Tottenham 1-2 Norwich: Spurs' grip on Champions League has now seriously come under threat after another disappointing result. Anthony Pilkington gave Norwich the lead, finishing off a nice passing move on 13-minutes, his eighth of the season. Jermain Defoe equalised for Tottenham when Jake Livermore played the striker through on 33-minutes, just moments after Grant Holt felt he should have had a penalty for a shirt tug. Gareth Bale hit the crossbar in the second half but the winner came from Elliot Bennett, smashing his first Norwich goal past Brad Friedel on 66-minutes.
Newcastle 2-0 Bolton: Newcastle go level on points with Tottenham as the race for fourth well and truly heats up. Chris Eagles had Bolton's best chance of the match early in the second half but Tim Krul saved smartly with his leg. Newcastle were dominant in the first half and after Bolton's good start to the second, they were on top for much of the second. Bolton's resistance was finally broken when Hatem Ben Arfa picked the ball up in his own half and run it all the way into the Bolton goal, a truly majestic solo goal on 73-minutes, his first goal at St. James Park unbelievably. The points were sewn up when Papiss Cisse scored his tenth goal in his nine goals from a Shola Ameobi, although replays showed he was offside with seven minutes remaining.
Fulham 1-1 Chelsea: Chelsea go two behind Newcastle and Spurs after dropping further points at Craven Cottage. Chelsea were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time when Danny Murphy fouled Ryan Bertrand, Frank Lampard made no mistake from the spot. Fulham's equaliser came from, who else, Clint Dempsey, heading home a cross eight minutes from time.
Everton 4-0 Sunderland: Everton's FA Cup semi-final preparations went completely to plan with a convincing victory over the resurging Sunderland. Magaye Gueye scored his first Everton goal, screaming a rebound into the net seven minutes into the second half to get the ball rolling. Steven Pienaar scored the second of the game, his second since his return, curling the ball into the bottom corner on 75-minutes. Leon Osman matched Pienaar to make it 3-0 just 90-seconds later to put the game beyond all doubt. The icing on the cake came from substitute Victor Anichebe whose deflected shot baffled Simon Mignolet, making it 4-0 nine minutes from time.
Aston Villa 1-1 Stoke: Villa move seven points clear of the relegation zone with yet another draw. It perhaps could have been more when Andreas Weimann put Villa ahead with a brilliant curler on 32-minutes. Stoke's equaliser came via Villa's Achilles heel; a Jermaine Pennant free-kick was headed home by Robert Huth on 71-minutes.
Monday, 9 April 2012
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Eight Points
With just six games remaining, the title race looks to be nearing the end after Manchester United were able to stretch their lead to eight points on today's Easter Super Sunday. United hosted QPR before Manchester City went to Arsenal.
For the first ten minutes, Manchester United had 92% possession and a goal looked ominous. But the matter in which the deadlock was broken was shrouded in controversy. The ball was played through to Ashley Young, the winger then theatrically fell under a Shaun Derry and Lee Mason pointed to the spot and sent the QPR captain off. It wasn't as clear cut as that, however, as Young was clearly in an offside position when the ball was played and the contact under which he fell was minimal to say the least. After Mason, wrongly, pointed to the spot, he had no option but to send Derry off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Once the seventh red card of the season for QPR had made the long walk down the tunnel, Wayne Rooney stepped up and placed his 22nd goal of the season past Paddy Kenny.
From there, United looked in formidable form but failed to take advantage. QPR managed to hold on up to half-time with the scoreline remaining 1-0. It was more of the same in the second half but United's casual attitude prevented them from extended their goal difference further. The safety net finally came on 68-minutes when Paul Scholes rifled a shot into the bottom corner, his third since his return. Michael Carrick nearly added a third but his effort smashed back off the post and the game finished at 2-0.
With City knowing their rivals had extended the lead to eight points, they knew they had to perform against Arsenal. But that is exactly what they didn't do. Mario Balotelli will once again grab the headlines and again it's not for the right reasons. Arsenal had secured 72% possession in the first 15-minutes as City were looking extremely sluggish. But they were lucky to have all eleven men on the pitch when Balotelli slid in, studs showing, and collided into Alex Song, knee high. Referee Martin Atkinson didn't even give a free-kick and the young Italian got away with one.
As for the attacking, it looked like it was going to be one of those games for Arsenal as they just couldn't squeeze the ball home. A first-half Robin Van Persie header from a corner was blocked off the line, by Thomas Vermaelen. The second half saw Yossi Benayoun have his shot stopped by Joe Hart before Vermaelen tried to slid it home, instead it rolled back to Benayoun who could only slip it wide. City didn't provide a shot on target throughout the game and would soon pay the price. Arsenal finally found their breakthrough when Mikel Arteta smashed a shot past Hart and possibly ended their title dreams with three minutes remaining. It got worse for City when Balotelli received a second yellow card for a late challenge in injury time, forcing Roberto Mancini to concede that it may be better for the striker to leave Eastlands in the summer.
For the first ten minutes, Manchester United had 92% possession and a goal looked ominous. But the matter in which the deadlock was broken was shrouded in controversy. The ball was played through to Ashley Young, the winger then theatrically fell under a Shaun Derry and Lee Mason pointed to the spot and sent the QPR captain off. It wasn't as clear cut as that, however, as Young was clearly in an offside position when the ball was played and the contact under which he fell was minimal to say the least. After Mason, wrongly, pointed to the spot, he had no option but to send Derry off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Once the seventh red card of the season for QPR had made the long walk down the tunnel, Wayne Rooney stepped up and placed his 22nd goal of the season past Paddy Kenny.
From there, United looked in formidable form but failed to take advantage. QPR managed to hold on up to half-time with the scoreline remaining 1-0. It was more of the same in the second half but United's casual attitude prevented them from extended their goal difference further. The safety net finally came on 68-minutes when Paul Scholes rifled a shot into the bottom corner, his third since his return. Michael Carrick nearly added a third but his effort smashed back off the post and the game finished at 2-0.
With City knowing their rivals had extended the lead to eight points, they knew they had to perform against Arsenal. But that is exactly what they didn't do. Mario Balotelli will once again grab the headlines and again it's not for the right reasons. Arsenal had secured 72% possession in the first 15-minutes as City were looking extremely sluggish. But they were lucky to have all eleven men on the pitch when Balotelli slid in, studs showing, and collided into Alex Song, knee high. Referee Martin Atkinson didn't even give a free-kick and the young Italian got away with one.
As for the attacking, it looked like it was going to be one of those games for Arsenal as they just couldn't squeeze the ball home. A first-half Robin Van Persie header from a corner was blocked off the line, by Thomas Vermaelen. The second half saw Yossi Benayoun have his shot stopped by Joe Hart before Vermaelen tried to slid it home, instead it rolled back to Benayoun who could only slip it wide. City didn't provide a shot on target throughout the game and would soon pay the price. Arsenal finally found their breakthrough when Mikel Arteta smashed a shot past Hart and possibly ended their title dreams with three minutes remaining. It got worse for City when Balotelli received a second yellow card for a late challenge in injury time, forcing Roberto Mancini to concede that it may be better for the striker to leave Eastlands in the summer.
Saturday, 7 April 2012
PL Round-Up 6-7/4/12
Chelsea 2-1 Wigan: Wigan provided heroics in the first half with Ali Al-Habsi making some superb saves. The same resistance was held until Branislav Ivanovic netted on 62-minutes, but, what could be a pivotal goal in the battle for survival, he was clearly offside. But the bottom table scrappers found an equaliser eight minutes from time through Mohamed Diame to feel that justice was served. Unfortunately, it would be heartbreak for Wigan when a Fernando Torres shot came off the post and was rebounded in by Juan Mata in injury time, again replays showed he was offside and again the points were taken away from the spirited Wigan.
Bolton 0-3 Fulham: The deadlock was broken when Clint Dempsey fired his 20th goal of the season via a free-kick on the half hour mark. Dempsey was on the mark again just before half-time, this time a header from a Damien Duff cross beating Adam Bogdan. The points were wrapped up ten minutes from time when Mamadou Diarra slid home a John Arne Riise cross, Diarra's first for Fulham.
West Brom 3-0 Blackburn: West Brom took the lead when Gareth McAuley's header from a corner was netted by Martin Olsson, scoring the own goal after just seven minutes. Blackburn had chances to equalise but Marc-Antoine Fortune broke the momentum with his fifth goal of the season on 69-minutes. Liam Ridgewell sealed the victory with a header from a free-kick five minutes before the end, his first for West Brom. It got worse when substitute Anthony Modeste was sent off for an impetuous reaction for Billy Jones kicking the ball away.
Norwich 2-2 Everton: Nikica Jelavic continued his good start to life on Merseyside with his fourth goal for Everton on 22-minutes. Norwich levelled when a lack of Everton defending allowed Johnny Howson to net from a Wes Hoolahan low cross six minutes before half-time, his first for Norwich on his home debut. Everton went ahead again when Jelavic scored his second, slotting home a Steven Pienaar low cross just after the hour mark. But Norwich weren't to get beaten and Grant Holt placed the equaliser into the bottom corner 14-minutes from time.
Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa: Villa took the lead when Chris Herd scored his first Villa goal from a Barry Bannan pull back on ten minutes. Villa's defence was breached a number of times throughout the match, but Shay Given's goal remained untainted. Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy both hit the post in the second half before the resistance was finally broken when Suarez headed the rebound when Daniel Agger's header came off the cross bar eight minutes from time.
Stoke 2-1 Wolves: For the third game in a row, Wolves took the lead and ended up losing. Michael Kightly put the visitors ahead on 26-minutes before Robert Huth headed Stoke level 11-minutes later. Peter Crouch broke the Wolves hearts with another header just after the hour mark.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham: The day's early kick-off provided little to talk about. Both teams carved chances but didn't do anything to finish them off.
Swansea 0-2 Newcastle: Good Friday turned out to be another good day for the inspirational Papiss Cisse. Cisse scored his seventh goal in his seventh game after just five minutes before adding an eighth with a delightful chip on 69-minutes.
Bolton 0-3 Fulham: The deadlock was broken when Clint Dempsey fired his 20th goal of the season via a free-kick on the half hour mark. Dempsey was on the mark again just before half-time, this time a header from a Damien Duff cross beating Adam Bogdan. The points were wrapped up ten minutes from time when Mamadou Diarra slid home a John Arne Riise cross, Diarra's first for Fulham.
West Brom 3-0 Blackburn: West Brom took the lead when Gareth McAuley's header from a corner was netted by Martin Olsson, scoring the own goal after just seven minutes. Blackburn had chances to equalise but Marc-Antoine Fortune broke the momentum with his fifth goal of the season on 69-minutes. Liam Ridgewell sealed the victory with a header from a free-kick five minutes before the end, his first for West Brom. It got worse when substitute Anthony Modeste was sent off for an impetuous reaction for Billy Jones kicking the ball away.
Norwich 2-2 Everton: Nikica Jelavic continued his good start to life on Merseyside with his fourth goal for Everton on 22-minutes. Norwich levelled when a lack of Everton defending allowed Johnny Howson to net from a Wes Hoolahan low cross six minutes before half-time, his first for Norwich on his home debut. Everton went ahead again when Jelavic scored his second, slotting home a Steven Pienaar low cross just after the hour mark. But Norwich weren't to get beaten and Grant Holt placed the equaliser into the bottom corner 14-minutes from time.
Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa: Villa took the lead when Chris Herd scored his first Villa goal from a Barry Bannan pull back on ten minutes. Villa's defence was breached a number of times throughout the match, but Shay Given's goal remained untainted. Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy both hit the post in the second half before the resistance was finally broken when Suarez headed the rebound when Daniel Agger's header came off the cross bar eight minutes from time.
Stoke 2-1 Wolves: For the third game in a row, Wolves took the lead and ended up losing. Michael Kightly put the visitors ahead on 26-minutes before Robert Huth headed Stoke level 11-minutes later. Peter Crouch broke the Wolves hearts with another header just after the hour mark.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham: The day's early kick-off provided little to talk about. Both teams carved chances but didn't do anything to finish them off.
Swansea 0-2 Newcastle: Good Friday turned out to be another good day for the inspirational Papiss Cisse. Cisse scored his seventh goal in his seventh game after just five minutes before adding an eighth with a delightful chip on 69-minutes.
Thursday, 5 April 2012
2012 Premier League Darts: Week Nine
The dartboard moved to Nottingham this week and all eight players were on display as Gary Anderson returned to action. Tonight's matches reflected week six in Glasgow so all the players will have those results firmly in their mind.
Up first was Kevin Painter as he faced Raymond Van Barneveld. The Barney Army in Scotland helped the Dutchman secure a 8-5 victory to begin a run that has seen Painter fail to win in his last three matches. Painter went one dart away from sealing Shanghai in the opening leg, this allowed Barney to immediately break the throw. Painter took-out a round ton to hold his throw at the second time of asking but still found himself 4-2 behind at the break. Barneveld came back from the break and took-out a ton of his own to once again break the throw and extend his lead to three legs. But the Artist broke back in the eighth leg before once again relinquishing his throw to make it 6-3 in the Dutchman's favour. Barney ensured himself of a point but Painter hit two 20s then the bull to check-out 90 and break the throw once more, pulling it back to 7-5. The Artist then provided some improvisation by hitting double top followed by double ten to check-out 120 and force a final leg. But the fightback was ultimately ended by a simple double ten to give Barneveld the 8-6 win, putting him on ten points with Painter remaining on six.
When James Wade and Adrian Lewis met in Glasgow, it finished 8-5 to the Machine and the World Champion had yet to record his first victory in the competition. Three weeks later and the pair are separated by a point in the table with Lewis behind despite playing a game more. The pair traded blows in the opening two legs before Wade secured the first break of throw in leg three. With their rivalry very much talked about, Wade decided to turn it up a notch by hitting two double tops to cheekily check-out 80 and make it 4-2 at the interval. But, if anything, it only motivated Lewis as he soon fought back to level the match at 4-4. Wade then looked to be the first to crack when he was clearly upset by Lewis seeming to walk in the 'inclusion' area. But whether he did or not, if definitely affected Wade and Jackpot was able to secure the break and lead 6-4. The pair then secured a further break of throw each as Lewis guaranteed himself a point. The game turned sour once again in the 13th leg as Wade again showed his discontent for Lewis walking past him. Lewis argued his case for a loose floorboard and went onto win the match 8-5. The players then had a near non-existent handshake to once again heighten what is becoming a volatile rivalry.
Following a heated interview with Lewis. The action continued with Phil Taylor playing against Andy Hamilton, the Hammer was playing despite losing his father last week. Taylor eased past the debutant 8-3 in Glasgow but found himself 2-0 behind to the ruthless Hamilton. However, Taylor instantly broke back and soon found himself 4-2 ahead at the break. Hamilton then checked-out a ton to make it 5-4 which then equated to 6-5. Taylor then guaranteed himself a point before Hamilton forced a final leg via a bulls-eye finish. Both players missed a dart at the bull to end the game and Taylor finally wrapped the game up to already put himself into the semi-finals.
The final game of the night saw the returning Gary Anderson take on Simon Whitlock, Anderson missed last week due to attending his father's funeral. Whitlock came into the game off the back of that whitewash at the hands of Wade while Anderson let the crowd get to him in Glasgow, allowing the Aussie to take the 8-6 win. The Scot fired in a 143 check-out to hold his throw in the second leg. Whitlock found the first break of throw in the fourth leg and went 5-1 ahead at the break. Anderson managed to post another leg before Whitlock went onto win the match 8-2.
Up first was Kevin Painter as he faced Raymond Van Barneveld. The Barney Army in Scotland helped the Dutchman secure a 8-5 victory to begin a run that has seen Painter fail to win in his last three matches. Painter went one dart away from sealing Shanghai in the opening leg, this allowed Barney to immediately break the throw. Painter took-out a round ton to hold his throw at the second time of asking but still found himself 4-2 behind at the break. Barneveld came back from the break and took-out a ton of his own to once again break the throw and extend his lead to three legs. But the Artist broke back in the eighth leg before once again relinquishing his throw to make it 6-3 in the Dutchman's favour. Barney ensured himself of a point but Painter hit two 20s then the bull to check-out 90 and break the throw once more, pulling it back to 7-5. The Artist then provided some improvisation by hitting double top followed by double ten to check-out 120 and force a final leg. But the fightback was ultimately ended by a simple double ten to give Barneveld the 8-6 win, putting him on ten points with Painter remaining on six.
When James Wade and Adrian Lewis met in Glasgow, it finished 8-5 to the Machine and the World Champion had yet to record his first victory in the competition. Three weeks later and the pair are separated by a point in the table with Lewis behind despite playing a game more. The pair traded blows in the opening two legs before Wade secured the first break of throw in leg three. With their rivalry very much talked about, Wade decided to turn it up a notch by hitting two double tops to cheekily check-out 80 and make it 4-2 at the interval. But, if anything, it only motivated Lewis as he soon fought back to level the match at 4-4. Wade then looked to be the first to crack when he was clearly upset by Lewis seeming to walk in the 'inclusion' area. But whether he did or not, if definitely affected Wade and Jackpot was able to secure the break and lead 6-4. The pair then secured a further break of throw each as Lewis guaranteed himself a point. The game turned sour once again in the 13th leg as Wade again showed his discontent for Lewis walking past him. Lewis argued his case for a loose floorboard and went onto win the match 8-5. The players then had a near non-existent handshake to once again heighten what is becoming a volatile rivalry.
Following a heated interview with Lewis. The action continued with Phil Taylor playing against Andy Hamilton, the Hammer was playing despite losing his father last week. Taylor eased past the debutant 8-3 in Glasgow but found himself 2-0 behind to the ruthless Hamilton. However, Taylor instantly broke back and soon found himself 4-2 ahead at the break. Hamilton then checked-out a ton to make it 5-4 which then equated to 6-5. Taylor then guaranteed himself a point before Hamilton forced a final leg via a bulls-eye finish. Both players missed a dart at the bull to end the game and Taylor finally wrapped the game up to already put himself into the semi-finals.
The final game of the night saw the returning Gary Anderson take on Simon Whitlock, Anderson missed last week due to attending his father's funeral. Whitlock came into the game off the back of that whitewash at the hands of Wade while Anderson let the crowd get to him in Glasgow, allowing the Aussie to take the 8-6 win. The Scot fired in a 143 check-out to hold his throw in the second leg. Whitlock found the first break of throw in the fourth leg and went 5-1 ahead at the break. Anderson managed to post another leg before Whitlock went onto win the match 8-2.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
2011/2012 CL Quarter Finals 2nd Leg
Lionel Messi once again rewrote history, this time becoming the youngest player to reach 50 goals in the Champions League. It came courtesy of two penalties as Barcelona edged past AC Milan at Camp Nou. The first penalty was awarded after ten minutes when Luca Antonini tripped Messi, the Argentinian made no mistake from the spot despite Christian Abbiati guessing the right way. Milan would level and get that sought after away goal on 32-minutes when Antonio Nocerino was put through on goal and smashed the ball past Victor Valdes. But Barcelona would regain the lead four minutes before half-time when Alessandro Nesta pulled Sergio Busquets to the ground from a corner. Again Messi stepped up and went the opposite way with the same outcome. Andres Iniesta sealed Barcelona's fifth consecutive semi-final place in the competition with their third just eight minutes after the restart.
Barcelona will meet Chelsea in the semi-finals after the English side squeezed past Benfica. Chelsea held a 1-0 lead going into the second leg and their advantage was soon doubled when Javi Garcia fouled Ashley Cole in the box, Frank Lampard stepped-up and converted the spot-kick on 21-minutes. Maxi Pereira received a yellow card for dissent when the penalty was awarded and he made Benfica's task even harder by receiving a second yellow five minutes before half-time. Javi Garcia made up his error by pulling a goal back five minutes from time but it was too little too late and Raul Meireles sealed the victory in injury time.
Bayern Munich made a short task of Marseille after carrying two away goals back to the Allianz Arena with them. Ivica Olic was chosen ahead of top scorer Mario Gomez and the little Croatian proved he was the right man for the job. He put Munich ahead after just 13-minutes to make it 3-0 on aggregate before adding a second eight minutes before half-time.
The German side will meet the other competitors from El Classico as they swept Cypriot minnows, Apoel, aside. Real Madrid had a 3-0 aggregate lead going into the second leg and Cristiano Ronaldo began the build the advantage on 26-minutes, Kaka then made it 2-0 ten minutes later. Gustavo Manduca now has a story to tell his grandchildren, as he scored at the Bernabeu on 67-minutes to give the Cypriot side some consolation. Ronaldo then made it 3-1 on 75-minutes before rising star, Jose Callejon, added a fourth five minutes later. Apoel managed to score a second goal when substitute Esteban Scolari netted from the spot with eight minutes remaining. But the last word came from Angel Di Maria who would make it 5-2, 8-2 on aggregate, two minutes after Apoel's penalty.
Barcelona will meet Chelsea in the semi-finals after the English side squeezed past Benfica. Chelsea held a 1-0 lead going into the second leg and their advantage was soon doubled when Javi Garcia fouled Ashley Cole in the box, Frank Lampard stepped-up and converted the spot-kick on 21-minutes. Maxi Pereira received a yellow card for dissent when the penalty was awarded and he made Benfica's task even harder by receiving a second yellow five minutes before half-time. Javi Garcia made up his error by pulling a goal back five minutes from time but it was too little too late and Raul Meireles sealed the victory in injury time.
Bayern Munich made a short task of Marseille after carrying two away goals back to the Allianz Arena with them. Ivica Olic was chosen ahead of top scorer Mario Gomez and the little Croatian proved he was the right man for the job. He put Munich ahead after just 13-minutes to make it 3-0 on aggregate before adding a second eight minutes before half-time.
The German side will meet the other competitors from El Classico as they swept Cypriot minnows, Apoel, aside. Real Madrid had a 3-0 aggregate lead going into the second leg and Cristiano Ronaldo began the build the advantage on 26-minutes, Kaka then made it 2-0 ten minutes later. Gustavo Manduca now has a story to tell his grandchildren, as he scored at the Bernabeu on 67-minutes to give the Cypriot side some consolation. Ronaldo then made it 3-1 on 75-minutes before rising star, Jose Callejon, added a fourth five minutes later. Apoel managed to score a second goal when substitute Esteban Scolari netted from the spot with eight minutes remaining. But the last word came from Angel Di Maria who would make it 5-2, 8-2 on aggregate, two minutes after Apoel's penalty.
Monday, 2 April 2012
Two For Adebayor, Two For Cisse, Two For United
With no live games on Saturday, we had to wait for the Super Sunday double bill and Monday Night Football to get out weekend's fill. Newcastle moved level on points with Chelsea after a vital 2-0 win over Liverpool, the visitors are now nine eleven points behind the Toon Army. Papiss Cisse continued his amazing start to life in the Premiership, scoring their first after just 19-minutes before scoring the crucial second just before the hour mark. Any chances for Liverpool to come back were ended when Pepe Reina was sent off with eight minutes remaining. He was enraged at a perceived trip by James Perch, the two came together before the goalkeeper leant in with his head. Perch did make the most of it but referee, Martin Atkinson, had no other choice as you cannot lead in with your head. With all three subs used, Jose Enrique spent the rest of the game in goal but only had one punch to make in the final eight minutes.
Tottenham went level on points with Arsenal and, more importantly, five ahead of Chelsea with a home win over Swansea. Rafael Van Der Vaart placed a great shot past Michel Vorm via a pull back to give Spurs the lead on 19-minutes. Gylfi Sigurdsson continued his impressive start to the league with another good finish just before the hour mark. Emmanuel Adebayor came off the bench to make an impact, giving Tottenham the lead again in 73-minutes before wrapping the game up four minutes from time.
Manchester United travelled to Ewood Park and just about managed to extend their lead to five points at the top of the table. Despite dominating much of possession, David De Gea was the much busier keeper with some expert saves just before half-time. United tried turning the screw more in the second half but were still under fire from Blackburn's counter attacking threat. The breakthrough finally came, however, when Antonio Valencia fired a cross-come-shot past Paul Robinson and into the net with nine minutes left. Substitute Ashley Young wrapped the vital three points up with a shot on the turn that beat Robinson into the bottom corner five minutes later.
Tottenham went level on points with Arsenal and, more importantly, five ahead of Chelsea with a home win over Swansea. Rafael Van Der Vaart placed a great shot past Michel Vorm via a pull back to give Spurs the lead on 19-minutes. Gylfi Sigurdsson continued his impressive start to the league with another good finish just before the hour mark. Emmanuel Adebayor came off the bench to make an impact, giving Tottenham the lead again in 73-minutes before wrapping the game up four minutes from time.
Manchester United travelled to Ewood Park and just about managed to extend their lead to five points at the top of the table. Despite dominating much of possession, David De Gea was the much busier keeper with some expert saves just before half-time. United tried turning the screw more in the second half but were still under fire from Blackburn's counter attacking threat. The breakthrough finally came, however, when Antonio Valencia fired a cross-come-shot past Paul Robinson and into the net with nine minutes left. Substitute Ashley Young wrapped the vital three points up with a shot on the turn that beat Robinson into the bottom corner five minutes later.
Sunday, 1 April 2012
PL Round-Up 31/3/12
Manchester City 3-3 Sunderland: Sunderland end City's 100% home record with their first ever Premiership point at Eastlands. It perhaps should have been more as the hosts had to come from behind to earn the point. The opening goal of the game came from Sebastian Larsson whose placed shot found the bottom corner just after the half hour mark. City looked to be level before half-time when Edin Dzeko rode a tackle from Craig Gardner in the box, Mario Balotelli stepped-up an calmly slotted the spot-kick home. But a Nicklas Bendtner header from Stephane Sessegnon in first half injury time meant that City would be behind at half-time for the first time this season. Sunderland then extended their lead just nine minutes after the restart when Bendtner played a low cross which Larsson slid past Joe Hart to make it 3-1. All seemed unwell in the City camp when Balotelli and Aleksandar Kolarov almost came to blows over the taking of a free-kick. That may have spurred both players on however as Balotelli smashed a goal back five minutes before the end and then Kolarov found an equaliser sixty seconds later to seal the point. The lead at the top is now down to two, but Manchester United play Blackburn on Monday where the lead could now be stretched to five.
Aston Villa 2-4 Chelsea: Stiliyan Petrov was at the ground for the game, just a day after being diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia. The dream start, however, came at the other end when Daniel Sturridge poked the ball home after just nine minutes. There was an emotional 19th minute when the Villa fans all stood up for a minute's applause in support for their stricken number 19. Chelsea doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when another poorly defended corner was taken advantage of, Branislav Ivanovic scoring the goal. But Villa fought back when a long throw was headed home by James Collins on 77-minutes. The comeback was seemingly complete when Eric Lichaj made it two goals in three minutes with his first ever Premiership goal, turning in a Marc Albrighton cross. But the hard work ultimately counted for nothing, Ivanovic heading from another poorly defended corner to make it 3-2 with seven minutes left. The points were wrapped up in injury time when Fernando Torres scored his first league goal since September in the league, finishing off a counter attack. Chelsea are now two points behind Tottenham who play Swansea today, Villa are now only five points clear of the relegation zone.
Wolves 2-3 Bolton: The battle at the bottom is getting tighter and tighter with every game played, although for Wolves, it is starting to look rather bleak. In times of need, Terry Connor didn't want to see Wayne Hennessey and Roger Johnson almost come to blows. Wolves had much the better chances in the first half and, on another day, they could have had three or four. But they finally broke the deadlock when Michael Kightly found the bottom corner from outside the box just eight minutes after the restart. Bolton were awarded a penalty when former Wolves player Mark Davies went down under a Roger Johnson challenge, although replays suggest he went down too easily. Martin Petrov stepped up and converted before sending a get well message to his countryman and namesake on 63-minutes. Bolton then took the lead when Mark Alonso scored his first ever Bolton goal, finishing a rebound from a David N'gog header with ten minutes left, Kevin Davies then secured the points four minutes later. Wolves tried to mount a late charge and Matt Jarvis pulled a goal back with two minutes remaining, but it wasn't enough to gain a point. Wolves are now six points adrift at the bottom whereas Bolton are now a point ahead of the relegation zone in 16th.
QPR 2-1 Arsenal: QPR are now only in the relegation zone on goal difference following a shock victory over Arsenal. Adel Taarabt scored his first Premiership goal on 22-minutes to give the hosts the lead. Theo Walcott equalised for Arsenal when he tapped the ball home after his initial effort came back off the post eight minutes before half-time. The winner came on 66-minutes when Jamie Mackie's pull back was met by Samba Diakite who sent a rocket into the top corner. Arsenal remain three points clear of Tottenham in third who play later today.
Wigan 2-0 Stoke: Wigan are now also only in the relegation zone on goal difference after this victory, only their second this season at the DW. Antolin Alcaraz headed home a Jean Beausejour cross to give Wigan the lead nine minutes into the second half. The points were wrapped up in injury time when Victor Moses rounded Asmir Begovic to make it 2-0.
Everton 2-0 West Brom: Everton move a point ahead of Liverpool with their third consecutive 2-0 win. It was an emotional game for Peter Walton who was refereeing his final Premiership game before moving to the MLS. Leon Osman's shot took a wicked deflection off Gareth McAuley on 18-minutes to open the scoring, replays deciding it was an own goal on the defender's behalf. Victor Anichebe fired his shot in off the post to seal the three points on 68-points. Liverpool have their chance to move back above Everton in their game against Newcastle today. There was yet another round of team mates arguing when Peter Odemwingie and Ben Foster went head to head late on in the second half.
Fulham 2-1 Norwich: Fulham move above Norwich on goal difference courtesy of this victory at Craven Cottage. Clint Dempsey put Fulham ahead when a John Ruddy save rebounded off the American and into the net after just two minutes. Damien Duff then made it 2-0 with a stunning finish after thirteen minutes. Norwich's consolation came via a deflected Aaron Wilbraham cross with 13-minutes remaining, the goal means Wilbraham has now scored in all four divisions.
Aston Villa 2-4 Chelsea: Stiliyan Petrov was at the ground for the game, just a day after being diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia. The dream start, however, came at the other end when Daniel Sturridge poked the ball home after just nine minutes. There was an emotional 19th minute when the Villa fans all stood up for a minute's applause in support for their stricken number 19. Chelsea doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when another poorly defended corner was taken advantage of, Branislav Ivanovic scoring the goal. But Villa fought back when a long throw was headed home by James Collins on 77-minutes. The comeback was seemingly complete when Eric Lichaj made it two goals in three minutes with his first ever Premiership goal, turning in a Marc Albrighton cross. But the hard work ultimately counted for nothing, Ivanovic heading from another poorly defended corner to make it 3-2 with seven minutes left. The points were wrapped up in injury time when Fernando Torres scored his first league goal since September in the league, finishing off a counter attack. Chelsea are now two points behind Tottenham who play Swansea today, Villa are now only five points clear of the relegation zone.
Wolves 2-3 Bolton: The battle at the bottom is getting tighter and tighter with every game played, although for Wolves, it is starting to look rather bleak. In times of need, Terry Connor didn't want to see Wayne Hennessey and Roger Johnson almost come to blows. Wolves had much the better chances in the first half and, on another day, they could have had three or four. But they finally broke the deadlock when Michael Kightly found the bottom corner from outside the box just eight minutes after the restart. Bolton were awarded a penalty when former Wolves player Mark Davies went down under a Roger Johnson challenge, although replays suggest he went down too easily. Martin Petrov stepped up and converted before sending a get well message to his countryman and namesake on 63-minutes. Bolton then took the lead when Mark Alonso scored his first ever Bolton goal, finishing a rebound from a David N'gog header with ten minutes left, Kevin Davies then secured the points four minutes later. Wolves tried to mount a late charge and Matt Jarvis pulled a goal back with two minutes remaining, but it wasn't enough to gain a point. Wolves are now six points adrift at the bottom whereas Bolton are now a point ahead of the relegation zone in 16th.
QPR 2-1 Arsenal: QPR are now only in the relegation zone on goal difference following a shock victory over Arsenal. Adel Taarabt scored his first Premiership goal on 22-minutes to give the hosts the lead. Theo Walcott equalised for Arsenal when he tapped the ball home after his initial effort came back off the post eight minutes before half-time. The winner came on 66-minutes when Jamie Mackie's pull back was met by Samba Diakite who sent a rocket into the top corner. Arsenal remain three points clear of Tottenham in third who play later today.
Wigan 2-0 Stoke: Wigan are now also only in the relegation zone on goal difference after this victory, only their second this season at the DW. Antolin Alcaraz headed home a Jean Beausejour cross to give Wigan the lead nine minutes into the second half. The points were wrapped up in injury time when Victor Moses rounded Asmir Begovic to make it 2-0.
Everton 2-0 West Brom: Everton move a point ahead of Liverpool with their third consecutive 2-0 win. It was an emotional game for Peter Walton who was refereeing his final Premiership game before moving to the MLS. Leon Osman's shot took a wicked deflection off Gareth McAuley on 18-minutes to open the scoring, replays deciding it was an own goal on the defender's behalf. Victor Anichebe fired his shot in off the post to seal the three points on 68-points. Liverpool have their chance to move back above Everton in their game against Newcastle today. There was yet another round of team mates arguing when Peter Odemwingie and Ben Foster went head to head late on in the second half.
Fulham 2-1 Norwich: Fulham move above Norwich on goal difference courtesy of this victory at Craven Cottage. Clint Dempsey put Fulham ahead when a John Ruddy save rebounded off the American and into the net after just two minutes. Damien Duff then made it 2-0 with a stunning finish after thirteen minutes. Norwich's consolation came via a deflected Aaron Wilbraham cross with 13-minutes remaining, the goal means Wilbraham has now scored in all four divisions.
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