Manchester Uniter were made to pay dearly after Cristiano Ronaldo missed crucial penalty miss as the reigning champions slipped up 1-2 in their bid to end 2007 on top of the table. The Portugal winger dragged a second-half spot-kick wide with his side 1-0 up, and then the Hammers scored twice in five minutes to seal a famous victory.Ronaldo had earlier put the Red Devils ahead with his 18th goal of the season, finishing a superb 14th-minute break with a header from a Ryan Giggs cross. But late headers from Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson completed a dramatic turnaround.
Arsenal capitalised on Manchester United's shock defeat by West Ham United to roar back to the top of the Barclays Premier League table on Saturday night. The Gunners came from behind to beat Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park, just hours after United had given away a 1-0 lead to go down 2-1 at Upton Park.Tim Cahill put the Toffees ahead after 19 minutes at Goodison Park. But two high-quality finishes from Eduardo da Silva turned things round early in the second half. Emmanuel Adebayor added a third before Tomas Rosicky blasted home a fourth.To add insult to injury Everton had Mikel Arteta sent off late on after catching Cesc Fabregas with a stray elbow, while the Gunners had Nicklas Bendtner red-carded for two bookable offences - the second a challenge on Andy Johnson.
Derby County manager Paul Jewell was left cursing his luck as his side stay at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table. Matt Oakley put them ahead but a missed penalty from Steven Howard proved to be the turning point. Blackburn Rovers regrouped and secured the points thanks to goals from Roque Santa Cruz - his eighth in five matches - and David Bentley.
The match of the week came at White Hart Lane as Tottenham Hotspur recorded an extraordinary 6-4 win over Reading. Dimitar Berbatov scored four times, the first after only seven minutes. But the home side were forced to come from behind three times. First Kalifa Cisse and Ivar Ingimarsson made it 2-1 before Berbatov levelled.That was the first of seven goals in 20 crazy minutes as Dave Kitson, Berbatov, Kitson again and Steed Malbranque made it 4-4 before a Robbie Keane penalty and Berbatov completed the scoring.
Richard Dunne's heroic defensive display saw Manchester City thwart Liverpool's attempts to make up ground in the Barclays Premier League title race. Dunne stood like an unshakeable tower as Rafael Benitez's men controlled a one-sided North West derby without getting the breakthrough. Fernando Torres found it hard to get into the match such was Dunne's dominance of the Spaniard, with Harry Kewell, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun wasting the Reds' best opportunities before Joe Hart denied Dirk Kuyt late on.
Injury-hit Chelsea closed to within four points of the reigning champions with a battling 2-1 win over Newcastle United. Michael Essien gave the home side a half-time lead when he swept home from six yards shortly before the half-hour mark but Nicky Butt levelled when he eventually bundled home Charles N'Zogbia's cross at the second attempt. However, Salomon Kalou scored the winner three minutes from time after the ball deflected through to him.
Sunderland hauled themselves out of the drop zone with a 3-1 victory against Bolton Wanderers. Kieran Richardson, who only returned from a four-month injury lay-off on Boxing Day, scored his first goal for the club when he blasted the ball past Jussi Jaaskelainen following brilliant work from Kenwyne Jones.The roles were reversed when Jones powered home a header from Richardson's corner. El-Hadji Diouf halved the deficit before half-time when his flighted free-kick evaded everyone and curled into the net but Sunderland substitute Daryl Murphy kept his composure in stoppage-time to seal the win.
Fulham dropped to second-bottom after Sebastian Larsson handed Birmingham City a 1-1 draw at St Andrews. Carlos Bocanegra's eighth-minute header put the visitors ahead in Ray Lewington's final match as caretaker-manager. But Blues equalised after the interval when Larsson latched on to Fabrice Muamba's through-ball before his finish deflected in off Elliot Omozusi. Hameur Bouazza was then sent off for a second yellow card.
Wigan Athletic replaced Sunderland in the bottom three after Aston Villa staged a second-half fightback at the JJB Stadium to win 1-2. Titus Bramble notched his first Latics goal with a bullet header from Ryan Taylor's pinpoint corner in the 28th minute but Curtis Davies marked his first Premier League start for Villa with his first goal for the club, heading in Gareth Barry's corner after the break. Gabriel Agbonlahor then flicked a header past Chris Kirkland to complete the turnaround.
Tuncay Sanli's fourth goal in the last six matches handed Middlesbrough a 1-0 victory at Portsmouth. The Turk tapped into an empty net after David James parried Gary O'Neil's volley from Stewart Downing's inswinging cross.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Game Week 19- Review
Chelsea preserved their incredible unbeaten Premier League record at Stamford Bridge with a riveting 4-4 draw against Aston Villa in a match which saw three players sent off. Villa took an early 2-0 lead with a Shaun Maloney double. Zat Knight was sent off in first-half injury-time for bringing down Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko scored the resulting penalty, before levelling with a brilliant strike in the 50th minute.Chelsea went ahead through defender Alex but Martin Laursen equalised for Villa.Ricardo Carvalho was dismissed for a two-footed lunge at Gabriel Agbonlahor but Chelsea went ahead regardless through Michael Ballack's 88th-minute free-kick. However, Villa earned a penalty when Ashley Cole was sent off for handling on the line, and Gareth Barry scored the kick to secure a well-earned point.
Roque Santa Cruz headed home an 84th-minute equaliser to end Manchester City's 100 per cent Barclays Premier League home record. The Paraguayan had already leveled once for Blackburn Rovers after Darius Vassell nodded the Blues in front, only for his own captain Ryan Nelsen to gift City the lead once more.
Reading held West Ham United to a draw at Upton Park after battling for over an hour with 10 men. Brynjar Gunnarsson was shown a straight red card after 28 minutes for a dangerous two-footed lunge on Hayden Mullins. West Ham took advantage with a strike from Nolberto Solano just before half-time but Dave Kitson scored the equaliser after turning onto a neat through-ball from Nicky Shorey to beat Robert Green.
Ledley King made his long-awaited comeback from injury as Tottenham Hotspur defeated 10-man Fulham at White Hart Lane. Robbie Keane and Tom Huddlestone scored twice each for Spurs, with Jermain Defoe scoring the other. Clint Dempsey was on target for Fulham who had Moritz Volz sent-off.
Liverpool laboured to a late 2-1 win at Derby County and had captain Steven Gerrard to thank for the victory. Spain international Fernando Torres' excellent dribble and finish put Liverpool a goal up at Pride Park. Jay McEveley equalised on 67 minutes and chances came and went for both sides, before Gerrard - who moments earlier hit the bar - made a tireless burst forward to steam into the box and bundle the ball past Lewis Price in the 90th minute.
Manchester United strolled to a straightforward 4-0 win at Sunderland and moved one point clear at the top of the league. Wayne Rooney was put clear in the 20th minute and had no trouble beating Craig Gordon with a cool finish, and he turned provider when he broke forward and crossed to Louis Saha who guided the ball home after 30 minutes. A sublime Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick in first-half injury-time put the game beyond Sunderland and when Nani went down in the box, Saha converted the late penalty (86).
Wigan Athletic lifted themselves out of the relegation zone after a win over Newcastle United. For the second successive season a Ryan Taylor free-kick proved to be the undoing of the Toon Army.Taylor grabbed the winner in spectacular fashion just after the hour to continue Wigan's revival under new manager Steve Bruce as the Latics have taken eight points from his five matches in charge.
Birmingham City enjoyed a much-needed 3-0 win against Middlesbrough at St Andrews. Stewart Downing sliced Gary McSheffrey's driven free-kick into his own net in the 21st minute and Mikael Forssell stabbed home after Cameron Jerome flicked on from a corner. McSheffrey added a third in added time, converting a penalty after being fouled by Robert Huth in the box.
Everton beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 after a goalless first half at Goodison Park. The home side edged ahead after 51 minutes when goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen made a mess of clearing Phil Neville's deep cross, allowing the ball to pass him and hit the net. Tim Cahill made it 2-0 after a scrappy build-up when Rob Styles played a smart advantage and Joleon Lescott crossed accurately.
Portsmouth refused to allow Arsenal to climb back to the summit of the Barclays Premier League by holding them to a deserved draw at Fratton Park. Arsene Wenger's side spurned late chances to take the three points they required to go back top but were disappointing overall and a Pompey back line marshalled ably by ex-Gunner Sol Campbell refused to be breached.
Roque Santa Cruz headed home an 84th-minute equaliser to end Manchester City's 100 per cent Barclays Premier League home record. The Paraguayan had already leveled once for Blackburn Rovers after Darius Vassell nodded the Blues in front, only for his own captain Ryan Nelsen to gift City the lead once more.
Reading held West Ham United to a draw at Upton Park after battling for over an hour with 10 men. Brynjar Gunnarsson was shown a straight red card after 28 minutes for a dangerous two-footed lunge on Hayden Mullins. West Ham took advantage with a strike from Nolberto Solano just before half-time but Dave Kitson scored the equaliser after turning onto a neat through-ball from Nicky Shorey to beat Robert Green.
Ledley King made his long-awaited comeback from injury as Tottenham Hotspur defeated 10-man Fulham at White Hart Lane. Robbie Keane and Tom Huddlestone scored twice each for Spurs, with Jermain Defoe scoring the other. Clint Dempsey was on target for Fulham who had Moritz Volz sent-off.
Liverpool laboured to a late 2-1 win at Derby County and had captain Steven Gerrard to thank for the victory. Spain international Fernando Torres' excellent dribble and finish put Liverpool a goal up at Pride Park. Jay McEveley equalised on 67 minutes and chances came and went for both sides, before Gerrard - who moments earlier hit the bar - made a tireless burst forward to steam into the box and bundle the ball past Lewis Price in the 90th minute.
Manchester United strolled to a straightforward 4-0 win at Sunderland and moved one point clear at the top of the league. Wayne Rooney was put clear in the 20th minute and had no trouble beating Craig Gordon with a cool finish, and he turned provider when he broke forward and crossed to Louis Saha who guided the ball home after 30 minutes. A sublime Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick in first-half injury-time put the game beyond Sunderland and when Nani went down in the box, Saha converted the late penalty (86).
Wigan Athletic lifted themselves out of the relegation zone after a win over Newcastle United. For the second successive season a Ryan Taylor free-kick proved to be the undoing of the Toon Army.Taylor grabbed the winner in spectacular fashion just after the hour to continue Wigan's revival under new manager Steve Bruce as the Latics have taken eight points from his five matches in charge.
Birmingham City enjoyed a much-needed 3-0 win against Middlesbrough at St Andrews. Stewart Downing sliced Gary McSheffrey's driven free-kick into his own net in the 21st minute and Mikael Forssell stabbed home after Cameron Jerome flicked on from a corner. McSheffrey added a third in added time, converting a penalty after being fouled by Robert Huth in the box.
Everton beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 after a goalless first half at Goodison Park. The home side edged ahead after 51 minutes when goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen made a mess of clearing Phil Neville's deep cross, allowing the ball to pass him and hit the net. Tim Cahill made it 2-0 after a scrappy build-up when Rob Styles played a smart advantage and Joleon Lescott crossed accurately.
Portsmouth refused to allow Arsenal to climb back to the summit of the Barclays Premier League by holding them to a deserved draw at Fratton Park. Arsene Wenger's side spurned late chances to take the three points they required to go back top but were disappointing overall and a Pompey back line marshalled ably by ex-Gunner Sol Campbell refused to be breached.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Game Week 18- Review
Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner scored the winner with his first touch as the Gunners edged past North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in a pulsating match at the Emirates Stadium.Dimitar Berbatov had cancelled out Emmanuel Adebayor's opener before earning a penalty - only for Robbie Keane to have his spot-kick saved. Arsenal then grabbed the winner when Bendtner was brought on.
Cristiano Ronaldo's nerveless late penalty ended Everton's stubborn resistance at Old Trafford. The Portuguese winger sent Tim Howard the wrong way two minutes from time to convert his 16th goal of the season after Stephen Pienaar had tripped Ryan Giggs. Earlier Ronaldo had given United the lead with a left-foot shot, only for Tim Cahill to head an equaliser.
Manchester City remain in the top four after a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. City went ahead after 11 minutes as Rolando Bianchi slid in to steer home Martin Petrov's teasing cross for his fourth goal of the campaign.But their joy was short-lived as John Carew scuffed the ball past Joe Hart after a swashbuckling run had taken him past Richard Dunne and Micah Richards on the edge of the penalty area.
Liverpool are just a point behind Sven-Goran Eriksson's side after an electric start helped them on their way to a 4-1 win over Portsmouth. Rafael Benitez's side broke the deadlock after 13 minutes as Yossi Benayoun volleyed in before Sylvain Distin's unfortunate own goal just three minutes later doubled their advantage.Pompey gave themselves a lifeline through Benjani Mwaruwari's ninth goal of the campaign just after the break, but any hopes of salvaging a draw were ended when Fernando Torres added to his already burgeoning reputation with a classy double.
Scott Parker scored an 89th-minute winner to give West Ham United all three points against Middlesbrough. David Wheater's second goal of the season had given Boro the lead, but Dean Ashton's controlled half-volley from 25 yards drew the Hammers level before Parker popped up at the death.
Bolton Wanderers' renaissance under Gary Megson continued as they brushed aside Birmingham City 3-0. El-Hadji Diouf put the Trotters ahead with a calm finish before Nicolas Anelka took full advantage of a short throw-in by Johan Djourou to net a second before adding a third in stoppage time.
Stephen Hunt scored a controversial stoppage-time winner as Reading edged past Sunderland 2-1. Ivar Ingimarsson pounced on Craig Gordon's fumble to put the Royals ahead, but Michael Chopra had looked to have secured a point with a penalty 10 minutes from full-time. However, there was a late twist as Hunt's angled effort was deemed to have crossed the line before Craig Gordon parried it away.
Clint Dempsey saved a point for Fulham against Wigan Athletic in the Cottagers' first match following the departure of Lawrie Sanchez. Marcus Bent had put the Latics ahead with a rising half-volley, but Fulham bounced back to claim a share of the spoils through Dempsey's lashed effort.
Mark Viduka saved Newcastle United as he fired home a trademark double to deny Derby County a second victory of the season over Sam Allardyce's side. The Australian, who had cancelled out Giles Barnes' sixth-minute opener with his fourth goal of the season on 27 minutes, struck again at the death just as it looked as though Kenny Miller's effort early in the second half would hand the Rams a double over the Magpies.
Joe Cole scored the only goal of the match to keep Chelsea in touch with leaders Arsenal and Manchester United as Blackburn Rovers went down to a fourth successive defeat. Cole struck a 22nd-minute winner with a searing 16-yard first-time drive that gave goalkeeper Brad Friedel no chance for Chelsea's seventh league win on their last nine visits to Ewood Park.
Cristiano Ronaldo's nerveless late penalty ended Everton's stubborn resistance at Old Trafford. The Portuguese winger sent Tim Howard the wrong way two minutes from time to convert his 16th goal of the season after Stephen Pienaar had tripped Ryan Giggs. Earlier Ronaldo had given United the lead with a left-foot shot, only for Tim Cahill to head an equaliser.
Manchester City remain in the top four after a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. City went ahead after 11 minutes as Rolando Bianchi slid in to steer home Martin Petrov's teasing cross for his fourth goal of the campaign.But their joy was short-lived as John Carew scuffed the ball past Joe Hart after a swashbuckling run had taken him past Richard Dunne and Micah Richards on the edge of the penalty area.
Liverpool are just a point behind Sven-Goran Eriksson's side after an electric start helped them on their way to a 4-1 win over Portsmouth. Rafael Benitez's side broke the deadlock after 13 minutes as Yossi Benayoun volleyed in before Sylvain Distin's unfortunate own goal just three minutes later doubled their advantage.Pompey gave themselves a lifeline through Benjani Mwaruwari's ninth goal of the campaign just after the break, but any hopes of salvaging a draw were ended when Fernando Torres added to his already burgeoning reputation with a classy double.
Scott Parker scored an 89th-minute winner to give West Ham United all three points against Middlesbrough. David Wheater's second goal of the season had given Boro the lead, but Dean Ashton's controlled half-volley from 25 yards drew the Hammers level before Parker popped up at the death.
Bolton Wanderers' renaissance under Gary Megson continued as they brushed aside Birmingham City 3-0. El-Hadji Diouf put the Trotters ahead with a calm finish before Nicolas Anelka took full advantage of a short throw-in by Johan Djourou to net a second before adding a third in stoppage time.
Stephen Hunt scored a controversial stoppage-time winner as Reading edged past Sunderland 2-1. Ivar Ingimarsson pounced on Craig Gordon's fumble to put the Royals ahead, but Michael Chopra had looked to have secured a point with a penalty 10 minutes from full-time. However, there was a late twist as Hunt's angled effort was deemed to have crossed the line before Craig Gordon parried it away.
Clint Dempsey saved a point for Fulham against Wigan Athletic in the Cottagers' first match following the departure of Lawrie Sanchez. Marcus Bent had put the Latics ahead with a rising half-volley, but Fulham bounced back to claim a share of the spoils through Dempsey's lashed effort.
Mark Viduka saved Newcastle United as he fired home a trademark double to deny Derby County a second victory of the season over Sam Allardyce's side. The Australian, who had cancelled out Giles Barnes' sixth-minute opener with his fourth goal of the season on 27 minutes, struck again at the death just as it looked as though Kenny Miller's effort early in the second half would hand the Rams a double over the Magpies.
Joe Cole scored the only goal of the match to keep Chelsea in touch with leaders Arsenal and Manchester United as Blackburn Rovers went down to a fourth successive defeat. Cole struck a 22nd-minute winner with a searing 16-yard first-time drive that gave goalkeeper Brad Friedel no chance for Chelsea's seventh league win on their last nine visits to Ewood Park.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Sanchez & Fulham Part Company
Lawrie Sanchez has been relieved of his position, a statement from the club has just confirmed.Sanchez left the Northern Ireland job in May to take over at Fulham full time - after saving the club from relegation in his one month stint at the end of last season.However, this season has not gone to plan, and with the risk of relegation very real, the club decided that a change was the only way forward.
Says the club statement:"Fulham Football Club today announced its decision to replace Lawrie Sanchez as Manager of the club with immediate effect.Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay will be in charge of the team whilst a search for a permanent replacement takes place.Following a run of disappointing results the Club is languishing in the relegation zone of the Premier League table, and losing its Premiership status is a proposition that simply can not be contemplated at this stage in the Club’s on-going development.The Club is confident that it will find the right replacement to increase its chances of remaining in the Premiership, which is of vital importance.The Club would like to thank Lawrie for helping the Club through a difficult period at the end of last season, and thank him for his service over the last eight months."
Former Fulham favourite John Collins, who quit as Hibs boss yesterday, is said to be among the favourites. He remains a friend of owner Mohamed Al Fayed after playing for the Cottagers from 2000 to 2003.
Says the club statement:"Fulham Football Club today announced its decision to replace Lawrie Sanchez as Manager of the club with immediate effect.Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay will be in charge of the team whilst a search for a permanent replacement takes place.Following a run of disappointing results the Club is languishing in the relegation zone of the Premier League table, and losing its Premiership status is a proposition that simply can not be contemplated at this stage in the Club’s on-going development.The Club is confident that it will find the right replacement to increase its chances of remaining in the Premiership, which is of vital importance.The Club would like to thank Lawrie for helping the Club through a difficult period at the end of last season, and thank him for his service over the last eight months."
Former Fulham favourite John Collins, who quit as Hibs boss yesterday, is said to be among the favourites. He remains a friend of owner Mohamed Al Fayed after playing for the Cottagers from 2000 to 2003.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Game Week 17- Review
William Gallas accepted the compliments of the season from his old club Chelsea in the feistiest of London derbies at the Emirates Stadium.The Arsenal captain cashed in on an uncharacteristic error from Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech on the stroke of half-time to head home the only goal of a pulsating match.The victory took Arsenal back to the top, a position they had relinquished for a couple of hours following Manchester United's triumph against Liverpool at Anfield.
Carlos Tevez got the goal as Manchester United produced another Anfield smash and grab to beat Liverpool 1-0 on Sunday. It was a similar story as in last season, Tevez turned the ball home from close range for the only goal of a game that Liverpool dominated.
The JJB Stadium witnessed one of the most thrilling matches of the Barclays Premier League season as Wigan Athletic threw away a three-goal lead before eventually overcoming 10-man Blackburn Rovers to end their 14-match winless run.Marcus Bent and Roque Santa Cruz both completed hat-tricks in an amazing match.
A stoppage-time penalty from Newcastle United's Joey Barton condemned Fulham to defeat at Craven Cottage.The home side had been seconds away from the draw they needed to clamber out of the Barclays Premier League's bottom three but were doomed to defeat when referee Howard Webb adjudged that Elliot Omozusi had fouled Alan Smith. Newcastle had shaded the match and Barton had cause to twice regret not finding the net for the first time since leaving Manchester City in the summer any earlier.
Stephen Hunt's second-half penalty halted a run of six successive away defeats for Reading.Hunt scored from the spot after he had been brought down by Birmingham City goalkeeper Maik Taylor following a weak back-pass from defender Mat Sadler.That cancelled out Mikael Forssell's first-half strike.It was Reading's first away point in four months since they drew with Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the campaign.
Bottom club Derby County suffered their seventh successive Barclays Premier League defeat and are now six points adrift of the team above them.In Paul Jewell's first home match in charge, it took a third goal in successive matches from Turkey international Tuncay Sanli to give Middlesbrough victory.
Manchester City secured a ninth successive Barclays Premier League home win in a six-goal thriller with Bolton Wanderers. City led, then trailed before securing the spoils thanks to Darius Vassell's second-half effort and an injury-time strike from Kelvin Etuhu.Goals from El Hadji-Diouf and Kevin Nolan had given Bolton a half time lead after Rolando Bianchi had scored an early goal for City.
Dimitar Berbatov notched an 81st-minute winner to claim Tottenham Hotpsur's first away league win of the season and leave Portsmouth cursing their inability to score at home.This was Pompey's first home league defeat since March and the end of their 11-match unbeaten run as they failed to take the opportunity to climb into the top four.
Aston Villa substitute Shaun Maloney earned his team a point with a superb free-kick to cancel out Danny Higginbotham's 10th-minute opener and deny the Black Cats two important points for their Barclays Premier League survival campaign.Sunderland manager Roy Keane was left to rue a series of gilt-edged opportunities which went begging before the break as his side lacked the ruthless edge they will need if they are to drag themselves away from the relegation zone.
Ayegbeni Yakubu continued his hot goal-scoring streak as Everton beat West Ham United for the second time in four days.The Nigerian pounced for his fifth goal in three matches - and 11th of the season - shortly before half-time as Everton sealed an away win. Andrew Johnson scored in the last minute as West Ham chased the match.
Carlos Tevez got the goal as Manchester United produced another Anfield smash and grab to beat Liverpool 1-0 on Sunday. It was a similar story as in last season, Tevez turned the ball home from close range for the only goal of a game that Liverpool dominated.
The JJB Stadium witnessed one of the most thrilling matches of the Barclays Premier League season as Wigan Athletic threw away a three-goal lead before eventually overcoming 10-man Blackburn Rovers to end their 14-match winless run.Marcus Bent and Roque Santa Cruz both completed hat-tricks in an amazing match.
A stoppage-time penalty from Newcastle United's Joey Barton condemned Fulham to defeat at Craven Cottage.The home side had been seconds away from the draw they needed to clamber out of the Barclays Premier League's bottom three but were doomed to defeat when referee Howard Webb adjudged that Elliot Omozusi had fouled Alan Smith. Newcastle had shaded the match and Barton had cause to twice regret not finding the net for the first time since leaving Manchester City in the summer any earlier.
Stephen Hunt's second-half penalty halted a run of six successive away defeats for Reading.Hunt scored from the spot after he had been brought down by Birmingham City goalkeeper Maik Taylor following a weak back-pass from defender Mat Sadler.That cancelled out Mikael Forssell's first-half strike.It was Reading's first away point in four months since they drew with Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the campaign.
Bottom club Derby County suffered their seventh successive Barclays Premier League defeat and are now six points adrift of the team above them.In Paul Jewell's first home match in charge, it took a third goal in successive matches from Turkey international Tuncay Sanli to give Middlesbrough victory.
Manchester City secured a ninth successive Barclays Premier League home win in a six-goal thriller with Bolton Wanderers. City led, then trailed before securing the spoils thanks to Darius Vassell's second-half effort and an injury-time strike from Kelvin Etuhu.Goals from El Hadji-Diouf and Kevin Nolan had given Bolton a half time lead after Rolando Bianchi had scored an early goal for City.
Dimitar Berbatov notched an 81st-minute winner to claim Tottenham Hotpsur's first away league win of the season and leave Portsmouth cursing their inability to score at home.This was Pompey's first home league defeat since March and the end of their 11-match unbeaten run as they failed to take the opportunity to climb into the top four.
Aston Villa substitute Shaun Maloney earned his team a point with a superb free-kick to cancel out Danny Higginbotham's 10th-minute opener and deny the Black Cats two important points for their Barclays Premier League survival campaign.Sunderland manager Roy Keane was left to rue a series of gilt-edged opportunities which went begging before the break as his side lacked the ruthless edge they will need if they are to drag themselves away from the relegation zone.
Ayegbeni Yakubu continued his hot goal-scoring streak as Everton beat West Ham United for the second time in four days.The Nigerian pounced for his fifth goal in three matches - and 11th of the season - shortly before half-time as Everton sealed an away win. Andrew Johnson scored in the last minute as West Ham chased the match.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Game Week 16- Review
Andriy Shevchenko celebrated his Chelsea return by spearheading the Barclays Premier League victory over Sunderland. His second goal of the season may only have been a routine finish off Salomon Kalou's 23rd minute cross, but it capped a lively display as Chelsea beat Sunderland 2-0.
Reading rode their luck to inflict a 3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat on Liverpool and dent the Merseysiders' title hopes. Stephen Hunt's penalty was cancelled out by Steven Gerrard's 10th goal of the season, but the home side were not to be denied and responded with second-half goals from Kevin Doyle and James Harper.
Middlesbrough eased out of the bottom three with a hard-earned 2-1 win over title contenders Arsenal at The Riverside Stadium. A Stewart Downing penalty and a Tuncay Sanli strike, his second in two matches, earned the Teessiders the win - their first in the Barclays Premier League since 1st September - and also denied the Gunners the chance to stretch their one-point lead at the top of the table. Tomas Rosicky scored late on for the visitors.
Ayegbeni Yakubu grabbed a second-half hat-trick as Everton stretched their unbeaten run to 10 matches - the best in five-and-a-half years under manager David Moyes. After a quiet start, Everton warmed up nicely for their Carling Cup quarter-final at West Ham United on Wednesday. Yakubu, a £11million signing from Middlesbrough, has now scored nine goals in 16 matches, but the better statistic is eight in 10 starts in the Barclays Premier League.
Ryan Giggs clocked up a century of league goals for Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson's men overcame an early struggle to record victory over bottom club Derby County. Carlos Tevez grabbed a brace and Ronaldo converted a last-minute penalty. Steve Howard scored Derby's first away goal of the season.
Habib Beye chose the perfect moment to claim his first Newcastle United goal as the Magpies struck at the death to end their seven-match wait for a Barclays Premier League win. Cameron Jerome had given the Blues an early lead before Obafemi Martins converted a penalty. Then Beye's dramatic winner in the last minute sealed victory for the Magpies.
Sulley Muntari's superb double strike helped secure a sixth successive away win in the Barclays Premier League for Portsmouth and earned them their first success at Villa Park for 37 years. The £7million signing from Udinese gave Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson no chance with two stunning left-footed drives to double his goal tally for the campaign. A Craig Gardner own goal had set Pompey on their way to victory and all the home side could muster in reply was a late Gareth Barry penalty.
Tottenham Hotspur's Jermain Defoe scored late to give his side a 2-1 win over Manchester City. Rolando Bianchi cancelled out Pascal Chimbonda's opener before Defoe grabbed the winner with seven minutes left, just after Stephen Ireland was given a straight red card for a challenge on Young-Pyo Lee.
Bolton Wanderers' revival continued at the Reebok Stadium as Gary Megson's men recorded their biggest win of the season, 4-1 against neighbours Wigan Athletic. Paul Scharner headed into his own net to give the Trotters the lead and although Denny Landzaat equalised for the visitors, Kevin Nolan put Bolton back in front before the break, with Kevin Davies and Nicolas Anelka, who also missed a penalty, finishing off an easy win.
Dean Ashton's goal ensured Alan Curbishley celebrated a year in charge of West Ham United with a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers. Interval substitute Ashton struck seven minutes into the second half as the Hammers made it four successive wins over Rovers to lift themselves into the top half of the table.
Reading rode their luck to inflict a 3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat on Liverpool and dent the Merseysiders' title hopes. Stephen Hunt's penalty was cancelled out by Steven Gerrard's 10th goal of the season, but the home side were not to be denied and responded with second-half goals from Kevin Doyle and James Harper.
Middlesbrough eased out of the bottom three with a hard-earned 2-1 win over title contenders Arsenal at The Riverside Stadium. A Stewart Downing penalty and a Tuncay Sanli strike, his second in two matches, earned the Teessiders the win - their first in the Barclays Premier League since 1st September - and also denied the Gunners the chance to stretch their one-point lead at the top of the table. Tomas Rosicky scored late on for the visitors.
Ayegbeni Yakubu grabbed a second-half hat-trick as Everton stretched their unbeaten run to 10 matches - the best in five-and-a-half years under manager David Moyes. After a quiet start, Everton warmed up nicely for their Carling Cup quarter-final at West Ham United on Wednesday. Yakubu, a £11million signing from Middlesbrough, has now scored nine goals in 16 matches, but the better statistic is eight in 10 starts in the Barclays Premier League.
Ryan Giggs clocked up a century of league goals for Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson's men overcame an early struggle to record victory over bottom club Derby County. Carlos Tevez grabbed a brace and Ronaldo converted a last-minute penalty. Steve Howard scored Derby's first away goal of the season.
Habib Beye chose the perfect moment to claim his first Newcastle United goal as the Magpies struck at the death to end their seven-match wait for a Barclays Premier League win. Cameron Jerome had given the Blues an early lead before Obafemi Martins converted a penalty. Then Beye's dramatic winner in the last minute sealed victory for the Magpies.
Sulley Muntari's superb double strike helped secure a sixth successive away win in the Barclays Premier League for Portsmouth and earned them their first success at Villa Park for 37 years. The £7million signing from Udinese gave Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson no chance with two stunning left-footed drives to double his goal tally for the campaign. A Craig Gardner own goal had set Pompey on their way to victory and all the home side could muster in reply was a late Gareth Barry penalty.
Tottenham Hotspur's Jermain Defoe scored late to give his side a 2-1 win over Manchester City. Rolando Bianchi cancelled out Pascal Chimbonda's opener before Defoe grabbed the winner with seven minutes left, just after Stephen Ireland was given a straight red card for a challenge on Young-Pyo Lee.
Bolton Wanderers' revival continued at the Reebok Stadium as Gary Megson's men recorded their biggest win of the season, 4-1 against neighbours Wigan Athletic. Paul Scharner headed into his own net to give the Trotters the lead and although Denny Landzaat equalised for the visitors, Kevin Nolan put Bolton back in front before the break, with Kevin Davies and Nicolas Anelka, who also missed a penalty, finishing off an easy win.
Dean Ashton's goal ensured Alan Curbishley celebrated a year in charge of West Ham United with a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers. Interval substitute Ashton struck seven minutes into the second half as the Hammers made it four successive wins over Rovers to lift themselves into the top half of the table.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Game Week 15- Review
Liverpool surged to their fifth successive victory and moved into third place in the Barclays Premier League with a 4-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. Sami Hyypia's early glancing header set Liverpool on their way but Bolton's response was spirited and defiant until Fernando Torres grabbed his 11th goal of the season a minute from half-time. Steven Gerrard rammed home the third from the penalty spot after Peter Crouch had been fouled after 54 minutes and Ryan Babel tapped in the fourth with six minutes left.
Former Arsenal midfielder Sebastian Larsson produced a stunning injury-time winner to claim Birmingham City's first win at Tottenham Hotspur for 24 years. Robbie Keane appeared to have secured victory with his two-goal salvo in three minutes but Cameron Jerome fired an equaliser before Larsson struck in Alex McLeish's first match in charge.
Joe Cole's late winner against his former club West Ham United allowed Chelsea to put the pressure on their Barclays Premier League title rivals in the early kick-off at Stamford Bridge. West Ham contained their opponents for most of the match but never looked like equalising once the Blues took the lead on 76 minutes.
David Bentley scored two superb goals to help condemn Newcastle United to a 3-1 defeat- their fourth defeat in their last five matches. Obafemi Martins opened the scoring at the start of the second half for the Magpies but Bentley then ran the show with Tugay adding a third in stoppage time.
Portsmouth were held to their fourth goalless home draw in five Barclays Premier League matches by Everton after missing a hatful of chances. The result allowed both teams to maintain their unbeaten runs, 10 matches for Portsmouth and eight for Everton, in a match that ultimately disappointed after a promising start.
Ten-man Wigan Athletic recovered from conceding the second fastest goal in the Premier League this season to end their eight-match losing streak. New manager Steve Bruce could hardly have had a worse start as Titus Bramble gifted Geovanni a 28-second opener for Manchester City. But Wigan recovered admirably, levelled before the break through Paul Scharner and looked the most likely winners until captain Mario Melchiot was sent off near the end for a two-footed lunge on Stephen Ireland.
Middlesbrough slipped into the Barclays Premier League bottom three despite Tuncay's first goal for the club earning them a point at Reading. The Turk came off the bench to head home Luke Young's cross six minutes from time . It could have been worse for Boro and manager Gareth Southgate after Dave Kitson put Reading ahead early in the second half.
A last-gasp close-range goal from substitute Anthony Stokes handed Sunderland a priceless win over Derby County at The Stadium of Light. The home side enjoyed most of the pressure but found clear cut chances hard to come by against a resilient Derby side. The Black Cats move out of the relegation zone after the win.
Arsenal weathered a vastly-improved second half-performance from Martin O'Neill's side to maintain their unbeaten domestic record and the leadership of the Barclays Premier League. Craig Gardner had given Villa hope of their first win over the Gunners in 18 meetings when he put them ahead. But Arsenal could easily have added to goals from Mathieu Flamini and Emmanuel Adebayor.
In the Monday match Roanldo scored a brace to give Manchester United a 2-0 victory at home.Ronaldo's efforts were enough to see United reclaim second spot in the Barclays Premier League with their seventh straight home win - three points adrift of Arsenal, who also have a match in hand.
Former Arsenal midfielder Sebastian Larsson produced a stunning injury-time winner to claim Birmingham City's first win at Tottenham Hotspur for 24 years. Robbie Keane appeared to have secured victory with his two-goal salvo in three minutes but Cameron Jerome fired an equaliser before Larsson struck in Alex McLeish's first match in charge.
Joe Cole's late winner against his former club West Ham United allowed Chelsea to put the pressure on their Barclays Premier League title rivals in the early kick-off at Stamford Bridge. West Ham contained their opponents for most of the match but never looked like equalising once the Blues took the lead on 76 minutes.
David Bentley scored two superb goals to help condemn Newcastle United to a 3-1 defeat- their fourth defeat in their last five matches. Obafemi Martins opened the scoring at the start of the second half for the Magpies but Bentley then ran the show with Tugay adding a third in stoppage time.
Portsmouth were held to their fourth goalless home draw in five Barclays Premier League matches by Everton after missing a hatful of chances. The result allowed both teams to maintain their unbeaten runs, 10 matches for Portsmouth and eight for Everton, in a match that ultimately disappointed after a promising start.
Ten-man Wigan Athletic recovered from conceding the second fastest goal in the Premier League this season to end their eight-match losing streak. New manager Steve Bruce could hardly have had a worse start as Titus Bramble gifted Geovanni a 28-second opener for Manchester City. But Wigan recovered admirably, levelled before the break through Paul Scharner and looked the most likely winners until captain Mario Melchiot was sent off near the end for a two-footed lunge on Stephen Ireland.
Middlesbrough slipped into the Barclays Premier League bottom three despite Tuncay's first goal for the club earning them a point at Reading. The Turk came off the bench to head home Luke Young's cross six minutes from time . It could have been worse for Boro and manager Gareth Southgate after Dave Kitson put Reading ahead early in the second half.
A last-gasp close-range goal from substitute Anthony Stokes handed Sunderland a priceless win over Derby County at The Stadium of Light. The home side enjoyed most of the pressure but found clear cut chances hard to come by against a resilient Derby side. The Black Cats move out of the relegation zone after the win.
Arsenal weathered a vastly-improved second half-performance from Martin O'Neill's side to maintain their unbeaten domestic record and the leadership of the Barclays Premier League. Craig Gardner had given Villa hope of their first win over the Gunners in 18 meetings when he put them ahead. But Arsenal could easily have added to goals from Mathieu Flamini and Emmanuel Adebayor.
In the Monday match Roanldo scored a brace to give Manchester United a 2-0 victory at home.Ronaldo's efforts were enough to see United reclaim second spot in the Barclays Premier League with their seventh straight home win - three points adrift of Arsenal, who also have a match in hand.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Derby appoints Jewell as manger
Derby County have appointed former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell as head coach.The Rams parted company with Billy Davies on Monday and chairman Adam Pearson has wasted no time in finding a replacement.
Pearson told reporters: "Paul is a stand-out candidate with regard to management experience and I couldn't think of a better man for the job."
Jewell, who left Wigan after securing their Barclays Premier League safety on the final day of last season, emerged as Derby's prime target on Tuesday.Since leaving the JJB Stadium he has been linked with several jobs, including a return to his former club Wigan.
But Jewell said: "I wanted a rest from football, I've enjoyed my time off, I'm refreshed and I'm absolutely delighted to be here and really looking forward to challenge ahead." Jewell had resigned as Wigan boss at the end of last season declaring himself "physically and mentally drained"
He has been handed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Pride Park and speaking about his appointment, Jewell insisted he would not "wave the white flag" in the club's battle with relegation.Asked if he could keep the side up this season, he said: "Absolutely. If I don't believe it, if the players don't believe it, if the fans don't believe it we have no chance.It's going to be very difficult but I'm not here to wave the white flag. We're not adrift."
McLeish is new Burmingham manager
Alex McLeish has been confirmed as the new manager of Birmingham City.The former Rangers and Hibernian boss quit his role as manager of the Scottish national team on Tuesday and less than 24 hours later was unveiled at St Andrews.
McLeish, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, takes over from Steve Bruce who left the club earlier this month and is now at Wigan Athletic.The new role will be McLeish's first in the Barclays Premier League and his aim will be to steer the Blues clear of relegation trouble. They currently sit just one point above the drop zone.
McLeish admitted the lure of the Barclays Premier League and day-to-day management were significant factors in his decision to leave Scotland.He said: "I've always had a desire to come to the Premier League. I'd love to be managing in the Premier League for a considerable time.The Scotland campaign was over and I really thought long and hard about staying on. I knew of some interest in the Premier League and had a desire to get back to day-to-day football.I really enjoyed my time in the Scotland job, it was a good period for me which was not day to day but allowed me to rekindle my appetite for the club scene again.I've come to a club with great tradition in football and with a fervent and fantastic fan base.I look forward to the challenge.''
Coach Roy Aitken, who was part of McLeish's backroom team at Scotland, has also made the move to St Andrews, as has Andy Watson, another member of the Scottish set-up.
Derby part company with Davis
Derby County have parted company with manager Billy Davies after a run of eight matches without a win.Davies led the Rams to promotion from the Championship last season but the club currently sit bottom of the Barclays Premier League after only one win this season.
"I have met with Billy Davies this morning and we have decided mutually in the best interests of both parties that to go our separate ways is the correct decision at this time," Derby Chairman Adam Pearson said in a statement on the club's official website.
"Billy Davies leaves Derby County with our best wishes and our genuine gratitude in achieving a magnificent promotion to the Premier League, where everyone connected with the club wanted to be.We wish Billy all the best for his future career and both parties will now move forward, which I am sure will lead to future success for Billy Davies and Derby County."
Derby have been beaten 5-0 by Arsenal and West Ham United this season and 6-0 by Liverpool. The Rams lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea on Saturday.Academy manager Kevin Thelwell has been appointed as caretaker manager on a temporary basis.
"We've agreed mutually to part our ways," said Davies. "It's football. We know the situation.It's time to move on. This is not the time to discuss anymore. It's time to move onto something new. I don't know what there is for the future. I'll wait and see.At this point I'd like to thank very much the staff and players and the fans, who have been magnificent.Everyone's been a pleasure to work with and I've enjoyed the great times I've had at Derby.I'm very, very proud walking out of these gates with what's been achieved. I'm walking out with my head held high.The one thing I can guarantee is that Billy Davies will bounce back and be a much better and stronger manager for this experience."
Game Week 14- Review
Sir Alex Ferguson was sent to the stands as title-chasing as relegation threatened Bolton shocked Manchester United to their first defeat since August.Nicolas Anelka's first half strike was enough to seal all three points for the home side.The result gives Gary Megson his first win as Trotters manger, as his new charges climb out of the relegation zone for virtually the first time this season.
Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 win over Wigan taking full advantage of Man utd slip up at bolton. For large spells, though, the Gunners - now unbeaten for 28 matches - had been frustrated by a determined Wigan side, who will have new manager Steve Bruce in charge from Monday.
Ayegbeni Yakubu and Tim Cahill grabbed two each, with Steven Pienaar, substitute Andrew Johnson and Leon Osman scored give Everton a resounding 7-1 victory over Sunderland. Dwight Yorke got the Black Cats goal.
Goalkeeper Robert Green saved an injury-time penalty from Jermain Defoe to ensure West Ham earned a point in a thrilling clash at Upton Park. Tottenham centre-half Michael Dawson had hauled Spurs level with a header in the 66th minute after a first-half blunder by Younes Kaboul had allowed Carlton Cole to open the scoring for the Hammers.
Stephen Warnock rescued a point for Blackburn with a late equaliser at Craven Cottage. Danny Murphy put Fulham ahead from the spot .But Brett Emerton responded in emphatic fashion with Rover's first equaliser. A well-worked move saw Diomansy Kamara fire the Cottagers ahead for a second time only for Warnock to pounce 12 minutes from time.
Goals from Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel earned Liverpool a deserved away day victory at St James' Park. Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given made a series of saves to ensure the defecit was kept to a minimum.
Birmingham City goalkeeper Richard Kingson's mistake and a superb strike from Niko Kranjcar saw Harry Redknapp's side take all three points at St Andrews. It clinched a fifth successive away win for Pompey and extended their unbeaten league run to nine games to keep them in the top six.
John Carew, Olof Mellberg and and Gabriel Agbonlahor helped Aston Villa to a 3-0 victory at Middlesbrough. Boro, who have not won a single league game since September, fall to fourth bottom in the table.
James Harper looked to have secured a point for Reading after Martin Petrov had opened the scoring, but Stephen Ireland came to Manchester City's rescue with a stoppage-time winner.
Chelsea wrapped up a 2-0 win over Derby County at Pride Park. Salomon Kalou opened the scoring before Shaun Wright-Phillips scored with a close-range effort.
Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 win over Wigan taking full advantage of Man utd slip up at bolton. For large spells, though, the Gunners - now unbeaten for 28 matches - had been frustrated by a determined Wigan side, who will have new manager Steve Bruce in charge from Monday.
Ayegbeni Yakubu and Tim Cahill grabbed two each, with Steven Pienaar, substitute Andrew Johnson and Leon Osman scored give Everton a resounding 7-1 victory over Sunderland. Dwight Yorke got the Black Cats goal.
Goalkeeper Robert Green saved an injury-time penalty from Jermain Defoe to ensure West Ham earned a point in a thrilling clash at Upton Park. Tottenham centre-half Michael Dawson had hauled Spurs level with a header in the 66th minute after a first-half blunder by Younes Kaboul had allowed Carlton Cole to open the scoring for the Hammers.
Stephen Warnock rescued a point for Blackburn with a late equaliser at Craven Cottage. Danny Murphy put Fulham ahead from the spot .But Brett Emerton responded in emphatic fashion with Rover's first equaliser. A well-worked move saw Diomansy Kamara fire the Cottagers ahead for a second time only for Warnock to pounce 12 minutes from time.
Goals from Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel earned Liverpool a deserved away day victory at St James' Park. Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given made a series of saves to ensure the defecit was kept to a minimum.
Birmingham City goalkeeper Richard Kingson's mistake and a superb strike from Niko Kranjcar saw Harry Redknapp's side take all three points at St Andrews. It clinched a fifth successive away win for Pompey and extended their unbeaten league run to nine games to keep them in the top six.
John Carew, Olof Mellberg and and Gabriel Agbonlahor helped Aston Villa to a 3-0 victory at Middlesbrough. Boro, who have not won a single league game since September, fall to fourth bottom in the table.
James Harper looked to have secured a point for Reading after Martin Petrov had opened the scoring, but Stephen Ireland came to Manchester City's rescue with a stoppage-time winner.
Chelsea wrapped up a 2-0 win over Derby County at Pride Park. Salomon Kalou opened the scoring before Shaun Wright-Phillips scored with a close-range effort.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Steve Bruce join Wigan,Leaves Birmingham
Steve Bruce has left Birmingham City and has been named as the new manager of Wigan Athletic.Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said he was "delighted" Bruce had joined the Latics and confirmed that Birmingham would receive £3million in compensation.
Whelan said "When Paul Jewell decided he was not going to come back I was a little bit disappointed but Steve Bruce is the guy we wanted.I'm delighted we've got him, I think he's a big loss for Birmingham and a big signing for Wigan Athletic.He'll be a fantastic signing for Wigan Athletic. He's one of the best young managers in the land, I'm delighted we've got him and he'll bring enthusiasm, knowledge and spirit to our team.We have a good team now, we have some good players. We've had some bad luck with injuries and when Steve comes in he I know he will want a midfield player and maybe a striker - and I will be backing him exactly the same way I did with Paul Jewell."
Whelan confirmed the compensation package for Bruce, adding " We've got to do the right thing for Birmingham and (co-owner) David Sullivan has been a good and honest man all through the dealings."
On Bruce's previous stint with the Latics, at the end of the 2000-01 season, Whelan added: "I was annoyed when he walked away but I didn't give him a contract and he came for the last six weeks of season.He did a super job and got an offer from Crystal Palace which he wanted to take. I was disappointed to lose him but I'm delighted he's come back to us.My message to the fans is 'support your team'. We need every bit of support we can get but we've got a brilliant manager now and together we have to make Wigan what it once was - a fighting team.
"Under Steve Bruce we know Wigan will be a fighting team.What he earns he deserves - he will keep us out of relegation problems and all the fans will be delighted we've got him."
Game Week 13- Review
Two goals in the final nine minutes gave Liverpool a 2-0 win after a frustrating night at Anfield against a defiant Fulham. The west Londoners had fought determinedly, and seemed certain to claim a point before substitute Fernando Torres broke the deadlock with a clinical strike after 81 minutes, with Steven Gerrard driving home a penalty four minutes later after Peter Crouch was tripped.
Tim Cahill earned battling Everton a share of the spoils with an 88th-minute equaliser as they drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Didier Drogba looked to have given the home side all three points when he put the Blues in front with a bullet header in the 71st minute. But Chelsea had to settle for a point when Cahill's spectacular overhead scissor-kick beat Carlo Cudicini from six yards.
Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half double was enough to see off 10-man Blackburn Rovers and send Manchester United back to the top of the Barclays Premier League. Ronaldo nodded home Ryan Giggs' corner, then converted Carlos Tevez's superb square pass a minute later to provide United with their ninth win in 10 matches. It was harsh luck on Blackburn, who battled tirelessly throughout but saw any chance of a comeback disappear when David Dunn was sent off for a second bookable offence eight minutes after the break.
West Ham United racked up their biggest win of the season as Derby County's fight for survival suffered another blow as they were beaten 5-0 at Pride Park. A goal late in the first half from Lee Bowyer was followed by a blitz after the break that saw Matthew Etherington, an Eddie Lewis own goal, Bowyer again and Nolberto Solano expose their opponents' shortcomings.
James Milner was Newcastle United's derby hero with the equaliser which ensured the Magpies extended Sunderland's wait for a home win over their closest rivals beyond 27 years as the sides drew 1-1. Danny Higginbotham had headed Sunderland in front seven minutes after the break with his first goal for the club, and Sunderland might have snatched victory eight minutes from time when Michael Chopra's header hit the bar.
Gabriel Agbonlahor settled the Second City derby with a late goal as Aston Villa edged a pulsating match with fierce rivals Birmingham City 2-1 at St Andrews. The England Under-21 international had cleared a Liam Ridgewell header off the line just 60 seconds earlier before charging down the pitch to turn home Ashley Young's cross with a deft header. A Ridgewell own goal against his former side had earlier given Villa the lead but Mikael Forssell came off the bench to level matters for the hosts before Agbonlahor settled the outcome with three minutes remaining.
Bolton Wanderers failed to match their heroics of midweek when they held Bayern Munich to a draw in the UEFA Cup as they played out a 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough. The Trotters had to settle for a point against their fellow strugglers and have now won only once in 13 Barclays Premier League matches.
Tottenham Hotspur picked up their first league win in almost three months by beating Wigan Athletic 4-0 - but Juande Ramos' side were barely tested against their opponents. Jermaine Jenas (two) and Aaron Lennon got the first-half goals at White Hart Lane to put Spurs in total control at the interval. And Darren Bent came off the bench in the second half to add to the scoring.
Portsmouth hit bar and post through Glen Johnson and substitute David Nugent but Joe Hart's confident goalkeeeping helped Manchester City secure a 0-0 draw at Fratton Park. It was Pompey's third goalless home draw of the season and prevented them overhauling City into third place in the Barclays Premier League, but it was also their eighth straight league match without defeat.
In the monday night match Arsenal again signalled their intent to battle Manchester United all the way as Arsene Wenger's men went back to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a virtuoso display at Reading. Arsenal beat Reading 3-1 Mathieu Flamini and Emmanuel Adebayor finishing off superb moves either side of half-time before Alexander Hleb's fine late individual goal wrapped up a comprehensive victory before England full-back Nicky Shorey grabbed a late consolation goal.
Tim Cahill earned battling Everton a share of the spoils with an 88th-minute equaliser as they drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Didier Drogba looked to have given the home side all three points when he put the Blues in front with a bullet header in the 71st minute. But Chelsea had to settle for a point when Cahill's spectacular overhead scissor-kick beat Carlo Cudicini from six yards.
Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half double was enough to see off 10-man Blackburn Rovers and send Manchester United back to the top of the Barclays Premier League. Ronaldo nodded home Ryan Giggs' corner, then converted Carlos Tevez's superb square pass a minute later to provide United with their ninth win in 10 matches. It was harsh luck on Blackburn, who battled tirelessly throughout but saw any chance of a comeback disappear when David Dunn was sent off for a second bookable offence eight minutes after the break.
West Ham United racked up their biggest win of the season as Derby County's fight for survival suffered another blow as they were beaten 5-0 at Pride Park. A goal late in the first half from Lee Bowyer was followed by a blitz after the break that saw Matthew Etherington, an Eddie Lewis own goal, Bowyer again and Nolberto Solano expose their opponents' shortcomings.
James Milner was Newcastle United's derby hero with the equaliser which ensured the Magpies extended Sunderland's wait for a home win over their closest rivals beyond 27 years as the sides drew 1-1. Danny Higginbotham had headed Sunderland in front seven minutes after the break with his first goal for the club, and Sunderland might have snatched victory eight minutes from time when Michael Chopra's header hit the bar.
Gabriel Agbonlahor settled the Second City derby with a late goal as Aston Villa edged a pulsating match with fierce rivals Birmingham City 2-1 at St Andrews. The England Under-21 international had cleared a Liam Ridgewell header off the line just 60 seconds earlier before charging down the pitch to turn home Ashley Young's cross with a deft header. A Ridgewell own goal against his former side had earlier given Villa the lead but Mikael Forssell came off the bench to level matters for the hosts before Agbonlahor settled the outcome with three minutes remaining.
Bolton Wanderers failed to match their heroics of midweek when they held Bayern Munich to a draw in the UEFA Cup as they played out a 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough. The Trotters had to settle for a point against their fellow strugglers and have now won only once in 13 Barclays Premier League matches.
Tottenham Hotspur picked up their first league win in almost three months by beating Wigan Athletic 4-0 - but Juande Ramos' side were barely tested against their opponents. Jermaine Jenas (two) and Aaron Lennon got the first-half goals at White Hart Lane to put Spurs in total control at the interval. And Darren Bent came off the bench in the second half to add to the scoring.
Portsmouth hit bar and post through Glen Johnson and substitute David Nugent but Joe Hart's confident goalkeeeping helped Manchester City secure a 0-0 draw at Fratton Park. It was Pompey's third goalless home draw of the season and prevented them overhauling City into third place in the Barclays Premier League, but it was also their eighth straight league match without defeat.
In the monday night match Arsenal again signalled their intent to battle Manchester United all the way as Arsene Wenger's men went back to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a virtuoso display at Reading. Arsenal beat Reading 3-1 Mathieu Flamini and Emmanuel Adebayor finishing off superb moves either side of half-time before Alexander Hleb's fine late individual goal wrapped up a comprehensive victory before England full-back Nicky Shorey grabbed a late consolation goal.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Game Week 12- Review
Arsenal signalled their determination to fight Manchester United all the way for the Barclays Premier League crown with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from captain William Gallas in the 2-2 draw at Emirates Stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo's goal with eight minutes remaining looked set to send the champions back to the top of the league and ending the Gunners' unbeaten run, which stretched back to 24 matches.
Clint Dempsey and David Healy came up with late goals to clinch only the second Barclays Premier League win of the season for Fulham and leave Reading still searching for their first success away from home. Steve Coppell's side looked like doing it when suffocating pressure at the start of the second half brought Kevin Doyle's equaliser after Simon Davies had shot the home side in front early on.
Everton left it late to secure all three points at Goodison Park, thanks to stoppage time goals from Lee Carsley and James Vaughan. Steve Bruce's Birmingham side will feel hard done by not to have got anything from a match that looked as though it was heading for a draw after Kapo c.ancelled out Yakubu's early strike for the visitors.
Aston Villa duo Martin Laursen and Ashley Young put Derby County deeper into the relegation mire with second-half goals at Villa Park. Laursen and Young struck twice in the space of four minutes to end the resistance of the Rams who have still to notch an away goal in the Barclays Premier League this season.
Liverpool slumped to their second draw in as many weeks against Blackburn.Despite a number of chances, neither side managed to break the deadlock at Ewood Park. Both sides had to settle for a point, with Blackburn maintaining their impressive form in the Barclays Premier League. Liverpool looked threatening after the introduction of Peter Crouch midway through the second half, but the home team managed to contain the danger.
Chelsea failed to hit the heights of last week's 6-0 defeat of Manchester City against Wigan Athletic at the JJB, but two fine first-half goals were enough to put them back in the Barclays Premier League hunt. Rivals Manchester United and Arsenal drew earlier in the day, ensuring Chelsea's two Shaun Wright-Phillips inspired goals were enough to see them cut the gap at the top.
Portsmouth turned in a stunning display of finishing to condemn Newcastle United to their first home defeat of the season. The visitors raced into a 3-0 lead within 11 minutes of kick-off as Noe Pamarot, Benjani Mwaruwari and John Utaka struck in quick succession. Sol Campbell's 15th-minute own goal pulled one back for the home side before Niko Kranjcar wrapped up the win with a 70th-minute free-kick to clinch a fourth successive away victory.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Luke Young spoilt Juande Ramos' first match as a Barclays Premier League manager as Middlesbrough claimed a deserved point at the Riverside Stadium. Darren Bent put the visitors ahead against the run of play after 35 minutes with a low shot from 15 yards. But Young ensured both sides' search for a league victory continued with a long range piledriver in the 52nd minute.
George McCartney's first goal for the Hammers was cancelled out at the death by Bolton Wanderers' Kevin Nolan. West Ham United looked likely to have secured all three points with just seconds remaining on the clock before Nolan dealt Alan Curbishley's side a blow. The hard fought point for the Trotters takes them closer to easing their relegation worries, as they move to one point from safety.
Clint Dempsey and David Healy came up with late goals to clinch only the second Barclays Premier League win of the season for Fulham and leave Reading still searching for their first success away from home. Steve Coppell's side looked like doing it when suffocating pressure at the start of the second half brought Kevin Doyle's equaliser after Simon Davies had shot the home side in front early on.
Everton left it late to secure all three points at Goodison Park, thanks to stoppage time goals from Lee Carsley and James Vaughan. Steve Bruce's Birmingham side will feel hard done by not to have got anything from a match that looked as though it was heading for a draw after Kapo c.ancelled out Yakubu's early strike for the visitors.
Aston Villa duo Martin Laursen and Ashley Young put Derby County deeper into the relegation mire with second-half goals at Villa Park. Laursen and Young struck twice in the space of four minutes to end the resistance of the Rams who have still to notch an away goal in the Barclays Premier League this season.
Liverpool slumped to their second draw in as many weeks against Blackburn.Despite a number of chances, neither side managed to break the deadlock at Ewood Park. Both sides had to settle for a point, with Blackburn maintaining their impressive form in the Barclays Premier League. Liverpool looked threatening after the introduction of Peter Crouch midway through the second half, but the home team managed to contain the danger.
Chelsea failed to hit the heights of last week's 6-0 defeat of Manchester City against Wigan Athletic at the JJB, but two fine first-half goals were enough to put them back in the Barclays Premier League hunt. Rivals Manchester United and Arsenal drew earlier in the day, ensuring Chelsea's two Shaun Wright-Phillips inspired goals were enough to see them cut the gap at the top.
Portsmouth turned in a stunning display of finishing to condemn Newcastle United to their first home defeat of the season. The visitors raced into a 3-0 lead within 11 minutes of kick-off as Noe Pamarot, Benjani Mwaruwari and John Utaka struck in quick succession. Sol Campbell's 15th-minute own goal pulled one back for the home side before Niko Kranjcar wrapped up the win with a 70th-minute free-kick to clinch a fourth successive away victory.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Luke Young spoilt Juande Ramos' first match as a Barclays Premier League manager as Middlesbrough claimed a deserved point at the Riverside Stadium. Darren Bent put the visitors ahead against the run of play after 35 minutes with a low shot from 15 yards. But Young ensured both sides' search for a league victory continued with a long range piledriver in the 52nd minute.
George McCartney's first goal for the Hammers was cancelled out at the death by Bolton Wanderers' Kevin Nolan. West Ham United looked likely to have secured all three points with just seconds remaining on the clock before Nolan dealt Alan Curbishley's side a blow. The hard fought point for the Trotters takes them closer to easing their relegation worries, as they move to one point from safety.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Ramos takes up spurs job
Former Sevilla manager Juande Ramos has been appointed Tottenham Hotspur's head coach on a three year contract.The Spaniard, 53, tendered his resignation with Sevilla on Friday night, clearing the way for him to succeed Martin Jol at White Hart Lane following the Dutchman's dismissal on Thursday night.
Ramos' first game in charge is expected to come against Blackpool in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, with development coach Clive Allen and youth team boss Alex Inglethorpe in charge for the Barclays Premier League clash against Blackburn Rovers.
Tottenham also confirmed they have requested permission from Leeds United to speak to assistant manager Gus Poyet in order to invite him to join the club to work with Ramos.Marcos Alvarez, 36, who worked with Ramos at Sevilla, will also join the Tottenham coaching staff.
Ramos said: "I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work as head coach at Tottenham Hotspur, a club with a great tradition and history.Ever since I started my coaching career I have wanted to work in England. It is my sincere hope that I can repay the faith the Spurs board has shown in me.I am looking forward to meeting the players. It is a squad any coach would be excited to work with. I genuinely believe that there is the potential to achieve great things together.
"I was hugely impressed with the Spurs fans both home and away when Sevilla played Spurs last season and it will be a privilege to be the coach of this club with the huge support it enjoys both at White Hart Lane and throughout the world."
Ramos moves to White Hart Lane after a successful two years at Sevilla, where he won back-to-back UEFA Cups, a European Super Cup, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.He also took the Andalucian side into the Champions League for the first time in its history.
Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli said: "Juande's arrival is great news for Tottenham Hotspur.He brings with him a wealth of experience, a proven track record and a winning pedigree. Now is the time for us to regroup and look to deliver the results and performances that everyone associated with the club wants to see.By making the appointment at this stage of the season, with our current, talented group of players, we have given ourselves the opportunity to compete well in all four competitions.Juande is a highly-respected coach and his agreement to join us is excellent news. I know he is eager to get started."
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.
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.''
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Game Week 7- Review
Champions Manchester United moved up to second in the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 win over Chelsea in Blues manager Avram Grant's first match in charge. After Obi Jon Mikel had received a first-half red card for a challenge on Patrice Evra, United took the lead on the stroke of half-time when he headed in at the near post.The match was put beyond them late on when Louis Saha scored from the penalty spot after Tal Ben Haim challenged him in the area. Chelsea are now five points behind leaders Arsenal, having played a match more.
The Gunners again demonstrated their firepower with a 5-0 win over Derby County at the Emirates Stadium. Abou Diaby gave them the lead with a superb long-range strike after ten minutes and Emmanuel Adebayor doubled the advantage on 25. The Togo frontman added a penalty after the break, and Cesc Fabregas scored another fine goal to make it 4-0 with 20 minutes to go. Adebayor completed his hat-trick late on.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez would have been less impressed by his side after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Birmingham City. The home side looked more of a threat once Fernando Torres had been brought on in the second-half but that's now three draws in a row for the Reds.
A more entertaining draw was witnessed by those present at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Fulham and Manchester City shared six goals, although the home side were twice in front through Simon Davies and Hammeur Bouazza. On each occasion Martin Petrov and Emile Mpenza hit back, and City were even in the lead thanks to Petrov's second goal of the match. However, a goal from Danny Murphy on his home debut salvaged a point for Fulham who have been involved in some very exciting matches already this season.
Middlesbrough's match with Sunderland also ended all square. Liam Miller's 89th-minute goal earned a point for Sunderland in a thrilling 125th Tees-Wear derby. The visitors took the lead after just 75 seconds when Michael Chopra's shot hit Grant Leadbitter and fell kindly for him to shoot past Mark Schwarzer in the Boro goal. Julio Arca headed in an equaliser and Stewart Downing's 25 yarder looked to have given all three points to Gareth Southgate's men before Miller's late intervention. It ended 2-2.
Reading earned a much needed three points by beating Wigan Athletic 2-1. James Harper won it late on when he converted a superb pass from Dave Kitson. Reading had previously taken the lead when Chris Kirkland failed to hold Kevin Doyle's shot and Kitson knocked the ball over the line. Marcus Bent equalised when he headed in Jason Koumas' corner.
Portsmouth secured a fine win at Blackburn Rovers thanks to a first-half strike from Kanu. The fixture list has not been particularly kind to Harry Redknapp's side as they have already faced Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool but it is surely a barometer of the quality that Redknapp has at his disposal that the side occupy a mid-table position.
Newcastle United put a poor performance at Derby County behind them with a 3-1 win over West Ham United. Mark Viduka scored twice for the Magpies, with Charles N'Zogbia netting the other. Dean Ashton scored for West Ham for the second game in a row.
Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur have endured a difficult start to the season, and they drew 1-1 at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday. Robbie Keane gave Spurs the lead, only for Ivan Campo to equalise with a header.
In the weekend's other match, Aston Villa defeated Everton 2-0. John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor were on target for Villa who moved up to eighth. It's been a week to forget for Everton manager David Moyes who has seen his side beaten by Manchester United and held to a 1-1 draw at home by nine-man Metalist Kharkiv in the Uefa Cup.
The Gunners again demonstrated their firepower with a 5-0 win over Derby County at the Emirates Stadium. Abou Diaby gave them the lead with a superb long-range strike after ten minutes and Emmanuel Adebayor doubled the advantage on 25. The Togo frontman added a penalty after the break, and Cesc Fabregas scored another fine goal to make it 4-0 with 20 minutes to go. Adebayor completed his hat-trick late on.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez would have been less impressed by his side after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Birmingham City. The home side looked more of a threat once Fernando Torres had been brought on in the second-half but that's now three draws in a row for the Reds.
A more entertaining draw was witnessed by those present at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Fulham and Manchester City shared six goals, although the home side were twice in front through Simon Davies and Hammeur Bouazza. On each occasion Martin Petrov and Emile Mpenza hit back, and City were even in the lead thanks to Petrov's second goal of the match. However, a goal from Danny Murphy on his home debut salvaged a point for Fulham who have been involved in some very exciting matches already this season.
Middlesbrough's match with Sunderland also ended all square. Liam Miller's 89th-minute goal earned a point for Sunderland in a thrilling 125th Tees-Wear derby. The visitors took the lead after just 75 seconds when Michael Chopra's shot hit Grant Leadbitter and fell kindly for him to shoot past Mark Schwarzer in the Boro goal. Julio Arca headed in an equaliser and Stewart Downing's 25 yarder looked to have given all three points to Gareth Southgate's men before Miller's late intervention. It ended 2-2.
Reading earned a much needed three points by beating Wigan Athletic 2-1. James Harper won it late on when he converted a superb pass from Dave Kitson. Reading had previously taken the lead when Chris Kirkland failed to hold Kevin Doyle's shot and Kitson knocked the ball over the line. Marcus Bent equalised when he headed in Jason Koumas' corner.
Portsmouth secured a fine win at Blackburn Rovers thanks to a first-half strike from Kanu. The fixture list has not been particularly kind to Harry Redknapp's side as they have already faced Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool but it is surely a barometer of the quality that Redknapp has at his disposal that the side occupy a mid-table position.
Newcastle United put a poor performance at Derby County behind them with a 3-1 win over West Ham United. Mark Viduka scored twice for the Magpies, with Charles N'Zogbia netting the other. Dean Ashton scored for West Ham for the second game in a row.
Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur have endured a difficult start to the season, and they drew 1-1 at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday. Robbie Keane gave Spurs the lead, only for Ivan Campo to equalise with a header.
In the weekend's other match, Aston Villa defeated Everton 2-0. John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor were on target for Villa who moved up to eighth. It's been a week to forget for Everton manager David Moyes who has seen his side beaten by Manchester United and held to a 1-1 draw at home by nine-man Metalist Kharkiv in the Uefa Cup.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Murinho Quits Chelsea (or was he sacked)....
Jose Mourinho's three-year reign at Chelsea came to an abrupt end on Thursday as the
Special One's fraught relationship with the club's Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, finally reached breaking point.An announcement that will send shockwaves through English and European football came in the early hours of Thursday morning with Chelsea claiming that Mourinho had left "by mutual consent."
A terse statement posted on the London club's website stated: "Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent."Mourinho had reportedly informed Frank Lampard and other senior players that he was on his way out on Wednesday evening and late-night talks at Stamford Bridge concluded with confirmation of his departure.
If he wants to go straight into another job, Mourinho will not be short of offers.The Portuguese manager, who made his reputation by guiding FC Porto to Champions League glory in 2004, has transformed the English football landscape since taking over at Stamford Bridge in June 2004, winning two Premier League titles in his first two years in charge, the FA Cup last season and the League Cup in 2005 and 2007.
Of the 185 games he has been in charge, Chelsea have won 124, drawn 40 and lost 21, a record that includes a 60-match unbeaten run in Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge.The statistics go some way towards justifying Mourinho's famous description of himself as "A Special One."
That comment was made in his first press conference in England and it is a judgment that few Chelsea fans would dispute after three years which saw the club end its 50-year wait to be crowned champions and establish itself as one of the most feared teams in Europe.
But the success has failed to seduce Abramovich and the Russian's relationship with his most outspoken employee turned sour last season when he refused to come up with the funds Mourinho required to land his January transfer targets -- a stance the Portuguese believes contributed to Chelsea conceding the Premier League title to Manchester United.On the other side of the feud, Abramovich has grown increasingly impatient with the fact that, after investing nearly 500 million pounds (one billion dollars) in the club, Chelsea have failed to conquer Europe and continue to lag behind the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United in terms of entertainment value.
Tuesday's disappointing 1-1 Champions League draw with Norwegian side Rosenberg -- watched by fewer than 25,000 fans -- appears to have brought simmering tensions to the boil, and, with hindsight, Mourinho's pre-match comments about the need to buy the best eggs to make the best omelette offered a hint that things were not going smoothly behind the scenes.
Mourinho and Abramovich appeared to have agreed to bury their differences over the summer and the manager had started this campaign pledging that he would be a much more "chilled" figure than in his first two seasons in England.But the strain of Chelsea's poor recent form was evident on Saturday, when Mourinho tossed a flat-screen television set to the ground in frustration over a disallowed goal in his side's 0-0 draw with Blackburn.The manager has also made no attempt to disguise his frustration with Chelsea's misfiring striker Andriy Shevchenko, whose 30-million-pound signing from AC Milan is widely believed to have been ordered by Abramovich. Mourinho has also clashed with the Russian owner over backroom appointments, notably the May 2005 recruitment of Dutchman Frank Arnesen as the club's youth/scouting supremo and the appointment of Avram Grant as director of football.
Grant is likely to be in charge of Chelsea for Sunday's trip to rivals Manchester United but it is thought likely that Abramovich will be looking to bring in a high-profile successor to Mourinho. Russia coach Guus Hiddink and former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann are likely to top the speculative short-list, which may also include Sevilla's highly-rated Juande Ramos.
Game Week 6- Review
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal produced one of their most entertaining encounters in recent years with Arsenal winning the game 1-3. Martin Jol's side took the lead with a trademark free-kick from Gareth Bale but Emmanuel Adebayor squared the match when heading past Paul Robinson in the 65th minute. A stunning long-range effort from Cesc Fabregas made it 2-1 to the visitors and Adebayor rounded off the scoring with a sumptuous volley late on.
Manchester United secured their third 1-0 win in a row thanks to a late Nemanja Vidic header at Everton. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will surely be pleased with the manner in which his side grinded out victory at Goodison Park.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was left frustrated after watching his side held to a 0-0 draw by Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have now dropped five points in their last two matches.
Another encounter which surely demonstrated the strength of the Barclays Premier League this season was Liverpool's visit to Portsmouth. The match ended 0-0, but Pompey manager Harry Redknapp was left to rue Kanu's first-half penalty miss. Jose Reina dived to his right to keep out the Nigerian's penalty in the first-half after Alvaro Arbeloa had been penalised for hand-ball.
West Ham United continue to climb the table and are up to sixth after a fine 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at Upton Park. A Lee Bowyer strike and an own-goal from Luke Young either side of half-time put the Hammers in the ascendancy but the biggest cheer of the day was for Dean Ashton who struck in the 62nd minute to end a 16 month goal drought.
Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings was also dealt a blow after Emile Heskey broke a metatarsal in the 1-1 draw with Fulham at the JJB Stadium. The England international will now be out for up to six weeks with the injury. Clint Dempsey gave Fulham a first-half lead but Jason Koumas equalised from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.
Sunderland got their second win on the board after seeing off the threat of Reading at the Stadium of Light. Kenwyne Jones was a constant thorn in Reading's side and gave his team the lead when he turned smartly and drilled a shot low into the bottom corner. Ross Wallace made it 2-0 and although Dave Kitson pulled a goal back for the visitors late on, they could not find an equaliser. Manager Steve Coppell will be looking for an improvement from his side after a disappointing display in this 2-1 defeat.
Birmingham City addedem more misery to Bolton's terrible start to this season.Olivier Kapo's first-half strike was enough to see off Bolton Wanderers 1-0 at St Andrews.
In Sunday's match, Manchester City's Michael Johnson enhanced his growing reputation with the only goal in a 1-0 win over Aston Villa. The youngster showed terrific determination to outmuscle the Villa defence before firing low past Scott Carson. City are up to second off the back of this win.
Manchester United secured their third 1-0 win in a row thanks to a late Nemanja Vidic header at Everton. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will surely be pleased with the manner in which his side grinded out victory at Goodison Park.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was left frustrated after watching his side held to a 0-0 draw by Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have now dropped five points in their last two matches.
Another encounter which surely demonstrated the strength of the Barclays Premier League this season was Liverpool's visit to Portsmouth. The match ended 0-0, but Pompey manager Harry Redknapp was left to rue Kanu's first-half penalty miss. Jose Reina dived to his right to keep out the Nigerian's penalty in the first-half after Alvaro Arbeloa had been penalised for hand-ball.
West Ham United continue to climb the table and are up to sixth after a fine 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at Upton Park. A Lee Bowyer strike and an own-goal from Luke Young either side of half-time put the Hammers in the ascendancy but the biggest cheer of the day was for Dean Ashton who struck in the 62nd minute to end a 16 month goal drought.
Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings was also dealt a blow after Emile Heskey broke a metatarsal in the 1-1 draw with Fulham at the JJB Stadium. The England international will now be out for up to six weeks with the injury. Clint Dempsey gave Fulham a first-half lead but Jason Koumas equalised from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.
Sunderland got their second win on the board after seeing off the threat of Reading at the Stadium of Light. Kenwyne Jones was a constant thorn in Reading's side and gave his team the lead when he turned smartly and drilled a shot low into the bottom corner. Ross Wallace made it 2-0 and although Dave Kitson pulled a goal back for the visitors late on, they could not find an equaliser. Manager Steve Coppell will be looking for an improvement from his side after a disappointing display in this 2-1 defeat.
Birmingham City addedem more misery to Bolton's terrible start to this season.Olivier Kapo's first-half strike was enough to see off Bolton Wanderers 1-0 at St Andrews.
In Sunday's match, Manchester City's Michael Johnson enhanced his growing reputation with the only goal in a 1-0 win over Aston Villa. The youngster showed terrific determination to outmuscle the Villa defence before firing low past Scott Carson. City are up to second off the back of this win.
Everton 0-1 Manchester United
Portsmouth 0-0 Liverpool
Tot Hotspur 1-3 Arsenal
Birmingham City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
West Ham United 3-0 Middlesbrough
Sunderland 2-1 Reading
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Fulham
Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn Rovers
Manchester City 1-0 Aston Villa
Portsmouth 0-0 Liverpool
Tot Hotspur 1-3 Arsenal
Birmingham City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
West Ham United 3-0 Middlesbrough
Sunderland 2-1 Reading
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Fulham
Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn Rovers
Manchester City 1-0 Aston Villa
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Game Week 4- Review
Chelsea missed out on the chance to go back to the top of the Barclays Premier League as they lost 2-0 to Aston Villa on Sunday.Villa fan Zat Knight scored on his debut for Martin O'Neill's side to help shatter the former champions' eight-month unbeaten record in the top flight. And, with two minutes left, Gabriel Agbonlahor made sure of victory.
Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky were on target as Arsenal beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium to go second in the table.The only cloud on the scintillating display was the 50th-minute dismissal of Philippe Senderos, who was shown a straight red for denying Kanu a clear goalscoring chance on the edge of the box. Arsenal were already 3-0 up before Kanu pulled one back against his former club, but the Gunners ran out comfortable winners.
Benni McCarthy scored his first goal of the season to give Blackburn Rovers the points against Manchester City. He grabbed the winner in the 13th minute after Kasper Schmeichel had parried a header from Roque Santa Cruz. Tugay of Blackburn and City skipper Richard Dunne were both sent off after receiving two bookings in a rousing encounter at Ewood Park.
Liverpool moved to the top of the Barclays Premier League for the first time in five years with a 6-0 drubbing of bottom side Derby County at Anfield.Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres both scored two for the Reds, with Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin adding to the Rams' misery.
Forgotten man Louis Saha ruined Roy Keane's Old Trafford return with a goal that saved Manchester United's title defence suffering a blow at the hands of Sunderland.On his first appearance since the Champions League semi-final defeat to AC Milan in May, Saha found the elusive winner 19 minutes from time, giving United a 1-0 victory just as they looked set to lose even more ground to their major championship rivals.
Michael Owen was the Newcastle United hero as they won 1-0 at home to Wigan Athletic to give England manager Steve McClaren a boost ahead of the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.Owen had one disallowed in the first half but headed home Obafemi Martins' cross from the right, his first in the league for the Magpies since a hat-trick away to West Ham United in December 2005.
Their Merseyside neighbours Everton have also started the season well and claimed a 2-1 win at Bolton Wanderers as debutant Ayegbeni Yakubu made a flying start. Andrew Johnson teed up his new £11.25million strike partner perfectly and the Nigerian made no mistake from 12 yards in the 11th minute to give the Toffees a 1-0 half-time lead.Bolton levelled the scores when El-Hadji Diouf's cross from the left was only half-cleared and Nicolas Anelka volleyed in off the underside of the crossbar but there was late heartbreak for Wanderers as Joleon Lescott headed home from a corner.
Tottenham Hotspur let slip 2-0 and 3-1 leads as Fulham fought back for a 3-3 draw at Craven Cottage. Spurs forged ahead in the 10th minute when central defender Younes Kaboul, signed from Auxerre in the summer, turned the ball in from a Gareth Bale corner and Dimitar Berbatov added a second in the 27th minute.American midfielder Clint Dempsey pulled one back for the Cottagers in the 42nd minute but Martin Jol's men seemed to have made sure of the three points when a smart finish from Bale rounded off a swift counter-attack. But Russian midfielder Alexey Smertin reduced the deficit and Diomansy Kamara's looping overhead kick right at the death, earned Lawrie Sanchez's side a point.
West Ham were 3-0 victors at Reading as Dean Ashton started his first senior game since the 2006 FA Cup final for the Hammers. Craig Bellamy opened the scoring in the sixth minute, racing away from his markers on to a Lee Bowyer pass and drilling a low shot across Royals goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.
Alan Curbishley's men grabbed a second four minutes into the second half when Matt Etherington played an excellent one-two on the edge of the box with Bellamy and blasted a shot high inside Hahnemann's near post. Etherington added his second and West Ham's third deep into injury time from Carlton Cole's pass.
Middlesbrough were full value for their 2-0 victory over Birmingham City at the Riverside. David Wheater's powerful 12th-minute header left Maik Taylor rooted to his line to give Gareth Southgate's men the lead and Stewart Downing added Boro's second eight minutes before the break when he lashed in a shot from close range after a header down by George Boateng.
Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky were on target as Arsenal beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium to go second in the table.The only cloud on the scintillating display was the 50th-minute dismissal of Philippe Senderos, who was shown a straight red for denying Kanu a clear goalscoring chance on the edge of the box. Arsenal were already 3-0 up before Kanu pulled one back against his former club, but the Gunners ran out comfortable winners.
Benni McCarthy scored his first goal of the season to give Blackburn Rovers the points against Manchester City. He grabbed the winner in the 13th minute after Kasper Schmeichel had parried a header from Roque Santa Cruz. Tugay of Blackburn and City skipper Richard Dunne were both sent off after receiving two bookings in a rousing encounter at Ewood Park.
Liverpool moved to the top of the Barclays Premier League for the first time in five years with a 6-0 drubbing of bottom side Derby County at Anfield.Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres both scored two for the Reds, with Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin adding to the Rams' misery.
Forgotten man Louis Saha ruined Roy Keane's Old Trafford return with a goal that saved Manchester United's title defence suffering a blow at the hands of Sunderland.On his first appearance since the Champions League semi-final defeat to AC Milan in May, Saha found the elusive winner 19 minutes from time, giving United a 1-0 victory just as they looked set to lose even more ground to their major championship rivals.
Michael Owen was the Newcastle United hero as they won 1-0 at home to Wigan Athletic to give England manager Steve McClaren a boost ahead of the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.Owen had one disallowed in the first half but headed home Obafemi Martins' cross from the right, his first in the league for the Magpies since a hat-trick away to West Ham United in December 2005.
Their Merseyside neighbours Everton have also started the season well and claimed a 2-1 win at Bolton Wanderers as debutant Ayegbeni Yakubu made a flying start. Andrew Johnson teed up his new £11.25million strike partner perfectly and the Nigerian made no mistake from 12 yards in the 11th minute to give the Toffees a 1-0 half-time lead.Bolton levelled the scores when El-Hadji Diouf's cross from the left was only half-cleared and Nicolas Anelka volleyed in off the underside of the crossbar but there was late heartbreak for Wanderers as Joleon Lescott headed home from a corner.
Tottenham Hotspur let slip 2-0 and 3-1 leads as Fulham fought back for a 3-3 draw at Craven Cottage. Spurs forged ahead in the 10th minute when central defender Younes Kaboul, signed from Auxerre in the summer, turned the ball in from a Gareth Bale corner and Dimitar Berbatov added a second in the 27th minute.American midfielder Clint Dempsey pulled one back for the Cottagers in the 42nd minute but Martin Jol's men seemed to have made sure of the three points when a smart finish from Bale rounded off a swift counter-attack. But Russian midfielder Alexey Smertin reduced the deficit and Diomansy Kamara's looping overhead kick right at the death, earned Lawrie Sanchez's side a point.
West Ham were 3-0 victors at Reading as Dean Ashton started his first senior game since the 2006 FA Cup final for the Hammers. Craig Bellamy opened the scoring in the sixth minute, racing away from his markers on to a Lee Bowyer pass and drilling a low shot across Royals goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.
Alan Curbishley's men grabbed a second four minutes into the second half when Matt Etherington played an excellent one-two on the edge of the box with Bellamy and blasted a shot high inside Hahnemann's near post. Etherington added his second and West Ham's third deep into injury time from Carlton Cole's pass.
Middlesbrough were full value for their 2-0 victory over Birmingham City at the Riverside. David Wheater's powerful 12th-minute header left Maik Taylor rooted to his line to give Gareth Southgate's men the lead and Stewart Downing added Boro's second eight minutes before the break when he lashed in a shot from close range after a header down by George Boateng.
Transfer List
With the transfer window closing on 31 August all the teams have signed up some new players. Some new faces have come into the Premier League. here is the complete list depicting the IN's and OUT's from each club
Arsenal
In: Lukasz Fabianski (Legia Warsaw, £2m), Eduardo Da Silva (Dinamo Zagreb, £7.5m), Havard Nordveit (Haugesund, undisclosed), Bacary Sagna (Auxerre, £7m), Lassana Diarra (Chelsea, undisclosed).
Out: Jeremie Aliadiere (Middlesbrough, £1.5m), Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham, undisclosed), Mart Poom (Watford, free), Arturo Lupoli (Fiorentina, free), Thierry Henry (Barcelona £16.1m), Mathew Connolly (Colchester, loan), Freddie Ljungberg (West Ham, 3m), Jose Antonio Reyes (Atletico Madrid, undisclosed), Kerrea Gilbert (Southend, loan), Ryan Garry (Bournemouth, free), Johan Djourou (Birmingham City, loan till Jan 08), Joe O’Cearuill (Barnet, free), Jay Simpson (Millwall, loan).
Aston Villa
In: Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham, £8.5m), Harry Forrester (Watford, undisclosed), Marlon Harewood (West Ham, undisclosed), Eric Lichaj (unattached, free), Scott Carson (Liverpool, loan), Zat Knight (Fulham, 3.5m), Moustapha Salifou (FC Wil, undisclosed), Curtis Davies (West Brom, loan till summer 2008, 8.5m after that).
Out: Gavin McCann (Bolton, £1m), Jlloyd Samuel (Bolton, free), Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls, free), Stephen Henderson (Bristol City, free), Aaron Hughes (Fulham, £1m), Lee Hendrie (released), Steven Davis (Fulham, £4m), Chris Sutton (retired), Robert Olejnik (Falkirk, free).
Birmingham City
In: Garry O’Connor (Lokomotiv Moscow, £2.7m), Stuart Parnaby (Middlesbrough, free), Fabrice Muamba (Arsenal, undisclosed), Olivier Kapo (Juventus, £3m), Daniel de Ridder (Celta Vigo, free), Richard Kingston (Hammarby, free), Rafael Schmitz (Lille, loan), Franck Queudrue (Fulham, £2.5m), Wilson Palacios (Olimpia, loan), Borja Oubina Melendez (Celta Vigo, loan).
Out: Bruno N’Gotty (Leicester, free), Julian Gray (released), Stephen Clemence (Leicester, 1m), DJ Campbell (Leicester, 1.6m), Sam Oji (Leyton Orient, loan), Sone Aluko (Aberdeen, loan).
Blackburn
In: Gunnar Nielsen (BK Frem Copenhagen, undisclosed), Maceo Rigters (NAC Breda, undisclosed), Roque Santa Cruz (Bayern Munich, undisclosed).
Out: Andy Todd (Derby, undisclosed), Michael Gray (released), Francis Jeffers (Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed), Joe Garner (Carlise, 140,000), Paul Gallagher (Preston, loan).
Bolton
In: Gavin McCann (Aston Villa, £1m), Jlloyd Samuel (Aston Villa, free), Gerald Cid (Bordeaux, undisclosed), Blerim Dzemaili (FC Zurich, free), Zoltan Harsanyi (FC Senec, undisclosed), Danny Guthrie (Liverpool, loan), Mikel Alonso (Real Sociedad, loan), Christian Wilhelmsson (Nantes, loan), Daniel Braaten (Rosenborg, 450,000).
Out: Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea, free), Henrik Pedersen (released), Quinton Fortune (released), David Thompson (released), Cesar Martin (released), Idan Tal (Betar Jerusalem, undisclosed), Chris Howarth (Carlisle, free), Abdoulaye Faye (Newcastle United, undisclosed), Jaroslaw Fojut (Luton, loan).
Chelsea
In: Tal Ben Haim (Bolton, free), Claudio Pizarro (Bayern Munich, free), Steve Sidwell (Reading, free), Danny Philliskirk (Oldham, undisclosed), Florent Malouda (Lyon, £13.5m), Jacob Mellis (Sheffield United, £1.3m), Alex (PSV Eindhoven, free), Juliano Belletti (Barcelona, 5m).
Out: Yves Makaba-Makalamby (Hibernian), Nuno Morais (Apoel Nicosia), Geremi (Newcastle, free), Khalid Boulahrouz (Sevilla, loan), Slobodan Rajkovic (PSV Eindhoven, loan), Michael Mancienne (QPR, loan), Jimmy Smith (Norwich, loan), James Russell (Stevenage, free), Adrian Pettigrew (Brentford, loan), Ben Sahar (QPR, loan), Ryan Bertrand (Oldham, loan), Arjen Robben (Real Madrid, 24m), Harry Worley (Carlisle, loan), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth, undisclosed), Lassana Diarra (Arsenal, undisclosed).
Derby County
In: Robert Earnshaw (Norwich City, £3.5m), Tyrone Mears (West Ham, £1M), Andy Todd (Blackburn, undisclosed), Ben Hinchcliffe (free), Claude Davis (£3m), Andy Griffin (Portsmouth, free), Lewis Price (Ipswich, undisclosed), Kenny Miller (Celtic, undisclosed).
Out: Seth Johnson (released), Paul Peschisolido (Luton, free), Morten Bisgaard (released), Paul Boertien (released), Lee Grant (released), Ryan Smith (Millwall, £150k), Lionel Ainsworth (released), Steven Cann (released), Richard Jackson (Luton, free).
Everton
In: Tim Howard (Manchester United, £3m), Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United, £4m), , Lukas Jutkiewicz (Swindon Town, undisclosed), Leighton Baines (Wigan, undisclosed), Stefan Wessels (Cologne, free), Yakubu (Middlesbrough, 11.25m), Thomas Gravesen (Celtic, loan).
Out: Richard Wright (released), Alessandro Pistone (released), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United, £1m), Scott Phelan (Bradford, free), James Beattie (Sheffield United, £4m), Anderson Silva de Franca (Barnsley, loan).
Fulham
In: Aaron Hughes (Aston Villa, £1m), Steven Davis (Aston Villa, £4m), Diomansy Kamara (West Brom, £6m), Chris Baird (Southampton, 3m), Paul Konchesky (West Ham, 3.25m), David Healy (Leeds, 1.5m), Lee Cook (QPR, 2.5m), Hameur Bouazza (Watford, undisclosed), Kasey Keller (Borussia Monchengladbach, free), Nathan Ashton (unattached), Dejan Stefanovic (Portsmouth, 1m), Shefki Kuqi (Crystal Palace, loan), Danny Murphy (Tottenham, loan), Seol Ki-Hyeon (Reading, undisclosed).
Out: Claus Jensen (released), Mark Pembridge (released), Tomasz Radzinski (released), Mark Crossley (released, now at Oldham), Wayne Routledge, Jan Lastuvka, Vincenzo Montella (end of loans), Matty Collins (Swansea, free), Franck Queudrue (Birmingham, £2.5m), Zat Knight (Aston Villa, 3.5m), Papa Bouba Diop (Portsmouth, loan), Liam Rosenior (Reading, undisclosed).
Liverpool
In: Andrey Voronin (Bayer Leverkusen, free), Kristian Nemeth & Andras Simon (both MTK Hungariam, undisclosed), Nikolay Mihaylov (Levski Sofia, undisclosed), Lucas Leiva (Gremio, undisclosed), Sebastian Leto (Club Atletico Lanus, £1.7m), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao, £270,000), Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid, £20m-£26m), Yossi Benayoun (West Ham, £4m), Ryan Babel (Ajax, 11.5m), Ryan Crowther (Stockport, free), Dani Pacheco (Barcelona, £350,000), Alex Kacaniklic (Helsingborg, undisclosed), Marvin Purie (Borussia Dortmund, undisclosed), Gary Mackay Stevens (Ross County, undisclosed), Charles Itandje (Lens, undisclosed), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao, undisclosed), Peter Gulacsi (MK Hungaria, loan), Damien Plessi (Lyon, undisclosed).
Out: Robbie Fowler (released), Florent Sinama Pongolle (Recreativo Huelva, £2.7m), Danny Guthrie (Bolton, loan), Luis Garcia (Atletico Madrid, £4m), Craig Bellamy (West Ham, £7.5m), Bolo Zenden (Marseille, free), Djibril Cisse (Marseille, £6m), Godwin Antwi (Hartlepool United, loan), Jerzy Dudek (Real Madrid, released), Mark Gonzalez (Real Betis, free), Scott Carson (Aston Villa, loan), Jimmy Ryan (Shrewsbury, loan), Miki Roque (Xerez CD, loan), Nikolay Mihaylov (FC Twente, loan), Gabriel Paletta (Boca Juniors, undisclosed).
Manchester City
In: Geovanni (Cruzeiro, free), Rolando Bianchi (Regina, 8.8m), Gelson Fernandes (FC Sion, undisclosed), Martin Petrov (Atletico Madrid, £4.7m), Javier Garrido (Real Sociedad, £1.5m), Vedran Corluka (Dinamo Zagreb, undisclosed), Elano (Shakhtar Donetsk, £8m), Valeri Bojinov (Fiorentina, undisclosed).
Out: Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth, free), Trevor Sinclair (released), Stephen Jordan (Burnley, free), Hatem Trabelsi (released), Joey Barton (Newcastle, £5.8m), Nicky Weaver (Charlton, free), Nathan D’Laryea (Rochdale, free), Ishmael Miller (West Brom, loan), Mathew Mills (Doncaster, loan), Danny Mills (Charlton, loan), Paul Dickov (Crystal Palace, loan), Bernardo Corradi (Parma, loan).
Manchester United
In: Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich, £17m), Nani (Sporting, £14m), Anderson (Porto, £17m), Tomasz Kuszczak (West Brom, 2m), Carlos Tevez (unattached, loan).
Out: Tim Howard (Everton, £3m), Kieran Richardson (Sunderland, 5m), Phil Marsh, Floribert Ngalula, Daniel Rose (released), Giuseppe Rossi (Villareal, £6.7m), Alan Smith (Newcastle United, £6m), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke, loan till Jan 08), Ritchie Jones (Yeovil, loan), Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid, 8m), Craig Cathcart (Antwerp, loan till Jan 08).
Middlesbrough
In: Tuncay Sanli (Fenerbahce, free), Jeremie Aliadiere (Arsenal, £2m), Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid, £7m), Luke Young (Charlton, 2.5m), Mido (Tottenham, 6m), Mohamed Shawky (Al-Ahly, 650,000), Gary O’Neill (Portsmouth, undisclosed).
Out: Mark Viduka (Newcastle, free), Stuart Parnaby (Birmingham, free), Abel Xavier (LA Galaxy, free), Malcolm Christie (released), Danny Graham (released), Jason Kennedy (Livingston, loan), James Morrison (West Brom, 1.5m), Yakubu (Everton, 11.25m), Jason Euell (Southampton, free), David Knight (Swansea, free).
Newcastle United
In: Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough, free), Joey Barton (Man City, £5.8m), David Rozehnal (Paris St Germain, £2.9m), Geremi (Chelsea, free), Alan Smith (Manchester United, £6m), Claudio Cacapa (Lyon, free), Jose Enrique (Villareal, £6.3m), Habib Beye (Marseille, undisclosed), Abdoulaye Faye (Bolton, undisclosed).
Out: Scott Parker (West Ham, £7m), Titus Bramble (Wigan, free), Antoine Sibierski (Wigan, free), Craig Moore (released), Olivier Bernard (released), Alan O’Brien (Hibernian, undisclosed), Pavel Srineck (released), Lee Clark (retired), Kirs Gate (released), Andy Carroll (Preston, loan), Kieron Dyer (West Ham, 6m), Paul Huntington (Leeds, undisclosed), Nolberto Solano (West Ham, undisclosed).
Portsmouth
In: Sulley Muntari (Udinese, £7m), Sylvain Distin (Manchester City, free), Hermann Hreidarsson (Charlton, free), Martin Cranie (Southampton, undisclosed), Paris Cowan-Hall & Callum Reynolds (Rushden & Diamonds, compensation fee), Arnold Mvuemba (Rennes, undisclosed), John Utaka (Rennes, undisclosed), David Nugent (Preston, undisclosed), Glen Johnson (Chelsea, undisclosed), Papa Bouba Diouf (Fulham, undisclosed).
Out: Svetoslav Todorov (Charlton, free), Daryl Fordyce (released), Andy Griffin (Derby, free), Collins Mbesuma (Bursaspor, undisclosed), Jason Pearce (Bournemouth, free), Jean-Francoise Christophe (Bournemouth, loan), Asmir Begovic (Bournemouth, loan), Lomana Lua-Lua (Olympiakos, undisclosed), Dejan Stefanovic (Fulham, 1m), Gary O’Neill (Middlesbrough, undisclosed).
Reading
In: Kalifa Cisse (Boavista, £1m), Emerse Fae (Nantes, £2.5m), Liam Rosenior (Fulham, undisclosed).
Out: Steve Sidwell (Chelsea, free), Greg Halford (Sunderland, £2.5m), Jonathan Heyes (MK Dons, loan), Curtis Ujah (Yeovil, free), Graham Stack (Wolves, 1-month loan), Ben Hamer (Brentford, loan), Sam Sodje (Charlton, loan), Simox Cox (Swindon, loan), Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham, undisclosed).
Sunderland
In: Greg Halford (Reading, £2.5m), Russell Anderson (Aberdeen, £1m), Dickson Etuhu (Norwich, 1.5m), Kieran Richardson (Manchester United, 5m), Michael Chopra (Cardiff City, 5m), Paul McShane (West Brom, 2.5m), Craig Gordon (Hearts, £9m), Roy O’Donnovan (Cork City, undisclosed), Andy Cole (unattached), Kenwyne Jones (Southamption, 6m), Danny Higginbothan (Stoke, 2.5m), Ian Harte (Levante, free).
Out: Kenny Cunningham (released), Tommy Miller (released), William Mocquet, Kevin Smith (released), Stephen Elliot (Wolves, undisclosed), Arnau Riera (Falkirk, loan), Dan Smith (Aberdeen, free), Martin Fulop (Leicester, loan), Clive Clark (Leicester, loan), Stern John (Southampton, in exchange for Kenwyne Jones plus cash).
Tottenham
In: Gareth Bale (Southampton, £5m), Adel Taarabt (Lens, undisclosed), Yuri Berchiche (Athletic Bilbao, undisclosed), Darren Bent (Charlton £16.5m), Youness Kaboul (Auxerre, £8m), Danny Rose (Leeds, undisclosed), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Hertha Berlin, undisclosed).
Out: Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria, undisclosed), Mark Yeates (Colchester, undisclosed), Robert Burch (Sheffield Wednesday, released), Emil Hallfredsson (Lyn-Oslo, undisclosed), Charlie Lee (Peterborough, free), Mido (Middlesbrough, 6m), Jamie O’Hara (Millwall, loan), Lee Barnard (Crewe, loan), Danny Murphy (Fulham, loan).
West Ham
In: Scott Parker (Newcastle, £7m), Julien Faubert (Bordeaux, £6.1m), Richard Wright (Everton, free), Craig Bellamy (Liverpool, £7.5m), Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal, 3m), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United, 6m), Henri Camara (Wigan, loan), Nolberto Solano (Newcastle United, undisclosed).
Out: Tyrone Mears (Derby, £1m), Teddy Sheringham (Colchester, released), Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa, £8.5m), Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool, £4m), Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa, undisclosed), Paul Konchesky (Fulham, 3.25m), Roy Carroll (Rangers, free), Shaun Newton (Liecester, released), Hugo Ephraim (QPR, loan).
Wigan
In: Antoine Sibierski (Newcastle, free), Titus Bramble (Newcastle, free), Mario Melchiot (Rennes, free), Andreas Granqvist (Helsingborg, free), Carlo Nash (Preston, £300,000), Jason Koumas (West Brom, £5.3m), Michael Brown (Fulham, undisclosed), Rachid Bouaouzan (Sparta Rotterdam, undisclosed), Marcus Bent (Charlton, loan).
Out: Matt Jackson (Watford, free), Arjan de Zeeuw (released), David Unsworth (released), Andreas Johansson (Aalborg Bk, free), Lee McCulloch (Rangers, 2.25m), Leighton Baines (Everton, undisclosed), Caleb Folan (Hull, 1m), Henri Camara (West Ham, loan).
Arsenal
In: Lukasz Fabianski (Legia Warsaw, £2m), Eduardo Da Silva (Dinamo Zagreb, £7.5m), Havard Nordveit (Haugesund, undisclosed), Bacary Sagna (Auxerre, £7m), Lassana Diarra (Chelsea, undisclosed).
Out: Jeremie Aliadiere (Middlesbrough, £1.5m), Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham, undisclosed), Mart Poom (Watford, free), Arturo Lupoli (Fiorentina, free), Thierry Henry (Barcelona £16.1m), Mathew Connolly (Colchester, loan), Freddie Ljungberg (West Ham, 3m), Jose Antonio Reyes (Atletico Madrid, undisclosed), Kerrea Gilbert (Southend, loan), Ryan Garry (Bournemouth, free), Johan Djourou (Birmingham City, loan till Jan 08), Joe O’Cearuill (Barnet, free), Jay Simpson (Millwall, loan).
Aston Villa
In: Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham, £8.5m), Harry Forrester (Watford, undisclosed), Marlon Harewood (West Ham, undisclosed), Eric Lichaj (unattached, free), Scott Carson (Liverpool, loan), Zat Knight (Fulham, 3.5m), Moustapha Salifou (FC Wil, undisclosed), Curtis Davies (West Brom, loan till summer 2008, 8.5m after that).
Out: Gavin McCann (Bolton, £1m), Jlloyd Samuel (Bolton, free), Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls, free), Stephen Henderson (Bristol City, free), Aaron Hughes (Fulham, £1m), Lee Hendrie (released), Steven Davis (Fulham, £4m), Chris Sutton (retired), Robert Olejnik (Falkirk, free).
Birmingham City
In: Garry O’Connor (Lokomotiv Moscow, £2.7m), Stuart Parnaby (Middlesbrough, free), Fabrice Muamba (Arsenal, undisclosed), Olivier Kapo (Juventus, £3m), Daniel de Ridder (Celta Vigo, free), Richard Kingston (Hammarby, free), Rafael Schmitz (Lille, loan), Franck Queudrue (Fulham, £2.5m), Wilson Palacios (Olimpia, loan), Borja Oubina Melendez (Celta Vigo, loan).
Out: Bruno N’Gotty (Leicester, free), Julian Gray (released), Stephen Clemence (Leicester, 1m), DJ Campbell (Leicester, 1.6m), Sam Oji (Leyton Orient, loan), Sone Aluko (Aberdeen, loan).
Blackburn
In: Gunnar Nielsen (BK Frem Copenhagen, undisclosed), Maceo Rigters (NAC Breda, undisclosed), Roque Santa Cruz (Bayern Munich, undisclosed).
Out: Andy Todd (Derby, undisclosed), Michael Gray (released), Francis Jeffers (Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed), Joe Garner (Carlise, 140,000), Paul Gallagher (Preston, loan).
Bolton
In: Gavin McCann (Aston Villa, £1m), Jlloyd Samuel (Aston Villa, free), Gerald Cid (Bordeaux, undisclosed), Blerim Dzemaili (FC Zurich, free), Zoltan Harsanyi (FC Senec, undisclosed), Danny Guthrie (Liverpool, loan), Mikel Alonso (Real Sociedad, loan), Christian Wilhelmsson (Nantes, loan), Daniel Braaten (Rosenborg, 450,000).
Out: Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea, free), Henrik Pedersen (released), Quinton Fortune (released), David Thompson (released), Cesar Martin (released), Idan Tal (Betar Jerusalem, undisclosed), Chris Howarth (Carlisle, free), Abdoulaye Faye (Newcastle United, undisclosed), Jaroslaw Fojut (Luton, loan).
Chelsea
In: Tal Ben Haim (Bolton, free), Claudio Pizarro (Bayern Munich, free), Steve Sidwell (Reading, free), Danny Philliskirk (Oldham, undisclosed), Florent Malouda (Lyon, £13.5m), Jacob Mellis (Sheffield United, £1.3m), Alex (PSV Eindhoven, free), Juliano Belletti (Barcelona, 5m).
Out: Yves Makaba-Makalamby (Hibernian), Nuno Morais (Apoel Nicosia), Geremi (Newcastle, free), Khalid Boulahrouz (Sevilla, loan), Slobodan Rajkovic (PSV Eindhoven, loan), Michael Mancienne (QPR, loan), Jimmy Smith (Norwich, loan), James Russell (Stevenage, free), Adrian Pettigrew (Brentford, loan), Ben Sahar (QPR, loan), Ryan Bertrand (Oldham, loan), Arjen Robben (Real Madrid, 24m), Harry Worley (Carlisle, loan), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth, undisclosed), Lassana Diarra (Arsenal, undisclosed).
Derby County
In: Robert Earnshaw (Norwich City, £3.5m), Tyrone Mears (West Ham, £1M), Andy Todd (Blackburn, undisclosed), Ben Hinchcliffe (free), Claude Davis (£3m), Andy Griffin (Portsmouth, free), Lewis Price (Ipswich, undisclosed), Kenny Miller (Celtic, undisclosed).
Out: Seth Johnson (released), Paul Peschisolido (Luton, free), Morten Bisgaard (released), Paul Boertien (released), Lee Grant (released), Ryan Smith (Millwall, £150k), Lionel Ainsworth (released), Steven Cann (released), Richard Jackson (Luton, free).
Everton
In: Tim Howard (Manchester United, £3m), Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United, £4m), , Lukas Jutkiewicz (Swindon Town, undisclosed), Leighton Baines (Wigan, undisclosed), Stefan Wessels (Cologne, free), Yakubu (Middlesbrough, 11.25m), Thomas Gravesen (Celtic, loan).
Out: Richard Wright (released), Alessandro Pistone (released), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United, £1m), Scott Phelan (Bradford, free), James Beattie (Sheffield United, £4m), Anderson Silva de Franca (Barnsley, loan).
Fulham
In: Aaron Hughes (Aston Villa, £1m), Steven Davis (Aston Villa, £4m), Diomansy Kamara (West Brom, £6m), Chris Baird (Southampton, 3m), Paul Konchesky (West Ham, 3.25m), David Healy (Leeds, 1.5m), Lee Cook (QPR, 2.5m), Hameur Bouazza (Watford, undisclosed), Kasey Keller (Borussia Monchengladbach, free), Nathan Ashton (unattached), Dejan Stefanovic (Portsmouth, 1m), Shefki Kuqi (Crystal Palace, loan), Danny Murphy (Tottenham, loan), Seol Ki-Hyeon (Reading, undisclosed).
Out: Claus Jensen (released), Mark Pembridge (released), Tomasz Radzinski (released), Mark Crossley (released, now at Oldham), Wayne Routledge, Jan Lastuvka, Vincenzo Montella (end of loans), Matty Collins (Swansea, free), Franck Queudrue (Birmingham, £2.5m), Zat Knight (Aston Villa, 3.5m), Papa Bouba Diop (Portsmouth, loan), Liam Rosenior (Reading, undisclosed).
Liverpool
In: Andrey Voronin (Bayer Leverkusen, free), Kristian Nemeth & Andras Simon (both MTK Hungariam, undisclosed), Nikolay Mihaylov (Levski Sofia, undisclosed), Lucas Leiva (Gremio, undisclosed), Sebastian Leto (Club Atletico Lanus, £1.7m), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao, £270,000), Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid, £20m-£26m), Yossi Benayoun (West Ham, £4m), Ryan Babel (Ajax, 11.5m), Ryan Crowther (Stockport, free), Dani Pacheco (Barcelona, £350,000), Alex Kacaniklic (Helsingborg, undisclosed), Marvin Purie (Borussia Dortmund, undisclosed), Gary Mackay Stevens (Ross County, undisclosed), Charles Itandje (Lens, undisclosed), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao, undisclosed), Peter Gulacsi (MK Hungaria, loan), Damien Plessi (Lyon, undisclosed).
Out: Robbie Fowler (released), Florent Sinama Pongolle (Recreativo Huelva, £2.7m), Danny Guthrie (Bolton, loan), Luis Garcia (Atletico Madrid, £4m), Craig Bellamy (West Ham, £7.5m), Bolo Zenden (Marseille, free), Djibril Cisse (Marseille, £6m), Godwin Antwi (Hartlepool United, loan), Jerzy Dudek (Real Madrid, released), Mark Gonzalez (Real Betis, free), Scott Carson (Aston Villa, loan), Jimmy Ryan (Shrewsbury, loan), Miki Roque (Xerez CD, loan), Nikolay Mihaylov (FC Twente, loan), Gabriel Paletta (Boca Juniors, undisclosed).
Manchester City
In: Geovanni (Cruzeiro, free), Rolando Bianchi (Regina, 8.8m), Gelson Fernandes (FC Sion, undisclosed), Martin Petrov (Atletico Madrid, £4.7m), Javier Garrido (Real Sociedad, £1.5m), Vedran Corluka (Dinamo Zagreb, undisclosed), Elano (Shakhtar Donetsk, £8m), Valeri Bojinov (Fiorentina, undisclosed).
Out: Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth, free), Trevor Sinclair (released), Stephen Jordan (Burnley, free), Hatem Trabelsi (released), Joey Barton (Newcastle, £5.8m), Nicky Weaver (Charlton, free), Nathan D’Laryea (Rochdale, free), Ishmael Miller (West Brom, loan), Mathew Mills (Doncaster, loan), Danny Mills (Charlton, loan), Paul Dickov (Crystal Palace, loan), Bernardo Corradi (Parma, loan).
Manchester United
In: Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich, £17m), Nani (Sporting, £14m), Anderson (Porto, £17m), Tomasz Kuszczak (West Brom, 2m), Carlos Tevez (unattached, loan).
Out: Tim Howard (Everton, £3m), Kieran Richardson (Sunderland, 5m), Phil Marsh, Floribert Ngalula, Daniel Rose (released), Giuseppe Rossi (Villareal, £6.7m), Alan Smith (Newcastle United, £6m), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke, loan till Jan 08), Ritchie Jones (Yeovil, loan), Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid, 8m), Craig Cathcart (Antwerp, loan till Jan 08).
Middlesbrough
In: Tuncay Sanli (Fenerbahce, free), Jeremie Aliadiere (Arsenal, £2m), Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid, £7m), Luke Young (Charlton, 2.5m), Mido (Tottenham, 6m), Mohamed Shawky (Al-Ahly, 650,000), Gary O’Neill (Portsmouth, undisclosed).
Out: Mark Viduka (Newcastle, free), Stuart Parnaby (Birmingham, free), Abel Xavier (LA Galaxy, free), Malcolm Christie (released), Danny Graham (released), Jason Kennedy (Livingston, loan), James Morrison (West Brom, 1.5m), Yakubu (Everton, 11.25m), Jason Euell (Southampton, free), David Knight (Swansea, free).
Newcastle United
In: Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough, free), Joey Barton (Man City, £5.8m), David Rozehnal (Paris St Germain, £2.9m), Geremi (Chelsea, free), Alan Smith (Manchester United, £6m), Claudio Cacapa (Lyon, free), Jose Enrique (Villareal, £6.3m), Habib Beye (Marseille, undisclosed), Abdoulaye Faye (Bolton, undisclosed).
Out: Scott Parker (West Ham, £7m), Titus Bramble (Wigan, free), Antoine Sibierski (Wigan, free), Craig Moore (released), Olivier Bernard (released), Alan O’Brien (Hibernian, undisclosed), Pavel Srineck (released), Lee Clark (retired), Kirs Gate (released), Andy Carroll (Preston, loan), Kieron Dyer (West Ham, 6m), Paul Huntington (Leeds, undisclosed), Nolberto Solano (West Ham, undisclosed).
Portsmouth
In: Sulley Muntari (Udinese, £7m), Sylvain Distin (Manchester City, free), Hermann Hreidarsson (Charlton, free), Martin Cranie (Southampton, undisclosed), Paris Cowan-Hall & Callum Reynolds (Rushden & Diamonds, compensation fee), Arnold Mvuemba (Rennes, undisclosed), John Utaka (Rennes, undisclosed), David Nugent (Preston, undisclosed), Glen Johnson (Chelsea, undisclosed), Papa Bouba Diouf (Fulham, undisclosed).
Out: Svetoslav Todorov (Charlton, free), Daryl Fordyce (released), Andy Griffin (Derby, free), Collins Mbesuma (Bursaspor, undisclosed), Jason Pearce (Bournemouth, free), Jean-Francoise Christophe (Bournemouth, loan), Asmir Begovic (Bournemouth, loan), Lomana Lua-Lua (Olympiakos, undisclosed), Dejan Stefanovic (Fulham, 1m), Gary O’Neill (Middlesbrough, undisclosed).
Reading
In: Kalifa Cisse (Boavista, £1m), Emerse Fae (Nantes, £2.5m), Liam Rosenior (Fulham, undisclosed).
Out: Steve Sidwell (Chelsea, free), Greg Halford (Sunderland, £2.5m), Jonathan Heyes (MK Dons, loan), Curtis Ujah (Yeovil, free), Graham Stack (Wolves, 1-month loan), Ben Hamer (Brentford, loan), Sam Sodje (Charlton, loan), Simox Cox (Swindon, loan), Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham, undisclosed).
Sunderland
In: Greg Halford (Reading, £2.5m), Russell Anderson (Aberdeen, £1m), Dickson Etuhu (Norwich, 1.5m), Kieran Richardson (Manchester United, 5m), Michael Chopra (Cardiff City, 5m), Paul McShane (West Brom, 2.5m), Craig Gordon (Hearts, £9m), Roy O’Donnovan (Cork City, undisclosed), Andy Cole (unattached), Kenwyne Jones (Southamption, 6m), Danny Higginbothan (Stoke, 2.5m), Ian Harte (Levante, free).
Out: Kenny Cunningham (released), Tommy Miller (released), William Mocquet, Kevin Smith (released), Stephen Elliot (Wolves, undisclosed), Arnau Riera (Falkirk, loan), Dan Smith (Aberdeen, free), Martin Fulop (Leicester, loan), Clive Clark (Leicester, loan), Stern John (Southampton, in exchange for Kenwyne Jones plus cash).
Tottenham
In: Gareth Bale (Southampton, £5m), Adel Taarabt (Lens, undisclosed), Yuri Berchiche (Athletic Bilbao, undisclosed), Darren Bent (Charlton £16.5m), Youness Kaboul (Auxerre, £8m), Danny Rose (Leeds, undisclosed), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Hertha Berlin, undisclosed).
Out: Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria, undisclosed), Mark Yeates (Colchester, undisclosed), Robert Burch (Sheffield Wednesday, released), Emil Hallfredsson (Lyn-Oslo, undisclosed), Charlie Lee (Peterborough, free), Mido (Middlesbrough, 6m), Jamie O’Hara (Millwall, loan), Lee Barnard (Crewe, loan), Danny Murphy (Fulham, loan).
West Ham
In: Scott Parker (Newcastle, £7m), Julien Faubert (Bordeaux, £6.1m), Richard Wright (Everton, free), Craig Bellamy (Liverpool, £7.5m), Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal, 3m), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United, 6m), Henri Camara (Wigan, loan), Nolberto Solano (Newcastle United, undisclosed).
Out: Tyrone Mears (Derby, £1m), Teddy Sheringham (Colchester, released), Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa, £8.5m), Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool, £4m), Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa, undisclosed), Paul Konchesky (Fulham, 3.25m), Roy Carroll (Rangers, free), Shaun Newton (Liecester, released), Hugo Ephraim (QPR, loan).
Wigan
In: Antoine Sibierski (Newcastle, free), Titus Bramble (Newcastle, free), Mario Melchiot (Rennes, free), Andreas Granqvist (Helsingborg, free), Carlo Nash (Preston, £300,000), Jason Koumas (West Brom, £5.3m), Michael Brown (Fulham, undisclosed), Rachid Bouaouzan (Sparta Rotterdam, undisclosed), Marcus Bent (Charlton, loan).
Out: Matt Jackson (Watford, free), Arjan de Zeeuw (released), David Unsworth (released), Andreas Johansson (Aalborg Bk, free), Lee McCulloch (Rangers, 2.25m), Leighton Baines (Everton, undisclosed), Caleb Folan (Hull, 1m), Henri Camara (West Ham, loan).
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Game Week 3- Review
Manchester United chalked up their first win of the season thanks to teen sensation Nani. The Portuguese youngster drove a spectacular long-range effort past Paul Robinson and into the top corner of the Tottenham Hotspur net, aided by a slight deflection off Carlos Tevez. That goal - only United's second of the season - was enough to give the Champions a 1-0 victory over Spurs.
Mark Viduka was on target on his return to the Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough and Newcastle United played out an eventful 2-2 draw. Charles N'Zogbia opened the scoring for the visitors in the 22nd minute but Mido's second goal in as many games saw Boro back on level terms six minutes later. Viduka must have thought he'd had a dream return to his former club as he scored his first goal for the Magpies 13 minutes from time. But just three minutes later Julio Arca fired home from the edge of the box.
Manchester City's 100 percent start to the season came to a halt at Emirates stadium as they conceded their first goal of the campaign. Kasper Schmeichel's heroics between the posts continued as he saved a penalty from Robin van Persie. But he couldn't keep out Cesc Fabregas' fierce shot ten minutes from time which gave Arsenal a 1-0 victory.
Bolton Wanderers also saw a change of fortunes as they earned their first points of the season. Goals from Gary Speed, Nicolas Anelka and substitute Daniel Braaten secured a 3-0 home victory over Reading.
City's slip-up saw Chelsea take top spot in the Barclays Premier League thanks to a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. Fresh from scoring for his country midweek, Frank Lampard's fierce shot past England team-mate David James on the half-hour mark saw the Blues snatch all three points.
Sunderland's misfortunes continued as they fell to their second defeat of the campaign. Craig Gordon produced a series of superb saves but could not keep Liverpool at bay for the entire match. And goals from Mohamed Sissoko and Andriy Voronin gave the visitors a deserved 2-0 victory.
Birmingham City won the clash of the promoted sides at Pride Park with a 2-1 triumph over Derby County. Jerome scored both the goals for the blues.Another early goal gave Fulham the lead against Aston Villa. In the fifth minute Clint Dempsey clipped the ball home clinically into the top corner but Villa claimed a deserved equaliser when Ashley Young's cross was deflected into his own goal by Zat Knight on 50 minutes. Chris Baird was then sent off for a second yellow card before Shaun Maloney scored in injury-time to hand Villa a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Two late goals left honours even between West Ham United and Wigan Athletic at Upton Park. Wigan scored when Paul Scharner's well-placed overhead kick found the corner of the net in the 79th minute before Lee Bowyer finished from a tight angle two minutes later to leave it 1-1.
The weekend's other draw came at Goodison where James McFadden scored his first goal of the season to scramble a point for Everton. Roque Santa Cruz's third goal of the season gave Blackburn Rovers a first-half lead before McFadden swept home a Mikel Arteta cross with 12 minutes left to make it 1-1.
Mark Viduka was on target on his return to the Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough and Newcastle United played out an eventful 2-2 draw. Charles N'Zogbia opened the scoring for the visitors in the 22nd minute but Mido's second goal in as many games saw Boro back on level terms six minutes later. Viduka must have thought he'd had a dream return to his former club as he scored his first goal for the Magpies 13 minutes from time. But just three minutes later Julio Arca fired home from the edge of the box.
Manchester City's 100 percent start to the season came to a halt at Emirates stadium as they conceded their first goal of the campaign. Kasper Schmeichel's heroics between the posts continued as he saved a penalty from Robin van Persie. But he couldn't keep out Cesc Fabregas' fierce shot ten minutes from time which gave Arsenal a 1-0 victory.
Bolton Wanderers also saw a change of fortunes as they earned their first points of the season. Goals from Gary Speed, Nicolas Anelka and substitute Daniel Braaten secured a 3-0 home victory over Reading.
City's slip-up saw Chelsea take top spot in the Barclays Premier League thanks to a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. Fresh from scoring for his country midweek, Frank Lampard's fierce shot past England team-mate David James on the half-hour mark saw the Blues snatch all three points.
Sunderland's misfortunes continued as they fell to their second defeat of the campaign. Craig Gordon produced a series of superb saves but could not keep Liverpool at bay for the entire match. And goals from Mohamed Sissoko and Andriy Voronin gave the visitors a deserved 2-0 victory.
Birmingham City won the clash of the promoted sides at Pride Park with a 2-1 triumph over Derby County. Jerome scored both the goals for the blues.Another early goal gave Fulham the lead against Aston Villa. In the fifth minute Clint Dempsey clipped the ball home clinically into the top corner but Villa claimed a deserved equaliser when Ashley Young's cross was deflected into his own goal by Zat Knight on 50 minutes. Chris Baird was then sent off for a second yellow card before Shaun Maloney scored in injury-time to hand Villa a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Two late goals left honours even between West Ham United and Wigan Athletic at Upton Park. Wigan scored when Paul Scharner's well-placed overhead kick found the corner of the net in the 79th minute before Lee Bowyer finished from a tight angle two minutes later to leave it 1-1.
The weekend's other draw came at Goodison where James McFadden scored his first goal of the season to scramble a point for Everton. Roque Santa Cruz's third goal of the season gave Blackburn Rovers a first-half lead before McFadden swept home a Mikel Arteta cross with 12 minutes left to make it 1-1.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)