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Everton 1 - 4 Arsenal
Everton had the better of the first half, and played with justifiable confidence, which saw them move ahead after 19 minutes. An Everton corner resulted in a goalmouth scramble that enabled Cahill to push the ball home, in the confusion. The home side retained command, in the teeming rain, but they were not able to consolidate their lead with the visitor's just one goal behind at the interval.
Even though Everton had dominated the first half, Arsenal came out with more purpose after the break, and it was not long before they were rewarded. A long pass from Clichy found Eduardo, who calmly put his side level after 47 minutes, with his first Premiership goal, which on this showing will be the first of many. In fact about ten minutes later he was at it again. In a clever move he juggled the ball past Jagkielka, and beat Howard for a second time, in quick succession.
Yakubu was not having the best of games, and should have levelled for his side but his header was wide. Everton seemed to be offered a lifeline, when Bendtner was sent off after 74 minutes. Arsenal though, were having none of it and went further ahead, when there was a grave misunderstanding between goalkeeper Howard, and Joseph Yobo. They allowed the resourceful Adebayor to steal the ball, and waltz round them to tap it into an open goal.
Arteta was sent off in the 84th minute, when he elbowed Fabregas in the face. In all fairness it didn't seem to be with any malicious intent, but with his arms raised in the air, he left the referee with no option but to show him a red card.
Rosicky made it four goals for the Gunners in the 90th minute, but in the end the score line was somewhat flattering. Everton were not that bad, but it was Arsenal who made the most of their chances. With chief rivals Manchester United getting beaten by West Ham, they will be delighted to be back at the top, after a very brief spell playing second fiddle.
West Ham 2 - 1 Manchester United
Ronaldo's Rare Miss
Despite a good start, when Cristiano Ronaldo put them in front with a great header, from a fine Ryan Giggs cross, United were not at their best. Nor was their 'best in the world' winger, who unbelievably pulled a penalty shot wide. The ball hit Spector's arm, in the penalty area in the 66th minute, and he was rightly deemed to have handled it. Ronaldo strode forward to take the spot kick, but missed by a considerable margin, so he is only human after all!
West Ham didn't need letting off twice, and two fine set pieces settled the issue in the 77th and 82nd minutes, when Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson scored from similar, equally good headers. United have been hammered the last three times they have played West Ham in the Premiership. Sir Alex, who was banned to the stands for this game, must be wondering what his side have to do to beat them.
Elsewhere there was an amazing game at White Hart Lane, where Tottenham beat a determined Reading by six goals to four, with eight goals scored in the space of half an hour. Yet another Christmas treat for all the fans, including those in armchairs!
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Everton Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
West Ham Vs Manchester United
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Sunderland 0 - 4 Manchester United
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Sunderland Outclassed!
There is not much anybody could teach Roy Keane about Football, unless of course it happened to be Sir Alex Ferguson. The score line served to show the chasm between these two sides, and it would be easy to feel sorry for Sunderland, but that is the last thing Keane would want. However, his side are finding the Premiership a bit too hot to handle, and they will have to pull their socks up, if they don't want to be back playing in the Championship next year.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring after 20 minutes, when he found a large area of uninhabited space, and calmly tapped the ball home. Then he made United's second goal when he delivered the sweetest pass to set up Saha after 30 minutes.
Ronaldo scored an impossible goal, except for him, when after 45 minutes he drove in a free kick. He flighted the ball over the Sunderland wall and it rattled into the left corner of the net, giving the Sunderland keeper no chance. So, United had the game sewn up before the interval, because it would have been completely unrealistic to expect Sunderland to make much of a recovery.
After the interval Sunderland nearly got one back, when Kenwyne Jones almost beat Kuszczak. United had further chances through Nani and Rooney, but to say that they were in the comfort zone would be something of an understatement. Just when it seemed that they were satisfied with their three-goal lead, Nani was brought down in the area; And Saha easily made it four up for United, from the penalty spot.
In what has become an intriguing Christmas, United have come out on top and have overtaken Arsenal, who have played the same number of matches. However, it is to be hoped that they don't indulge in too much partying, until after Saturdays matches have been played! Elsewhere Portsmouth held Arsenal to a goalless draw. Liverpool struggled but beat Derby at the end - the very end! For sheer entertainment it had to be the four all draw between Chelsea and Aston Villa. Eight goals, three red cards, and drama galore. This was Christmas entertainment at its very best.
Tags:
Sunderland Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Sunderland Vs Manchester United
Sunderland Outclassed!
There is not much anybody could teach Roy Keane about Football, unless of course it happened to be Sir Alex Ferguson. The score line served to show the chasm between these two sides, and it would be easy to feel sorry for Sunderland, but that is the last thing Keane would want. However, his side are finding the Premiership a bit too hot to handle, and they will have to pull their socks up, if they don't want to be back playing in the Championship next year.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring after 20 minutes, when he found a large area of uninhabited space, and calmly tapped the ball home. Then he made United's second goal when he delivered the sweetest pass to set up Saha after 30 minutes.
Ronaldo scored an impossible goal, except for him, when after 45 minutes he drove in a free kick. He flighted the ball over the Sunderland wall and it rattled into the left corner of the net, giving the Sunderland keeper no chance. So, United had the game sewn up before the interval, because it would have been completely unrealistic to expect Sunderland to make much of a recovery.
After the interval Sunderland nearly got one back, when Kenwyne Jones almost beat Kuszczak. United had further chances through Nani and Rooney, but to say that they were in the comfort zone would be something of an understatement. Just when it seemed that they were satisfied with their three-goal lead, Nani was brought down in the area; And Saha easily made it four up for United, from the penalty spot.
In what has become an intriguing Christmas, United have come out on top and have overtaken Arsenal, who have played the same number of matches. However, it is to be hoped that they don't indulge in too much partying, until after Saturdays matches have been played! Elsewhere Portsmouth held Arsenal to a goalless draw. Liverpool struggled but beat Derby at the end - the very end! For sheer entertainment it had to be the four all draw between Chelsea and Aston Villa. Eight goals, three red cards, and drama galore. This was Christmas entertainment at its very best.
Tags:
Sunderland Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Sunderland Vs Manchester United
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Arsenal 2 - 1 Tottenham
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Almunia Saves The Day!
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was the Emirate's hero, when this game sprang to life in the second half. With the score at 1 - 1, he saved a penalty from the usually reliable Robbie Keane, who was having an off day. Almunia must be very well thought of to have Jens Lehmann sitting on the bench, but it serves to show what a wealth of talent his side have at their disposal.
The first half was below average and ended goalless with both sides seeming not to be at their best. Tottenham probably had the better chances, with the industrious Berbatov, and Boateng going close.
Whatever was said in the Arsenal dressing room at the break seemed to pay dividends, and it was not long before Fabregas was up to his tricks. He joined up with Rossicky, and after a slick one, two, was able to cleverly back heel the ball to Adebayor, who easily slid it past Paul Robinson, to put his side ahead after 48 minutes. The visitors should have quickly equalised but Keane's volley hit the bar. You can't really say that he was unlucky, because he should have scored.
Soon afterwards Keane made amends when he produced a copycat back heel at the other end. This time it was Berbatov who was the beneficiary, and he fired the ball home from a narrow angle, in the 66th minute. Keane then had the opportunity to clinch it after Berbatov had won a penalty, but Almunia saved his spot kick. Although it was a fine save, it was not Keane's finest hour and he might just have been lacking match fitness after suspension. Anyhow, his manager had seen enough and replaced him with Defoe after 74 minutes.
As it happened it was another substitution, this time by Arsenal that clenched the match. Bendtner came on for Eboue after 74 minutes, and his power header from a Fabregas corner kick beat Robinson in the 76th minute. So Arsenal are sure to go into Christmas leading the field, but the Spurs mini revival has been snubbed out.
Tags:
Arsenal Vs Tottenham
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Tottenham
Almunia Saves The Day!
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was the Emirate's hero, when this game sprang to life in the second half. With the score at 1 - 1, he saved a penalty from the usually reliable Robbie Keane, who was having an off day. Almunia must be very well thought of to have Jens Lehmann sitting on the bench, but it serves to show what a wealth of talent his side have at their disposal.
The first half was below average and ended goalless with both sides seeming not to be at their best. Tottenham probably had the better chances, with the industrious Berbatov, and Boateng going close.
Whatever was said in the Arsenal dressing room at the break seemed to pay dividends, and it was not long before Fabregas was up to his tricks. He joined up with Rossicky, and after a slick one, two, was able to cleverly back heel the ball to Adebayor, who easily slid it past Paul Robinson, to put his side ahead after 48 minutes. The visitors should have quickly equalised but Keane's volley hit the bar. You can't really say that he was unlucky, because he should have scored.
Soon afterwards Keane made amends when he produced a copycat back heel at the other end. This time it was Berbatov who was the beneficiary, and he fired the ball home from a narrow angle, in the 66th minute. Keane then had the opportunity to clinch it after Berbatov had won a penalty, but Almunia saved his spot kick. Although it was a fine save, it was not Keane's finest hour and he might just have been lacking match fitness after suspension. Anyhow, his manager had seen enough and replaced him with Defoe after 74 minutes.
As it happened it was another substitution, this time by Arsenal that clenched the match. Bendtner came on for Eboue after 74 minutes, and his power header from a Fabregas corner kick beat Robinson in the 76th minute. So Arsenal are sure to go into Christmas leading the field, but the Spurs mini revival has been snubbed out.
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Arsenal Vs Tottenham
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Tottenham
Monday, December 17, 2007
Liverpool 0 - 1 Manchester United
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United Too Good
Considering the wealth of talent on the field, this was not a technically great match, but it was certainly entertaining, and the spectators got their money's worth. Ronaldo and Giggs were not at their sparkling best, but Liverpool failed to take advantage, although there were some desperate moments in United's goalmouth. Van der Sar was caught out on a couple of occasions, but splendid cover first from Anderson, and then Patrick Evra kept the ball out.
Wayne Rooney had a good game, and a hand in United's goal after 43 minutes. In fact, it was his shot that was turned in by Carlos Tevez. The two strikers team up well together, and worked hard to secure a victory that was well deserved.
Although Liverpool applied most of the pressure in the second half, they failed to score, and didn't seem quite as determined as they should be. Sir Alex is nothing if not the wiliest of managers, but he does not swap his players around anything like as much as Benitez. The Liverpool boss was quoted as stating, after the match, that there was very little difference between the two teams. Perhaps the difference then could be in the managers!
There is no doubt that Rafael knows his football, but there are many fans, beyond Liverpool, who wonder what players of the calibre of Peter Crouch really think about their 'part time' roles.
If Liverpool had won there is little doubt that Benitez would have been praised, but they lost at home against the old enemy. They are a good side that are not performing badly. But they have the capacity not just to be good, but also to be great again. It just seems to be a case of fine-tuning, which is not there at the moment!
Tags:
Liverpol Vs Maanchester United
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Manchester United
United Too Good
Considering the wealth of talent on the field, this was not a technically great match, but it was certainly entertaining, and the spectators got their money's worth. Ronaldo and Giggs were not at their sparkling best, but Liverpool failed to take advantage, although there were some desperate moments in United's goalmouth. Van der Sar was caught out on a couple of occasions, but splendid cover first from Anderson, and then Patrick Evra kept the ball out.
Wayne Rooney had a good game, and a hand in United's goal after 43 minutes. In fact, it was his shot that was turned in by Carlos Tevez. The two strikers team up well together, and worked hard to secure a victory that was well deserved.
Although Liverpool applied most of the pressure in the second half, they failed to score, and didn't seem quite as determined as they should be. Sir Alex is nothing if not the wiliest of managers, but he does not swap his players around anything like as much as Benitez. The Liverpool boss was quoted as stating, after the match, that there was very little difference between the two teams. Perhaps the difference then could be in the managers!
There is no doubt that Rafael knows his football, but there are many fans, beyond Liverpool, who wonder what players of the calibre of Peter Crouch really think about their 'part time' roles.
If Liverpool had won there is little doubt that Benitez would have been praised, but they lost at home against the old enemy. They are a good side that are not performing badly. But they have the capacity not just to be good, but also to be great again. It just seems to be a case of fine-tuning, which is not there at the moment!
Tags:
Liverpol Vs Maanchester United
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Manchester United
Monday, December 10, 2007
Middlesbrough 2 - 1 Arsenal
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Arsenal Slip Up
It's not a crime, to get beaten away from home by another Premiership club, but when it's your first league defeat of the season, it still comes as a bit of a shock. More so after Middlesbrough went ahead after only 4 minutes, when Stewart Downing scored from the penalty spot, after Toure fouled Aliadiere.
Arsenal seemed to have lost some of their sparkle, and Eboue was fortunate not to be sent off for raising his hands against Pogatetz. It must be said that Arsenal's lack of their usual fluency, was largely due to the way Boro restricted their performance, whilst always looking dangerous themselves. Perhaps the early goal had energised them, but whatever it was they often looked superior. Adebayor had a good chance to level, but his header went wide and met with a determined counter attack by the persistent northerners.
Tuncay Sanli seemed sure to score early in the second half, but his shot was just wide of the mark. However, compensation was not far away, and Boro went farther ahead when he tapped in a loose ball after 74 minutes.
Rosicky finally scored for Arsenal in extra time, but it was too late to make any difference, and the game resulted in a fine win for Graham Southgate's team. It was a significant result for both sides. For Middlesbrough, it was their first win in 11games, and fittingly came against the Premiership league leaders. Arsenal are now out of their comfort zone, with Manchester United only one point adrift, and playing out of their skins.
Next weekends fixtures will be particularly interesting, when the big four have all to play each other. There will be the London Derby when Arsenal meet Chelsea, and a northern equivalent when Liverpool play host to Manchester United. So there is plenty at stake and plenty to see!
Tags:
Middlesbrough Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Middlesbrough Vs Arsenal
Arsenal Slip Up
It's not a crime, to get beaten away from home by another Premiership club, but when it's your first league defeat of the season, it still comes as a bit of a shock. More so after Middlesbrough went ahead after only 4 minutes, when Stewart Downing scored from the penalty spot, after Toure fouled Aliadiere.
Arsenal seemed to have lost some of their sparkle, and Eboue was fortunate not to be sent off for raising his hands against Pogatetz. It must be said that Arsenal's lack of their usual fluency, was largely due to the way Boro restricted their performance, whilst always looking dangerous themselves. Perhaps the early goal had energised them, but whatever it was they often looked superior. Adebayor had a good chance to level, but his header went wide and met with a determined counter attack by the persistent northerners.
Tuncay Sanli seemed sure to score early in the second half, but his shot was just wide of the mark. However, compensation was not far away, and Boro went farther ahead when he tapped in a loose ball after 74 minutes.
Rosicky finally scored for Arsenal in extra time, but it was too late to make any difference, and the game resulted in a fine win for Graham Southgate's team. It was a significant result for both sides. For Middlesbrough, it was their first win in 11games, and fittingly came against the Premiership league leaders. Arsenal are now out of their comfort zone, with Manchester United only one point adrift, and playing out of their skins.
Next weekends fixtures will be particularly interesting, when the big four have all to play each other. There will be the London Derby when Arsenal meet Chelsea, and a northern equivalent when Liverpool play host to Manchester United. So there is plenty at stake and plenty to see!
Tags:
Middlesbrough Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Middlesbrough Vs Arsenal
Monday, December 03, 2007
Liverpool 4 - 0 Bolton
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Liverpool Are Not Second Best!
Liverpool moved up to third place in the Premiership with an emphatic win over Bolton. You could be forgiven for thinking that Bolton were unlucky to lose Sam Allardyce, and Newcastle were unlucky to get him! Bolton's win over Manchester United was a flash in the pan after this showing, and there will be a more interesting clash in a couple of weeks when United travel to Anfield.
Since his less than scintillating display for England, Steven Gerrard has been in great form for his club, and yet again he proved his worth. It was a Gerrard special delivery, from a free kick, which gave Hypia the opportunity to nod into an open goal in the 17th minute.
In all fairness Anelka could, and should have scored an equaliser afterwards, but he inexplicably fired wide. He is a striker of considerable ability, but on this occasion he was below par. It was a pity really, because if he had found the net, the game might have been very different. As it was, that man Gerrard again delivered a nigh on perfect pass, this time to the deadly Torres. The Spaniard tapped the ball over Jaaskelainen, with a touch of magic, and there was no way back for Bolton.
Sure enough, the second half was just a formality, as the home side extended their lead. Crouch won a penalty, which was slammed home emphatically by his captain after 56 minutes. Torres had done his stuff and was rested for Dirk Kuyt who came on after 76 minutes. The Dutchman earned his keep, and made it easy for Babel to get a fourth goal in the 86th minute. It could have been even more, and whilst Liverpool strode on to third place, Bolton are languishing near the bottom of the Premier League.
It would seem that those fans that recently demonstrated, in favour of the Liverpool manager, knew what they were about - for the time being at least!
Tags:
Liverpool Vs Bolton
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Bolton
Liverpool Are Not Second Best!
Liverpool moved up to third place in the Premiership with an emphatic win over Bolton. You could be forgiven for thinking that Bolton were unlucky to lose Sam Allardyce, and Newcastle were unlucky to get him! Bolton's win over Manchester United was a flash in the pan after this showing, and there will be a more interesting clash in a couple of weeks when United travel to Anfield.
Since his less than scintillating display for England, Steven Gerrard has been in great form for his club, and yet again he proved his worth. It was a Gerrard special delivery, from a free kick, which gave Hypia the opportunity to nod into an open goal in the 17th minute.
In all fairness Anelka could, and should have scored an equaliser afterwards, but he inexplicably fired wide. He is a striker of considerable ability, but on this occasion he was below par. It was a pity really, because if he had found the net, the game might have been very different. As it was, that man Gerrard again delivered a nigh on perfect pass, this time to the deadly Torres. The Spaniard tapped the ball over Jaaskelainen, with a touch of magic, and there was no way back for Bolton.
Sure enough, the second half was just a formality, as the home side extended their lead. Crouch won a penalty, which was slammed home emphatically by his captain after 56 minutes. Torres had done his stuff and was rested for Dirk Kuyt who came on after 76 minutes. The Dutchman earned his keep, and made it easy for Babel to get a fourth goal in the 86th minute. It could have been even more, and whilst Liverpool strode on to third place, Bolton are languishing near the bottom of the Premier League.
It would seem that those fans that recently demonstrated, in favour of the Liverpool manager, knew what they were about - for the time being at least!
Tags:
Liverpool Vs Bolton
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Bolton
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