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| To see the upset and anguish on that blinking 'orrible geezer John Terry's face was worth the entrance fee alone! | |
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ARSENAL 3 - 1 Birmingham 1
Arsenal's superlative start to the season continued apace with a win against Brum whilst not playing anywhere near the upper levels of our potential. Also, it saw the start of what I call 'proper football time' - i.e. 3pm kick off on a Saturday, it's freezing cold, the floodlights were on and I even had a Bovril at half time. This, added to the continuing success I appear to be having with the lady (although that will no doubt go tits-up in spectacular fashion somewhere along the line), work being a lot of fun at the moment, and life is good right now. Marvellous.
We started wonderfully - the first 25 minutes were great and we looked constantly threatening through Robin van Persie (revelling in his new role as a senior player), Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott in particular; Walcott nearly scoring what would have been one of the goals of the season when he dinked the ball past Liam Ridgewell, put the afterburners on and although in a cross position, sent a dink over Joe Hart which the England keeper did well to tip over. Unfortunately that was Theo's last contribution of the game as he was substituted soon after having felt the full impact of a robust Ridgewell tackle that had more than a hint of unnecessary follow-through about it.
Just after the 20-minute mark, we went one up when the incredibly impressive Alex Song played an inch-perfect ball through to RvP11 whose exquisite first touch left him with the chance to rifle past Hart and into the far corner, which he took with aplomb (have you ever seen the word 'aplomb' used anywhere else save for football match reports? I haven't. Neither have I heard 'adjudged' used except for when referees make poor penalty decisions). One soon became two when Emmanuel Eboue's sprint down the right led to Tomas Rosicky (who makes SUCH a difference to our attacking shape now that he's fit) playing the ball across the box for Abou Diaby to slot into the opposite top corner.
Unfortunately, Arsenal then switched off for the rest of the game. Brum got one back when Vito Mannone failed to clear his lines, and could have had another but for the Italian making amends with a brave intervention at the feet of two onrushing Blues centre forwards. But my beloved reds eventually pulled their fingers out and got a clincher with 5 minutes to go when the slowest counter attack ever (seriously, when did we lose all of our pace?) gave Andrey Arshavin a couple of yards and the Russian threaded the ball into the tiniest gap and past Hart for 3-1.
With Chelsea and Liverpool both losing and Man City dropping points at Wigan, the weekend couldn't have been any better for me. Especially as I finished it by going to my first ever fancy dress party. My Jack Sparrow was described as 'remarkable'.
Star man: Alex Song is a completely different player to the 'fish up a tree' substiuted at half-time against Fulham a couple of years ago. He has made the role in front of the back four his own this season and yesterday he was exceptional. He broke up everything, created one of the goals, and has finally learned that a key part of his role is that when one of the defenders bomb forward, he has to slot into the gap that then appears. Props also to Theo who looked very exciting during his 30 minutes.
Worst performer: He may have scored the second goal yesterday, but Abou Diaby was again poor. We can afford to carry Arshavin when he is having a less than perfect game because he is world class and can change a game in a second. But for your 'stock' players such as Diaby, you are entitled to expect them to at least run for 90 minutes, and to tackle back when they give the ball away (which he does with alarming regularity considering he is supposed to be a Premier League footballer). He does none of these and I can't wait for Denilson to get fit, Aaron Ramsey to be given an opportunity in the Premier League or for the January transfer window to open. The referee was diabloical as well, for both teams - Lee Bowyer committed six fouls without getting booked, Emmanuel Eboue was allowed to get away with some of the most poorly performed theatrics ever seen on a football pitch and, although a soft one, Mannone WAS fouled by Seb Larsson for their goal.
Best moment: Theo's flick past Liam Ridgewell and cross-cum-shot that nearly floated in over Joe Hart was a thing of beauty and showed us what England have been missing over the last 9 months. The kid is a very special talent indeed and I can't wait to see what he's like when he's 25.
Tactics: The 4-3-3 we play now has become second nature to the players and fans alike, and is conducive to the type of football we want to play. We always look dangerous when in the opposition's half, and there are 5/6 goal threats in our team at any one time. The only criticism is that because we go forward so well and in numbers, we always look slightly nervy when we lose the ball. It's one thing doing it against Birmingham, but Chelsea will murder us. Having said that, the players that need to improve in that area are all young, so they will only get better.
Chant of the game: 'Fat Tottenham Reject' directed at Stephen Carr. Not particularly witty or deserved in fairness, but it does what it says on the tin and he IS a fat Tottenham reject!
Oppo fans: 3,500 Birmingham fans singing 'One Martin Taylor' when neither him nor Eduardo were playing shows them up as being as ignorant as they are distasteful. Cave-dwelling, UB40-listening, crab paste sandwich-eating trogolodytes of the highest order.
David Oudôt, www.onlinegooner.com & www.taxloser.blogspot.com
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ASTON VILLA 2-1 Chelsea
You just can't top beating the luvvies from Sky's 'top four'. To see the upset and anguish on that blinking 'orrible geezer John Terry's face was worth the entrance fee alone! The ref was determined that Chelsea won, but our claret and blue boys had different ideas and, despite having a stonewall penalty appeal ignored, and going one down, Villa showed true heart and came back to win with great goals from our defensive rocks Stephen Dunne and James Collins. All this whilst playing with 10 men (John Carew had another 'I'm really not bothered about this football malarky' type of performance!) – superb!
The day ended for me with beer, beer and a few more beers and a curry. Amazing how the smile of beating these London money men didn't leave my face all night. Okay, so I looked a little bit, how can I say... simple???! But who cares, we've played two of the 'luvvies top four' teams so far this season and we've beaten them both.
Star man: For Chelsea that would be the ref! For us, James Collins, he won every header, superb!
Worst performer: I usually don't go much for this category, but this time I will: I'm fed up of John Carew prancing around like some sort of superstar, waving to the crowd when they sing his name (best thing about him is his song apart from his 1 in 10 good games where he is undoubtedly top class) and his miss yesterday was shocking. Most strikers would have lapped up that chance, then again I shouldn't mention laps and JC in the same sentence I don't suppose.
Best moment: Well, MON won't agree, but when he got 'tackled' by Anelka, it was a little bit funny... I say only a little bit because MON did look like he hurt his elbow, if not for that it would have been hilarious, his mates on Match of the Day thought so for sure!
Tactics: Always happy to have a pop at the manager when he gets it wrong, but yesterday he got it bang on. Wwe deserved the win, even the staunchest of Chelsea fans couldn't claim we were lucky and our defence is now rock solid at the back and capable of scoring as well!
Chant of the game: Not original and not that loudly sung, but 'Can we play you every week?' did make me smile, then again, it was probably only me singing it and I'm in a minority of one when it comes to the opinion that I'm comedy gold!
Oppo fans: They came in good numbers but left their voices down with their Range Rovers in Chelsea. Shhhhhhhh!
Jonathan Fear, www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk
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Arsenal 3-1 BIRMINGHAM CITY 1
A few weeks back I went on the official site to check when the tickets to this one went on sale, only to find that they had already sold out. You'd have thought that in a 60,000-seat stadium they could have spared a few more tickets. I suppose they are scared that if they let too many away fans in, there might actually be an atmosphere in the place. So this review comes with the assistance of one of the chaps from our forum who did get to go.
After seeing Arsenal destroying Blackburn in the previous fixture I was expecting the worst for this one, especially after they scored twice in the opening twenty minutes. But after that Blues gave a good account of themselves and I'm pleased with the way that they went for it in the second-half. In fact, we probably went for it a bit too much as their last goal came on the break.
It's still another defeat but at least the goal difference didn't take too much of a hammering. I'm hoping the watching Carson Yeung got a good idea of how much work there is to do on the side and started warming up his chequebook.
My biggest disappointment is that before the game we didn't know that if a ball hits a balloon on the way to the goal that the goal should be disallowed. Had we known we could have just filled the goal with balloons. Next time eh...
Star man: Lee Bowyer got the goal, so he'll do.
Worst performer: Cameron Jerome had only just returned from injury and it showed.
Best moment: Some gobby Arsenal fan in the executive tier above the away fans getting chucked out at half-time. To think he must've paid loads for his seat of luxury and he didn't even see the second-half. Muppet!
Tactics: Didn't make a difference.
Referee: A complete homer.
Chant of the game: The predictable "There's only one Martin Taylor". Good job too, as he's rubbish.
Oppo fans: Mostly condescending and obnoxious.
Mike, www.joysandsorrows.co.uk
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BLACKBURN 3 - 2 Burnley
The first East Lancs derby in the top division for over 43 years and what a cracker it was! The atmosphere was electric and Burnley went and spoiled it by stunning Ewood into silence with a great strike from Robbie Blake inside five minutes!
It didn’t last long though – a pass by Pedersen, a great lay-off by Di Santo and local lad (who else?) David Dunn cracked the ball into the far corner to equalise just four minutes later.
It was all Rovers after that. Di Santo made it 2-1 after Burnley’s keeper Jensen stumbled into his own defender, and then Chimbonda cut inside just before half-time to stroke the ball into the bottom corner. 3-1 – game over.
Rovers took their foot off the gas in the second half and let Burnley do all the huffing and puffing. Chris Eagles took time off from plucking his eyebrows to hit a goal in the 91st minute, but it was just a late consolation.
The score line flattered Burnley really. The history books will show this as a close match - but it doesn’t matter. Bragging rights are still ours – for another five months at least.
Star man: David Dunn – ran the show and scored the all-important equaliser.
Worst performer: They all played their part but Diouf was quiet today. Keith Andrews actually played a big part in the third goal – wonders never cease!
Best moment: The Blackburn End dancing and singing to I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas – “Tonight’s gonna be a good night – yeah tonight’s gonna be a good, good night”. Classic.
Tactics: 4-5-1. Dunn played just behind Di Santo, giving him the freedom to do what he does best. Bikey never got near him.
Chant of the game: “Down on yer sister, you’re going down on yer sister”
Oppo fans: Gloated for five minutes after Blake’s goal, but hardly heard them after that.
Pete Anslow, www.4000holes.co.uk
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Man Utd 2 - 1 BOLTON
Bolton travelled to Old Trafford, confident that they could upset the odds and come away with something other than a good hiding.
Despite this confidence, United began brightly and their early pressure paid off when Zat Knight diverted Michael Owen's poor header past his own goalkeeper. Jussi Jaaskelainen kept us in the game, before Matt Taylor and Kevin Davies both came close to equalising for Bolton.
But just after the half-hour, we were hit on the counter and Antonio Valencia scored a good goal, although some of the defending was questionnable from our point of view.
After the break, the introduction of Ivan Klasnic, Mark Davies and Chris Basham had a positive effect on Bolton and Matt Taylor deservedly pulled one back.
Knight, Klasnic and Gary Cahill all came close to equalising late on, but as you quite often find out when you visit Old Trafford, you hardly ever get the luck you deserve.
Very unlucky not to come out of the game with a point, but winning when you're not at your best is what wins titles, something which United did on Saturday.
Star man: Jussi Jaaskelainen - Once again, the Finn kept Bolton in a game with a series of fantastic saves. He made at least 3 or 4 superb stops to keep Bolton in the game and it was thanks to him that we were still in the game before we pulled one back.
Worst performer: Sam Ricketts - struggled to cope with the performance of Ryan Giggs. He got forward when given the chance, but was suspect at the back against superior opposition.
Best moment: The last 20 minutes. Not many teams go to Old Trafford and enjoy the sort of possession Bolton did in those final 20 minutes. Had Gary Cahill's late header been either side of van der Sar, we'd have gone home with a well deserved point.
Tactics: A 4-5-1 with Davies alone in attack wasn't really working due to the ineffectiveness of the fatigued Lee Chung-Yong and Tamir Cohen. Ivan Klasnic's introduction meant we changed to 4-4-2 and from then on, United couldn't cope with us.
Chant of the game: "F*** off back to London!" - directed towards the huge amount of home supporters who were leaving the ground with 15 minutes still to play.
Oppo fans: Aside from cheering their two goals, they might aswell not have been there at all. The big clubs often get praised for their support, but the atmosphere from the home fans on Saturday was non-existent.
Chris Mann, www.burndenaces.co.uk
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Blackburn 3 - 2 BURNLEY
(Awaiting report)
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Aston Villa 2 - 1 CHELSEA
Great. Another defeat, a couple of dodgy defensive mistakes, a stupid lunch-time game, a win for Villa which means their fans are giddy with delight at the prospect of finishing fourth, and possibly the worst excuse for a delayed kick-off ever.
So Steve Bennett was vomiting his way around the Villa Park corridors was he? Pull yourself together Bennett, chuck some sawdust on your piles of mess, gargle some mouthwash and get on with it! Who else is sick of these pampered Premier League footballers refs? We then had to wait for a replacement fourth official as Kevin Friend - previously the man charged solely with watching Martin O’Neill to ensure he didn’t bounce out of the technical area one too many times - took over Bennett’s sick-encrusted ref’s jersey for the day.
He was our friend with benefits - hmm, pretty sure I’m not using that in the right context - though as he waved away a Villa penalty shout shortly before Didier Drogba belted one in to put us one-up.
Home ‘keeper Brad Friedel must have been in close proximity to Bennett and his delicate stomach prior to the game as it appeared as if the ball slipped through the American’s gloves - which were possibly bearing the greasy remnants of Bennett’s dodgy Friday-night kebab - on its way into the back of the net.
Then came two corners which changed the game, as we fundamentally failed to clear them, with even Frank Lampard flicking an inch-perfect ball onto the head of Richard Dunne for Villa’s equaliser, while Collins’ goal was a shambles (see a couple of sub-headings below) from our point of view.
The number of chances we had afterwards should have resulted in at least one goal, but we only have ourselves to blame for the profligacy shown by our forwards.
Can’t deny it was a decent game though.
Star man: Deco and Drogba combined - minus the times their ambitious passes didn’t find their intended targets. Villa’s defence deserve the plaudits though, Friedel (second-half), Stephen Warnock and James Collins in particular.
Worst performer: Find me the ‘How to be a Good Goalkeeper’ manual, turn to the front page, and tell me if it says, “when coming off your line to clear a corner, get all flustered and keep your hands flapping at your sides like a battery farm chicken struggling for space.’ I bet it doesn’t say that. So why does Petr Cech continue to do it on a frustratingly regular basis?
Best moment: Deco’s audacious chip late in the first-half which almost caught Friedel out. Just beautiful.
Tactics: We just needed to finish all those sodding chances!
Chant of the game: “Chelsea reject,” directed at Steve Sidwell. It’s all fun and games, and we basically gave him a year’s paid holiday when we signed him anyway.
Oppo fans: A good atmosphere all round, but hostility in a Villa fan is like vomit in Steve Bennett. It seems to come out at the drop of a hat, or rather, the drop of an Agbonlahor in the penalty box.
Rowan Farnham-Long, www.cfcnet.co.uk
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EVERTON 1 -1 Wolves
Awful, humiliating, embarrassing and painful to watch, Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman surely make up the worst right-hand side in world football. With two players devoid of any ability in the same team, you simply can't afford to play them both down the same side of the pitch. And Evertonians had to sit through possibly the dullest 45 minutes of football in history in the first half, with David Moyes playing the dynamic duo down the right-hand side, two defenders in central midfield, and a confused Russian on the left, needless to say things didn't go well.
In fact it was Wolves who looked more likely to score in the first period, with Everton's defence seeming to not understand that giving Kevin Doyle freedom of Goodison park wasn't an ideal situation, and being confused at the very sight of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Wolves had a few real decent chances to go ahead. In fact, Everton performed a lot better during our 6-1 humbling by Arsenal back in August at Goodison, than they did in the first half today. What we learnt? Heitinga is not a midfield player, Tony Hibbert is not a professional footballer, and Leon Osman couldn't pass wind.
The half-time break came and went, and on came the Yak for Hibbert. Everton reshuffled the formation and gained some much-needed balance, with Heitinga moved out of midfield, Leon Osman shoved out to the left where he could be ignored, and Tony Hibbert off the pitch, things were looking up. And, in fairness, things did improve for Everton in the second half and we created chances.
We still found themselves behind with 15 minutes to go though. Yobo decided not bother to head clear a long ball from Hennessey (in fairness to the Nigerian, I was utterly bored to) and Kevin Doyle slotted home under the on-rushing Tim Howard. Everton then raised their game and both sides brought on their giants: Everton introducing Fellaini for Osman; and Wolves outdoing us with the giant on Stefan Maierhofer. Afro Vs Giant neck, who would win?
Everton equalised with a low cross from Jo being turned in by Bilyaletdinov and the Goodison crowd then woke up, and attempted to encourage Everton to find a winner, but we didn't. In fact the only real thing of note to happen before the end was the Wolves giant getting sent off for a follow through on Tim Howard. Did anyone really care? Not really.
Star man: Yakubu. He only played 45 minutes, but he was still better than the rest.
Worst performer: Several contenders for this: Heitinga, Hibbert and Osman were awful in the first half. Leon Osman though managed to carry that through to the second, so he gets the nod!
Best moment: Very difficult to answer this with any good moments! The return of Segundo Castillo's comedy act of imitating a footballer was probably a personal highlight.
Tactics: The tactics in the first-half were pathetic at best, but Moyes corrected these at half-time. Everton can cope without one of Pienaar or Arteta, but without both our midfield lacks that little bit of magic. However, playing Heitinga and Rodwell alongside each other in the centre of midfield, and our shambolic right-hand side, put Everton in a position of only having half a game to break down Wolves.
Chant of the game: Evertonians attempts to sing the name of our Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov were poor at best! "Dini Diniyar, Dini Diniyar, Dini Dinyar, Diniyar Bilyale.....
Oppo fans: In fairness to Wolves they brought a full 3,500 section, which is a lot more than the likes of Wigan, Blackburn and Bolton who bring a mini bus full just down the road, or the pair Fulham send up each year. They got behind their team for most of the game, fair play! The Joleon Lescott and You'll Never Walk Alone chants were not appreciated however.
Michael Holroyd, www.everton.vitalfootball.co.uk
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FULHAM L - L Hull
(Monday night game)
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Fulham L - L HULL
(Monday night game)
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Sunderland 1 - 0 LIVERPOOL
End of our title hopes? No, not yet. But maybe the next week with games against Lyon and Manchester Utd will make or break our season. Beach ball or no beach ball we weren't good enough on Saturday and Sunderland made us pay. Sloppy, unorganised defending with rare bright moments up front. Everyone says we missed Gerrard and Torres... we missed Alonso too.
Worst performer: The beach ball
Best performer: The beach ball
Tactics: Bit of a mess really and am sure it's something Rafa will learn from. We looked overcroweded in defence - playing with threee centre-backs. And not enough firepower up front.
Oppo fans: Enjoy it whilst it lasts, Mackems!
Maxm Munton, www.thisisanfield.com
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Wigan Athletic 1 - 1 MAN CITY
It was a slightly frustrating game and City never really got going. There were spells where it looked like we might go on to win, but after Zabaleta’s sending off I’d have settled for the draw. Besides, our record at Wigan is absolutely dire, so it’s progress of sorts that we didn’t lose. We were missing a few key players too, but these are the games we really need to win if we’re to mount a serious challenge for a Champion’s League place.
Star man: Difficult to choose, as no one played particularly well. At a push I’d go for Carlos Tevez.
Worst performer: Wayne Bridge should have reacted quicker for their goal, and offered little going forward.
Best moment: Petrov’s calmly taken goal. Showed great composure and finished neatly.
Tactics: Due to injuries we had limited options, and once we were down to 10 men, a point was the best we could’ve hoped for. Would have liked to see us create more chances, but Wigan looked like a decent side.
Oppo fans: Giddy after their goal, very quiet once we equalised.
Ric Turner, www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk
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MAN UTD 2 - 1 Bolton
United sit atop the Premier
League table after squeezing past a spirited Bolton Wanderers side at Old
Trafford. Despite dominating possession and territory United beat Bolton by the
odd goal in three, with the visitor’s almost snatching a late equaliser. But
with three points gained, United took full advantage of defeats for Chelsea and
Liverpool.
Sir Alex Ferguson made eight changes to the side
that drew with Sunderland two weeks ago, with Wayne Rooney missing through
injury and Edwin van der Sar recalled between the sticks. It was clearly the
impetus United needed, with the reds scoring after just four minutes. Indeed,
Ferguson’s side could have scored six in the first half alone. No need to
question the referee’s fitness this time.
The second followed on the half hour. Not before
time as United laid siege to the Bolton goal. Valencia lashing home his first
goal in a United shirt.
It was old fashioned stuff from the home side, with
the peerless Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia – growing in stature by the game –
offering width and pace on the wings.
But somehow United failed to capitalise on their
superiority, with Michael Owen guilty of spurning two good chances in the
second half that would have put the game to bed. In Rooney’s absence, Dimitar
Berbatov was again an influential figure in attack but the pair’s tendency to
profligate would have been costly against stronger opposition.
At the other end Bolton forced their was into the
game strongly in the final 20 minutes of the match, with Matt Taylor heading
home after Sam Ricketts’ long-throw was only half-cleared by Neville. With
Vidic missing, United looked vulnerable in the air and such was the panic that
Ferguson’s team could have conceded a last-minute equaliser when Gary Cahill
headed wide. He should have scored.
But a draw would not have been par for the course
on a day when United’s performance was a significant step up from the lethargic
showing a fortnight ago.
Star man: On this form United will miss Giggs even
more than Rooney in Moscow. On the day that the ageless winger headed the list
of Ballon D’Or nominations, Giggs was superb once again.
Worst performer: Owen missed two good chances
and showed why England manager Fabio Capello continues to ignore him. It's one
thing making good runs, it's another hitting the back of the net.
Best moment: Valencia's finish was crisp and showed
far greater composure than had become the Ecuadorian’s norm this season.
Tactics: The United of old, with pace and invention
in wide areas and eight players commited to attack. Shame the team panicked
after conceding.
Chant of the game: It really should have been 99
red balloons... one for Anfield next week! Joy.
Oppo fans: They're just so used to losing at Old
Trafford that the knuckle-draggers were genuinely suprised to be back in the
game at 2-1.
Ed Barker, www.unitedrant.co.uk
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PORTSMOUTH 1 – Tottenham 2
Despite the media hype surrounding Harry Redknapp’s return to Fratton Park, both sets of fans had their attention focused on the game of football in front of them. And the match was all the better as a result.
Just like our previous four home games, Pompey gave it their all today and will feel aggrieved not to have come away with at least point. There wasn’t a lot to choose between the sides although the visitors have Gomes to thank after brilliantly denying us on numerous occasions. Why Spurs are looking for new goalkeeper is beyond me. There are still problems that need resolving, most notably our defence, however today’s performance was encouraging to say the least. While a goal evaded Pompey for 59 minutes, the fans took almost as much pleasure in seeing Jermaine Defoe dismissed on his return to Fratton Park. His garish first-half goal celebration poured petrol on already volatile situation and the Pompey fans were more than happy to see him return to the changing rooms half an hour early.
Star man: Kevin Prince-Boating was absolutely everywhere today and scored a cracking goal to boot. It easy to see why he was awarded player of the month before the match.
Worst performer: Aruna Dindane didn’t have the best of days and missed an absolute sitter in the first half. He lost possession too many times and seemed to lack confidence when faced with any sort of scoring opportunity.
Best bit: Tommy Smith’s marvellous turn to break away from Vedran Corluka before proving a fine cross from the right wing.
Jordan Mogg, www.truebluearmy.com
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Portsmouth 1 - 2 SPURS
All the talk pre-match was about the return of Harry Redknapp to Pompey, but Redknapp's new side did the talking on the pitch and came away with all three points to strengthen their push for a Champions League finish this season.
Heurelho Gomes returned to the Spurs starting line-up and the octopus proved that Harry was right to pick him over Cudicini by pulling off a string of good saves, most notably from a Younes Kaboul effort.
Spurs showed good steel to keep Pompey at bay following Defoe's sending off, which has been described as a stamp - Aaron Mokoena reacted as if he had just been run over by a steamroller. In past years we'd have lost this game - it shows how far we've come under Harry.
Star Man: Heurelho Gomes - a fantastic display by the keeper who looks like he's been lifted directly from a Popeye cartoon.
Worst performer: Pompey striker Aruna Dindane - managed to somehow miss an open goal from all of three yards out
Best moment: Taking all three points from Pompey and not giving them the opportunity to gloat to Harry Redknapp - after all he did for their club.
Oppo fans: Is there anything more annoying in football than that constant ringing of the bell by that tattoed-covered Pompey man?
Neil Vaughan, www.spurs-web.com
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STOKE 2 West Ham 1
Great return to Premier League football as we won for the first time since August, against a side that haven't won since the opening day. Hammered ;) them for the opening ten minutes but we dropped deeper and deeper as the first half went on gifting the visitors time and space in the midfield. Luckily we were one up after ten minutes when great link-up play between Fuller and Etherington saw the latter brought down and Beattie smashed his spot kick into the roof of the net to get himself off the mark for the season.
But the Hammers were level before half-time when A.D.Faye let Upson ghost past him and nod home. Second half saw an even contest and, shortly after an amazing tackle by Shawcross to deny Cole when he seemed destined to score, Fuller sped his way past defenders before shooting across goal and Beattie followed up to bundle the ball in from close-range and win the game for the mighty, mighty Potters!
Star man: Ricardo Fuller. Unplayable in that form. Ran all game long, made sure Tomkins and Upson knew he was there throughout and got two assists but deserved at least one goal. Took so much pressure off defence in final stages and how he didn't create a third I don't know
Worst performer: Nobody stood out as being bad but Ab Faye was at fault for the goal and was a but ropey at other times
Best moment: Robert Huth's right hook on Upson, just for the fact that nobody saw it. The crowd didn't react, the players didn't do anything and the ref and assistants were scratching their head. Luckily I have a small TV screen with replays on my seat :-) . Even Upson didn't see what happenned. Other than that Fuller's runs in the last ten minutes were fantastic and had everyone on the edge of their seat and
Shawcross' tackle on Carlton Cole was WORLD CLASS!!!
Tactics: Eyebrows were raised prior to kick off as we played the same side that drew with Everton. Diao and Whitehead in the middle with Delap out right didn't seem very right for a winnable home game, but it paid off
Chant of the game: Rob Green didn't adhere himself to the Boothen End and had to take the usual chants and 'Sit down shat up!' is always fun
Oppo fans: Stuck on repeat, they were indeed forever blowing bubbles because that's all they ever sang.
Dan Buxton, www.stokecity-mad.co.uk
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SUNDERLAND 1 - 0 Liverpool
Yet again
Sunderland dominated another of the so called “top 4 teams” but this time we
got our just deserves. The
Sunderland goal was talk of the weekend, and will probably be talked about for
sometime to come.
Sunderland
and the Premier League’s current top ENGLISH striker (hope you bloody reading
this Capello!!!), put Sunderland ahead 5 minutes into the game. Although it came under very controversial
circumstances, a young Liverpool supporter decided to be clever by belting a
big red Liverpool crested beach ball on to the pitch. The ball drifted its way in front of the Liverpool goal just
as super striker Darren Bent went for a shot. He took the strike the football hitting the beach ball, the
Liverpool keeper seemed to be confused between a big bright red beach ball and
a white football, going for the save it actually looked like he went for the
beach ball letting the real ball into the back of the net. Many people are saying that the beach
ball changed the direction of the football, but I would like to see some angled
replays as Liverpool defender Johnson seems to get a foot very close to the
football also.
Sunderland
continued to dominate the game, Bent having a good chance saved about half way
thought the 1st half. Liverpool
did have a couple have half-hearted chances but they were no match for the
Sunderland defence.
The second
half started with Sunderland playing the better football, Liverpool’s keeper
being called into action again to pull off a great save against Bent, then a
few minutes later, again that man Darren Bent beat the keeper but his shot went
just wide of the post. Then
disaster struck, Lee Cattlemole went in for his typical hard tackling style
tackle but came off the worst, which end up him being carried off, on come
Sunderland’s latest signing Zenden. A few minutes later and disaster stuck again, Big Ken Jones again having
to be carried off with an ankle injury, this starting a touch line shouting
match between the two managers. Which had to be broke up by the fourth
official, Sunderland looking the worst for wear now, had the job of defending
the lead as Liverpool got the upper hand.
Bruce
called the changes to make the team stronger at the back, dropping the
outstanding Cana into the defence, putting one of the best performance I have
seen a player put in wearing a Sunderland shirt, Cana pretty much won every
header and every tackle he went in for.
The fans are on the edge of their seats until the fourth official held up
a Man United style 7 minutes of extra time!!! Everyone was astonished but these
things seem to happen for the “top 4 teams”. But a brave Sunderland held out with a fantastic double save
by Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon near the end to keep this strange but
deserved victory.
Star man:
Lorik Cana, he’s been outstanding for us but his performance was really world
class against Liverpool.
Worst
performer: Liverpool to rely on two players (Gerrard and Torres) and to be a “top
4 team”.
Best
moment: Just beating Liverpool, and showing another “top 4 team” who Sunderland
really are!
Tactics: Bruce
got it spot on again play them at there own game, attack attack attack.
Chant of
the game: Float on Float on with hope in your heart and you’ll never float
alone. (after the beach ball)
Oppo
fans: Came in there numbers was a
cracking atmosphere!
Daryl
Baker, www.sunderland-mad.co.uk
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Stoke 2 - 1 WEST HAM
(Awaiting report)
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WIGAN 1 - 1 Man CIty
Manchester City had Pablo Zabaleta sent off and a late penalty shout turned down as they missed the chance to gatecrash the Premier League's top four. But they were grateful - and relieved - to leave the DW Stadium with a share of the points.
Charles N'Zogbia's stoppage time strike gave Wigan the half-time advantage just seconds after the Frenchman had one ruled out by referee Alan Wiley.
The ex-Newcastle star pounced after City's skipper for the day Shay Given had kept out the shot from Hugo Rodallega after good build-up work involving Paul Scharner and Jason Scotland. It was his first of the season and made up for that earlier disallowed effort when Mr Wiley controversially blew up for a foul on Gareth Barry.
N'Zogbia had figured in a positive Wigan start, showing his willingness to shoot on sight and twice just missing the target.
Republican of Ireland star Given did well dealing with his first real test, a dangerous swerving shot after Rodallega let fly. City had their moments with Shaun Wright-Phillips just beaten by an offside flag and Chris Kirkland doing just enough to keep out Emmanuel Adebayor after a terrific 50-yard ball from Carlos Tevez.
The Latics were good value for their 1-0 half time lead after the clearance from Titus Bramble was nodded on by Scharner and then touched to Rodallega by the hard-working Scotland, before N'Zogbia provided the
finish.
But Wigan were caught cold within 90 seconds of the re-start when Tevez crossed from the right and Martin Petrov's trusty left foot did the rest. Bramble then came to the rescue with a perfectly timed tackle on Adebayor and Wright-Phillips had a shot deflected over the bar.
Wigan missed a chance after a shooting mix up between Scharner and Rodallega and Kirkland - who needed treatment for a dislocated finger - kept out a Barry header.
City found themselves man down after 76 minutes when Zabaleta got his second yellow for the foul on Scotland. Wigan almost cashed in when Mohamed Diame was just a whisker away with a superb effort and Hendry Thomas had one ruled out for offside.
Maynor Figueroa was fortunate not to concede a penalty for his tackle on Wright-Phillips, but City were again indebted to Given who pulled off late saves from Jordi Gomez and Rodallega as the Latics chased maximum points.
Paul, www.WIGANER.net
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Everton 1 - 1 WOLVES
Wolves got an unexpected point away at Goodison Park in a game that will be remembered by Wolves fans for the crappy and pathetic refereeing decisions. The first moan was the ref's inability to see Kevin Doyle dumped on his arse, the scousers then went up and equalised.
Then, near the end, the ref sent off man-mountain Maiahofer for a "FOUL" on Tourette's-sufferer Tim Howard who responded by pushing him to the floor. If Howard had done this in a town centre he would have been arrested for common assault, all this numpty ref gave him was a red card
Worst performer: No real bad performances this week, both full-backs were at fault for the Everton goal. Zubar Ball watching and Elokobi being in dreamland to let the scouse Russian score
Star man: KEVIN DOYLE yet gain is proving his value. Scored a sweet goal slotting the ball under Howard and nearly won it on full time but Howard saved well (muppet)had a good game with little success. Went on a couple of good runs nd linked up well with SEB and Kightly when he came
Oppo fans: I've been to Everton 3 times before and it was always a noisy place with a decent atmospshere, well it seems like the atmosphere has been nicked (well, it is Liverpool!) as the home fans were very quiet
wolf306, www.wolves-mad.co.uk
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