The Premier League title race promises to be one of the most exciting climaxes in years after
Chelsea beat The Red Devils 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to move level on points with Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the top of the table.It was so nearly United's day with Wayne Rooney capitalising on a mistake by Chelsea's backline to level matters on 57 minutes, cancelling out Michael Ballack's pinpoint header at the end of the first half in the process.However, Chelsea bagged the win they needed in controversial circumstances in the closing stages when Ballack smashed home a late penalty after Michael Carrick was adjudged to have handled in the area.
At one stage on Saturday Fulham were relegated as they trailed 2-0 at Manchester City, while Birmingham were in control against Liverpool with an identical score.However, The Cottagers did something they have only done once in the Premier League. Win back-to-back away games following a remarkable 3-2 success.Roy Hodgson was only looking for his troops to win the second half after City opened the scoring through Stephen Ireland and Benjani, but they did more than that as goals from Diomansy Kamara and Danny Murphy brought Fulham back on level terms.Although City looked more like winning it at the death, the visitors broke and Kamara netted an injury-time winner with a fine left-footed strike to maintain Fulham's hopes of avoiding the drop.
Elsewhere, Birmingham will be kicking themselves after being held to a 2-2 draw against a weakened Liverpool outfit.Although The Reds were without the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, it was an ex-Blue who dented the club's hopes of avoiding the drop.Alex McLeish's side were cruising courtesy of efforts from Mikael Forssell and Sebastian Larsson, but Jermaine Pennant turned things around. Pennant set up Peter Crouch's goal before Yossi Benayoun snatched a share of the spoils.
Reading and Bolton remain a point clear of Birmingham after points away from home at Wigan and Spurs respectively. The Royals' trip to Wigan was a largely forgettable affair, although Steve Coppell was happy with the point at The JJB.Bolton looked at one stage like winning their third straight game after Stelios Giannakopoulos opened the scoring from close range, but Steed Malbranque's cool finish earned the Carling Cup winners a point at White Hart Lane.
Sunderland have guaranteed they will be playing Premier League football next term following a thrilling 3-2 success over North East rivals Middlesbrough.Tuncay fired Boro ahead early on, although The Black Cats responded through Danny Higginbotham and Michael Chopra to take a 2-1 lead.Afonso Alves' neat finish looked to have given the visitors a point but Emanuel Pogatetz's last-gasp own goal gave Sunderland the win to leave Gareth Southgate's side still needing points to save themselves.
West Ham squandered a two-goal lead at home to Newcastle United as they were held 2-2 at Upton Park.Mark Noble and Dean Ashton put The Hammers in firm control against the in-form Magpies, but goals before half-time from Obafemi Martins, who always scores against West Ham, and Geremi secured a point.
The goals kept coming on Sunday as Everton twice led against Aston Villa before eventually being held to a 2-2 draw in what proved to be an exciting affair at Goodison Park.Goals from Phil Neville and Joseph Yobo put The Toffees in front, but Martin O'Neill's side would not lie down and claimed a point thanks to equalisers from Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew.
Portsmouth's impending FA Cup final appearance is proving an unwanted distraction for Harry Redknapp after his side suffered their second straight defeat after going down 1-0 at home to Blackburn.The game burst into life following a dour opening 45 minutes, but Pompey's huffing and puffing failed to trouble Brad Friedel to any great length. Roque Santa Cruz ensured the visiting side left Fratton Park with all three points with a well-taken 74th minute effort.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Game Week 35- Review
Sir Alex Ferguson's men, once again, demonstrated their never-say-die attitude as Carlos Tevez struck at the death to deny Blackburn at Ewood Park, leaving United three points clear of second-placed Chelsea with three games remaining.Roque Santa Cruz had put the home side ahead in the 21st minute only for the Argentine, who has proved to be a sound acquisition following a number of key goals this season, to head past goalkeeper Brad Friedel with just two minutes left on the clock.Manchester United's late point at Blackburn Rovers could yet prove decisive in the race for the Premier League title.
Back-to-back wins for Bolton saw Gary Megson's men climb from the murky depths of the drop zone, as they moved to 16th on goal difference.Gavin McCann struck the only goal of the game in the success over Boro, to hand The Trotters a one-point cushion over relegation-threatened Birmingham City; however it seems there is much to unfold in the demotion battle before the season concludes.
Birmingham endured a torrid afternoon on Sunday as they went down 5-1 to bitter rivals Aston Villa in the Second City derby, with John Carew and Ashley Young both bagging braces before Gabriel Agbonlahor rubbed gritty salt into Blues' open wounds.Mikael Forssell did his best to restore some pride as he fired a 67th minute goal; however Alex McLeish's men now look in peril, while Martin O'Neill's side rose to an impressive sixth.
Fulham are left staring relegation in the face following their 2-0 loss against a second-string Liverpool side at Craven Cottage.Reds boss Rafa Benitez rotated, with Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in mind, but it made little difference as Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch netted to leave The Cottagers five points from safety.
Arsenal secured just their second win in nine league fixtures at Reading's expense as Arsene Wenger's men enjoyed a leisurely stroll at The Emirates, claiming a 2-0 victory over Steve Coppell's team.Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto Silva fired in first-half goals for The Gunners, meaning Reading hover perilously close to the relegation zone after their third consecutive loss.
Sunderland's top-flight fate remains anything but certain after Newcastle prevailed following a first-half double from Michael Owen at St James' Park.Owen's strikes, his fifth and sixth goals in seven games, secured a comfortable triumph for The Magpies as they guaranteed they will be playing Premier League football next season, while The Black Cats are perched five points from danger.
Manchester City kept their faint hopes for a European berth alive with a 3-1 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth, in what turned out to be a frenetic encounter at Eastlands.Darius Vassell, Martin Petrov and Benjani were all on target for the home side as Pompey, who had Hermann Hreidarsson dismissed, slipped to seventh with City now three points behind sixth-placed Villa.
Wigan Athletic edged ever closer to safety after their 1-1 stalemate with mid-table Tottenham Hotspur at the JJB Stadium.Dimitar Berbatov handed Juande Ramos' Spurs an early lead, but Emile Heskey struck his second vital leveller in six days to claim a point that sees The Latics in a comfortable 13th position.
Derby County suffered their 26th defeat of the season as they battled in vain against West Ham United at Upton Park.Bobby Zamora opened the scoring for The Hammers before Tyrone Mears restored parity with an excellent strike; however the home side stole the points with Carlton Cole firing home in the 77th minute.
Back-to-back wins for Bolton saw Gary Megson's men climb from the murky depths of the drop zone, as they moved to 16th on goal difference.Gavin McCann struck the only goal of the game in the success over Boro, to hand The Trotters a one-point cushion over relegation-threatened Birmingham City; however it seems there is much to unfold in the demotion battle before the season concludes.
Birmingham endured a torrid afternoon on Sunday as they went down 5-1 to bitter rivals Aston Villa in the Second City derby, with John Carew and Ashley Young both bagging braces before Gabriel Agbonlahor rubbed gritty salt into Blues' open wounds.Mikael Forssell did his best to restore some pride as he fired a 67th minute goal; however Alex McLeish's men now look in peril, while Martin O'Neill's side rose to an impressive sixth.
Fulham are left staring relegation in the face following their 2-0 loss against a second-string Liverpool side at Craven Cottage.Reds boss Rafa Benitez rotated, with Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in mind, but it made little difference as Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch netted to leave The Cottagers five points from safety.
Arsenal secured just their second win in nine league fixtures at Reading's expense as Arsene Wenger's men enjoyed a leisurely stroll at The Emirates, claiming a 2-0 victory over Steve Coppell's team.Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto Silva fired in first-half goals for The Gunners, meaning Reading hover perilously close to the relegation zone after their third consecutive loss.
Sunderland's top-flight fate remains anything but certain after Newcastle prevailed following a first-half double from Michael Owen at St James' Park.Owen's strikes, his fifth and sixth goals in seven games, secured a comfortable triumph for The Magpies as they guaranteed they will be playing Premier League football next season, while The Black Cats are perched five points from danger.
Manchester City kept their faint hopes for a European berth alive with a 3-1 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth, in what turned out to be a frenetic encounter at Eastlands.Darius Vassell, Martin Petrov and Benjani were all on target for the home side as Pompey, who had Hermann Hreidarsson dismissed, slipped to seventh with City now three points behind sixth-placed Villa.
Wigan Athletic edged ever closer to safety after their 1-1 stalemate with mid-table Tottenham Hotspur at the JJB Stadium.Dimitar Berbatov handed Juande Ramos' Spurs an early lead, but Emile Heskey struck his second vital leveller in six days to claim a point that sees The Latics in a comfortable 13th position.
Derby County suffered their 26th defeat of the season as they battled in vain against West Ham United at Upton Park.Bobby Zamora opened the scoring for The Hammers before Tyrone Mears restored parity with an excellent strike; however the home side stole the points with Carlton Cole firing home in the 77th minute.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Game Week 34- Review
Arsenal's stumble at Old Trafford on Sunday has allowed Chelsea and Manchester United to open up a commanding lead, and it looks as though a Stamford Bridge showdown on 26th April could now decide the destiny of the top flight crown.
Liverpool would appear to have sewn up fourth spot after they brushed past Blackburn and their nearest challengers, Everton, could only manage a point at struggling Birmingham.
But while the picture at the top of the table may be becoming slightly clearer, the dogfight at the bottom continues to provide enthralling entertainment.
With hapless Derby's fate already confirmed, Bolton and Fulham did their hopes of beating the drop a world of good with vital victories over West Ham and Reading respectively.
Manchester City's slim hopes of securing European football for next season were kept alive with a controversial victory at Sunderland, while elsewhere Tottenham and Middlesbrough and Portsmouth and Newcastle all had to settle for a point apiece.
Arsenal arrived at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday full of hope, but left after an epic encounter with their tails firmly between their legs.Previous heavyweight encounters between the Premier League's big guns have not always lived up top their pre-match billing, but no-one at Old Trafford would have been asking for their money back after an end-to-end game packed with excitement.The Gunners, aware that they stood on the brink of another trophyless season, took the game to United from the off and could have been cruising at the interval were it not for their inept finishing in front of goal.They did take the lead shortly after half-time when Emmanuel Adebayor profited from a breakdown in communication among the Red Devils' defence to bundle home with his arm.William Gallas inexplicably handled Michael Carrick's hopeful hook into the box allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to bring the tie level with a coolly dispatched twice-taken penalty.Both sides then continued to press forward in search of a winner, and it was the hosts who ultimately snatched all three points when Owen Hargreaves curled a sublime 72nd free-kick past a statuesque Jens Lehmann to send Old Trafford into delirium.
Earlier in the day, Liverpool took another step closer to clinching Champions League football for next season when they brushed past Blackburn 3-1 at Anfield.It took an hour for Steven Gerrard to give the Reds the lead, but in all fairness Rafa Benitez's side had looked comfortable throughout.With eight minutes remaining Spanish superstar Fernando Torres grabbed his 30th goal of a remarkable first season in England before Andrei Voronin wrapped up the points in injury-time.There was still time for Roque Santa Cruz to smash an impressive volley past Pepe Reina, but Rovers were finished long before then and it proved to be no more than scant consolation.
Free-scoring centre-half Joleon Lescott gave the visitors the lead after 78 minutes at St Andrews only to see the Blues' new hero, Argentinean wonderkid Mauro Zarate, stroke home a fine 20-yard free-kick with just seven minutes remaining.David Moyes' side remain in pole position to claim a Uefa Cup spot for next season after the disappointing draw, while Alex McLeish's Birmingham will be nervously looking over their shoulder as their cushion on the bottom three has been cut to just two points.
The Blues' anxiety levels have risen as a result of crucial victories for fellow strugglers Bolton and Fulham.The Cottagers had appeared doomed heading into the weekend but made a mockery of their current position as they comfortably outplayed Reading at the Madejski.It has come as no surprise that Roy Hodgson's side have turned the corner since their skipper Brian McBride returned from a long-term injury, and it was the American who put them on their way to a 2-0 victory this time around.His 24th minute opener helped to ease the tension among the travelling support, but they would have been pulling their hair out in frustration for the remainder of the afternoon as Fulham peppered the frame of Marcus Hahnemann's goal without forcing a further breakthrough.They need not have worried though as in second-half injury-time Eric Nevland stepped off the bench to drill a low effort past the over-worked Royals keeper to secure the win.
Kevin Davies grabbed the only goal of the game two minutes into the second-half, but the talismanic front man also picked up a 10th booking of the season ruling him out of half of the Trotters' remaining four games.
Sunderland should have done enough to avoid being dragged into the battle at the bottom, but will feel disappointed to have dropped all three points in a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City.
The Stadium of Light encounter appeared to be heading for a dour goalless draw until a late flurry of activity woke the locals from their slumber.
The major talking point of the game occurred with 79 minutes on the clock when City striker Daniel Sturridge appeared to trip over his own feet, only to find referee Mike Riley pointing to the spot once he had dusted himself down.
Brazilian playmaker Elano duly converted the contentious spot kick and appeared to have secured the points for Sven Goran Eriksson's men.
However, just three minutes later Black Cats skipper Dean Whitehead hammered home a spectacular volley to pull the scores level.
The game was not finished yet though as a third goal in just eight minutes arrived when Darius Vassell scuffed in a late winner.
While the win keeps City dreaming of Europe, one side most definitely still in the hunt for a Uefa Cup place is Aston Villa after their recent resurgence continued at Pride Park.
Martin O'Neill's side put six past doomed Derby, as the Rams remain on track to top off a miserable season by claiming the title of the worst team in Premier League history.
Ashley Young, John Carew, Gareth Barry, Stiliyan Petrov, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood all breached Derby's non-existent defence, with Bulgarian international Petrov's 40-yard lob representing the pick of the bunch.
Newcastle have hit a purple patch of late, led by their in-form three pronged attack, but were unable to trouble the scorers at Fratton Park.
A relatively uneventful goalless draw saw few chances of real note, with a point blank save from Portsmouth keeper David James to deny Michael Owen the closest either side came to finding a breakthrough.
The final game this weekend pitted Tottenham and Middlesbrough, two sides with nothing to play for, together at White Hart Lane.
The hosts dominated throughout the first-half and took a deserved lead after 27 minutes when Jonathan Grounds suffered the indignity of diverting an Aaron Lennon volley past his own keeper.
Boro rallied after the break though and snatched an equaliser when Stewart Downing's ambitious 30-yard effort flicked off the head of Jermaine Jenas and past a stranded Radek Cerny.
Afonso Alves should have ensured that Garteh Southgate's men headed back to Teesside with a maximum points haul, but he slotted a late effort agonisingly wide of the post.
Liverpool would appear to have sewn up fourth spot after they brushed past Blackburn and their nearest challengers, Everton, could only manage a point at struggling Birmingham.
But while the picture at the top of the table may be becoming slightly clearer, the dogfight at the bottom continues to provide enthralling entertainment.
With hapless Derby's fate already confirmed, Bolton and Fulham did their hopes of beating the drop a world of good with vital victories over West Ham and Reading respectively.
Manchester City's slim hopes of securing European football for next season were kept alive with a controversial victory at Sunderland, while elsewhere Tottenham and Middlesbrough and Portsmouth and Newcastle all had to settle for a point apiece.
Arsenal arrived at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday full of hope, but left after an epic encounter with their tails firmly between their legs.Previous heavyweight encounters between the Premier League's big guns have not always lived up top their pre-match billing, but no-one at Old Trafford would have been asking for their money back after an end-to-end game packed with excitement.The Gunners, aware that they stood on the brink of another trophyless season, took the game to United from the off and could have been cruising at the interval were it not for their inept finishing in front of goal.They did take the lead shortly after half-time when Emmanuel Adebayor profited from a breakdown in communication among the Red Devils' defence to bundle home with his arm.William Gallas inexplicably handled Michael Carrick's hopeful hook into the box allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to bring the tie level with a coolly dispatched twice-taken penalty.Both sides then continued to press forward in search of a winner, and it was the hosts who ultimately snatched all three points when Owen Hargreaves curled a sublime 72nd free-kick past a statuesque Jens Lehmann to send Old Trafford into delirium.
Earlier in the day, Liverpool took another step closer to clinching Champions League football for next season when they brushed past Blackburn 3-1 at Anfield.It took an hour for Steven Gerrard to give the Reds the lead, but in all fairness Rafa Benitez's side had looked comfortable throughout.With eight minutes remaining Spanish superstar Fernando Torres grabbed his 30th goal of a remarkable first season in England before Andrei Voronin wrapped up the points in injury-time.There was still time for Roque Santa Cruz to smash an impressive volley past Pepe Reina, but Rovers were finished long before then and it proved to be no more than scant consolation.
Free-scoring centre-half Joleon Lescott gave the visitors the lead after 78 minutes at St Andrews only to see the Blues' new hero, Argentinean wonderkid Mauro Zarate, stroke home a fine 20-yard free-kick with just seven minutes remaining.David Moyes' side remain in pole position to claim a Uefa Cup spot for next season after the disappointing draw, while Alex McLeish's Birmingham will be nervously looking over their shoulder as their cushion on the bottom three has been cut to just two points.
The Blues' anxiety levels have risen as a result of crucial victories for fellow strugglers Bolton and Fulham.The Cottagers had appeared doomed heading into the weekend but made a mockery of their current position as they comfortably outplayed Reading at the Madejski.It has come as no surprise that Roy Hodgson's side have turned the corner since their skipper Brian McBride returned from a long-term injury, and it was the American who put them on their way to a 2-0 victory this time around.His 24th minute opener helped to ease the tension among the travelling support, but they would have been pulling their hair out in frustration for the remainder of the afternoon as Fulham peppered the frame of Marcus Hahnemann's goal without forcing a further breakthrough.They need not have worried though as in second-half injury-time Eric Nevland stepped off the bench to drill a low effort past the over-worked Royals keeper to secure the win.
Kevin Davies grabbed the only goal of the game two minutes into the second-half, but the talismanic front man also picked up a 10th booking of the season ruling him out of half of the Trotters' remaining four games.
Sunderland should have done enough to avoid being dragged into the battle at the bottom, but will feel disappointed to have dropped all three points in a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City.
The Stadium of Light encounter appeared to be heading for a dour goalless draw until a late flurry of activity woke the locals from their slumber.
The major talking point of the game occurred with 79 minutes on the clock when City striker Daniel Sturridge appeared to trip over his own feet, only to find referee Mike Riley pointing to the spot once he had dusted himself down.
Brazilian playmaker Elano duly converted the contentious spot kick and appeared to have secured the points for Sven Goran Eriksson's men.
However, just three minutes later Black Cats skipper Dean Whitehead hammered home a spectacular volley to pull the scores level.
The game was not finished yet though as a third goal in just eight minutes arrived when Darius Vassell scuffed in a late winner.
While the win keeps City dreaming of Europe, one side most definitely still in the hunt for a Uefa Cup place is Aston Villa after their recent resurgence continued at Pride Park.
Martin O'Neill's side put six past doomed Derby, as the Rams remain on track to top off a miserable season by claiming the title of the worst team in Premier League history.
Ashley Young, John Carew, Gareth Barry, Stiliyan Petrov, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood all breached Derby's non-existent defence, with Bulgarian international Petrov's 40-yard lob representing the pick of the bunch.
Newcastle have hit a purple patch of late, led by their in-form three pronged attack, but were unable to trouble the scorers at Fratton Park.
A relatively uneventful goalless draw saw few chances of real note, with a point blank save from Portsmouth keeper David James to deny Michael Owen the closest either side came to finding a breakthrough.
The final game this weekend pitted Tottenham and Middlesbrough, two sides with nothing to play for, together at White Hart Lane.
The hosts dominated throughout the first-half and took a deserved lead after 27 minutes when Jonathan Grounds suffered the indignity of diverting an Aaron Lennon volley past his own keeper.
Boro rallied after the break though and snatched an equaliser when Stewart Downing's ambitious 30-yard effort flicked off the head of Jermaine Jenas and past a stranded Radek Cerny.
Afonso Alves should have ensured that Garteh Southgate's men headed back to Teesside with a maximum points haul, but he slotted a late effort agonisingly wide of the post.
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