The first race of the F1 season didn't have too much competition with Vettel leading from start to finish. Hispania's start to the season has been put on hold as they weren't allowed either driver to start after their poor performances in qualifying. From the start Petrov made his way up to fourth while the Ferrari's swapped around with Massa up to fifth and Alonso down to ninth. The only real action between the top boys was Button stealing fifth from Massa illegally by cutting a corner, he was handed a drive through penalty due to Alonso having also over taken Massa.
The first retirement of the race came after nine laps when Maldonado's debut race was cut short due to a failure. Kovalainen's Lotus ended up on the gravel ten laps later and Schumacher was also forced to retie with another failure. The first crash of the season came in the 22nd lap when Barrichello crashed into the side of Rosberg, forcing the second Mercedes to retire. Barrichello didn't escape unscathed as he also had to retire but not until the 48th lap and the final retirement was a lap later when Glock ended his race.
So Vettel went onto win the race with Hamilton keeping his second place throughout despite having his under-tray hanging off for the final ten laps or so. The big shock of the race saw Renault clinch an early podium in the shape of Petrov. Alonso finished ahead of Webber, Button and Massa in fourth. The Toro Rosso may cause a few upsets this year and Buemi gained four points after finishing eighth. This was due to both Kobayashi and debutant Perez being disqualified for a technical infringement, seeing the Saubers have a sour end to a promising weekend. Force India finished with the final two point scoring positions with Sutil finishing ahead of Di Resta who won the battle of the debutants. Alguersuari finished eleventh ahead of Heidfeld with Trulli winning the opening battle of the lesser cars in thirteenth, D'Ambrosio finished in fourteenth on his debut race in the Virgin.
Sunday 27 March 2011
Saturday 26 March 2011
First Qualifying of the Season
After the delayed start, Formula 1 finally got underway today. Five new drivers have entered the fray with two others making team changes. There has also been a new rule introduced, if a driver is a 107% slower than the Pole driver in qualifying then, unless otherwise allowed by the FIA, they will be excluded from the actual race. The five new drivers come from all around the globe: Force India have added Britain's Paul Di Resta to their team after Liuzzi made the bizarre move to Hispania. Hispania have also made another driver change with Indian Narain Karthikeyan returning to F1 after driving for Jordan in 2005. Nick Heidfeld has moved from Sauber to reserve driver for Renault and has therefore replaced Kubica until he's fit again. Sauber's free space has been filled up by Mexican Sergio Perez. Perhaps the most surprising exit from F1 was promising star Nico Hulkenbrug being dropped by Williams and replaced by Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado. The final newcomer comes in the shape of Belgian Jerome D'Ambrosio in replace of Lucas Di Grassi at Virgin.
So as the season unfolds all eyes will be on the new drivers to see how they get on, which teams fall short of the 107% rule. The battle between Red Bull and McLaren alongside Alonso for the championship with eyes on Massa hopefully coming back to his best. We'll also be keeping an eye out for the progress made by Renault, Sauber, Williams and Mercedes to see if they can spring surprises on the top five/six. It'll be interesting to see if Toro Rosso and Force India can break into the top of the mid-pack with the final battle being between the lesser three teams and seeing which of the six drivers can finish highest.
After the postponement in Bahrain, the official start of the 2011 F1 season took place in Melbourne and Q1 saw the usual six suspects fall. There could well be trouble for Hispania as both Karthikeyan and Liuzzi failed to pass the 107% rule and might be excluded from tomorrow's opening race. Virgin make 21st and 22nd with Glock beating his debutant team-mate. This means Lotus win the battle of lesser teams in the first qualifying with Kovalainen beating Trulli to 19th. The other driver to fall in Q1 was perhaps a shock with Renaukt's Nick Heidfeld failing to make the grade. Champion Vettel carried on where he left off with the fastest time.
Q2 saw the first qualifying retirement of the season after Barrichello span off into the gravel. Adrian Sutil also span but was able to continue although he still only qualified 16th. Maldonado came third in a trio of debutants in 15th with Di Resta just in front and Perez ahead of both of them. Toro Rosso's Alguersuari qualified 12th and the big name to not make Q3 was the veteran Michael Schumacher. Again Vettel blitzed his way to the fastest time.
It was no surprise to see Vettel again out-run his opponents to make the first Pole of the season but Hamilton gate-crashed a Red Bull one-two despite claims that the McLaren car wasn't ready to win a championship. Webber finished third in his home country qualifying with Button fourth and the other contender Alonso off the pace in fifth. The battle of the middle order saw Petrov give Renault a sixth place start ahead of Mercedes' Rosberg. Massa got off to a very bad start and his red Ferrari will start from eighth place ahead of Kobayashi's Sauber and Buemi's Toro Rosso.
So as the season unfolds all eyes will be on the new drivers to see how they get on, which teams fall short of the 107% rule. The battle between Red Bull and McLaren alongside Alonso for the championship with eyes on Massa hopefully coming back to his best. We'll also be keeping an eye out for the progress made by Renault, Sauber, Williams and Mercedes to see if they can spring surprises on the top five/six. It'll be interesting to see if Toro Rosso and Force India can break into the top of the mid-pack with the final battle being between the lesser three teams and seeing which of the six drivers can finish highest.
After the postponement in Bahrain, the official start of the 2011 F1 season took place in Melbourne and Q1 saw the usual six suspects fall. There could well be trouble for Hispania as both Karthikeyan and Liuzzi failed to pass the 107% rule and might be excluded from tomorrow's opening race. Virgin make 21st and 22nd with Glock beating his debutant team-mate. This means Lotus win the battle of lesser teams in the first qualifying with Kovalainen beating Trulli to 19th. The other driver to fall in Q1 was perhaps a shock with Renaukt's Nick Heidfeld failing to make the grade. Champion Vettel carried on where he left off with the fastest time.
Q2 saw the first qualifying retirement of the season after Barrichello span off into the gravel. Adrian Sutil also span but was able to continue although he still only qualified 16th. Maldonado came third in a trio of debutants in 15th with Di Resta just in front and Perez ahead of both of them. Toro Rosso's Alguersuari qualified 12th and the big name to not make Q3 was the veteran Michael Schumacher. Again Vettel blitzed his way to the fastest time.
It was no surprise to see Vettel again out-run his opponents to make the first Pole of the season but Hamilton gate-crashed a Red Bull one-two despite claims that the McLaren car wasn't ready to win a championship. Webber finished third in his home country qualifying with Button fourth and the other contender Alonso off the pace in fifth. The battle of the middle order saw Petrov give Renault a sixth place start ahead of Mercedes' Rosberg. Massa got off to a very bad start and his red Ferrari will start from eighth place ahead of Kobayashi's Sauber and Buemi's Toro Rosso.
Friday 25 March 2011
Premier League Darts: Week Seven
The seventh week of the Darts Premier League signifies the half-way stage of the round robin format before the semi-finals. The dartboard and cameras arrived in Brighton and the opening match saw Webster take on Whitlock, both of whom have been very inconsistent. After a scrappy first leg, Whtilock took out a 140 to make it 2-0. Webster pulled one back but Whitlock's doubles were returning and he fired a 120 to make it 3-1. Webster's darts were as poor as ever and Whitlock took full advantage by taking a 7-1 lead to earn at least a point. Webster momentarily stopped the inevitable by winning the ninth leg but Whitlock finished it off to win 8-2.
After six weeks and one match, we finally saw the first draw of the 2011 Darts Premier League. Lewis came into the match after the abusive win against Anderson and his opponent was Terry Jenkins. The first four legs went with throw before Jenkins broke it in the fifth with a double top. But Lewis broke back instantly with a 101 finish to make it 3-3 at the break. The break seemed to have broke Jenkins' momentum as Lewis won the following three legs to make it 6-3. Lewis was playing fantastically just consistently, but he also started to lose his way which allowed Jenkins to fight back to 6-6. Lewis assured himself of the point first before Jenkins won the final leg to earn himself a deserved point too.
Van Barneveld was looking to keep his winning ways going as he took on Anderson who had lost his last two matches. But Anderson looked to have settled the quickest with Barney missing doubles, allowing the Scot to take a 2-0 lead. But the Dutchman fought back and turned the score around to make it 3-2, Anderson took out a 121 in the sixth to make it 3-3 at the break. Barney looked fresher coming back from the break and managed to win the next three legs to make it 6-3. Anderson did manage to pull it back to 6-5 but he couldn't catch Barneveld as he went onto win 8-5.
The final match of the night saw Phil Taylor take on James Wade, in fairness Wade didn't turn up and that always means a Taylor thrashing. Taylor took out a two double top ton to make it 3-0 before Wade pulled a leg back. But there was very little else that was positive in Wade's performance. Taylor carried on to win the match 8-1, the highlight being a 121 checkout in the fifth leg.
Taylor remains two points ahead at the top of the league but faces Barney next week who is in second on ten points. Anderson drops to third on eight but is only a point ahead of Lewis in fourth. Whitlock has also closed the gap on the top four with six points, with Jenkins now up to sixth after his draw. Webster and Wade are propping up the table with four points apiece.
After six weeks and one match, we finally saw the first draw of the 2011 Darts Premier League. Lewis came into the match after the abusive win against Anderson and his opponent was Terry Jenkins. The first four legs went with throw before Jenkins broke it in the fifth with a double top. But Lewis broke back instantly with a 101 finish to make it 3-3 at the break. The break seemed to have broke Jenkins' momentum as Lewis won the following three legs to make it 6-3. Lewis was playing fantastically just consistently, but he also started to lose his way which allowed Jenkins to fight back to 6-6. Lewis assured himself of the point first before Jenkins won the final leg to earn himself a deserved point too.
Van Barneveld was looking to keep his winning ways going as he took on Anderson who had lost his last two matches. But Anderson looked to have settled the quickest with Barney missing doubles, allowing the Scot to take a 2-0 lead. But the Dutchman fought back and turned the score around to make it 3-2, Anderson took out a 121 in the sixth to make it 3-3 at the break. Barney looked fresher coming back from the break and managed to win the next three legs to make it 6-3. Anderson did manage to pull it back to 6-5 but he couldn't catch Barneveld as he went onto win 8-5.
The final match of the night saw Phil Taylor take on James Wade, in fairness Wade didn't turn up and that always means a Taylor thrashing. Taylor took out a two double top ton to make it 3-0 before Wade pulled a leg back. But there was very little else that was positive in Wade's performance. Taylor carried on to win the match 8-1, the highlight being a 121 checkout in the fifth leg.
Taylor remains two points ahead at the top of the league but faces Barney next week who is in second on ten points. Anderson drops to third on eight but is only a point ahead of Lewis in fourth. Whitlock has also closed the gap on the top four with six points, with Jenkins now up to sixth after his draw. Webster and Wade are propping up the table with four points apiece.
Monday 21 March 2011
Mixed Responses To Euro Exits
Super Sunday saw the two defeated Europa League teams try to bounce back from their disappointment. The first installment saw Sunderland host Liverpool who lost 1-0 on aggregate to Sporting Braga. In fairness, Liverpool always looked the better team as they set out to maintain European status next season. They were awarded their goal, but in controversial circumstances; Mensah brought down Jay Spearing just outside the box and although referee Kevin Friend was about to give a free-kick, his linesman flagged, wrongly, for a penalty and that was what was given. Kuyt stepped up and sent Mignolet the wrong way eleven minutes before half-time. Life without Torres isn't turning out to be so bad as a Uruguayan at half the price is doing just a good a job. Suarez finished the game off after 77 with another piece of imaginative improvisation, dodging numerous tackles he fired a ferocious shot from an acute angle, past the young Belgian, who would probably be disappointed to be beaten from that angle, to make it 2-0. It got worse for Sunderland when Mensah received a red card eight minutes from time. Liverpool now move five points clear of Bolton in fifth with Sunderland two behind Bolton ninth.
The second installment saw Champions League quarter-finalists Chelsea take on defeated Europa League hopefuls Manchester City. City were without Tevez but the game was still the richest game ever at just over half a billion pounds spent on the starting XIs. City were clearly missing Tevez but Torres was still not shining for Chelsea and was again substituted. But Chelsea's other January buy is proving a handful, with David Luiz breaking the deadlock with twelve minutes left. His Brazilian team-mate Ramires then danced through the City defence to make it 2-0 in injury time. As a result, Chelsea move a point ahead of City into third with still a game in hand.
The second installment saw Champions League quarter-finalists Chelsea take on defeated Europa League hopefuls Manchester City. City were without Tevez but the game was still the richest game ever at just over half a billion pounds spent on the starting XIs. City were clearly missing Tevez but Torres was still not shining for Chelsea and was again substituted. But Chelsea's other January buy is proving a handful, with David Luiz breaking the deadlock with twelve minutes left. His Brazilian team-mate Ramires then danced through the City defence to make it 2-0 in injury time. As a result, Chelsea move a point ahead of City into third with still a game in hand.
Sunday 20 March 2011
Barclay's Premier League: 19/3/11
With the Premiership end only two months away and the International break coming up, the top and bottom ends of the table are continuously in a state of flux as the action restarted after last week's FA Cup quarter-finals. The lunch-time kick-off was at White Hart Lane with Tottenham entertaining their Olympic Stadium bid rivals West Ham. West Ham won the bid but needed to regain momentum after losing to Stoke last weekend. Spurs were the main attacking force in the game but were thwarted by Green and co as West Ham earnt themselves a goalless draw to get themselves a little further away from the bottom.
The reason why the bottom is so tight this year is because the teams at the bottom keep winning games. Wigan have been cast aside for the past few weeks but reopened their survival chances with a win at home to Birmingham who also find themselves in deep trouble. It was Birmingham who took the lead with Ridgewell surviving offside calls to smash it home. On-loan Tom Cleverly equalised for Wigan after 25 minutes after Foster palmed to the cross into his former Manchester United team-mate's path. Birmingham had a late penalty shout wrongly turned down when Alcaraz body checked Curtis Davies in the box. But the game was won in injury time when a Maynor Figueroa shot wrong-footed Foster as it hit the back of the net.
When Blackpool are playing, you know there's going to be drama. It started with Luke Varney having two disallowed goals for offside, both were right decisions but the first incident saw the flag go up extremely late. The deadlock was broke by Blackpool when Charlie Adam converted a penalty after 25 minutes, he then doubled the lead after striking a free-kick past Robinson just four minutes later. Captain Samba pulled one back for Blackburn after Kingson couldn't completely clear the cross, four minutes into the second half. Another injury time goal, this time from Junior Hoilett saw that Blackburn got themselves a point.
Stoke carried on with their progression into the FA Cup semi-finals with a demolition of Newcastle at the Britannia. Jon Walters made it 1-0 after 28 minutes before a Harper blunder allowed Pennant to make it 2-0 just a minute into the second half. Fresh from his free-kick last week-end, Danny Higginbotham smashed another in past a flaky wall just three minutes later. Ricardo Fuller finished off a route one counter attack in injury time to make it 4-0 final score.
Manchester United extended their lead at the top, but only just. Bolton held their own for much of the game but couldn't test Van Der Sar enough in a defence that saw Vidic and Ferdinand still missing. Their defensive got worse fourteen minutes from the end when Jonny Evans received a straight for going into a fifty-fifty challenge with Holden studs showing. Holden unfortunately had to stretchered off with what could be broken leg. But United came through when Jaaskelainen fumbled a Nani shot into the path of substitute Berbatov, allowing the Bulgarian to steal all three points two minutes from time.
United's lead is now up to five but could have been six as Arsenal dropped points at West Brom. Arsenal were behind after just three minutes when Steven Reid broke the deadlock. Another piece of goal-keeping cock-up gave West Brom their second, Almunia came rushing out of his goal into no man's land where Squillaci looked comfortable in getting the ball. But Odemwingie won it and played it into the empty net thirteen minutes into the second half. But Arsenal fought back with Arshavin scoring a nice goal with twenty minutes to play, Van Persie equalised just eight minutes later but West Brom held on for the point.
Aston Villa are now one of four teams that are a point away from the relegation zone after losing a Midlands derby at home to Wolves. A Wolves goal was looking ominous as they had two already correctly disallowed. It came seven minutes before half-time courtesy of Matt Jarvis to give Wolves a needed three points.
The tea-time kick-off saw Everton host Fulham at Goodison Park. Everton took the lead through Seamus Coleman nine minutes before half-time. Everton then doubled their lead four minutes after the restart with Saha getting the goal. Fulham pulled one back with Clint Dempsey scoring his eleventh of the season two minutes after the hour but Everton held on for the win.
The reason why the bottom is so tight this year is because the teams at the bottom keep winning games. Wigan have been cast aside for the past few weeks but reopened their survival chances with a win at home to Birmingham who also find themselves in deep trouble. It was Birmingham who took the lead with Ridgewell surviving offside calls to smash it home. On-loan Tom Cleverly equalised for Wigan after 25 minutes after Foster palmed to the cross into his former Manchester United team-mate's path. Birmingham had a late penalty shout wrongly turned down when Alcaraz body checked Curtis Davies in the box. But the game was won in injury time when a Maynor Figueroa shot wrong-footed Foster as it hit the back of the net.
When Blackpool are playing, you know there's going to be drama. It started with Luke Varney having two disallowed goals for offside, both were right decisions but the first incident saw the flag go up extremely late. The deadlock was broke by Blackpool when Charlie Adam converted a penalty after 25 minutes, he then doubled the lead after striking a free-kick past Robinson just four minutes later. Captain Samba pulled one back for Blackburn after Kingson couldn't completely clear the cross, four minutes into the second half. Another injury time goal, this time from Junior Hoilett saw that Blackburn got themselves a point.
Stoke carried on with their progression into the FA Cup semi-finals with a demolition of Newcastle at the Britannia. Jon Walters made it 1-0 after 28 minutes before a Harper blunder allowed Pennant to make it 2-0 just a minute into the second half. Fresh from his free-kick last week-end, Danny Higginbotham smashed another in past a flaky wall just three minutes later. Ricardo Fuller finished off a route one counter attack in injury time to make it 4-0 final score.
Manchester United extended their lead at the top, but only just. Bolton held their own for much of the game but couldn't test Van Der Sar enough in a defence that saw Vidic and Ferdinand still missing. Their defensive got worse fourteen minutes from the end when Jonny Evans received a straight for going into a fifty-fifty challenge with Holden studs showing. Holden unfortunately had to stretchered off with what could be broken leg. But United came through when Jaaskelainen fumbled a Nani shot into the path of substitute Berbatov, allowing the Bulgarian to steal all three points two minutes from time.
United's lead is now up to five but could have been six as Arsenal dropped points at West Brom. Arsenal were behind after just three minutes when Steven Reid broke the deadlock. Another piece of goal-keeping cock-up gave West Brom their second, Almunia came rushing out of his goal into no man's land where Squillaci looked comfortable in getting the ball. But Odemwingie won it and played it into the empty net thirteen minutes into the second half. But Arsenal fought back with Arshavin scoring a nice goal with twenty minutes to play, Van Persie equalised just eight minutes later but West Brom held on for the point.
Aston Villa are now one of four teams that are a point away from the relegation zone after losing a Midlands derby at home to Wolves. A Wolves goal was looking ominous as they had two already correctly disallowed. It came seven minutes before half-time courtesy of Matt Jarvis to give Wolves a needed three points.
The tea-time kick-off saw Everton host Fulham at Goodison Park. Everton took the lead through Seamus Coleman nine minutes before half-time. Everton then doubled their lead four minutes after the restart with Saha getting the goal. Fulham pulled one back with Clint Dempsey scoring his eleventh of the season two minutes after the hour but Everton held on for the win.
Friday 18 March 2011
Champions League Quarter Final and Semi Final Draws
Real Madrid will face Tottenham in the quarter finals. There could then be an all Spanish semi final as the winners of that match will face the winners of Barcelona against Shakhtar Donetsk. Gary Lineker drew out an all English quarter final as Chelsea host Manchester United in the first leg. The winner of the English battle will face either champions Inter Milan or Shalke in the semi-finals.
Premier League Darts: Week Six
The sixth week of the Darts Premier League was at the SECC Arena in Glasgow. The opening match of the night saw seventh take on eighth as Jenkins battled James Wade. Jenkins took the first leg but Wade stormed to a 3-1 lead with the highlight being a 127 check-out in the third leg. Jenkins a leg back but Wade took out two consecutive tons (the first one with two double tops) to make 6-2. Jenkins responded with a ton of his own to then claw his way back to 6-5. It went to the wire with Wade leading 7-6 but Jenkins had the first shot at the double, he missed allowing Wade to take the final fourteenth leg to win 8-6.
The Scottish crowd were leading the Barney Army as Van Barneveld played the inconsistent Webster. Webster made it 1-1 with a ton and then 2-2 with Shanghai 120. But the crowd surged within Barney and he made three consecutive ton plus check-outs of 121, 161 and 116 to make it 5-2. Webster pulled it back to 6-4 but Barney won the eleventh and twelfth legs to seal the victory.
The third match saw Whitlock play Taylor with Taylor having the chance to go top of the league before Anderson's match. But Whitlock took the early 2-1 lead with a ton check-out. But Whitlock's problems with his doubles struck again, allowing Taylor to go 5-2 ahead. It was soon 6-3 before Whitlock planted the seed of doubt as he fought back to 6-5. But Taylor wasn't to be denied top spot and won the final two legs to win 8-5.
What happens when a crowd of Scots in Glasgow on St. Patrick's day come to watch a Scotsman take on an Englishman? Utter carnage. Unfortunately the final game of the night between home man Anderson and Lewis will be remembered for the crowd trouble rather than the actual darts. The trouble started before the action as Lewis was drenched in thrown beer as he walked to the stage. From there the boos rang out every time he took a shot and there were even objects thrown onto the stage. Anderson started by using the Partisan crowd's energy to take a 3-0 lead. But as the actions of the crowd worsened, so did Anderson's mood which effected his game. Lewis stopped the rot with a 111 check-out on his way to winning eight consecutive legs to win the game. However one of the legs Anderson showed great sportsmanship as he purposely lost the leg after picking up a coin that had been thrown onto the stage. An unfortunate way to end a great night of darts on St. Patrick's day.
The win now sees Taylor move two points clear at the top. Anderson has now been joined by Van Barneveld on eight points in second and third. Lewis has now cemented his place in fourth with six while the remaining four players all have four points.
The Scottish crowd were leading the Barney Army as Van Barneveld played the inconsistent Webster. Webster made it 1-1 with a ton and then 2-2 with Shanghai 120. But the crowd surged within Barney and he made three consecutive ton plus check-outs of 121, 161 and 116 to make it 5-2. Webster pulled it back to 6-4 but Barney won the eleventh and twelfth legs to seal the victory.
The third match saw Whitlock play Taylor with Taylor having the chance to go top of the league before Anderson's match. But Whitlock took the early 2-1 lead with a ton check-out. But Whitlock's problems with his doubles struck again, allowing Taylor to go 5-2 ahead. It was soon 6-3 before Whitlock planted the seed of doubt as he fought back to 6-5. But Taylor wasn't to be denied top spot and won the final two legs to win 8-5.
What happens when a crowd of Scots in Glasgow on St. Patrick's day come to watch a Scotsman take on an Englishman? Utter carnage. Unfortunately the final game of the night between home man Anderson and Lewis will be remembered for the crowd trouble rather than the actual darts. The trouble started before the action as Lewis was drenched in thrown beer as he walked to the stage. From there the boos rang out every time he took a shot and there were even objects thrown onto the stage. Anderson started by using the Partisan crowd's energy to take a 3-0 lead. But as the actions of the crowd worsened, so did Anderson's mood which effected his game. Lewis stopped the rot with a 111 check-out on his way to winning eight consecutive legs to win the game. However one of the legs Anderson showed great sportsmanship as he purposely lost the leg after picking up a coin that had been thrown onto the stage. An unfortunate way to end a great night of darts on St. Patrick's day.
The win now sees Taylor move two points clear at the top. Anderson has now been joined by Van Barneveld on eight points in second and third. Lewis has now cemented his place in fourth with six while the remaining four players all have four points.
Thursday 17 March 2011
Chelsea Coast Through, Real Cruise Through
The final two Champions League quarter-final places were clinched last night as the final second legs took place. Chelsea held a 2-0 aggregate advantage before kick-off at Stamford Bridge against Copenhagen. There wasn't any real trouble from Copenhagen as the omens were there from the start; Chelsea have never lost a Champions League home match by more than two goals, Copenhagen have never won a Champions League away match by more than two. The Danes did hit the post but that was about it as they were looking more like a damage limitation side. But there was to be no more damage as Chelsea didn't really test Wiland with Torres still proving one of the most expensive flops (a la Shevchenko?), so the game petered out to a 0-0 with Chelsea comfortably making it three English sides in the last eight.
The other match was finely poised at the Bernabeu as Real Madrid hosted Lyon, the aggregate scoreline was 1-1 and could still go either way. Lyon weren't impressive at all in the first half and only managed one shot at goal. So no surprise that they found themselves 1-0 down at half-time with Marcelo scoring the goal after 37 minutes. The game wasn't over though as an equaliser would bring extra time, but that never looked like materialising and Real took a 2-0 lead after 66 minutes with Benzema scoring through the legs of his former teammate Lloris. Angel Di Maria finished the game off ten minutes later to make it 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.
The other match was finely poised at the Bernabeu as Real Madrid hosted Lyon, the aggregate scoreline was 1-1 and could still go either way. Lyon weren't impressive at all in the first half and only managed one shot at goal. So no surprise that they found themselves 1-0 down at half-time with Marcelo scoring the goal after 37 minutes. The game wasn't over though as an equaliser would bring extra time, but that never looked like materialising and Real took a 2-0 lead after 66 minutes with Benzema scoring through the legs of his former teammate Lloris. Angel Di Maria finished the game off ten minutes later to make it 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.
Wednesday 16 March 2011
United Struggle Through While Inter Spring Shock Comeback
With half of the Champions League quarter-final places being taken last week, yesterday saw four more teams battle it out for two of the remaining places. Barcelona, Tottenham, Shalke and Shakhtar Donetsk are all in Friday's draw and are awaiting their possible opponents.
Old Trafford saw Manchester United host Olympique Marseille, with the aggregate goalless, Marseille knew that a the away goal would be priceless. But it was United who came out flying and grabbed the early goal, Rooney shooting wide along the box only for Hernandez to tap home from about six yards. Marseille were never out of the game and after the goal United seemed to step right off the gas and let the French team enjoy possession. They also had decent chances but both Gignac and Diawara missed clear cut chances to equalise. There was some bad news in the first half for United though, John O'Shea had to be replaced due to a hamstring injury. The second was very cagey and United looked settled on the 1-0 win, possibly due to Marseille's stronghold in attack. But still Marseille failed to test Van Der Sar by missing chances and also failing to take advantage of their superior average height. United then dealt Marseille a sucker punch with Giggs this time rolling the ball across the box for Hernandez to tap home again to make it 2-0 with fifteen to go. But United weren't happy with a comfortable 2-0 scoreline and gave a corner in the last seven minutes which Brown seemed to get an ambiguous touch into the net, despite Scholes' effort to keep it out. United held on though to progress with the 2-1 aggregate win.
The other tie was at the Allianz Arena where Bayern Munich were looking to hold onto their 1-0 aggregate lead against reigning champions Inter Milan. But Inter equalised on aggregate almost instantly on the night with Samuel Eto'o breaking the deadlock after three minutes, to produce the only scoreline that would bring extra time. Mario Gomez equalised on the night after 21 minutes to give Munich the lead again, before Thomas Muller made it 2-1 ten minutes later to gain full control of the tie at 3-1 on aggregate. The tie wasn't over though as Inter equalised through Wesley Sneijder three minutes after the hour to pull one back. The next goal was going to be the ultimatum and Igor Pandev scored it for Inter two minutes from time to make it 3-2 on the night but 3-3 on aggregate, but the champions progress via the away goal rule.
Old Trafford saw Manchester United host Olympique Marseille, with the aggregate goalless, Marseille knew that a the away goal would be priceless. But it was United who came out flying and grabbed the early goal, Rooney shooting wide along the box only for Hernandez to tap home from about six yards. Marseille were never out of the game and after the goal United seemed to step right off the gas and let the French team enjoy possession. They also had decent chances but both Gignac and Diawara missed clear cut chances to equalise. There was some bad news in the first half for United though, John O'Shea had to be replaced due to a hamstring injury. The second was very cagey and United looked settled on the 1-0 win, possibly due to Marseille's stronghold in attack. But still Marseille failed to test Van Der Sar by missing chances and also failing to take advantage of their superior average height. United then dealt Marseille a sucker punch with Giggs this time rolling the ball across the box for Hernandez to tap home again to make it 2-0 with fifteen to go. But United weren't happy with a comfortable 2-0 scoreline and gave a corner in the last seven minutes which Brown seemed to get an ambiguous touch into the net, despite Scholes' effort to keep it out. United held on though to progress with the 2-1 aggregate win.
The other tie was at the Allianz Arena where Bayern Munich were looking to hold onto their 1-0 aggregate lead against reigning champions Inter Milan. But Inter equalised on aggregate almost instantly on the night with Samuel Eto'o breaking the deadlock after three minutes, to produce the only scoreline that would bring extra time. Mario Gomez equalised on the night after 21 minutes to give Munich the lead again, before Thomas Muller made it 2-1 ten minutes later to gain full control of the tie at 3-1 on aggregate. The tie wasn't over though as Inter equalised through Wesley Sneijder three minutes after the hour to pull one back. The next goal was going to be the ultimatum and Igor Pandev scored it for Inter two minutes from time to make it 3-2 on the night but 3-3 on aggregate, but the champions progress via the away goal rule.
Monday 14 March 2011
Controversy At The Britannia, City Strike It Rich
With Bolton and Manchester United safely through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, the remaining two places had to be filled with yesterday's quarter-final winners. Sunday's first quarter-final was at The Britannia where Stoke hosted West Ham. They met just last week in the Premiership with West Ham winning 3-1 at Upton Park. Stoke were looking to gain revenge by ending Avram Grant's FA Cup fairytale and took the lead after twelve minutes; a trademark Rory Delap throw was met by Robert Huth who headed past Green. West Ham equalised through controversial circumstances when Piquionne looked to have handled when controlling a long ball from Parker, but referee Mike Jones waved play on and Piquionne went on to score. The second half saw Etherington fall over a slight Parker challenge in the box which Mike Jones bought and awarded the penalty. Etherington stepped up but Green saved it to let justice prevail. The winner came after 63 minutes when Carlton Cole was adjudged to have handled from a Pennant free-kick, despite Parker's appeals for self-defence. Danny Higginbotham took the second free-kick and blasted it past Green to secure Stoke's place in the semi-final for the first time in 39 years, they will meet Bolton at Wembley.
The semi-final draw took place so Manchester City and Reading knew that whoever won the tie would face Manchester United. On paper there should have been only one winner but as usual Manchester City came extremely close to an embarrassing upset. Reading gave as good as they got with keeper Alex McCarthy playing very well, City also were guilty of trying to walk it in and missing guilt-edged chances. But City did manage to get the only goal of the match with Micah Richards heading from a corner after 74 minutes.
The semi-final draw took place so Manchester City and Reading knew that whoever won the tie would face Manchester United. On paper there should have been only one winner but as usual Manchester City came extremely close to an embarrassing upset. Reading gave as good as they got with keeper Alex McCarthy playing very well, City also were guilty of trying to walk it in and missing guilt-edged chances. But City did manage to get the only goal of the match with Micah Richards heading from a corner after 74 minutes.
Sunday 13 March 2011
Five At St. Andrew's While United Find A Twin Turbo
The Premiership took a break this weekend as the FA Cup reached the quarter finals. Yesterday's early kick-off saw Birmingham take on Bolton with Birmingham looking to become only the fourth team to win the domestic cup double, Bolton were looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time in eleven years. It was a cagey first half with a lot of the action being limited to long balls, Alex McLeish's injury got worse during the first half as both Jiranek and Ferguson had to be subbed. Despite the lack of meaningful attacks, Bolton did take the lead with Elmander breaking the deadlock after 21 minutes. From there Birmingham started the play the ball a little better and got the reward when Cameron Jerome fired a half volley into the near post corner to make it 1-1 seven minutes before half-time.
The second half had much better football with both now having settled into the tie. Referee Phil Dowd had to make a big decision when Jaaskelainen looked to have brought down Jerome in box, Dowd gave a corner and replays showed it was the right decision. Bolton went down the other minutes later and the introduction of Chung Yong Lee really helped the cause; he made a run into the box before passing it inside to Elmander, his shot was blocked but managed to poke the ball through to Kevin Davies to score, but Davies was offside and the goal didn't stand. But just a minute later Kevin Davies was hauled down by Curtis Davies in the box and Bolton were awarded the penalty, Kevin Davies stepped up and slotted past Foster after 66 minutes. Birmingham equalised ten minutes from time when Kevin Phillips managed to lob Jaaskelainen with a poke. But any chance of replay, just after these two meet in the league, were dashed when Chung Yong Lee headed past Foster in the final minute of normal time, Bolton going through 3-2 winners.
The late kick-off saw the showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. Arsenal were looking not to be eliminated from three cups in just two weeks while United were looking to bounce back after two consecutive league defeats. Both teams were injury hit with Szczesny, Fabregas and Waltcott out for Arsenal, Ferdinand, Nani and Park out for United. Although Arsenal still had a familiar looking line-up United's mid-field looked very odd, twins Rafael and Fabio were out on the wings with O'Shea partnering Gibson in the centre. It was the tale of two strategies as usual with Arsenal looking to dominate possession but try to walk it in, with United looking to counter and shoot when possible. When Arsenal did shoot they were thwarted by a fantastic Van Der Sar. But United broke the deadlock two minutes before the half hour mark; Rafael picked the ball up and ran halfway into the Arsenal half, he squared it inside to brother Fabio who played it to Rooney, Rooney chipped it over into the path of Hernandez whose shot was parried by Almunia only for Fabio to get to the rebound to score.
The second half saw Van Der Sar pull off yet more unbelievable saves and despite Arsenal's decent start to the second half, they were soon two down. The half-time introduction of the long absent Valencia was a big welcome to Sir Alex Ferguson and he soon brought back what United had missed, a decent cross mixed with creativity. Rafael made another dangerous run into the box with the ball, he played it out to Valencia who whipped in a cross but Hernandez's shot was blocked, only for Rooney to head home from a tight angle four minutes into the second half. Both could've scored after that but both Almunia and Van Der Sar pulled some great saves but apart from the obvious woes for Wenger, he suffered another injury blow with Johann Djourou looking to have sustained a dislocated shoulder in the last ten minutes of the game. United progress into the semi-finals along with Bolton.
The second half had much better football with both now having settled into the tie. Referee Phil Dowd had to make a big decision when Jaaskelainen looked to have brought down Jerome in box, Dowd gave a corner and replays showed it was the right decision. Bolton went down the other minutes later and the introduction of Chung Yong Lee really helped the cause; he made a run into the box before passing it inside to Elmander, his shot was blocked but managed to poke the ball through to Kevin Davies to score, but Davies was offside and the goal didn't stand. But just a minute later Kevin Davies was hauled down by Curtis Davies in the box and Bolton were awarded the penalty, Kevin Davies stepped up and slotted past Foster after 66 minutes. Birmingham equalised ten minutes from time when Kevin Phillips managed to lob Jaaskelainen with a poke. But any chance of replay, just after these two meet in the league, were dashed when Chung Yong Lee headed past Foster in the final minute of normal time, Bolton going through 3-2 winners.
The late kick-off saw the showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. Arsenal were looking not to be eliminated from three cups in just two weeks while United were looking to bounce back after two consecutive league defeats. Both teams were injury hit with Szczesny, Fabregas and Waltcott out for Arsenal, Ferdinand, Nani and Park out for United. Although Arsenal still had a familiar looking line-up United's mid-field looked very odd, twins Rafael and Fabio were out on the wings with O'Shea partnering Gibson in the centre. It was the tale of two strategies as usual with Arsenal looking to dominate possession but try to walk it in, with United looking to counter and shoot when possible. When Arsenal did shoot they were thwarted by a fantastic Van Der Sar. But United broke the deadlock two minutes before the half hour mark; Rafael picked the ball up and ran halfway into the Arsenal half, he squared it inside to brother Fabio who played it to Rooney, Rooney chipped it over into the path of Hernandez whose shot was parried by Almunia only for Fabio to get to the rebound to score.
The second half saw Van Der Sar pull off yet more unbelievable saves and despite Arsenal's decent start to the second half, they were soon two down. The half-time introduction of the long absent Valencia was a big welcome to Sir Alex Ferguson and he soon brought back what United had missed, a decent cross mixed with creativity. Rafael made another dangerous run into the box with the ball, he played it out to Valencia who whipped in a cross but Hernandez's shot was blocked, only for Rooney to head home from a tight angle four minutes into the second half. Both could've scored after that but both Almunia and Van Der Sar pulled some great saves but apart from the obvious woes for Wenger, he suffered another injury blow with Johann Djourou looking to have sustained a dislocated shoulder in the last ten minutes of the game. United progress into the semi-finals along with Bolton.
Thursday 10 March 2011
Premier League Darts: Week Five
Week five of the Darts Premier League headed up north into the MEN Arena in Manchester. Terry Jenkins kicked off the night up against Mark Webster, Jenkins looking to stop the rot of three defeats on the bounce against Webster who hit a 110 average in the trouncing of Adrian Lewis last week. It was Webster who struck first after Jenkins missed three darts at the double, but the Bull quickly equalised before taking out 104 to make it 2-1. Again Webster equalised but from there the Welshman just played inconsistent darts. Jenkins went onto win the next five legs to earn himself at least a point at 7-2. This somehow seemed to rejuvenate Webster as he won the following two legs but a mysterious draught seemed to divert his attention in the twelfth leg, allowing Jenkins to take the match 8-4.
We've waited five weeks for the first draw in this year's Premier League and the second match should have produced it. Phil Taylor was looking to stop Anderson's unbeaten run and quickly gained a 2-0 lead. But Anderson regained his nerves to battle back to 2-2 after four legs. From there the darts went with throw up until the fourteenth leg. Taylor had took it to 7-6 and was guaranteed a point with Anderson throwing for the draw, but the Scot somehow couldn't find the double and Taylor took out 44 to just about win 8-6.
The third match saw an out of sorts Wade take on Van Barneveld who was looking to bounce back after his bout of 'Tayloritis', but it was Wade who opened the scoring. Barneveld equalised straight away with a 107 checkout which seemed to kill Wade off as the Dutchman stormed to a 3-1 lead. Wade stopped the run with an impressive 136 but it only deterred Barney for a moment. He came back with five legs on the spin to crush Wade 8-2.
The final match in Manchester saw Whitlock take on Lewis. So far the league has proved unpredictable and going by last week's results (Whitlock winning 8-1, Lewis losing 8-2) it looked like Whitlock should win again. Although he took the the first leg, Whitlock's achilles heel was again his doubles. Whereas Lewis was deadly on his and stormed to a 7-1 lead, the highlights being a 113 checkout in the fourth leg and a 116 in the eighth. Whitlock secured a consolation but was only denying the inevitable as Lewis finished the match off in style with a 136 checkout to win 8-2.
Anderson still leads at the top on leg difference but Taylor has now levelled on points. Van Barneveld sits third with six points but Webster, Jenkins, Whitlock and Lewis are all just behind him on four points. Wade, similar to this stage last year, props up the table with just two points to his name.
We've waited five weeks for the first draw in this year's Premier League and the second match should have produced it. Phil Taylor was looking to stop Anderson's unbeaten run and quickly gained a 2-0 lead. But Anderson regained his nerves to battle back to 2-2 after four legs. From there the darts went with throw up until the fourteenth leg. Taylor had took it to 7-6 and was guaranteed a point with Anderson throwing for the draw, but the Scot somehow couldn't find the double and Taylor took out 44 to just about win 8-6.
The third match saw an out of sorts Wade take on Van Barneveld who was looking to bounce back after his bout of 'Tayloritis', but it was Wade who opened the scoring. Barneveld equalised straight away with a 107 checkout which seemed to kill Wade off as the Dutchman stormed to a 3-1 lead. Wade stopped the run with an impressive 136 but it only deterred Barney for a moment. He came back with five legs on the spin to crush Wade 8-2.
The final match in Manchester saw Whitlock take on Lewis. So far the league has proved unpredictable and going by last week's results (Whitlock winning 8-1, Lewis losing 8-2) it looked like Whitlock should win again. Although he took the the first leg, Whitlock's achilles heel was again his doubles. Whereas Lewis was deadly on his and stormed to a 7-1 lead, the highlights being a 113 checkout in the fourth leg and a 116 in the eighth. Whitlock secured a consolation but was only denying the inevitable as Lewis finished the match off in style with a 136 checkout to win 8-2.
Anderson still leads at the top on leg difference but Taylor has now levelled on points. Van Barneveld sits third with six points but Webster, Jenkins, Whitlock and Lewis are all just behind him on four points. Wade, similar to this stage last year, props up the table with just two points to his name.
Spurs Protect Lead, Shalke Beat Valencia and Everton Earn Draw
Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk were joined by two more teams into the Champions League quarter finals yesterday and there was also Premiership action at Goodison Park. Tottenham returned to White Hart Lane last night with a 1-0 aggregate lead over AC Milan. After viewing Arsenal's departure from the night before, Harry Redknapp vowed to attack Milan and put the tie to bed. That wasn't quite the case although they did shoot more than Arsenal did (although that wasn't particularly hard). But, in truth, AC Milan looked the more dangerous and came very close in the first half but Robinho's deflected, scuffed shot was blocked off the line by Gallas. Despite Milan's countless attacks, Tottenham held on and managed to grind out a goalless draw to see that they progress into the quarter finals.
In Germany, Shalke hosted Valencia with the first leg finishing 1-1 in the Mestalla. Valencia equalled the away goal by breaking the deadlock with Ricardo Costa scoring after seventeen minutes, making it 2-1 on aggregate. Jefferson Farfan equalised on both accounts five minutes from half-time to produce the only scoreline that would bring extra time. But extra time wasn't going to be needed as Shalke took the lead seven minutes after the restart through Mario Gavranovic. Shalke guaranteed their quarter final slot in injury time with Farfan scoring his second of the night.
Back in the Premiership, Everton entertained Birmingham in the latest rescheduled match. Birmingham took the lead after seventeen minutes with Jean Beausejour heading the ball home. But Everton earned themselves a point and equalised ten minutes before half-time with Johnny Heitinga getting the goal. The draw sees Birmingham move out of the relegation zone by goal difference but still have a game in hand over the rest of their rivals, although it is against Chelsea. Everton move up to ninth, providing the meat in a Tyne-Wear sandwich, a point ahead of Newcastle but a point behind Sunderland.
In Germany, Shalke hosted Valencia with the first leg finishing 1-1 in the Mestalla. Valencia equalled the away goal by breaking the deadlock with Ricardo Costa scoring after seventeen minutes, making it 2-1 on aggregate. Jefferson Farfan equalised on both accounts five minutes from half-time to produce the only scoreline that would bring extra time. But extra time wasn't going to be needed as Shalke took the lead seven minutes after the restart through Mario Gavranovic. Shalke guaranteed their quarter final slot in injury time with Farfan scoring his second of the night.
Back in the Premiership, Everton entertained Birmingham in the latest rescheduled match. Birmingham took the lead after seventeen minutes with Jean Beausejour heading the ball home. But Everton earned themselves a point and equalised ten minutes before half-time with Johnny Heitinga getting the goal. The draw sees Birmingham move out of the relegation zone by goal difference but still have a game in hand over the rest of their rivals, although it is against Chelsea. Everton move up to ninth, providing the meat in a Tyne-Wear sandwich, a point ahead of Newcastle but a point behind Sunderland.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Three For Chelsea, Three For Barca and Three For Shakhtar
Monday Night Football returned this week with the action coming from Bloomfield Road where Blackpool entertained Chelsea. Chelsea were fresh from their big mid-week win over Manchester United and with the leaders slipping up to Liverpool, they were looking to close in further at the top. They got off to the best start with captain Terry heading from a corner after twenty minutes. Chelsea had to wait to seal the game with Lampard making 2-0 from the spot after 62 minutes, he then made it three just four minutes later. Blackpool did get a consolation via Puncheon four minutes from the end but it did little to dampen Chelsea's rejuvenation.
Tuesday saw the first couple of Champions League second round second legs. Arsenal nursed a 2-1 lead into the Nou Camp but Messi broke the deadlock just before half-time to make it 2-2 on aggregate with Barcelona going through via away goals. But Arsenal equalised eight minutes into the second half when a Nasri corner was headed by Busquets into his own net to make it 3-2 on aggregate. Barcelona nearly scored straight away but brave goalkeeping by substitute Almunia on Villa kept it at 1-1. News got worse for Arsenal though, Van Persie was flagged offside three minutes later and carried on to take a shot shortly after. The referee harshly judged it to be kicking the ball away and brandished a second yellow card to Van Persie to reduce Arsenal to ten men. They paid the price when Xavi made it 2-1 (3-3 on aggregate) after 69 minutes which would have forced extra time. But the tie was won in the allotted time when Koscielny lost his head and brought down Pedro in the box just two minutes later, Messi stepped up and converted the penalty to send Barcelona through, 4-3 on aggregate.
The other Champions League tie saw Shakhtar Donetsk protect a 3-2 lead at home to Roma. Shakhtar opened the scoring with Tomas Hubschman after eighteen minutes to extend their advantage to 4-2. Roma's chances of a comeback got even slimmer when Mexes received a second yellow four minutes before half-time. Shakhtar took full advantage with Willian making it 2-0 after 58 minutes and Eduardo finished the tie off three minutes from time. Shakhtar won 3-0 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate to progress into the quarter finals for the first time in their history.
Tuesday saw the first couple of Champions League second round second legs. Arsenal nursed a 2-1 lead into the Nou Camp but Messi broke the deadlock just before half-time to make it 2-2 on aggregate with Barcelona going through via away goals. But Arsenal equalised eight minutes into the second half when a Nasri corner was headed by Busquets into his own net to make it 3-2 on aggregate. Barcelona nearly scored straight away but brave goalkeeping by substitute Almunia on Villa kept it at 1-1. News got worse for Arsenal though, Van Persie was flagged offside three minutes later and carried on to take a shot shortly after. The referee harshly judged it to be kicking the ball away and brandished a second yellow card to Van Persie to reduce Arsenal to ten men. They paid the price when Xavi made it 2-1 (3-3 on aggregate) after 69 minutes which would have forced extra time. But the tie was won in the allotted time when Koscielny lost his head and brought down Pedro in the box just two minutes later, Messi stepped up and converted the penalty to send Barcelona through, 4-3 on aggregate.
The other Champions League tie saw Shakhtar Donetsk protect a 3-2 lead at home to Roma. Shakhtar opened the scoring with Tomas Hubschman after eighteen minutes to extend their advantage to 4-2. Roma's chances of a comeback got even slimmer when Mexes received a second yellow four minutes before half-time. Shakhtar took full advantage with Willian making it 2-0 after 58 minutes and Eduardo finished the tie off three minutes from time. Shakhtar won 3-0 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate to progress into the quarter finals for the first time in their history.
Sunday 6 March 2011
Liverpool High As A Kuyt As Molineux Sees Six
Super Sunday lived up its name today with both games serving up a treat as Dalglish and Ferguson went head to head and Tottenham travelled to Wolves.
The half one kick-off saw the rivalry that is Liverpool and Manchester United, it was dubbed earlier as England's Old Firm and is even more so now that Dalglish is back in charge. Andy Carroll was poised to make his debut from the bench with Suarez picked to play up front with Kuyt. United brought Brown in for the suspended Vidic and Rafael replaced O'Shea at right back. Liverpool started the brighter and troubled United's defence early on. United steadily grew into it and made their first warning with Berbatov hitting the post following his hat-trick against Liverpool at Old Trafford earlier in the season. A touch of brilliance occurred eleven minutes from half-time when Luis Suarez took advantage of United's poor defence by dancing through five of them, he then fizzed the ball along the goal-line and Kuyt was on hand to tap it in. It got worse for United just five minutes later with another defensive calamity; a Liverpool cross looked to have been wasted when it was going straight to Nani. But the Portuguese winger somehow managed to head the ball back towards his own goal where a delighted Kuyt could head home from four yards. Nani was unable to make amends because just before half-time Jamie Carragher went in two-footed on him, Carragher was lucky to escape with a caution and Nani was stretchered off. That ignited the tie and just a minute later Rafael committed the same sort of tackle and was also lucky to escape with a yellow card.
Javier Hernandez was brought on in place of Nani just before half-time but the three pronged attack failed to deliver any meaningful chances. There were a couple of touches from set pieces that caused Meireles to clear off the line but it was looking much like it wasn't going to be United's day. Liverpool rounded the match off 65 minutes into it when Van Der Sar spilled a stinging Gerrard free-kick, Kuyt was there to graciously accept another tap in from all of three yards for his hat-trick. United managed to get a consolation in the depths of injury time with Hernandez heading home from a corner.
The four o'clock kick-off followed with the same amount of drama as Tottenham travelled to Wolves. The games was dedicated to the memory of Dean Richards who sadly passed away last weekend at an early adult age. It was Wolves who broke the deadlock after twenty minutes when Kevin Doyle headed past Gomes who was standing in no man's land. But Spurs equalised ten minutes later when Defoe curled one past Hennessey for his first goal in the league this season. Just like buses, Defoe found a second five minutes later with another curler into the top corner from the edge of the box. But Wolves were awarded a penalty five minutes from half-time when Hutton hauled down Doyle, Hutton was lucky to escape a red when it looked to be a goalscoring opportunity but referee Mark Halsey brandished only a yellow. Doyle stepped up and converted the penalty to equalise. Tottenham regained the lead just three minutes into the second half with Pavlyuchenko providing another great strike past Hennessey. But Wolves deserved at least a point and squandered many chances. Wolves also had a goal disallowed for a foul on Gomes but it looked very tedious as goalkeepers seem untouchable these days. Wolves did, however, find their deserved equaliser with Steven Fletcher heading into the bottom corner to make it 3-3 at full time.
The half one kick-off saw the rivalry that is Liverpool and Manchester United, it was dubbed earlier as England's Old Firm and is even more so now that Dalglish is back in charge. Andy Carroll was poised to make his debut from the bench with Suarez picked to play up front with Kuyt. United brought Brown in for the suspended Vidic and Rafael replaced O'Shea at right back. Liverpool started the brighter and troubled United's defence early on. United steadily grew into it and made their first warning with Berbatov hitting the post following his hat-trick against Liverpool at Old Trafford earlier in the season. A touch of brilliance occurred eleven minutes from half-time when Luis Suarez took advantage of United's poor defence by dancing through five of them, he then fizzed the ball along the goal-line and Kuyt was on hand to tap it in. It got worse for United just five minutes later with another defensive calamity; a Liverpool cross looked to have been wasted when it was going straight to Nani. But the Portuguese winger somehow managed to head the ball back towards his own goal where a delighted Kuyt could head home from four yards. Nani was unable to make amends because just before half-time Jamie Carragher went in two-footed on him, Carragher was lucky to escape with a caution and Nani was stretchered off. That ignited the tie and just a minute later Rafael committed the same sort of tackle and was also lucky to escape with a yellow card.
Javier Hernandez was brought on in place of Nani just before half-time but the three pronged attack failed to deliver any meaningful chances. There were a couple of touches from set pieces that caused Meireles to clear off the line but it was looking much like it wasn't going to be United's day. Liverpool rounded the match off 65 minutes into it when Van Der Sar spilled a stinging Gerrard free-kick, Kuyt was there to graciously accept another tap in from all of three yards for his hat-trick. United managed to get a consolation in the depths of injury time with Hernandez heading home from a corner.
The four o'clock kick-off followed with the same amount of drama as Tottenham travelled to Wolves. The games was dedicated to the memory of Dean Richards who sadly passed away last weekend at an early adult age. It was Wolves who broke the deadlock after twenty minutes when Kevin Doyle headed past Gomes who was standing in no man's land. But Spurs equalised ten minutes later when Defoe curled one past Hennessey for his first goal in the league this season. Just like buses, Defoe found a second five minutes later with another curler into the top corner from the edge of the box. But Wolves were awarded a penalty five minutes from half-time when Hutton hauled down Doyle, Hutton was lucky to escape a red when it looked to be a goalscoring opportunity but referee Mark Halsey brandished only a yellow. Doyle stepped up and converted the penalty to equalise. Tottenham regained the lead just three minutes into the second half with Pavlyuchenko providing another great strike past Hennessey. But Wolves deserved at least a point and squandered many chances. Wolves also had a goal disallowed for a foul on Gomes but it looked very tedious as goalkeepers seem untouchable these days. Wolves did, however, find their deserved equaliser with Steven Fletcher heading into the bottom corner to make it 3-3 at full time.
Barclay's Premiership Action 5/3/11
Yesterday saw seven Barclay's Premiership games with a lunch-time and tea-time kick-off. Manchester Untied don't play until later on today, meaning that Arsenal and Manchester City could apply the pressure.
The lunch-time kick-off a Midlands derby between Carling Cup champions Birmingham and West Brom. Birmingham had to make changes following their Wembley triumph but were still looking rather lethargic. The first half was goalless but West Brom broke the deadlock just two minutes after the restart when a poor clearance from Foster was intercepted in mid-field, this lead to substitute Odemwingie finding the ball through to Mulumbu and the striker put it away. West Brom's lead only lasted a minute when Jean Beausejour scored his first Premiership goal with a tap in. West Brom came again and ten minutes later James Morrison found a superb strike past Foster to make it 2-1, Birmingham nearly equalised straight away again but West Brom defended it. The game was sealed when Paul Scharner headed the ball from the tightest of angles which Foster could only manage to palm into his own net, it was a close call but the officials didn't need goal line technology to award the goal and the 3-1 win for West Brom.
Arsenal were also looking lethargic from their Wembley showdown at home to Sunderland. In truth it was another one of those days for Wenger where the goalkeeper was on top form. Mignolet produced some excellent saves but Sunderland were lucky not to concede a penalty when Bramble looked to have pushed Arshavin in the back. Arshavin did also put the ball in the net but was wrongly flagged offside, leaving the game to finish goalless.
West Ham had scored three goals in each of their previous two Premiership games, plus the five against Burnley in the FA Cup. The run continued here as Stoke proved no match for the rejuvenated Hammers. Demba Ba continued his scoring form by breaking the deadlock against the team he nearly signed for after 21 minutes. Manuel Da Costa made it 2-0 just eight minutes later and Thomas Hitzlsperger rounded the match off seven minutes from time.
Fulham entertained Blackburn at Craven Cottage in a game where referee Mark Clattenburg was hoping for a quiet game. Fulham took the lead with former Blackburn man Damien Duff getting the goal that Robinson probably should have saved eight minutes from half-time. Blackburn equalised on the stroke of half-time when a Hanley shot badly deflected off Hangeland into the Fulham net. Duff regained Fulham's lead just before the hour but again Blackburn equalised with Hoilett scoring just six minutes later. Adam Johnson should have won a penalty in the dying minutes of normal time when Hanley fouled him, but Clattenburg said no and Fulham had a corner. As the corner came in Clattenburg did blow for a penalty when Hanley was adjudged to be holding his marker, which he was so the right decision. Bobby Zamora stepped up and converted the penalty to give Fulham the 3-2 win.
Newcastle hosted the injury stricken Everton at St. James' Park. Newcastle were looking to take full advantage of David Moyes' injury woes and took the lead after 23 minutes with Leon Best getting the goal. Mikel Arteta is priceless for Everton and had to be even more instrumental without Cahill and Fellaini, he made a run own the wing before cutting inside and playing the ball back to Osman on the edge of the box, Osman struck it and found the net to equalise just after the half hour mark. Everton then took the lead five minutes later when an Arteta cross was met by Phil Jagielka to give Everton the 2-1 win.
There were a further five goals at the Reebok where Bolton played Aston Villa. Questions were asked about whether Houllier was right to make so many changes in the FA Cup in mid-week. It looked as if those questions might have been answered when Bent gave them the lead after fifteen minutes. Former Villa man Gary Cahill equalised for Bolton on the stroke of half-time with a goal from a badly defended corner. After missing a whole host of chances, Villa finally regained the lead with Albrighton getting the goal after 64 minutes. Villa were then awarded a controversial penalty when Baker had looked to have played the ball out of play, however play continued and Young was fouled in the box and the penalty was given. Young stepped up with Jaaskelainen playing mind games by leaving a big gap to his right before stepping back into the middle. Young fell for it and took the penalty to the the keeper's right and Jaaskelainen saved it. Bolton then equalised with Gary Cahill scoring his second against his former employers with fifteen left. Bolton then stole the points after Villa missed more chances, Ivan Klasnic scored the goal with yet more bad defending four minutes from time.
The tea-time kick-off saw a Lancashire derby between Manchester City and Wigan. Only one goal separated the sides but it was an absolute howler. David Silva fired a shot which Ali Al-Habsi looked for all the world like he was going to save it. But somehow it went through his hands and his open legs to roll into the net. Wigan fought hard and were unlucky not to have gotten at least a point but City apply the pressure at the top with the win.
The lunch-time kick-off a Midlands derby between Carling Cup champions Birmingham and West Brom. Birmingham had to make changes following their Wembley triumph but were still looking rather lethargic. The first half was goalless but West Brom broke the deadlock just two minutes after the restart when a poor clearance from Foster was intercepted in mid-field, this lead to substitute Odemwingie finding the ball through to Mulumbu and the striker put it away. West Brom's lead only lasted a minute when Jean Beausejour scored his first Premiership goal with a tap in. West Brom came again and ten minutes later James Morrison found a superb strike past Foster to make it 2-1, Birmingham nearly equalised straight away again but West Brom defended it. The game was sealed when Paul Scharner headed the ball from the tightest of angles which Foster could only manage to palm into his own net, it was a close call but the officials didn't need goal line technology to award the goal and the 3-1 win for West Brom.
Arsenal were also looking lethargic from their Wembley showdown at home to Sunderland. In truth it was another one of those days for Wenger where the goalkeeper was on top form. Mignolet produced some excellent saves but Sunderland were lucky not to concede a penalty when Bramble looked to have pushed Arshavin in the back. Arshavin did also put the ball in the net but was wrongly flagged offside, leaving the game to finish goalless.
West Ham had scored three goals in each of their previous two Premiership games, plus the five against Burnley in the FA Cup. The run continued here as Stoke proved no match for the rejuvenated Hammers. Demba Ba continued his scoring form by breaking the deadlock against the team he nearly signed for after 21 minutes. Manuel Da Costa made it 2-0 just eight minutes later and Thomas Hitzlsperger rounded the match off seven minutes from time.
Fulham entertained Blackburn at Craven Cottage in a game where referee Mark Clattenburg was hoping for a quiet game. Fulham took the lead with former Blackburn man Damien Duff getting the goal that Robinson probably should have saved eight minutes from half-time. Blackburn equalised on the stroke of half-time when a Hanley shot badly deflected off Hangeland into the Fulham net. Duff regained Fulham's lead just before the hour but again Blackburn equalised with Hoilett scoring just six minutes later. Adam Johnson should have won a penalty in the dying minutes of normal time when Hanley fouled him, but Clattenburg said no and Fulham had a corner. As the corner came in Clattenburg did blow for a penalty when Hanley was adjudged to be holding his marker, which he was so the right decision. Bobby Zamora stepped up and converted the penalty to give Fulham the 3-2 win.
Newcastle hosted the injury stricken Everton at St. James' Park. Newcastle were looking to take full advantage of David Moyes' injury woes and took the lead after 23 minutes with Leon Best getting the goal. Mikel Arteta is priceless for Everton and had to be even more instrumental without Cahill and Fellaini, he made a run own the wing before cutting inside and playing the ball back to Osman on the edge of the box, Osman struck it and found the net to equalise just after the half hour mark. Everton then took the lead five minutes later when an Arteta cross was met by Phil Jagielka to give Everton the 2-1 win.
There were a further five goals at the Reebok where Bolton played Aston Villa. Questions were asked about whether Houllier was right to make so many changes in the FA Cup in mid-week. It looked as if those questions might have been answered when Bent gave them the lead after fifteen minutes. Former Villa man Gary Cahill equalised for Bolton on the stroke of half-time with a goal from a badly defended corner. After missing a whole host of chances, Villa finally regained the lead with Albrighton getting the goal after 64 minutes. Villa were then awarded a controversial penalty when Baker had looked to have played the ball out of play, however play continued and Young was fouled in the box and the penalty was given. Young stepped up with Jaaskelainen playing mind games by leaving a big gap to his right before stepping back into the middle. Young fell for it and took the penalty to the the keeper's right and Jaaskelainen saved it. Bolton then equalised with Gary Cahill scoring his second against his former employers with fifteen left. Bolton then stole the points after Villa missed more chances, Ivan Klasnic scored the goal with yet more bad defending four minutes from time.
The tea-time kick-off saw a Lancashire derby between Manchester City and Wigan. Only one goal separated the sides but it was an absolute howler. David Silva fired a shot which Ali Al-Habsi looked for all the world like he was going to save it. But somehow it went through his hands and his open legs to roll into the net. Wigan fought hard and were unlucky not to have gotten at least a point but City apply the pressure at the top with the win.
Thursday 3 March 2011
Premier League Darts: Week Four
Week four of the Darts Premier League was in the Westpoint Arena in Exeter. All four games had high entertainment levels but none were real contests. First onto the stage was Jenkins as he took on the birthday boy Whitlock. Both players had won one of their opening three games but Jenkins hadn't won since the opening week whereas Whitlock beat Wade last week. the Aussie clearly had the momentum and stormed into a 2-0 lead after a shaky first leg. Jenkins pulled a leg back in the third but from there Whitlock just kicked through the gears. For the first time this league Whitlock was finally hitting consistent doubles and went onto win 8-1, meaning that Jenkins has only three of his last nineteen legs.
Webster knows how Jenkins feels after being thrashed 8-1 by Anderson last week, Webster's opponent this week was the world champion Adrian Lewis. Webster set the tone of the match with a checkout of 101 in the opening leg. Lewis hit back with a cocky two double tops but that only spurred Webster on further. The third leg saw the Welshman checkout 120 and then a 124 in the fifth leg to make it 3-2. Webster's doubles was unbelievable as he didn't drop a leg from there to win 8-2, he only missed two darts at the doubles to leave Lewis way behind.
The man to beat at the minute is Gary Anderson and Wade was the latest to try and do it. Anderson was having none of it however and stormed into a 4-0 lead with Wade looking well off his game. He pulled two legs back before the break and made 5-3 after eight legs. But Anderson strolled to the finish line to make it four wins from four with an 8-3 scoreline.
Raymond Van Barneveld has been suffering a darting condition known as 'Tayloritis', this is where, for some unknown reason, no matter how good you've been playing you just cannot find the darts against Taylor. It happened again tonight as Taylor took a 2-0 lead, Barney should have made it 2-1 but missed darts to allow Taylor to take the 'Snooker' 147 checkout, making it 3-0. It was soon 6-0 at the break with the highlight being a 106 which again came after Barney missed doubles. But Van Barneveld showed some resurgence following the adverts and won the following three legs to make it 6-3, with a 111 checkout in the eighth. It should have been 6-4 but this time both players missed doubles and it resulted in Taylor getting double one to make it 7-3. The eleventh leg followed suit with Barney missing the double, allowing Taylor to take the win 8-3.
The table sees Anderson still lead the pack with a 100% success rate. Taylor is now just a win away on six points and the top two meet next week. Van Barneveld has now been caught up by Webster and Whitlock with them all having four points. Jenkins, Lewis and Wade are propping up the table with just one win apiece, resulting in two points each.
Webster knows how Jenkins feels after being thrashed 8-1 by Anderson last week, Webster's opponent this week was the world champion Adrian Lewis. Webster set the tone of the match with a checkout of 101 in the opening leg. Lewis hit back with a cocky two double tops but that only spurred Webster on further. The third leg saw the Welshman checkout 120 and then a 124 in the fifth leg to make it 3-2. Webster's doubles was unbelievable as he didn't drop a leg from there to win 8-2, he only missed two darts at the doubles to leave Lewis way behind.
The man to beat at the minute is Gary Anderson and Wade was the latest to try and do it. Anderson was having none of it however and stormed into a 4-0 lead with Wade looking well off his game. He pulled two legs back before the break and made 5-3 after eight legs. But Anderson strolled to the finish line to make it four wins from four with an 8-3 scoreline.
Raymond Van Barneveld has been suffering a darting condition known as 'Tayloritis', this is where, for some unknown reason, no matter how good you've been playing you just cannot find the darts against Taylor. It happened again tonight as Taylor took a 2-0 lead, Barney should have made it 2-1 but missed darts to allow Taylor to take the 'Snooker' 147 checkout, making it 3-0. It was soon 6-0 at the break with the highlight being a 106 which again came after Barney missed doubles. But Van Barneveld showed some resurgence following the adverts and won the following three legs to make it 6-3, with a 111 checkout in the eighth. It should have been 6-4 but this time both players missed doubles and it resulted in Taylor getting double one to make it 7-3. The eleventh leg followed suit with Barney missing the double, allowing Taylor to take the win 8-3.
The table sees Anderson still lead the pack with a 100% success rate. Taylor is now just a win away on six points and the top two meet next week. Van Barneveld has now been caught up by Webster and Whitlock with them all having four points. Jenkins, Lewis and Wade are propping up the table with just one win apiece, resulting in two points each.
FA Cup Wednesday
Yesterday saw an FA Cup fifth round tie and an FA Cup fifth round replay, although neither score was close. The replay was at the Emirates where Arsenal hosted Leyton Orient. It finished 1-1 in the original after a late Orient equaliser, but you felt their chance of an upset had already gone now the replay was the Emirates. It wasn't long before we were proven right when Chamakh put Arsenal ahead after just seven minutes. Nicklas Bendtner told how he'd dreamed of scoring the winner in the Carling Cup final, that didn't materialise (not for the first time has that happened!) but the Dane made it 2-0 on the half hour mark. It was all but over as a contest before half-time when Bendtner scored his scored two minutes before the break. There was no let up in the second half and Bendtner scored his hat-trick after 62 minutes with a converted penalty kick. Gael Clichy rounded the rout off with fifteen minutes left to make it 5-0 and set up the tie of the quarter finals against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The proper fifth round tie saw Manchester City take on Aston Villa with Reading awaiting in the quarter finals. Villa put out a massively changed squad which saw Michael Bradley make his full debut, Chris Herd, Ciaran Clark and Fabian Delph joined Dunne in defence. City also took the lead early on from a corner; Vieira headed it on which hit hit Clark on the arm before falling to Yaya Toure who scored his first ever FA Cup goal after just five minutes. Villa showed resurgence but were hit with a sucker punch after being caught on the counter attack, Mario Balotelli finished the move after 25 minutes. Villa still battled back but just couldn't find that breakthrough goal and City finished the game off with David Silva making it 3-0 with twenty minutes remaining.
The proper fifth round tie saw Manchester City take on Aston Villa with Reading awaiting in the quarter finals. Villa put out a massively changed squad which saw Michael Bradley make his full debut, Chris Herd, Ciaran Clark and Fabian Delph joined Dunne in defence. City also took the lead early on from a corner; Vieira headed it on which hit hit Clark on the arm before falling to Yaya Toure who scored his first ever FA Cup goal after just five minutes. Villa showed resurgence but were hit with a sucker punch after being caught on the counter attack, Mario Balotelli finished the move after 25 minutes. Villa still battled back but just couldn't find that breakthrough goal and City finished the game off with David Silva making it 3-0 with twenty minutes remaining.
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Monday & Tuesday Night Football
Monday Night Football returned this week with Stoke hosting West Brom at the Britannia. After a goalless first half, Stoke broke the deadlock with Rory Delap scoring eight minutes into the second half. West Brom equalised left it late, just like last week against Wolves, with the same player getting the goal; Carlos Vela scored his second goal in as many games to earn the draw three minutes from time. The point sees West Brom leapfrog Wolves and West Ham into seventeenth with Stoke moving ahead of Everton and Villa in tenth.
Last night saw the most anticipated rescheduled match with Chelsea taking on Manchester United at the Bridge. All the talk was about Rooney escaping a ban after his elbow on James McCarthy and Ashley Cole escaping punishment for shooting an intern with an air rifle. So the script was set up for one of them to controversially score, and it was Rooney. After a inside pass from Nani, Rooney turned into space and shot into the bottom corner from outside the box just before the half hour mark. It stayed that way until half-time but that was only due to some heroic goalkeeping from Van Der Sar off Ivanovic. Chelsea equalised eight minutes into the second half with David Luiz also firing a bottom corner shot. But the Brazilian was lucky to stay on the pitch after receiving a yellow in the first half and then came in late on Rooney. Referee Martin Atkinson gave nothing and two minutes later Chris Smalling was adjudged to have fouled sub Zhirkov in the box and a penalty was awarded. Frank Lampard stepped up and converted it with ten minutes left. Vidic did receive red though in injury time for a second yellow which sees him miss the Liverpool trip on Sunday. United stay four points clear of Arsenal but have now played a game more, Manchester City are still ten behind but Chelsea close the gap to twelve with a game in hand over United.
There was a big shock in the FA Cup as Everton entertained Reading in the fifth round. Only one goal was needed to settle the tie and it came from Matthew Mills after 26 minutes. Reading will face either Manchester city or Aston Villa who play their tie tonight. Worse news for Everton however is that Fellaini is out for the rest of the season and Cahill is out for three weeks after both sustained injuries in the game.
Last night saw the most anticipated rescheduled match with Chelsea taking on Manchester United at the Bridge. All the talk was about Rooney escaping a ban after his elbow on James McCarthy and Ashley Cole escaping punishment for shooting an intern with an air rifle. So the script was set up for one of them to controversially score, and it was Rooney. After a inside pass from Nani, Rooney turned into space and shot into the bottom corner from outside the box just before the half hour mark. It stayed that way until half-time but that was only due to some heroic goalkeeping from Van Der Sar off Ivanovic. Chelsea equalised eight minutes into the second half with David Luiz also firing a bottom corner shot. But the Brazilian was lucky to stay on the pitch after receiving a yellow in the first half and then came in late on Rooney. Referee Martin Atkinson gave nothing and two minutes later Chris Smalling was adjudged to have fouled sub Zhirkov in the box and a penalty was awarded. Frank Lampard stepped up and converted it with ten minutes left. Vidic did receive red though in injury time for a second yellow which sees him miss the Liverpool trip on Sunday. United stay four points clear of Arsenal but have now played a game more, Manchester City are still ten behind but Chelsea close the gap to twelve with a game in hand over United.
There was a big shock in the FA Cup as Everton entertained Reading in the fifth round. Only one goal was needed to settle the tie and it came from Matthew Mills after 26 minutes. Reading will face either Manchester city or Aston Villa who play their tie tonight. Worse news for Everton however is that Fellaini is out for the rest of the season and Cahill is out for three weeks after both sustained injuries in the game.
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