It was dubbed unmissable, the biggest derby ever and, like many others before it, the game itself was extremely underwhelming. But what we have learnt from the match, is that Manchester City are now in the driving seat to win their first Barclay's Premiership title.
The game ultimately came down to the better of the set-ups and City were clear winners. They played their typical 4-4-2 formation. Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta not only protecting their centre backs, but also providing support on the counter attack and with crosses. Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure would give strong protection to the back four, preventing that gap between the defence and midfield. This allows Samir Nasri and David Silva to provide width but also support Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, with Tevez being the one to hold the ball up from long passes/clearances.
As for United, they set up in the 4-5-1 formation, which will never work against a side that are a physical presence in the air. Wayne Rooney cannot hold the ball up against Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott in the air and the midfield is slow to support him. In a game that requires width and pace to win a game, playing both Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes from the off is not the answer. It has to be one or the other at their stage of their careers. Antonio Valencia has, without doubt, been United's best midfielder this season and provides the best support to the strikers. To leave him on the bench and play Nani who has got two goals in his last two games and Ji-Sung Park who only really provides industry, doesn't equate to what Valencia brings to the table. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones haven't ever been in this position before and without Nemanja Vidic, there is a huge whole to fill. Which Smalling cannot do, he is a better right back than a centre-back and was at fault for the City goal.
This poor set-up is left United not having a shot target in a game for the first time since 2009. City didn't overly threaten David De Gea throughout the match but always looked the more likely to score. The only goal of the game came in first half injury time when Kompany broke free from Smalling and headed home a corner. The timing was a killer, as was the sending off for Johnny Evans when the sides met at Old Trafford.
Despite being level in possession for most of the second half, United lacked their killer instinct. Suddenly simple, defence-splitting five yard passes became impossible to pull off and corners were going no further than the first defender. But City's nerves could have been made easier when Nasri was ten yards out but tried taking on too many defenders when he had already made a space to shoot, Arsenal-esque. But still United couldn't break City down and Mancini's men reclaim top spot on goal difference with just two games to play. The title will most likely be decided next weekend when City travel to Newcastle before United host Swansea on a true Super Sunday showdown.
Monday, 30 April 2012
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Three For Torres, Six For Chelsea, Tottenham Go Fourth
Super Sunday was all about the race for fourth and the battle to survive today. Up first was Chelsea as they hosted QPR. The deadlock was broken after 43-seconds when Daniel Sturridge put Chelsea ahead. John Terry headed the hosts 2-0 ahead on 13-minutes before Fernando Torres began what would be a great day for the Spaniard, with their third five minutes later. Torres scored his second goal on 25-minutes to make it 4-0 at half-time and would then score his first Chelsea hat-trick on 64-minutes. Florent Malouda inflicted more pain on QPR with Chelsea's sixth ten minutes before the end but QPR would get a consolation four minutes later via Djibril Cisse. Chelsea now move to within a point of fourth place whereas QPR still remain outside the relegation on goal difference despite the heavy beating.
Tottenham would move into fourth with a win over Blackburn, and that's just what they did at White Hart Lane. Rafael Van Der Vaart put Spurs ahead on 22-minutes when his strike had clearly gone over the line before it was cleared away. The points were then wrapped up when Kyle Walker curled a fantastic free-kick around the wall and the ball back inside and into the top corner with 15-minutes remaining. Blackburn are still three points from safety with Tottenham in fourth on goal difference.
Tottenham would move into fourth with a win over Blackburn, and that's just what they did at White Hart Lane. Rafael Van Der Vaart put Spurs ahead on 22-minutes when his strike had clearly gone over the line before it was cleared away. The points were then wrapped up when Kyle Walker curled a fantastic free-kick around the wall and the ball back inside and into the top corner with 15-minutes remaining. Blackburn are still three points from safety with Tottenham in fourth on goal difference.
Saturday, 28 April 2012
PL Round-Up 28/4/12 (Crazy Crazy Day)
Wigan 4-0 Newcastle: Wigan remain three points clear of the relegation zone but have boosted their goal difference after a sublime performance. Victor Moses scored two goals in the space of two minutes around the 15-minute mark to make it 2-0. Shaun Maloney was put through and the Irishman made no mistake nine minutes before half-time before Franco Di Santo marked his 100th English game with an excellent curled effort right on the stroke on half-time. Newcastle's best chances of getting a consolation both fell to Papiss Cisse who hit the crossbar and then the post in the second half.
Swansea 4-4 Wolves: It may be a little late for Wolves to show fight, but what a game it provided at the Liberty stadium. Andrea Orlandi scored after just 23-seconds, the fastest Premiership goal in six years to give the hosts the lead. It got worse when Joe Allen's shot was deflected by Richard Stearman to bamboozle former Swan, Dorus De Vries, and make it 2-0 after just four minutes. Nathan Dyer made it three with a header after 15-minutes to look like sealing the three points. Steven Fletcher headed, what was then thought of as, a consolation on 28-minutes but it was soon 4-1 three minutes later when Danny Graham finished off a Dyer cross. Matt Jarvis then made it 4-2 with 12-minutes to go in the first half when Ashley Williams should have cleared it off the line, ultimately gave Wolves momentum going into the second half. David Edwards pulled another back nine minutes into the second half before Matt Jarvis scored his second on 69-minutes to secure an unbelievable draw.
Bolton 2-2 Sunderland: Bolton remain in the relegation zone, but only on goal difference, after a point against Sunderland. Kevin Davies volleyed home a Martin Petrov cross on 26-minutes to initially give Bolton the lead. Nicklas Bendtner was put through by Jack Colback to give the Dane his fourth goal against Bolton, equalising ten minutes later. James McClean then rocketed a free-kick past Adam Bogdan to give Sunderland the lead just ten minutes into the second half. But Bolton deserved their point and it was none other than Kevin Davies who got it on 70-minutes.
Everton 4-0 Fulham: The deadlock at Goodison Park was broken on seven minutes when Pavel Pogrebnyak blocked a free-kick with his hand, Nikica Jelavic stepped up and sent Mark Schwarzer the wrong way. Marouane Fellaini headed a corner home to make it 2-0 after 16-minutes. Jelavic then made it 3-0 with his second goal of the game, scoring from an angle he had no right to score from five minutes before half-time. The punishment was over when Steven Pienaar hooked the ball through to Tim Cahill and the Australian slid the ball home, making it 4-0 on the hour mark.
Norwich 0-3 Liverpool: Luis Suarez scores his first Liverpool hat-trick as they took full advantage of Norwich defensive errors. Steven Gerrard was quicker on his feet than David Fox, he then played the ball into the path of Suarez to net home on 24-minutes. The Uruguayan had his second four minutes later when another mis-placed pass was intercepted by him, he ran onto goal and calmly finished. The hat-trick came eight minutes from time when a Glen Johnson clearance found him 45-yards from goal. John Ruddy was off his line and Suarez lobbed him from distance in exquisite fashion.
Stoke 1-1 Arsenal: Arsenal stretch their lead over Newcastle to four points in third after a hard fought point over Stoke. It was in fact Stoke who took the lead on nine minutes when Peter Crouch headed home a Matthew Etherington cross. Who else was going to get the equaliser but Robin Van Persie? The Dutchman got it on 15-minutes when he volleyed in a Tomas Rosicky cross.
West Brom 0-0 Aston Villa: Villa also remain just three points ahead of the relegation zone after a goalless draw in a Midlands derby. Villa had a possible shout for a penalty in the first half when a cross hit Chris Brunt on the hand. But West Brom had a clearer claim in the second half when Alan Hutton blocked a shot on goal with his arm. Shay Given kept the point for Villa alive with a fantastic save with his knees late on.
Swansea 4-4 Wolves: It may be a little late for Wolves to show fight, but what a game it provided at the Liberty stadium. Andrea Orlandi scored after just 23-seconds, the fastest Premiership goal in six years to give the hosts the lead. It got worse when Joe Allen's shot was deflected by Richard Stearman to bamboozle former Swan, Dorus De Vries, and make it 2-0 after just four minutes. Nathan Dyer made it three with a header after 15-minutes to look like sealing the three points. Steven Fletcher headed, what was then thought of as, a consolation on 28-minutes but it was soon 4-1 three minutes later when Danny Graham finished off a Dyer cross. Matt Jarvis then made it 4-2 with 12-minutes to go in the first half when Ashley Williams should have cleared it off the line, ultimately gave Wolves momentum going into the second half. David Edwards pulled another back nine minutes into the second half before Matt Jarvis scored his second on 69-minutes to secure an unbelievable draw.
Bolton 2-2 Sunderland: Bolton remain in the relegation zone, but only on goal difference, after a point against Sunderland. Kevin Davies volleyed home a Martin Petrov cross on 26-minutes to initially give Bolton the lead. Nicklas Bendtner was put through by Jack Colback to give the Dane his fourth goal against Bolton, equalising ten minutes later. James McClean then rocketed a free-kick past Adam Bogdan to give Sunderland the lead just ten minutes into the second half. But Bolton deserved their point and it was none other than Kevin Davies who got it on 70-minutes.
Everton 4-0 Fulham: The deadlock at Goodison Park was broken on seven minutes when Pavel Pogrebnyak blocked a free-kick with his hand, Nikica Jelavic stepped up and sent Mark Schwarzer the wrong way. Marouane Fellaini headed a corner home to make it 2-0 after 16-minutes. Jelavic then made it 3-0 with his second goal of the game, scoring from an angle he had no right to score from five minutes before half-time. The punishment was over when Steven Pienaar hooked the ball through to Tim Cahill and the Australian slid the ball home, making it 4-0 on the hour mark.
Norwich 0-3 Liverpool: Luis Suarez scores his first Liverpool hat-trick as they took full advantage of Norwich defensive errors. Steven Gerrard was quicker on his feet than David Fox, he then played the ball into the path of Suarez to net home on 24-minutes. The Uruguayan had his second four minutes later when another mis-placed pass was intercepted by him, he ran onto goal and calmly finished. The hat-trick came eight minutes from time when a Glen Johnson clearance found him 45-yards from goal. John Ruddy was off his line and Suarez lobbed him from distance in exquisite fashion.
Stoke 1-1 Arsenal: Arsenal stretch their lead over Newcastle to four points in third after a hard fought point over Stoke. It was in fact Stoke who took the lead on nine minutes when Peter Crouch headed home a Matthew Etherington cross. Who else was going to get the equaliser but Robin Van Persie? The Dutchman got it on 15-minutes when he volleyed in a Tomas Rosicky cross.
West Brom 0-0 Aston Villa: Villa also remain just three points ahead of the relegation zone after a goalless draw in a Midlands derby. Villa had a possible shout for a penalty in the first half when a cross hit Chris Brunt on the hand. But West Brom had a clearer claim in the second half when Alan Hutton blocked a shot on goal with his arm. Shay Given kept the point for Villa alive with a fantastic save with his knees late on.
Aussie Rules in Poland
Chris Holder came from a spectacular crash less than a week ago to win the European GP in Leszno. The Australian suffered the crash whilst driving for his Polish team in Torun in which we went head over heels and hurt his ribs. But he battled through the pain to beat Tomasz Gollob, Jaroslaw Hampel and Andreas Jonsson in the final. Gollob and Hampel battled throughout the first two laps before Holder came through to sneak it.
World Champion, Greg Hancock, made it to the semi-finals but his bike unfortunately packed-up and went out along with Nicky Pedersen, allowing Holder and Jonsson to go through. The other semi-final saw the two Polish riders beat Jason Crump and Kenneth Bjerre.
The meeting started with the New Zealand GP winner, Hancock, taking the chequered flag. Hampel won the second heat as Nicky Pedersen overtook Gollob on the final corner to steal second. The wildcard of the night was 20 year-old Przemyslaw Pawlicki and he stormed into the meeting with an initial victory in heat three. Bjerre would win the fourth heat with Crump in second and Holder in fourth.
Peter Ljung surprised the pack by winning heat five in a race where Britain's Chris Harris packed up. Holder was able to beat Hancock and Hampel in heat six to claim his first victory of the night before Pawlicki shone again to be the only rider to win his first two heats. Andreas Jonsson won the eighth heat with Gollob finishing miserably in fourth, picking up just one point in his first two rides.
Pawlicki failed to make it three out of three and ended up finishing third behind Hampel and Crump. Bjerre won his second heat of the night in heat ten with Hancock in second. Freddie Lindgren would be the first rider to fall in the meeting, he fell on the last lap as Gollob began to turn his night around with his first heat win. Unfortunately, lightning struck twice for Harris who suffered a second pack-up in two heats, leaving him to watch Jonsson win his second heat of the night.
Nicky Pedersen's only victory of the night came in heat 13 before Gollob finished ahead of Hancock to acquire his second consecutive heat victory. The only heat that was restarted was heat 18. The meeting official deemed the contact between Crump and Emil Sayfutdinov, despite neither rider falling off, was enough to warrant a restart. But Crump dusted himself down and took his second chequered flag of the meeting. Jonsson would then go onto win his third heat of the night to almost guarantee his place in the semi-finals.
Antonio Lindback has forced to retire in the 17th heat as he protective steel boot fell off. Again the heat continued and Gollob cruised to victory to also claim his third win. Freddie Lindgren recovered from his fall to claim heat 18. Bjarne Pedersen would fall on the second lap of heat 19, but again the race continued as the Dane managed to pick himself up and get out of the way. This allowed Hampel to win his second heat of the night but also became the only rider to win a heat from the outside gate. The final heat was won by Holder to squeeze himself into the semi-finals and the rest, as they say, is history. As far as the standings go, Hampel does now lead the way after two meetings.
World Champion, Greg Hancock, made it to the semi-finals but his bike unfortunately packed-up and went out along with Nicky Pedersen, allowing Holder and Jonsson to go through. The other semi-final saw the two Polish riders beat Jason Crump and Kenneth Bjerre.
The meeting started with the New Zealand GP winner, Hancock, taking the chequered flag. Hampel won the second heat as Nicky Pedersen overtook Gollob on the final corner to steal second. The wildcard of the night was 20 year-old Przemyslaw Pawlicki and he stormed into the meeting with an initial victory in heat three. Bjerre would win the fourth heat with Crump in second and Holder in fourth.
Peter Ljung surprised the pack by winning heat five in a race where Britain's Chris Harris packed up. Holder was able to beat Hancock and Hampel in heat six to claim his first victory of the night before Pawlicki shone again to be the only rider to win his first two heats. Andreas Jonsson won the eighth heat with Gollob finishing miserably in fourth, picking up just one point in his first two rides.
Pawlicki failed to make it three out of three and ended up finishing third behind Hampel and Crump. Bjerre won his second heat of the night in heat ten with Hancock in second. Freddie Lindgren would be the first rider to fall in the meeting, he fell on the last lap as Gollob began to turn his night around with his first heat win. Unfortunately, lightning struck twice for Harris who suffered a second pack-up in two heats, leaving him to watch Jonsson win his second heat of the night.
Nicky Pedersen's only victory of the night came in heat 13 before Gollob finished ahead of Hancock to acquire his second consecutive heat victory. The only heat that was restarted was heat 18. The meeting official deemed the contact between Crump and Emil Sayfutdinov, despite neither rider falling off, was enough to warrant a restart. But Crump dusted himself down and took his second chequered flag of the meeting. Jonsson would then go onto win his third heat of the night to almost guarantee his place in the semi-finals.
Antonio Lindback has forced to retire in the 17th heat as he protective steel boot fell off. Again the heat continued and Gollob cruised to victory to also claim his third win. Freddie Lindgren recovered from his fall to claim heat 18. Bjarne Pedersen would fall on the second lap of heat 19, but again the race continued as the Dane managed to pick himself up and get out of the way. This allowed Hampel to win his second heat of the night but also became the only rider to win a heat from the outside gate. The final heat was won by Holder to squeeze himself into the semi-finals and the rest, as they say, is history. As far as the standings go, Hampel does now lead the way after two meetings.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
2012 Premier League Darts: Week 12
Echo Arena, Liverpool, the venue for the reply of the fixtures from week four in Exeter. James Wade opened the night against Kevin Painter, whom he secured his first win of the tournament against. The Artist secured the first break of the night with a Shanghai, 120, check-out in the third leg. Painter would then break the throw again in the fifth leg before Wade broke straight back, making it 4-2 to Painter going into the break. Wade secured a 123-checkout on the bull to make it 5-4. Painter would be the first to gain a point before Wade held on a 7-6 to force a deciding leg. Painter would then miss his chance to win the match, allowing the Machine to also secure a vital point. This result means Painter has finally had a draw in this year's campaign.
The second game of the night saw Phil Taylor take on Simon Whitlock. When these two met in Exeter, Taylor won 8-4 and set a new three dart average. Whitlock secured the first break of throw in the third leg after Taylor missed the bull for a 161-checkout. Whitlock would then rub it in as he then hit the bull for that elusive 161-checkout. But Taylor fought back to level the match at 3-3 going into the break. Taylor came back from the break and secured a break to take a 5-3 lead. That soon became 7-3 before he went onto wrap up yet another victory.
Raymond Van Barneveld faced Andy Hamilton in the penultimate match of the night. Barneveld won his first match of the league against Hamilton back in week four. Hamilton broke Barney's heart early on as he secured a 152-checkout in the second with the Dutchman on 20, making it 2-0 to the Hammer. He then made it 3-0 with a 93-check-out on the bull. Barney managed to pull it back to 4-2 as the players went off stage for the break. Hamilton missed three darts at the double in the seventh leg, allowing Barney to break back and then levelled the match at 4-4. From there, neither player could gain a break a throw and the game finished 7-7.
The final game of the night saw Gary Anderson take on Adrian Lewis. Back in Exeter, the Premier League Champion dispatched the World Champion 8-1. But since then, Lewis has made his way into the top four whilst Anderson has slipped to the bottom of the league. Anderson instantly broke the throw and went onto take a 2-0 lead. But Lewis fought back and managed to hit the first 170 check-out of the tournament to level the match at 2-2. The Scot broke the throw once again in the fifth leg before Lewis retaliated to make it 3-3 at the break. Anderson then missed five darts at the double in the eighth leg to allow Lewis to break the throw and take a 5-3 lead. Anderson then managed to break back in the eleventh leg to make it 6-5 but it was to no avail as Lewis would guarantee himself a point by once again breaking the throw. But the Scot did force a deciding leg and managed to get a draw, which is unfortunately not good enough to give him a chance at making it into the semi-finals.
The second game of the night saw Phil Taylor take on Simon Whitlock. When these two met in Exeter, Taylor won 8-4 and set a new three dart average. Whitlock secured the first break of throw in the third leg after Taylor missed the bull for a 161-checkout. Whitlock would then rub it in as he then hit the bull for that elusive 161-checkout. But Taylor fought back to level the match at 3-3 going into the break. Taylor came back from the break and secured a break to take a 5-3 lead. That soon became 7-3 before he went onto wrap up yet another victory.
Raymond Van Barneveld faced Andy Hamilton in the penultimate match of the night. Barneveld won his first match of the league against Hamilton back in week four. Hamilton broke Barney's heart early on as he secured a 152-checkout in the second with the Dutchman on 20, making it 2-0 to the Hammer. He then made it 3-0 with a 93-check-out on the bull. Barney managed to pull it back to 4-2 as the players went off stage for the break. Hamilton missed three darts at the double in the seventh leg, allowing Barney to break back and then levelled the match at 4-4. From there, neither player could gain a break a throw and the game finished 7-7.
The final game of the night saw Gary Anderson take on Adrian Lewis. Back in Exeter, the Premier League Champion dispatched the World Champion 8-1. But since then, Lewis has made his way into the top four whilst Anderson has slipped to the bottom of the league. Anderson instantly broke the throw and went onto take a 2-0 lead. But Lewis fought back and managed to hit the first 170 check-out of the tournament to level the match at 2-2. The Scot broke the throw once again in the fifth leg before Lewis retaliated to make it 3-3 at the break. Anderson then missed five darts at the double in the eighth leg to allow Lewis to break the throw and take a 5-3 lead. Anderson then managed to break back in the eleventh leg to make it 6-5 but it was to no avail as Lewis would guarantee himself a point by once again breaking the throw. But the Scot did force a deciding leg and managed to get a draw, which is unfortunately not good enough to give him a chance at making it into the semi-finals.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Chelsea v Bayern Munich (Villa In Trouble Too)
The Champions League semi-finals have been concluded and Bayern Munich will host Chelsea at the Allianz Arena. Chelsea travelled to Camp Nou with a 1-0 lead to protect. The lead was ruled out though when Sergio Busquets scored via a low cross ten minutes before half-time. It would then get worse for Chelsea when John Terry stupidly kneed Alexis Sanchez in the back and was shown a red card two minutes after going behind. Andres Iniesta then made it 2-0 Barcelona with two minutes of the first half to play, which would put Barcelona through. But, out of nowhere, Chelsea caught the Spaniards on the break and Ramires chipped Victor Valdes to make it 2-1 on half-time, a scoreline which would put Chelsea through on away goals.
Barcelona dominated much of the second half and it looked like they would again take the lead on aggregate when Didier Drogba brought Cesc Fabregas down three minutes into the second half. Lionel Messi stepped-up and uncharacteristically hit the cross bar, his first missed penalty (not saved) in his career. The Argentine then thought he had redeemed himself, but his 83rd minute effort came back off the post. Then the unthinkable happened, substitute Fernando Torres received the ball from a clearance and quickly found himself one-on-one with Valdes. He then took it around the keeper before nestling his eighth Camp Nou goal into the net in injury time. Chelsea draw 2-2 on the night but win 3-2 on aggregate. The bad news for Chelsea is that they will be without Terry, Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic due to suspension, Gary Cahill will be assessed after limping off early in the first half.
Bayern Munich will join them after progressing past Real Madrid after a nervy penalty shoot-out. Munich had a 2-1 lead to take with them to the Bernabeu. But that was instantly demolished when Luis Gustavo was adjudged to handball a cross in the box whilst he was slipping, it looked harsh and ended up receiving a yellow card which has ruled him out of the final. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped-up and converted his 25th consecutive penalty after just six minutes. The Portuguese then made it 2-0 after just 14-minutes to turn the tie on its head. But Bayern were allowed back into it when Mario Gomez fell under a Pepe push. Arjen Robben also converted the spot-kick against his former club on 27-minutes to level the aggregate.
The game would eventually fall into extra time and then into penalties. David Alaba was the first to step up to the plate and placed in coolly into the bottom corner. Ronaldo followed but Manuel Neuer prevented him from making it 26 consecutive scored penalties with a great right hand. It was deja vu when Kaka missed in the exact same way after Gomez had made it 2-0. Toni Kroos would then have his penalty saved by Iker Casillas before Xabi Alonso posted Madrid onto the ball. Philipp Lahm then took a soft penalty which Casillas easily saved, allowing Sergio Ramos the chance to equalise. But the defender smashed the ball high over the ball and Bastian Schweinsteiger won it for the German side.
Back in England, Aston Villa faced Bolton in the replay of their postponed match. The match saw three goals in two minutes to shake up the relegation battle. Stephen Warnock put Villa ahead just after the hour mark, they were dominant in the first half and finally took their opportunity. But their lead only lasted a minute when Carlos Cuellar tripped Mark Davies and Martin Petrov converted it. David N'gog then made it 2-1 Bolton a minute later to give them a crucial three points. They are now a point from safety with a game in hand, Villa have now slipped to just three points ahead of the relegation zone.
Barcelona dominated much of the second half and it looked like they would again take the lead on aggregate when Didier Drogba brought Cesc Fabregas down three minutes into the second half. Lionel Messi stepped-up and uncharacteristically hit the cross bar, his first missed penalty (not saved) in his career. The Argentine then thought he had redeemed himself, but his 83rd minute effort came back off the post. Then the unthinkable happened, substitute Fernando Torres received the ball from a clearance and quickly found himself one-on-one with Valdes. He then took it around the keeper before nestling his eighth Camp Nou goal into the net in injury time. Chelsea draw 2-2 on the night but win 3-2 on aggregate. The bad news for Chelsea is that they will be without Terry, Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic due to suspension, Gary Cahill will be assessed after limping off early in the first half.
Bayern Munich will join them after progressing past Real Madrid after a nervy penalty shoot-out. Munich had a 2-1 lead to take with them to the Bernabeu. But that was instantly demolished when Luis Gustavo was adjudged to handball a cross in the box whilst he was slipping, it looked harsh and ended up receiving a yellow card which has ruled him out of the final. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped-up and converted his 25th consecutive penalty after just six minutes. The Portuguese then made it 2-0 after just 14-minutes to turn the tie on its head. But Bayern were allowed back into it when Mario Gomez fell under a Pepe push. Arjen Robben also converted the spot-kick against his former club on 27-minutes to level the aggregate.
The game would eventually fall into extra time and then into penalties. David Alaba was the first to step up to the plate and placed in coolly into the bottom corner. Ronaldo followed but Manuel Neuer prevented him from making it 26 consecutive scored penalties with a great right hand. It was deja vu when Kaka missed in the exact same way after Gomez had made it 2-0. Toni Kroos would then have his penalty saved by Iker Casillas before Xabi Alonso posted Madrid onto the ball. Philipp Lahm then took a soft penalty which Casillas easily saved, allowing Sergio Ramos the chance to equalise. But the defender smashed the ball high over the ball and Bastian Schweinsteiger won it for the German side.
Back in England, Aston Villa faced Bolton in the replay of their postponed match. The match saw three goals in two minutes to shake up the relegation battle. Stephen Warnock put Villa ahead just after the hour mark, they were dominant in the first half and finally took their opportunity. But their lead only lasted a minute when Carlos Cuellar tripped Mark Davies and Martin Petrov converted it. David N'gog then made it 2-1 Bolton a minute later to give them a crucial three points. They are now a point from safety with a game in hand, Villa have now slipped to just three points ahead of the relegation zone.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Three Points at the Top, Wolves Relegated
Super Sunday very much lived up to it's name today as the Premiership has seen changes at the top and the bottom. The day kicked-off with Manchester United hosting Everton in another one of those games that produced a crazy result, including eight goals.
Everton very much started the better team as Manchester United looked extremely nervous. The visitors took full advantage with Nikica Jelavic scoring a header from a Tony Hibbert cross via a tight angle, giving Everton the lead on 33-minutes. This seemed to motivate United and they started getting back into the game. They would find an equaliser four minutes before half-time with Wayne Rooney heading United level.
United took the lead 12-minutes into the second half with Danny Welbeck scoring a superb curled effort into the top corner. This was followed up three minutes later when Nani finished off a great move to make it 3-1 and gave them vital breathing space. It became a little edgy again when Marouane Fellaini pulled a goal back on 67-minutes but Rooney made it 4-2 just two minutes later to restore the cushion. With nine minutes to go, Patrice Evra hit the post which would have sealed the three points. This would ultimately cost them as Jelavic volleyed Everton's third two minutes later before Steven Pienaar levelled with five minutes remaining. The match would finish 4-4 to bring an end to a fantastic match.
With United dropping points, Manchester City knew that a win would not only relegate Wolves but also move them to within three points of their rivals. Despite a good start to the game, Wolves found themselves 1-0 down on 27-minutes with Sergio Aguero benefiting from a defence splitting through ball. Wolves continued to fight throughout the match but City's presence up front was frequently felt with a host of close chances.
The final nail in Wolves' Premier League coffin came with 16-minutes left to play, Samir Nasri firing the ball into the bottom corner. The result has condemned Wolves to the Championship but City are now just three points behind United with the pair meeting in eight days. With goal difference almost certainly in City's hands, the result next Monday could determine which side of Manchester the trophy goes to.
Behind the television screens, Liverpool welcomed West Brom to Anfield. With the prospect of a potential domestic cup double, Liverpool's league form has been far from convincing. The only goal of the game came 15-minutes from with Peter Odemwingie giving West Brom the three points.
Everton very much started the better team as Manchester United looked extremely nervous. The visitors took full advantage with Nikica Jelavic scoring a header from a Tony Hibbert cross via a tight angle, giving Everton the lead on 33-minutes. This seemed to motivate United and they started getting back into the game. They would find an equaliser four minutes before half-time with Wayne Rooney heading United level.
United took the lead 12-minutes into the second half with Danny Welbeck scoring a superb curled effort into the top corner. This was followed up three minutes later when Nani finished off a great move to make it 3-1 and gave them vital breathing space. It became a little edgy again when Marouane Fellaini pulled a goal back on 67-minutes but Rooney made it 4-2 just two minutes later to restore the cushion. With nine minutes to go, Patrice Evra hit the post which would have sealed the three points. This would ultimately cost them as Jelavic volleyed Everton's third two minutes later before Steven Pienaar levelled with five minutes remaining. The match would finish 4-4 to bring an end to a fantastic match.
With United dropping points, Manchester City knew that a win would not only relegate Wolves but also move them to within three points of their rivals. Despite a good start to the game, Wolves found themselves 1-0 down on 27-minutes with Sergio Aguero benefiting from a defence splitting through ball. Wolves continued to fight throughout the match but City's presence up front was frequently felt with a host of close chances.
The final nail in Wolves' Premier League coffin came with 16-minutes left to play, Samir Nasri firing the ball into the bottom corner. The result has condemned Wolves to the Championship but City are now just three points behind United with the pair meeting in eight days. With goal difference almost certainly in City's hands, the result next Monday could determine which side of Manchester the trophy goes to.
Behind the television screens, Liverpool welcomed West Brom to Anfield. With the prospect of a potential domestic cup double, Liverpool's league form has been far from convincing. The only goal of the game came 15-minutes from with Peter Odemwingie giving West Brom the three points.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)