle ahead in the 33rd minute, when he beat Gary Neville and booted home from 25 yards. However, their lead was short lived because seven minutes later Scholes levelled for United at a ground he loves to score at. So at the interval it was all square.
Almost immediately the game resumed the visitors went ahead, when another Scholes screamer was deflected past Given. Then United, who had seemed to relax, were punished for taking a foot, or two, off the gas! Milner got the ball to rookie defender David Edgar, whose long range shot beat Van der Sar.
Rooney, Ronaldo and Park had chances to seal it for United but failed to get a winning goal. So, if Chelsea beat Aston Villa there will be only four points separating the top two, who at this stage of the season seem to be a matched pair!
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Newcastle Vs Manchester Utd
soccer and football
Newcastle Vs Manchester Utd
Newcastle 2 - 2 Manchester United
After Paul Scholes had done his utmost to win this match for United, their unblemished Christmas record was spoilt by nineteen year old David Edgar.
Milner put Newcastle ahead in the 33rd minute, when he beat Gary Neville and booted home from 25 yards. However, their lead was short lived because seven minutes later Scholes levelled for United at a ground he loves to score at. So at the interval it was all square.
Almost immediately the game resumed the visitors went ahead, when another Scholes screamer was deflected past Given. Then United, who had seemed to relax, were punished for taking a foot, or two, off the gas! Milner got the ball to rookie defender David Edgar, whose long range shot beat Van der Sar.
Rooney, Ronaldo and Park had chances to seal it for United but failed to get a winning goal. So, if Chelsea beat Aston Villa there will be only four points separating the top two, who at this stage of the season seem to be a matched pair!
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Newcastle Vs Manchester Utd
soccer and football
Newcastle Vs Manchester Utd
ACRO-OUCH!
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Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton
Crouch has an incredible way of silencing his critics, and did so by demonstrating again that he is nearly as good upside down as right way up! After a goalless first half the Liverpool man proved why he is head and shoulders above the opposition, and not just in stature. In a move initiated by Dirk Kuyt, Pennant got the ball somewhere near Crouch, who produced a miraculous scissor kick to shoot his side ahead in the 61st minute.
Crouch's goal was just the spark to set Liverpool on fire. Two minutes later, in the 63rd minute the busy Kuyt crossed the ball to Gerrard who hammered in a fine volley. The Flying Dutchman made it three for the home side, when he fired home from a difficult angle in the 83rd minute.
Interviewed afterwards, Bolton manager Sam Allardyce seemed to suggest that the heavy Christmas programme had taken its toll on his players. He forgot to say that Crouch was not the only acrobat, as Liverpool leapfrogged over his side to lie third in the Premiership.
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Liverpool Vs Bolton
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Bolton
Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton
Crouch has an incredible way of silencing his critics, and did so by demonstrating again that he is nearly as good upside down as right way up! After a goalless first half the Liverpool man proved why he is head and shoulders above the opposition, and not just in stature. In a move initiated by Dirk Kuyt, Pennant got the ball somewhere near Crouch, who produced a miraculous scissor kick to shoot his side ahead in the 61st minute.
Crouch's goal was just the spark to set Liverpool on fire. Two minutes later, in the 63rd minute the busy Kuyt crossed the ball to Gerrard who hammered in a fine volley. The Flying Dutchman made it three for the home side, when he fired home from a difficult angle in the 83rd minute.
Interviewed afterwards, Bolton manager Sam Allardyce seemed to suggest that the heavy Christmas programme had taken its toll on his players. He forgot to say that Crouch was not the only acrobat, as Liverpool leapfrogged over his side to lie third in the Premiership.
Tags:
Liverpool Vs Bolton
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Bolton
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