Manchester City 6 - 0 Portsmouth

New Look City Hammer Pompey

As Harry Redknapp said after the game "We don't often get smashed in this manner." He was also bemoaning his sides worst ever defensive display.

Whatever Harry said, should not detract form a wonderful attacking display by Manchester City. On this showing they could be a threat to anybody, including the 'top four'.

The fireworks started with a goal from Jo after 13 minutes, followed by Dunne 20 minutes, Robinho 57 minutes, Wright-Phillips 68 minutes, Evans 78 minutes, and Gelson 83 minutes. Quite a breathless performance by anybody's standards, and more than enough to delight the home fans.

Mark Hughes rightly suggested that the score could have been even higher, and Pompey seemed to have no answer, as they were tantalized by Brazilian trio Robinho, Elano, and Jo. Dazzling as they were this was not just a Brazilian excursion, as the whole City team played their part in creating a miserable afternoon for their visitors.

The first goal from Jo, was the result of an inspired pass from Robinho. Somewhat appropriately, Richard Dunne bagged the second on his 29th birthday.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

After the break, Robinho got his own name on the score sheet, when he curved the ball past David James. Ten minutes later the industrious Wright-Phillips made it four, and another ten minutes later, Evans scored number five. Gelson crowned a great victory against their overwhelmed opponents after 83 minutes.

City's new billionaire owners, who were watching their first game, must be thinking that their money has been well spent. The club has cost them a lot of money, although not all that much by their standards, and it seems like the fans are in for a real treat.

Tags:
Manchester City 6 - 0 Portsmouth
soccer and football
Manchester City 6 - 0 Portsmouth

John Barnes Goes Back To His Roots

That great international winger, John Barnes formerly of Liverpool and England, has agreed a one year deal to manage Jamaica's national football team. Everybody, who remembers his playing days will wish him well.

Barnes will take over from Rene Simoes, who went the way of many football executives when he was sacked last week. Horace Burrell who presides over football in Jamaica, is obviously delighted to have Barnes on board, and has high expectations of the former international star.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

John Barnes was born in Kingston, and lived with his parents in Jamaica, until his serviceman father was posted to England. That was where he made a name for himself, at Liverpool and as a regular in the England team.

Along with other sporting greats, he has made an appearance in the very popular Strictly Come Dancing TV series. Although he didn't win he performed particularly well, demonstrating quite clearly that he remains as competitive as ever, at whatever opportunity presents itself. He could be just the tonic the Jamaicans require. They are currently last in their World Cup qualifying group with three games to play. Barnes could be just the man they need, and he will not be short of good wishes.

Tags:
John Barnes For Jamaica
soccer and football
John Barnes For Jamaica

Man City 1 - 3 Chelsea

Money, Money, Money, It's A Rich Man's Game

If Roman Abramovich is a 'has been', his football club Chelsea FC are certainly not. The owner is only a 'has been' in the sense that the new owners of Manchester City are worth considerably more money than he is, so he is no longer the richest owner in the Premier League. Of course the sums involved are enough to make your eyes water, but as they say that's football. There is no doubt that the Premier League has a particular fascination for some very rich men. Back to the game in hand.......

There has been a great deal of publicity associated with super star Robinho's transfer for £32.5 million. It is sometimes difficult for star players to justify themselves in their first appearance but the Brazilian lost no time in showing why he is so highly valued. His free kick, awarded when Carvalho fouled Jo, was exquisite and flew home past Petr Cech. OK it took something of a deflection off Jon Obi Mikel, but City fans wouldn't have been too bothered about that.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

City's ecstasy didn't last long because within three minutes Chelsea were level, when Carvalho easily beat Joe Hart. The visitors ceased the initiative with Malouda heading against the bar, and Hart saving from Anelka, who could have done better. Chelsea were looking good and becoming fluent although City had one or two good chances.

When Frank Lampard is 'on song' he is very good, or perhaps it was because his father was watching! Whatever, he showed a high level of control and skill to bag Chelsea's second goal after 53 minutes.

It was fitting that Anelka put the game beyond doubt when he scored in the 69th minute, whilst Drogba was being prepared for his reappearance. A head bandaged Joe Cole had set the ball up for the striker. Chelsea's fluent performance was marred when John Terry was handed a straight red card after 77 minutes. He was certainly guilty of a foul, but yellow, rather than red, might have been regarded by many as fair dues!

We are going to hear more of Robinho when he settles in, as this was only a taster. However, Chelsea are a polished team and City's new bosses will have to spend more, if their aim is to challenge the best of the Premiership, sometimes known as the top four!

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

Tags:
Manchester City 1 - 3 Chelsea
soccer and football
Manchester City 1 - 3 Chelsea

Liverpool 2 - 1 Man Utd

A flying start for United, saw new guy Dimitar Berbatov smartly pull the ball back to Carlos Tevez, who side footed it home after only three minutes.

The writing seemed to be on the wall for Liverpool whose starting line-up was weakened by the absence of Gerrard and Torres who were both on the bench. United were almost at full strength, although they are undoubtedly missing 'best in the world' Ronaldo.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

The home side equalised, after 27 minutes with a strange sort of own goal, off Wes Brown. Obviously this sort of goal is never welcome but it wasn't Brown's fault. Goalkeeper, Van der Sar, palmed a ball away, but it rebounded, off Brown, back into his own net and levelled the score for the delighted home side.

Liverpool put on a really determined performance, and seemed to neutralize Berbatov, who despite early promise did not excel later on. He had a fairly frustrating time before his transfer was finally agreed, and was perhaps a little rusty.

If there is one thing that is for sure it is that Liverpool fans never let their side down, and they were in full cry for another goal, when Babel obliged after 77 minutes. Things might have been different when the ever-reliable Ryan Giggs almost beat Reina, who rose to the occasion and just managed to tip the ball over.

Vidic was sent off for a second yellow card, after 90 minutes to add to United's frustrations. However, Liverpool worked hard and deserved their win, which was achieved with a part time Gerrard, and without Torres.

Benitez will be well pleased with his side beating their northern neighbours, but it's early days and United have the firepower to get back on top before too long.

Tags:
Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United
soccer and football
Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United

Croatia 1 - 4 England

Walcott scores again, and Again, and AGAIN

With a magnificent return to form, England beat Croatia in what can best be described as a Fab, or Fabio, performance. It was a pity that so many England fans were left out of the excitement, because of limited television coverage, but that didn't overshadow a night to remember.

Theo Walcott put England ahead, with a first goal for his country, after 26 minutes. He fortuitously received a rebound off Croatia's Robert Kovac, and smartly whipped the ball past Pletikosa. About a minute later, it required all of the goalkeepers skill, to touch over another shot from the same player.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

After the break the home side were reduced to ten men, when Kovac led with his elbow whilst challenging Joe Cole. He received a red card and Cole was stretchered off with a bleeding head wound, after 55 minutes.

Shortly afterwards England went two goals up when Wayne Rooney set Theo Walcott up for his second. The Manchester United man is sometimes criticized for not scoring more goals, but his unselfish determination to feed better chances to his teammates, is frequently overlooked. However, four minutes later, after 63 minutes of play he was ideally situated to turn in goal number three for England.

England were rampant, and Croatia were on the run, although they did manage to pull a goal back, when Mandzukic beat James after 78 minutes. It was all too late to make much difference, and England restored their three goal advantage when - guess who - Walcott bagged a third, with Rooney again his superb provider.

England will be justly proud of their performance, against a side that had previously beaten them twice, when it mattered. It was a good team effort with Walcott, and perhaps Capello emerging as heroes. For the time being the Press gang will change their tune, for as long as it may continue.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site


Tags:
Croatia 1 - 4 England
soccer and football
Croatia 1 - 4 England

Andorra 0 - 2 England

Capello's England Not Convincing

It seems that Andorra were not the minnows they were thought to be, or was it more a case that England were not the sharks? Whatever, the case may be England struggled in the first half and were unceremoniously booed off the pitch.

It should be remembered that Andorra are part timers and ranked 186th in the world. If England had lost, would they have been 187th? In the event that didn't happen and they were fortunate enough to have players of the calibre of Joe Cole on the bench. He came on, as substitute for Downing, after the interval and to Capello's relief changed the course of the game.

England started well enough and you would have to say that new boy Walcott was unlucky to have clipped a shot narrowly over the bar. The Arsenal youngster has plenty of speed, and this experience will help in developing his international potential. However, Andorra had come to defend and did their job well for the first half.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

Enter Joe Cole at half time. The Chelsea player had been left out of recent Capello line-ups, but was not long in making up for lost time. He did not hesitate when he received the ball from Lescott, after a Lampard free kick. He shot England to the front after 49 minutes, to the relief of all concerned, and England began to look like match winners. John Terry was unlucky when he drove a good shot into the side netting.

Shortly afterwards Joe Cole again advertised his credentials, when he received a clever ball from Wayne Rooney and put England two up after 55 minutes. England were firmly in charge and showing the class that was somewhat absent in the first half. Glen Johnson had a goal disallowed because Cole was correctly ruled offside, and Terry again went close.

David Beckham got yet another cap when he came on in the 79th minute but it was John Terry who went the closest to increasing the England score. After a poor start England, as expected, won the game comfortably. They will be more out of their comfort zone when they come up against Croatia on Wednesday. It will be a must win encounter for Capello if he is to stem a flood of criticism from the Press gang!

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site


Tags:
Andorra 0 - 2 England Capello's England Not Convincing
soccer and football
Andorra 0 - 2 England Capello's England Not Convincing

Keegan Bows Out - King Kev Dethroned

Well, all the talk has finally come to a head, and 57-year-old Kevin Keegan has parted company with Newcastle United after only eight months. The writing was on the wall, but the biggest blow is to the fans many of whom would have preferred him to stay.

Where Newcastle go from here is not clear but names are already being associated with the vacant position. However, it will be a brave man who takes on the job, which is becoming something of a poison chalice. However, the money is good and there is enough of a challenge for anybody to tackle.

Keegan is reported to have said that he desperately tried to find a solution with the Directors, which in the end proved to be impossible. He believes that a football manager should be allowed to manage, particularly insofar as the players are concerned, and that is something that seems to have been increasingly denied to him.

Statements have been made by the Football Club, expressing regret at the manager's decision to go, and suggesting that they had tried to deal with the situation amicably. There are many fans who will not see it that way and blame others for what appears to be a worsening situation at the club. But as they say, as one door closes.............

It is clear that Keegan believes that those who control the club left him with no alternative other than to leave. It may be little consolation that he is the second Premiership manager to pack his backs in a week, with Alan Curbishley having beaten him, by departing from West Ham.

It is surprising what can happen over the space of a very short time. Keegan only returned for his second spell at Newcastle in January. At the time it was hailed as something like the answer to a prayer. There have been a series of managerial departures in recent years, including, Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder and Sam Allardyce. It's tough at the top, but as the fans know only too well, it's a dam sight tougher at the bottom!

Where Keegan will go from here is anybody's guess. He may retire into a quiet backwater, but although he has been dethroned, it is doubtful that we have heard the last of King Kev!

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

Tags:
Keegan Bows Out - King Kev Dethroned
soccer and football
Keegan Bows Out - King Kev Dethroned

Would it be WISE to sack KEEGAN?

Kevin Keegan Kwitting

What seems to be without doubt is that there's trouble at Mill, or more precisely at Newcastle United Football Club. Kevin Keegan is no Kwitter, probably because there is no such word. He is certainly a football icon, who decidedly has a mind of his own. Also, it seems that he is still idolized by the fans, who are mindful of previous glories before the days of Mike Ashley.

It seems an odd set up at Newcastle, but it has been reported that Keegan knew that Dennis Wise would be appointed Director of Football, before he accepted the job as manager. However, it appears that Wise may have been involved with player decisions that Keegan would have expected to be his, or at least to be fairly consulted about.

Of course there are vast sums paid to football managers, as well as to the players, and presumably people like Directors of football. It is reasonable to expect them all to earn their keep. However, as with any successful enterprise there must be harmony and trust, because a house that is divided against itself must surely fail. That seems to be at least part of the problem at Newcastle, where strange decisions are taken, including putting the whole team on the transfer market. Not the best way to make friends and influence people.

Mike Ashley is not everybody's cup of tea, but he is the man with the money, and like it or not that is what football is all about, particularly at Premiership level. Manchester City have just been sold to a Middle East organization, with resources far in excess of Mike Ashley's, and even Roman Abramovich. They have lost no time in acquiring the services of Brazilian striker Robinho, whose ambition is to be the best footballer in the world. Watch out Ronaldo, you have a rival, and so might your employers, Manchester United Football Club.

If Keegan were to be sacked it could cost Newcastle millions in compensation, but they have intimated that they have no intention of sacking him. What is Mike Ashley really looking for? He sits in the stands sporting a Newcastle football shirt, looking every inch a supporter, but would he sell out if a very cash rich Arab made an offer. There is only one thing that is certain, in what seems to be a muddled situation, and that is that the 'toon army' of loyal ardent supporters deserve nothing but the best.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

Tags:
Would It Be WISE To Sack KEEGAN?
soccer and football
Would It Be WISE To Sack KEEGAN?