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ARSENAL 2-0 Stoke City
They say that the nature of a Title-winning team is that they win when playing badly. Well, on the back of this tepid, stunted, lacklustre, cohesion-less and thoroughly underwhelming performance against a woeful Stoke side, Arsenal should win The World Cup, The Ashes, next year’s General Election and sweep the board at the Nobel Awards.
We weren’t helped by the late withdrawal of Eduardo with one of those made-up injuries that Arsene invents when he wants to drop a player without hurting his feelings (the footballing equivalent of the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ break-up), and so lined up with a front three of Andrey Arshavin flanked by Tomas Rosicky and notorious attacker Emmanuel Eboue. Even against a Stoke defence bereft of the supposedly much-sought after Ryan Shawcross I was wondering where the goals were going to come from.
‘Start as you mean to go on’ is an expression reserved for people very much my senior, but was apt of Arsenal on Saturday as Cesc Fabregas (who had his very worst game in an Arsenal shirt on Saturday) released Arshavin who was one-on-one with Sorenson yet contrived to pass the ball back to the Danish ‘keeper rather than have a shot at goal. We then received a penalty after Arshavin was adjudged to have been felled by some second-rate Northern Monkey who’ll be in the Championship next year which Cesc also felt should be passed back to the ‘keeper who easily pushed the ball away to his left for a corner.
What then followed amazed me. Let’s be honest about Stoke – they’re a lot of things... efficient, physical, direct... but one thing they’re not is a football team. Yet for one, 5-10 minute spell after the missed penalty, we made them look like Brazil, and Matthew Etherington and Liam Lawrence the equivalents of Garrincha and Jairzinho. We simply couldn’t get the ball off of them and they passed it around us as though we were training ground cones. It was quite startling to watch, we couldn’t keep the ball and they proceeded to knock it around (although the startled looks on their faces at keeping the ball on the ground was quite sweet).
When we DID eventually get our shit together, the clown that is Emmanuel Eboue contrived to clear a Cesc shot off their goal-line and we got a bit of a foothold in the game, culminating in Fabregas putting Arshavin through who deftly finished past Sorenson a few minutes before the break. Relief all around as our display had hardly warranted a half-time lead.
The second half was patchier, scrappier and we failed to create much in the way of clear-cut opportunities at any point. The impetus was supplied with the introduction of Aaron Ramsey who did more in his half-hour or so than the rest of them did in the previous sixty minutes. He was effervescent, strong in the tackle, eager to get involved, and at the centre of the few things we did particularly well. That it was he who scored the second goal, deftly toe-poking past Sorenson with 10 minutes remaining.
And that was that, really. Completely and utterly eventful by and large, and the team were obviously still hurting after three crappy results at Sunderland, Chelsea and Man City. Next week brings Liverpool away and despite their being completely bereft of form and confidence (‘form’ being Gerrard’s nickname and ‘confidence’ that of Torres. What? You mean they have OTHER players? REALLY?) I don’t expect an easy game by any stretch of the imagination. We need players back from injury and far more quality than we showed against the Potters.
Star man: Aaron Ramsey is a boy with a hell of a big future in front of him. He was excellent in his thirty minutes on Saturday, despite being made to play in an unfamiliar right-sided position (Wenger’s ‘square pegs in round holes’ policy in all its glory, sadly), bringing some much-needed steel, grit, creativity and exuberance to the pitch. Of course, there’s more chance of Elvis riding into my office on top of Shergar than there is of ‘Rambo’ getting a start at Anfield over the anonymous Denilson, but we can live and dream.
Worst performer: Cesc Fabregas had one of those days where nothing went right for him. Every pass went to the opposition; he missed a penalty, was caught out of position every time, and looked as though he wanted to be anywhere else rather than on the pitch. However, having said that, he still managed to create the first goal out of nothing such is his underlying quality. However, the same cannot be said of Denilson. I have always marvelled at this boy in that whilst he isn’t glaringly poor he really isn’t good enough to play for Arsenal... yet I cannot put my finger on ‘why’. Then on Saturday afternoon after about 75 minutes I had a ‘St. Paul and the shining light on the Road to Damascus’ moment – everything the guy does is to avoid taking responsibility. He is a ‘middle man’. His remit seems to be ‘receive the ball and give it to the nearest other Arsenal player... but for the love of God don’t shoot or try and make the killer pass yourself’. The guy is the ultimate shirker and seems to pick up his money for passing the buck. The guy is a coward as well, and seems to hate tackling people. Fabregas, Song and Ramsey in the middle against Liverpool please, Arsene.
Best moment: For all the wrong reasons, Emmanuel Eboue makes me laugh, and Saturday was no exception. In the ten or so games Wenger has made him play as an out-and-out attacker this season, he has failed in spectacular fashion every time. The guy has no footballing nous of any sort, makes the wrong decision every time and gets in the way of everything. On Saturday, this was epitomised by his clearing a Cesc Fabregas shot off of the goal-line. He could have done anything to get out of the way – not be in an offside position in the first place, dive into the goal, dive anywhere in fact... but he sort of half-turns his bum towards the ball like you do when you’re a 10 year old boy who’s afraid of the ball, and clears the ball for a goal-kick. All the time smiling like a goon. I can only laugh at this because we won, mind.
Tactics: With the amount of injuries we have at the moment, Wenger did what he could with what he had, although the selection of Eboue as an attacker over Carlos Vela is a kick in the teeth for the fat Mexican. However, notwithstanding that, the sight of our wingers knocking in head-high crosses to the munchkins that are Arshavin, Nasri and Vela who were marked by a selection of giants was something to behold. I know that footballers are generally stupid, but that’s ridiculous.
Chant of the game: Nothing to report. We are the worst, most unimaginative fans in the world. Even the sight of Arsenal Legend Freddie Ljungberg on the pitch before the game, with the backing track to “We Love You Freddie” coming out of the PA system failed to spark the majority of Arsenal fans into life. Shameful.
Oppo fans: Best we’ve had down here this year. Didn’t stop singing for 90 minutes and put us Gooners to shame. Although congratulations to the 5 or 6 who got themselves arrested during the game. I’ve never understood people who pay £50 for a ticket and then drink themselves into oblivion to the extent that they don’t remember any of the game and have to spend the night in the cells in a strange, faraway town is completely beyond me.
David Oudôt, www.onlinegooner.com and taxloser.blogspot.com
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ASTON VILLA 3-0 Hull City
Villa won at a canter, Hull look deep deep in trouble, they have little fight, spirit of attacking guile... ho hum for them, great for us! On another day this really could have been a cricket score, Luke Young nearly scored within 30 seconds and Heskey when through on goal scuffed his shot but even with those misses I still didn't think - as often is the case - that this was going to be 'one of those games' because we were simply battering them AND playing some lovely passing football which is SO much better than some of the hoof ball we resort to, when you have players of the quality that we have there is no need at all to do route one all the time and as said, in the first half especially, the Villa were playing nice cultured, fast flowing and attacking football. More of that please!
What Heskey as an international striker couldn't do Villa defender Richard Dunne did with aplomb, shot and scored. 1-0 and to be fair, that was game over, Hull hardly threatened. Still, you never feel totally safe with a 1 goal lead and when the 2nd went in the job was done! The goal was a great one as well, their keeper came out of his box for some unknown reason, the ball went out for a throw, sub Steve Sidwell who was warming up at the time picked the ball up and gave it to - damn, can't remember who took the throw in - who got it to Milner very quickly and Milner just lobbed it with superb skill.
The second half was duller, I don't think our boys like the rain much... but we got a 3rd, all helps with the goal difference after all, from a penalty. At the time I thought it might have been a little bit of a dive from Ashley Young but having seen the replay, it was a stone wall pen and John Carew banged it in the back of the net.
Happy days.
Star Man: Well, I must declare I think I'm in love with James Milner! Wow, that player could become a Villa legend.
Worst Performer: Would be a bit unfair to pick anyone out after another good home win, I do so wish that Emile would 'click' for an international striker he really should be getting the early chance he had buried into the back of the net.
Best Moment: The assist by our sub Steve Sidwell, one of his best set ups this season.
Chant of the game: No real chants of note, none that Maxim could publish anyway, us Villans do seem to like the industrial language. However the standing ovation for Jimmy Bullard when he came off was good to see, the lad was distraught, hope he gets back to full fitness quickly.
Oppo Fans: Came in good numbers, must know they are on a hiding to nothing this season and didn't have much to sing about.
Jonathan Fear, http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk
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Wigan Athletic 2-3 BIRMINGHAM
By heck Wigan is a long way away. I left home just after ten o'clock and started the long drive up the M40 and M6. Traffic was pretty kind so I only got slowed up by three separate sections of 50mph average speed check road works. Well I say “works” but nobody was actually working on any of them so the only purpose they served was to annoy drivers. I still made the first 120 miles in 2 and a half hours but then took 45 minutes to travel the last mile. On arriving in Wigan I noticed that they have a sign that says “Home to super league rugby and premiership football”. Talk about tempting fate!!
The match started pretty evenly but Wigan could have scored early on when Sharner, who was given too much space all afternoon, ran through the middle of our defence, rounded Joe Hart but then poked the ball wide. We didn't seem to wake up until Rodallega caught Johnson in the face with a stray elbow which upset the Blues man rather a lot. Johnson thought it was deliberate but the ref thought otherwise and only produced a yellow. He should have been sent off just for wearing those silly white gloves that made him look like a magician. They created a few half chances before taking the lead just after the half hour make. Good work from Scotland set up N'Zogbia who hit a beauty into the top right hand corner of the goal. They could have added more but the half ended 1-0 with a Benitez snap shot being Blues' only attacking moment. Chatting at half time we bemoaned our sides lack of pace and I suggested taking Larsson off who had been poor.
Blues must have had a good talking too at half time because they came out a totally different team. Jerome could have scored with a header just four minutes in as we started to control the game. Then on 60 minutes Blues were awarded a soft free kick and Larsson's excellent delivery evaded everyone and ended up in the back of the net. Just five minutes later we went mad again as Bowyer's long ball forward put Benitez in and his pace took him away from Bramble. The Wigan goalie managed to get a half stop on his finish and I thought that the shot had been saved before seeing it slowly bounce into the net. One fan got a little too over excited and joined in the celebration before escaping the stewards. I'm not sure what happened to him. Jerome had a decent chance but then it was super Seb time again. This one was in a perfect spot for him and he placed it brilliantly into the top corner, no flook this time. This led to an exodus of Wigan fans and a revival from their team. They did pull one back through Gomez although the free kick should never have been given as it clearly hit Johnson's knee and not his hand. This made injury time a bit nervous but we held on for another three points. I got home just before nine after what had been a long but rewarding day.
The Blue Army marches on.
Star man: Seb Larsson scored the goals but did nothing much else, but he scored the goals and that's what matters.
Worst performer: Liam Ridgewell struggled against N'Zogbia. The ref was poor as well.
Best moment: Larsson's second free kick to put us up 3-1.
Tactics: The tactics were the same as before but the manager deserves credit for whatever he said at half time. Chant of the game: “He's got a pineapple on his head”. Aimed at Jason Scotland but brought back memories of Jason Lee.
Oppo fans: Poor. Only 16000 to start with and about half that after we went 3-1 up. The bloke with the drum was annoying as well. The playing of music after the goal is pretty sad although we just sang it as well when we scored.
Mike, www.joysandsorrows.co.uk
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BLACKBURN 0-0 Liverpool
The first half went by quickly as Rovers gave Liverpool as good as they got.
Rovers weren’t overpowered or bullied and certainly looked the better team.
Liverpool huffed and puffed and seemed to want to play through the middle where Samba and Nelsen were looking really good and didn’t give the Scousers a sniff.
0-0 at half time was ok,.
In the second half we saw much of the same but Liverpool were on the front foot as Rovers backed off a bit.
Di Santo had a clear chance to score but stopped for a split second instead of pulling the trigger and this meant he missed another one-on-one!
Rovers had other chances to win it, but their finishing was the only thing lacking on the pitch today.
Another credible performance against one of the so called “big boys.
In a fairly even game, Rovers were marginally the better team although Glen Johnson thinks that the Rovers’ style of play is “ugly”. If we’re ugly Glen, you lot are downright “hideous”!!
Star Man: Ryan Nelsen – He was all over the pitch today and was immense – one of his best games in a Rovers’ shirt
Worst performer: Diouf again – he just seems very slow and disinterested.
Best moment: Picking up my free pie before the game!!
Tactics: 4-4-1-1. Benni McCarthy linked with Di Santo up front and the midfield was definitely stronger with Grella’s return.
Oppo fans: Liverpool fans are usually noisy and have a good day out at Ewood – but today they were very subdued and quiet.
Pete Anslow, www.4000holes.co.uk
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Wolverhampton Wndrs 2-1 BOLTON
By the time you read this, Gary Megson may be joining the queue at the job centre as Bolton slipped deeper into relegation trouble after defeat at Wolves on Saturday.
Wanderers were behind within 3 minutes at Molineux, courtesy of a mixture of bad defending and even worse officiating from a linesman. Jody Craddock did what he had to do and put the ball in the net, but was clearly offside prior to scoring.
From then on, Bolton didn't really recover and Wolves could have had the game sewed up by the break. Nenad Milijas made his contribution for the 'Goal of the Season' award in the second half, before Johan Elmander pulled one back for Bolton late on.
Matt Taylor, Ivan Klasnic and Tamir Cohen all had chances to equalise but failed to do so, before Gavin McCann had the ball in the net in stoppage time, only for the entire team to be caught offside from a free-kick.
Times are tough at Bolton and if you believe the rumours, Megson may be out of a job before Manchester City come to town next weekend.
Star Man: Lee Chung-Yong - He started his career at Bolton brightly, but faded in recent weeks. Was recalled to the side in the absence of Kevin Davies and produced a superb performance.
Worst Performer: Matt Taylor - Was made captain for the day, but it failed to improve his recent poor form. He is being played out of position and clearly doesn't like it.
Best Moment: Not a moment, but the last 20 minutes. If Bolton could produce that level of performance over 90 minutes every week, they'd be champions of Europe!
Tactics: Klasnic upfront with Lee Chung-Yong just behind seemed to cause Wolves a few problems, but after going a goal down early on, we didn't really look like getting back into the game. For the first time in our history, we had more possession than the opposition!
Chant of the Game: "Gary Megson's f*cked it up again!" - Thanks to the Wolves fans for this, it was adopted as our own within about 2 seconds of it's creation.
Opposition Fans: Chants of John McGinlay from the Bolton fans were met by chants of Steve Bull from Wolves fans. There is a hatred between these two sides, but there was a lot of friendly banter on show on Saturday. We've seen better though!
Chris Mann, www.burndenaces.co.uk
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Portsmouth 2-0 BURNLEY
All Clarets fans felt confident we would get something from this game and to be honest we should have such was our dominance for the first 65 minutes of the match. We just couldn’t convert any of our chances though and paid the price. Pompey fans were subdued and quite understandable nervous up until they scored in the 68th minute. This was a must-win game for them. Firmly anchored at the foot of the table another defeat would have made their pending relegation ever closer with an almost impossible mountain to climb. Fair play to them, they got the lifeline they needed but I am not convinced they deserved it. If anything we gifted them the chance by not putting the game beyond their reach in the first half. It looked like it was going to be our day too especially when they even missed a penalty in the first-half; a penalty by the way that should never have been thanks to referee Phil ‘Mr Magoo’ Dowd who should have gone to Specsavers!
I have to say this defeat has made me nervous for the first time this season. We are steadily dropping down the table, feckin Rovers have now gone above us and we are just four points off the drop zone although with my ‘glass half full’ brain switched on we are also just four points off 8th spot too so come on Fortress Turf Moor next week against Fulham. Star man: Steven Fletcher and Chris Eagles were both impressive for the second match running but my Star Player was young Kevin McDonald, given a rare start due to our captain, Steven Caldwell’s suspension. Andre Bikey dropped back into defence after being converted into a midfielder for the last few matches giving McDonald the chance to shine in midfield. Shine he did too, looking a mature, strong impressive playmaker, especially in the first half. He faded slightly late in the second half but I think Coyle now has to think seriously of giving him a more regular start.
Worst performer: Poor Andre Bikey seemed to be suffering from the ‘What Position Am I playing Today?’ syndrome. He made some silly mistakes under pressure, looked close to being sent off for a second yellow quite a few times and a lot of the game was far too far up the pitch no doubt muttering under his breath ‘Shit I’m the back four today!’ One of my mates in front of me at one point burst into song singing ‘Bikey is a loon, he comes from Cameroon’ although I think it was meant to be a compliment.
Tactics: We seemed to have the right tactics for most of this game. We completely dominated the first half and as I said previously I thought it was going to be our day.
I still thought so up until they scored their first goal. We then seemed to look tired and a little bit clueless although still had our chances. Coyle tried to instil some fresh energy into the team although I was not convinced by his two substitutions, especially when Guerrero came on to replace Eagles. Eagles may have been tiring slightly by the 73rd minute but he still looked the most likely to me to have some influence on this match and give us a chance of getting an equaliser. Guerrero is a young lad and is an exciting prospect and although he ran his socks off, he never quite looked like influencing the game and to be honest none of the other players seemed keen to use him preferring it seemed to pass the ball inside or cross over to the other wing leaving Guerrero in acres of space out on the opposite flank wondering why he wasn’t being given the chance to dazzle.
If you don’t take your chances, and we had many opportunities to put this game out of sight then there is always the danger you will be punished. We were punished! So much so I do think it is time for Plan B on the road; it just is not working for us away from Turf Moor at the moment.
Coyle might be ensuring we are playing attractive football but we are losing points and dropping further into the danger zone. It is time to grind out some results on our travels and if that means being more defence minded and being as boring as hell then sobeit! Every home game is fast becoming a must-win match and although Fortress Turf Moor is holding up at the moment the situation is putting unbearable pressure on the team to win not to mention pulling at the fans’ heartstrings with that relegation zone looking closer and closer.
Chant of the game: There was nothing really special from either set of fans. The obligatory Clarets fans rendition to the Ref that he ‘didn’t know what he was doing’ was in this case fully justified. He had a stinker and may as well have borrowed Pompey’s drum and banged it, so much was he a homer!!
Oppo fans: A nervous set of quiet fans till they took the lead against all the odds and run of play! The usual renditions of ‘Play up Pompey’ plus that feckin drum was the only thing I heard all afternoon. I do love these places though. A proper old fashioned footy ground with dodgy loos, dodgy burgers and quaint stands with posts in the way! At least they have a roof covering the away fans now. Well done to Pompey too for only charging £20 for the pleasure.
Best Moment: The final whistle and not having to listen to that blessed little drummer boy anymore!
‘Turfman’ Phil Lea, www.burnley.vitalfootball.co.uk
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Manchester City 2-1 CHELSEA
The imaginatively-named ‘moneybags’ derby ended up with the new rich kids on the block, Manchester City, beating the ‘old money’ Chelsea, and as much as it pains me to say it, they deserved it.
Although victorious on the day, Man City have been exposed previously this season for their collective inability to solidly defend as a unit, and this notion was ridiculously proven as early as the first ten minutes, when Emmanuel Adebayor helpfully ‘backed’ in our opener.
The minutes that followed suggested we would see a pacy, open game, but instead it was City who started to control proceedings.
There is no denying City’s attacking prowess, with Carlos Tevez in particular troubling John Terry, and after we seemed to just stop playing for a bit, an equaliser was inevitable. Step forward that man Adebayor again, this time to finish - unfortunately for us - at the right end.
The lack of cohesion and drive in Chelsea’s play continued into the second 45, with cheap free-kicks being given away all over the pitch and frustrations growing throughout the eleven men. It was to be a free-kick which would prove costly, as an out-of-sorts Ricardo Carvalho fouled just outside of our box, handing Tevez a chance to shoot on goal from the dead-ball. He took it with aplomb and beat the wall and Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal.
2-1 down away from home and it doesn’t really fill you with confidence when you see Juliano Belletti and John Obi Mikel warming up on the sidelines, but surely – surely! – this is all part of Carlo Ancelotti’s masterplan right? We were almost rewarded with a late penalty, and surely – again, surely! – Frank Lampard will score it.
Obviously we all know what happened, and if you scratch beyond the surface, it represents a sad day for English football. Moneybags Man City have thrown money at their problems and bought a win, next stop the Premier League title…and for anyone not keeping up, that’s sarcasm. Of course, this result may blow the title race wide open, but what does everyone want to see? An exciting race to the end of the season, or Chelsea running away with the lead, comfortably and without any drama?
Oh. Just me then!
Star Man: Branislav Ivanovic was dependable, and unfortunately in the minority there. He’s strong, quick, and great on the ball, if only we had eleven of him today.
Worst Performer: A few under-par performances, but I was disappointed with John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho – both booked and, in the end, both subbed off in the second-half. They looked shaky at times and not at their best. A dishonourable mention for Howard Webb too for obvious reasons.
Best Moment: When Adebayor’s own goal went in and we thought we were on for another win. It didn’t last long though.
Tactics: It’s worth repeating again. 2-1 down, away from home, and Juliano Belletti and John Obi Mikel come on as ‘impact’ substitutes. Okay, so they led to a reshuffle amongst the eleven, but it still counts as a bizarre tactical decision. Other notes: Drogba and Anelka were isolated, our players were shut down faster than you can say ‘Blue Moon’, and we don’t like away days up north.
Oppo Fans: My mate Ted Lamb – City fan – was amongst them and texted me after the game. There is nothing worse than a post-match oppo text, even if it isn’t a nasty, gloating one. Thanks Ted!
Rowan Farnham-Long, www.cfcnet.co.uk
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EVERTON 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Harry's face was twitching like Martin Short's in Innerspace at the end of this one!
After taking a two-goal lead before the hour, Tottenham were looking odds on to take all three points leap frog Arsenal into third place but a late rally from Everton and a dramatic penalty save from Tim Howard earned a point for another patched-up Blues side.
Everton had Joseph Yobo back in the starting line up after he missed the win in Athens with a hamstring strain, but he lasted just 14 minutes before he was replaced by Seamus Coleman.
The young Irishman was making his Premier League debut and was to play a pivotal role in the eventual outcome of the game but his arrival on the pitch meant that Everton's back four was made up entirely of full backs!
Not exactly what you want aginst this free-scoring Tottenham team!
But the Blues' backline held up well in the first half despite Spurs creating a couple of good chances.
The first fell to Peter Crouch after just eight minutes but the big galoot shot over after being played in by Aaron Lennon who, incidentally, was a pain in the arse all afternoon!
Jermain Defoe also had a couple of decent opportunities but Tim Howard made good saves to deny him.
It all kicked off towards the end of the first half when Benoit Assou-Ekotto dragged his studs down Tim Cahill's head after a strong challenge from the Australian.
Marouane Fellaini squared up Assou-Ekotto - and picked up his obligatory booking - and the Tottenham defender was also booked when really he should have been sent off.
It was all square going into the break then, and the mood in the ground was that the Blues had done well so far but just needed to stop giving Crouch and Defoe so much space up front.
The next thing you know the second half starts with Defoe finding himself completely umarked in the six yard box and smashing in a half volley to give Spurs the lead!
Ten minutes later and the visitors doubled their lead, again through some lax defending, as Lucas Neill let Michael Dawson brush past him to head Niko Kranjcar's corner into the net.
David Moyes responded instantly to Tottenham's second by bringing on Yakubu and Louis Saha for Jack Rodwell and Jo as it was pretty much shit-or-bust for the Blues.
And it seemed like only a matter of time before Tottenham added a third which they almost did but for a great save from Tim Howard.
Peter Crouch got a lucky bounce in the Everton area and looked to have toe-poked the ball past Howard for a third time but the American 'keeper sprang down low to his left and finger-tipped the ball around the post.
Had that gone in Spurs probably would have gone on and scored five!
But it didn't and two minutes later Everton had pulled one back.
Seamus Coleman's willingness to try and get round the back of the Spurs' defence had given Assou-Ekotto a torrid time in the first half was giving Gareth Bale an equally uncomfortable afternoon in the second.
And it was a surging run from Coleman that provided Louis Saha with the opportunity to net his 11th goal of the season.
The young Irishman burst past Bale and to the dead ball line where he cut the ball back for Saha to smash home from close range, much as Defoe had done at the start of the half!
Everton were visibly lifted by this, Spurs visibly shaken and the Goodison crowd were now up for it too!
Saha then nearly grabbed an equaliser in spectacular fashion as he acrobatically volleyed a Leighton Baines cross inches wide of the Tottenham goal.
Everton continued to press forward and were rewarded with the equaliser just four minutes from full time.
Seamus Coleman picked up a loose ball just outside the Tottenham area and swung a cross into the box which evaded everyone and fell to Leighton Baines.
The left back scuffed his shot but it bounced kindly to Tim Cahill who stooped to head in an equaliser for Everton.
Complete madness!
But, in a final twist that would have been a cruel repeat of the game against Aston Villa exactly a year earlier, Tottenham had the chance to win it with the last kick of the game.
Wilson Palacios just beat Tony Hibbert to a long ball into the Everton area and the everton defender clattered into him and the referee pointed to the penalty spot - I still can't make my mind up whether I think it was a spot kick or not!
Jermain Defoe stepped up to the spot and all that remained was for the travelling fans to go nuts while we trudge out, agaim, cursing our luck!
Defoe then struck the ball straight down the middle of the goal and Howard saved a Tottenham spot kick for the second time this season.
More complete madness!
Things are still far from perfect with the Blues but we seem to be heading in the right direction in terms of results and performances now and for once, a final twist in the match actually didn't go against us!
Star Man: Seamus Coleman - an exciting performance from the youngster and he had hand in both goals...balls to that Kyle Naughton fella!
Tactics: David Moyes is often criticised for reacting too late to events in the game and for taking too long with substitutions but he got it spot on in this one not only in taking a chance with Seasmus Coleman and the full-back-back-four but in bringing Saha and Yakubu on immediately after Tottenham's second.
Chant of the game: Not so much an individual chant it was just good to hear Goodison roaring again, it feels like it's been a lifetime!
Les Roberts, www.everton-mad.co.uk
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FULHAM 1-0 Sunderland
Fulham got back to winning ways in the Premier League after the draw with Bolton last weekend.
The won lifts them into eighth place and this season has the potential to be as good as last season despite the interference of the Europa League.
However, the game was not without controversy with Bobby Zamora, after scoring the only goal of the game in the seventh minute, celebrated by mouthing an obscenity to those who pay good money to watch Fulham perform.
Was it really necessary Bobby?
As for the match itself Fulham dominated the first half with Sunderland looking travel sick. How the lead wasn’t improved upon only the gods will know. The closest effort to doubling it came from Zamora who headed against the bar.
The second half saw Sunderland buck their ideas up and for long periods the match was a very even affair. Thankfully, Sunderland’s poor form, away from home, continued and it was smiles all around from those in white as the final whistle blew.
Star man: Bobby Zamora – Despite the outburst, aimed at his detractors, Bobby gave a great first half display but the service somewhat dried up in the second half. Not sure if the ‘Zamora for England’ cries will get noticed though!
Worst performer: Sunderland in the first half were atrocious, hard to single out one player from a very bad bunch!
Best moment: Scoring so early, it always eases the nerves!
Tactics: Does Roy ever get things wrong! The gaffer even had the balls to not select Danny Murphy! Presumably saving him for bigger, better and harder days than Sunderland at home.
Oppo fans: Marvellous support from the Sunderland fans, they must get driven mad by the shoddy performances they’re being treated to on the road.
A strange lot, you'd never guess that Gary Megson is supposed to be their manager from the vociferous chants coming down from the terraces!
Andrew Joyce, www.vitalfullham.co.uk
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Aston Villa 3-0 HULL
The Tigers were a shadow of their recent selves, coming unstuck against a strong Aston Villa side on Saturday afternoon.
Altering his formation, Brown opted for a 4-5-1 tactic, employing George Boateng as a defensive midfielder and resting Brazilian Geovanni. However, Brown’s hand was soon forced into a tactical re-think, introducing Craig Fagan for the injured Jimmy Bullard.
The record signing left to a standing ovation from City and Villa supporters, a testimony to the player’s popularity in the game. Unfortunately for City, being already one goal down at the time, Bullard’s injury had a profound effect on the side, with only a Craig Fagan shot rattling the bar being City’s only moment of real attacking threat.
Richard Dunne opened the scoring for the home side, Milner’s pass finding the unmarked centre-back to slam into the roof of the net. It was the third time Aston Villa had threatened, with Young and Heskey both spuring opportunities before Villa did take the lead.
The influential Milner added the second. Duke’s header into play was caught by Sidwell who threw the ball immediately to Ashley Young. Agbonlahor fed Milner who then chipped the stranded Duke from twenty yards. Neither Gardner nor McShane provided the defensive cover that was required at the time, and despite the game being less than half-way through, City looked beaten already.
Downing could have added a third before Villa took their foot off the pedal, allowing City to come back into the game. Fagan’s effort rattled the woodwork whilst Villa offered little at the other end. When they did attack, Ashley Young was brought down by Duke in the penalty area and substitute John Carew scored the third, driving the ball down the centre of the goal.
Star man: Paul McShane – The Irish defender has improved of late and continued that progress with a good performance when tested by Young and Downing.
Worst performer: Dean Marney – Lost without Jimmy Bullard alongside him, Marney looked a shade of his former self in recent games.
Best moment: Craig Fagan hitting the bar was the only moment of enjoyment – and even then that turned to despair!
Tactics: We shouldn’t have changed to a 4-5-1 formation and paid the ultimate price, inviting too much pressure onto the defenders who didn’t cope.
Oppo fans: Couldn’t’ hear much from the top of the stand.
Matt Wilson, www.hull.vitalfootball.co.uk
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Blackburn Rovers 0-0 LIVERPOOL
Another clean sheet. That is about the only positive to come out of the match. That and the fact that Spurs drew yesterday at Goodison to ensure they didn't stretch their lead in terms of the top four.
Again Liverpool went into the game without Torres and again the lack of cutting edge was obvious for all to see. Kuyt is an honest player however he will never give us the outlet Torres does and it has shown throughout his injury spell. The first half was awful with both teams sizing each other up and Blackburn shading it. 2nd half we pushed on looking for the winner and nearly got it when N'Gog hit the bar after some good work by Johnson, who has definitely been one of our better players this year. N'Gog was unlucky as the ball seemed to bobble just before he hit it and Kuyt saw his goal bound volley cleared off the line by Nelson. It wasn't to be and Blackburn will also rue a couple of missed chances, especially the one late on. Overall Liverpool didn't do enough to win the game and a draw was a fair result.
I have been and will continue to be a staunch defender of Rafa, however some of his decisions lately have been baffling to say the least. Aquilani continues to be on the bench and isn't called upon when it is obvious we need someone to make a difference. Mascherano and Lucas are too similar for me and whilst both are strong defensively, neither has shown the consistent ability to open up defences this season. Allied to the fact that we have some under performing players in Kuyt and Gerrard, we are looking weak in attack. Which brings me onto Rafa. Why do we have Aquilani on the bench and not look to bring him on when we clearly need the points? Rafa states it is because he isn't fit and could make mistakes, almost as if he is shielding him from any potential criticism. Obviously we were playing a couple of physical sides lately and it isn't ideally suited to someone back from injury. However, it is a physical league and he needs to get acclimatised sooner or later. Midfield is where we are struggling presently and we desperately need an invigorating presence in there to encourage runs and pick them out. We are too static at present.
I really want to see both Aquilani and Torres start on Wednesday night with a view to both playing against Arsenal on Sunday. As we all know, Wednesday is a dead rubber so what better way to build fitness and confidence playing in front of an indifferent and supportive crowd who won't castigate every mistake.
Arsenal, even with their injuries, are going to be a massive test for us on Sunday and one that we should really be looking to overcome. It is absolutely vital that we win to try and climb the table in terms of the top 4.
Star man: Johnson - a ray of light this season.
Worst performer: Gerrard, again anonymous.
Best moment: The final whistle - it was that bad.
Tactics: Aquilani on soon please Rafa. Glad we have tightened up at the back now we need to marry it with attacking threat.
Chant of the game: Any of the ones about Fat Sam and his big fat head.
Oppo fans: Awful, as per usual.
Keith Barkley, www.liverpool.vitalfootball.co.uk
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MAN CITY 2-1 Chelsea
(Reporter just had a new baby boy!)
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West Ham United 0-4 MAN UTD
Manchester United produced a storming second half performance to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson back to the bench. Goals from Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, Paul Scholes and a stunning strike by Darron Gibson sealed a convincing United win at Upton Park. But Ferguson now faces a defensive injury crisis, with eight defenders on the sidelines.
With Ferguson back on the touchline following his two match ban, United started the match with an unfamiliar defensive line-up. Gary Neville joined Wes Brown in the centre - both forced out of the game before the end of the match - and Darren Fletcher lined-up at right-back.
The rout, United's biggest winning margin at Upton Park since 1967, came after a quiet opening half-hour from the visitors. With typically boisterous Upton Park crowd, the home side attacked adventurously without creating any clear chances.
United's midfield five, supporting lone-man Rooney, struggled for penetration with Valencia hugging the touchline and Ryan Giggs offering the Scouser the closest support. Gibson, retained following his brace against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, struggled to impose himself on the match. The Irishman gave away the ball and shot wildly in a nervous-looking opening.
Despite the low-key start United's makeshift rear-guard held off an unimaginative West Ham attack, which was lacking leading scorer Carlton Cole through injury.
And on the cusp of half-time the visitors had the lead, with veteran Scholes firing a left-foot half volley into the roof of Rob Green's net from the edge of the area. The former-England international hinted at retirement this week but on this evidence Ferguson will hope to sign up the midfielder to at least another year. Scholes now needs just one more strike to reach 100 Premier League goals.
The visitors were in no mood to let West Ham recover after the break and on the hour Gibson finally found his shooting boots with a glorious strike into Green's top-corner. Using the outside of his boot, Gibson finished a swift United counter to end the game as a meaningful contest.
Within ten minutes United had doubled the advantage with goals from Rooney and Valencia to round-off an emphatic victory and a wonderful performance in the second period.
Despite the result, Ferguson must patch up a defence that comprised Fletcher, Anderson, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra by the final whistle.
Star man: Michael Carrick was outstanding in the centre of defence. With the number of injuries facing Ferguson, the Geordie may have to play there for some time to come.
Worst performer: Anderson started the game really brightly but faded in the second period as United’s more adventurous players took control.
Best moment: Gibson’s fantastic strike. The jury is still out on the Irishman but he can certainly hit a ball.
Tactics: Ferguson adopted a cautious approach, opting to pack the midfield and leave Rooney on his own up front. But by the end United had one defender on the pitch!
Oppo fans: There’s always a rowdy atmosphere at Upton Park but they were all pretty quiet by the end.
Chant: “World Champions twice, World Champions twiiiiice, once more than England, World Champions twice!”
Ed Barker, www.unitedrant.co.uk
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PORTSMOUTH 2-0 Burnley
We have had so many 'must win' games already this season – usually we have failed when it came to it, but this REALLY was the ultimate 'must, must win' game, anything less and we would be, although it will of course still be tough, relegated already I reckon, so this 2-0 win over the leagues worst travellers gives us a stay of execution at least!
It was a poor game if truth be know, and I think probably the worst that we have played all season – then again, playing well and winning, that is something we would have taken prior right? Even more so after the woeful penalty from Dindane in the 1st half.
Star man: Marc Wilson was the youngest, and by far least experienced, of the back 4 but had it not been for his policing of the defence things would have been bad. His positional sense was near spot on and his distribution MUCH better than his partner Tal Ben-Haim. Although, despite having limited work to do, I think for his 2 fantastic saves I would say Asmir Begovic – I reckon we would be all but done now but for those 2nd half saves.
Worst performer: Tal Ben-Haim. WHERE has the player gone that Bolton had? The guy, for me, has been shocking – but for a fantastic goal line clearance against Wolves – all season long and just gets worse. He gives the ball away just about every time he has it!
Best moment: Full time, for a number of reasons! Of course, and most importantly, it meant 3pts but it also meant I could get back home, as it was a shocker.
Tactics: It was not pretty, it was not very organised, there was little movement off the ball and the movement on it was not that good most of the time. We won, so I guess you say the tactics worked, right? I hope we draw some much-needed confidence from this; otherwise Sunderland will tear us apart at the weekend.
Chant of the game: I think we badly need something new at Fratton – we need Westwood and his band to openly accept some new ideas, as nothing stood out. Yep, at times the atmosphere was very good, especially when the directors box were clapping along, but times change and I think we need to start changing too with some fresh chants...
Oppo fans: Fairly quiet, did not hear much from them at all.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
Rug, www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk
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Everton 2-2 TOTTENHAM
Crazy week. Three away games, Villa, Man United, Everton. If we’d won all three of them no-one could argue. Actual results: two draws and a loss. Today was classic Spurs. Two goals up and totally in control with 30 minutes to go, and then we just kept needlessly giving the ball away all over the pitch, and conceding clumsy, stupid free-kicks for Everton to throw into the box. Brainless.
Even then, having thrown it all away we had a golden chance to win it at the end, but Defoe hits a poor penalty. Quite frankly it was criminal. On this evidence, these guys don’t have the mental strength to sustain this challenge.
It was a cracking second half for neutrals I guess. Everton found a new hero in their young full-back Coleman, who did a great job for them. In fact, all of their substitutes made a big impact. But really, all we had to do was keep playing our football, not get drawn into the scrap, and the match was ours. Plenty of chances went begging. I was waiting for the sucker punch, and it duly arrived. Well done Everton, they got the bit of luck they think they’ve been deserving of. Hip hip hooray.
Oh, and those Scousers booing Palacios and calling him a cheat as he was stretchered off: absolute disgrace.
Star man: Aaron Lennon – great pace and even better quality from wide areas
Worst performer: Benoit Assou-Ekotto – 45 minutes of lilly-livered petulance
Best moment: Numerous exchanges of sparkling football. Just a point to show for it though.
Tactics: Unchanged from previous weekend – 442, big man and little man up front
Opposition fans: Just a little over-excitable maybe?
Andy Knaggs, www.spurs-web.com and www.thfctalk.com
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Arsenal 2-0 STOKE
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Fulham 1-0 SUNDERLAND
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WEST HAM 0-4 Manchester United
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WIGAN 2-3 Birmingham City
Another display that goes further to confirm the jekyll and hyde side of
the present Wigan Athletic side. We were full of resiliance and spirit
against Sunderland last week, but this week we folded under the slightest
Brummy pressure.
The Blue noses had one spell of pressure for fifteen minutes after the
half time whistle and we just collapsed in a fashion similar to that seen
at White Hart Lane a fortnight ago.
Martinez pointed to this after the match. Despite our overall impressive
play and creative attacking work, we collapse defensively far too eaasily
and that is the main concern going into a busy Christmas period.
Should Bobby and his backroom staff manage to correct our defensive
frailties, we could certainly earn a top half finish. If they can't, then
it could be a long hard season.
Jordi Gomez scored a nice free-kick to give us some hope late in the game.
He has built on some impressive performances over recent weeks, and could
be pushing for a start. I doubt however that a trip to Stoke next week is
the game in which to play such a flair player!
Charles N'Zogbia and Hugo Rodallega are our most dangerous players going
forwars and we just have to pray they stay fit.
Chris Kirkland once again showed his frailty as he went off with a bad
back in hte first half. Mike Pollitt has been a good servant ot hte club
and was inspiriational in our maiden Premiership season, but he seems to
be showing his age now, and despite a sharp save shortly after coming on,
he let a few soft goals in today.
This was a game that we would have hoped for three points from, especially
considering it was a home fixture. However I wouldn't put it past this
inconsistent Latics side to go an achieve something from a difficult trip
to Stoke next week.
Onwards and upwards hopefully, although I think we need to work on the
steel in the backbone of our side, and a striker must be on the shopping
list for January.
Star man: Charles N'Zogbia. Once more the little Frenchman was our best
attacking threat. He offered little in the second half but that was more
down to a porr team performance than anything personally.
Worst performer: Titus Bramble had a bad day at the office today which is
very unusual for him. He was caught out of position for Benitez's goal and
fouled Jerome for the third Birmingham goal. As I say, very
uncharacteristic for Titus who is normally a rock at the heart of our
defence.
Best moment: Charles N'Zogbia scoring the opening goal with a lovely
curling shot from the right side of the area.
This is closely followed by Jordi Gomez grabbing his first goal for the
club with a nice free kick late on.
It's a shame that neither counted for anything.
Tactics: We didn't do too much wrong today in terms of tactics and went
out with our strongest line up. We did go wrong when we folded under
pressure from Birmingham early in the second half.
Inparticular, Paul Scharner dropped deeper and deeper, offering less
support to the strikers, as the game wore on. He finished the game as a
centre half!
Oppo fans: A decent following from Birmingham and they made plenty
of noise. It was just a shame that in fixture with little rivalry, they
seemed so intent on absuive chants.
Paul Farrington, WIGANER.net
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WOLVES 2-1 Bolton Wanderers
Out of darkness cometh light ids the Wolves motto and after saturday's win against NOTLOB there is a chink of light that Wolves might actually stay up (but the next two games are against Spurs and Man Yoo away : (). For once the officials were on our side with the linesman turning a blind eye to Craddock being offside. As usual Craddockinho finished like a striker and put Wolves 1-0 up after just 3 minutes. Wolves should have had the game buried by half time but it was until Milijas scored the second from all of 35 yards did we feel safe, until NOTLOB got one back. Then it was panic stations galore and how we can out with the 3 points in tact I'll never know. But still great to beat NOTLOB, possibly the most hated team after WBA... and great to fill another line in Gary's Megson's P45.
Star man: Could have been any one of Berra, Henry, Doyle.... but this week it has to go to Nenad Milijas. Set up the first goal, scored the goal of the season in the 2nd half and totally ran midfield, even thought he can't run.
Worst player: just the defence in the last 15 minutes, they were scared shitless and looked like a bunch of 9-year-olds.
Oppo fans: Very quiet, probably because they realise they were played at the REAL Wanderers.
wolf306, www.wolves-mad.co.uk
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