Premiership Football Match Reports Wk30
Posted on March 24, 2009
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Saturday 21st March
Porrtsmouth 2-1 Everton
Crouch proved his selection as first-choice striker with 2 goals to beat a resurgent Everton and breathe fresh life out of the relegation zone. Though it was Baines who blew away the home team’s hopes with an away goal in just 4 minutes, but Crouch sealed the matters with a goal in each half. The left foot of Baines proved fatal for Pompey yet again as he curled the ball past James. Crouch produced a great header in the 23rd minute with a controversial corner to bring his team on level terms. A close range volley from Crouch then finished off matters with 15 minutes to spare.
Blackburn 1-1 West Ham
Blackburn managed to gain 1 point and stay agonizingly close to the relegation zone as they drew at home with West Ham. Hammers were the first to squeeze a goal through Noble. His low sweep shot was no match to Robinson’s heroics. However Rovers capitalized on Ooijer’s substitution in the second half. The injured defender was substituted by Andrews and Rovers attacking instincts changed completely. Andrews levelled the terms in the 51st minute to at least salvage a point at home.
Fulham 2-0 Man Utd
Fulham produced a stunning performance at Craven Cottage to defeat the reigning Champions by 2-0. The title hopes of United were thrashed and league split wide open as they went to 9 men in this thrilling encounter. Their 2 strong players Rooney and Scholes were sent off and will miss a crucial next match. Murphy converted a penalty in the 18th minute whn Scholes handled the ball in the penalty area. Gera then crushed the visitors with a 86th minute goal to prove Fulham’s defensive dominance in EPL. United now fear just a lone point difference if Liverpool win their home tie against Villa.
Stoke City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Stoke’s Shawcross proved to be the vital man yet again as his goal made a huge difference in taking his team 3 points clear of the danger zone. Both sides used their 3 substitutions to match each other in the field but home team proved better. Middlesbrough have now sank deeper in the relegation zone and have to perform extremely well to produce a stunning comeback.
Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea
Another title contender fell to the home team factor as Spurs outplayed Chelsea to hand Hiddink his first league defeat. Manchester United’s result was clearly seen but Chelsea spoilt the crucial chance to srengthen their position. Modric produced the goal with Lennon’s help and frustrated chelsea in all departments. Gomes proved to be a vital man yet another time as he kept Drogba and Lampard at bay to give the home team a real important win.
West Brom 1-1 Bolton
West Brom did themselves no good and were trapped in the relegation zone badly as Bolton scored twice; one in their own net to finish a stalemate battle. Though carson saved numerous efforts on target in the first half but Taylor’s near volley could not be saved. In the second half a long clearance by Bolton keeper helped him seal off the things. But in the 81st minute Shittu shook his own net with his deflection. West Brom are now 7 point behind the first team aay from the relegation battle.
Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal
Martins wasted and missed a penalty and sunk to the relegation zone for the first time. No one from the Northern Rock could do anything about the Gunner’s pace and attacks. Bendtner Diaby and Nasri with Persie’s help produced a stunning display to finish a convincing win for Arsenal. Persie was clearly the Man of the Match as he looked in subtle touch throughout the game. Though first half remained goalless but Gunner’s firepower in the second half proved way too much for the men in Black and white.
Sunday 22nd March
wigan 1-0 Hull City
The scoreline could have been much better as Wigan missed a number of chances. Still 3 points on any given Sunday are the best you can get from a game. A lone goal from midfielder Watson was enough to ensure a victory at JJB Stadium. Though the match was heading towards a goalless draw, Watson’s 84th minute goal which was his second in the week brought some life to the game. Wigan have strengthened their position in the 7th place and things look really good for them.
Manchester City 1-0 Sunderland
The strikers didn’t troube the Sunderland much as Robinho missed an easy penalty in the end. A second half header from defender Richards was more than enough to ensure 3 points and keep City in the top 10. Sunderland keeper produced a series of fine saves including the penalty or else the scoreline would have been unreadable. Sunderland stay lowly and just 3 points away from the relegation zone.
Liverpool 5-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool carried their goal scoring form and thrashed Martin’s men by 5 goals. The real trouble started once Friedel was given the red card but the real 4 goal damage had already been done. Kuyt opened the brace for Liverpool in the 8th minute and riera consolidated the lead in the 33rd minute. Then it was captain Gerrard all the way as he scored 3 goals to pile up a humiliating defeat for the visitors. Liverpool are now just a point away from leaders United who are in deep trouble after 2 red cards in the previous match.
Spanish La Liga Round Twenty Seven
Posted on March 21, 2009
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Saturday 14th March 2009
Real Madrid cut Barcelona’s lead at the top of the league with a 5-2 victory at Athletic Bilbao. Arjen Robben opened the scoring for the champions with a left footed drive. Gabriel Heinze made it 2-0 on 34 minutes, heading home a Wesley Sneijder free-kick. Bilbao got back in the game a few minutes later, Heinze putting past his own keeper from a David Lopez cross. The home side were reduced to ten men as Francisco Yeste was dismissed for pushing Iker Casillas. Bilbao despite losing Yeste equalised in injury time, Casillas failing to keep out Fernando Llorente’s headers out.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar put Real back into the lead just after the break, finding a way past Gorka Iraizoz at his near post. Athletic pushed forward to try and find an equaliser, but it was Real who scored next. Huntelaar scoring his second from an Arjen Robben cross. Real completed the scoring in the later stages, Gonzalo Higuain scoring from the penalty spot, after Marcelo was brought down in the box. Real cut Barca’s lead to three points with Barca playing in the Sunday evening game.
Valencia’s poor run of form continued as they were held 1-1 by Recreativo Huelva at the Mestalla. Javier Camunas gave the visitors the lead in the 55th minute, poking the past Cesar Sanchez, despite the attention of Valencia defenders. Carlos Marchena was dismissed not long after the goal. 10 men Valencia rescued a point in the 83rd minute, substitute Pablo Hernandez scoring the equaliser.
Sunday 15th March 2009
Sevilla came back from two goals down away at Malaga to claim a 2-2 draw. The home side raced into a two goal lead thanks to a brace from striker Ballesta Salva. The away side got a goal back through Fredi Kanoute. Malaga were then reduced to ten men Javier Calleja being dismissed. Sevilla pressed home that advantage, Luis Fabiano equalising for Sevilla in the 84th minute.
Racing Santander scored five goals in the first half against Numancia to claim a 5-0 home victory. Oscar Serrano opened the scoring for the home side. Peter Luccin extended the lead before Nikola Zigic scored a brace to make it 4-0 to Racing. Oscar Serrano scored his second to round off the scoring and make it 5-0 to the home side.
Espanyol and Real Mallorca drew 3-3 at the Estadio Olimpic Lluis Companys. Juan Arango gave the visitors the lead, but substitute Juanmi Callejon equalised for the home side. The visitors regained the lead through Brazilian Cleber Santana. Hurtado Moises received a red card after receiving two bookings for Espanyol. Jose Manuel Jurado put the visitors 3-1 up and it looked likely they would claim three points, but Espanyol didn’t give up. Ivan De La Pena made it 3-2 and the home side rescued a point through a last gasp Nene goal.
Sporting Gijon beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-2 at El Molinon. Sanchez Luis Moran opened the scoring on 50 minutes for the home side, before David Barral doubled that lead from the penalty spot. Depor got back into the game Sergio Gonzales scoring from another penalty. Gijon regained their two goal cushion through Ferrera Jose Angel. Riki got a second goal back for Depor from the penalty spot, but it was too little too late for the visitors.
Real Valladolid managed a 1-0 victory over Getafe. Getafe had Pedro Marlo dismissed and Valladolid took full advantage, Fabio Canobbio scoring the only goal at the Nuevo Jose Zorilla. Real Betis and Osasuna drew 0-0 at Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera. The result suits neither side as they are both still in the fight to stay in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid overcame Villarreal 3-2 in the fight for Champion’s Leagues football next season. Diego Forlan had a second minute penalty saved by Diego Lopez. Matias Fernandez gave the visitors the lead against the run of play. Ruben Garcia doubled that lead after half time. Sergio Aguero got Atletico back into the game with a 53rd minute strike. Javi Venta was dismissed for Villarreal and that changed the game completely. Diego Forlan equalised for Atletico in the 81st minute, before Antonio Lopez scored the winner in the 83rd minute to complete a good comeback for Atletico.
Barcelona won 2-0 at Almeria. Barcelona rested Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry, but still managed to secure an away victory. Almeria goalkeeper Diego Alves performed heroics to deny the visitors and keep the game 0-0 till just after half time. Eight minutes into the second half and highly rated youngster Bojan Krkic gave Barca the lead, slotting home after Lionel Messi’s shot hit the post. Bojan scored his brace three minutes later, scoring with a deflected shot after a typically sharp Barca passing move. Barcelona are now six points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Premiership Football Match Reports Wk29
Posted on March 17, 2009
Filed Under Premiership 08/09 | 2 Comments
Manchester Utd 1-4 Liverpool
Old Trafford saw the first topsy turvy of the season as Manchester United slumped to a crushing 1-4 defeat at the hands of in-form Liverpool. Ronaldo assured yet another home win with a penalty and made it 1-0 in just 23 minutes but Liverpool had other plans. Torres made it 1-1 in the next 4 minutes while Gerrard made it 1-2 before half time. United lost all patience in the second half as Vidic was sent off. Aurelio’s free kick was too hot to handle while Dossena made it 1-4 in the last minute to prove Liverpool’s mettle.
Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn Rovers
Another 4 goal riot was seen at the emirtaes Stadium as Arsenal crushed Rovers by four goals to consolidate the 4th place on goal difference for the time being. It all started with a mockery inside Rovers penalty area in the very first minute that resukted in an own goal. Arshavin showed his real magic in the 65th minute to mark his presence in England. Eboue came on for the last 8 minutes nad scored a brace to finish things off in style for Arsenal.
Bolton Wanderers 1-3 Fulham
Bolton lost an important home game to Fulham and failed to come in the top 10 as they were mauled by three home goals. Johnson drew the first blood for Fulham but Davies made the scores level at half-time. Fulham came all guns blazing in the second half and Fulham’s Davies scored a wonderful goal which was fed by Murphy. Bolton went all attack in the dying moments and the mistake costed them another goal as Kamara made matters 1-3 at the Reebok Stadium.
Everton 3-1 Stoke City
Everton kept Villa in the run for the crucial 5th place as they scored an emphatic 3-1 win against Stoke. Jo showed his Brazilian style to the best to start the things in style and made it 1-0 in just 17 minutes. A real mess in the Stoke’s defence allowed Lescott to consolidate the lead and make it 2-0 for Everton. Stoke fought bravely in the second half and Shawcross pulled 1 back for the visitors from a Lawrence corner. But Everton finally sealed the match with a late Fellaini’s goal.
Hull City 1-1 Newcastle United
Geovanni returned to form with a goal after many weeks and gave Tigers the lead in the 8th minute. Tigers lost an important chance to register a home win as they allowed the Northern Rock to grab a crucial equalizer from Taylor. The match had nothing much except facts. Newcastle have to face Arsenal and Chelsea in the next rounds and are in danger of slipping into the relegation zone.
Middlesbrough 1-1 Portsmouth
King scored a life-saving equalizer for 10 men Boros at home as they snatched an important point from the jaws of defeat. Crouch scored in the 30th minute after Nugent’s shot hit the post. Pompey enjoyed good chances and possession throughout the game. Boros all attack strategy paid off in the injury time and King scored a late goal to make things level. Both sides are in the bottom 4 and have to do exceedingly well to get out of the relegation zone.
Sunderland 1-2 Wigan
Wigan firmly held a position in the top 10 by defeating Sunderland at home. Watson opened his account as well as the scoresheet for Wigan in the 12th minute. Central defenders, Bramble and Boyce played wonderfully well to keep Sunderland at bay. Sunderland levelled the terms in the first half itself with a Leadbitter goal. But Wigan’s old man N’zogbia did not allow the home team to celebrate much as he sealed the things in the first half itself. Sunderland stay just 3 points away from relegation.
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City
Chelsea held a crucial second spot as they defeated City at home. The win ensures their run for the title and giving EPL a tense finish.Essein’s return to squad was again seen in action as he scored in the 17th minute to ensure the only match of the game. Though chelsea suffered 2 blows with injured Deco and Drogba, yet they managed to grab 3 important points at Stamford Bridge.
Aston villa 1-2 Tottenham Hotspurs
Aston Villa lost their important 4th place and a hope to qualify for the Champions League as they were defeated by 2 opening goals from Jenas and Bent. jenas capitalized on a Lennon pass in the 4th minute and Bent made it 2-0 in the 4th minute of the second half. Villa found hard to convert moves into attacks but still managed to squeeze a consolation goal in the dying moments. Spurs now have registerd a 3rd straight win after Keane returned from Liverpool to carry the captain’s armband.
Spanish La Liga Round Twenty Six
Posted on March 13, 2009
Filed Under La Liga | Leave a Comment
Saturday 7th March 2009
Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at the Camp Nou. Sergio Busquets gave Barca the lead in the 18th minute, with a header from close range. Lionel Messi added the second in the 32nd minute, from the penalty spot, after Andres Iniesta was fouled by Carlos Gurpegui. This win takes Barca six points clear at the top of La Liga, after Real Madrid could only draw with Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby. Real Madrid had previously won ten games on the trot before this game, but their winning run was ended by their neighbours. Atletico took the lead after 38 minutes in the Bernabeu, Diego Forlan firing an effort into the bottom corner. Real equalised in the 57th minute, courtesy of Dutchman Klaas Jan-Huntelaar.
Villarreal managed to beat Espanyol 1-0 at el Madrigal. Fabricio Fuentes scored the only goal in the 20th minute for Villarreal. This result leaves Villarreal fourth three points clear of Malaga.
Sunday 8th March 2009
Numancia beat Valencia 2-1 in the shock of the day. Vicente gave Los Ches the lead after just nine minutes. Carlos Aranda equalised for Numancia in the 41st minute. Jose Barkero clinched all three points for the home side with a strike in the 52nd minute.
Malaga won 2-1 at Getafe. Pereira Eliseu gave the away side the lead after 31 minutes. Nabil Baha doubled that lead on the stroke of half time. Cosmin Contra got a goal back for Getafe in the 74th minute. That wasn’t the end of the action however, both sides having players sent off, Ivan Cuadra for Malaga and Roberto Soldado dismissed for Getafe.
Deportivo beat Racing Santander 5-3 in an enthralling encounter. Jonathan gave Racing the lead after just a minute. Juan Rodriguez levelled the scores for Depor in the 25th minute. Giant striker Nikola Zigic gave Racing the lead in the 33rd minute. Riki equalised for Depor in the 51st minute. Angel Lafita then put Depor ahead in the 58th minute. Riki stretched Depor’s lead to 4-2 in the 60th minute. Joan Verdu made it 5-2 in the 68th minute, before substitute Jesus Berrocal scored a third for Racing in the 79th minute.
Real Mallorca secured a 3-3 draw against Real Betis, despite being three nil down. Betis took the lead after 26 minutes through Mark Gonzalez. Marco Aurelio doubled that lead just three minutes later. Arturo Arzu scored the third in the 68th minute, that goal looked like it clinched the three points, until Real Mallorca’s amazing comeback. Substitute Gonzalo Castro started the comeback scoring in the 72nd minute. Pierre Webo scored the second in the 74th minute, before Castro completed the remarkable comeback scoring in the 82nd minute.
Real Valladolid beat Recreativo Huelva 3-2 at Estadio Nuevo Colombino. Jonathan Sesma gave Valladolid the lead after eight minutes. Henok Goitom doubled that lead in the 22nd minute. Adrian Colunga scored for Recre in the 26th minute from the penalty spot. Henok Goitom restored Valladolid’s two goal lead in the 48th minute. The Swedish striker then received a straight red card in the 65th minute. Javier Camunas reduced Valladolid’s in the 89th minute to 3-2. Valladolid were then reduced to nine men as Rubio Alvaro was sent off for a second bookable offence, but Recre couldn’t find a way past nine men and Valladolid hung on for three points.
Sevilla beat Almeria 2-1 at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Fredi Kanoute gave the home side the lead on five minutes. Renato doubled the lead in the 62nd minute. Alvaro Negredo gave Almeria hope with a 71st minute penalty, but Sevilla managed to hold on to the three points.
Sporting Gijon beat Osasuna 2-1 at home. David Barral opened the scoring for the away side after eight minutes. Diego Castro doubled that lead in the 20th minute. Javad Nekounam scored a 29th minute consolation goal for Osasuna; this result leaves Osasuna still in the relegation zone.
Premiership Football Match Reports Wk28
Posted on March 9, 2009
Filed Under Premiership 08/09 | 2 Comments
Portsmouth 0 - 1 Chelsea
Didier Drogba managed to earn a crucial away win at Fratton Park and award Guus Hiddink with his fourth successive win. The win kept alive the faint title hopes as they now reach within 4 points of leaders, Manchester United. It was one of the few matches that did not produce even a single yellow card. With balanced attacks from both sides, James and Cech were tested time and again. In the second half Bosingwa provided the pass and Drogba drilled it across James in the 79th minute.
West Brom 1 - 3 Arsenal
Two able goals from Nicklas Bendtner and a beauty from Toure sealed the fate of West Brom and sank them deeper into the relegation zone. Arsenal scored three pumping goals in the first half to finish the things on a quick note. Bendtner opened the tally in the 4th minute but Brunt got the equalizer for West Brom just after 3 minutes. Arshavin then made a great pass to Toure in the 38th minute who headed coolly past Carson to make it 2-1. Moments before the first half, Bendtner struck again. Capitalizing on a Toure’s free pass, he fiercely drove it past the keeper to make it 3-1. Toure limped out in the first half. Things remained unchanged in the next half as Arsenal moved closer to achieve the 4th spot for next year’s Champions League.
Liverpool 2 - 0 Sunderland
It was tough for Liverpool to break the deadlock in the first half. Sunderland could have gone up in the first 4 minutes when Skrtel was tricked by Jones but Reina produced a fine save. The second half was much more aggressive with both sides making serious attempts in the enemy’s territory. Benayoun passed to Riera who sent in a deep cross to Gerrard. Gerrard headed it into the box only to see Ngog fire his first for the club. Benayoun again sprung into action after Ngog’s shot was cleared by Fulop only as far as Benayoun. He fired in the goal with ease and Liverpool were 2-0 up in 65 minutes.
Man City 2 - 0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa lost a crucial match while City strengthened their position by reaching the 8th position after a long time. Elano struck the penalty after Milner had tripped Wright-Phillips to score his first goal since August. City had to replace De Jong in the second half as he limped out off the ground. Cueller made 2 impressive saves before his head collision with Onuoha saw blood tripping from his head in the 88th minute. Ireland’s pass was converted into goal by Wright-Phillips in the dying moments to complete a comprehensive win for city.
Newcastle 1 - 2 Man Utd
The home crowd burst with joy as Lovenkrands put the home team in front in just 8 minutes. Van Der Sar failed to hold on to a Gutierrez’s shot and Lovenkrands fired in to mae it 1-0. Rooney silenced the home crowd and brought United to level terms in the 19th minute. Berbatov showed his class yet again in the 55th minute as Man Utd made it 1-2 to go 7 points clear again. Though Vander Sar was a busier keeper than his counterpart but end result saw the visitors grabbing 11th league win.
Stoke City 2 - 0 Bolton
Stoke City produced a unexpected result at the Britannia Stadium as Beattie and Fuller earned a priceless win against Bolton. Beattie scored in just 13 minutes to continue his goal scoring form. Bolton could never match the attacking play and went down to 2-0 in the 73rd minute to slip out of the top 10. Though Bolton almost took the lead in the 11th minute through Elmander but Stoke won comprehensively at the home ground.
Wigan 0 - 1 West Ham
Wigan lost a crucial home game against West Ham After Cole took the lead in the 33rd minute. Within the next 3 minutes Cole was sent off because of a second yellow. West Ham took the defensive stance and kept the penalty area clear. Just after the first half Cattermole too followed Cole’s path and made it 10 men on both sides. Valencia’s long range effort in the injury time was cleared off by Green as West Ham steadied a 7th place in the league chart.
Blackburn 0 - 0 Everton
Both sides produced a poor display as Blackburn returned to the relegation zone with a miserable draw against Everton. Roberts, Ooijer, Warnock and Diouf; all missed important chances to add to their miseries. Santa Cruz played well and troubled Howard every single time. Brown then made a fine save off Pienaar. Nelsen was deservingly the man of the match for keeping Lescott and Cahill at bay. Blackburn have to dig out a way out off the relegation zone because it would be a shame for a side with the likes of Gamst and Santa Cruz to get relegated.
Fulham 0 - 1 Hull City
Fulham made a mockery in the dying moments to lose a crucial match at home to the Tigers. Both sides failed to score in both halves. Zamora and Johnson’s efforts were cleared by Duke and Schwarzer kept the likes of Cousin and Geovanni at bay. Cousin was substituted in the 75th minute and Manucho sprang into action. Tigers became aggressive in the last moments and Manucho pounced on a loose ball by Richard Garcia and took crucial 3 points from this away match.
Tottenham 4 - 0 Middlesbrough
Keane sprung into action with a goal and 2 assists after his return to Spurs and made a huge contribution in the 4-0 victory against Boros. Keane did not wait long as he grabbed the first in just 9 minutes. Pavlyuchenko added another after 4 minutes to ensure a 4 point distance from the relegation zone. Lennon then pounced on a Jenas’ pass in the 39th minute to make it 3-0 for the home crowd. Aliadiere limped out in the 52nd minute to finish any attacking hopes for the visitors. Lennon then picked up a pass from Keane in the 79th minute to make it 4-0 for the Spurs.
Sunderland 1-1 Tottenham
Sunderland failed to hold on the advantage till the 90th minute and allowed Spurs to score in the penultimate minute. Richardson gave just the perfect start to his side by scoring in the 3rd minute. It could have been the tight schedule of Spurs which saw their defence caught napping in the 3rd minute and allowed Richardson to score. Sunderland made many more attempts for which Tottenham defence had to indulge in foul play. Both Corluka and Woodgate saw yellow cards for their efforts. An easily looking penalty was not awarded by the referee to Jones who was challenged by King in the penalty area in the 89th minute. The home crowd grew angrier when Spurs got the equalizer through Keane in the very same minute.
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