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ARSENAL 3 - 0 Hull City
After a up and down week oop North (where, lest we forget, it is grim), the Gunners returned to London Town adrift of Chelsea by six points, and Manchester United also having daylight between themselves and us. The draw at Burnley was a disappointment after the huge efforts against Liverpool, so it was essential for Arsenal to get win against Tango-Man Brown and Hull.
Hull are shit. Fucking awful. Like Wigan, it is a rugby town, and their fans obviously don't really do football. The team are a mixture of has-beens and never-wills and their sole remit seemend to be to kick players, time waste, and stop anyone in the ground from having a good time. Stephen Hunt in particular is a disgusting human being and how he remained on the pitch after constant cheating for 90 minutes is beyond me.
The game itself started slowly. Arsenal were down to the bare bones ith our injury list which is currently battling this correspondent's knob for title of 'Longest Thing in North London', and looked lethargic for the first 43 minutes. Missing Fabregas and van Perise didn't help either, and the midfield trio of Dwnilson, Song and Diaby failed to produce anything creative at all. In fact, the only talking points of the first half were a) Stephen Hunt going in unbelievably late on Manuel Almunia (echoes of his 'reducer' that fractured Petr Cech's skull in two places three years ago) and not even picking up a booking in the process; b) a 17-man brawl when Samir Nasri trod on Richard Garcia's ankle (another third division clogger with no discernable footballing acumen who has no right to be on the same pitch as actual Premier League Footballers) which resulted in two bookings and no sending off; and c) out of nowhere Denilson scored a rip-snorting free kick from 30 yards out. Hell of an effort from the wee man, and exactly what the doctor ordered. We weren't going to score from open play judging by our total ineptitude up until that point so many thanks to the much-maligned wee man.
Second half was a different story and a different Arsenal. Being a goal down, Hull were actually required to try and take part in the game, which allowed us to play our natural counter-attacking game, and we carved the Tigers open a couple of times. Most noticeably when Eduardo, with a sublime touch, turned some fourth-rate clogger inside out and then contrived to spluff the ball wide of Boaz 'is that even a proper name?' Myhill's goal. Tit.
Then, the most curious thing happend. Obviously someone who never received as much attention from mum and dad as he wanted when growing up, referee Steve Bennett was obviously bored, not looking forward to being alone over the Xmas Holidays (AGAIN), and wanted people to look at him. So for absolutely no reason whatsoever, he gives Hull a penalty. I have watched the replay from every angle and contrary to his claims that the hopeless Silvestre grabbed Craig Fagan's shirt, there was nothing going on through my eyes. Nor anyone else in the ground. Twat. Then, in what can only be referred to as a 'Xmas Miracle', Fawlty Manuel saves the penalty. However, he nearly fucks that up as he pushes the ball straight out in front of himself and the goal is gaping for Geovanni... thankfully, the goal-snatching, self-centered, inept and classless puddle of cuntwash that is Stephen Hunt barges in front of the Brazilian and sends the ball wide for a goal kick. Ha, and indeed, ha.
That was the kick up the arse that we needed, though, and the next 35 minutes was a consummate display of attacking football, with everyone looking threatening. There could have been 8 goals, but we had to make do with just two more. Firstly, the majestic Alex Song combined with Abou Diaby who sent the ball across goal for Eduardo to tap in his first goal in 11 games. Secondly, Diaby, who had best game in almost a calendar-year, burst through the defence with power, pace and eyes only for the goal and crashed the ball past Myhill. 3-0 and very well-deserved
The 27th brings Villa at Home, and in light of United and Chelsea both dropping points, it has become a must-win game if we want to remain within clawing distance of the top of the table.
Star man: I am Abou Diaby's harshest critic, but he was excellent in the second half on Saturday. There is talent in that boy, but he uses it so sparingly it is frustrating, upsetting and very, very sad. Yet very occasionally it all comes together and he looks like the powerhouse midfield player we need. And this is what happened on Saturday. Everything creative went through him, opposition players bounced off of him, and he looked like a goal threat. Very pleasing, and we hope that he can keep it up for the foreseeable.
Worst performer: Mikael Silvestre is so poor it's untrue. Constantly out of position, adding nothing going forward, getting skinned by shit players. His time is up and if he gets another contract for next year then I truly feel for our younger centre backs coming through, whose path to the first team is being blocked by yesterday's man.
Best moment: The second half berating of Phil Brown by the Arsenal fans was hilarious. However, the guy is such an appalling Narcissist he was obviously loving every second.
Tactics: We did enough to win the game, so I shan't complain too much. Although we only started to look in any way threatening when Wenger switched Arshavin to the wing, and Eduardo through the centre. Despite his lack of confidence and form, the Crozilian can only play as a forward down the middle as he has no other discernable edge to his game .
Chant of the game: “Sacked in the morning!", "Tango, what's the score!?", "Sit down Tango!" All at Phil Brown. All v.funny .
Oppo fans: Where? At the Emirates? On Saturday? Really? If there were, they were very, very good at being quiet.
David Oudôt,
http://www.onlinegooner.com and http://taxloser.blogspot.com
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ASTON VILLA 1 - 0 Stoke City
Well, Stoke huffed and puffed but we blew their house down... or something like that?! This was never going to be a pretty game and was a potential banana skin after our great recent away wins, but Villa are made of sterner stuff these days and they seemed to know they'd just have to be patient and the chance would come. A great team chance it was finished by John Carew who had come on for the injured Emile Heskey.
Not a great deal to say really, I spent my first game at Villa Park in the corporate area with free flowing wine and lovely food. Never thought in a million years I'd enjoy that side of football but the way Villa do it, with much friendliness and comfort was just great. Now where is my lottery ticket, I might like to go and do it again some day soon!
Star man: It was more of a team game really, Heskey was looking good until he went off injured and John Carew stepped in and scored the all important goal, so maybe the big man gets the vote but as said, all round good team performance and the defenders had to be on their game with Tuncay in the mood and threatening.
Credit to Stoke, they actually played some football as opposed to the much-used hoof ball, so they are obviously finding their feet and getting more comfortable in the Premier League now.
Worst performer: No, not keen on this category at the best of times but nothing really springs to mind apart from a very bad miss by Steve Sidwell who only had to hit the ball on target and he'd have scored putting the game totally out of Stoke's reach. Ho hum!
Tactics: Hey, we are winning, we aren't constantly hoofing the ball, the team is playing some nice footie on the ground. What is not to like?!
Chant of the game: It wasn't the chant that I noticed it was the Stoke City fans celebrating to ages after everyone else in the ground realised their goal had (rightly) been disallowed. So funny, sorry folks, you did look daft! lol
Oppo fans: Came in good numbers, was told in the forum match thread that those getting the train were in good spirits and up for banter, how times have changed?!
Jonathan 'Posh Nosh at footie' Fear, http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk
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Everton 1 - 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY
Well, it had to end eventually, but we are still unbeaten since mid October. I'm not even going to pretend that we deserved to get anything from this game. Everton were by far the better team and on another day could have won by three or four. This was our worst performance for some time and Everton are clearly not a side that will finish in the bottom half.
I think we only had shot on target all game and that was our goal. The conditions were appalling but at least the Blues fans who travelled by train actually reached their destination. Fellaini must have doubled his body weight with all the rain soaked into his hair.
Best to file this one under forget about and remember that we are seventh at Christmas. Ahead of Liverpool. Let me repeat that AHEAD OF LIVERPOOL. Can't think of a better Christmas present. Star man: Joe Hart made some good saves but once again Roger Johnson was imperious. He should be knighted in the New Years Honours. Worst performer: Most other players decided to have an off day. Best moment: The goal and the realisation on the final whistle that we had got away with a stolen point. Tactics: Clearly decided to hold onto a point from half time. Worked I suppose.
Oppo fans: Probably can't believe they didn't win. A good bunch overall.
Mike, www.joysandsorrows.co.uk
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BLACKBURN 0 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur
One goal in the last six games tells its own story - and that was from a defender at a set-piece!
Spurs were competent today, nothing more. Rovers more than matched them and made them look ordinary at times, but Spurs have one thing that Rovers haven't - a cutting edge.
Two shots on target = two goals. Rovers had six attempts on target - no goals. We desperately need a goal scorer or I fear the worst.
Rovers played some good stuff, in the air AND on the floor. Yes, we can play football if we want to! Unfortunately, there is a lack of composure (and confidence) in the last
third at the moment.
Christopher Samba was absent through illness, so Peter Crouch made a right nuisance of himself. Gael Givet stood in at centre-half and nullified Defoe completely, but Spurs' goals would have been mere consolation if Rovers had taken their chances.
Not quite a "smash & grab" by Spurs because they always looked dangerous on the break, but Rovers' definitely deserved something from the game.
Ah well - Merry Christmas everyone!!
Star man: Vince Grella - A good performance from the Australian midfielder. Played some nice passes today and kept Huddlestone quiet. In the 18 matches that Grella has played for Rovers since signing last season we've conceded just 1.28 goals per game while in the 35 he has missed we've leaked 1.83 goals per game
Worst performer: Michel Salgado - The ex - Real Madrid right back is not a right winger by any stretch of the imagination!
Best moment: Some Rovers' fans in the Riverside stand created their own excitement by fighting amongst themselves midway through the second half - maybe they were just trying to keep warm!
Tactics: 4-4-1-1. Two strikers, but it's still not 4-4-2. Big Sam sometimes gives the opposition too much respect!
Chant of the game: "England's England's Number One" - The Spurs' fans still love Paul Robinson - or were they taking the piss?
Oppo fans: 3000 of them stuck in the top tier of the Darwen End. Sang some nice songs, but didn't really come to life until Crouch's second goal went in. They then knew they'd have a lovely drive back to the capital.
Pete Anslow, www.4000holes.co.uk
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Wigan v BOLTON
(Monday night game)
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Wolves 2 - 0 BURNLEY
This was a bloody awful day! I was freezing my nads off before the game even started and then found I had to sit in a seat clearly made for midgets with two foot long legs. I just got kind of comfortable perched to one side when some woman with an arse the size of Wales decided to sit next to me! Great start surely things could only get better? Er nope. The Clarets then decided to play one of their worst games of the season. At least I think it was the Clarets because the team I know simply didn’t turn up.
I wanted three points from this game so badly not just because it would have been our first win away on the road, ease our relegation concerns and set up Christmas nicely but because I wanted to see McCarthy get his comeuppance for his unsporting midweek antics against Manchester United at Old Trafford when he fielded ten reserves.
We were absolutely fantastic against Arsenal at Turf Moor in midweek and all we had to do was play like that again and it would be ‘Simples’ to beat Wolves at Molineux. Of course they are now saying McCarthy was vindicated for fielding a weakened side in midweek but they are missing one salient point. We were so bad; Wolves third-string team could have beaten us. I just hope Wolves get relegated now by one goal on goal difference or by a point. McCarthy might then rue what he has done and reflect on whether a full strength side could have got something at Old Trafford against a side clearly struggling with no central defenders. What he did was plain wrong, totally outside the spirit of the game and I hope he gets punished for it. If we all behaved like that, the Premier League would be a bigger joke than it is already!
Molineux has been one of those bogey grounds for us over the years and coupled with the fact the Clarets always go on a traditional Christmas slump, I guess this result was predictable. I am just so disappointed we played so badly. I certainly want to forget this match as soon as possible and would have already if I didn’t have to write this article.
Star man: There was only one player who bothered to turn up in this match for the Clarets and for the third game running it would have to be Chris Eagles who got the Star Man award.
Worst performer: Ten of the players could easily have vied for this, we were so awful . The defence was dreadful, the midfield lacklustre and the attack clueless. The centre of defence was the main problem with Clarke Carlisle at fault for the first goal and both Caldwell and Duff unable to contain Doyle for Wolves second. Both Carlisle and then Caldwell limped off with injury which was almost a blessing in disguise.
Tactics: What tactics? For gawd’s sake Coyle do something about it, it’s costing me a fortune on the road to see us lose every bloody game.
Chant of the game: Both sets of fans were too cold to sing it seemed. We were additionally too shocked to sing after such a poor performance
Oppo fans: For such a traditional old ground, the atmosphere at Molineux is pretty subdued. The Clarets fans reminding the Wolves lot that ‘they only sing when they are winning’ was very apt in this game and I do wish they could find a better anthem than the Hi Ho Silver Lining thing. Bloody hate that song and did so when Jeff Beck first brought it out! What the hell has it got to do with Wolves anyway?
Best moment: That would be managing to avoid slipping on my arse in the snow and ice going back to the car. Everything else had gone tits up so I was amazed I aint got a bruised bum this morning! I assume that woman with the big arse didn’t fall on it either since there are no reports of an earthquake in Wolverhampton this morning! Merry f******Christmas
‘Turfman’ Phil Lea, www.burnley.vitalfootball.co.uk
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West Ham 1 - 1 CHELSEA
The slump continues.
It may seem crazy to be annoyed when you’ve just gone 4 points clear at the top, but Chelsea’s performances keep getting worse.
Credit to West Ham, they were irritating today; they never let Joe Cole or Ballack settle on the ball in midfield. Something that no doubt contributed to them both have shocking games.
Ballack is now past his sell by date. The amount of times the German just nonchalantly hits the ball in the rough direction of a blue shirt is becoming increasingly regular. He’s never heard of the stereotype of Bavarian efficiency. He just strolls round like a rambler on the moors. He needs to go.
Fair play to Parker and co in the middle who ran their socks off, but in truth the draw was down more to Chelsea’s lack of quality than West Ham’s ability.
Lampard stung the hands of Green in what was Chelsea’s best chance of a poor first half. Danny Gabbidon was very lucky not to give away a penalty when he slapped the ball away from Kalou.
I’m amazed Mike Dean didn’t give it; anything remotely boisterous in the area nearly equals a spot kick for him.
Didn’t take him long to get his way though, Ashley Cole’s clumsy tackle was one of the easiest decisions of the day. Diamanti stuck it away and Chelsea fans wondered how we were losing this game, especially after the early Lampard chance, and Ivanovic had had a header cleared off the line by Parker.
Kalou had another penalty turned down before the break when he was boy checked by Rob Green. I’ve seen prison sentences given for less but there you go…
We did get a spot kick in the end, and ironically it was the least convincing of appeal of them all. The impressive Sturridge went down under challenge from Upson. The Hammers captain looked like he got the ball, but Dean couldn’t resist another moment in the spotlight, and he kept it for the next few minutes.
What followed was ridiculous; a grown up game of ‘What’s the Time Mr Wolf’ as Lampard was forced to take his penalty THREE times because of encroachment by the home players. As Frank scored on all 3 occasions it made no difference. But the offence was committed by a West Ham player each time. How does that punish the offence? Giving Rob Green another chance to save it? Very fair… it was almost as if Dean had money on 1-0 and was determined to prevent that score line changing.
The coolness of Lampard to slot home every time was immense, if only the rest of the team had had 10% of that for the rest of the game.
Too many times Chelsea players to be flash, and use intricate flicks and glances when a simple pass will do.
It was so frustrating, and was summed up by Drogba’s miscontrol out on the wing with seconds left. If he’d brought it down properly he had the opportunity to whip in a cross, and who knows, we might have found a winner.
But we’ll never know, and we have to settle for a point in a game that was all about 6 penalties; 2 that were given, 2 that weren’t and 2 that didn’t count. Oh, and a tosser of a ref. Merry Christmas!
Star man: Frank Lampard for the way he kept it together and put his penalty away 3 times.
Worst performer: Joe Cole was awful, but Ballack shades it for his constant loss of possession, and how he seems to play the game at his own pace, which is 10 times slower than everyone else’s.
Best moment: not many in a poor game, probably Lampard defying Dean’s shambolic officiating to bring us level.
Tactics: Nothing new today. West Ham matched us up with a diamond in midfield and nullified our attack well. And without Anelka we weren’t as potent up top.
Oppo fans: Quiet. Every now and again woke up to shout ‘Where were you when you were shit’? Obvious response; ‘Beating you when we were shit, we’re still here and you’re still shit’.
Martyn Landi, www.cfc.net
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EVERTON 1 - 1 Birmingham
If you're looking for silver linings then Everton got throught this one with no new injury worries.
And James Vaughan also returned to the squad and got a run out - albeit a four-minute one but even he came through that unscathed!
But every silver lining has a cloud and the facts are that - despite completely outplaying Birmingham for most of the game - Everton could only manage a draw for the third successive league game.
Which is far from ideal when you're entering the Christmas period with just 18 points on the board and just four points off the bottom.
Everton came flying out of the blocks in this one and were one nil up after just four minutes after some smart play from Saha and Bilyaletdinov.
Saha cleverly chested Hibberts throw-in into the path of the Russian who jinked towards goal, completely sold two defenders with a drop of the shoulder and leathered the ball past Joe Hart in the Birmingham goal.
Four minutes later and Everton should have been two up.
Tim Cahill played a defence splitting pass through to meet the clever and perfectly timed run of Saha who fired a first time shot through the legs of Hart and into the back fo the net.
The celebrations were cut short though as the linesman had, wrongly, flagged the Frenchman offisde.
Underterred, Everton continued to press Birmingham and were running them completely ragged.
Cahill saw a first time shot tipped over by Hart, Cameron Jerome cleared a header from Marouane Fellaini and Roger Johnson blocked a goal-bound drive from Leon Osman after a flowing Everton move.
Then Birmingham equalised!
There didn't appear to be much on as Jerome held up the ball on the edge of the Everton area, but a momentary lapse from Fellaini allowed Sebastian Larsson to run into the area, take the ball from Jerome and sweep the ball past Tim Howard.
And, despite their amazing 5-game winning streak, it became apparent that Birmingham were going to be happy with the draw in this one as they kept 11 men behind the ball for pretty much the remainder of the game.
Everton still passed the ball around well but Birmingham were closing down and keeping them from creating many meaningful attacks and the half finished one all.
The second half then carried on where the first left off with Everton playing most of the football but being frustrated by Birmingham's stoic defending.
Tim Cahill headed a Leighton Baines cross wide and was then wrongly flagged offside - frigging linesmen! - as he broke clear of the Birmingham back line.
Louis Saha fired into the side netting and then played a killer ball through to Yakubu - on for Bilyaletdinov - but the ball just ran away from the Nigerian and Joe Hart was able to clear for a corner.
And Steven Pienaar somehow managed to spoon a couple of good openings well over the bar!
In between those Everton attacks there were also two good penalty shouts from Everton.
The first came when Jerome blocked a Leighton Baines cross with his arm but the referee opted to give a corner.
Then Stephen Carr - looking alarmingly like a fat Nosferatu these days, all bald head and big eyebrows - snidely punched the ball of Louis Saha's head when the Frenchman looked certain to nod the ball past Hart.
And so it came to pass that the Blues dropped home points again, as against Stoke and Wolves and, once more, didn't take the three pointa that the performance deserved, as against the Shite.
If we keep performing like this then we should get more wins on the board but, with a lot of tough games coming up in the next couple of months, we need to turn results in our favour, regardless of performances.
Star man: Marouane Fellaini - controlled the midfield for the most part of the game, his performances are slowly becoming more and more assured this season.
Worst performer: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov - took his goal well but he needs to start demanding the ball more and stop drifting out of the game.
Tactics: David Moyes named his strongest line up in some time for this one and went for the attack aginst one of the league's most in-form teams...it nearly worked too!
Oppo fans: From the same part of the world but not even half as irritating as Villa fans!
Best moment: The second before we realised Saha had been flagged offside after he smashed the ball through Joe Hart. It felt like we were going to run away with the game - something we've not experienced in ages - but it wasn't to be!
Les Roberts, www.everton-mad.co.uk
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FULHAM 3 - 0 Man Utd
And there was I thinking Father Christmas didn’t come until the twenty-fifth of this month.
I guess the old-boy must have been at a bit of a loose end on Saturday because he delivered all Fulham supporters the perfect Christmas present with an emphatic win over Manchester United.
Forget the fact that United were ravaged by injury, like they say you can only apply the knockout punch to what stands in front of you!
At a packed Craven Cottage nobody was to know what was to unfold in the ninety minutes ahead, nobody could possibly have dreamed that Fulham would sweep aside the current Champions with a three goal display!
The first came courtesy of Danny Murphy who showed that Paul Scholes can be mastered in midfield by stealing the ball off of him, advancing fifteen yards, and then hammering a shot that bounced in front of, and then over, the keeper.
Fulham could, and should have, doubled their lead just before half time but Bobby Zamora just couldn’t twist his neck to direct a header towards the net.
The half time break only served to wet the appetite of what was to come. In the first few seconds after the interval Zamora netted and at 2-0 we were looking comfortable. Sir Alex Ferguson, probably burning with rage inside and desperate to switch that hairdryer on, shoved Berbatov into the fray but Fulham got numbers behind the ball and coped comfortably.
And then we were all in heaven with Duff finishing with aplomb as he volleyed home a third. 3-0 and life doesn’t get much better. Walking down the Stevenage Road I guess I wasn’t the only Fulham fan with a stupid smile on their face, it’s called bliss!
Star man: Bobby Zamora – The makeshift centre back pairing of Fletcher and Carrick just couldn’t handle the forward who is now being touted as a possible candidate for surprise inclusion in the England 2010 World Cup squad!
Worst performer: On a day like that everybody was superb!
Best moment: Watching a disconsolate Sir Alex Ferguson making that long walk back across the pitch to the sanctuary of the Cottage knowing his team had been walloped. Pure bliss!
Tactics: Sir Roy Hodgson got it spot on and made United look what they are, namely a shadow f the team that were once feared.
Chant of the game: Can we play you every week and you’re getting sacked in the morning!
Oppo fans: Numerous, noisy, but shell-shocked at the end!
A very Merry Christmas from all at Vital Fulham!
Andrew Joyce, www.vitalfullham.co.uk
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Arsernal 3 - 0 HULL CITY
(Awaiting report)
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Portsmouth 2 - 0 LIVERPOOL
(Awaiting report)
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MAN CITY 4 - 3 Sunderland
(Awaiting report)
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Fulham 3 - 0 MAN UTD
On the day that Sir Alex Ferguson's cross town counterpart received his P45, the Manchester Untied manager will put this defeat down to circumstance. But United's humiliating 3-0 away loss to Fulham cannot be blamed solely on injuries to key players. The burden of responsibility must also fall on Sir Alex for the tactical mess he deployed.
United, lining up in the unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation deployed in Germany, were out of shape and sorts from the off at Craven Cottage. In more than 20 years at the helm the number of matches Ferguson has deployed three centre halves are counted on one hand. It was an utter disaster, with Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Ritchie de Laet horribly exposed by a vibrant Fulham side.
Still, United actually started the match quite brightly with Antonio Valencia unlucky not to earn a penalty for a push in the opening minutes. Referee Howard Webb seemed unsighted as the Ecuadorian fell. In truth it was just about the closest United came to a goal in a dreadful opening half for Ferguson's men.
In attack, Rooney and Michael Owen were playing like a pair of strangers as they so often did for England, while Fulham offered threat in every forage towards United's goal. The visitors have rarely been so shapeless.
United had early warnings. Bobby Zamora crossed for American Clint Dempsey to draw a fine save from Tomasz Kuszczak in the United goal. The Polish international, playing in his seventh match in a row, then produced even better from Zoltan Gera's header minutes later.
The inevitable opener came from Danny Murphy, so often United's tormentor in the past. Paul Scholes, having a ‘mare’ in West London, who gifted possession to the former-Liverpool midfielder to strike home from 20 yards at the midway point of the half.
Rooneythen headed wide and Darron Gibson shot over when he could have passed as United's strategy of hope bore little fruit. Indeed, Fulham could have doubled the lead before half time with Gera and Zamora combining once again for the former West Ham United striker to head wide.
The match was then over just 19 seconds into the second period when Fulham doubled the advantage. Duff's cross to the back post, met by Dempsey's neat touch was gleefully slammed home by Zamora.
All belief drained from the United players. Why should there have been any - they were never in the game. It was cruel on de Laet, who was totally exposed at the top-level.
As always United sought a way back into the game as Dimitar Berbatov and Fabio da Silva entered the attack. It finally ignited a flame in the visitors with Valencia testing Mark Schwartzer in Fulham's net, Rooney shooting wide from Berbatov's smart pass and Scholes slashing well wide from the edge of the area.
But then came the denouement as Irishman Duff lashed home Zamora's chested pass for Fulham's third. The final whistle couldn't come soon enough.
Ferguson, without seven defenders today, undoubtedly needs good fortune in the season of good-will. Sometimes, however, he needs to help himself too.
Star man: Tomasz Kuszczak pulled off some stunning saves. Without PIG (Pole in Goal) United could have lost by five.
Worst performer: Fletcher, so good in midfield this season, was exposed as part of a back three.
Best moment: Honestly, there weren’t any.
Tactics: What a horrible mess. United got lucky against Wolfsburg playing three at the back. Why did Sir Alex think it would work against a very good Fulham side. Torn to pieces.
Oppo fans: They loved their cup final, obviously.
Ed Barker, www.unitedrant.co.uk
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POMPEY 2 - 0 Liverpool
Pompey did what none of the pundits thought we could do, the upstarts from the South coast turned over the royalty from the North West.
To be honest Liverpool were as poor as I have seen them, ever. They (Benitez) may point to Mascherano getting sent off, but Liverpool were already a goal down and lacking any fluency. Pompey, however, were right up for it, the passing was a bit amiss from both sides, but the boys in blue were coping better with the slippery conditions.
Avram Grant rang the changes once more, Begovic retained his place with James still ill and Wilson dropped to the bench in favour of Kaboul partnering Ben Haim. What proved to be a masterstroke though was the recall of Belhadj to keep Johnson quiet.
The game kicked off and the tricky pitch was evident from the off, both teams finding footing awkward, and passing was going astray.
Liverpool dominated the first 5 minutes, but Pompey had the first sniff of goal, O'Hara delivering a free-kick into the box which was half-cleared and ended up with Piquionne almost touching it past Reina.
Torres was predictably looking like the most likely for 'pool, a shot narrowly over Begovic's bar showing his threat.
On the half-hour and Pompey had a magic moment, Boateng smashed in a volley that Reina saved well, the ball went up in the air and Johnson weakly headed it away from goal, straight to Belhadj who hit the sweetest of volley's with his swinging foot past Reina, he was buried under a pile on of Pompey players and the crowd erupted.
Liverpool should of been level within 2 minutes, Agger headed over what was really a sitter and Pompey lived on.
Just before half-time came what was to be the pivotal moment, Ben Haim was carrying the ball out of defence when Mascherano decided to launch into a lunge at him, both players went down and a melly developed as Pompey took umbrage to the challenge, Mascherano was in a worse state on the ground and he limped off with a red card in his face.
Half-time arrived with the predictable chants of 'Getting sacked in the morning', Benitez's face didn't seem to reflect otherwise.
Second half and Pompey had obviously upset Liverpool some how, Ben Haim in particular as Lucas was straight in the book for leaving his foot in.
Liverpool were having the early pressure and finally registered a shot on target, Begovic fielding easily.
Torres was next to see yellow, Brown had obviously wound him up sufficiently to draw a foul and 'pools in discipline was clear.
Pompey were robbing Liverpool regularly in dangerous positions, Johnson getting picked by O'Hara, and Piquionne was running Carragher ragged.
Just after the hour and Pompey had Begovic to thank, Gerrard fired in a shot which deflected twice, it seemed to be looping in but out came a hand and flicked it away, a truly outstanding reaction save.
The match was becoming proper end-to-end stuff, 'pool were pushing for an equaliser and Pompey for a second killer, Pompey should of had it, but Piquionne got a 50p head on a fantastic cross and headed wide from 8 yards.
With 10 minutes left however, Piquionne got the goal his selfless running deserved, Boateng skinned Agger on the right and fired in a cross, Piq's touch was heavy, but his second touch every bit as good as Belhadj's in the first half, he swivelled in a volley and Pompey were 2 up with time ticking up.
Pompey played out the final 10 comfortably, Liverpool pushed, but the rearguard held firm, Kaboul proving a colossus in the air, and Ben Haim a rock on the ground.
Star man: Hard to pick anyone out as they were all really good. Although I would say Michael Brown just about. It was as much what he did 'off the ball' as much as what he did on it. He organised the midfield very well and led by example, also instead of diving in all the time he pulled out of some challenges at the right moment, when perhaps in the past he might not have.
Towards the end of Hart's reign I thought he went off the boil a bit, and at the start of Grant's this carried on, but it looked like he 'could' be back to his best for us – more showing like this and we will not go far wrong. To be fair he DID also offer us a good outlet coming forward, along with offering the defence a good shield.
Worst performer: All the Liverpool players, they were rubbish!
Best moment: The whole thing to be honest, although the 1st goal was special as that breakthrough left me EVEN MORE convinced that we would win – fantastic celebrations though involving everyone and good to see Nadir Belhadj get it as he has hardly had a look-in recently.
Tactics: Spot on! Avram Grant is not afraid to act as the 'tinker man', and he gets it right more often than not to be fair – he seems to pick certain players to suit certain opponents, and it works. Belhadj's inclusion was a stroke of genius, he really dealt with the Johnson threat.
Chant of the game: 'Feed the Scousers,' you know, in the style of the Band Aid song. Also I liked that fact that we kept doing the 'Fernando Torres song' to them, not to mention the 'You're getting sacked in the morning' sang to Fat Rafa.
Oppo fans: There were a lot of them but, on the whole, they were very quiet, at least from my seat in the North Lower.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
Paultsmouth & Rug, www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk
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Aston Villa 1 - 0 STOKE
(Awaiting report)
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Man City 4 - 3 SUNDERLAND
(Awaiting report)
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Blackburn 0 - 2 TOTTENHAM
As has been reported, it was an ugly win and if you don’t believe it then stats of two Spurs shots on target and no corners should help convince you. As usual playing a Sam Allardyce team was about as enjoyable as chewing tin foil; it was a tetchy and snippy affair from start to finish with Rovers sponsors’ man of the match winner Vincent Grella doing the best impression of David Batty you’ll ever see, suggesting that headless terrier performances aren’t uncommon at Ewood these days.
We spent most of the first half battling to retain possession, composure and shape. Gomes made a couple of important saves from Di Santo, Defoe shot wide after one of our rare coherent passing movements but that was about it for a fractured & frustrating first half until Kranjcar chased down Huddlestone’s wildly sliced shot and sent a first time high cross into the penalty area where Peter Crouch headed in from close range. Long time Yiddo Paul Robinson reminded us of the good old days by remaining stuck to his line as disaster unfolded in front of him.
Crouchy bagged a second late in the second half to send us back down south full of warmth on a bone-chilling day.
Star man: Peter Crouch – bounced back from a disappointing display on Wednesday to bag both goals.
Worst performer: Vincent Grella – as mentioned above, a David Batty re-incarnation.
Best moment: Has to be coming away with all three points. As Harry said, in previous years this was a game we’d lose.
Tactics: Unchanged from the impressive win against Manchester City in midweek – 4-4-2, big man and little man up front
Chants: More Spurs tributes to Robbo rang out from the Darwen End as well as Jingles Bells, “Let’s all have a party” & “Let’s all go to Dublin”.
Opposition fans: As always at Ewood Park, a boring atmosphere from the home support.
Yiddler, www.spurs-web.com and www.THFCTalk.com
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WEST HAM 1 - 1 Chelsea
(Awaiting report)
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WIGAN v Bolton
(Monday night game)
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WOLVES 2 - 0 Burnley
(Awaiting report)
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