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Liverpool Too Good Toulouse!
There was an emotional start to the evening, when Liverpool followed Everton's Saturday example, by paying tribute to Rhys Jones, the eleven-year-old Everton fan, who was murdered in the city last Wednesday. There was a period of applause for the little boy, followed by a heartfelt rendition of Liverpool anthem; You'll Never Walk Alone. Rhys's parents were on the touchline in their Everton shirts. They had the sympathy, not just of the players, but also of the packed Anfield arena, and no doubt millions of television viewers, unable to understand the reason for this appalling and senseless crime.
As far as the match was concerned, it was a bit of a one sided affair. Although the Reds won by four goals, it could easily have been twice as many. Crouch opened the scoring, when he received a superb cross from Kuyt, which he flicked home brilliantly with an outstretched leg. However, he had the opportunities to score two or three more goals. He may have had his shooting boots on, but he didn't seem nearly so accurate with his head. He may not be well suited by Raphael's controversial rotation policy!
After the interval Hypia performed bravely to nab Liverpool's second goal. It was reported that he had broken his nose, in his sides Saturday game, so to put it in harms way required courage, but he rose to the occasion, beating the opposition to forcefully head home.
Kuyt had a good night, and was always a threat. He was rewarded, when he exchanged passes with Babel, and pushed the ball home. Liverpool were cruising to victory, and just to rub it in, Kuyt made it four in the dying seconds.
It was a very easy victory when not much could be said about Toulouse's chances, because they didn't have any! So Liverpool won, by taking at least some of their many chances, but there are harder games ahead - that's for sure!
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Liverpool Vs Toulouse
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Toulouse
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Manchester United 1 - 0 Tottenham
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United Must - But Only Just
This was a match the champions had to win, to get back on track, and they succeeded but only just. Tottenham were disappointed, as they could easily have bagged maximum points for themselves, but remember they have not beaten United at Old Trafford for around 15 years!
Tottenham nearly upset the applecart, when they just missed out in the first minute. Berbatov and Malbranque, did well to get the ball to Keane, whose shot hit the bar. The first half hour or so was all Spurs, with Berbatov tantalising and all but scoring, when Vidic saved the day with Van der Saar beaten. United then seemed to get it together with newfound confidence, and both Giggs and Scholes went close.
After the interval Spurs came out, seemingly rejuvenated, and started the second half as they had the first. Berbatov slid the ball past Van der Saar, only for Rio Ferdinand to speed in, and clear off the line. Then the ball struck Wes Brown on its way to goal, and there were appeals for a penalty. Referee Webb dismissed the claims, and replays were not clear, as to whether the ball hit Brown's arm or chest, so the decision may have been justified.
Soon afterwards Nani scored for United, when he drove the ball into the net, from about 25 yards. As the home fans roared their approval, the Londoners tried hard to make amends. It was the Bulgarian Berbatov, who again went closest, but United held on. It is obvious, that they are missing one or two of their superstars, and although they are further up the table, they are some way behind league leaders, Chelsea.
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Man Utd Vs Tottenham
soccer and football
Man Utd Vs Tottenham
United Must - But Only Just
This was a match the champions had to win, to get back on track, and they succeeded but only just. Tottenham were disappointed, as they could easily have bagged maximum points for themselves, but remember they have not beaten United at Old Trafford for around 15 years!
Tottenham nearly upset the applecart, when they just missed out in the first minute. Berbatov and Malbranque, did well to get the ball to Keane, whose shot hit the bar. The first half hour or so was all Spurs, with Berbatov tantalising and all but scoring, when Vidic saved the day with Van der Saar beaten. United then seemed to get it together with newfound confidence, and both Giggs and Scholes went close.
After the interval Spurs came out, seemingly rejuvenated, and started the second half as they had the first. Berbatov slid the ball past Van der Saar, only for Rio Ferdinand to speed in, and clear off the line. Then the ball struck Wes Brown on its way to goal, and there were appeals for a penalty. Referee Webb dismissed the claims, and replays were not clear, as to whether the ball hit Brown's arm or chest, so the decision may have been justified.
Soon afterwards Nani scored for United, when he drove the ball into the net, from about 25 yards. As the home fans roared their approval, the Londoners tried hard to make amends. It was the Bulgarian Berbatov, who again went closest, but United held on. It is obvious, that they are missing one or two of their superstars, and although they are further up the table, they are some way behind league leaders, Chelsea.
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Man Utd Vs Tottenham
soccer and football
Man Utd Vs Tottenham
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Chelsea 1 - 0 Portsmouth
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Chelsea on Top
Thanks to Frank Lampard scoring the only goal of the match, and his third in a week, Chelsea go top of the Premiership. With arch rivals Manchester United, languishing away at the bottom of the table, things are looking good, or to put it another way, back to normal!
Lampard's goal came just after half an hours play, and was a low drive from about 20 yards out. Goalkeeper Cech thumped a mighty free kick down the field, and Drogba won the ball in a tussle with Sylvain Distin, and got it through to Lampard. David James will have his critics shouting, that he should have done more than slow the ball down, on its way to goal. However, he was at full stretch, and in all fairness, there are not many harder hitters of the ball than Lampard. Just ask Uncle Harry Redknapp!
England coach McClaren was in the stands, with his sidekick Terry Venables. No doubt they came to see whether James could be better than Paul Robinson. Let's face it; on current form just about anybody would be an improvement on Robinson, in the England goal anyway. If they want to try someone new - how about Kasper Schmeichel? This son of legend, Peter Schmeichel, has been doing very well for Manchester City. It has been suggested that dual nationality, could give him the opportunity to play for England. It may be too early, and too experimental - but one day perhaps!
Wright-Phillips made some sparkling runs, and it required a save from James to keep him out, and he narrowly missed with another shot. Drogba, as usual, was a tower of strength, and when he is not scoring he is usually in the thick of it. With three minutes to go, Ashley Cole headed off the line, otherwise the result would have been a draw. Chelsea just about deserved their win, from their attacking flair, but Pompey played their part and it was an entertaining game to watch.
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Chelsea Vs Portsmouth
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Portsmouth
Chelsea on Top
Thanks to Frank Lampard scoring the only goal of the match, and his third in a week, Chelsea go top of the Premiership. With arch rivals Manchester United, languishing away at the bottom of the table, things are looking good, or to put it another way, back to normal!
Lampard's goal came just after half an hours play, and was a low drive from about 20 yards out. Goalkeeper Cech thumped a mighty free kick down the field, and Drogba won the ball in a tussle with Sylvain Distin, and got it through to Lampard. David James will have his critics shouting, that he should have done more than slow the ball down, on its way to goal. However, he was at full stretch, and in all fairness, there are not many harder hitters of the ball than Lampard. Just ask Uncle Harry Redknapp!
England coach McClaren was in the stands, with his sidekick Terry Venables. No doubt they came to see whether James could be better than Paul Robinson. Let's face it; on current form just about anybody would be an improvement on Robinson, in the England goal anyway. If they want to try someone new - how about Kasper Schmeichel? This son of legend, Peter Schmeichel, has been doing very well for Manchester City. It has been suggested that dual nationality, could give him the opportunity to play for England. It may be too early, and too experimental - but one day perhaps!
Wright-Phillips made some sparkling runs, and it required a save from James to keep him out, and he narrowly missed with another shot. Drogba, as usual, was a tower of strength, and when he is not scoring he is usually in the thick of it. With three minutes to go, Ashley Cole headed off the line, otherwise the result would have been a draw. Chelsea just about deserved their win, from their attacking flair, but Pompey played their part and it was an entertaining game to watch.
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Chelsea Vs Portsmouth
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Portsmouth
Thursday, August 23, 2007
England 1 - 2 Germany
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England Surrender to Germany
Frank Lampard opened the score for England after only nine minutes. Some booing at the start, suggested he was not the most popular player on the pitch, but he soon silenced his critics. He received the ball from Micah Richards, who is proving to be a revelation, both for Manchester City, and the national squad. Lamps did not mess about, and struck the ball home fiercely from about 12 yards, to net his first international goal for twelve months.
England had started well, and soon gave the 90,000 crowd something to cheer about. However, it was short lived, as the lead was weakly conceded in the 26th minute, when Germany equalised.
Paul Robinson made a good save to deny Hitzlsperger, but when the ball spun to Bernd Schneider, he had got himself into a hopeless position. He tried to back pedal, but could only fumble the ball to Kuranyl, who gratefully accepted the gift, and slid it home. Robinson must have hoped that the ground would open and swallow him up, as did almost everybody else in the stadium!
Beckham was causing trouble with the accurate passes that are his forte, from which Smith and Lampard had chances, but they failed to add to the score. Then after 40 minutes Germany went ahead, when Pander beat Robinson. Owen went close to equalising for the home side, but although he seems to have recovered from recent injuries, he may not yet be 100% match fit.
James, predictably replaced Robinson after the interval. Dyer and Crouch replaced Owen and Smith, and Carrick gave way to Gareth Barry. All the substitutes were in vain though, and a relatively weak German side took the honours. Of course it was only a friendly, so it didn't count so much as denting England's pride!
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England Vs Germany
soccer and football
England Vs Germany
England Surrender to Germany
Frank Lampard opened the score for England after only nine minutes. Some booing at the start, suggested he was not the most popular player on the pitch, but he soon silenced his critics. He received the ball from Micah Richards, who is proving to be a revelation, both for Manchester City, and the national squad. Lamps did not mess about, and struck the ball home fiercely from about 12 yards, to net his first international goal for twelve months.
England had started well, and soon gave the 90,000 crowd something to cheer about. However, it was short lived, as the lead was weakly conceded in the 26th minute, when Germany equalised.
Paul Robinson made a good save to deny Hitzlsperger, but when the ball spun to Bernd Schneider, he had got himself into a hopeless position. He tried to back pedal, but could only fumble the ball to Kuranyl, who gratefully accepted the gift, and slid it home. Robinson must have hoped that the ground would open and swallow him up, as did almost everybody else in the stadium!
Beckham was causing trouble with the accurate passes that are his forte, from which Smith and Lampard had chances, but they failed to add to the score. Then after 40 minutes Germany went ahead, when Pander beat Robinson. Owen went close to equalising for the home side, but although he seems to have recovered from recent injuries, he may not yet be 100% match fit.
James, predictably replaced Robinson after the interval. Dyer and Crouch replaced Owen and Smith, and Carrick gave way to Gareth Barry. All the substitutes were in vain though, and a relatively weak German side took the honours. Of course it was only a friendly, so it didn't count so much as denting England's pride!
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England Vs Germany
soccer and football
England Vs Germany
Monday, August 20, 2007
Manchester Citying On Top of the Premiership!
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Man City 1 - 0 Man Utd
How long does it take for a villain to become a hero? Not very long, because it seems like no time at all since Sven Goran Eriksson was getting the big stick as England's manager.
When Sven was appointed manager at City there were many doubters, but after a fine start to the season, with two wins already in the bag, they were starting to cheer. Surely their third match, against arch rivals Manchester United, would be a much sterner test. So it was, but again they triumphed and the cheers became a crescendo.
Manchester City are now sitting on top of the Premiership. Of course nobody expects them to be there at the end of the season, but if they were in the first six, what an achievement that would be. You don’t have to be a genius to realise that the best club managers, don’t always make the best national side bosses. Sven was a highly successful club manager, and if first, or third, impressions are anything to go by, he might just be the spark required to set the City of Manchester Stadium alight!
Of course United were without Ronaldo, Rooney and Saha, who were sorely missed. They did have Tevez who, despite a £35 million price tag, did not seem fully settled. Still it’s early days so give the man a chance!
Against the run of play, City went ahead after 31 minutes, when Brazilian midfielder Geovanni struck the ball home from twenty yards out. It took a slight deflection off Vidic, on its way to beating Van der Saar. Although United had an hour to get at least level, they failed to do so, and one goal was enough.
United pressed hard, had most of the possession, and did everything but get the ball in the back of the net. Kasper Schmeichel, son of legend Peter, was excellent in the City Goal. He was ably assisted by skipper Richard Dunne, and the 19 year old Micah Richards, who defended superbly.
After the game Sven admitted that United had most of the possession, and most of the shots. However, they didn't score and his team did. At this rate he could soon endear himself to the British public. In certain parts of Manchester at least!
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Man City Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Man City Vs Man Utd
Man City 1 - 0 Man Utd
How long does it take for a villain to become a hero? Not very long, because it seems like no time at all since Sven Goran Eriksson was getting the big stick as England's manager.
When Sven was appointed manager at City there were many doubters, but after a fine start to the season, with two wins already in the bag, they were starting to cheer. Surely their third match, against arch rivals Manchester United, would be a much sterner test. So it was, but again they triumphed and the cheers became a crescendo.
Manchester City are now sitting on top of the Premiership. Of course nobody expects them to be there at the end of the season, but if they were in the first six, what an achievement that would be. You don’t have to be a genius to realise that the best club managers, don’t always make the best national side bosses. Sven was a highly successful club manager, and if first, or third, impressions are anything to go by, he might just be the spark required to set the City of Manchester Stadium alight!
Of course United were without Ronaldo, Rooney and Saha, who were sorely missed. They did have Tevez who, despite a £35 million price tag, did not seem fully settled. Still it’s early days so give the man a chance!
Against the run of play, City went ahead after 31 minutes, when Brazilian midfielder Geovanni struck the ball home from twenty yards out. It took a slight deflection off Vidic, on its way to beating Van der Saar. Although United had an hour to get at least level, they failed to do so, and one goal was enough.
United pressed hard, had most of the possession, and did everything but get the ball in the back of the net. Kasper Schmeichel, son of legend Peter, was excellent in the City Goal. He was ably assisted by skipper Richard Dunne, and the 19 year old Micah Richards, who defended superbly.
After the game Sven admitted that United had most of the possession, and most of the shots. However, they didn't score and his team did. At this rate he could soon endear himself to the British public. In certain parts of Manchester at least!
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Man City Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Man City Vs Man Utd
Liverpool Robbed at Anfield!
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Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
This was a game that threatened to get out of control, by some very dubious refereeing. It may be that the two sides were somewhat evenly matched, but Chelsea's equaliser came courtesy of the referee. Only the very biased amongst the 45,000 fans, would have agreed that the penalty was justified.
Torres's goal for Liverpool, after 16 minutes, was worth the entrance money. He received a long ball from Steven Gerrard and, having positioned himself perfectly, fired the sweetest of shots in off the far post. In fact the home side could have gone further ahead minutes later, but Essien misjudged Pennant's cross. Gerrard then got in on the action, and might have worried Cech, had Lampard not been in the way.
Chelsea do not give up easily, although they sometimes seem to niggle a lot. Lampard delivered a free kick, that John Terry should have put away, but perhaps he was a match short of being at his sharpest.
Although Chelsea were back in the game after the interval, they were astonishingly handed their best chance on a plate, in the 62nd minute. Finnan collided with Malouda, who went down so easily, that it was a dive by any other name. It should have been Malouda who was penalised, but Rob Styles pointed to the penalty spot. Frank Lampard must have thought it was Christmas, as he coolly took the penalty kick, and drove the ball home.
This was a game that finished up with an amazing 9 yellow cards. Essien thought he had been booked, when Styles raised his arm holding another yellow, and you would have needed to be a mind reader to know that he had actually booked captain, John Terry.
So this was a controversial game that was allowed to become ill tempered, through some rather odd refereeing. There are sour grapes and there are injustices. This was a case of the latter.
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Liverpool Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
This was a game that threatened to get out of control, by some very dubious refereeing. It may be that the two sides were somewhat evenly matched, but Chelsea's equaliser came courtesy of the referee. Only the very biased amongst the 45,000 fans, would have agreed that the penalty was justified.
Torres's goal for Liverpool, after 16 minutes, was worth the entrance money. He received a long ball from Steven Gerrard and, having positioned himself perfectly, fired the sweetest of shots in off the far post. In fact the home side could have gone further ahead minutes later, but Essien misjudged Pennant's cross. Gerrard then got in on the action, and might have worried Cech, had Lampard not been in the way.
Chelsea do not give up easily, although they sometimes seem to niggle a lot. Lampard delivered a free kick, that John Terry should have put away, but perhaps he was a match short of being at his sharpest.
Although Chelsea were back in the game after the interval, they were astonishingly handed their best chance on a plate, in the 62nd minute. Finnan collided with Malouda, who went down so easily, that it was a dive by any other name. It should have been Malouda who was penalised, but Rob Styles pointed to the penalty spot. Frank Lampard must have thought it was Christmas, as he coolly took the penalty kick, and drove the ball home.
This was a game that finished up with an amazing 9 yellow cards. Essien thought he had been booked, when Styles raised his arm holding another yellow, and you would have needed to be a mind reader to know that he had actually booked captain, John Terry.
So this was a controversial game that was allowed to become ill tempered, through some rather odd refereeing. There are sour grapes and there are injustices. This was a case of the latter.
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Liverpool Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Manchester Win Again - But This Time It’s City!
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Man City 1 - 0 Derby
Manchester City's new boss seems to be silencing his critics, and has at least started to justify his new £8 million contract.
City have now won their first two games without conceding a goal, but it was this home win, after a bit of a drought, that was something special.
Who says that money doesn't talk. What with an £80 million takeover, £38 million on new players, and Sven's not inconsiderable salary, it is starting to look as though you get what you pay for! Six points from the first two games, is distinctly encouraging, just ask Sir Alex Ferguson! Makes you look forward, this coming weekend, to the clash of the two Manchesters, otherwise known as the Sven and Alex show.
Manchester City looked a composed side, and played with some quality and purpose, throughout the first half. However, it was Derby who missed a good opportunity after 38 minutes. Stephen Pearson broke away, but allowed Richards to put him off, and his shot didn't trouble keeper Schmeichel.
Despite their significant expenditure on the likes of Elana and Petrov, it was 19 years old Academy boy, Michael Johnson's goal that won the match for City in the 43rd minute. In a smart move with Brazilian Elana, Johnson curled the ball in from the edge of the area.
After the interval, the home side would have liked to have clinched it with a second goal. As it happened their first half goal was enough to win the match, and treat the fans to a confidence building victory.
It is perhaps too early, to determine newly promoted Derby's chances of staying in the Premiership. It is tough at the top but they have been there before!
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Man City Vs Derby
soccer and football
Man City Vs Derby
Man City 1 - 0 Derby
Manchester City's new boss seems to be silencing his critics, and has at least started to justify his new £8 million contract.
City have now won their first two games without conceding a goal, but it was this home win, after a bit of a drought, that was something special.
Who says that money doesn't talk. What with an £80 million takeover, £38 million on new players, and Sven's not inconsiderable salary, it is starting to look as though you get what you pay for! Six points from the first two games, is distinctly encouraging, just ask Sir Alex Ferguson! Makes you look forward, this coming weekend, to the clash of the two Manchesters, otherwise known as the Sven and Alex show.
Manchester City looked a composed side, and played with some quality and purpose, throughout the first half. However, it was Derby who missed a good opportunity after 38 minutes. Stephen Pearson broke away, but allowed Richards to put him off, and his shot didn't trouble keeper Schmeichel.
Despite their significant expenditure on the likes of Elana and Petrov, it was 19 years old Academy boy, Michael Johnson's goal that won the match for City in the 43rd minute. In a smart move with Brazilian Elana, Johnson curled the ball in from the edge of the area.
After the interval, the home side would have liked to have clinched it with a second goal. As it happened their first half goal was enough to win the match, and treat the fans to a confidence building victory.
It is perhaps too early, to determine newly promoted Derby's chances of staying in the Premiership. It is tough at the top but they have been there before!
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Man City Vs Derby
soccer and football
Man City Vs Derby
Ronaldo Sees Red - Sir Alex Sees Blue
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Portsmouth 1 - 1 Man Utd
Two points from their first two games is not a disaster, nor does it look like the stuff of champions. The trouble is that if you fall behind at this stage of the season, it takes some making up. Blue will not be Sir Alex's favourite colour, as Chelsea now have six points from their first two games, as have the pale blues of the invigorated Manchester City. It makes the impending clash between the two Manchesters, all the more interesting. With Rooney injured and Ronaldo suspended, Sven Goran Eriksson might just fancy his chances.
New man Tevez, who will eventually cost United £35 million, was in the starting line up for the injured Rooney. He combined with Nana, to set up a Paul Scholes special, which opened the scoring in the 15th Minute. He blasted the ball home giving James little chance.
Ronaldo always looked dangerous, as he weaved his way forward, and could have put United two up in the 36th minute, but for the agility of goalkeeper James. Even so the ball spun away to Tevez whose shot was only narrowly off target.
It had just seemed a matter of time before United's persistence put them ahead. But it was not to be and the superb Benjani levelled in the 52nd minute. He nearly got another minutes later, but was denied by Van der Saar, who in turn was saved by Patrick Evra’s block, that sent Nugent’s effort over the bar.
United came back hard, but despite good efforts from Ronaldo, and Giggs, they were unable to grab a winner. Late in the game Muntari was sent off for a second yellow. Then Ronaldo got a straight red, for a threatened head but, or something of the sort. There didn't seem to be much malice, but the referee was on the spot, and rules are rules. His three-match ban may prove to be very expensive, especially with Wayne Rooney already sidelined for entirely different reasons.
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Portsmouth Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Portsmouth Vs Man Utd
Portsmouth 1 - 1 Man Utd
Two points from their first two games is not a disaster, nor does it look like the stuff of champions. The trouble is that if you fall behind at this stage of the season, it takes some making up. Blue will not be Sir Alex's favourite colour, as Chelsea now have six points from their first two games, as have the pale blues of the invigorated Manchester City. It makes the impending clash between the two Manchesters, all the more interesting. With Rooney injured and Ronaldo suspended, Sven Goran Eriksson might just fancy his chances.
New man Tevez, who will eventually cost United £35 million, was in the starting line up for the injured Rooney. He combined with Nana, to set up a Paul Scholes special, which opened the scoring in the 15th Minute. He blasted the ball home giving James little chance.
Ronaldo always looked dangerous, as he weaved his way forward, and could have put United two up in the 36th minute, but for the agility of goalkeeper James. Even so the ball spun away to Tevez whose shot was only narrowly off target.
It had just seemed a matter of time before United's persistence put them ahead. But it was not to be and the superb Benjani levelled in the 52nd minute. He nearly got another minutes later, but was denied by Van der Saar, who in turn was saved by Patrick Evra’s block, that sent Nugent’s effort over the bar.
United came back hard, but despite good efforts from Ronaldo, and Giggs, they were unable to grab a winner. Late in the game Muntari was sent off for a second yellow. Then Ronaldo got a straight red, for a threatened head but, or something of the sort. There didn't seem to be much malice, but the referee was on the spot, and rules are rules. His three-match ban may prove to be very expensive, especially with Wayne Rooney already sidelined for entirely different reasons.
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Portsmouth Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Portsmouth Vs Man Utd
Reading Sunk by Lamps and Drogba!
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Reading 1 - 2 Chelsea
Steve Coppell's luck seems to be the opposite of the recent big lottery winner. She won £35 million, but Steve drew Manchester United away, and Chelsea at home, so how unlucky can you get?
Reading did well to make a point at Old Trafford on Sunday, but were criticised in some quarters for defensive tactics. However, there was not much wrong with the way Hahnemann kept saving shots from United's star line up.
Coppell was intent to go one better at home, and started with two strikers, rather than one. It nearly paid off too, when after 30 minutes Reading went ahead. Substitute Bikey, replaced the injured Michael Duberry. He took up a key position in the penalty area to await Shorey’s free kick. What happened next was pure theatre, and ready made for Question of Sport, bring on Sue Barker! Petr Cech, alias the best goalkeeper in the world, came out to punch the ball away, but inexplicably missed by a mile, well a foot or two anyway! Bikey must have thought that Christmas had come early, and he slid the ball home, unopposed.
Three minutes later, Reading were at it again and should have scored, what might have been a winning goal, but Oster's shot hit the post. Mourhino looked stern, but never fear he was only thinking, and planning ways to retaliate.
Sure enough, after the interval, Jose sent on striker Pizarro for Ferreira, and Mikel for Sidwell. Chelsea were transformed, and with their daring 4-2-4 formation, stormed into the attack. Two minutes into the second half Chelsea were level, when Drogba flicked the ball on to Lampard, who powered forward and slid it home to level the score.
Three minutes later Drogba, put the boot in, with the sort of one-man show that terrifies opposition defences. He blasted in a twenty yard shot, which Hahnemann had no chance of saving. Reading lost all hope, when Cisse was dismissed for a second yellow card.
Chelsea played two - won two - that's the way to do it!
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Reading Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Reading Vs Chelsea
Reading 1 - 2 Chelsea
Steve Coppell's luck seems to be the opposite of the recent big lottery winner. She won £35 million, but Steve drew Manchester United away, and Chelsea at home, so how unlucky can you get?
Reading did well to make a point at Old Trafford on Sunday, but were criticised in some quarters for defensive tactics. However, there was not much wrong with the way Hahnemann kept saving shots from United's star line up.
Coppell was intent to go one better at home, and started with two strikers, rather than one. It nearly paid off too, when after 30 minutes Reading went ahead. Substitute Bikey, replaced the injured Michael Duberry. He took up a key position in the penalty area to await Shorey’s free kick. What happened next was pure theatre, and ready made for Question of Sport, bring on Sue Barker! Petr Cech, alias the best goalkeeper in the world, came out to punch the ball away, but inexplicably missed by a mile, well a foot or two anyway! Bikey must have thought that Christmas had come early, and he slid the ball home, unopposed.
Three minutes later, Reading were at it again and should have scored, what might have been a winning goal, but Oster's shot hit the post. Mourhino looked stern, but never fear he was only thinking, and planning ways to retaliate.
Sure enough, after the interval, Jose sent on striker Pizarro for Ferreira, and Mikel for Sidwell. Chelsea were transformed, and with their daring 4-2-4 formation, stormed into the attack. Two minutes into the second half Chelsea were level, when Drogba flicked the ball on to Lampard, who powered forward and slid it home to level the score.
Three minutes later Drogba, put the boot in, with the sort of one-man show that terrifies opposition defences. He blasted in a twenty yard shot, which Hahnemann had no chance of saving. Reading lost all hope, when Cisse was dismissed for a second yellow card.
Chelsea played two - won two - that's the way to do it!
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Reading Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Reading Vs Chelsea
Monday, August 13, 2007
Man Utd 0 - 0 Reading
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Rooney Fractures Foot
This was not the start to the season the champions were looking for. Reading are not the most powerful opposition in the Premiership, and you would have to say that a goalless draw was a good result for them.
It was sad to see Wayne Rooney limping off at half time, with a hairline fracture to his left foot. The injury occurred in the 37th minute, when he was accidentally stamped on by Michael Duberry. It was a blow for United, and possibly England as well, depending on the severity of the injury, when it has been fully assessed.
Sir Alex Fergusson suggested in his programme notes, that it was vital for United to start winning from the word go, but he admitted at the end, that it just wasn't their day. How could he do otherwise?
United had most of the play without scoring. Reading were inspired by their American goalkeeper, Marcus Hanneman, who on this form is just as good as his countryman, Brad Friedel playing in the same role for Blackburn Rovers. He seemed to be always in the right place, at the right time. It is easy to see that a good goalkeeper is worth his weight in gold, or is it goals! Roy Keane seems to be relying on this philosophy, to continue his good run at Sunderland.
As it happened, Hannemann saved shots from Rooney, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Scholes, and Carrick, to name but five!
After the match Sir Alex commented that more keepers are man of the match at Old Trafford, than at any other ground in the country. If that’s not an endorsement for spending big bucks on good goalies, what is?
Tags:
Man Utd Vs Reading
soccer and football
Man Utd Vs Reading
Rooney Fractures Foot
This was not the start to the season the champions were looking for. Reading are not the most powerful opposition in the Premiership, and you would have to say that a goalless draw was a good result for them.
It was sad to see Wayne Rooney limping off at half time, with a hairline fracture to his left foot. The injury occurred in the 37th minute, when he was accidentally stamped on by Michael Duberry. It was a blow for United, and possibly England as well, depending on the severity of the injury, when it has been fully assessed.
Sir Alex Fergusson suggested in his programme notes, that it was vital for United to start winning from the word go, but he admitted at the end, that it just wasn't their day. How could he do otherwise?
United had most of the play without scoring. Reading were inspired by their American goalkeeper, Marcus Hanneman, who on this form is just as good as his countryman, Brad Friedel playing in the same role for Blackburn Rovers. He seemed to be always in the right place, at the right time. It is easy to see that a good goalkeeper is worth his weight in gold, or is it goals! Roy Keane seems to be relying on this philosophy, to continue his good run at Sunderland.
As it happened, Hannemann saved shots from Rooney, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Scholes, and Carrick, to name but five!
After the match Sir Alex commented that more keepers are man of the match at Old Trafford, than at any other ground in the country. If that’s not an endorsement for spending big bucks on good goalies, what is?
Tags:
Man Utd Vs Reading
soccer and football
Man Utd Vs Reading
Chelsea 3 - 2 Birmingham
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Chelsea Goal Blitz
This was as exciting a start to the new season as you could wish to pay for! There were four first half goals, and just one after the interval, that clinched it for Chelsea.
Birmingham played well, and would have deserved a point at least, but goalkeeper Colin Doyle was either having an off day, or a day off! Steve Bruce was not too hard on him, remembering that he was largely responsible for Birmingham’s promotion, when he saved a Wolves penalty, at the end of last season.
Against the odds, Birmingham went ahead in the 15th minute. Former Chelsea man Forssell had their fans singing, when he opened the scoring with a neat header. However they were soon silenced, as they were only ahead for two minutes, before Pizarro equalised. In an exhilarating display, Wright-Phillips powered away from Queudrue, to deliver the ball to Kalou who slipped it to Pizarro. He made no mistake and hammered the ball past Doyle to level the score.
Chelsea then went two up, when a skilful exchange between Lampard and Kalou, set up Malouda, who fired home, on 31 minutes. It seemed that Chelsea were about to go on the rampage, but they were stopped in their tracks, when Kapo eased round full back Glen Johnson, and delivered a rocket, that nearly went through the back of the net. The scores were level, with four goals in thirty-six minutes, and that is how it was at the interval.
Michael Essien got the sinner in the 50th minute. Malouda and Lampard went on the attack, and the ball was only partially cleared, by the Birmingham defence, into the path of Wright-Phillips, who passed it back to Essien. His shot was on target, but should have been easy for Doyle to stop. He didn’t and the result was three points for Chelsea.
It was an entertaining game that could have gone either way, but finished up as a fine start for Chelsea.
Tags:
Chelsea Vs Birmingham
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Birmingham
Chelsea Goal Blitz
This was as exciting a start to the new season as you could wish to pay for! There were four first half goals, and just one after the interval, that clinched it for Chelsea.
Birmingham played well, and would have deserved a point at least, but goalkeeper Colin Doyle was either having an off day, or a day off! Steve Bruce was not too hard on him, remembering that he was largely responsible for Birmingham’s promotion, when he saved a Wolves penalty, at the end of last season.
Against the odds, Birmingham went ahead in the 15th minute. Former Chelsea man Forssell had their fans singing, when he opened the scoring with a neat header. However they were soon silenced, as they were only ahead for two minutes, before Pizarro equalised. In an exhilarating display, Wright-Phillips powered away from Queudrue, to deliver the ball to Kalou who slipped it to Pizarro. He made no mistake and hammered the ball past Doyle to level the score.
Chelsea then went two up, when a skilful exchange between Lampard and Kalou, set up Malouda, who fired home, on 31 minutes. It seemed that Chelsea were about to go on the rampage, but they were stopped in their tracks, when Kapo eased round full back Glen Johnson, and delivered a rocket, that nearly went through the back of the net. The scores were level, with four goals in thirty-six minutes, and that is how it was at the interval.
Michael Essien got the sinner in the 50th minute. Malouda and Lampard went on the attack, and the ball was only partially cleared, by the Birmingham defence, into the path of Wright-Phillips, who passed it back to Essien. His shot was on target, but should have been easy for Doyle to stop. He didn’t and the result was three points for Chelsea.
It was an entertaining game that could have gone either way, but finished up as a fine start for Chelsea.
Tags:
Chelsea Vs Birmingham
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Birmingham
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