1. Webber (Red Bull)
2. Rosberg (Mercedes)
3. Hamilton (McLaren)
4. Grosjean (Lotus)
5. Alonso (Ferrari)
6. Schumacher (Mercedes) (courtesy of a five place grid penalty)
7. Massa (Ferrari)
8. Raikkonen (Lotus)
9. Maldonado (Williams)
10. Vettel (Red Bull)
11. Hulkenberg (Force India)
12. Kobayashi (Sauber)
13. Button (McLaren)
14. Senna (Williams)
15. Di Resta (Force India)
16. Ricciardo (Toro Rosso)
17. Vergne (Toro Rosso)
18. Kovalainen (Caterham)
19. Petrov (Caterham)
20. Glock (Marussia)
21. De La Rosa (HRT)
22. Pic (Marussia)
23. Karthikeyan (HRT)
24. Perez (Sauber) (courtesy of a crash with Maldonado in practice)
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Di Matteo Finds Abramovich's Holy Grail
It went to the wire, but Chelsea become the first London club to win the UEFA Champions League. The game finished 1-1 after extra time and the dreaded penalty shoot-out would have to be the way to settle to two sides. It was quickly advantage Bayern Munich when Juan Mata's opening penalty was saved after Philipp Lahm had scored.
But Ashley Cole planted his effort into the corner after substitute Ivica Olic had had his penalty saved to make it 3-3, Mario Gomez, David Luiz, Manuel Neuer and Frank Lampard had also all converted by that stage. Bastian Schweinsteiger then saw his effort rebound off the post, allowing Chelsea's cup hero, Didier Drogba, to score the winning penalty and give Roman Abramovich what he had been searching for since his takeover.
For long periods of the game, it wasn't looking like it was going to be Chelsea's year. Neuer was very much a spectator for the majority of the game as Chelsea played a very defensive, a la Barcelona, style of football. Their negativity almost looked like it would cost them when Thomas Muller headed a cross past Petr Cech with seven minutes remaining.
Overall, Chelsea's defending had been top class throughout the night and deserved something from the game. Drogba then forced the game into extra time when he headed a Mata corner home in the final minute of normal time. But the hero almost became the villain four minutes into the extra time when he tripped Franck Ribery. Former Chelsea man, Arjen Robben, stepped up but he penalty was weak was easily saved by Cech. From there the game looked to peter out into that dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Chelsea surely have to look to Roberto Di Matteo as a full time manager. In his brief spell in 'interim' charge, he has already brought two trophies to Stamford Bridge and would definitely be looking to build on that next season.
But Ashley Cole planted his effort into the corner after substitute Ivica Olic had had his penalty saved to make it 3-3, Mario Gomez, David Luiz, Manuel Neuer and Frank Lampard had also all converted by that stage. Bastian Schweinsteiger then saw his effort rebound off the post, allowing Chelsea's cup hero, Didier Drogba, to score the winning penalty and give Roman Abramovich what he had been searching for since his takeover.
For long periods of the game, it wasn't looking like it was going to be Chelsea's year. Neuer was very much a spectator for the majority of the game as Chelsea played a very defensive, a la Barcelona, style of football. Their negativity almost looked like it would cost them when Thomas Muller headed a cross past Petr Cech with seven minutes remaining.
Overall, Chelsea's defending had been top class throughout the night and deserved something from the game. Drogba then forced the game into extra time when he headed a Mata corner home in the final minute of normal time. But the hero almost became the villain four minutes into the extra time when he tripped Franck Ribery. Former Chelsea man, Arjen Robben, stepped up but he penalty was weak was easily saved by Cech. From there the game looked to peter out into that dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Chelsea surely have to look to Roberto Di Matteo as a full time manager. In his brief spell in 'interim' charge, he has already brought two trophies to Stamford Bridge and would definitely be looking to build on that next season.
RVT Promotes WHU
At first he was unnoticed at Bolton, then he became a hit at Barnsley which earned him his January transfer to West Ham, now Ricardo Vaz Te has scored the winning goal that sees the Hammers promoted back into the Barclay's Premier League. His goal came three minutes from time when the game looked destined to be heading into extra time.
The game started better for Blackpool and Matt Phillips could have had a hat-trick within the first 15 minutes. His first effort was saved onto the pot by Rob Green, his second was straight at the keeper when put through one-on-one and his third effort was curled outside the post.
But West Ham grew into the game and it soon became a question of when they would score, not if, as the started firing shots at Matt Gilks. The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes before half-time when a ball was played over the defence and into the running Carlton Cole's path. The striker then blasted his shot past the Blackpool keeper.
But the Seasiders came out all guns blazing in the second half and caught West Ham cold. In a carbon copy of the opener, a ball was lofted over the defence and into Tom Ince's path. He poked the ball around Green to equalise within three minutes of re-emerging from the tunnel.
Both teams had chances to win the game during the second half but it was looking like it would ultimately be settle by extra time or even penalties. But sloppy defending caused a scramble in which the ball would eventually fall to Vaz Te who was more than happy to smash the ball into the roof of the net to send West Ham back into the Premier League.
The game started better for Blackpool and Matt Phillips could have had a hat-trick within the first 15 minutes. His first effort was saved onto the pot by Rob Green, his second was straight at the keeper when put through one-on-one and his third effort was curled outside the post.
But West Ham grew into the game and it soon became a question of when they would score, not if, as the started firing shots at Matt Gilks. The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes before half-time when a ball was played over the defence and into the running Carlton Cole's path. The striker then blasted his shot past the Blackpool keeper.
But the Seasiders came out all guns blazing in the second half and caught West Ham cold. In a carbon copy of the opener, a ball was lofted over the defence and into Tom Ince's path. He poked the ball around Green to equalise within three minutes of re-emerging from the tunnel.
Both teams had chances to win the game during the second half but it was looking like it would ultimately be settle by extra time or even penalties. But sloppy defending caused a scramble in which the ball would eventually fall to Vaz Te who was more than happy to smash the ball into the roof of the net to send West Ham back into the Premier League.
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Super Sixth For Taylor
After 14 weeks of gruelling competition, Phil Taylor has once again emerged as the best, becoming the Premier League champion for a sixth time. He may have cruised through the league stage but finals night saw the Power taken all the way in both of his matches.
He would end up facing Simon Whitlock in the final and, after missing four darts at the double in the opening leg, the Australian found himself 3-0 down. This soon became 6-1 when Taylor managed a check-out of 89 via the bulls-eye before securing a 109 check-out, making it seem that the final was already over.
Even though the league phase and semi-finals saw the winner need eight legs, it was extended to ten for the final and this kept Whitlock's hopes alive. After going 7-2 behind, Whitlock reeled off five straight legs to level the match, recording a Shanghai 120 check-out in the 14th leg. The would ultimately be all the fight the Aussie had left as Taylor won the following three legs to gain his crown.
The night started in supersonic fashion as Whitlock would face his nemesis Andy Hamilton in the first of the semi-finals. Hamilton instantly broke the throw with an impressive 130 check-out but Whitlock responded with an outstanding nine darter, the 29th televised feat. Hamilton made it three legs against throw by regaining the lead with a 112 check-out.
It soon became 4-1 before Whitlock did to Hamilton what the Hammer has been doing to the Wizard in recent matches. The Australian pulled it back to 4-3 before Hamilton would then secure a 110 check-out to take a 6-4 lead. But Whitlock won the following four legs to come back and win the match to see him progress.
It was just as close in the second semi-final where Taylor took on James Wade. Taylor equalised in the second leg with a 112 check-out before Wade made it 2-1 with a 104 finish. The fourth leg also went with throw before the Machine secured the first break to take a 4-2 lead.
But missed darts at the double went some way to seeing that Taylor would win the following four legs to turn the match around and lead 6-4. This time it Wade's turn to fight back and he soon levelled before Taylor took out a 149 in the penultimate leg and therefore went onto win 8-6.
There was also a chance to see the darting stars of the future during the break as Michael Van Gerwen faced James Hubbard in the Youth Championship final. The 19 year-old Englishman took a 3-0 lead before the more experienced Dutchman came to within a leg behind at 4-3. But Hubbard didn't capitulate and would win the next two legs to claim a £10,000 pay check and more importantly the Youth Championship crown.
He would end up facing Simon Whitlock in the final and, after missing four darts at the double in the opening leg, the Australian found himself 3-0 down. This soon became 6-1 when Taylor managed a check-out of 89 via the bulls-eye before securing a 109 check-out, making it seem that the final was already over.
Even though the league phase and semi-finals saw the winner need eight legs, it was extended to ten for the final and this kept Whitlock's hopes alive. After going 7-2 behind, Whitlock reeled off five straight legs to level the match, recording a Shanghai 120 check-out in the 14th leg. The would ultimately be all the fight the Aussie had left as Taylor won the following three legs to gain his crown.
The night started in supersonic fashion as Whitlock would face his nemesis Andy Hamilton in the first of the semi-finals. Hamilton instantly broke the throw with an impressive 130 check-out but Whitlock responded with an outstanding nine darter, the 29th televised feat. Hamilton made it three legs against throw by regaining the lead with a 112 check-out.
It soon became 4-1 before Whitlock did to Hamilton what the Hammer has been doing to the Wizard in recent matches. The Australian pulled it back to 4-3 before Hamilton would then secure a 110 check-out to take a 6-4 lead. But Whitlock won the following four legs to come back and win the match to see him progress.
It was just as close in the second semi-final where Taylor took on James Wade. Taylor equalised in the second leg with a 112 check-out before Wade made it 2-1 with a 104 finish. The fourth leg also went with throw before the Machine secured the first break to take a 4-2 lead.
But missed darts at the double went some way to seeing that Taylor would win the following four legs to turn the match around and lead 6-4. This time it Wade's turn to fight back and he soon levelled before Taylor took out a 149 in the penultimate leg and therefore went onto win 8-6.
There was also a chance to see the darting stars of the future during the break as Michael Van Gerwen faced James Hubbard in the Youth Championship final. The 19 year-old Englishman took a 3-0 lead before the more experienced Dutchman came to within a leg behind at 4-3. But Hubbard didn't capitulate and would win the next two legs to claim a £10,000 pay check and more importantly the Youth Championship crown.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Final Premier League Table 2011/2012
C. Manchester City 89 +64
2. Manchester United 89 +56
3. Arsenal 70 +25
4. Tottenham 69 +25
5. Newcastle 65 +5
6. Chelsea 64 +19
7. Everton 56 +10
8. Liverpool 52 +7
9. Fulham 52 -3
10. West Brom 47 -7
11. Swansea 47 -7
12. Norwich 47 -14
13. Sunderland 45 -1
14. Stoke 45 -17
15. Wigan 43 -20
16. Aston Villa 38 -16
17. QPR 37 -23
18. Bolton 36 -31
19. Blackburn 31 -30
20. Wolves 25 -42
2. Manchester United 89 +56
3. Arsenal 70 +25
4. Tottenham 69 +25
5. Newcastle 65 +5
6. Chelsea 64 +19
7. Everton 56 +10
8. Liverpool 52 +7
9. Fulham 52 -3
10. West Brom 47 -7
11. Swansea 47 -7
12. Norwich 47 -14
13. Sunderland 45 -1
14. Stoke 45 -17
15. Wigan 43 -20
16. Aston Villa 38 -16
17. QPR 37 -23
18. Bolton 36 -31
19. Blackburn 31 -30
20. Wolves 25 -42
2011/2012 Final Day Round-Up
Sunderland 0-1 Manchester United: When the whistle went at the Stadium of Light, Manchester United were champions. Just two minutes later, the title had changed hands and Manchester City were crowned champions. The only goal of the game came on 20-minutes when Wayne Rooney headed a Phil Jones cross home. United came close on numerous occasions, but United couldn't extend their lead and it was that goal difference throughout this season that ultimately cost them.
Manchester City 3-2 QPR: QPR stay up despite this defeat, which was five minutes away from being a victory. With news that United had taken the lead, City responded with Pablo Zabaleta hitting a shot that Paddy Kenny could only parry into his own net six minutes before half-time. The title was then heading to United when a Joleon Lescott mistake allowed Djibril Cisse to equalise three minutes into the second half. But QPR's chances of holding on looked to get slimmer when Joey Barton elbowed Carlos Tevez, he was subsequently sent off and decided to then kick-out at Sergio Aguero just ten minutes into the second period. Barton had to eventually be man-handled off the pitch which earned a chunk of stoppage time. Despite being a man down, QPR came up with a goal that would almost seal their safety and United's title; Jamie Mackie headed home a Armand Traore cross on 66-minutes. The game at United was finishing just as substitute Edin Dzeko was heading home a corner to make it 2-2 with three minutes of injury time left. Sergio Aguero then took the title from United's grasp with a 94th minute winner, the most dramatic win the most dramatic Premier league season.
Stoke 2-2 Bolton: If Bolton had won, they'd have stayed up. It looked bleak for the Trotters when Jon Walters looked to have bundled Adam Bogdan into the goal when the Hungarian clearly had the ball in his hands on 13-minutes. But Bolton came back and Mark Davies equalised when a Huth clearance was charged down by him six minutes before half-time. They would then have the lead by half-time when Kevin Davies' cross come shot bamboozled Thomasz Sorensen, but the Dane really should have saved it. Bolton then shot themselves in the foot when Bogdan seemingly brought Peter Crouch down, Walters stepped-up and sent Bolton down on 66-minutes.
West Brom 2-3 Arsenal: Arsenal secure third spot in another crazy game, Roy Hodgson's last at the Hawthornes. Arsenal took the lead on four minutes when Marton Fulop hesitated, allowing Yossi Benayoun to nip in a roll the ball into an empty net. West Brom equalised on 11-minutes when Shane Long was put though before Graham Dorrans made it 2-1 just four minutes later. Andre Santos equalised on the half hour mark when his shot could only be parried into his own net by Fulop. Fulop then made another mistake nine minutes into the second half; the keeper punched the ball backwards from a corner and into Laurent Koscielny's grateful path.
Tottenham 2-0 Fulham: Tottenham did all that they could to try and get third, but ultimately ended with fourth and must wait until next Saturday to see if they will be playing Champions League football next season. Emanuel Adebayor gave Spurs the lead after just two minutes when he finished off a one-two with Rafael Van Der Vaart. Jermain Defoe wrapped the points up for Tottenham on 63-minutes with a poacher's goal.
Everton 3-1 Newcastle: Newcastle's hopes of gaining fourth were crushed by the two London clubs winning but by losing themselves. Steven Pienaar gave Everton the lead with a deflected effort on 16-minutes. That became 2-0 on 27-minutes when Nikica Jelavic made it ten goals in ten games for the Toffees. Johnny Heitinga headed his second Everton goal and their third of the day on 66-minutes before Tony Hibbert made it 3-1 with a headed own goal on 73-minutes. The season ended sour for Everton however, Tim Cahill was sent off after the final whistle for putting his hands around the throat of Yohann Cabaye.
Wigan 3-2 Wolves: Wolves to fail to end their dreadful season with a win. They did take the lead on nine minutes when Matt Jarvis scored. Franco Di Santo equalised just three minutes later with a well placed bottom corner shot. Emerson Boyce headed Wigan ahead from a corner on 14-minutes before smashing a great half-volley home eleven minutes from time. Wolves did get the final say though when Steven Fletcher scored into an empty net with four minutes left.
Chelsea 2-1 Blackburn: Steve Kean failed to get a win in Blackburn's final Premier League game. John Terry opened the scoring on 31-minutes before his fellow suspended CL final colleague, Raul Meireles, made it two goals in three minutes. It was no surprise to see Yakubu score Blackburn's final PL goal on the hour mark.
Swansea 1-0 Liverpool: Kenny Dalglish's management may come under severe scrutiny after ending the season poorly. The only goal of the game came when Danny Graham scored his 100th career goal via an Angel Rangel low cross four minutes from time.
Norwich 2-0 Aston Villa: Villa's disappointing season comes to an end via another poor display at Carrow Road. Grant Holt finished his season off with yet another goal after just eight minutes, bundling a free-kick over the line. Simeon Jackson then made it 2-0 via the second attempt on 22-minutes.
Manchester City 3-2 QPR: QPR stay up despite this defeat, which was five minutes away from being a victory. With news that United had taken the lead, City responded with Pablo Zabaleta hitting a shot that Paddy Kenny could only parry into his own net six minutes before half-time. The title was then heading to United when a Joleon Lescott mistake allowed Djibril Cisse to equalise three minutes into the second half. But QPR's chances of holding on looked to get slimmer when Joey Barton elbowed Carlos Tevez, he was subsequently sent off and decided to then kick-out at Sergio Aguero just ten minutes into the second period. Barton had to eventually be man-handled off the pitch which earned a chunk of stoppage time. Despite being a man down, QPR came up with a goal that would almost seal their safety and United's title; Jamie Mackie headed home a Armand Traore cross on 66-minutes. The game at United was finishing just as substitute Edin Dzeko was heading home a corner to make it 2-2 with three minutes of injury time left. Sergio Aguero then took the title from United's grasp with a 94th minute winner, the most dramatic win the most dramatic Premier league season.
Stoke 2-2 Bolton: If Bolton had won, they'd have stayed up. It looked bleak for the Trotters when Jon Walters looked to have bundled Adam Bogdan into the goal when the Hungarian clearly had the ball in his hands on 13-minutes. But Bolton came back and Mark Davies equalised when a Huth clearance was charged down by him six minutes before half-time. They would then have the lead by half-time when Kevin Davies' cross come shot bamboozled Thomasz Sorensen, but the Dane really should have saved it. Bolton then shot themselves in the foot when Bogdan seemingly brought Peter Crouch down, Walters stepped-up and sent Bolton down on 66-minutes.
West Brom 2-3 Arsenal: Arsenal secure third spot in another crazy game, Roy Hodgson's last at the Hawthornes. Arsenal took the lead on four minutes when Marton Fulop hesitated, allowing Yossi Benayoun to nip in a roll the ball into an empty net. West Brom equalised on 11-minutes when Shane Long was put though before Graham Dorrans made it 2-1 just four minutes later. Andre Santos equalised on the half hour mark when his shot could only be parried into his own net by Fulop. Fulop then made another mistake nine minutes into the second half; the keeper punched the ball backwards from a corner and into Laurent Koscielny's grateful path.
Tottenham 2-0 Fulham: Tottenham did all that they could to try and get third, but ultimately ended with fourth and must wait until next Saturday to see if they will be playing Champions League football next season. Emanuel Adebayor gave Spurs the lead after just two minutes when he finished off a one-two with Rafael Van Der Vaart. Jermain Defoe wrapped the points up for Tottenham on 63-minutes with a poacher's goal.
Everton 3-1 Newcastle: Newcastle's hopes of gaining fourth were crushed by the two London clubs winning but by losing themselves. Steven Pienaar gave Everton the lead with a deflected effort on 16-minutes. That became 2-0 on 27-minutes when Nikica Jelavic made it ten goals in ten games for the Toffees. Johnny Heitinga headed his second Everton goal and their third of the day on 66-minutes before Tony Hibbert made it 3-1 with a headed own goal on 73-minutes. The season ended sour for Everton however, Tim Cahill was sent off after the final whistle for putting his hands around the throat of Yohann Cabaye.
Wigan 3-2 Wolves: Wolves to fail to end their dreadful season with a win. They did take the lead on nine minutes when Matt Jarvis scored. Franco Di Santo equalised just three minutes later with a well placed bottom corner shot. Emerson Boyce headed Wigan ahead from a corner on 14-minutes before smashing a great half-volley home eleven minutes from time. Wolves did get the final say though when Steven Fletcher scored into an empty net with four minutes left.
Chelsea 2-1 Blackburn: Steve Kean failed to get a win in Blackburn's final Premier League game. John Terry opened the scoring on 31-minutes before his fellow suspended CL final colleague, Raul Meireles, made it two goals in three minutes. It was no surprise to see Yakubu score Blackburn's final PL goal on the hour mark.
Swansea 1-0 Liverpool: Kenny Dalglish's management may come under severe scrutiny after ending the season poorly. The only goal of the game came when Danny Graham scored his 100th career goal via an Angel Rangel low cross four minutes from time.
Norwich 2-0 Aston Villa: Villa's disappointing season comes to an end via another poor display at Carrow Road. Grant Holt finished his season off with yet another goal after just eight minutes, bundling a free-kick over the line. Simeon Jackson then made it 2-0 via the second attempt on 22-minutes.
Final Day Drama - Manchester Turned Red To Blue Within Two Minutes
Manchester City were crowned the Barclay's Premiership Champions in dramatic circumstances, a fine way to end a crazy season. Here's how it was won, the top four finished and who was relegated.
2 Minutes: Former Arsenal player, Emmanuel Adebayor, put Tottenham ahead against Fulham. Putting them third.
4 Minutes: Yossi Benayoun breaks the deadlock against West Brom, replacing Spurs in third.
11 Minutes: Shane Long equalises for West Brom, moving Spurs back into third.
13 Minutes: Jon Walters puts Stoke ahead against Bolton, almost succumbing the Trotters to relegation
15 Minutes: Graham Dorrans makes it a remarkable four minutes for West Brom, almost granting Tottenham that third place.
16 Minutes: Steven Pienaar gives Everton the lead, pretty much ending Newcastle's charge for a Champions League spot.
20 Minutes: Wayne Rooney puts Manchester United ahead, putting them top of the table.
27 Minutes: Nikica Jelavic makes it 2-0 for Everton.
30 Minutes: Andre Santos equalises for Arsenal, it's still not enough to overtake Spurs.
39 Minutes: Mark Davies equalises for Bolton as a Paddy Kenny mistake allows Pablo Zabaleta to give Manchester City the lead. The overtake United with the pressure building on QPR.
45 Minutes: Kevin Davies gives Bolton the lead, relegating QPR at this point.
48 Minutes: Djibril Cisse equalises for QPR, saving themselves and granting United the title.
54 Minutes: Laurent Koscielny puts Arsenal ahead again to seal third spot.
55 Minutes: A moment of madness sees Joey Barton get sent off and damaging QPR's hopes of surviving. He had to manhandled off the pitch after kicking Sergio Aguero.
63 Minutes: Defoe makes it 2-0 to Tottenham, keeping the pressure on Arsenal to maintain their lead.
65 Minutes: John Heitinga heaps more misery on Newcastle, making it 3-0.
66 Minutes: Jamie Mackie makes it 2-1 to QPR, securing their safety and putting the trophy in United's hands.
73 Minutes: A Tony Hibbert own goal gives Newcastle a consolation.
77 Minutes: A Jon Walters penalty condemns Bolton to the Championship, making it 2-2.
90+2 Minutes: It's all over at the Stadium of Light, United walk off as Champions. Just as Edin Dzeko levels at the Etihad with three minutes remaining in Manchester.
90+4 Minutes: Sergio Aguero nets to give Manchester City the lead and the title. Crushing United dreams as the Blue Moon rises over Manchester in unbelievable circumstances.
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