Andre Marriner shouldn’t be allowed to referee a game of snakes and ladders, never mind a Premier League football game. 
----------------------------------------------------
ARSENAL 4-0 Wigan
After the heart-breaking double-defeats to the red and blue
halves of Manchester respectively, followed by a victory borne out of comedy
and a terrible performance in Belgium against Liege, it was imperative for
Arsene Wenger's men to get a win so as to avoid suggestions of a
title challenge ending before it had even begun. Thankfully, they
didn't disappoint.
Aided by a listless, toothless and aimless Wigan performance, Arsenal ran out
4-0 winners despite an occasionally suspect defensive performance, and Robin
van Persie again leaving his shooting boots at home.
Halfway through the first half, Arsenal went in front thanks to another bullet
header from the man fast becoming every Gooner's new favourite player, Thomas
Vermaelen. RvP11's corner swung in from the left and the Belgian rose
like the proverbial salmon and sending a header past the helpless Chris
Kirkland. 1-0 at half-time.
The second half saw a slightly more urgent Arsenal come out and the team
knocked the ball around superbly at times with some crisp one touch pass
leaving Wigan with nothing to do but commit cynical foul after cynical foul.
One became two and three became four for the season personally, as Vermaelen
swapped a few passes down the left wing and curled an absolute beauty past
Kirkland from just outside the box, and into the top corner. Pick that
one out, chuffer!
As Arsenal continued to let their players move around the pitch wherever they
want, Gael Clichy knocked a ball across the box from the inside right position
for Eduardo to crash the rebound against the post from an angle, but then
follow up his own work by hitting the rebound in for Arsenal's third with his
right foot, albeit via Emmanuel Eboue's instep.
Arsenal's saunter in the sun was rounded up close to the end of the game as the
really-very-effective-once-he-came-on Nicklas Bendtner cut inside and hit the
right byline before dinking over a perfect cross for the on-rushing Cesc
Fabregas to calmly place into the net from a couple of yards. 4-0, job
done, business as usual and 10 goals in 3 home games so far this season.
Hurrah!
Star man: Thomas Vermaelen is further vindicating Wenger's decision to sell Kolo Toure
to Manchester City as each game goes by. Cooler than a cucumber in the
fridge dressed up as Fonzie from 'Happy Days', the guy never looks flustered.
Whether he's defending or attacking, being bullied by the robust Jason
Scotland, or rising above the much-improved Titus Bramble, football just seems
so easy for the guy and we are already loving his work.
Worst performer: Not so much a bad performance, but Cesc Fabregas isn't a happy
bunny. I don't know if it was Referee Jones' refusal to do anything
against the opposition kicking him over and over again, or something else, but
Cesc doesn't seem to be a happy bunny. Maybe the two Manchester games and
the sheer lack of activity in the Transfer Window has made him realise that
he's never going to win anything with this team and the lights of Barcelona
can't come quick enough. I hope I am wrong and it is the former that was
bugging, but he's not enjoying life at the moment. Also, Abou Diaby
continues to cheat Arsenal fans by turning up and collecting his money every
week despite being nothing more than a footballer in name only. The guy is
awful.
Best moment: Emmanuel Eboue keaving the pitch after being substituted.
After being booed off in the corresponding fixture last season, it looked
as though the Ivorian would be leaving the Club in the summer. However,
whilst I remain less than convinced at his ability going forward (the guy is a
right-back. When playing up front or on the right wing he looks bereft of
confidence in his decisions and doesn't bring anything to the team), his
attitude has done a complete volte face and he has won over a large portion of
the support. He ran his heart out on Saturday and, whilst his end product
was largely disappointing, he was clearly trying and deserved his ovation when
he went off.
Tactics: After a shaky first 30 minutes or so when we looked a bit nervous and
gave the ball away a bit too cheaply a bit too often, we seemed to settle down
after scoring the first goal and got into our stride. We looked great in
patches in the second half and created a fair number of opportunities. Bearing in mind the opposition were dire, mind, the more cynical would
suggest that we should have done more. But 4-0 is 4-0.
Chant of the game: The power of television amazes me. Amidst our repeated
cries of "RED ARMY!" throughout the game, thanks to our friends at
Aviva, there has become a trend of people at sporting events screaming
"GREEN ARMY!" as and when they feel like it. I don't know why
but it always makes me chuckle and I have heard it at One-Day Internationals,
during a night out in Bristol, and now at Ashburton Grove. Marvellous.
Oppo fans: Wigan confirmed it's status as a rugby town by bringing a total of
14 fans with them who made no noise whatsoever at any point. If that is
all you take away with you, then you don't deserve to have a Premier League
football team there.
David Oudot, http://www.onlinegooner.com
& http://taxloser.blogpot.com
-------------------------------------------------
ASTON VILLA 2-0
Portsmouth
Well, that was a strange game, Villa didn't even have to get
out of second gear to see off Pompey. Some of our players haven't even started
the season yet form-wise but we are picking up points like nobody's
business. Winning ugly? Who cares, the main word is winning.
Keep chalking up the points and when the likes of Ashley Young and John
Carew get back on song - and they will, class is permanent as they say - we
could just see our way to pulling off a great season here!
Make no mistake, that wasn't pretty but against Pompey who are obviously
struggling, it never was going to be. Do you get extra points for
entertaining? Nope, just chalk the wins up lads and you'll hear no
complaints at all!
Star man: More a team performance today really, but I guess for taking
his goal very well (a similar chance v Blues he missed so this was a good
confidence boost not to make the same mistake again and against a top keeper
like James) I'd say Gabby Agbonlahor.
Worst performer: I'm not a great one for this category, we won, why
single out any negatives? Must admit Emile Heskey had one of his best
games in a Villa shirt, he came on, got injured and went nearly straight back
off again... damn, now I've fallen into the negative vibe!
Tactics: The game was dull Premiership fodder really but despite Friedel
having to pull off some very good saves, we never really looked that stretched
and MON has got the back pretty solid. Suppose the only question mark is
Carlos Cuellar at right-back, it really doesn't suit him there at all. Still, we've got Luke Young to return soon and right-back is HIS
position. Happy days, always like to see a team built from the back!
Chant of the game: Well, the Holte End reminded the Blues of the score for the
local derby, must admit unless we are playing them, I'd be far far happier to
totally ignore their existence!
Oppo fans: They all came in the same taxi which was nice... only about
300 of them I think, appalling numbers BUT those that did make the effort to
come were in fine voice and at least tried to back their struggling team.
Glad to say that bell ringer wasn't there, I know I'm a grumpy old sod
but that noise drives me mad!
Jonathan Fear, http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------
Hull 0-1
BIRMINGHAM
This was a key game for us and a crucial three points
against one of our relegation rivals.
Hull fans will moan about the penalty, but in truth we were the better
side all game. If it wasn't for
their goalkeeper the game would have been over long before then anyway. Christian "Chucho" Benitez
ran their defence ragged, went off for five minutes to have stitches put in a
head wound and then came back on to run their defenc ragged again. Even Gary McSheffrey looked good
although he was only playing because we now have so many injuries that they are
considering asking Trevor Francis to come back out of retirement. Best not to get too carried away, Hull
City are a poor team. In fact, I'd go as far to say that the first two
relegation spots have already been filled. We just need to avoid being number three.
The only downside was that due to an accident near Doncaster
a lot of Blues fans didn't get to see all or some of our first Premiership away
victory since December 2007.
Star man: Roger Johnson was immense again, but I'm going to
give it to Benitez.
Worst performer: The coach driver who got lost on the way
to ground.
Best moment: Benitez's run from the halfway line which led
to the corner from which we scored.
Tactics: Spot on.
4-5-1 to keep it tight early on, then switching to 4-4-2 to push on for
the win.
Chant of the game: We're winning away, We're winning
awaaay. How s*** must be you be, we're winning away.
Referee: Could well have given Hull a penalty but
didn't. So that's fine. He didn't
really need to book O'Connor for celebrating though. Can a man not be happy?
Opposition fans: Really quiet. Would have expected more.
Mike, www.joysandsorrows.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------
Everton 3-0
BLACKBURN
Last week's win over Wolves proved a false dawn as Rovers'
capitulated
Yobo finished the scoring with a fine set-up by our own Ryan
Nelsen.
So we're back in the bottom three and the next five games
are Villa, Arsenal, Burnley, Chelsea and Man Utd - time for some changes
methinks, Sam.
Star man: Paul Robinson - without him it would have been six
or seven.
Worst performer: The midfield twins of Vince Grella and
Keith Andrews would struggle in League Two on this performance.
Best moment: getting back to the car and finding it still
had all four wheels attached.
Tactics: 4-5-1 again. With this formation you need a top
striker who can hold the ball up. Jason Roberts is not that top striker.
Chant of the game: The old Rovers' fans favourite
"Barmy Army, Barmy Army" could not have been more apt.
Oppo fans: Couldn't believe their luck - they had a lovely
day out in the sunshine.
Pete Anslow, www.4000holes.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------
BOLTON 1-1
Stoke
For the second week in succession, Bolton got away with
murder as they scored a late penalty to salvage a point against Stoke.
Poor tactics and a lack of entertainment on show got to the Wanderers faithful
and it didn't take them long to turn on the manager once again.
Stoke took the lead through what appeared to be a great goal, but the defending
on our part was awful and Dave Kitson should never have been allowed to get in
the shot in the first place.
The half-time introductions of Ricardo Gardner and Ivan Klasnic had a positive
effect on the game and it was Gardner's pass who found Sam Ricketts which led
to the penalty being given. Matt Taylor duely stepped up to convert and Bolton
somehow escaped with a point when they deserved nothing at all!
Star man: Jussi Jaaskelainen - Another poor showing from the Bolton players,
but had it not been for the heroics of the goalkeeper, Bolton would have been
dead and buried long before they had the chance to equalise. His injury time
stop from Liam Lawrence summed him up as the one who fights until the end.
Worst performer: Gavin McCann - I've backed McCann while many have slated him
in the past, but this was his first start since the opening day and it showed.
Careless in possession, continuously mislaid passes and struggled overall. Has
to improve if he is to keep his place in the side.
Best moment: Has got to be the equalising goal. 89 poor minutes of football
were on show before it and it was such a relief to come out of the game with an
undeserved point.
Tactics: No disrespect to Stoke, but starting with 3 defensive midfielders and
only 1 attacker at home to a club like that is tough to take. The reaction from
the crowd at half-time more than likely prompted the attacking substitutions
for the second half, but it hardly seemed to take any effect on the
performance.
Chant of the game: I don't recall any chants from the home support during the
game, only echoes of "booooo" repeated around the stadium.
Oppo fans: They seemed up for it before the game, but apart from a 5-minute
period after their goal, they were surprisingly quiet. They travelled in
numbers and can count themselves unfortunate not to have gone back home with
three points.
Chris Mann, www.burndenaces.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------
BURNLEY 3-1
Sunderland
(Awaiting report)
------------------------------------------------
CHELSEA 3-0 Tottenham
‘Tottenham are back’ was the cry of the Chelsea fan towards
the end of the win over our fellow Londoners.
It was the also return of some of the route one stuff a la
Mourinho that got us back to winning ways over one of our bitterest rivals. But
any performance that makes it 6 wins out of 6 is fine by me.
Spurs looked good early on; Cech had to make saves from
Defoe and Palacios.
The Spurs keeper got a great reception on his return to
Stamford Bridge, and an even better one at full time given he’d let three past
him. Agent Carlo had succeeded in his infiltration mission.
Spurs had a penalty shout early in the second half, Robbie
Keane going down after a challenge from Ricci Carvalho. I was at the other end
of the ground so I didn’t see it clearly… shame.
But before Harry Redknapp even had the chance to moan
Chelsea hit on the counter and Ballack had bundled home Lampard’s cut back.
Don’t you just love football.
Drogba then latched onto Cole’s long ball, held off the
challenge of Corluka and managed to tuck home past a beaten Cudicini.
The only sore note was the Ivorian being stretchered off
with a knee injury, which if his past problems are anything to go by, could be
serious.
Ledley King and Sebastian Bassong were also both carried
off, King having more trouble with his knee, and Bassong after landing
awkwardly. London derbies always have their casualties.
Star man: Drogba terrorised Tottenham all day with his
strength, and got the goal he deserved. Late injury was a big blow.
Worst performer: Despite getting his third goal of the
season, Michael Ballack seemed to struggle to keep up at times and continues to
give the ball away far too easily. If there wasn’t a transfer ban I’d say sell.
Best moment: Ex-Arsenal defender Ashley Cole scoring for
Chelsea, against Tottenham. Says it all really. But a great way for the full
back to continue his fine form, unsung hero of the side.
Tactics: We were too tentative in the first half and allowed
Spurs too much time and space. The goal came from the first piece of
determination from the Blues, Cole busting a gut to get to the back post and
head home.
Second half was much better, and the power of Drogba was too
much in the end.
Chant of the game: Either the previously mentioned
‘Tottenham are back’ or ‘There’s only one team in London’. Always a nice
occasion when this can be used.
Opposition fans: It was a London derby, and the Spurs fans
knew it. Noisy throughout, bar the 15 minute period in the second half when
Chelsea scored twice and threatened more.
Martyn Landi, www.cfc.net
-------------------------------------------------
EVERTON 3-0
Blackburn
Another Sunday, another Everton game and, for the second
time in a week, another routine win for the Blues.
But, even after Thursday's rout of AEK Athens, hopes weren't especially high
for this one, such is Everton's patchy form and Blackburn's recent record at
Goodison where they have won five of their last nine visits!
Thankfully, Everton picked up where they left off in midweek and duly
dispatched a hard working yet ultimately uninspired Blackburn side.
But it looked like Everton were going to continue their poor run of form in the
league as the best chance of the early exchanges fell to Blackburn and El Hadj
Diouf.
Christopher Samba knocked a high ball back across the Everton area to the
unmarked Diouf but the Senegalese spit-machine contrived to place a free header
against the bar.
Everton were always in control of the game and eventually opened up the
Blackburn defence in the 22nd minute via a simple tap-in from Louis Saha.
Steven Pienaar was fouled just outside the Blackburn area by Michel Salgado - a
player that clearly wears a leopard print thong under his shorts - and Leighton
Baines whipped in the resulting free kick to give Louis Saha an easy sidefoot
from eight yards out.
Into the second half and it was Blackburn that, once again, took the early
initiative and could have levelled but for some great goalkeeping from Tim
Howard who first palmed Diouf's cross from the head of Jason Roberts then stood
firm to block Keith Andrews' follow-up effort.
But Everton showed their superior quality and doubled their lead minutes later
when Marouane Fellaini clipped an inch perfect ball to the head of Louis Saha
who netted his, and Everton's, second of the game.
Eyebrows were raised in pre-season when it emerged during the summer that David
Moyes had turned down an £8 million bid for the striker, but he's unplayable
when he's in form like this.
Such is his record with injuries though that at any given time he could go
missing for weeks with pulled hair or a broken-in shoe but, if we can keep him
fit and all that...
Four minutes after Saha's strike and Everton were three up courtesy of Jospeh
Yobo's second goal in a week.
Paul Robinson did well to divert a Leon Osman snap shot around the post but was
helpless as Everton scored from the resulting corner.
Louis Saha flicked a Leighton Baines corner into the six-yard box and Joseph
Yobo was quickest to react and smashed in the loose ball from close range.
Everton were now well on top and, despite inviting some pressure from the
visitors, played the game out quite comfortably. Steven Pienaar almost capped another great display with a goal in injury time
but Paul Robinson pulled off a fantastic save from the South African's
deflected shot.
All told, it was a great end to a great week for Everton and it's reassuring
that the Blues can still pull out these routine wins.
That said, we'll all still be expecting a defeat down at bottom club Portsmouth
next week, such is the psyche of the average Evertonian!
And, just as an aside, I was watching Chelsea beat Spurs in the pub after the
game and wondered if anyone has seen Roberto Carvhallo and Adam Ant in the same
room? No? That's because they're clearly one and the same!
Best performer: Louis Saha, two goals and an assist for the third, pure class!
Worst performer: No one stood out really, a good all round performance.
Tactics: Moyes pulled a masterstroke in replacing Jo with Saha for this one.
The Brazillian impressed against AEK Athens on Thursday but Saha's physical
presence and clinical finishing won the game for the Blues.
Away fans: If they bring any less Blackburn's entire away support will soon be
able to travel to games on a motorbike!
Les Roberts, www.everton-mad.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------
Wolverhampton 2-1
FULHAM
Sometimes I wish I could just send a picture through the
system, a picture
After capitulation against Chelsea and Aston Villa we can
now add the
If you think I'm being over-dramatic perhaps I should point out
that even
Star man: John Pantsil - The only player to have played in
all of our last
Worst performer: Despite the deep feeling of disappointment
I‚ll not name
Best moment: Generating a little hope that we might grab
something from
Tactics: Appalling first half display but Roy got the
midfield to play to
Oppo fans: Noisy, vociferous and passionate, let‚s hope that
spirit hasn't
Andrew Joycve, www.vitalfulham.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------
HULL 0-1
Birmingham
It feels like this is the beginning of the end for Phil
Brown. There
Star man: Boaz Myhill made some excellent saves. For Birmingham,
Benitez caused problems on his own and played on after a head wound.
Worst performer: Stephen Hunt is capable of much more than
that. After Stephen Carr was booked for a foul on him in the opening minutes he
neglected to take him on, and his crosses all went straight to Hart. Capped off
a poor performance by ballooning a free kick into the South Stand from 25
yards. Leave it to Geovanni next time.
Best moment: These were two poor teams, handing chance after
chance to one another which they just didn't know what to do with when they got
into the box. Besides some of Myhill's saves from long range shots, there were
few moments of Premier League quality.
Tactics: The two centre forwards were at the expense of
Ghilas's
Chant of the game: None of any note, but I expect some are
now
Oppo fans: Not big in number but easily outsang the home
crowd, whose
Andy Beill, www.hullcityonline.com
-------------------------------------------------
West Ham 2-3
LIVERPOOL
This result could prove so, so important at the end of the
season and yet again a victory when we're not playing well. West Ham made it
hard work for us, but credit to Torres for taking his chances and signs there
that he's getting back to his best. Still questions about our defence, and not
sure Carra will last that much longer with Danny Agger's return imminent.
Star man: Has to be Torres - a brace of goals to get his season flying. Rest of
the league needs to watch out.
Worst performer: Jamie Carragher - that Carra scream is priceless, but he's
looking a bit slower on the ball.
Best moment: Our third goal, Torres' second. Inspired substitution to bring
Babel on who supplied a great ball to the Spaniard.
Tactics: It's just starting to click now, more attacking threat and finally
finding a way to get Torres involved.
Chant of the game: Good trip from the traveling faithful, despite long periods
of anxiety as the game continued and victory looked distant.
Oppo fans: Must be walking away from this one dissapointed, but good to see more civilised support after the scenes at Upton Park a few weeks back.
Max Munton, www.thisisanfield.com
-------------------------------------------------
Man Utd 4-3
MAN
CITY
You have to say United deserved to win as they created a lot
of opportunities in the second half, but the manner of the defeat was annoying.
Owen’s winner came in the 96th minute, after the fourth official had indicated
there would be four minutes injury time. Only at Old Trafford, eh. Not many
sides will go to Old Trafford and score three times, so there are positives to
take. But for a corrupt officia,l we woud’ve earned a point.
Star man: Craig Bellamy scored two excellent goals.
Worst performer: Micah Richards struggled a little against Ryan Giggs.
Best moment: Bellamy’s first goal. An absolute screamer from 20 yards out.
Tactics: We played well in the first half, but got over run a little in the
second period. To score three times at Old Trafford and come away with nothing
is disappointing.
Chant of the game: “Fergie’s right, your fans are shite...”
Oppo fans: Quiet, as always.
Ric Turner, http://www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------
MAN UTD 4-3
Man
City
United put the upstarts City in their place in a derby
day classic. It was a match full of drama, goals and hapless defending, with
the winner coming from a former Liverpool hero. You couldn't write a script
this good.
Three times United took the lead in normal time, only for City to peg Sir Alex
Ferguson's side back on as many occasions. While 'plucky' City can be pleased
with their character in fighting to keep on terms, in truth the home side were
vastly superior. But for some truly awful defending - gifting City their first
and third equalisers - United would have won at a canter.
The derby came to life as early as the second minute, with Rooney holding off two
City defenders to slot past Shay Given in the visitor's goal. Evra created the
chance, finding space on the left flank to cut back for United's leading
scorer. Magic.
City were back in it within a quarter hour, Ben Foster losing the ball to the
returning Carlos Tevez, and Gareth Barry slotting home the little Argentinian's
pass. Comedy defending but it wasn't funny for United's number one.
United's pressure was telling though and City's expensively assembled central
defensive partnership struggled all afternoon with United's pace and movement.
In the end for all United's free flowing attacking football City lost the match
on set-pieces. United's second and third coming from the unlikely head of
Darren Fletcher, who was having yet another storming game
In between Craig Bellamy twice pulled City back into the game. His first an
outstanding strike from 25 yards, after cutting in from the left onto his
favoured right boot.
But as long as Ferguson lives and breaths United will continue to play until
the final whistle. Giggs' wonderful pass released Michael Owen in the 96th
minute, the striker's first touch was true and his neat finish sent the home
crowd into raptures.
United's fans left happy and City's in despair. When has it ever been any
different?
Star man: Ryan Giggs was utterly peerless, having a hand in all four
United goals. Giggs can still tear them apart after all these seasons. 35 years
young.
Worst performer: Ben Foster is STILL looking nervous weeks into the new
season. He's talented but got himself out of position on more than one occasion
against City and gifted City their first equaliser. With Edwin van der Sar back
inside a month Foster has even more reason to feel under pressure.
Best moment: Michael Owen scoring deep into injury time and Fergie's
Mourinhoesque dance down the touchline. Utter bliss.
Tactics: Right on the money. Fergie went for the throat with a
Rooney-Berbatov combo up-front and width in midfield.
Chant of the game: United fans to Carlos Tevez. It went something like
this. "Boooooooooooo!" No Carlos, we were never going to "welcome" you
back.
Oppo fans: They're still as bitter as ever. 34 years, no trophies. It's
City so whatever the money, it'll probably be another 34 more. Just watch the
despairing faces as United's fourth hits the back of the net. Poetry.
Ed Barker, http://www.unitedrant.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------
Aston Villa 2-0
PORTSMOUTH
(Awaiting report)
-------------------------------------------------
Bolton 1-1
STOKE
Well, it wasn't a classic at the Reebok (probably rammed
home by the fact it was last on MOTD). Fuller was unlucky not to get a penalty
though – diving is usually interpreted as something you do when you are NOT
touched by the opposition.
It was great to see Kitson score another goal, but Stoke
then sat deeper and deeper. Instead of inviting Bolton on to us, we should have
gone for the juggular. Bolton were very poor and we really should have beaten
them. Collins' stupid tackle gave them an opportunity from the spot that Taylor
was never going to pass up.
It was a very frustrating feeling at full time, and it was
certainly two points dropped rather than one gained. However, last year we lost
3-1 at Bolton so the improvements in the side continue. Next up in the league
is Man Utd. Let's hope the referee can make sense of his watch...
Star man: Dave Kitson. The man just gets better with each
game. He looks like a changed figure from last season. Far more confident and
able to score goals, he has rapidly turned into our main striker.
Worst performer: Matthew Etherington. Opposite to Kitson,
the left winger's performances are on the decline. He can't even beat a man, let alone cross the ball. Time for him to sit on the bench.
Best moment: Kitson's goal. Cutting inside, he curled a
beautiful strike past the keeper to send the travelling army of Stokies
bonkers.
Tactics: No complaints up until the moment we scored. Our
mindset just turned to defensive mode and lost us two vital points. Lawrence
should have started on the pitch in my opinion, rather than on the bench.
Chant of the game: "Gay boy, whats the score?"-
sung to a lone Bolton fan who went surprisingly quiet after Kitson scored.
Oppo fans: Dreadful home support. I honestly don't think
they care. The Premier League novelty has well and truely worn off, and they
seem resigned to relegation. Barely heard a squeek out of them all afternoon.
James Knowles, www.pottersnet.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------
Burnley 3-1
SUNDERLAND
This match really was a game of two halves, we started the
match really bright, and completely dominated. We had the majority of possession, the lads passed the ball
around the park really well, but we lacked in that finishing touch. Bruce opted to leave Jones on the
bench, playing young Frazier Campbell long side Darren Bent. Both strikers had a fair few chances on
goal but nothing came of it.
Burnley’s goal came completely against the run of play, from one of the
rare chances that they had the ball in the Sunderland box. The brainless Anton Ferdinand
decided it would be clever to take Wade Elliott legs off him in the box for
reasons only known to Anton himself.
The ref quite rightly give them a penalty, which Gordon almost saved,
but there it was, 1-0 down.
The lads didn’t let this get them down and kept on
dominating, eventually Darren Bent got us level after one of the Burnley
defenders caught half asleep, keeping Bent on-side, one on one with the keeper
its was an easy goal for a striker of his calliper.
The second half you would of thought Bruce had fielded a
completely different 11, they where a disgrace, well apart from Anton who was
just as poor in the first half as he was in the second! Bruce made a couple of
changes bring on Big Jones for Malbranque pushing Campbell on to the right
wing, although the lad has the pace he’s not a winger.
Burnley then turn to striking flop David Nugent, and what
happens he puts two past us, that just summed us up really we are that bad we
got Nugent to double his entire premier league goal scoring record in one game
from! We keep this up and we will find ourselves in a relegation
battle again!!
Star man: Andy Reid played well in the first half, and was
the best of a bad bunch in the second.
Worst performer: For the second match in a row Anton Ferdinand, he looked nervous from
kick off and gave away a needless penalty.
With two good centre backs on the bench (John Mensah and Paulo Da Silva)
Bruce is going to have to bring the changes in.
Best moment: Bent's goal was a cool move by the forward.
Tactics: 3rd week in a row and Bruce still needs for sort
out our poor defence, but then the whole team's second half performance was
shocking.
Chant of the game: The chants where mainly from the Burnley fans ripping it out of us.
Oppo fans: Burnley are a small club but they fans where in
fine voice and
explains.
Daryl Baker, www.Sunderland-Mad.co.uk
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Chelsea 3-0 TOTTENHAM
Hard to take, the margin of this defeat. We got what we
usually get at Chelsea – nothing doing - and our thanks go to Howard Webb for
making absolutely sure that would be the case. There isn’t even the smallest
sliver of consolation to take from it really. We have to get better than this.
And have we got any centre halves left now? Doesn’t look good with King and Bassong
off injured.
Star man: Carlo Cudicini
Worst performance: Vedran Corluka – tough afternoon
Best moment: Mmm, difficult one that
Opposition fans: Such nice guys! Yeah, we love ‘em...
Andy Knaggs, http://www.spurs-web.com/
-------------------------------------------------
WEST HAM 2-3
Liverpool
Another day, another disappointment. Only the difference
this time was the performance. A drastic improvement on the corresponding
fixture from last season though and one we can take hope from in the future.
Shame it had to come at the hands of the thieving bindippers yet again.
The majority of the home fans were quite apprehensive in the lead up to the
game with few holding out much hope against a team we traditionally find it
extremely tough to beat. There was the home debut of Alessandro Diamanti to
look forward to though and after his heroics for our reserves last week,
expectation was high.
Both clubs fielded their strongest teams and the game turned into a thriller
under the lights in East London. Whilst being blatantly biased, West Ham played
the better football in a game full of entertainment.
The early exchanges were tense and when Zavon Hines capitalised on the
customary Jamie Carragher error it seemed like the dream start we craved was
close. Alas, the woodwork was to prove otherwise.
The football was joyful to watch. The tactics a bit of a shambles from both
sides, but it provided fantastic football.
Chance after chance was created by both sides with little clinical finishing
until that man Torres popped up with a sublime solo goal in the 20th minute.
The less we talk about that the better really..
Matthew Upson and Valon Behrami both had to leave the field in the second half
with injuries. Could be terrible news for a squad already short on numbers.
West Ham were back in the game in the 28th minute when Carragher body checked
Hines within the area. Alessandro Diamanti stepped-up to take the penalty and
after slipping ala-John Terry (hahahahaha...), he managed to chip the ball into
the net.
Liverpool went back in front five minutes before the end of an eventful first
half when Kuyt poked home Gerrard's header at the far post. Heartbreaking stuff
for the home fans. But fortune was with the home side as right before the
interval, that man Cole rose highest to avail of the always-excellent Liverpool
zonal marking to head home Mark Nobles corner.
The second half was as entertaining as the first but the Scousers clinched the
game in the 75th minute when Babel's cross was headed into the corner of the
net by Torres from eight yards.
For a normally pessimistic bugger, I went home quite content after the game for
once. Fortune may be hiding but if this type of game was served up every week I
personally won't complain. (Apart from the result, obviously...)
Star man: Close call between Zavon Hines, Scott Parker and Julien Faubert for
this one. Danny Gabbidon did well when he came on also. I’ll have to give it to
Faubert though purely for showing Lazarus-style rejuvenation in turning his
West Ham career around. Maybe his stint as a Galactico has served him well...
Worst performer: Andre Marriner. A f***ing disgrace. Shouldn’t be allowed to
referee a game of snakes and ladders, never mind a Premier League football
game.
Best moment: Corner in the second half. Torres has a pull at Faubert while
waiting. Ball comes in and Faubert clatters Torres in the back of the head with
both elbows. Lovely.
Tactics: Can’t really complain this time to be honest. Still lacking the final
ball and a spot of creativity in the final third. But much better today. Still
have major worries about the lack of support for Carlton Cole.
Chant of the game: “Sign on, sign on, with a pen in your hand, for you’ll never
get a job...” always brings a smile to my face.
Oppo fans: Sang when they scored. Bounced for Torres. Apart from that, very
quiet for most of the game. Typical really.
Fionn Kiely – http://www.kumb.com
-------------------------------------------------
Arsenal 4-0 WIGAN
Another depressing performance served up by the Latics that was eminant of the Carling Cup defeat to Blackpool the other week.
Yet again the attacking threat was non-existent, but further to that the lack of determination and desire from a number of players is a serious concern.
The soft underbelly of the side has resulted in a less than pleasing goals against column so far this term.
Only the opening day victory over Aston Villa could be described as anything of a good performance from the side. Martinez is starting to lose supporters as they see their side slipping ominously the wrong way down the table and this wonderful passing football that we are now supposed to be playing has only yielded a lazy uncompetitive pair of players in Jordi Gomez and Jason Koumas. It's like playing with nine men having those two on the field.
From a personal point of view, Scharner needs to be in the first eleven in replace of Gomez. A sad state of affairs that a centre back would be a better attacking threat that our so called playmaker.
Jason Scotland also needs to be playing up front as Jason Koumas is embarrassing in his every game stroll up and down the left flank.
Anyway, another tonking for the Latics is going to do little to win over supporters, particularly those who are now saving their money and staying away from home games.
Paul, www.wiganer.net
-------------------------------------------------
WOLVERHAMPTON 2-1
Fulham
Wolves defied the critics after the defensive shambles last
week and completely outplayed this Fulham team. Fulham played their reserves in
the UEFA cup in midweek so had no excuse for being outclasses by the Molineux
men. Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was big enough to admit that. Goals from paddy
Kevin Doyle and taff David Edwards put Wolves 2-0 before Mancienne (again) let
the opposition back into the match. But Wolves and expecially Christophe Berra
held firm
Star man: Christophe Berra is a colossus at the heart of the
Wolves defencee. His header set up Doyle's opener and nothing was getting
past the quiet Scottish international .
Worst performer: Michael Mancienne. Not as bad as last week, but if you pull someone in the area like he did to Bobby Zamora you have to expect a bit of
stick. Not the wonderkid everyone thought he was.
Best moment: David Edwards' goal that put Wolves 2-0 up, a sweeping move
saw McCarthy's fav Andy Keogh play the ball into Edwards who swept the ball
into the top right-hand corner in front of the Stan Cullis stand Tactics: Worked a treat and with Ebanks-Blake and Kightly coming on in the
2nd half it was a great day all around
Oppo fans - Usual quiet Londoners
wolf306, www.wolves-mad.co.uk
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