Sunday, October 28, 2007

Game Week 11- Review

Chelsea put on a six-goal super show at Stamford Bridge to defeat Manchetser City. The Blues biggest win of the season came thanks to a Didier Drogba double and goals from Michael Essien, Joe Cole, Salomon Kalou and Andriy Shevchenko. Despite starting brightly Sven-Goran Eriksson's men had no answer to the attacking power of the west London side.

Manchester United swept off Boro with a 4-1 vicstory at home. Manchester United's Nani opened the scoring early on in an exciting encounter at Old Trafford. Jeremie Alliadiere equalised for the visitors just three minutes later. A Wayne Rooney goal on the 33rd minute was followed by a brace from Carlos Tevez in the second half to break the 100 year record of concecutive matches with four goals scored.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas continued his impressive run of goal scoring form when he canceled out Liverpool's lead late on. The home side went in front after captain Steven Gerrard scored directly from a free kick. The result sees Arsenal overtake Manchester United in the Barclay's Premier League table and regain top spot.

Newly appointed Spurs head coach Juande Ramos looked on from the directors box as Christopher Samba scored in injury time to grab all three points for the visitors. Tottenham took the lead through a Robbie Keane penalty before Benni McCarthy equalised. Rovers have now extended their winning run to four Barclays Premier League matches, while Spurs remain in the bottom three.

Luke Moore scored an equaliser for Villa, to prevent Bolton Wanderers' new manager Gary Megson from a victorious first match in charge of the Trotters. The home side took the lead through a Nicolas Anelka strike. The result leaves Villa still looking for their first away win of the season, while Bolton move one place off the foot of the Barclays Premier League table.

Goals from Ayegbeni Yakubu and Mikel Arteta handed all three points to Everton, as Derby County continued their run of poor goal scoring form. Everton have now climbed to eleventh in the Barclays Premier League table, while Derby remain in the relegation zone.

Former Juventus player Olivier Kapo was the Birmingham City hero as he scored a late winner for Steve Bruce's side against Wigan Athletic at St Andrews. City had twice fallen in arrears to a two-goal blast from Marcus Bent only for a Kapo penalty and skipper Liam Ridgewell's first goal for the club to bring Blues back on level terms before a dramatic finish.

Kenwyne Jones headed home a late equaliser to end 10-man Sunderland's losing run in the Barclays Premier League. The striker claimed his third goal in as many games after Greg Halford had been sent off for a second bookable offence. Fulham had taken the lead in the first half through a superb free kick from Simon Davies, but their saviour was Anti Niemi with a dramatic injury time save.

A late goal from substitute Shane Long handed all three points to Reading. Dave Kitson's opener for the Royals was cancelled out by a Michael Duberry own goal mid way through the second half. The two goals from the home side mean that Newcastle's 18 away league match run with out a clean sheet continues.

West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green saved an injury time Benjani penalty to ensure it was honours even at Fratton Park. The nil-nil draw brings Portsmouth's run of four successive Barclay's Premier League wins to an end, while a point for the Hammers is their first in three away league matches.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Gary Megson named bolton Manager

Gary Megson has been confirmed as Bolton Wanderers' new manager, signing a two-and-a-half year deal with the cluAfter leaving Leicester City to move to the Lancashire club he will take charge of the side for the first time on Sunday when they face Aston Villa at home. He takes over from Sammy Lee who left the club with mutual consent.

Trotters chairman Phil Gartside said: "We feel Gary is the right man to take Bolton forward."

Megson, 48, arrives at Bolton after a six-week stint at Championship side Leicester.He will watch his new players for the first time on Thursday when Wanderers take on Braga in the UEFA Cup.

Gartside is convinced Megson has the credentials to take Bolton away from the bottom of the league.He said: "We have been able to interview a number of quality candidates and after due consideration decided to offer the post to Gary Megson.I have paid particular attention to his career and he has demonstrated to me he is prepared to roll his sleeves up.He has the right temperament for a battle, which this season is undoubtedly going to be.''

Gartside insists the players will be committed to the new manager.He said: "We have made decisive decisions over the past few weeks and this is one of them.It is not about me, Gary Megson or any other individual. It is all about Bolton surviving in the Premier League.We have to be fully-focussed on the task ahead to make sure we achieve immediate success.I have spoken to the staff and the players and we are all committed to getting behind Gary and turning our fortunes around.''

Jol sacked by Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the departure of manager Martin Jol following the UEFA Cup defeat to Getafe.

Chairman Daniel Levy said: "For me, Martin and Chris' departure is regrettable. Our greatest wish was to see results turn in our favour and for there to be no need for change."

A statement from the club read: "We can confirm that the board has this evening asked Martin Jol, club manager and Chris Hughton, first-team coach to stand down from their positions with immediate effect."

Jol added: "I can understand the position of the club in light of the results. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Tottenham Hotspur is a special club and I want to thank the terrific staff and players.For me the fans were always amazing with their support so I would also like to say thank you - I shall never forget them."

Development coach Clive Allen and youth team manager Alex Inglethorpe will take charge of the first team for the time being.

Lee parts company with Bolton

Bolton Wanderers have parted company with manager Sammy Lee by mutual consent. Lee took over at the end of last season after Sam Allardyce left the club for Newcastle United. The Lancashire outfit have taken just five points from their first nine Barclays Premier League matches, with only goal difference keeping them off the bottom of the table. General manager Frank McParland has also left the club.

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside said: "This has been a difficult decision for all parties but we have agreed that the time is right.Sammy has played an important role in the club's recent history. We wish Sammy and Frank well for the future.Our efforts will now be to look for a replacement manager and to concentrate on the future."

Under Lee Bolton have progressed to the group stages of the UEFA Cup but their league form has been a major cause for concern.

Former manager Allardyce returned to the club on the opening day of the season as Newcastle won 3-1. Defeats at Fulham and Portsmouth followed before a 3-0 home victory over Reading briefly eased the pressure.However, further losses to Everton, Birmingham City and Chelsea, and a home draw with bottom side Derby County left Bolton in the relegation zone.

Game Week 10- Review

Arsenal remain top of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 win at home to Bolton Wanderers - their 11th straight victory in all competitions. Kolo Toure's free-kick on 67 minutes and Tomas Rosicky's goal after 80 minutes gave the Gunners the three points against the manager-less Bolton.

An exciting Merseyside derby saw Liverpool take all three points after coming back from a goal down at Goodison Park. Everton took the lead through a Sami Hyypia own goal deep in to the first half which was cancelled out by a Dirk Kuyt penalty after Tony Hibbert fouled Steven Gerrard in the box.Hibbert was sent off and Phil Neville saw red in injury time for deliberate hand ball in the area. Kuyt stepped up to score his second spot kick of the day.

Manchester United stay within two points of leaders Arsenal after a comfortable 1-4 victory agaist Villa. But the champions went behind after Gabriel Agbonlahor headed Aston Villa into the lead. However, goals from Wayne Rooney (2), Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs sealed the win. Villa had Nigel Reo-Coker and Scott Carson sent off. Rooney could have had a hat-trick but missed a penalty.

Didier Drogba put Chelsea ahead early on and Brazilian defender Alex scored his first goal for the club with a fierce long-range effort against Middlesbrough. This was ultimately a comfortable victory for Avram Grant's side.

Brazilian playmaker Elano scored for the third match running as Manchester City maintained their fine start to the Barclays Premier League season against Birmingham City. Elano netted after 37 minutes of the match, but Steve Bruce's side gave a good account of themselves and can perhaps consider themselves unlucky not to have come away with a point.

After Paul Konchesky was sent off in the first half, Fulham battled on with 10 men and were fortunate to hold on to a point thanks to a stunning display from goalkeeper Antti Niemi. The result sends Fulham up to 13th in the table and lifts Derby County off the bottom, trading places with Bolton Wanderers.

Late goals from Benjani and Glen Johnson saw the visitors Portsmouth take all three points away from Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium. Portsmouth are now fifth in the league, with just one point separating Redknapp's men from fourth-placed Liverpool.

Blackburn Rovers were comfortable victors at Ewood Park thanks to goals from Benni McCarthy (2), Roque Santa Cruz and a 30-yard rocket from Tugay. Reading substitute Kevin Doyle came off the bench to grab two goals for his side but it was not enough.

Carlton Cole headed West Ham United in front but the lively Kenwyne Jones equalised for Sunderland in the second-half. The Hammers regained the lead when Nolberto Solano hit the post and the ball rebounded back off Craig Gordon and into the net for an own-goal. Craig Bellamy converted Luis Boa Morte's cross late on to make it 3-1.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Game Week 9- Review

Carlos Tevez opened United's account eight minutes into the second period, before Cristiano Ronaldo netted a double and Wayne Rooney wrapped up the scoring. The Red Devils' sixth straight league win did come at a price with the loss through injury of Louis Saha before the match and Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea during it.

A first-half free-kick from Craig Gardner was enough to secure victory for Martin O'Neill's men at Villa Park. Gardner, who scored from a set-piece against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, found the back of Robert Green's net with the aid of a deflection off Danny Gabbidon. West Ham striker Dean Ashton injured his knee in the match, and may be doubtful for England's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

The Gunners returned to the top of the table with a win over Sunderland. The hosts had raced ahead through a brilliant free-kick from Robin van Persie and Philippe Senderos' close-range effort before the Black Cats pulled a goal back through Ross Wallace. The visitors were then level after the break when Kenwyne Jones headed in - only for van Persie to grab victory 10 minutes from time. Sunderland defender Paul McShane was sent off in stoppage time for clattering into Alexander Hleb.

Kevin Doyle's second-half header helped Steve Coppell's men to their third win of the season. The defeat leaves Derby rooted to the bottom of the table, while Reading climb away from the relegation zone. Coppell will hope that striker Doyle can continue to refind the form he was in last season.

Liverpool needed a late Fernando Torres header to earn a draw at Anfield. Andriy Voronin had put the Reds ahead but goals from Robbie Keane either side of half-time looked like earning Spurs a rare win at Anfield. The Londoners are one spot above the relegation zone after the draw.

Michael Owen came off the bench to score what turned out to be the winner in this match. Nicky Butt gave the home side the lead before half-time, but Andrew Johnson equalised with his first goal of the season after half-time. A flurry of late goals saw Emre put Newcastle back in front and Owen make it 3-1 before Shay Given's own goal.

Chelsea earned a valuable three points at the Reebok Stadium against Bolton. With Didier Drogba suspended, manager Avram Grant watched another striker, Salomon Kalou, score the only goal of the match before half-time. Bolton remain in the relegation zone with a trip to Arsenal next up.

Elano backed up his impressive performance against Newcastle last weekend with two goals in this match. He scored back-to-back goals after a Chris Riggott own-goal had given City a 10th minute lead. Ben Hutchinson scored a late consolation for Boro.

Blackburn put their Uefa Cup exit at the hands of Larissa behind them with this win. David Bentley put them into the lead and a penalty from Benni McCarthy made it 2-0. Cameron Jerome reduced the arrears but Steve Bruce's men could not find an equaliser.

An impressive second-half display from Pompey was enough to see off Lawrie Sanchez's Fulham at Craven Cottage. The in-form Benjani put Pompey into the lead and Hermann Hreidarsson made it 2-0. Harry Redknapp's side go up to fifth off the back of this comfortable victory, while Fulham drop into the relegation zone.

Game Week 8- Review

Younes Kaboul struck in injury-time to rescue an amazing Barclays Premier League point for Tottenham Hotspur.Dimitar Berbatov opened the scoring for Spurs but two goals from Aston Villa's Martin Laursen edged the visitors ahead and Gabriel Agbonlahor and Craig Gardner added to the lead.But Pascal Chimbonda and Robbie Keane pulled goals back and deep into added time Kaboul found the top corner to level the scores.Martin O'Neill's men had not scored away from home in the Barclays Premier League this season prior to the contest but took an amazing 4-1 lead.A rousing last 21 minutes saw the spurs net 3 goals to draw the match 4-4 after coming back form 4-1 down.

Cristiano Ronaldo's second-half strike handed Sir Alex Ferguson's men a precious away win. The victory kept them second in the table.

The Chelsea-Fulham match ended in a goaless draw.Both sides had their chances at Stamford Bridge, but the Blues slipped seven points off leaders Arsenal with this draw. To make matters worse, captain John Terry fractured his cheekbone and Didier Drogba was sent-off for a second bookable offence in the second-half.

Manchester city continued their fine run in the league after defeating the magpies 3-1.Obafemi Martins gave the visitors the lead on the half-hour mark, only for Martin Petrov to equalise for City ten minutes later. Emile Mpenza netted after the break and Elano made sure of the points with a free-kick late on.

Bolton drew with Derby.Kenny Miller gave the home side a 19th minute lead but Nicolas Anelka equalised for Wanderers on the half-hour mark to take his Barclays Premier League goal tally to five.

Portsmouth ran out winners in an amazing 11-goal match at Fratton Park. Benjani Mwaruwari struck a hat-trick, with Hermann Hreidarsson, Nico Kranjcar, Sean Davis and Sulley Muntari (penalty) scoring the others. Stephen Hunt, Dave Kitson, Shane Long and Nicky Shorey (penalty) scored for the visitors.

Two goals in three second-half minutes from David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz handed Blackburn Rovers this away win. Grant Leadbitter scored late on for the home side.

A second-half goal from Yossi Benayoun kept Liverpool in touch with leaders Arsenal.Robin van Persie's first-half effort was enough to beat Alan Curbishley's West Ham United at Upton Park.

Everton kept their first clean sheet of the season in this victory. Defender Joleon Lescott gave the Toffees a first-half lead with his third Barclays Premier League goal of the season and Steven Pienaar doubled the advantage in the second-half with his first goal for the club.