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.
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