Along with the Carling Cup final, yesterday also saw two Premiership ties with the two Europa League contingents getting an extra day off. First up was West Ham as they hosted Liverpool at Upton Park. Avram Grant was looking to keep the momentum from their demolition of Burnley in mid-week. He got his wish with Scot Parker opening the scoring after 22 minutes. It got better for West Ham going into the break with Demba Ba making it 2-0 just before half-time. Liverpool pulled one back through Glen Johnson six minutes from time but Carlton Cole sealed the victory for West Ham by getting their third in injury time. The win sees West Ham move up to eighteenth level with Wolves.
The other game saw Mark Hughes return to Eastlands as Fulham took on Manchester City. Mario Ballotelli put City ahead after 26 minutes to make Hughes feel the worse. But Fulham earned a point with Damien Duff equalising three minutes into the second half. The point sees City move to six behind Arsenal and ten behind Manchester United but both have a game in hand, although Arsenal's is against Tottenham and United's is on Tuesday against Chelsea. Fulham move to thirteenth level on points with Blackburn and Blackpool.
Monday 28 February 2011
Arsene Smarting Over Trophyless Cabinet
Arsenal line-up: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Rosicky, Nasri, Song, Wilshere, Arshavin (Chamakh, 77'), Van Persie (Bendtner, 69')
Birmingham line-up: Foster, Carr, Johnson, Ridgewell, Jiranek, Bowyer, Larsson, Gardner (Beausejour, 50'), Ferguson, Fahey (Martins, 83'), Zigic (Jerome, 90')
The first main silverware (excluding the Community Shield) went up for grabs yesterday as the Carling Cup final took place at Wembley. Arsenal were looking for their first piece of silverware in six years and the clear favourites over Alex McLeish's Birmingham. There was controversy early on as Bowyer was flagged offside when he looked onside and was brought down by Szczesny in just the third minute. Unusually the League Cup final saw two teams both looking to attack and go for the jugular straight away. Both teams created chances without any real venom until Birmingham won a corner in the 27th minute. Any questions about the inexperienced Polish keeper were well and truly asked with the corner met by Zigic in front of Szczesny and the Serb headed through the keeper's hands to give Birmingham the lead. Arsenal gained momentum following the goal but Foster and his defence kept a stern grip of the lead. Six minutes from half-time Jack Wilshere struck the crossbar and the rebound fell to Arshavin on the edge of the box. After rounding a couple of players, the Russian crossed the ball to Van Persie and the Arsenal captain equalised.
The second half saw Birmingham dealt a big blow with Craig Gardner suffering a knock to lead to his substitution just five minutes after the restart. News got worse for Birmingham as Roger Johnson also picked up a injury but was able to carry on through the pain. The Blues came the closest to re-taking the lead when Keith Fahey smashed the post on the hour mark. With Johnson and also Jiranek not looking their fittest, Arsenal decided to take advantage by bringing on Chamakh and Bendtner. Arsenal launched into wave after wave of attacks with Foster having an invincible display in front of the watching Fabio Capello. There was also heroic defending from the injured quarters with everyone throwing their bodies in the way to block Arsenal attacks. The game was almost certain to go into extra time despite the introduction of Obafemi Martins. But Arsenal obviously had other ideas; Birmingham cleared their lines after yet another onslaught and Szczesny looked comfortable enough to gather the ball. Somehow Koscielny decided to get in the way and a lack of communication saw the ball bounce of the pair of them into the path of Martins, the Nigerian was more than happy to tap the ball home to give Birmingham the Carling Cup victory. Arsenal's six year long wait for a trophy should have come to an end but take nothing away from the heroic Birmingham performance as Arsene Wenger has to keep fuming for a while longer.
Sunday 27 February 2011
Five Games, Seventeen Goals
There may have only been five games yesterday in the Barclay's Premiership with no televised fixtures, but the action was well worth waiting for on Match of the Day or Football First.
Blackburn's new owners claimed Blackburn were good enough to finish sixth and they sacked Allardyce because they weren't heading for it. Well anyone with common sense could have told them that Blackburn couldn't finish sixth and are now just four points from relegation after a defeat to Aston Villa. After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken four minutes after the restart when Keith Andrews brought Ashley Young down in the box, Young converted the following penalty. Villa made it 2-0 two minutes after the hour when Grant Hanley put the ball into his own net without knowing much about it. The game was well and truly over two minutes later when a great counter attacking move was finished off by Stewart Downing. Kalinic pulled one back nine minutes from time via a deflected shot but Villa made it 4-1 just a minute later with Young scoring his second. Ryan Nelsen has had a worrying week with the disaster in his home country New Zealand, it got even worse when he received a second yellow in injury time. Villa now leapfrog Blackburn into twelfth.
There was a stalemate at St. James' Park where Newcastle hosted Bolton. Former Bolton man Kevin Nolan continued his impressive season with a goal after thirteen minutes. Bolton equalised with Sturridge scoring his fourth goal in four games seven minutes before half-time. The second half saw Ryan Taylor see red just nine minutes into it after a two footed lunge on Elmander. Bolton couldn't take advantage and the game finished 1-1.
With Arsenal not playing this weekend due to the Carling Cup, Manchester United were looking to take full advantage away to Wigan. There was controversy in the opening minutes when Rooney looked to have elbowed James McCarthy, referee Clattenburg gave nothing and Rooney got away with it but the FA should surely retrospectively punish him for it. From United held off Wigan's charge and took the lead with Javier Hernandez scoring after seventeen minutes. He then made it 2-0 after 74 minutes and from there it was just about how many United could get. Rooney made it three when Berbatov unselfishly gave him a tap in six minutes from time. Fabio scored his first ever Manchester United goal three minutes later to seal the 4-0 victory to extend United's lead to four points.
Wolves secured their biggest ever Premiership victory at home to Blackpool. Wolves fired themselves out of the traps with Matt Jarvis giving them the lead after just two minutes. Blackpool didn't help themselves when DJ Campbell lost his cool and pushed Stearman in the face, the striker earned himself a red card and Blackpool had to face the whole second half with ten men. Wolves took full advantage with Jamie O'Hara scoring his second goal in two games nine minutes into the second half. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake joined the party by making it 3-0 twelve minutes from time and adding a second in injury time. The win sees Wolves move out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
A Jermiane Beckford double saw Everton overcome Sunderland at Goodison Park. He broke the deadlock after just eight minutes before finishing the game off six minutes before half-time. Sunderland's best chance came in the first half when Sessegnon hit the crossbar. Everton now move into the top half but are level on points with Stoke and Villa behind them.
Blackburn's new owners claimed Blackburn were good enough to finish sixth and they sacked Allardyce because they weren't heading for it. Well anyone with common sense could have told them that Blackburn couldn't finish sixth and are now just four points from relegation after a defeat to Aston Villa. After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken four minutes after the restart when Keith Andrews brought Ashley Young down in the box, Young converted the following penalty. Villa made it 2-0 two minutes after the hour when Grant Hanley put the ball into his own net without knowing much about it. The game was well and truly over two minutes later when a great counter attacking move was finished off by Stewart Downing. Kalinic pulled one back nine minutes from time via a deflected shot but Villa made it 4-1 just a minute later with Young scoring his second. Ryan Nelsen has had a worrying week with the disaster in his home country New Zealand, it got even worse when he received a second yellow in injury time. Villa now leapfrog Blackburn into twelfth.
There was a stalemate at St. James' Park where Newcastle hosted Bolton. Former Bolton man Kevin Nolan continued his impressive season with a goal after thirteen minutes. Bolton equalised with Sturridge scoring his fourth goal in four games seven minutes before half-time. The second half saw Ryan Taylor see red just nine minutes into it after a two footed lunge on Elmander. Bolton couldn't take advantage and the game finished 1-1.
With Arsenal not playing this weekend due to the Carling Cup, Manchester United were looking to take full advantage away to Wigan. There was controversy in the opening minutes when Rooney looked to have elbowed James McCarthy, referee Clattenburg gave nothing and Rooney got away with it but the FA should surely retrospectively punish him for it. From United held off Wigan's charge and took the lead with Javier Hernandez scoring after seventeen minutes. He then made it 2-0 after 74 minutes and from there it was just about how many United could get. Rooney made it three when Berbatov unselfishly gave him a tap in six minutes from time. Fabio scored his first ever Manchester United goal three minutes later to seal the 4-0 victory to extend United's lead to four points.
Wolves secured their biggest ever Premiership victory at home to Blackpool. Wolves fired themselves out of the traps with Matt Jarvis giving them the lead after just two minutes. Blackpool didn't help themselves when DJ Campbell lost his cool and pushed Stearman in the face, the striker earned himself a red card and Blackpool had to face the whole second half with ten men. Wolves took full advantage with Jamie O'Hara scoring his second goal in two games nine minutes into the second half. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake joined the party by making it 3-0 twelve minutes from time and adding a second in injury time. The win sees Wolves move out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
A Jermiane Beckford double saw Everton overcome Sunderland at Goodison Park. He broke the deadlock after just eight minutes before finishing the game off six minutes before half-time. Sunderland's best chance came in the first half when Sessegnon hit the crossbar. Everton now move into the top half but are level on points with Stoke and Villa behind them.
Friday 25 February 2011
Premier League Darts: Week Three
The third week of Premier League took place in the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. The home players knew they had a fight against the Celtic crowd with nearly all the English players getting some boos.
The first watch was an all Celtic affair as the two debutants faced off against each other. Anderson was looking to make it three wins out of three with Webster looking to come back from last week's defeat to Taylor. Unfortunately only one player turned up but both players missed countless doubles within the match. Anderson came out firing and took the first two legs, Webster fought back with a check-out of 102 to make it 2-1. But the ton plus finish wasn't enough to spur Webster into action and Anderson went onto administer the league's toughest punishment this season with an 8-1 thrashing, enough to see Anderson maintain his superiority at the top.
James Wade was the first player to face the boos of the partisan crowd, his opponent was Whitlock who was looking for his first points of the league. The first three legs went with throw but Whitlock got that crucial break of throw in the fourth and gained the advantage in the fifth to make it 4-1. Wade made it 4-2 before the break and maintained that momentum by winning the following three legs to make it 5-4, the highlight coming in the eighth leg with a 128 check-out. But Whitlock was determined to get his first points of the league and regained control by winning the final four legs to win 8-5.
Adrian Lewis was looking to bounce back like a true World Champion after his defeat last week but had the tough test of facing the rejuvenated Van Barneveld. Lewis fired out of the blocks with a ten darter but Barneveld kept at his own pace to secure a 3-1 lead. Lewis managed to check-out a maximum 170 in the eighth leg to make it 5-3. Barneveld had guaranteed himself a point by the tenth leg but, just like last week, Lewis fought back to within one leg. Barneveld held his nerve though and held his throw to win the match 8-6 and keep Lewis on a downer.
The final match of the night saw an all English affair with Taylor against Jenkins. Unfortunately, much like the opener, only Taylor turned up and Jenkins had to brace himself to a tough time. It took Jenkins till the fifth leg to notch a check-out and made it 6-2 three legs later. Taylor was in ruthless form and stopped the Bull from winning any more legs to win 8-2.
After three weeks Anderson leads with three wins from win. Van Barneveld and Taylor are just a win behind him on four points. The remainder all have two points after Whitlock secured his first win of the tournament.
The first watch was an all Celtic affair as the two debutants faced off against each other. Anderson was looking to make it three wins out of three with Webster looking to come back from last week's defeat to Taylor. Unfortunately only one player turned up but both players missed countless doubles within the match. Anderson came out firing and took the first two legs, Webster fought back with a check-out of 102 to make it 2-1. But the ton plus finish wasn't enough to spur Webster into action and Anderson went onto administer the league's toughest punishment this season with an 8-1 thrashing, enough to see Anderson maintain his superiority at the top.
James Wade was the first player to face the boos of the partisan crowd, his opponent was Whitlock who was looking for his first points of the league. The first three legs went with throw but Whitlock got that crucial break of throw in the fourth and gained the advantage in the fifth to make it 4-1. Wade made it 4-2 before the break and maintained that momentum by winning the following three legs to make it 5-4, the highlight coming in the eighth leg with a 128 check-out. But Whitlock was determined to get his first points of the league and regained control by winning the final four legs to win 8-5.
Adrian Lewis was looking to bounce back like a true World Champion after his defeat last week but had the tough test of facing the rejuvenated Van Barneveld. Lewis fired out of the blocks with a ten darter but Barneveld kept at his own pace to secure a 3-1 lead. Lewis managed to check-out a maximum 170 in the eighth leg to make it 5-3. Barneveld had guaranteed himself a point by the tenth leg but, just like last week, Lewis fought back to within one leg. Barneveld held his nerve though and held his throw to win the match 8-6 and keep Lewis on a downer.
The final match of the night saw an all English affair with Taylor against Jenkins. Unfortunately, much like the opener, only Taylor turned up and Jenkins had to brace himself to a tough time. It took Jenkins till the fifth leg to notch a check-out and made it 6-2 three legs later. Taylor was in ruthless form and stopped the Bull from winning any more legs to win 8-2.
After three weeks Anderson leads with three wins from win. Van Barneveld and Taylor are just a win behind him on four points. The remainder all have two points after Whitlock secured his first win of the tournament.
Thursday 24 February 2011
Three Games, Two Competitions, Two Goals
Last night saw the final couple of Champions League second round first legs and another rescheduled Premiership match. It was a clash of last year's final with Inter Milan hosting Bayern Munich while Manchester United headed to France to take on Marseille. Back home, the Premiership action was at the Emirates where Arsenal hosted Stoke.
Inter Milan took the Champions League trophy from Munich last May but Bayern were looking to gain revenge, starting off at the San Siro. They waited until injury time for the deadlock to be broken but Mario Gomes scored the crucial goal to give Munich the lead and the crucial away goal.
Manchester United looked much more positive against Marseille in France than against Crawley but still failed to show any danger in front of goal. The second half saw Marseille show more promise and looked a little more dangerous in front of goal with the likes of Valbeuna and Cheyrou entering the fray. However the match played to a 0-0 bore draw which may favour United but the away goal rule could come back to haunt them again, although they still have only conceded once in the Champions League this season.
In the Premiership, only one goal was needed to decide the outcome between Arsenal and Stoke. It only took eight minutes before Sebastien Squillaci put Arsenal ahead and ultimately win the game. This moves Arsenal to within one point of United, who play their game in hand next Tuesday against Chelsea, but Walcott and Fabregas picked up injuries that should see them miss the Carling Cup final on Sunday.
Inter Milan took the Champions League trophy from Munich last May but Bayern were looking to gain revenge, starting off at the San Siro. They waited until injury time for the deadlock to be broken but Mario Gomes scored the crucial goal to give Munich the lead and the crucial away goal.
Manchester United looked much more positive against Marseille in France than against Crawley but still failed to show any danger in front of goal. The second half saw Marseille show more promise and looked a little more dangerous in front of goal with the likes of Valbeuna and Cheyrou entering the fray. However the match played to a 0-0 bore draw which may favour United but the away goal rule could come back to haunt them again, although they still have only conceded once in the Champions League this season.
In the Premiership, only one goal was needed to decide the outcome between Arsenal and Stoke. It only took eight minutes before Sebastien Squillaci put Arsenal ahead and ultimately win the game. This moves Arsenal to within one point of United, who play their game in hand next Tuesday against Chelsea, but Walcott and Fabregas picked up injuries that should see them miss the Carling Cup final on Sunday.
Wednesday 23 February 2011
Chelsea Still Danegerous, Lyon Earn Real Draw and Blackpool Earn Their Spurs
The third couplet of Champions League second round first legs took place yesterday with Chelsea in Denmark against Copenhagen and Lyon hosting Real Madrid. There was also action at Bloomfield Road where Blackpool hosted Tottenham in the latest rescheduled Premiership match.
With Chelsea out of the FA Cup and their title hopes have all but slipped away, all they have left to focus on in terms of silverware is the elusive Champions League. Their opponents Copenhagen shouldn't have the quality to match Chelsea despite having former Chelsea player Jesper Gronkjaer playing for them. The dilemma for Chelsea was who to play up front, Ancelotti went with Anelka and Torres with Drogba on the bench. It may have been half of the right choice as Anelka gave Chelsea the lead after seventeen minutes. Anelka then wrapped the game up nine minutes into the second half to put Chelsea in a commanding position going into the second leg.
The other tie is finely poised after Lyon managed to get a draw at home to Real Madrid. Former Lyon star Karim Benzema came back to haunt his birthplace and original club with a goal after 65 minutes. Bafetimbi Gomis equalised for Lyon with seven minutes to play to earn the draw but Madrid have the advantage going into the second leg with the away goal.
This time last week Tottenham were in dreamland after another magical night at the San Siro. This week Harry Redknapp must be issuing extra training after a defeat to Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. Tottenham had great chances to take the lead but it was Blackpool who broke the deadlock with Charlie Adam converting a penalty after eighteen minutes. Tottenham still had chances to equalise but were caught on the counter attack just before half-time which resulted in DJ Campbell making it 2-0. The game was finished off ten minutes from time when Brett Ormerod made it three but Pavlyuchenko made it 3-1 with his consolation coming in injury time. So overall a good night for Chelsea with the win and with Tottenham staying only two points ahead, Blackpool now move up to twelfth after catching up with all their games in hand.
With Chelsea out of the FA Cup and their title hopes have all but slipped away, all they have left to focus on in terms of silverware is the elusive Champions League. Their opponents Copenhagen shouldn't have the quality to match Chelsea despite having former Chelsea player Jesper Gronkjaer playing for them. The dilemma for Chelsea was who to play up front, Ancelotti went with Anelka and Torres with Drogba on the bench. It may have been half of the right choice as Anelka gave Chelsea the lead after seventeen minutes. Anelka then wrapped the game up nine minutes into the second half to put Chelsea in a commanding position going into the second leg.
The other tie is finely poised after Lyon managed to get a draw at home to Real Madrid. Former Lyon star Karim Benzema came back to haunt his birthplace and original club with a goal after 65 minutes. Bafetimbi Gomis equalised for Lyon with seven minutes to play to earn the draw but Madrid have the advantage going into the second leg with the away goal.
This time last week Tottenham were in dreamland after another magical night at the San Siro. This week Harry Redknapp must be issuing extra training after a defeat to Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. Tottenham had great chances to take the lead but it was Blackpool who broke the deadlock with Charlie Adam converting a penalty after eighteen minutes. Tottenham still had chances to equalise but were caught on the counter attack just before half-time which resulted in DJ Campbell making it 2-0. The game was finished off ten minutes from time when Brett Ormerod made it three but Pavlyuchenko made it 3-1 with his consolation coming in injury time. So overall a good night for Chelsea with the win and with Tottenham staying only two points ahead, Blackpool now move up to twelfth after catching up with all their games in hand.
Tuesday 22 February 2011
Politics Invades Sport
Over the years many disasters or conflicts have disrupted sport, the obvious being the World Wars. Recently it's been the troubled area of Palestine and even more recently the terrorism in Pakistan. But over the past month the 'revolution' has taken place in North Africa and the Middle East. It started off in Tunisia before spreading to Egypt, after Egypt's successful dismissal of President Mubarak, Algeria, Jordan, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon have all now started their uprising leading to amassed violence. It has even started to spread to Europe with Albania also in a state of political upheaval.
But the main sporting issue with these uprisings is the one in Bahrain. They have also started to riot and it has lead to many casualties and even some fatalities. So how does this impact on sport? Well the Formula One season was due to begin in Bahrain early next month and due to the uprisings the Bahrain government and the FIA have wisely decided to postpone the event. It hasn't been totally cancelled as Bernie Eccleston hopes to reschedule the grand prix later in the calender. This means that the Formula One season will now begin in Melbourne, Australia on March 27th. The final testing that was due to take place in Bahrain will now take place in Barcelona.
But the main sporting issue with these uprisings is the one in Bahrain. They have also started to riot and it has lead to many casualties and even some fatalities. So how does this impact on sport? Well the Formula One season was due to begin in Bahrain early next month and due to the uprisings the Bahrain government and the FIA have wisely decided to postpone the event. It hasn't been totally cancelled as Bernie Eccleston hopes to reschedule the grand prix later in the calender. This means that the Formula One season will now begin in Melbourne, Australia on March 27th. The final testing that was due to take place in Bahrain will now take place in Barcelona.
Avram Continues FA Cup Fairytale
Everyone knows how well Avram Grant has done in the FA Cup since his introduction to English football. Yesterday his West Ham side hosted Burnley in their FA Cup fifth round tie with the winner heading to the Britannia for a quarter final match against Stoke. Well just like over the weekend with league teams Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton and Notts County, Burnley were shown a bit of Premiership class.
It took 23 minutes for West Ham to break Burnley down with former Villa player Thomas Hitzlsperger getting the goal. Burnley held out for half-time but just three minutes after the restart Carlton Cole made it 2-0, he then scored his second goal just two minutes to put the game beyond doubt. West Ham weren't finished though and Kiwi defender Winston Reid made it 4-0 just before the hour. Burnley did muster up a consolation through Jay Rodriguez after 71 minutes but West Ham had the last say with Freddie Sears making it 5-1 in injury time.
Sunday 20 February 2011
FA Cup Quarter Final Draw
Although the next stage in the FA Cup is the quarter finals, meant for eight competitors, there are still twelve teams in contention for FA Cup success. But only three are from outside the Premiership and aren't yet guaranteed a place in the quarter finals.
Tony Pulis was hoping for a nice home draw after Stoke's convincing win against Brighton yesterday. Well they got their wish and will play the winner of tomorrow's match between West Ham and Burnley at the Britannia. Manchester City earned their fifth round place today which sees them face Aston Villa at Eastlnads. The winner of that tie will then have a home quarter final tie again either Everton or Burnley who play their fifth round tie on March 1st. Birmingham already have a League Cup final next Sunday at Wembley, they will face Bolton at St.Andrew's for a chance to get to Wembley for the semis. After Manchester United crawled into the draw they will be at Old Trafford again, this time to face either Arsenal or Leyton Orient who have a replay to look forward to. Tie will be played on 12th/13th March
Tony Pulis was hoping for a nice home draw after Stoke's convincing win against Brighton yesterday. Well they got their wish and will play the winner of tomorrow's match between West Ham and Burnley at the Britannia. Manchester City earned their fifth round place today which sees them face Aston Villa at Eastlnads. The winner of that tie will then have a home quarter final tie again either Everton or Burnley who play their fifth round tie on March 1st. Birmingham already have a League Cup final next Sunday at Wembley, they will face Bolton at St.Andrew's for a chance to get to Wembley for the semis. After Manchester United crawled into the draw they will be at Old Trafford again, this time to face either Arsenal or Leyton Orient who have a replay to look forward to. Tie will be played on 12th/13th March
Sunday Football: 20/2/11
Today saw a mixture of football with a FA Cup fourth round replay, two FA Cup fifth round matches and a Barclay's Premiership match. The untelevised fifth round match saw Fulham host Bolton who made it via a replay victory over Wigan in mid-week. The scorer of the only goal at the DW was Ivan Klasnic and it was he who scored the only goal at Craven Cottage. It came after nineteen minutes and it was enough to see Bolton through to the quarter finals.
The usual Sunday half one kick-off was at Eastlands where Manchester City were hosting Notts County in the FA Cup fourth round replay, the winner earned a home tie against Aston Villa. County looked strong for the first twenty minutes and an upset was plausible until Patrick Vieira gave City the lead after 37 minutes. Everyone knew the second goal would be the crucial one and it came again from the veteran Frenchman thirteen minutes into the second half. From there the flood gates opened and City started scoring for fun. Tevez made it three with six minutes to go with the already under pressure Dzeko benefiting from a Tevez cross to make it 4-0 five minutes later. Dzeko should have made it five when he went one on one with the keeper but he fluffed his shot. But Richards produced a bit of striking quality with a goal for the third time from a set piece in injury time.
The four o'clock kick-off saw the shock of the round as Leyton Orient hosted a not so weakened Arsenal. Mid-week it was Arsenal versus Barcelona and today the roles had reversed with Orient becoming David. With only new face, Miguel, in defence, Arsenal had a pretty strong side with the likes of Arshavin, Chamakh, Rosicky, Squillaci and Sagna included amongst the big names. But Orient did their very best hold Arsenal off and lasted eight minutes into the second half until Rosicky put Arsenal ahead. From there it looked ominous that Arsenal were going through but the shock came in the last minute before injury time when substitute Jonathan Tehoue equalised for Orient, making a date for a fifth round replay at the Emirates.
The Barclay's Premier League match saw two players scored their first goals as West Brom hosted Wolves. Jamie O'Hara scored his first goal for Wolves six minutes before half-time. Roy Hodgson's first game in charge looked for all the world that it was going to end in defeat, but on loan Carlos Vela scored an injury time equaliser on his debut to give West Brom the point.
The usual Sunday half one kick-off was at Eastlands where Manchester City were hosting Notts County in the FA Cup fourth round replay, the winner earned a home tie against Aston Villa. County looked strong for the first twenty minutes and an upset was plausible until Patrick Vieira gave City the lead after 37 minutes. Everyone knew the second goal would be the crucial one and it came again from the veteran Frenchman thirteen minutes into the second half. From there the flood gates opened and City started scoring for fun. Tevez made it three with six minutes to go with the already under pressure Dzeko benefiting from a Tevez cross to make it 4-0 five minutes later. Dzeko should have made it five when he went one on one with the keeper but he fluffed his shot. But Richards produced a bit of striking quality with a goal for the third time from a set piece in injury time.
The four o'clock kick-off saw the shock of the round as Leyton Orient hosted a not so weakened Arsenal. Mid-week it was Arsenal versus Barcelona and today the roles had reversed with Orient becoming David. With only new face, Miguel, in defence, Arsenal had a pretty strong side with the likes of Arshavin, Chamakh, Rosicky, Squillaci and Sagna included amongst the big names. But Orient did their very best hold Arsenal off and lasted eight minutes into the second half until Rosicky put Arsenal ahead. From there it looked ominous that Arsenal were going through but the shock came in the last minute before injury time when substitute Jonathan Tehoue equalised for Orient, making a date for a fifth round replay at the Emirates.
The Barclay's Premier League match saw two players scored their first goals as West Brom hosted Wolves. Jamie O'Hara scored his first goal for Wolves six minutes before half-time. Roy Hodgson's first game in charge looked for all the world that it was going to end in defeat, but on loan Carlos Vela scored an injury time equaliser on his debut to give West Brom the point.
FA Cup Saturday: 19/2/10
The FA Cup returned yesterday with a mixture of a fourth round replay and three fifth matches. The lunch-time kick-off was the fourth round replay between Chelsea and Everton, for me it could have taken place mid-week like the Bolton Wigan game, as neither team had a game. But television comes before sense sometimes but we were treated to some true FA Cup drama. Neither team could find the net after ninety minutes so it went to extra time. After 104 minutes of playing time, Chelsea finally broke the deadlock with Lampard getting the goal just before half-time. Chelsea were moments away from going through but conceded a free-kick just outside the box which Leighton Baines curled into the top corner to force penalties. Lampard converted the first penalty but Baines missed for Everton to give Chelsea the lead. Drogba made it 2-0 before Jagielka pulled one back to keep Everton alive. The Toffees then had a chance to level after Anelka missed and Mikel Arteta was on hand to equalise. Essien and Heitinga made it 3-3 before Ashley Cole fired wide to allow Phil Neville to convert his penalty and give Everton the 4-3 victory. Everton now face Reading at Goodison Park with knowledge that a new FA Cup champion will be crowned.
The two three o'clock kick-offs in the FA Cup fifth round weren't really contests as the Premiership victors eased past their Football League opponents. First Birmingham hosted League 1 Sheffield Wednesday. It took the Blues just six minutes to get ahead with Jean Beausejour scoring his first Birmingham. Obafemi Martins also scored his first Birmingham goal to make it 2-0 after seventeen minutes. The game was completed when David Murphy made it 3-0 eight minutes into the second half.
The other three o'clock kick-off saw Stoke host League 1 Brighton. This also wasn't much of a contest and Stoke took the lead after fourteen minutes with Carew scoring his second goal in two games. Jon Walters made it 2-0 after 22 minutes and Ryan Shawcross finished the match off two minutes before half-time.
The tea-time kick-off saw Manchester United crawl into the quarter finals. Non-League Crawley Town came to Old Trafford with nothing to lose and nearly and possibly should have come away from Old Trafford with a replay. United made nine changes to make it a near reserve side with the exceptions being Rafael, Anderson, O'Shea and Hernandez. After a hard fought first half, United managed to pinch the lead with captain Wes Brown flicking the ball from a corner into the net after 28 minutes. Sir Alex Ferguson called upon the cavalry in the form of Rooney at half-time and Fletcher after 69 minutes. However United's performance didn't really get much better and Crawley came within centimetres of an equaliser in injury time when Richard Brodie hit the crossbar.
The two three o'clock kick-offs in the FA Cup fifth round weren't really contests as the Premiership victors eased past their Football League opponents. First Birmingham hosted League 1 Sheffield Wednesday. It took the Blues just six minutes to get ahead with Jean Beausejour scoring his first Birmingham. Obafemi Martins also scored his first Birmingham goal to make it 2-0 after seventeen minutes. The game was completed when David Murphy made it 3-0 eight minutes into the second half.
The other three o'clock kick-off saw Stoke host League 1 Brighton. This also wasn't much of a contest and Stoke took the lead after fourteen minutes with Carew scoring his second goal in two games. Jon Walters made it 2-0 after 22 minutes and Ryan Shawcross finished the match off two minutes before half-time.
The tea-time kick-off saw Manchester United crawl into the quarter finals. Non-League Crawley Town came to Old Trafford with nothing to lose and nearly and possibly should have come away from Old Trafford with a replay. United made nine changes to make it a near reserve side with the exceptions being Rafael, Anderson, O'Shea and Hernandez. After a hard fought first half, United managed to pinch the lead with captain Wes Brown flicking the ball from a corner into the net after 28 minutes. Sir Alex Ferguson called upon the cavalry in the form of Rooney at half-time and Fletcher after 69 minutes. However United's performance didn't really get much better and Crawley came within centimetres of an equaliser in injury time when Richard Brodie hit the crossbar.
Friday 18 February 2011
Premier League Darts: Week 2
The second week of Premier League darts was in the Capital FM Trent Arena, Nottingham. In 2008 it witnessed a record 44 180s in a single night and last night it witnessed fourteen ton plus finishes in the four games, with nearly thirty 180s.
Up first was Whitlock against Van Barneveld, both players were looking to bounce back after their defeats from last week. Whitlock wasn't at the races again for the first three legs but still took out 140 in the third to make it 2-1. Barney managed to extend his lead in the sixth leg with a 116 finish to make it 4-2 at the break. After the break Barney won the next two legs which included a 160 in the seventh before Whitlock found tops to make it 6-3. From there the Dutchman continued his best darts for a long time with a 156 finish in the tenth followed by a 141 in the eleventh to thrash Whitlock 8-3.
Lewis was looking to build from his spectacular victory over Taylor last week while his opponent Wade was looking to bounce back after his defeat against Webster. The first seven legs all went with throw with the highlights coming from Lewis with a 100 checkout in the fourth followed by a 121 in the sixth, but he was still 4-3 behind. Wade secured the crucial break of throw in the eighth with a 102 of his own before consolidating his lead at 6-3. Lewis pulled another leg back but Wade soon guaranteed himself his first point of the tournament with a 141. Lewis gave it one last shot by winning the twelfth and thirteenth legs to make it 7-6 but Wade fought back to win the last leg against the throw with a 136 checkout to win 8-6.
Phil Taylor was also looking to bounce back after his worst ever defeat last. His opponent was Webster but he felt the Power as Taylor took the first three legs. It could have been 4-0 with Taylor waiting on a double but Webster pulled out a 170 finish from nowhere. He kept biting at Taylor's ankles and managed a 160 finish in the eighth leg to make it 5-3 Taylor. But Taylor remained in control and saw out the match 8-5.
The final match of the night saw Jenkins take on Anderson with both players looking to win their second consecutive matches. The first three legs all went against throw but Anderson held it in the fourth to make it 3-1. Jenkins took a Shanghai 120 in the sixth to make it 4-2 going into the break and won the first leg following it to go within one of Anderson. But Anderson firmly shut the door by winning the next three legs to guarantee a point. Jenkins tried to comeback by taking the eleventh leg but Anderson wasn't going to be denied the win and won the final leg in style, by taking out a 127. After two weeks Anderson leads the table with two wins from two. The rest of the pack are all on two points except the out of sorts Whitlock who is yet to score his first points of the tournament.
Up first was Whitlock against Van Barneveld, both players were looking to bounce back after their defeats from last week. Whitlock wasn't at the races again for the first three legs but still took out 140 in the third to make it 2-1. Barney managed to extend his lead in the sixth leg with a 116 finish to make it 4-2 at the break. After the break Barney won the next two legs which included a 160 in the seventh before Whitlock found tops to make it 6-3. From there the Dutchman continued his best darts for a long time with a 156 finish in the tenth followed by a 141 in the eleventh to thrash Whitlock 8-3.
Lewis was looking to build from his spectacular victory over Taylor last week while his opponent Wade was looking to bounce back after his defeat against Webster. The first seven legs all went with throw with the highlights coming from Lewis with a 100 checkout in the fourth followed by a 121 in the sixth, but he was still 4-3 behind. Wade secured the crucial break of throw in the eighth with a 102 of his own before consolidating his lead at 6-3. Lewis pulled another leg back but Wade soon guaranteed himself his first point of the tournament with a 141. Lewis gave it one last shot by winning the twelfth and thirteenth legs to make it 7-6 but Wade fought back to win the last leg against the throw with a 136 checkout to win 8-6.
Phil Taylor was also looking to bounce back after his worst ever defeat last. His opponent was Webster but he felt the Power as Taylor took the first three legs. It could have been 4-0 with Taylor waiting on a double but Webster pulled out a 170 finish from nowhere. He kept biting at Taylor's ankles and managed a 160 finish in the eighth leg to make it 5-3 Taylor. But Taylor remained in control and saw out the match 8-5.
The final match of the night saw Jenkins take on Anderson with both players looking to win their second consecutive matches. The first three legs all went against throw but Anderson held it in the fourth to make it 3-1. Jenkins took a Shanghai 120 in the sixth to make it 4-2 going into the break and won the first leg following it to go within one of Anderson. But Anderson firmly shut the door by winning the next three legs to guarantee a point. Jenkins tried to comeback by taking the eleventh leg but Anderson wasn't going to be denied the win and won the final leg in style, by taking out a 127. After two weeks Anderson leads the table with two wins from two. The rest of the pack are all on two points except the out of sorts Whitlock who is yet to score his first points of the tournament.
Thursday 17 February 2011
Arsenal Rock Barca, Shakhtar Rock Roma and Bolton Rock Wigan
The second quarter of the Champions League first legs took place yesterday along with a FA Cup fourth round replay. The first of the Champions League ties was in the Stadio Olimpico where under threat Claudio Ranieri saw his team Roma host Shakhtar Donetsk. It was Roma who took the lead after 28 minutes when Simone Perrotta scored. The lead only a minute when Shakhtar equalised through Jadson. The Ukrainians then took the lead nine minutes from half-time when Douglas Costa scored it was 3-1 five minutes later when Adriano rolled back the years. Roma pulled one back just after the hour through Jeremy Menez but Roma will have it all to do in Ukraine.
After Tottenham's win in Milan on Tuesday, the English sides continued to impress with Arsenal winning against Barcelona at the Emirates. Barcelona had countless chances to win the game and took the lead after 26 minutes through David Villa. Arsenal fought hard and found their equaliser in the form of Robin Van Persie twelve minutes from time. Arsenal continued their late show with Arshavin making it 2-1 five minutes later. Although Arsenal will have the lead going into the second leg, I can't see them keeping a clean sheet and despite Gerard Pique being suspended, it'll be hard for Arsenal to score.
The FA Cup fourth round replay at the DW Stadium threw up questions over team's integrity in the cup. Wigan hosted Bolton in a match watched by just over seven and a half thousand, but you can't blame so few for turning up when you know that Wigan made nine changes from the weekend and Bolton made six. It was Bolton who scored the only goal of the match through Ivan Klasnic after 66 minutes to set up a fifth round tie against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
After Tottenham's win in Milan on Tuesday, the English sides continued to impress with Arsenal winning against Barcelona at the Emirates. Barcelona had countless chances to win the game and took the lead after 26 minutes through David Villa. Arsenal fought hard and found their equaliser in the form of Robin Van Persie twelve minutes from time. Arsenal continued their late show with Arshavin making it 2-1 five minutes later. Although Arsenal will have the lead going into the second leg, I can't see them keeping a clean sheet and despite Gerard Pique being suspended, it'll be hard for Arsenal to score.
The FA Cup fourth round replay at the DW Stadium threw up questions over team's integrity in the cup. Wigan hosted Bolton in a match watched by just over seven and a half thousand, but you can't blame so few for turning up when you know that Wigan made nine changes from the weekend and Bolton made six. It was Bolton who scored the only goal of the match through Ivan Klasnic after 66 minutes to set up a fifth round tie against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Wednesday 16 February 2011
Tottenham and Shalke Score Away Goals While Newcastle Win in the Prem
The Champions league returned yesterday with the first two second round first leg matches. There was also the latest rescheduled Premiership match from the winter postponements. Tottenham's first ever Champions League knock-out round match was featured a ground they had already become familiar with. After losing 4-3 against Inter Milan earlier in the group stage, AC Milan now had their turn to host the Champions League debutants. But Spurs held their own in a match where Milan were clearly not at their best and even managed to nick a late winner; Aaron Lennon springing a counter attack before squaring to Crouch in the box and the striker tapped it in with ten minutes left. The big drama came after the final whistle however, Gennaro Gattuso has a volatile reputation which ended up seeing him receive a booking in the match, this mean he'll miss the second leg. But when the match had ended he squared up Spurs' assistant Joe Jordan and headbutted him! UEFA are looking into it and Gattuso has apologised for his actions.
The other Champions League tie saw Valencia host Shalke in the Mestalla. It was the hosts who took the lead with Roberto Soldado giving Valencia the lead after seventeen minutes. Shalke equalised and more crucially scored an away goal with Raul scoring after 63 minutes, this makes Raul the all-time leading European scorer. Shalke were also reduced to ten men in second half injury time when Lukas Schmitz received a second yellow card which means he will miss the second leg in Germany.
Back in England Birmingham hosted Newcastle in the rescheduled Premiership match. Life without Andy Carroll is going rather well and Peter Lovenkrands emphasised it with a goal after just two minutes. Leon Best sealed the victory for Newcastle five minutes into the second half to see the Magpies move up to ninth. Birmingham languish in fourteenth, just three points ahead of relegation.
The other Champions League tie saw Valencia host Shalke in the Mestalla. It was the hosts who took the lead with Roberto Soldado giving Valencia the lead after seventeen minutes. Shalke equalised and more crucially scored an away goal with Raul scoring after 63 minutes, this makes Raul the all-time leading European scorer. Shalke were also reduced to ten men in second half injury time when Lukas Schmitz received a second yellow card which means he will miss the second leg in Germany.
Back in England Birmingham hosted Newcastle in the rescheduled Premiership match. Life without Andy Carroll is going rather well and Peter Lovenkrands emphasised it with a goal after just two minutes. Leon Best sealed the victory for Newcastle five minutes into the second half to see the Magpies move up to ninth. Birmingham languish in fourteenth, just three points ahead of relegation.
Tuesday 15 February 2011
Everton In Relegation Battle While Chelsea Lose Further Ground
With eight games taken place on Saturday, it left two remaining games this weekend one on Super Sunday and the other on yesterday's Monday Night Football. Super Sunday saw surprisingly high-flying Bolton host surprising strugglers Everton at the Reebok. It took just ten minutes before Cahill scored, Gary Cahill that is, scoring his first league goal for Bolton. Bolton sealed the victory after 67 minutes with a Danny Sturridge goal, that's his third goal in three Bolton appearances. The win sees Bolton remain in eighth but are now just a point behind Sunderland. David Moyes later admitted that Everton are in a relegation battle as they now sit thirteenth but only three points from the drop zone.
Monday Night Football saw a London derby between Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage. All eyes were again on Torres and again he failed to impress, and again was subsequently subbed. However other new signing David Luiz did impress and even set Torres up on one occasion, but his impressive game could have ended in tears when he fouled Dempsey in the box. Dempsey got up and went onto take the penalty in second half injury but Cech saved it to earn Chelsea a point. Fulham are now twelfth and just a point ahead of Everton but are only two points behind Stoke in ninth. Chelsea's league aspirations are almost finished as they are now twelve points behind Manchester United but more worryingly they are two points behind Tottenham in fourth.
Monday Night Football saw a London derby between Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage. All eyes were again on Torres and again he failed to impress, and again was subsequently subbed. However other new signing David Luiz did impress and even set Torres up on one occasion, but his impressive game could have ended in tears when he fouled Dempsey in the box. Dempsey got up and went onto take the penalty in second half injury but Cech saved it to earn Chelsea a point. Fulham are now twelfth and just a point ahead of Everton but are only two points behind Stoke in ninth. Chelsea's league aspirations are almost finished as they are now twelve points behind Manchester United but more worryingly they are two points behind Tottenham in fourth.
Sunday 13 February 2011
Valentine's Weekend Football
After last week's breathtaking installment of the Premiership, we had to take a breather by watching a mid-week round of international matches. But that's over with and the Premiership returned to grace our screens with all the drama associated with it.
It may be Valentine's weekend but one way to forget that is to stick a Manchester derby in the lunch-time kick-off slot. It was the 53rd anniversary of the Munich Air Crash last Sunday and the last time the derby was held in the week of remembrance, Manchester City triumphed. Everyone was hoping for a much better game than when they met at Eastlands and thankfully we got a much more attacking game, despite both teams lining up with a 4-5-1 formation. David Silva had the best chance of breaking the deadlock after just three minutes but toe-poked the ball wide of Van Der Sar from three yards. From there it was end to end without either keeper being tested. But United took the lead four minutes before half-time with a goal from Nani after he cut inside of Zabaleta. City brought on Dzeko and Wright-Phillips in search of the equaliser and they found it after 65 minutes when a Dzeko shot ballooned off the back of Silva, wrong-footing Van Der Sar and finding the back of the net. Every derby longs for a piece of magic to win the game and that's exactly what we had twelve minutes from time; Nani was causing havoc down the wing yet again and found an inch perfect cross to the penalty spot, Rooney met the cross with a spectacular over-head kick which rocketed in the top corner to give United the three points.
Arsenal kept up the pressure against Manchester United with a win against United's conquerors Wolves. Robin Van Persie kept up his goalscoring form with both goals, the first came after 16 minutes the second came eleven minutes into the second half.
Nikola Zigic was on hand for a second consecutive week to give Birmingham the 1-0 win late on. This time Stoke were the victims to Zigic's last minute winner. Aston Villa travelled to Bloomfield Road to take on Blackpool and took the lead after ten minutes through Gabby Agbonlahor. The lead lasted all of four minutes however when Eliott Grandin equalised for Blackpool. Jean Makoun forgot it was the weekend of love as he received a straight red card twenty minutes from time.
Last week it was Newcastle, this week it was West Ham to create the shock comeback. The Hammers, who had just won the Olympic Stadium bid, travelled to West Brom where new manager Roy Hodgson was watching in the stands before taking over. He would have enjoyed the first half as Graham Dorrans gave West Brom the lead after three minutes. It was 2-0 five minutes later when Jerome Thomas doubled the lead and a Winston Reid own goal after 32 minutes meant West Brom were 3-0 ahead at half-time. Avram Grant somehow managed to inspire West Ham at half-time, maybe with reference to Newcastle's heroics last week, and Demba Ba pulled one back five minutes into the second half. Carlton Cole made it 3-2 eight minutes later and the comeback was completed seven minutes from time with Ba scoring his second.
Liverpool's recent good run came to an end with a disappointing draw at home to Wigan. Raul Meireles just can't stop scoring and gave Liverpool the lead after 24 minutes. Wigan equalised after 65 minutes though Steve Gohouri. Blackburn and Newcastle scored seven goals between them last week, but could only play out a 0-0 draw at Ewood Park.
Yesterday's tea-time affair took place at the Stadium of Light where Sunderland hosted Tottenham. It was the home side that took the lead after eleven minutes when Asamoah Gyan scored. Tottenham equalised just before half-time through Dawson. Tottenham then sealed the win twelve minutes into the second half with Kranjcar getting the goal to keep the pressure on Chelsea who play tomorrow against Fulham.
It may be Valentine's weekend but one way to forget that is to stick a Manchester derby in the lunch-time kick-off slot. It was the 53rd anniversary of the Munich Air Crash last Sunday and the last time the derby was held in the week of remembrance, Manchester City triumphed. Everyone was hoping for a much better game than when they met at Eastlands and thankfully we got a much more attacking game, despite both teams lining up with a 4-5-1 formation. David Silva had the best chance of breaking the deadlock after just three minutes but toe-poked the ball wide of Van Der Sar from three yards. From there it was end to end without either keeper being tested. But United took the lead four minutes before half-time with a goal from Nani after he cut inside of Zabaleta. City brought on Dzeko and Wright-Phillips in search of the equaliser and they found it after 65 minutes when a Dzeko shot ballooned off the back of Silva, wrong-footing Van Der Sar and finding the back of the net. Every derby longs for a piece of magic to win the game and that's exactly what we had twelve minutes from time; Nani was causing havoc down the wing yet again and found an inch perfect cross to the penalty spot, Rooney met the cross with a spectacular over-head kick which rocketed in the top corner to give United the three points.
Arsenal kept up the pressure against Manchester United with a win against United's conquerors Wolves. Robin Van Persie kept up his goalscoring form with both goals, the first came after 16 minutes the second came eleven minutes into the second half.
Nikola Zigic was on hand for a second consecutive week to give Birmingham the 1-0 win late on. This time Stoke were the victims to Zigic's last minute winner. Aston Villa travelled to Bloomfield Road to take on Blackpool and took the lead after ten minutes through Gabby Agbonlahor. The lead lasted all of four minutes however when Eliott Grandin equalised for Blackpool. Jean Makoun forgot it was the weekend of love as he received a straight red card twenty minutes from time.
Last week it was Newcastle, this week it was West Ham to create the shock comeback. The Hammers, who had just won the Olympic Stadium bid, travelled to West Brom where new manager Roy Hodgson was watching in the stands before taking over. He would have enjoyed the first half as Graham Dorrans gave West Brom the lead after three minutes. It was 2-0 five minutes later when Jerome Thomas doubled the lead and a Winston Reid own goal after 32 minutes meant West Brom were 3-0 ahead at half-time. Avram Grant somehow managed to inspire West Ham at half-time, maybe with reference to Newcastle's heroics last week, and Demba Ba pulled one back five minutes into the second half. Carlton Cole made it 3-2 eight minutes later and the comeback was completed seven minutes from time with Ba scoring his second.
Liverpool's recent good run came to an end with a disappointing draw at home to Wigan. Raul Meireles just can't stop scoring and gave Liverpool the lead after 24 minutes. Wigan equalised after 65 minutes though Steve Gohouri. Blackburn and Newcastle scored seven goals between them last week, but could only play out a 0-0 draw at Ewood Park.
Yesterday's tea-time affair took place at the Stadium of Light where Sunderland hosted Tottenham. It was the home side that took the lead after eleven minutes when Asamoah Gyan scored. Tottenham equalised just before half-time through Dawson. Tottenham then sealed the win twelve minutes into the second half with Kranjcar getting the goal to keep the pressure on Chelsea who play tomorrow against Fulham.
Friday 11 February 2011
Premier League Darts Returns
Eight players from five nations over two hemispheres all battle it out to become the 2011 Premier League Darts Champion. The top seven ranked players along with twelfth in the world Mark Webster will fight for fifteen weeks to become the prestigious champion.
Up first was the first of the debutants, Welshman Mark Webster as he took on 2009 Premier League champion James Wade. Both players started the match with a 180 which finished with Webster taking the leg with the throw, checking out a ton. All matches are best of fourteen legs so a draw is always possible and it was looking that way at the break at 3-3. But following from the break Webster powered past a beleaguered and off-colour Wade to win the next five legs, with a 101 check-out in the ninth leg, to win his first ever Premier League match 8-3.
The second of the debutants followed with World Championship runner-up, Scotsman Gary Anderson taking on the Wizard from Oz, Simon Whitlock. Anderson took full control of the match to lead 6-3 but Whitlock battled to 7-5. The thirteenth leg should have also been won by Whitlock but his doubles weren't with him all night and missed a further five here. This left Anderson to take out Shanghai, 120, to win the match 8-5.
Dutchman Raymond Van Barneveld was looking to put his frustrating 2010 behind him with a winning start against Terry 'The Bull' Jenkins. It was a scrappy start but Jenkins took the initiative after losing the opening leg to lead 3-1. Barney battled back to then take the following four legs to take the lead for the first time since the opening leg. They then took it 6-6 before Barney lost his way to allow Jenkins to win the final two legs to win 8-6.
The O2 Arena erupted when the final game was announced to start; recently crowned World Champion Adrian Lewis was taking on his former mentor Phil Taylor. People have started to question Taylor after a recent dip in form and people have also questioned whether fame has gotten to Lewis' head, after finishing with his missus (the mother of their daughter) and merely pronounced Taylor as a long-time practice partner. Unfortunately Taylor was battling the flu on stage and despite winning the first leg, Lewis looked extremely comfortable while showing his prowess. There were no ton plus finishes but Lewis hit bull then double top for a cheeky 90 finish in the sixth leg to make it 4-2. Taylor couldn't perform and Lewis rocked the O2 with an 8-2 demolition of the Power.
Up first was the first of the debutants, Welshman Mark Webster as he took on 2009 Premier League champion James Wade. Both players started the match with a 180 which finished with Webster taking the leg with the throw, checking out a ton. All matches are best of fourteen legs so a draw is always possible and it was looking that way at the break at 3-3. But following from the break Webster powered past a beleaguered and off-colour Wade to win the next five legs, with a 101 check-out in the ninth leg, to win his first ever Premier League match 8-3.
The second of the debutants followed with World Championship runner-up, Scotsman Gary Anderson taking on the Wizard from Oz, Simon Whitlock. Anderson took full control of the match to lead 6-3 but Whitlock battled to 7-5. The thirteenth leg should have also been won by Whitlock but his doubles weren't with him all night and missed a further five here. This left Anderson to take out Shanghai, 120, to win the match 8-5.
Dutchman Raymond Van Barneveld was looking to put his frustrating 2010 behind him with a winning start against Terry 'The Bull' Jenkins. It was a scrappy start but Jenkins took the initiative after losing the opening leg to lead 3-1. Barney battled back to then take the following four legs to take the lead for the first time since the opening leg. They then took it 6-6 before Barney lost his way to allow Jenkins to win the final two legs to win 8-6.
The O2 Arena erupted when the final game was announced to start; recently crowned World Champion Adrian Lewis was taking on his former mentor Phil Taylor. People have started to question Taylor after a recent dip in form and people have also questioned whether fame has gotten to Lewis' head, after finishing with his missus (the mother of their daughter) and merely pronounced Taylor as a long-time practice partner. Unfortunately Taylor was battling the flu on stage and despite winning the first leg, Lewis looked extremely comfortable while showing his prowess. There were no ton plus finishes but Lewis hit bull then double top for a cheeky 90 finish in the sixth leg to make it 4-2. Taylor couldn't perform and Lewis rocked the O2 with an 8-2 demolition of the Power.
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Hope For Robert Kubica
Sunday 6 February 2011
Liverpool Raul Without Torres and Birmingham Get Ziggy With It
After the drama yesterday, today's Super Sunday had no chance of carrying on where yesterday left off. This resulted in both installments having only one goal each to separate the sides. We first travelled to Upton Park where West Ham re-ran their League Cup semi-final with Birmingham. West Ham won the leg in the cup but lost the tie and were looking to seek revenge today. It didn't happen though as the deadlock was broken after 65 minutes with Zigic scoring the winner. The win moves Birmingham out of the relegation and up to sixteenth.
The second installment was all about one man; Fernando Torres. Torres was making his Chelsea debut at home to former employers Liverpool. But the hype may have got to him because he didn't really feature and although the scripts were writing themselves, Torres fluffed his lines which resulted in him being substituted in the second half. Minutes later the deadlock was broken by the in form Raul Meireles after 69 minutes. The win sees Liverpool overtake Sunderland into sixth place.
In other news, Roberto Di Matteo has surprisingly been sacked by West Brom. It comes as a shock and many people feel it is the wrong decision.
The second installment was all about one man; Fernando Torres. Torres was making his Chelsea debut at home to former employers Liverpool. But the hype may have got to him because he didn't really feature and although the scripts were writing themselves, Torres fluffed his lines which resulted in him being substituted in the second half. Minutes later the deadlock was broken by the in form Raul Meireles after 69 minutes. The win sees Liverpool overtake Sunderland into sixth place.
In other news, Roberto Di Matteo has surprisingly been sacked by West Brom. It comes as a shock and many people feel it is the wrong decision.
Goals, Penalties and the End of the Unbeaten Run
There are some days in the Barclay's Premiership that you just have to sit there and say wow. Yesterday was one of these occasions as we had at least three goals in every game, the record amount of converted penalties, the usual controversy, one of the biggest comebacks in league history and the end of the unbeaten run.
We kicked things off at the Britannia where Stoke hosted Sunderland in the day's lunch-time kick-off. Most of the games had an early goal and this was no different as Kieron Richardson carried on his recent goalscoring form by breaking the deadlock after just two minutes. Stoke equalised thirteen minutes from half-time with John Carew scoring his first Stoke goal on his home debut, but replays showed that Carew was actually offside. Sunderland re-took the lead just three minutes into the second half through Asamoah Gyan but a late show from Robert Huth stole the points away; Huth equalised with seven minutes left and then won the game in injury time to see Stoke move up to ninth.
The three o'clock kick-offs carried on in the same vain. Aston Villa hosted Fulham at Villa Park and the home side were in front after thirteen minutes. John Pantsil scored an own goal in this fixture last year, also scored an own goal against Liverpool last week and scored another own goal to give Villa the lead. Fulham equalised seven minutes into the second half with a goal from Andy Johnson. But Villa regained the lead through on-loan Kyle Walker after 72 minutes before Dempsey equalised again just six minutes later to give each sides a point.
There were two games that had eight goals yesterday, one of which was at Goodison Park where Everton played Blackpool. Louis Saha gave Everton the lead after twenty minutes before Adam recreated the same corner that he scored from mid-week, but this time it came of the post and Baptiste was on hand to tap it in. Saha regained Everton's lead just two minutes into the second half before Puncheon scored a debut goal after 62 minutes. Adam then gave Blackpool the lead for the first time just two minutes later but Saha got his first hat-trick for Everton to equalise after 76 minutes. Substitute Beckford made it 4-3 to Everton with ten minutes to play and Saha got his fourth to seal the victory just four minutes later.
There were only three goals at White Hart Lane but that didn't stop the controversy as Tottenham hosted Bolton. Spurs took the lead after just three minutes when Van Der Vaart converted from the spot. Spurs were then given a second penalty just a minute later that looked dubious. Van Der Vaart took it again and the ball went the exact same place past the diving Jaaskeleinen, but the referee disallowed it and asked for it to be re-taken. This time Van Der Vaart missed the target and the score remained 1-0. Sturridge equalised for Bolton just ten minutes into the second half but Nico Kranjcar gave Tottenham the points in injury time.
There were only three goals at the City of Manchester as well as Tevez had a birthday to remember. Manchester City took the lead against West Brom after seventeen minutes when Tevez converted a penalty. Tevez then made it 2-0 just five minutes later before securing his hat-trick via a second penalty just six minutes before half-time.
The shock comeback came at St. James' where Newcastle were playing Arsenal. Arsenal took the lead in the first minute through Walcott. Djourou made it 2-0 just two minutes later before Van Persie made it three within ten minutes. Arsenal completed the rout, or so it seemed, after 26 minutes when Van Persie scored his second. But the second half comeback started when Abou Diaby was given a straight red just five minutes after the restart. Joey Barton pulled the first back from the spot after 68 minutes. It was 4-2 seven minutes later when Leon Best scored. Newcastle were awarded a second penalty seven minutes from time which Barton converted again and Tiote completed the comeback four minutes later to make it 4-4.
There were a further seven goals at the DW where Wigan entertained Blackburn. Former Wigan player Jason Roberts gave Blackburn the lead after 23 minutes and respectfully didn't celebrate. James McCarthy levelled ten minutes before half-time to make it 1-1 at the break. Hugo Rodallega made it 2-1 Wigan just five minutes into the second half with McCarthy scoring his second six minutes later to make it 3-1. Blackburn pulled one back two minutes after going 3-1 behind with a goal from Samba. Ben Watson made it 4-2 after 65 minutes from the penalty spot. Blackburn were also awarded a penalty nine minutes from time which David Dunn converted to make it 4-3 at full time.
The tea-time kick-off saw three goals and Manchester United's unbeaten run come to an end as they travelled to Wolves. United took the lead after just three minutes, but just like at Blackpool they couldn't defend corners. Ferdinand pulled out during the warm-up which meant Johnny Evans came into the squad. George Elokobi scored his first league goal for Wolves and only his second ever goal, the other also came against United, with a header from a corner after ten minutes. The winner came five minutes before half-time via another corner that has officially been given to Kevin Doyle despite an argument between him and Elokobi, but Wolves won't care as they have ended United's unbeaten run and have beaten United for the first time in seven years.
We kicked things off at the Britannia where Stoke hosted Sunderland in the day's lunch-time kick-off. Most of the games had an early goal and this was no different as Kieron Richardson carried on his recent goalscoring form by breaking the deadlock after just two minutes. Stoke equalised thirteen minutes from half-time with John Carew scoring his first Stoke goal on his home debut, but replays showed that Carew was actually offside. Sunderland re-took the lead just three minutes into the second half through Asamoah Gyan but a late show from Robert Huth stole the points away; Huth equalised with seven minutes left and then won the game in injury time to see Stoke move up to ninth.
The three o'clock kick-offs carried on in the same vain. Aston Villa hosted Fulham at Villa Park and the home side were in front after thirteen minutes. John Pantsil scored an own goal in this fixture last year, also scored an own goal against Liverpool last week and scored another own goal to give Villa the lead. Fulham equalised seven minutes into the second half with a goal from Andy Johnson. But Villa regained the lead through on-loan Kyle Walker after 72 minutes before Dempsey equalised again just six minutes later to give each sides a point.
There were two games that had eight goals yesterday, one of which was at Goodison Park where Everton played Blackpool. Louis Saha gave Everton the lead after twenty minutes before Adam recreated the same corner that he scored from mid-week, but this time it came of the post and Baptiste was on hand to tap it in. Saha regained Everton's lead just two minutes into the second half before Puncheon scored a debut goal after 62 minutes. Adam then gave Blackpool the lead for the first time just two minutes later but Saha got his first hat-trick for Everton to equalise after 76 minutes. Substitute Beckford made it 4-3 to Everton with ten minutes to play and Saha got his fourth to seal the victory just four minutes later.
There were only three goals at White Hart Lane but that didn't stop the controversy as Tottenham hosted Bolton. Spurs took the lead after just three minutes when Van Der Vaart converted from the spot. Spurs were then given a second penalty just a minute later that looked dubious. Van Der Vaart took it again and the ball went the exact same place past the diving Jaaskeleinen, but the referee disallowed it and asked for it to be re-taken. This time Van Der Vaart missed the target and the score remained 1-0. Sturridge equalised for Bolton just ten minutes into the second half but Nico Kranjcar gave Tottenham the points in injury time.
There were only three goals at the City of Manchester as well as Tevez had a birthday to remember. Manchester City took the lead against West Brom after seventeen minutes when Tevez converted a penalty. Tevez then made it 2-0 just five minutes later before securing his hat-trick via a second penalty just six minutes before half-time.
The shock comeback came at St. James' where Newcastle were playing Arsenal. Arsenal took the lead in the first minute through Walcott. Djourou made it 2-0 just two minutes later before Van Persie made it three within ten minutes. Arsenal completed the rout, or so it seemed, after 26 minutes when Van Persie scored his second. But the second half comeback started when Abou Diaby was given a straight red just five minutes after the restart. Joey Barton pulled the first back from the spot after 68 minutes. It was 4-2 seven minutes later when Leon Best scored. Newcastle were awarded a second penalty seven minutes from time which Barton converted again and Tiote completed the comeback four minutes later to make it 4-4.
There were a further seven goals at the DW where Wigan entertained Blackburn. Former Wigan player Jason Roberts gave Blackburn the lead after 23 minutes and respectfully didn't celebrate. James McCarthy levelled ten minutes before half-time to make it 1-1 at the break. Hugo Rodallega made it 2-1 Wigan just five minutes into the second half with McCarthy scoring his second six minutes later to make it 3-1. Blackburn pulled one back two minutes after going 3-1 behind with a goal from Samba. Ben Watson made it 4-2 after 65 minutes from the penalty spot. Blackburn were also awarded a penalty nine minutes from time which David Dunn converted to make it 4-3 at full time.
The tea-time kick-off saw three goals and Manchester United's unbeaten run come to an end as they travelled to Wolves. United took the lead after just three minutes, but just like at Blackpool they couldn't defend corners. Ferdinand pulled out during the warm-up which meant Johnny Evans came into the squad. George Elokobi scored his first league goal for Wolves and only his second ever goal, the other also came against United, with a header from a corner after ten minutes. The winner came five minutes before half-time via another corner that has officially been given to Kevin Doyle despite an argument between him and Elokobi, but Wolves won't care as they have ended United's unbeaten run and have beaten United for the first time in seven years.
Thursday 3 February 2011
Debut Goals
The remaining six Premiership games took place yesterday with plenty of goals and a few debut goalscorers. With the big three all winning on Tuesday, Manchester City needed to keep up the pace away to Birmingham. They looked set to do so after just four minutes when a deflected Tevez shot just managed to roll in. Birmingham equalised after 23 with a goal from Nikola Zigic but a Kolarov free-kick regained City's lead four minutes before half-time. Birmingham stuck to their guns and were awarded a penalty when Phillips was blocked off by Vieira, Gardner stepped up to equalise with thirteen minutes left to play.
Just the one goal at the Reebok, despite many close chances, separated Bolton and Wolves. It came in the depths of injury time when Ronald Zubar sent a shocking pass back to Hennessey. it was far too light and debutant Danny Sturridge intercepted before putting it past Hennessey to give Bolton all three points.
Life without Torres seemed to carry on as normal as Liverpool eased to victory at home to Stoke. The deadlock was finally broken just two minutes into the second half when a Gerrard free-kick rolled into the path of Meireles via Kyrgiakos for the Portuguese international to score his third goal in four starts. The game was wrapped up eleven minutes from time when debutant Luis Suarez rounded off a decent first appearance from the bench with a goal that came after rounding Begovic before rolling it home, despite desperate a chance to clear off the line.
West Ham moved off the foot of the Premiership with a win away to Blackpool in a game that involved some dreadful goalkeeping. All the action took place in the first half and the deadlock was broken after 24 minutes when Victor Obinna shot from a tight angle at Kingson's front post, it looked for all the world like Kingson was saving it but it flashed off his hands and into the net. West Ham doubled their lead after 37 with debutant Robbie Keane smashing one home. Charlie Adam pulled one back with three minutes to go before half-time, he shot direct from a corner that went straight along the floor and somehow managed to escape all the defenders and keeper Green before finding its way into the net. But West Ham restored their two goal cushion two minutes later with a fantastic goal from Obinna to get his second of the night.
The night's televised encounter was separated by just the one goal as Fulham entertained Newcastle. Former Newcastle player Duff scored the winner after 67 minutes to see Mark Hughes' side move above Blackpool into twelfth. Tottenham also only required one goal to see off Blackburn, Peter Crouch scored the only goal after just three minutes to keep up the pace with the top four.
Just the one goal at the Reebok, despite many close chances, separated Bolton and Wolves. It came in the depths of injury time when Ronald Zubar sent a shocking pass back to Hennessey. it was far too light and debutant Danny Sturridge intercepted before putting it past Hennessey to give Bolton all three points.
Life without Torres seemed to carry on as normal as Liverpool eased to victory at home to Stoke. The deadlock was finally broken just two minutes into the second half when a Gerrard free-kick rolled into the path of Meireles via Kyrgiakos for the Portuguese international to score his third goal in four starts. The game was wrapped up eleven minutes from time when debutant Luis Suarez rounded off a decent first appearance from the bench with a goal that came after rounding Begovic before rolling it home, despite desperate a chance to clear off the line.
West Ham moved off the foot of the Premiership with a win away to Blackpool in a game that involved some dreadful goalkeeping. All the action took place in the first half and the deadlock was broken after 24 minutes when Victor Obinna shot from a tight angle at Kingson's front post, it looked for all the world like Kingson was saving it but it flashed off his hands and into the net. West Ham doubled their lead after 37 with debutant Robbie Keane smashing one home. Charlie Adam pulled one back with three minutes to go before half-time, he shot direct from a corner that went straight along the floor and somehow managed to escape all the defenders and keeper Green before finding its way into the net. But West Ham restored their two goal cushion two minutes later with a fantastic goal from Obinna to get his second of the night.
The night's televised encounter was separated by just the one goal as Fulham entertained Newcastle. Former Newcastle player Duff scored the winner after 67 minutes to see Mark Hughes' side move above Blackpool into twelfth. Tottenham also only required one goal to see off Blackburn, Peter Crouch scored the only goal after just three minutes to keep up the pace with the top four.
Wednesday 2 February 2011
Mid-Week Premiership: 1/2/10
The transfer window has now closed and after the FA Cup break, the Premiership resumed business with a round of mid-week games. Only four took place but involved three title contenders, all of whom needed to mount their charge for the trophy.
There were six goals at the Stadium of Light where Sunderland hosted Chelsea. Both teams took the lead at one point in one the most entertaining first halves this season. Sunderland took the lead after just four minutes when former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley looked to do his former employees a huge favour. However Chelsea equalised after quarter of an hour played with Lampard scoring from the penalty spot. With Torres looking to make his debut on the weekend, the other strikers needed to show Ancelotti what they were worth. One of which gave Chelsea the lead after 23 minutes in the shape of Solomon Kalou. Their lead only lasted three minutes as another former Manchester United employee equalised, Kieron Richardson. Captain Terry gave Chelsea the lead again on the hour mark with Nicloas Anelka finishing the game off in injury time.
Arsenal came from behind to keep up the pace at the top against Everton. Another former Manchester United player, Louis Saha gave Everton the lead after 24 minutes but replays showed he was offside and Arsenal had a right to feel aggrieved. Arsenal equalised with twenty minutes to go through Andrey Arshavin before Koscielny gave Arsenal the win five minutes later.
Manchester United needed two goals in ten minutes to assure a point at Villa Park earlier this season, but only fifty seconds to take the lead against Villa at Old Trafford with Rooney getting the goal. Rooney may now be rejuvenated as he doubled their lead just before half-time. Darren Bent scored his second goal in as many games for his new employers to halve the deficit thirteen minutes into the second half. But Nemanja Vidic assured the three points with a goal just five minutes later.
The televised match witnessed West Brom host Wigan. Peter Odemwingie gave the hosts the lead after just five minutes before N'Zogbia equalised with a free-kick after twenty. Ben Watson made it 2-1 Wigan two minutes before half-time with another free-kick but West Brom got their equaliser eleven minutes from time from substitute Marc-Antoine Fortune.
There were six goals at the Stadium of Light where Sunderland hosted Chelsea. Both teams took the lead at one point in one the most entertaining first halves this season. Sunderland took the lead after just four minutes when former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley looked to do his former employees a huge favour. However Chelsea equalised after quarter of an hour played with Lampard scoring from the penalty spot. With Torres looking to make his debut on the weekend, the other strikers needed to show Ancelotti what they were worth. One of which gave Chelsea the lead after 23 minutes in the shape of Solomon Kalou. Their lead only lasted three minutes as another former Manchester United employee equalised, Kieron Richardson. Captain Terry gave Chelsea the lead again on the hour mark with Nicloas Anelka finishing the game off in injury time.
Arsenal came from behind to keep up the pace at the top against Everton. Another former Manchester United player, Louis Saha gave Everton the lead after 24 minutes but replays showed he was offside and Arsenal had a right to feel aggrieved. Arsenal equalised with twenty minutes to go through Andrey Arshavin before Koscielny gave Arsenal the win five minutes later.
Manchester United needed two goals in ten minutes to assure a point at Villa Park earlier this season, but only fifty seconds to take the lead against Villa at Old Trafford with Rooney getting the goal. Rooney may now be rejuvenated as he doubled their lead just before half-time. Darren Bent scored his second goal in as many games for his new employers to halve the deficit thirteen minutes into the second half. But Nemanja Vidic assured the three points with a goal just five minutes later.
The televised match witnessed West Brom host Wigan. Peter Odemwingie gave the hosts the lead after just five minutes before N'Zogbia equalised with a free-kick after twenty. Ben Watson made it 2-1 Wigan two minutes before half-time with another free-kick but West Brom got their equaliser eleven minutes from time from substitute Marc-Antoine Fortune.
Tuesday 1 February 2011
Recession? Not In Football!
For the everyday taxpayer the economy has become one of life's main worries. People aren't sure whether they can afford as many luxuries or even if they can buy as many necessities. But although the country, and indeed most of the world, is in a recession, there is a certain area of work that seems to have lost all contact with reality.
These 'workers' are paid hundreds of thousands of pounds a week but still complain and use it to buy prostitutes, or escorts as some like to be called. But last night, the Premiership's transfer deadline day epitomized everything that is wrong in football. As the years have moved forward, transfer fees have got more and more unrealistic yet teams are willing to shell out the ridiculous amounts of money. At roughly 6pm last night, the Premiership had spent over £80million in transfer fees, forty of which bought just two players. By the deadline at 11pm the Premiership had spent over £200million! A value of money that will never be seen in the real world and is also just unfathomable.
It all started two years ago when Real Madrid were willing to pay Manchester United £90million for Cristiano Ronaldo. He may have been one, if not, the best footballer in the world but no-one is really worth £90million. This window we saw Manchester City splash their cash to buy Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko who, according to Wolfsburg, is worth £27million! I don't think so, his scoring rate may be impressive in Germany after one or two seasons, but that doesn't warrant a £27million price-tag. That was followed by Aston Villa who actually spent some money for a change, but bought Darren Bent for £24million. Never in my mind is Bent worth that much money, yes he's played consistently in the Premiership but has never featured in Europe nor has a concrete England spot. Surely that alone makes £24million unreasonable for Darren Bent?
But in the space of five hours, just five hours, Chelsea managed to spend over £70million on just two players. Not even a greedy banker who caused the recession could waste/spend £70million in five hours. First off Chelsea signed defender David Luiz from Benfica for over £20million, who is he you might be asking? Well we'll find out soon as he hasn't exactly lit up the international scene nor has had much influence in the Champions League, so for me not worth the money. Secondly, Chelsea splashed out an extra £50million on Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. Now going by today's standards, Torres is probably worth that amount. But seriously, come on, how can anybody be worth that much money. Blackpool's entire squad cost probably less than half of that amount! But the biggest lunacy yesterday was Liverpool's £35million buy, Andy Carroll. Yes he may be a talented youngster who has shown promise at Newcastle, but that's all it is, promise. Promise means nothing when you need it to materialise and whether it will or not that's for the future to decide, but £35million doesn't decide it and is just plain crazy.
Harry Redknapp feels that the January transfer window should be scrapped. Now that does seem a good point, but let's be honest it's a bit rich coming from a manager that tried signing three people in the depths of the deadline yesterday. If you practice what you preach then Redknapp surely shouldn't have tried buying people in the 'nonsense' market. Whether the market goes or not the big problem is that football is now just a business and has lost all sense of reality. It's not the beautiful game anymore and someone needs to bring the footballing world from out of the clouds and back on planet Earth.
These 'workers' are paid hundreds of thousands of pounds a week but still complain and use it to buy prostitutes, or escorts as some like to be called. But last night, the Premiership's transfer deadline day epitomized everything that is wrong in football. As the years have moved forward, transfer fees have got more and more unrealistic yet teams are willing to shell out the ridiculous amounts of money. At roughly 6pm last night, the Premiership had spent over £80million in transfer fees, forty of which bought just two players. By the deadline at 11pm the Premiership had spent over £200million! A value of money that will never be seen in the real world and is also just unfathomable.
It all started two years ago when Real Madrid were willing to pay Manchester United £90million for Cristiano Ronaldo. He may have been one, if not, the best footballer in the world but no-one is really worth £90million. This window we saw Manchester City splash their cash to buy Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko who, according to Wolfsburg, is worth £27million! I don't think so, his scoring rate may be impressive in Germany after one or two seasons, but that doesn't warrant a £27million price-tag. That was followed by Aston Villa who actually spent some money for a change, but bought Darren Bent for £24million. Never in my mind is Bent worth that much money, yes he's played consistently in the Premiership but has never featured in Europe nor has a concrete England spot. Surely that alone makes £24million unreasonable for Darren Bent?
But in the space of five hours, just five hours, Chelsea managed to spend over £70million on just two players. Not even a greedy banker who caused the recession could waste/spend £70million in five hours. First off Chelsea signed defender David Luiz from Benfica for over £20million, who is he you might be asking? Well we'll find out soon as he hasn't exactly lit up the international scene nor has had much influence in the Champions League, so for me not worth the money. Secondly, Chelsea splashed out an extra £50million on Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. Now going by today's standards, Torres is probably worth that amount. But seriously, come on, how can anybody be worth that much money. Blackpool's entire squad cost probably less than half of that amount! But the biggest lunacy yesterday was Liverpool's £35million buy, Andy Carroll. Yes he may be a talented youngster who has shown promise at Newcastle, but that's all it is, promise. Promise means nothing when you need it to materialise and whether it will or not that's for the future to decide, but £35million doesn't decide it and is just plain crazy.
Harry Redknapp feels that the January transfer window should be scrapped. Now that does seem a good point, but let's be honest it's a bit rich coming from a manager that tried signing three people in the depths of the deadline yesterday. If you practice what you preach then Redknapp surely shouldn't have tried buying people in the 'nonsense' market. Whether the market goes or not the big problem is that football is now just a business and has lost all sense of reality. It's not the beautiful game anymore and someone needs to bring the footballing world from out of the clouds and back on planet Earth.
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