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Liverpool 1 - 2 ARSENAL
Bloody fantastic weekend for Gooners everywhere as Chelsea and Citeh dropped points, ManYoo and Sp*rs lost, and we won away at Anfield with as solid and robust a second-half display as I can remember. We did to Liverpool in the second half yesterday what Chelsea did to us a few weeks ago and the fickle nature of any football supporter is such that I eagerly await the rest of the season with relish.
With our catalogue of injuries (van Persie, Bendtner, Gibbs, Clichy, Rosicky, Eboue, Djourou, Diaby and Eduardo fit only for the bench), the XI we fielded was essentially the eleven players we had fit who could play in a 4-3-3 and it sure showed in the first half. Arsenal were simply awful, devoid of any attacking flair and creating not a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes, and allowing Liverpool (fielding Gerrard and Torres on the same pitch for the first time in over two months) the freedom of Anfield Road. Nasri and Walcott were deployed as the auxiliary attackers alongside Arshavin in a 4-3-3 cum 4-5-1 but save for a speculative Nasri shot from range late in the half, they offered no assistance to our meerkat-like number 23 and the debate as to what Theo Walcott actually does goes on.
Liverpool had the best of the first half with Torres firing a gilt-edged chance (an open goal for a player of his quality, really) straight at our Spanish Waiter, and William Gallas giving away the clearest, stone-bonking-most penalty you could possibly imagine which Showbiz Referee Howard Webb elected not to give. Howard – if Arsene Wenger is chuckling when the interviewer asks him if it was a penalty you know you’ve dropped a bollock somewhere. Cheers, though.
The inevitable soon followed though, and the hapless Almunia (who looked about as comfortable under high balls as Petr Cech without his ridiculous crash-hat) gifted Liverpool a goal by palming a straight forward cross into the box into the path of Sloth from ‘The Goonies’ who promptly “Hey you Guys”-d it into the back of the net. 0-1 at half-time and to paraphrase incendiary Yorkshireman and Women’s rights Campaigner, Geoffrey Boycott, “thee were lucky to get 0, lad”.
Apparently Wenger went absolutely mental at the players at half-time, and if his alleged comment of “You’re not fit to wear the shirt” were actually uttered then I applaud him a) for his honesty; and b) for being more in touch with the fanbase than I gave him credit for. The Arsenal that reappeared after the break were a different beast and if we played like that every week we’d win the ‘X Factor’, let alone the fucking Premier League (as an aside, I’m delighted that Joe won rather than the Primark Robbie Williams. Olly Murs looks like the kind of bloke who'll buy you beer all night and when you go to the loo you come back to find him fingering your girlfriend on the dancefloor).
We closed down quicker, gave Liverpool no space in which to play, and carefully and meticulously threaded balls around the Liverpool defence with delightful regularity as Arshavin and then Fabregas found themselves behind their back four in quick succession before an equaliser came from almost out of nowhere. A Fabregas knock across the box intended for Theo Walcott managed to evade everyone except for Glen Johnson who appeared from nowhere to carefully place the ball past Pepe Reina with an own goal made only more hilarious if you imagine the word ‘doink’ when the ball touches his foot.
That was the boost Arsenal needed and Fabregas and Arshavin both rifled shots straight at Reina before a moment of sheer brilliance settled the game. Another ball across the Liverpool box landed at the feet of Arshavin with his back to goal in the inside left channel, on the edge of the Liverpool penalty area. With the slightest touch and change of body position he created a half yard of space and with minimal backlift sent an absolute rocket past Reina and in off the past to send the travelling Gooners into rapture. One nil down, two one up in classic Arsenal style.
What then proceeded was a masterclass in closing out a game. We afforded Liverpool nothing at all and our ropey Spaniard didn’t have a shot to save as the players in front of him took the form of a tall man holding a midget’s head at arm length. “They shall not pass” was the mentality and we executed it perfectly. Liverpool resorting to desperate and hilarious measures as England stalwart and very much father of his own children Steven Gerrard, anticipating a foul from Alex Song threw himself to the ground on the edge of the Arsenal box... sadly for him Song was two steps ahead of him and had withdrew from the challenge about two seconds previously leaving Gerrard to blame... well... I don’t think even he knows. The second gunman on the Grassy Knoll? Swine flu? Dannii Minogue’s song choices for poor Lucie Jones? One thing I do know though and that’s that he definitely wasn’t cheating (just like that nice Wayne Rooney wasn’t on Saturday). That quote from his autobiography one more time, kids...! "If I saw a team-mate doing it (diving), I would definitely have a word."
And that was that. Liverpool looked bereft of confidence, ideas, creativity and even had their best team out. The much-fabled Alberto Aquilani made a cameo appearance towards the end but had a look on his face resembling someone who has paid for a five-star hotel and arrives to find it’s a building site with no toilet – someone didn’t realise that the North-West of England in December is fucking horrible. £20m worth of “whatthefuckwasthatallabout?” in my humble opinion.
Burnley away on Wednesday which will be a proper barometer of Arsenal’s bottle. If we can get a win there and have a decent Xmas then 2010 could turn out to be a hell of a year.
Star man: First half? The Gooner who braved the cold in a Bananaman costume. Second half? Take your pick. Heroes everywhere – the entire back 4, the bullish Alex Song, the mercurial Arshavin, the quietly-efficient Samir Nasri. But for me, there isn’t a hair to split between Tommy Vermaelen and Song, who were first class. Vermaelen didn’t allow Torres a kick, and must already be a shoo-in for the Premier League Team of the Year (at this juncture I’d like to stick my neck out and say that the footballers of the Premier League will instead name Rio Ferdinand, despite him being constantly injured), whilst Song gets better every time I see him. Gilberto-like in his ability to break up play, and his distribution has improved massively from this time last year. We may have just uncovered a footballer.
Worst performer: Manuel Almunia is garbage – this we know. So I shan’t dwell on him too long, but there are loads of other ‘keepers in the Premier League I would prefer over him. Given, Reina, Kuszczak, Jaaskelainen, Sorenson, Friedel, Hart, the list goes on and on. But the real conundrum from yesterday was Theo Walcott who, aside from two half-decent runs in behind the Liverpool defence, did naff all during his 60-odd minutes on the pitch.
Best moment: Andrey Arshavin’s winner was a thing of footballing beauty and a reminder why we watch the beautiful game. The quickest feet in the Premier League and a hell of a rocket shot in off the post. Andy Gray remarked that that you could have three Pepe Reinas in the Liverpool goal and he still would have scored. I think the fat Scotsman is right.
Tactics: Perfect. And sending out Philippe Senderos in disguise as Howard Webb was a masterstroke.
Chant of the game: “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to see the Arsenal away, hey!” I’m not going to get ahead of myself, but the last five times Arsenal have won at Anfield were 1989, 1991, 1998, 2002, and 2004. Incidentally, those are the same five years Arsenal have most recently won the Title in. Dare to dream?
Oppo fans: Fucking horrible. I HATE Liverpool fans for a myriad of reasons, but their constant declarations of being the “bezzfuckinfanzzinthefuckinwerldmate” make me sick; generally when they steal tickets out of each other’s hands at the turnstiles, you see them leaving in their droves long before the end and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (the irony of them having stolen that from Celtic makes me chuckle forever) not being heard over the opposing fans. Still, more fool them for insisting that Rafa is still, apparently, the man.
David Oudôt
, http://www.onlinegooner.com and http://taxloser.blogspot.com
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Man Utd 0 - 1 ASTON VILLA
Yes, that is right, Aston Villa won at Old Trafford. One of the worst and most embarrassing hoodoos came to an end. What more needs to be said? The defence were solid, the wingers got forward, the strikers shot and Sir Alex got angry at the ref and was very upset. Job done all round then.
Nothing more to say, I'd have been happy with winning in the 18th minute of injury time in off the backside of Sir Chewalot's stopwatch but in actual fact it took us just 21 minutes for a great cross from Ashley Young to be buried via Gabby Agbonlahor's head.
I'll be grinning for a long while yet.
Star man: Every player really, but you have to give a shout out to the defenders who stood their ground throughout and to Gabby who put his head in where it hurts to score.
Worst performer: The Old Trafford crowd, seriously embarrassing, 75,000 there and out sung by 2,000 Villa fans. Shame on you, why do you even bother?!
Best moment: To see the ruddy-faced one shouting and bawling at the 4th official who just shrugged. Bully boy he might be, but the game was won fair and square so IN YOUR FACE !
Tactics: We went for it, so often we've turned up and tried to pack the midfield or just defend, this time they went to win and did exactly that. No grumbles at all apart from the sickening dive from Wayne Rooney. I hope to the good lord Paul McGrath he doesn't do that in the World Cup finals - I want to see England win but not by cheating. There should be a video panel to fine these cheats, bloody disgusting!
Chant of the game: Well, you don't think the Man Utd lot did a chant do you? And I can't repeat our chants in print, we do like the odd swear word or so. The Gabby is fast as f**k always goes down well. Had a geezer come on my site taking the St Michael out of us think we sang 'he's fast as Thor'... I now do sing that, just too funny! Only to me maybe but hey, you have to start somewhere!
Oppo fans: Shhhhhhhhhhh!
Jonathan Fear, http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk
(Some great images here by the way, look at the one in the article comments! http: //www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7503012)
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BIRMINGHAM 1 - 0 West Ham
(Awaiting report)
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Hull City 0 - 0 BLACKBURN
This is the fourth consecutive Premiership game that Rovers have failed to
find the net. Even Tiger Woods hasn't gone that long without scoring!
It's ironic that we have played an extra striker while David Dunn has been
out injured, and we haven't scored. Luckily, Hull's finishing was as bad as
ours; otherwise it could have been worse.
To look on the bright side, we haven't conceded in the last three games -
what exciting times - three 0-0 draws on the spin!
Ultimately, neither side deserved to win as neither side was good enough in
front of goal.
Star man: Ryan Nelsen - again. The Admiral his back to his best.
Worst performer: Vince Grella - to be fair, he did hobble off with an
injury, but his performance was a total opposite of last week's.
Best moment: Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's dink into Paul Robinson's arms. He
was trying the lob the keeper. Classic!!
Tactics: 4-4-1-1. Benni McCarthy linked with Di Santo up front again and
Junior Hoillett made his full debut replacing Diouf.
Chant of the game: There was a chant that stood out - for all the wrong
reasons. There seems to be a racist (more stupid than racist I think)
element in the Rovers' following and it needs stamping out - now!!!
Oppo fans: Seemed to moan a lot about Brown's team selection - didn't really
get behind their team.
Pete Anslow, www.4000holes.co.uk
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BOLTON 3 - 3 Man City
It was a story of same old Bolton once again on Saturday. Three times they led Manchester City, only to be pegged back each time and end up with just a point.
Before the game, most would have taken a point, but scoring three times at home against ten-men and still not picking up a win left many a little disappointed.
Ivan Klasnic is fast becoming a cult hero at the Reebok and his brace only boosted his popularity, even if the first goal was offside. Carlos Tevez cancelled out his first, before Gary Cahill made his case for 'Goal of the Month' just before the break.
Poor defending allowed Micah Richards to equalise on the stroke of half-time, before Klasnic put Bolton back infront after the break with a brilliant volley.
Craig Bellamy was then sent off, despite most in the ground unaware of his first booking. He went down under a challenge from Paul Robinson and was deemed to have dived by Mark Clattenburg, though television replays later proved the decision to be incorrect.
Not that it mattered! Despite their man advantage, Bolton sat back and Tevez pulled City level late on. Robinho almost won it at the death, but in a game where neither side seemed capable of defending, the honours finished even at 3-3. For once, people left the Reebok having been entertained!
Star man: Lee Chung-Yong. Once again he showed what he can do. Looked like he really enjoyed himself and didn't look out of place against City's moneybag signings.
Worst performer: Fabrice Muamba. After a superb start to the season, he looks to be heading back into his poor form of last season. Embarrassed himself when one on one with Shay Given, only to slice closer to the corner flag than the goal!
Best moment: Seeing Craig Bellamy get sent off is always worth a watch!
Tactics: We looked good going forward, but still can't defend. Ivan Klasnic showed why he has to start more often and Zat Knight showed why he has to start less often!
Chant of the Game: "Adebayor, Adebayor, his Dad washes elephants, his Mum is a whore!" Harsh, but funny all the same.
Oppo Fans: Filled the away end and enjoyed some good banter with the home support. Even City fans who had sneaked into the home end managed to stay out of trouble.
Chris Mann, www.burndenaces.co.uk
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BIRMINGHAM 1 - 0 West Ham
And so it continues. The Blues notched up their fourth straight win and we are now unbeaten since losing at the Emirates in mid Oct. After last weeks' three goals it was also good to see a return to the 1-0 scoreline that is becoming the norm. Although Jerome and Ridgewell had to work particularly hard to stop us winning this one by more. The back two were their usual solid selves but I say that every week. In fact I'm getting a bit bored writing about how well we are doing. I could do with a few dismal defeats to get my teeth into. Better not tempt fate.
West Ham are an OK side but seem to be a little more a collection of individuals than a strong team however I expect them to stay up. Having said that it's getting increasingly difficult to predict anything now, who would have thought that Wolves would beat Tottenham or that Blues would be eighth. Let me repeat that..Blues are eighth. Let's enjoy it while we can.
Star man: Ferguson had a good game, as did the back two.
Worst performer: Jerome really should have scored a couple today.
Best moment: The goal.
Tactics: Same as every week really, but why change a winning formula?
Oppo fans: Isn't "I'm forever blowing bubbles" a miserable song. It's about hopes dying. If you're going to sing something, at least make it something cheerful.
Mike, www.joysandsorrows.co.uk
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BURNLEY 1 - 1 Fulham
It is a toss-up whether watching paint dry would have been marginally more entertaining than watching this match. You can normally tell the predicted level of excitement for neutrals in a game by viewing the batting order on Match of the Day on Saturday night unless of course you are playing one of the Big Four in which case you will be in one of the top slots no matter how bad the game. Well, we were playing Fulham, which doesn’t quite have the same ring to it as their near-neighbours Chelsea and on MOTD we were the next to last match featured with the goalless draw between Hull and Blackburn taking the ‘Yawn of the Day’ award . That says it all, although at least we had two goals in this one albeit one of them sadly scored by Fulham!
The first half was instantly forgettable; in fact I have forgotten it, so much so I can’t remember any action from it. In general though we looked terrible and Fulham could have been 2-0 up in the first five minutes but somehow we survived. The game eventually settled down into what can only be described as a boring stalemate. Even my trusty Digital Camera had packed up on me, I think it must have thought I may as well have the day off since there’s nowt worth shooting! Oh well Comet can have the pleasure of repairing it now. Just hope the insurance will cover ‘dying of boredom’ on the claim form!
The second half wasn’t much better although at least there was a little more action and two goals. ‘Fortress Turf Moor’ was beginning to look like a sand castle again when Fulham got the lead after some poor defending by Caldwell. It was the pesky Zamora, who is far too cocky for his own good that got the goal after 50 minutes much to the annoyance of Clarets fans.
Coyle had to do something now and on 57 minutes made the first of his substitutions and with it a tactical change at long last. Nugent replaced a woeful Blake and we looked in much better shape now playing 4-4-2 with Elliott pushed out wide. It had the desired effect and three minutes later we had equalised thanks to a stunning shot from Elliott.
That goal seemed to wake up everyone and the football on the pitch now improved with both sides going out for the winner. I strongly felt one of the sides would score again and just hoped it would be us but in the end it just petered out and that was it, a draw maintaining our good record at Turf Moor this season.
I guess you have to put this in perspective. A point against a side on a good run of form is some achievement but it still feels like a disappointment and two points lost. Fulham have not won now at Turf Moor in 30 attempts since their last win here in April 1951 so at least that record is still intact.
Star man: The fans who were asked to text the club during the game awarded Man of the Match to Chris Eagles. On a day when so many of our players underperformed he shone like a beacon on the wing and so I will agree with the general consensus.
Worst performer: I very rarely have to name this player as our worst performer but it has to be said Robbie Blake had a bit of a mare in this one. Clarets fans call him the magician due to his dazzling brilliance weaving in and out on the pitch not to mention his famous free kicks in Robbie Blake territory. He normally pulls something out the hat to entertain the fans but in this match he left the sodding hat in the dressing room and nobody reminded him to put it on at half-time. Everything he tried seem to fall flat and his passing was atrocious.
Tactics: I am going to have a moan at Coyle for this one. Not sure what repercussions there will be for challenging ‘God’ and I might have forfeited my chance of seeing the Pearly Gates but what the hell here goes (did you see what I did there?)
The tactics for this game were wrong from the start. One player who shone in our last match was Kevin McDonald, given a rare start due to Caldwell being suspended. He was easily the man of the match against Pompey last week and was the playmaker in midfield looking mature and strong. Bikey on the other hand pushed back into defence had a dismal game last week and Robbie Blake too put in a pretty average performance by his standards. It was clear to me, assuming our captain would instantly return into the back four after his one match suspension that someone should make way for McDonald against Fulham with either Bikey or Blake looking the obvious candidates.
McDonald must have been highly disappointed not to get a nod in the starting eleven and most Clarets fans are now wondering what he has to do to get a regular place in the team. It would have been small consolation to him that he did get on from the bench and played the last 13 minutes of the match after replacing Bikey. I know I am speaking with the benefit of hindsight now but Blake had a mare (see above) and once more Bikey looked lost and confused on many occasions as though for the second match running he couldn’t quite get into his head whether to be a back four player or a midfielder. In addition I know Steven Caldwell might be our captain but we also need someone solid in the centre of defence and he looked culpable on a number of occasions, he was certainly at fault for Fulham’s goal and should have done better holding off Zamora who beat him too easily to score.
I think also in this game we should have started in a 4-4-2 formation rather than have Fletcher alone up front, in hindsight Blake should have made way for Nugent. The side looked much more effective when Nugent came on to replace Blake on 57 minutes. Up until then, Fletcher was looking very frustrated, every time he got the ball he didn’t have anybody to support him and he had to work harder to beat their defence.
The moral of the story? We should have taken note of our performance against Pompey and taken some of the positives from that game into the Fulham game. We should certainly have accommodated Kevin McDonald and we should have considered 4-4-2 at a much earlier stage than we did.
Chant of the game: The atmosphere was very subdued for this match. This was our lowest attendance for a home game this season, with no doubt some henpecked husbands instead being forced to do some Christmas shopping. It was not helped by a non-existent Fulham crowd either. If I had wanted to I could have easily counted how many Fulham fans turned up and believe me there were plenty of boring periods in this match when counting would have passed the time away. No chants therefore of any consequence and if the mini-bus load of fans from Fulham had sung anything it would have been drowned out by our lot.
Oppo fans: Would have been nice to have some! When you look at some club’s pathetic away following you do tend to realise how good we are in following our team on the road no matter which part of the country we are talking about.
Best Moment: Walking past the ONE small coach load of Fulham fans after the match and wondering if they thought it had been worth it. Oh that and Elliott’s goal!
‘
Turfman’ Phil Lea, www.burnley.vitalfootball.co.uk
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CHELSEA 3 - 3 Everton
I thought Disneyland had been twinned with Swindon, not our back four?
It's 10 of out 13 goals conceded this season from set pieces, and it's starting to worry a few of us. Admittedly Everton got some luck in all 3 goals but it still wasn’t pretty.
For me the worst was Everton’s second from Yakubu. There were 9 Chelsea players in the area, plus Cech, and still the ball ended up in the net.
All I can say is thank god for Gaby Agbonlahor…
It was all going so well, the spell after Everton took the lead was great; Chelsea back in full flow and taking out the frustrations of the last week on Lucas Neill and co.
Drogba’s first was fantastic, the instinct in his first hit shows just how on fire he is at the moment.
It was also good to see Nico Anelka get back to scoring ways in the league after 7 games without a goal.
Arguably the most positive thing to come out of the day, aside United’s defeat was Branislav Ivanovic showing he’s got the makings of a solid fullback.
Up to now the Serb has been an enthusiastic member of the side, but has always left us longing for Bosingwa’s pace and thrust, not today. Ivanovic looked and played the part of an attacking right back, something we rely on with the narrow diamond in the middle.
On more of a footnote, ok moan; has Felliani got a bet going with every ref in the Premier League has to how many times he can kick the opposition before he gets booked? It was at least 10 today, and yet John Terry gets booked if he coughs near an official.
All in all a funny old day, United losing helped get rid of the bitter taste of a frustrating draw, but still a nagging feeling that unless we sort out the ‘It’s a Knockout’ style defending, the title isn’t coming back to the Bridge…
Star man: Didier Drogba kept his fantastic scoring run going, and continues to make defending a chore for every side he comes across. Ivanovic a close second for his great forward running.
Worst performer: Petr Cech had a bit of a shocker, not for the first time. The own goal was unlucky, but his no man’s land positioning for Everton’s third was worryingly familiar.
Best moment: The response after going a goal down reminded the pessimists amongst us we can be unstoppable when we want to be
Tactics: The usual from Chelsea, David Moyles’ decision to play 2 up top deserves a mention. Most don’t risk it at the Bridge, but Everton got the luck the bold move deserved.
Oppo fans: I thought they’d have brought more down to be honest. Must admit, I like them more than their neighbours though.
Martyn Landi, www.cfc.net
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Chelsea 3 - 3 EVERTON
Well I don't think anyone saw that result coming!
Despite holding Chelsea to a draw in our last two visits to Stamford Bridge, hopes were not high going into this one as a bruised, battered and, once again, understrength, Everton went to the home of the Champions' elect.
Even Europe's best defences would have a hard time containing the free scoring partnership of Didier Drogba and Nicloas Anelka so it was anyone's guess as to how many they'd rattle past Everton's revolutionary full-back back four formation!
So to concede three was not a surprise to anyone - but the fact that we scored three most certainly was!
Everton, as in the cup final in May - how long ago does that seem? - opened the scoring via Louis Saha...well, sort of!
Leighton Baines whipped a free kick into the Chelsea area which Saha flicked goalwards, the effort bounced off the post and rebounded into the net off Petr Cech's stupid rugby hat!
If Cech had played for our Sunday league team - he wouldn't of course as he's patently rubbish now and the very definition of 'arse gone' - and rocked up to training in a titfer like that he'd have been soundly, and rightly, stripped, beaten and tied to the goalposts!
But, despite taking the lead, hopes were not high that we'd take all three points and so there was an air of inevitibility when Chelsea equalised, then took the lead within 12 minutes of Everton's opener.
Ricardo Carvalho won back possession for Chelsea and fed the ball to Frank Lampard who teed up Didier Drogba to smash the ball past Tim Howard.
Five minutes later and every Evertonian - and probably every Chelsea fan - thought it was game over as Nicolas Anelka hammered the home side into the lead.
Before his injury, Sylvain Distin had caught the 'Yobo-clearance-bug' - that is slicing the ball wildly into the air as opposed to just twatting the thing downfield - but in his absence Louis Saha took over.
The Frenchman did well to control the ball on the edge of the Everton area but the ballooned his attempted clearance about ten feet straight up in the air.
Branislav Ivanovic took advantage of the loose clearance and poked the ball to Nicolas Anelka who smashed the ball into the roof of the Everton net.
But the flood gates failed to open as Chelsea couldn't create any more clear openings and proceeded to look uncharacteristcally jittery at the back.
Leighton Baines caused more problems in the Chelsea area with a whipped in free kick that narrowly missed the head of Louis Saha and then John Obi Mikel injured himself in a clash with Didier Drogba as a routine header across the box from John Heitinga had the home side defence in disarray.
Neither side could really take control of the game and it looked like the first half was going to end with the home side narrowly in front until more madness ensued in their penalty box.
Marouane Fellaini flicked on Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's long throw and, after John Terry failed to clear, Leighton Baines toe poked the ball goalwards.
The ball spooned up off Carvalho - who, for some reason, was prostrate in the box in a full on boudoir pose - and fell kindly to Yakubu, who had just come on after Jo limped off with a freakish ankle injury that'll probably see him out for six months, who picked his spot and levelled the scoreline.
No one in their right mind thought that the scoring would end there and it was Chelsea asking all of the questions at the start of the second half as they seemed to be attacking from all over the pitch.
Their endeavour was rewarded just short of the hour mark as Drogba rolled the ball in from close range after Tony Hibbert made a mess of an Ivanovic cross
The travelling Blues were defelated once more and were bracing themselves for a Chelsea landslide, but within five minutes Everton were level again through another freak break in the home side's area!
John Heitinga floated a cross in over Louis Saha's head but, after Drogba looked to have headed the ball clear, it cannoned off the back of Saha's head and looped over Cech for Everton's second equaliser of the afternoon!
Chelsea once again took the game to Everton but their play was too frantic as they appeared to have lost their composure at both ends of the field and Everton managed to play the draw out with relative ease.
Of course there was one more chance for Everton fans to get a scare as Ballack smashed a shot narrowly wide in the 90th minute.
It was the sort of effort that Chelsea usually win these matches with but this was not to be Chelsea's day and, once again, Everton can take heart from a decent display and another well earned point.
The important thing now is to not let the good work come undone against Birmingham next week!
Star man: Louis Saha. Was a pain in the arse for the Chelsea defence all afternoon with his neat touches and clever movement. Although you'll be hard pressed to see a jammier goal all season he, and Everton, deserved that little bit of luck.
Worst perfomer: No one really, all pulled their tripe out to earn the unlikely point!
Best moment: Everton's third goal. Complete insanity amongst the Blues as we did that mad celebration where you're ecstatic but can't actually believe what's going on!
Tactics: After our annual webbing at Old Trafford Moyes went all cavalier and ditched the 4-5-1 in favour of a 4-4-2 and it paid dividends as the extra attacker caused havoc in the Chelsea defence.
Oppo fans - They did come to life for brief moments during the match but nothing out of the ordinary... not entirely dissimilar to an Everton home crowd to be honest!
Les Roberts, www.everton-mad.co.uk
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Burnley 1 - 1 FULHAM
I doubt if I’ve ever made a more disappointing journey home!
And it was a journey done in darkness possibly the correct colour tone for the mood I was in, mile after mile of trudging back south knowing that Fulham had just missed a glorious opportunity to bury a hoodoo that hasn’t seen them win at Turf Moor for half a decade
King George was on the throne and Roy Hodgson was a mere lad of three the last time we won there but for sixty minutes we had the effort, the skill, the commitment and the drive to put this fixture to bed.
Instead all we had to show for it was a solitary strike, albeit a wonderful one, from Bobby Zamora.
Duff and Nevland had gone close and Dempsey was to have an effort kicked off of the line before Burnley woke up.
When they did, it was Fulham that were on the back foot. Wade Elliott tucked home an equaliser at the far post and suddenly it looked as if al that hard work had been undone.
But justice was done and the spoils were shared and never was I happier to finally turn that last corner into my road and see the sight of the public house still open, boy that pint or three went down sweetly!
Star man: Damien Duff – he continues to weave his magic an don another day could have had the reward he deserved.
Worst performer: Our away support, circa 300! Surely the team deserves better backing than that or are you all saving your cash for a trip to Basel and our last Europa League group adventure?
Best moment: Reaching the local after a journey home that left me questioning the sanity of it all!
Tactics: Why was Danny Murphy stuck on the bench Roy! He’s our playmaker and he could have made the difference once Burnley started to get on top!
Chant of the game: Not sure we raised more than the odd murmour there were so few of us!
Oppo fans: Noisy, vibrant and passionate, a credit to their club!
Andrew Joyce, www.vitalfullham.co.uk
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HULL 0 - 0 Blackburn
A bore draw ensued at the KC Stadium with both sides doing little to avoid being drawn into a relegation scrap. Neither side looked comfortable on the ball, with City having the slightly better chances of a dull affair.
Craig Fagan missed a guilt edged chance after just ten minutes, but other than that neither keeper had too much to do, with both sides also seeing penalty claims turned down by referee Chris Foy. Replays later showed that both decisions appeared to be correct, although Blackburn may feel more aggrieved at their decision.
Star man: Kamil Zayatte – The centre-back had little to do but looked comfortable in keeping Blackburn at bay.
Worst performer: Craig Fagan – After missing an early opportunity, Fagan failed to recover and looked a shadow of himself in past performances.
Best moment: There wasn’t one! Tactics: No “recognised” striker meant City lacked any real firepower, although Garcia and Fagan seemed to trouble the physical defender better than Altidore. All in all, a disappointing result to a game City must have earmarked to win,.
Oppo fans: Louder than ours but didn’t travel in any great numbers.
Matt Wilson, www.hull.vitalfootball.co.uk
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LIVERPOOL 1 - 2 Arsenal
Another defeat at home after leading at half time.
A tale of two halves if there was ever one. In the first half, Liverpool started brightly, took the game to Arsenal and gave them no time whatsoever on the ball. They played at a high tempo and pressed well, creating a couple of good positions that they should have benefited more from. Torres normally puts those away in his sleep, yesterday he took the wrong option and side footed it when a blast was more appropriate. Gerrard's penalty shout was valid, those are given time and again. Gallas missed the ball and took out Gerrard so for the life of me I can't see what Arsenal fans are up in arms about. They cite his simulation last week. Does this mean that Eduardo should never again get a penalty? What about Rooney after his on Saturday? Diving is endemic and there isn't one club who can't say they have benefited from it so moral crusading from Arsenal fans is a little hypocritical.
One nil up at half time and Arsenal came out with a bit more fighting spirit. They weren't carving us open by any means but were more up for it. Then, as normal recently, they are gifted a way back into the game. After two deflections the ball cannons off Johnson and it is 1-1. It was at this point most Liverpool fans knew that we would get beat. We have zero confidence and this was evident from the way the team reacted to the setback. Compare and contrast to last year where were went down 4-3 in the 90th minute and still conjured up an equaliser. At 1-1 there was only one team going to win this game and it wasn't those in red. Arshavin did his normal Anfield trick of scoring a worldie and we are 2-1 down. Game over and no more chances for either side. Liverpool, at home, didn't even look like scoring. The wind was knocked out of the team. This is the most worrying aspect as they need to get a bit of fighting spirit and quick. Recovering from setbacks is a vital component of a good side, Liverpool look beaten when they go behind, they don't even look secure when winning. Confidence is gone. Rafa needs to get this right and get it right immediately. Nine points from the next 3 games is mandatory.
Star man: Mascherano was a cut above until he had to go off due to injury
Worst performer: Ref had a shocker, aside from the stonewall not given we didn't get a 50/50 all day. Johnson had his first bad game for us. He is forgiven instantly.
Best moment: One bright spot in an otherwise horrible day was events off the pitch. Tom Hicks came over to watch the game yesterday. He watched it on TV as a number of Liverpool fans blockaded entry to the ground. You may get used to this Tom and George, you are not welcome here.
Tactics: Tactics were spot on first half. Rafa can't be blamed for the og, however he can be for the fact we didn't muster one shot on target after going behind. He needs to turn it around sharpish.
Chant of the game: Crowd weren't good either, this is knocking the stuffing out of us.
Oppo fans: Came and sang 'Liverpool hoof the ball'. Did. Nothing. Else.
Keith Barkley, http://www.liverpool.vitalfootball.co.uk
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Bolton 3 - 3 MAN CITY 3
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MAN UTD 0 - 1 Aston VIlla
Aston Villa emerged victorious at Old Trafford for the first time since 1983 to halt United's charge towards the Premier League summit. Chelsea had earlier drawn with Everton but Villa inflicted United's first home defeat of the league season. Sir Alex Ferguson bemoaned "just one of those days" but in truth it wasn't good enough from the champions.
Surprisingly, Ferguson deployed Wayne Rooney as a lone striker, with Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia in support. It meant no place in the starting XI for Dimitar Berbatov or midweek hat-trick hero Michael Owen. More to the point the cautious approach handed the visitors the initiative and completely backfired on the Scot.
Indeed, Villa began the match with intent, causing United's reformed defence far more trouble than Wolfsburg had in midweek. Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic, restored to the heart of United's back-four, added experience but it was Ashley Young, pitted against makeshift right-back Darren Fletcher, who caused most problems for the home side.
Young was central to Villa's opener, headed home by Gabriel Agbonlahor on 20 minutes. The England international beat Wes Brown in the air to score his fourth against United in as many seasons.
Rooney then stoked controversy when he found the referee's book for diving just minutes after the goal. The Scouser's lack of protest served only to prove the referee correct. It was not becoming of United’s talisman.
United continued to create chances though, with Valencia wasting a good opportunity and Michael Carrick forcing a good save from Brad Friedel in Villa's net. Rooney then went close with a shot thundered against the underside of the bar from six yards out.
At the interval Giggs made way for Owen but the former Liverpool striker lacked the sharpness demonstrated in the midweek Champions League victory. Berbatov and Darron Gibson soon joined the fray but United continued to miss chances as Martin O'Neill's side defended doggedly.
United's final ball had been poor throughout but when Carrick found Berbatov six yards out the forward miskicked horribly to waste a good opportunity.
It summed up a match in which United piled on the pressure but failed to create enough chances against a dogged and superbly organised Villa.
Nevertheless, United wasted a great opportunity to join Chelsea on 37 points and the manager must take much of the blame. It was Villa's first victory over United in a decade. More tellingly, perhaps, it was United's fourth Premier League defeat this season.
Star man: Rooney worked really hard and was the biggest threat to the packed Villa defence. Support came too little, too late.
Worst performer: Giggs – deserved winner of BBC Sports Personality of the Year – didn’t have the best game after his fantastic exploits at Upton Park last week.
Best moment: The final whistle, sadly. Here endeth the pain.
Tactics: If a home tie against fifth placed Villa was too much for Ferguson to field two strikers, when will he? It made almost no sense with Michael Owen, fresh from a Champions League hat-trick, sat kicking his heels on the bench.
Oppo fans: Berminggum is wun uv the Larges citays in the unyted kingdom, apparently.
Ed Barker, www.unitedrant.co.uk
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Sunderland 1 - 1 PORTSMOUTH
A scrappy first half. Sunderland looked streets ahead of the visitors. A good spell for Pompey in the 2nd half and Steve Bruce left key substitutions too late, allowing Pompey to scrap for corners/free kicks and eventually capitalise.
Star man: Jamie O'Hara - covered every blade of grass. Pompey's main threat.
Worst performer: Aruna Dindane - could not keep the ball at his feet.
Best moment: Younes Kaboul goal - everyone went mad. It was as if we had won the World Cup.
Tactics: Pompey attacking away from home? Who would of thought? Caused us a few problems though, leaving gaps in the midfield.
Chant of the game: (Sunderland after 80 mins) 'That's why you're going down, that's why you're going down!' They didn't sing it at 90 mins?
Oppo fans: Good noise but only from one corner of the ground. BUT bad they booed at the final whistle! They didn't lose!
Longdistanceandy, www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk
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STOKE 2 - 2 Wigan
Thoroughly entertaining last hour after a terrible first thirty. We scored a great goal from Tuncay to draw level following Boyce's opener. That seemed to set us up and we really took grip after that goal. Tuncay went close with an overhead kick from a Delap throw and Etherington looked dangerous, putting ball after ball into the danger area and it was his corner that saw Shawcross rise high and equalise a second time, minutes after Figueroa had given the Latics the lead for a second time when he stepped up and pinged a free kick from inside his own half into the top corner. An amazing strike and one that left the keeper with no chance.
We continued to push for a winner but were nearly defeated in the most cruellest ways as referee Mike Dean, hates us he does you know, pointed to the spot to give an injury time penalty. The crowd were baying for blood and yes it was a foul but Rodallega was standing four yards offside when the ball was played through. Didn't matter anyway as Sorenson guessed right to save his third, yes third, penalty in four games. Two points dropped rather than one gained
Star man: Tuncay. First home start and didn't he give it his all. Fantastic finish and work rate, never stopped running and was a constant threat
Worst performer: Rory Delap. Not a right winger but we only have one in Lawrence and with him laid up with the dreaded man flu he was forced out there yet again. Just looks lost and thats not an attack on the
man, he just isn't suited to the role
Best moment: Sorro's peno save. To save three penalties in four games is amazing. This one was special as it was injury time, we had dominated and the penalty should never had been as the Wigan man was clearly offside
Tactics: We finally got the Tuncay/Fuller partnership we have all called for but unfortunately with Lawrence ill and Whelan benched we only had the one midfield outlet in Etherington so we spent the opening half hour sending useless long balls up with no target man. When we sussed we needed to get it on the deck we improved immensely
Chant of the game: Came in a taxi, you all came in a taxi - to the 400 Wigan fans
Oppo fans: Celebrated well when they scored but were otherwise silent bar one good exchange of banter with the South Stand Stokies
Dan Buxton, http://www.stokecity-mad.co.uk
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SUNDERLAND 1 - 1 Portsmouth
(Awaiting report)
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SPURS 0 - 1 Wolves
Purgatory at the Lane. For the second time this season we’ve been on the end of outstanding defensive performances from teams that came for a point and took all three. First Stoke and now Wolves.
Unlike Stoke, who snatched a late winner with their only shot on goal, Wolves did the damage early, with Kevin Doyle getting the faintest of touches to deflect Milijas’ right wing free kick into the net. After that it was 11 men behind the ball, time-wasting, with a "break us down if you can" attitude.... and try as we did, we couldn’t get through.
I suppose it’s a compliment of sorts that teams are coming to the Lane and doing this, though I’m not entirely sure that we deserve that compliment. We’ve not achieved anything. Anyway, since we’re not going to get many entertaining football matches at the Lane this season, we might as well get used to the idea, and make damn sure that we get the first goal, otherwise it’s going to be a long, hard, unedifying season.
Coming on the back of a week when we’ve been to Villa and Everton and played them both off the park but only got a point from each, we’re wondering what we have to do to get a win. Maybe we should take a leaf out of Wolves’ book, but it really isn’t in this team’s DNA to play that way. We want the ball and we want to pass it. Sometimes (like in this game) we want to pass it too much.
Against Wolves we had countless situations to profit from, but over-intricate passing, slow thinking, carelessness, and good defending undid our ambitions time and time again. There were therefore few real chances, for all our dominance of the ball. Niko Kranjcar had probably the best, but volleyed wide from six yards; Huddlestone drew a good save from Hahnemann from further out. The longer it went on though, the more the feeling settled in that we weren’t going to score if we played all night. A more even distribution of the famous 9 we put past Wigan would have served us well these last few games (Jeez, if we could have borrowed 7 of them and used one each at Villa and Everton, and two against Wolves, we’d still have three left!).
Ah well. I could moan about the ref and his assistants, and their very fetching black and gold contact lenses, but frankly who cares. We’ve got more money than Wolves so we deserve everything we get. Bring on Man City on Wednesday. A massive game for us. They will come to play football, and hurrah for that.
Star man: Hard to pick one out, for all the wrong reasons – let’s say Luka Modric, just for being there for the first time since August!
Worst perfromer: Wilson Palacios couldn’t put a foot right, poor bloke.
Best moment: Modric’s introduction from the bench was rapturously received.
Tactics: Keane and Defoe started up front with Crouch back on the bench. Two wide men, lots of ball, and absolutely stuff all to show for it.
Opposition fans: Cock-a-hoop.
Andy Knaggs, www.spurs-web.com and www.thfctalk.com
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Birmingham 1 - 0 WEST HAM
Really felt up for this travelling over for the game from sunny Lincolnshire, and due to meet up with my two lads for our first away game of the season. Came into the game on the back of a 0-4 drubbing by ManYoo last week, shot in confidence, short through injury of key players, and managed by a Dead Man Walking, but really believed that a 1-2 win was on the cards to gain our second win away since the first game of the season
Let’s get the facts and stats over and done with, and out of the way. Green was comfortable, shouting and commanding. Glad he was; the back four was wanting throughout. Illunga’s and Gabb’s positioning and control was a constant worry and they were always off the pace. Tomkins was trusty but is still raw, and needs leadership alongside him.
In the middle, Noble struggled to find his true form (but was unlucky to get a red after two dubious yellow cards). Scotty however was inspiring as ever – if he wants out or is sold on in Jan, God help us – but on the downside, Kovacs was utter tripe, as always, Stanislas, poor lad, was out of his depth (whatever possessed him to give that pass away that led to their goal!?) and Diamanti played like he always does – a left-footed prima donna who we continue to persevere with on the basis that he will score three wonder goals all season.
Up front, to his credit, Franco played his socks off, and was well supported when Collison and Dyer came on (too late) to pull aside and scare the pants off the Birmingham defence.
Ok, now let’s put this turn-out and result at St. Andrew’s into real perspective. Crap and crap. And now let’s put our season and future into perspective as well. Sh*t and sh*t. Like 3,697 other faithful, we had to endure a spineless, gutless performance against a team who we always traditionally turned over and that was there to be taken by a half-decent side on the day, even though recent results had seen an upsurge in Brum’s spirit and position in the league over the previous weeks.
Where do I start? What have I and all long-life supporters who give up their weekends and hard-earned dosh done to deserve this? Why do we sell our souls to a club that is ingrained in our hearts but that lets us down so badly? Why (with a couple of notable exceptions), do they who dare kiss the shirt bow their heads in shame when they meekly walk off in front of us at the final whistle, having given nothing back in return? And when I look back at the pictures I took at the game, what fond memories will I have?
And a few words to those who are unworthy. We know how you are, and you know who you are. Go and prostitute yourselves by moving away in January for glory, money and so-called recognition. Good riddance. And for those who have to be sacrificied by the board in the name of financial greed, then good luck, we know why it has to be done – it happened at the very end of the summer window – but it doesn’t make the pill any easier to swallow. My beloved club is dying on its feet but only the fans seem to see and care.
All I wanted was a spirited performance. Not a lot to ask, FFS. All I wanted was at least a point and the dream that we had turned a corner. And most of all, I wanted us to belt out at the tops of our voices “Jingle-bells” as we went on to clinch all three points away from home. But, just like my dreams....
Star man (for what it’s worth): Parker. Week in, week out, he keeps on driving on, continuing to twist and turn this way and that, left and right, right and left. A West Ham legend in the making, a la Johnny Moncur in his prime.
Worst performer (for what it’s worth): For my third Maxim post in a row, Kovac. That takes some f*cking beating!
Best moment (for what it’s worth): Dyer hitting the post within a minute of coming on as sub. If only ...
Tactics (for what it’s worth): Whatever happened during that half-time team talk, FFS! And changing to five across the middle (with Diamanti replacing Behrami, Franco for Hines but still playing far too narrow down the centre of the park) proved, yet again, the distinct lack of tactical nous from the increasingly beleaguered GFZ.
Chant of the game (for what it’s worth) "One-nil, and you still don't sing" – see also below. And getting Hart to rise to the bait with the sister/mum/ wife chants when we having a bit – and I emphasis a bit - of a spell in the second half.
Opposition fans (for what it’s worth): Shallow and fickle. Just three or four short bursts throughout the whole of the 90 minutes, with the biggest shout for when the referee blew up for the final whistle. Says it all.
Over and out for another dismal week.
Notanuvloss, http://www.kumb.com
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Stoke 2 - 2 WIGAN
Without doubt, Maynor Figueroa today produced the goal of the 2009/10
Barclays Premier league season as he fired a cannon from 55 yards over the
head of Thomas Sorensen.
The defender has quickly become an integral part of the Wigan Athletic
team since his arrival last Christmas. His free-kick from five yards
inside his own half left the home crowd in shock and awe as it sailed over
Sorensen's head, nestling in the back of the net.
Maynor Figueroa celebrates his goal of the season from within his own half.
Clearly, the Honduran was delighted with his goal, running behind his
strike over to the travelling Wigan Athletic supporters who were
delerious themselves over in the corner of the Britannia Stadium.
Figueroa's goal aside, it was a typical Wigan Athletic performance.
Despite being much the better side in the first half, and taking a
deserved lead through Emmerson Boyce's brave header, the Latics allowed
themselves to be pegged back.
Boyce scored his third goal of the season for the club as he bravely put
his head first following up Hugo Rodallega's saved header from a Jason
Koumas free-kick.
However, with the half drawing to a close, a lack of reaction from Mario
Melchiot allowed Tuncay to slip in a low shot under Chris Kirkland
for a sucker punch shortly before the half time break.
The second half was then transposed with Stoke starting as much the
brighter side and if anything looking the more likely to score. It is
perhaps a testament of the damage caused by both Tottenham away, and
Birmingham at home in recent weeks, as the Latics faught hard to maintain
their level footing.
What everyone wasn't expecting was the thunderbolt from Figueroa.
Unfortunately the Latics then reverted to type and showed their
inconsistent head once more.
From shear brilliance to donkey's in the blink of an eye.
Many of the travelling support were still celebrating the Figueroa goal
and Ryan Shawcross headed Stoke level for the second soft goal of the
game.
There is little doubt that the Latics need to work on their soft
underbelly. Two soft goals were conceded today in a game that was there
for the taking.
On the positive side, there are not too many thigns wrong with the overall
performances of the side and a point from the Britannia is more than most
sides will come away with this season.
Jordi Gomez finally showed his true potential today as he produced a
tormenting display that showed the reason why Martinez has so much faith
in him. It could well be a fruitful Christmas period for the Spanish
midfielder who has appeared rejuvinated in recent weeks.
Jason Scotland was dropped for the Spaniard with Hugo Rodallega pushed up
top to play the lone front man. Scotland in particular has seemed almost
too nervous and desperate to impress in recent weeks. All he really needs
is a goal from Father Christmas to get him settled.
Jason Koumas was the other change from the 3-2 defeat to Birmingham. He
came in to replace the suspended Hendry Thomas, and without doubt will be
back on the bench for Wednesday night's game with Liverpool.
Despite flighting over a delightful free kick for the opening goal, and
showing that he might well be prepared to battle, the Scouse midfielder
once again flattered to deceive and proved to be a lightweight going
forwards. So frustrating for a player with such obvious talents.
In midfield, Mo Diame was forced to put in a mammoth shift as he adapted
to life without his midfield enforcing counterpart, Hendry Thomas.
Paul Scharner was another player to catch the eye, and not for his
beautiful bottle blonde locks. The Austrian utility player was a real
aerial presence both in an attacking sense, and also a defensive sense.
Brave Boyce scores the opening goal for Wigan Athletic.
Emmerson Boyce paid the ultimate price for his goal as he was subsituted
at half time with suspected concussion. Scharner dropped into the back
four alongside the reliable Bramble and the Latics moved to an attacking
midfield formation.
Gomez, Diame and Koumas made up the central trio with Sinclair, coming on
for Boyce, and N'Zogbia operatign on the flanks.
The real question is not whether it was a point gained or two lost, but
rather if the Latics can cut out the defensive frailties and push on with
the dominating performances that their all-round play suggests.
Liverpool on Wednesday will be a big test, and with Bolton and Blackburn
at the DW looming on the horizon, the next few weeks will be a big part of
the season. On the one hand there are the teams over our shoulders at the
foot of the table, whilst on the other hand there are those teams in
mid-table obscurity who look more than catachable.
Who would bet against a solid Christmas period and not only retaining the
core of the squad post January, but adding quality to it, and a late push
for Europe?
Paul, www.wiganer.net
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Tottenham 0 - 1 WOLVES
No one gave Wolves a chance especially the bookies who had Wolves at 10/1 in a 2-horse race, had to have a little tenner on that so thank you Mr Ladbrokes for paying for my Christmas piss up next week :). As usual Wolves lined up 4-4-2 and shocked the cockney swagger boys when Serbian superstar Nenad Milijas yet again provided a pin-point cross which got the mearest of glances from Kevin Doyle. Though the barrow boys huffed and puffed they couldn't break the Wolves defence down and Ebanks-Blake could have made it 2-0 with 5 minutes to go
Star man: Again Nenad Milijas was immense in midfield. THis guy has the best left foot in the Premiership bar none. But special mention must be given to Marcus Hanneman and his defence , they absolutely immense
Worst performer: none the whole team were 10/10
Oppo fans: got a bit of stick before the game , they were expected a Wiganesque walkover, but they were very quiet in the second half, something you wouldn't expect from Spurs.
wolf306, http://www.wolves-mad.co.uk
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