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Chelsea 2 – 0 ARSENAL
I had no expectations going into this game. After last week's abject disappointment at home to ManYoo, the Manager's refusal to strengthen the squad in the transfer window and Chelsea welcoming back their African Cup of Nations stars, I really had no expectation of Arsenal getting anything out of this game.
We didn't help ourselves by again starting without a centre forward in the line-up, instead relying on three jockeys (Nasri, Walcott, Arshavin) getting us goals. We really didn't help ourselves by again conceding to the first chance on target, as is standard with this goalkeeper. This time, the hapless Spaniard was not at fault, but questions must again be raised about our returning full-back, Gael Clichy, whose positioning and decision-making since returning from injury has been worryingly poor. On this occasion, he was supposed to be standing at the back post, but as the corner was about to be taken, ran across the goal-line and ended up in no-man's land somewhere just outside the near post. John Terry was given a free header, and Didier Drogba stole in at the vacant far post for 1-0.
It was game over at that juncture, really. We carved out a few openings courtesy of the ever-superb Cesc Fabregas who put a couple of tremendous through balls beyond the Chelsea defence - Samir Nasri dinking the ball around Petr Cech, who recovered well to block Nasri's ping across goal, and Andrey Arshavin volleying at Cech who made a tremendous save with his feet. But that was the highlight of the game for Arsenal. The second goal followed before the half-hour mark and for the second week in succession a quick counter-attack put paid to Arsenal's chance of getting anything out of a game with a Title rival. Frank Lampard received the ball inside his own half and was allowed to run with the ball for 30+ yards, unchallenged before an Arsenal player went anywhere near him.
What then followed was farcical, as Gael Clichy abandoned common sense and positioning. He was so confused as to where he was meant to be stood that he managed to take Thomas Vermaelen out of the game and give Didier Drogba the freedom of Stamford Bridge. Drogba cuts inside, Vermaelen makes a decent effort to block the shot but Drogba drills the ball STRAIGHT AT ALMUNIA, who inevitably watches the ball go past him for 2-0. If you have the pleasure of watching the slow-motion replay take a note of two remarkable things: 1) Almunia CLOSES HIS EYES IN TERROR as Drogba shapes to shoot; and 2) He doesn't react to the shot until such time as Drogba has started celebrating. The guy is a goalkeeper only because it says so on his passport.
In fairness, we played very well in the second half, but there was no cutting edge to our play, the final ball was missing, and Cech wasn't called upon to make a save. For the Manager to come out afterwards and say he was 'delighted' with the performance was embarrassing, but more of that later. The closest we came to scoring was when Fabregas (seriously, who else?) opened the defence open with an inch-perfect pass to Nasri who didn't seem to know whether he wanted a shit or a haircut with Theo Walcott well placed on the other side of the penalty area. This was one of a dozen occasions over the last two seasons I can remember players not passing to Walcott despite him being better placed than them - his teammates do not trust him which is a saddening and worrying fact.
In the second half we were excellent in the middle third of the pitch, with Song, Fabregas and even Diaby proving a match for Lampard, Mikel, Ballack and Malouda. However, games are won in the penalty areas at either end of the pitch and it was in both of these that we were lacking. The defence simply have no confidence in the goalkeeper as evidenced at the look of sheer disgust given to him when Gallas gave him a rudimentary pass-back to deal with and the Spaniard proceeded to slice the ball out of play for a throw-in in a dangerous position. Unbelievable.
Up front we simply played without a striker, and it wasn't until Nicklas Bendtner entered the fray after the hour mark that we even looked remotely threatening. With van Persie and Eduardo injured, Vela unfancied, Walcott not trusted and Bendtner a victim of Arsenal's unashamedly inept medical team (supposed to be out for a month - it's three-and-a-half months later and the guy still isn't fit enough to start), you would have thought the manager would have looked into buying someone in the window, what with the £40m Man City money burning a hole in his pocket. But apparently there isn't a single footballer in the entire world that was available, apparently.
So where does that leave Arsenal's Title hopes? Well, for a start Liverpool at home on Wednesday has become a must-win as a defeat would leave Liverpool just two points behind us with Man City, Villa and Spurs hot on our heels and we'll be worrying about Uefa Cup qualification, let alone anything else. If we can beat Liverpool then I would say our hopes, although remote, are not over. But we are reliant on the teams around us dropping more points than I would expect them to do between now and the rest of the season. Fingers crossed though, eh?
Star man: Fabregas and Song were very, very good today. Fabregas' ability to make space for himself and pick a pass is too good for Arsenal, in fairness, and when he creates clear-cut chances only to see them wasted by team-mates it is a crime against football and he is owed an apology by the Manager for being forced to share the same turf as them. Song just gets better and better and he was a solid brick wall today.
Worst performer: I would like to see confirmation of exactly how many times Almunia concedes to the first shot on target. Football365 confirmed this week that 17 Premier League goalkeepers have been credited with more saves than Manuel Almunia in the Premier League this season. Four of those goalkeepers have played fewer games than the Spaniard. He is a criminal such is his mediocrity. Also, Gael Clichy - regressing as the seasons go by. Kieron Gibbs must really, REALLY be rueing his injury.
Best moment: I can't think of a single one.
Tactics: The manger's on and off field tactics get both barrels from me this week. Off the field first. He reveals in his Friday Press Conference that he was 'very, very close' to signing a new goalkeeper on Monday afternoon, but didn't complete the transfer. This raises a selection of scary facts. 1) He acknowledges that our squad is deficient in at least one area; 2) His failure to complete the transfer tells the rest of the League that we are weak in at least one area; and 3) He knew this before and after the ManYoo game, so why he left it until the last second is absolutely fucking ridiculous and further shows my Club's ineptitude at operating as a football club. It has come to light that the player in question was Thomas Sorenson of Sunderland, so what a fantastic way of undermining your already-confidence-shot fist choice 'keeper, confirming to your 'world-class' back-up (Fabianski) that he isn't even worth a run in the side, and confirming to all the world that Vito Mannone just isn't ever going to make it (so we gave the kid a 5 year contract last week. Amazing). On-field was wore, though. Starting Walcott and refusing to use any width is ridiculous. Not starting with a centre forward is ridiculous. Persevering with a goalkeeper who suffers with a sheer and obvious inability to keep goal is ridiculous. Arsene Wenger said at the start of the season that this team would win a trophy this season. By forfeiting the FA Cup and League Cup he has cheated the fans of our only realistic chances of doing so. To win the League or European Cup you have to beat ManYoo and/or Chelsea at some point. These players can't.
Chant of the game: A selection about John Terry. Well deserved.
Oppo fans: Love John Terry, apparently. I hope their best friends shag their wives. Then let's see how they feel.
David Oudôt, http://www.onlinegooner.com and http://taxloser.blogspot.com
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Spurs 0 - 0 ASTON VILLA
Well, that was boring. So boring I don't think I can bother to bore you with my boredom. I could if you wished talk about my aquarium which was re-planted today, or the blackcurrant tea I made and then forgot to drink. Both subjects would bring about far more excitement than that game.
That said, I predicted before the game we'd cancel each other out and that is exactly what we did and although it goes without saying I'd rather have seen us win, a point away from home isn't a disaster against a team above us in the league.
Spurs had far more chances but same as Villa so many times this season, chances don't win games, putting the chances away do. Blimey, I am so wise it really is a waste to the game I'm not a manager :o) The Spuds will whinge and whine about us parking a bus in front of goal, well, guess what chaps, you have to get passed the bus and get the ball in the net, you didn't so wipe away your tears, you failed to beat us again despite being the biggest club in the universe (or at least the biggest in N17)
Honestly, I can say no more, it was very difficult to keep awake during that. Then again, at least England beat the Welshies in the rugby, swing low sweet chariot!
Star Man: Sod off...! lol. I guess you'd have to credit the defenders, certainly wouldn't credit John Carew. What a waste of space.
Worst Performer:
John Carew, Carew
Well the flipping HELL WERE YOU
Try having a shot or two
John Carew, Carew
Best Moment: Half time was good, caught up on the rugby and went and made a cuppa (oh my lord, just realised, the cuppa is still in the kitchen... another shocking match incident!
Chant of the game: Spurs calling 'hoof' because Arsene Wenger said we played long ball. Did the cocky London boys not watch the game? Hoof to Crouch, hoof to Crouch, hoof to Crouch. What is the saying: pot - kettle - black?!
Oppo Fans: So sure they are the best in the league. All other fans are so sure that they aren't!
Jonathan 'one day he'll remember to make AND drink his tea' Fear, http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk
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BIRMINGHAM 2 – 1 Wolverhampton
[Awaiting report]
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Stoke 3 – 0 BLACKBURN
[Report incomplete as mark of respect.]
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BOLTON 0 – 0 Fulham
It was that time of year again. Bolton at home to Fulham in probably the worst game of the Premier League season. Every year I think the game should be cancelled and both sides given a point. It's never entertaining and the fans know it, so fail to show their faces.
Fulham didn't manage a single shot on target all afternoon while Bolton's only major chances came the way of Mark Davies, whose shot hit Mark Schwarzer and came back off the bar, and Lee Chung-Yong.
Lee looked set to round the keeper in the second half but Schwarzer got down well to prize the ball away. The late indroductions of Vladimir Weiss and Johan Elmander helped Bolton and the latter should have won it but somehow shot wide from 8 yards with time running out!
Then we got a bit of excitement. Kevin Davies had the ball in the net, but we had to sit down and shut up again as the referee had spotted a push on Brede Hangeland that 23,000 others didn't (but Roy Hodgson did). With results going against us at the weekend, that decision proved costly as we're now 17th in the table, whereas we would have been 14th had the goal stood.
Oh well, 3 derby away days on the spin now in City, Wigan and Blackburn. It's going to be a long month!
Star Man: Fabrice Muamba. Kevin Davies had a good game upfront but Muamba helped stop any little threat Fulham had.
Worst Performer: Matt Taylor. The fans are losing patience with Taylor. After a great season last year, he's failed to live up to expectations and an ironic cheer went around the ground as he was subbed off.
Best Moment: The pub before the game was pretty good. The match wasn't!
Tactics: At home to a team who had lost 5 of their last 6 and we play 1 upfront. The fans love Owen Coyle but he needs to make better decisions than that.
Chant of the Game: It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Oppo Fans: It must have been one expensive taxi!
Chris Mann, www.burndenaces.co.uk
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BURNLEY 2 – 1 West Ham
This was a massive, massive game for the Clarets and a crucial six pointer against another struggling side hoping to avoid the drop. Our 2-1 victory sees the Clarets propelled up the table and out of the bottom three giving our new manager, Brian Laws his first win after five attempts.
We have played much better and lost it has to be said but we were solid and at times very impressive during this game. The Clarets completely dominated the first 20 minutes and we took the lead on 14 minutes after our debutant, left back Danny Fox spotted Nugent in space and delivered a long up field pass to him. Nugent’s marker, Matthew Upson was caught out by the flight of the ball and should have done better but he allowed Nugent to get ahead of him to lob the keeper and put the Clarets 1-0 up.
West Ham came into the game more now seeking the equaliser and their new striker Benni McCarthy suddenly seemed to wake up. Scott Parker on 33 minutes put McCarthy clear and he looked certain to score after rounding Jensen. However from nowhere came Leon Cort to clear off the line at full stretch. So it was 1-0 to the Clarets at the break. All Clarets fans knew 1-0 would not be enough though and with just 10 minutes of the second half played we doubled our lead following a needless foul by Collison on Mears. The angle looked too tight for a direct attempt on goal from the free-kick but Danny Fox had other ideas. His stunning shot curled into the top corner of the net giving Green no chance.
It is perhaps typical of Burnley that we then seemed to take our foot off the accelerator and now allowed West Ham to come at us. The pressure finally paid off for the Hammers and they reduced our lead to 2-1 in the 81st minute thanks to a goal by new boy, Ilan. That goal certainly set up a very nervy last ten minutes for the Clarets. We were due some luck though and we certainly rode it especially in the 90th minute when another West Ham debutant, Mido stretched out a leg and diverted the ball against the post. Clarets fans hearts also sank when the fourth official indicated there would be five minutes of added ‘sweating’ time!
It was with great relief when the final whistle eventually went. We had waited a long time for this victory. The last time we won was against Hull City at Turf Moor back in October, 13 long League games ago. We had endured a terrible start to 2010 with the loss of a manager and no win until now but at long last there was some positive mental attitude in all Clarets fans homes after this game with the feeling we could now survive despite things looking bleak in January.
Star man: This was an excellent team performance but there was one man who shone above the rest and that was our debutant left back, Danny Fox. The left back position has been a problem for the Clarets for some time and we have been severely punished down that flank this season. Fox not only showed his wilingness and cunning in the back four, but he was also the architect of our first goal for David Nugent and then scored a stunning goal himself direct from a free kick to put the Clarets 2-0 up. You could not ask for more.
Worst performer: I do not think anybody would be rated below a seven in this match so I think this time I will decline giving anybody the wooden spoon. The worst performer was actually referee, Howard Webb! He is supposed to come highly recommended as a highly regarded experienced premier league referee but I have to say I have seen him a couple of times now at Turf Moor and he always seems hesitant and usually makes the wrong decisions at key points in the game. He is certainly not a Homer though!
Tactics: Playing two up front was the right thing to do with both Nugent and Fletcher looking lively. We rode our luck a little at times especially after they got a goal back but when the defence were called upon to perform they did their duty in style. A few of us were a bit puzzled as to why Eagles had been dropped back to the bench but in the end we didn’t need him.
Chant of the game: There were lots of noise from both sets of fans and it was a lively atmosphere although I can’t say I remember anything original being sung, sorry!
Oppo fans: Respect to the Hammers fans, they were well supported and sung their ‘ickle hearts out but in the end we burst all their bubbles and it was the proper team in Claret & Blue that won!
Best Moment: That had to be the final whistle and the realisation that we had won our first game in 13 League matches. With a lot of the other results going our way, we were now out of the relegation zone and in a respectable 15th spot. There was also some smug satisfaction that I would be writing a match report for Maxim where we actually won! It would be the first since last October. Hooray!
‘Turfman’ Phil Lea, www.burnley.vitalfootball.co.uk
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CHELSEA 2 – 0 Arsenal
Before we start I’d like to remind everyone, mainly Mr A Wenger, what he said about Didier Drogba in the build up to Chelsea’s win at the Emirates in November.
It was something along the lines of he’s scores a few goals but does little else… apart from end your domestic season, eh Arsene?
Because it was once again the Drogba show as the Ivorian made it 4 goals against the Goners this season.
His brace, coming in the first 25 minutes, helped to deflect attention away from John Terry, whose been in the papers quite a bit this week apparently. But this is not the place for a Terrygate discussion, what I will say is for a man with the weight of the world bearing down on him, he played remarkably well. He and Rikki Carvalho shut the door in Fabregas and co’s faces so many times their noses will be a little flatter in the morning.
Chelsea’s first came from a set piece, a Lampard corner was headed back across goal by Terry, and Drogba was there at the back post to fire home. It came from nowhere, but was the perfect start to loosen up what could’ve been a cagey encounter.
One note from the immediate aftermath of the goal. Terry, having provided the assist, jogged back to his starting position and only when 70 yards away from the action and in with a moment of solitude did the Blues’ skipper allow himself a quick fist pump and a roar to let out his frustrations.
Then came the inevitable onslaught from the visitors, who kept the ball well for long periods but their age-old problem of cutting edge in the final third remains.
The Chelsea second must’ve had Wenger wondering ‘if only’. If only I had a player who could drive, turn and finish the way Drogba did on the counter. In a flash the frontman had turned inside Gallas and drilled past Almunia, and Arsenal were done.
If Wenger did have such a man at his disposal it’d be safe to say his side would be considered a genuine title threat.
Let's face facts, right now the Big Four is dead, only 2 teams ever stand a chance of winning this league and the last 7 days has shown that.
Things got a bit spicy as the game wore on, challenges became later, moans from Fabregas became longer and Mike Dean still couldn’t handle it.
It took him an hour to see a single foul committed, by which point Alex Song should’ve been getting out of his early bath. He’s like Patrick Vieira, only not as good and worse at tackling…
The second half had few major talking points, Cech saved well from a Fabregas free kick, Walcott was hauled off after a woeful display, and Chelsea continued to slam the slam the door the minute anyone in red got a sniff.
Didier Drogba came agonisingly close to completing his hat trick, as he shock Almunia’s crossbar with a free kick.
A quick word on Jon Obi Mikel, I never thought I’d say this but it was good to have him back today. Yes, he still gives the ball away far too much, but his breaking down of Arsenal play was great to see, and he’ll be vital to tightening up our defence during the run-in.
So, back on top of the Premier League have convincingly seeing off Wenger’s boys. Right now, there really is only one team in London.
Star Man: Drogs showed once again how deadly he is the moment an opposition manager gets near criticising him, you’d think they’d learn…
Worst Performer: Not too many today, in a solid display. I’ll give to my coach driver on the way to London for pulling into services on the M3 when he was aiming for the M4. Him or Mike Dean, worse that Mike Riley (anti-christ) that bloke, useless.
Best Moment: The pre- and post-match support for JT clearly meant a lot to him, although there was an irony in him throwing his captain’s armband into the crowd.
Tactics: Back to the diamond today with great success. All helped by the fact that Nasri and Walcott were shite, and all crosses were aimed at ickle Arshavin.
Chant of the game: ‘There’s only one England captain’ or ‘there’s only one team in London’, both to the point rang around the Bridge the most.
Oppo fans: anything but dull (for a change). They started clutching at straws after 25 mins and 2 goals and went for ‘there’s only Wayne Bridge’. It also took them 88 minutes to use ‘where were you when you were shit’ which is just lazy, and then they got all over excited and let off a flare. Bless em.
Martyn Landi, www.cfcnet.co.uk
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Liverpool 1 – 0 EVERTON
Well we blew that one didn't we?!
Hopes were high going into this one as we've not been beaten in nine league games and, despite them being on a similar run, this was as bad a Liverpool side as we could hope to face.
But any pre-match optimism should've been tempered by the fact that during our unbeaten run we've still managed to put in some ropey performances - notably Carlisle and Birmingham in the cup - and, if nothing else, this lot can raise themselves for the big games.
And that's exactly what happened here!
The Blues had the better of the opening exchanges of what was a scrappy - that's putting it mildly - first half that was basically a catalogue of bad tackles.
By half time it could easily have been ten Livepool players versus nine Everton players and Steven Pienaar was the first of three that should have been sent off for horrific tackles.
The South African - who must've stood on a plug when he got out of bed that morning judging by the mood he was in! - seemed happy to go around kicking people, most notably Javier Mascherano whose leg he could easily have snapped in two with a dreadful high lunge.
He may have felt hard done by after Jamie Carragher received no punishment for going right through him in the first minute but, either way, Pienaar failed to exert any of his usual positive influence on a game he could've made his own.
But, had the referee booked Carragher for that early challenge, we may not have had to endure the horror show that was to unfold.
Dirk Kuyt was booked for a cynical foul on Landon Donovan as the American was charging towards the box and then the Dutchman was kicked in the face by Marouane Fellaini after he went down under a challenge from Pienaar.
Then came what was to be the game's turning point as Fellaini and Sotirios Kyrgiakos - surely the player that symbolises most how far the Shite have fallen - went in for a 50-50.
Kyrgiakos went right over the ball and put in a horrible two-footed challenge but Fellaini, seeing what was going on, completely disregarded the ball and decided to 'get his in first' and put in an awful two footed stamp on the Greek international's leg.
As both players were laid out on the floor it was anyone's guess as to what the referee was going to do and - much to the dismay of most of the ground - he chose to send off the Liverpool man and Fellaini got away with it.
Well he got away with it insomuch as he wasn't sent off but he played no further part in the game and is to undergo a scan on his injured leg - so job done by Kyrgiakos!
David Moyes then, to everyone's surprise, sent on Mikel Arteta in place of Fellaini, presuming that the Spaniard could tear them a new arse like he did last season.
But Arteta is a long way off match fitness and he too failed to exert any influence on the game that had now, inevitably given Everton's record when outnumbering the opposition, swung in the home side's favour.
The onus was on Everton to attack and they choked!
That said, had Cahill buried a far post header at the end of the first half then the outcome of the game may have been very different.
But he didn't and within ten minutes of the restart Liverpool took the lead through one of the softest goals the Blues will concede all season.
From another ineffective Liverpool attack, John Heitinga needlessly headed the ball behind for a corner that Steven Gerrard swung into the six-yard box and right onto Dirk Kuyt's ugly kite!
Phil Neville inexplicably got the wrong side of the Dutchman and Tim Howard came out swinging like Stan Laurel in a boxing ring which left Kuyt with an easy header into an empty net.
It was the Dutch international's 50th goal in English football and it feels like at least 49 of them have been scored against us.
The game then petered out as Everton passed the ball around but could not find any sort of a breakthrough.
Tim Cahill fashioned a good chance for himself but took one touch too many and couldn't get any power on his shot and then Yakubu, on for Leon Osman, had a snap shot that Jose Reina did well to tip over.
Speaking of 'Pepe' - what the fuck was that scarf all about? The bell end!
Steven Gerrard, not wanting to be outdone, then put in one of his trademark shithouse tackles and nearly took Steven Pienaar's head off as he lay on the floor.
Quite how Gerrard continually gets away with challenges like this - and his ludicrous 'Bambi-on-ice' dives - is beyond me but he only received a yellow card for what was another red card challenge.
Gerrard was involved in a red card incident though as he contrived to get Steven Pienaar sent off after the South African stupidly jumped into him after he'd won a header on the halfway line.
It was a nothing challenge but the Livepool captain went down holding his face and the referee had the opportunity he needed to even up the numbers.
An awful end to an awful game played by two awful teams!
Star Man: Tim Cahill was the best of a bad bunch.
Worst performer: Tim Howard - didn't have much to do all afternoon but fluffed his lines at the vital moment!
Tactics: Moyes went for Arteta's creativity in midfield after Fellaini went off injured. The spaniard wasn't fit enough for this match and the loss of a holding midfielder played right into Liverpool's hands!
Oppo fans: Horrible bunch of gets! And I think this fixture is fast becoming their cup final!
Chant of the match: He's just a fat Spanish waiter - but after another season-saving result it looks like La Tasca will have to keep him on file for another couple of months!
Les Roberts, www.everton-mad.co.uk
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Bolton 0 – 0 FULHAM
It was a long way to journey to simply pick up a point, especially when your side couldn’t muster a single shot on target in the ninety minutes!
But needs must!
When you’ve an injury list as long as ours and it seems more apt to be wearing the ‘St Johns’ logo on your shirts, you’ll take anything coming your way, will you not?
With a squad shorn of John Pantsil, Paul Konchesky, Simon Davies, Zoltan Gera, Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora, things are always going to be tough no matter who you play.
In the end ‘Lady Luck’ smiled on us slightly when, just as Bolton thought they’d broken the deadlock, late on, Mark Clattenburg penalised Kevin Davies for a push on Brede Hangeland.
Apart from that sudden moment of drama it was all a bit tame. To be frank, for most of the time, both sides were awful. The ball was passed around okay in midfield but when it came to slotting that crucial through ball, into dangerous places, it all fell apart so easily.
Mark Schwarzer had to survive a few scares, often getting just some part of his body in the way and perhaps the afternoon was best summed up when Elmander finally beat Mark but saw his shot go wide of the post.
Maybe the midweek fixture against Burnley will be more rewarding entertainment-wise!
Star man: Mark Schwarzer – got his ageing body in the way of everything!
Worst performer: I’ll not knock anybody when it’s backs to the wall time with so many players out injured!
Best moment: Seeing Mark Clattenburg raise his arm for a free kick when we though Kevin Davies had ended our brave resistance late on!
Tactics: Not sure we can blame the gaffer for this, he's having to put round pegs in square holes just to get a decent looking starting eleven together
.
Oppo fans: Bolton supporters, living in the shadow of much bigger teams, a bit like us I suppose, so that’s maybe why I admire them! Not very noisy though – bit like us again I suppose!
Andrew Joyce, www.vitalfulham.co.uk
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HULL 2 – 1 Man City
[Awaiting report]
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LIVERPOOL 1 – 0 Everton
Where do you start with a match like that?
As I have been late in submitting the report, it afforded me the opportunity (if you can call it that) to look at the Vital Everton match report before writing mine. When I finally stopped laughing that is. Evertonians are a different breed at the best of times but this was a great example of bitterness.
We went into the game off the back of improved results if not necessarily, form. We had been told all week that we were going to get smashed as Everton hadn’t been beaten in the league since we picked up our annual 3 pts at Goodison in the autumn. They said it was the worst Liverpool team they have seen in years and that they were going to play us off the park. Well they didn’t and that was with us only having ten men for the majority of the game.
Firstly to the dismissals. The big Greek deserved to go because he went in with both feet. No arguments. However, microphone head should have walked also for his sh!thouse over the top tackle when he tried to maim the Greek. This, after kicking Dirk in the face, whilst he was prone on the ground. Sh1thouse. Again Pienaar shouldn’t have been on the pitch until the last minute either as his ‘tackle’ on Masch was the worst of the game and could have been a leg breaker. I am not going to blame the ref as both set of players were going in very hard but maybe an earlier booking would have calmed things down a little. Everton are always very physical when they play us (school of science? Arf!) and it was nice that we matched them for a change.
After Dirk got a kick to the face it was nice for him to score the winning goal and keep up his good run of goals against the blues. For us to be playing with ten men, we were very rarely threatened as Everton didn’t have the nous or apparent desire to make the numerical advantage count. I had previously written that Dirk needed a rest as he was in poor form before xmas and, again, he has proved me wrong by going on a rich vein of goal scoring form when we needed it most. Dirk is never going to be the most technical player on the team but if they all had his heart, we would take some stopping.
Liverpool, after being written off a number of weeks ago, now sit in the top 4 for the first time since the start of October. We have a couple of very hard games coming up at the Emirates and Eastlands so a continued push is required. We will have a couple of influential players coming back at the right time as well with Yossi, Johnson and Torres all coming into the team within the next month. Arsenal have probably been put out of the title race in the last two/three games and could even be looking nervously at 4th if we put them to the sword on Wednesday.
Still, onwards and upwards. It is never a bad weekend beating the blues. They continue to worship the ‘Moyesiah’ and ridicule that fat Spanish waiter.
Moyes’ points won in Merseyside derbies vs Rafa – 8
Rafa’s points won in Merseyside derbies vs Moyes - 26
Man of the match - Tough one this, either Lucas who is consistently improving or Dirk for his goal.
Referee: Hard job to do in that match, got a couple wrong as more should have been off but didn't affect the outcome of the game.
Tactics: Deserves a lot of credit here as that negative Benitez kept the 21 yr old rookie on up front when we went down to ten. Most managers would have sacrificed the forward. Rafa went for it still so kudos!
Chant of the game: "Tell me ma, me ma, to wipe away all your tears, no trophies for 15 years, tell me ma, me ma" Sideswipe at a recent Everton song whilst mocking their lack of trophies! Honourable mention goes to the Steau Bucharest banner as we have had to endure the 'Murderers' chant for a while so nice to get some back.
Oppo fans: The normal shouts of 'handball' every five seconds combined with their lovely ditty about Gerrard's kids and calling us 'murderers'. Friendly derby my arse. Love beating them.
Keith Barkley, http://www.liverpool.vitalfootball.co.uk/
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Hull 2 – 0 MAN CITY
Another away game, another abject display - this is becoming a worrying trend now. Full credit to Hull, they were the better side and fully deserved all three points. Our midfield was overrun, and the loss of form suffered by the likes of Gareth Barry and Stephen Ireland is a cause for concern. Fourth place is up for grabs, but City are doing their best to throw away the opportunity presented to them.
Star man: Adam Johnson was only on the pitch for 30 minutes, but showed great promise. Looks like one for the present rather than the future.
Worst performer: Craig Bellamy had an afternoon to forget.
Best moment: There weren’t really any. For us, at least. Boateng’s goal was well taken.
Tactics: The formation was wrong, and we lacked width. Johnson and SWP should’ve started, whilst Gareth Barry clearly needs a rest. I feel we’re far too cautious away from home. Mancini needs to show more ambition and go for the win away from home.
Oppo fans: They were up for it, and clearly enjoyed the victory. The abuse Wayne Bridge got was a bit harsh though (he’s the victim in all this, after all).
Ric Turner, www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk
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MAN UTD 5 – 0 Portsmouth
Manchester United continued in rich goalscoring form with an Old Trafford rout of Portsmouth. The result, hardly unexpected, keeps the Reds in the title hunt. Having scored 15 goals in the past fortnight, Sir Alex Ferguson's men now have significant momentum in the Premier League title race.
Fixtures don't come any easier than this. Portsmouth, doomed to relegation and probable financial meltdown, proved easy pickings for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. Indeed, while the South Coast club fought valiantly, a home win was never in doubt once Wayne Rooney opened the scoring five minutes before half time.
Further - deflected - goals from Nani and Michael Carrick, as well as a Dimitar Berbatov strike and an own goal wrapped up a comfortable win for Ferguson's men. All five goals came in the space of 30 minutes either side of half time.
Sir Alex Ferguson restored Dimitar Berbatov to the starting line-up, after the £30 million Bulgarian striker lay in wait on the bench during United's recent victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. The former-Tottenham Hotspur man, involved in the thick of the action, contributed fully as United thumped the Premier League's basement side.
Yet Avram Grant's side could have score twice before United's opener. First, Edwin van der Sar turned away Anthony Vanden Borre's strike and then the impressive Jonny Evans turned away Nadir Belhadj shot from distance.
The Northern Irishman excelled in the absence of new England captain Rio Ferdinand and his partner-in-physio Nemanja Vidic, who again ruled himself out of today's game.
Fortunately for the home side Carrick's ability to keep the ball moving proved the pivotal influence on the match as United's patience wore down the Israeli's visitors.
Rooney headed in Darren Fletcher's right-wing cross to open the scoring before half-time as the floodgates opened. In-form Nani then added a second, as Vanden Borre turned in the Portuguese's cross minutes later. Carrick's 25-yard left-footer was deflected in off the crossbar by Richard Hughes to beat the returning David James. And Marc Wilson lashed Patrice Evra's centre into his own net for United's fifth.
The best strike of the match, however, came on the hour as Berbatov swiveled on the edge of the area to lash home. Earlier the striker had missed an open goal from just yards out. Such are his mercurial talents.
Star man: Evans is growing in experience, confidence and class by the week. Rio who?
Worst performance: Hard to pick a worst performance in a 5-0 win – but Valencia had a quietish game in his return to the team.
Best moment: Berbatov’s turn and strike from 25 yards – Portsmouth’s defenders didn’t make a tackle but it was a fine strike nonetheless.
Tactics: Four-four-two today, with Berbatov restored to the side after warming the bench in recent matches. It worked today, even if it took nearly 40 minutes for the floodgates to open.
Chant of the game: "We want Glazer out!" 90 minutes of it, not that you’d know if you watched Match of the Day. Creative editing – you’d better believe it.
Oppo fans: You’ve got to feel sorry for them. Bottom of the league and doomed to relegation. Some of the best fans in the league.
Ed Barker, www.unitedrant.co.uk
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Man Utd 5 – 0 PORTSMOUTH
Capitulation!!
The result was more than predictable, especially after seeing the line-up Pompey put out – 1 up front hasn't worked all season, why we thought it would on Saturday is beyond me.
Our midfield contained both Hughes and Mullins once more, both are honest grafters but we will win nothing with the pair in the same side.
I thought we would get turned over if we set up for a draw, hardly needed Nostradamus though did it.
Piquionne was asked to the lone running up front again, Webber was out wide and Dindane omitted, Boateng also found himself on the bench after a few lacklustre outings of late. John Rocha stepped straight in with Ben Haim moving to left back allowing Belhadj to push further up field.
For a game where we never had a look in, we actually could of been two up without James of being threatened, first Vanden Borre got forward to force Van der Sar into a save, and then Belhadj beat the Utd 'Keeper only for Jonny Evans to clear off the line. But that was as good as it got, Pompey had made out their stall to defend, and defend they did, it took until 40 minutes for Rooney to score, he was allowed to ghost in and stoop to head home, criminal defending really, James must question his decision not to come for a cross inside his six yard box as well.
Once the deadlock was broken though, Pompey fell apart as a unit, Nani burst down the left and sent in a cross which took a wicked deflection of Vanden Borre and beat James at his near post, 40 minutes of repelling Utd had all counted for nothing.
The second half and it was wave after wave of red attacks, Hughes managed to join the og club, deflecting a shot from Carrick over James; Pompey were not defending well, but luck was hardly with us either.
Next up came Berbatov, to highlight Pompey's inefficiency in defence, he was allowed to cut back out from the left and then shoot from the edge of the box past a stricken James; he was wasteful first half, but ruthless with this finish.
Not happy with a four-goal deficit, Marc Wilson got the goal of the game, he smacked a lovely volley home - shame Van der Sar wasn't facing him.
5-0 and could of been more, as Rug has pointed out in another article, it is time to sod defence and go all out for goals, if we are to drop, let's go down fighting and kicking all the way.
(MATCH REPORT WRITTEN BY PAULTSMOUTH.)
Star man: Was there one? In all honesty, I find it hard to pick out anyone for being particularly good.
Worst performer: As above, whilst no one particularly shone I would not say that anyone player stood out as being especially bad.
Best moment: Marc Wilson's volley, what a corker. When that bugger was hit it stayed hit – sadly it was into the wrong net!
Tactics: Come on Avram, these were so wrong! He says that we have to 'pick and choose' the games that are winnable now, granted Manyoo away is always going to be tough no matter who you are but we would have been better off going all-out attack and being spanked, as it was we basically pulled down our pants and gave them free reign!
Our goal difference has taken a hammering for nothing as well now, if we had attacked a bit more we might have at least not seen this goal difference take a –5 battering...
Chant of the game: The Pompey fans were in good voice, as usual, but nothing much stood out.
Oppo fans: Sounded a little more vocal than usually surprisingly – then again it is easy to be vocal when you are winning, and winning 5-0 at that...
PLAY UP POMPEY!
Rug, www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk
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STOKE 3 – 0 Blackburn
First of all can I just send my condolences to the family and friends
of the unfortunate Rovers supporter who passed away at the game on
Saturday. That incident took away most of the positive mood that
followed our biggest top flight win in 30 years and anither top-drawer
home performance. Early opener from stand-in captain Higginbotham was
followed by a poacher's finish from Sidibe on half time. The second half
saw us pile pressure on the Rovers goal and although a superb goal from
Etherington was the only goal we did score, we had three cleared off
the line, all near assists for Etherington and even managed a few long
spells of keep ball as attention switched to the busy week ahead in the
closing stages.
Star man: Matthew Etherington. The guy is an absolute genius. On a
special day for this football club, Sir Stanley Matthews Day, the guy
produces a performance that the great man would have been proud of
himself. Great goal, if Giggs or Rooney had scored that people would be
saying it was world class.
Worst performer: Sorro flapped at a few crosses but that's being very
picky.
Best moment: Wilko taking a boot full in the face, all for the cause.
The mans a legend and bravery like that are what makes him such a great
asset to this club. Ronaldo would have wanted a stretcher at the sight
of his own blood but Wilko leapt up and couldn't wait to get back on.
Tactics: Four changes and we got the team spot on. We outplayed them
early on, then outfought them when they wanted to fight, before picking
them apart when they gave up when they realised they couldn't bully us.
Chant of the game: 'Are You Watching Fabio!' following Etherington's
fantastic strike. Are you watching indeed Mr. Capello?
Oppo fans: Not the worst following numbers-wise and were quite noisy
early doors, but the unfortunate incident made the mood understandedly
sombre later on.
Dan Buxton, www.stokecity-mad.co.uk
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SUNDERLAND 1 – 1 Wigan
[Awaiting report]
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TOTTENHAM 0 – 0 Aston Villa
Well, this shouldn’t take long. We were half way back to out post-match pub along the High Road when my mate summed it perfectly: “Watching Villa is like watching Middlesboro. You go along thinking there’s going to be a game, and then... nothing.”
It really is quite amazing how Martin O’Neill has taken raw material like Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Downing, Milner and Petrov, and forged a team as dull as this. We thought they’d sit back and play on the counter attack; that’s what Villa do, isn’t it? But there wasn’t even much counter attacking going on. I think Gomes had two saves of note to make, all day – both in quick succession in the first half.
It was a cagey affair throughout really, especially in the first half. We were less cavalier than usual in that period, wary maybe of that pace on the break. Even so, we had the best of it, with Friedel saving well from Crouch and King. The intensity of our attacks grew the longer the second half went on. We were trying to win the game, but Villa defended impressively. At the other end, there was only the odd flicker of threat.
Twenty to minutes to go, you’re thinking Harry must change it. Try something different: Kranjcar for Bentley, Gudjohnsen for Crouch? But no. The minutes trickled away and no substitutions. A few close scrapes, what looked like a penalty from where I was at the other end of the pitch; referee Foy had it down as a no-score draw on his coupon. It was one of several decisions where he made a big demonstration of pointing in the opposite direction to the one expected. What do we have to do get a homer?!
Anyway, we’ve got to find a way of breaking down teams with as little ambition as this. Too many times this season we’ve drawn a blank when faced with ranks of opponents that weren’t too bothered about crossing the halfway line. We can’t say it’s because we missed Aaron Lennon, since he played in plenty of those earlier games.
I left thinking, thank God I don’t have to watch Aston Villa play every week. Thanks for the memories – er, I’ve forgotten this one already.
Star man: Gareth Bale – getting better and more confident every match
Best moment: Any one of Bale’s several strong surges along the left – shame no-one managed to stick any of them in the onion bag
Tactics: 4-4-2 with Modric and Bentley wide; Defoe and Crouch up front
Chant of the game: “Boring, boring Villa....” It started as a joke, but by the end we meant it.
Oppo fans: They were having a good old sing song, but there weren’t enough of them really.
Andy Knaggs, www.spurs-web.com and www.THFCTalk.com
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Burnley 2 – 0 WEST HAM
[Awaiting report]
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Sunderland 1 – 1 WIGAN
For so long it looked like we would be able to do the double over our former manager and fellow relegation strugglers Sunderland.
Steve Bruce has not done very well for the Black Cats and his side continued their unimpressive recent record when they fell behind to Diame's strik on twenty minutes.
The young French midfielder powered his way into the Sunderland box and fired a 'sally wanger' of an effort into the roof of the net.
It was a real shame that we were unable to hold on. The delight at doing the double over Bruce, as well as earning another three vital points, would have been immense.
As it happens, Kenwyne Jones showed just why he is so highly rated as he nodded the Baclk Cats level twenty minutes into the second half.
On the positive side, we have had a very good transfer window. Figueroa still wears the blue and white of Wigan Athletic, whilst Victor Moses and Marcelo Moreno should be too very good additions going forwards. Then there is Gary Caldwell who should hopefully be able to sure up our defence for the run-in.
It could have been a lot worse. We could have bought a Tottenham reject and signed an ageing former Pompey striker deemed surplus to requirements at City. Clearly Steve Bruce hasn't been doing his shoppnig at Tesco...
Star man: Emmerson Boyce has really grown into the right-back role. He's improved immensely going forwards and has been transformed from the scared schoolboy to one of our best attacking options.
Worst performer: Hugo Rodallega has done a little too much sulking for Wigan fans' liking in recent weeks. He was the same today when substituted. Hopefully he can get back to scoring goals.
Best moment: Without doubt that has to be the thunder strike from Momo Diame.
Tactics: We're going the right way and despite desperate pleas from the typically British Wigan following for a 4-4-2, I think that the new 4-3-2-1 formation will prove a success as soon as the players have fully adapted to it.
Change takes time and Martinez is building a strong and young fulcrum to his Wigan team. It could be a long second half of the season, but the long-term future looks very bright.
Oppo fans: A good home following from Sunderland but they are getting short on patience with Steve Bruce.
Paul Farrington, www.WIGANER.net
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Birmingham 2 – 1 WOLVERHAMPTON
[Awaiting report]
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