Is this quarter final the game where the gooners lay to rest the miserable champions league 2006? Playing against his former club Thierry Henry will no doubt know better than anyone how formidable a Wenger side can be in Europe, especially now that they have more physicality in their game this season.
On paper, Barcelona's first 11 is immense and made Manchester United look quite ordinary last season. However, when Arsenal's flowing football kicks in to some of these Champions League this team exhibits world class qualities that can lead to a quick succession of goals. Sol Campbell has helped their back line no end but they still have a bit of uncertainty between the sticks with Almunia. This was illustrated against Birmingham City this weekend with a bit of a howler, where we saw Kevin Philips bagging his 250th goal of his football career...but lets be fair a decent Prem 'keeper would have saved it.
Away at the Nou camp? I can see Barcelona getting an advantage in this 1st leg - maybe 1 goal.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
FA Cup 2010 Latest Spurs 3 Fulham 1 24/10/2010
FA Cup Result 24th March 2010 Latest Tottenham 3 Fulham 1
A game of two halves this evening in the sixth round FA Cup replay London Derby at White Hart Lane. An incredible bounce back by home team Tottenham Hotspur as they turned a 1 nil half time deficit in to a 3-1.
This was a great FA Cup night for Spurs. 4 goals, plenty of stress and drama but ultimately bags of talent on show from the home team. And yes, I am a lily white!
With many ex-Spurs players in the visiting team, there was irony in Bobby Zamora's cool, left-footed stroke past Tottenham goalkeeper Gomes. The way that Zamora found the space and executed the through ball speaks volumes about his form and the development that Roy Hodgson has orchestrated at the Cottage.
This evening, I thought Danny Murphy demonstrated the reason why he has the captaincy for Fulham. Industrious but attacking, Murphy helped win the midfield battle in the first half and overall Fulham managed to mute Tottenham Hotspur who have displayed great form this season.
Harry Redknapp put David Bentley and Tommy Huddlestone to begin the second half to galvanise the midfield effort of the home team. The impact was instant, as David Bentley swung in a Beckham like free kick that all defenders, forwards and most importantly the Fulham 'keeper Richard Schwarzer all missed watching it bounce directly into the net.
Spurs grabbed hold of the game, with pure aggressive attacking football. Between Bentley, Modric, Gudjonhson and Pavlyuchenko Tottenham had too much fire power for Fulham in the second half.
Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the second, enjoying such a maginificent run of form and proving to absolutely everyone that he is a major asset to Tottenham Hotspur. On loan forward Eidur Gudjonhson then finished off a superb passing move, scoring his second goal for Tottenham...Harry wants Gudjonhson permanently and he has proven what he can deliver. Sheringham like link up play and classic striker goals.
Pompey next for Tottenham - as Spurs great Jimmy Greaves would say 'its a funny old game'.
A game of two halves this evening in the sixth round FA Cup replay London Derby at White Hart Lane. An incredible bounce back by home team Tottenham Hotspur as they turned a 1 nil half time deficit in to a 3-1.
This was a great FA Cup night for Spurs. 4 goals, plenty of stress and drama but ultimately bags of talent on show from the home team. And yes, I am a lily white!
With many ex-Spurs players in the visiting team, there was irony in Bobby Zamora's cool, left-footed stroke past Tottenham goalkeeper Gomes. The way that Zamora found the space and executed the through ball speaks volumes about his form and the development that Roy Hodgson has orchestrated at the Cottage.
This evening, I thought Danny Murphy demonstrated the reason why he has the captaincy for Fulham. Industrious but attacking, Murphy helped win the midfield battle in the first half and overall Fulham managed to mute Tottenham Hotspur who have displayed great form this season.
Harry Redknapp put David Bentley and Tommy Huddlestone to begin the second half to galvanise the midfield effort of the home team. The impact was instant, as David Bentley swung in a Beckham like free kick that all defenders, forwards and most importantly the Fulham 'keeper Richard Schwarzer all missed watching it bounce directly into the net.
Spurs grabbed hold of the game, with pure aggressive attacking football. Between Bentley, Modric, Gudjonhson and Pavlyuchenko Tottenham had too much fire power for Fulham in the second half.
Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the second, enjoying such a maginificent run of form and proving to absolutely everyone that he is a major asset to Tottenham Hotspur. On loan forward Eidur Gudjonhson then finished off a superb passing move, scoring his second goal for Tottenham...Harry wants Gudjonhson permanently and he has proven what he can deliver. Sheringham like link up play and classic striker goals.
Pompey next for Tottenham - as Spurs great Jimmy Greaves would say 'its a funny old game'.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Arsenal 2 West Ham 0 20/03/2010 Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 2 West Ham 0 20th March 2010 Premier League
Arsenal looked to set this latest Premier League weekend's pace with a 2-0 win over London rivals West Ham United, putting them top for at least the next 20 hours or so.
For the first 30 minutes, the Gunners showed us their dominance up front. It took less than 5 minutes for the home team to take the lead with Denilson strike from just outside the area. The was not a great deal more excitement for the majority of the first half except for perhaps Diamanti and Campbell going in the book, but in the 44th minute the visitors had plenty to shout about when Vermaelen was controversially sent off for a challenge on Guillermo Franco in the box. However despite scoring in the previous 2 encounters between the London rivals, Almunia denied Diamanti his third time lucky. Gooners would say it was a great save, Hammers would point to the fact Almunia was a long way off his line. 1:0 to the home team at half time.
In the second half the Hammers tried their best to make their extra man work for them, but to no avail. Just after 80 minutes a hand ball by ex gunner Matthew Upson handed a penalty to the Arsenal, which Fabregas converted with ease. This galvanised the Wenger boys, who threatened a third for the remainder of the match. However going after 90 minutes top of the premiership is surely result enough for the Gooners. But will they able to play this convincingly against Barcelona??
Arsenal looked to set this latest Premier League weekend's pace with a 2-0 win over London rivals West Ham United, putting them top for at least the next 20 hours or so.
For the first 30 minutes, the Gunners showed us their dominance up front. It took less than 5 minutes for the home team to take the lead with Denilson strike from just outside the area. The was not a great deal more excitement for the majority of the first half except for perhaps Diamanti and Campbell going in the book, but in the 44th minute the visitors had plenty to shout about when Vermaelen was controversially sent off for a challenge on Guillermo Franco in the box. However despite scoring in the previous 2 encounters between the London rivals, Almunia denied Diamanti his third time lucky. Gooners would say it was a great save, Hammers would point to the fact Almunia was a long way off his line. 1:0 to the home team at half time.
In the second half the Hammers tried their best to make their extra man work for them, but to no avail. Just after 80 minutes a hand ball by ex gunner Matthew Upson handed a penalty to the Arsenal, which Fabregas converted with ease. This galvanised the Wenger boys, who threatened a third for the remainder of the match. However going after 90 minutes top of the premiership is surely result enough for the Gooners. But will they able to play this convincingly against Barcelona??
Premier League 20th March 2010 latest fixtures
Premier League 20th March 2010 latest fixtures and lunchtime result
Lunchtime match 20th March 2010 (12:45pm)
Aston Villa 2 Wolverhampton 2 PREMIER LEAGUE RESULT
3 o'clockers
Everton v Bolton, Goodison Park 3pm
Portsmouth v Hull, Fratton Park 3pm
Stoke v Tottenham, Brittania Stadium 3pm
Sunderland v Birmingham, Stadium of Light 2pm
Wigan v Burnley, JJB Stadium 15:00
Evening match
Arsenal v West Ham, Emirates Stadium 5.30pm
Lunchtime match 20th March 2010 (12:45pm)
Aston Villa 2 Wolverhampton 2 PREMIER LEAGUE RESULT
3 o'clockers
Everton v Bolton, Goodison Park 3pm
Portsmouth v Hull, Fratton Park 3pm
Stoke v Tottenham, Brittania Stadium 3pm
Sunderland v Birmingham, Stadium of Light 2pm
Wigan v Burnley, JJB Stadium 15:00
Evening match
Arsenal v West Ham, Emirates Stadium 5.30pm
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Champions League 16th March 2010 2nd leg Chelsea 1 Inter 3 (aggregate 1-3) JOSE'S INTER GO THROUGH
Chelsea 0 Inter Milan 1 (agg. 1-3) Inter Milan progress past the first UEFA Champions League knock out stage
Jose Mourinho revisited his old stomping ground at Stamford Bridge in the 2nd Leg tie, going into the match leading 2-1 after the 1st leg at the San Siro.
The special one had a standing ovation from the Stamford Bridge faithful - Mourinho looked touched but then it was down to business in this knock out Champions League match. After winning 5 trophies in his time at the Bridge, there are still numerous Chelsea fans that would have him back - and who could blame them.
Mourinho's side defended with great strength in the first half, with great blocks preventing shots from Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka (42 minutes) from clawing the home side back into the tie. Lucio and Samuel were dynamite in central defence, keeping Drogba under control more than any other.
Eto'o also had a chance in the 35th minute, missing from close range after John Terry had narrowly missed a defensive header.
Although the first half was goal less, Chelsea could have been 1 up easily, after being denied 2 penalty shouts from corner kick action - Ivanovic and Drogba were both uprooted. I would have given them both.
Chelsea kicked off the second half, seemingly drifting more into a 4-4-2 formation with Anelka joining Drogba as well as Malouda assuming an advanced left midfield position. Inter contained them well initially, looking to soak up the home team possession and hit them on the break where possible. Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka piled on the pressure on to Lucio and Samuel - a fantastic offensive-defensive dual to witness.
In the 50th minute, Eto'o had a half chance but didn't manage to get a shot away. Then, within one minute Malouda pulled the trigger on target which was saved for a corner. After the corner, Inter conceded a free kick, taken by Drogba who narrowly missed with his characteristic side foot free kick technique. This was a great spell of this tie, with Chelsea dominating the play as they did just prior to the half time break. Inter worked incredibly hard to stifle the Chelsea midfield and attack - a real gutsy display.
Inter's left footed star Pandev had a great run and shot from a top quality Wesley Sneijder pass but carried the ball a bit too far, allowing Zhirkov a chance to get a foot in.
Joe Cole came on in the 61st minute with Ballack substituted to alter the balance of the Chelsea midfield. favouring even more aggressive attacking action. At this point you could see how when Inter did break down the Chelsea possession that they could exploit space in Chelsea's defensive areas as they endeavoured to push on. Inter Milan did push on more in the second half, causing Chelsea problems down the flanks with Mikon and Pandev. Wesley Sneijder started to to boss the midfield play with some great passing and the possession battle started to tip towards the visitors.
Yuri Zhirkov was substituted for Salomon Kalou in the 72nd minute as Carlo started to feel the pressure of this great tie. Kalou had an instant impact, combining with Drogba and Anelka well to no end result but it applied the right level of pressure to give the home team added belief that they could capitalise one of the numerous chances that they were generating.
In the 77th minute Sneijder played a superb first time ball, releasing Mikon who was narrowly offside.
In the 78th minute Sneijder's tried again, this time with his left foot to put Eto'o in on goal. Cameroon international Eto'o drilled it into the bottom corner - Alex played the former Barcelona striker onside to put Inter Milan 3-1 up on aggregate. Inter deserved the goal, working hard in defence but also taking the game to Chelsea with some exciting pass and move football.
In the last ten minutes, Chelsea started to make their play extremely direct, desperate to stay in the Champions LEague.,
In the 85 minute, Mourinho substituted Sneijder for Mariga, making his Champions League debut. Wesley Sneijder for me was easily man of the match, giving a true number 10 midfield maestro play.
Confusingly, Didier Drogba was then sent off for tangling with Thiago Motta in the penalty box. There wasn't a definitive view on Sky Sports but I thought that it looked pretty harsh on Drogba.
Inter played 'keep ball' towards the end, completing a slick, classy away performance knocking out Mourinho's old club making it sting even more for Ancelotti's side.
Materazzi came on for Thiago Motta in the 91st minute, as the special one employed an old technigue of soaking up a few more unwanted moments of footballing action.
Eto'o could have had a second late on, Inter retained possession, frustrating Chelsea and securing
their place in the next Champions League round.
Jose Mourinho revisited his old stomping ground at Stamford Bridge in the 2nd Leg tie, going into the match leading 2-1 after the 1st leg at the San Siro.
The special one had a standing ovation from the Stamford Bridge faithful - Mourinho looked touched but then it was down to business in this knock out Champions League match. After winning 5 trophies in his time at the Bridge, there are still numerous Chelsea fans that would have him back - and who could blame them.
Mourinho's side defended with great strength in the first half, with great blocks preventing shots from Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka (42 minutes) from clawing the home side back into the tie. Lucio and Samuel were dynamite in central defence, keeping Drogba under control more than any other.
Eto'o also had a chance in the 35th minute, missing from close range after John Terry had narrowly missed a defensive header.
Although the first half was goal less, Chelsea could have been 1 up easily, after being denied 2 penalty shouts from corner kick action - Ivanovic and Drogba were both uprooted. I would have given them both.
Chelsea kicked off the second half, seemingly drifting more into a 4-4-2 formation with Anelka joining Drogba as well as Malouda assuming an advanced left midfield position. Inter contained them well initially, looking to soak up the home team possession and hit them on the break where possible. Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka piled on the pressure on to Lucio and Samuel - a fantastic offensive-defensive dual to witness.
In the 50th minute, Eto'o had a half chance but didn't manage to get a shot away. Then, within one minute Malouda pulled the trigger on target which was saved for a corner. After the corner, Inter conceded a free kick, taken by Drogba who narrowly missed with his characteristic side foot free kick technique. This was a great spell of this tie, with Chelsea dominating the play as they did just prior to the half time break. Inter worked incredibly hard to stifle the Chelsea midfield and attack - a real gutsy display.
Inter's left footed star Pandev had a great run and shot from a top quality Wesley Sneijder pass but carried the ball a bit too far, allowing Zhirkov a chance to get a foot in.
Joe Cole came on in the 61st minute with Ballack substituted to alter the balance of the Chelsea midfield. favouring even more aggressive attacking action. At this point you could see how when Inter did break down the Chelsea possession that they could exploit space in Chelsea's defensive areas as they endeavoured to push on. Inter Milan did push on more in the second half, causing Chelsea problems down the flanks with Mikon and Pandev. Wesley Sneijder started to to boss the midfield play with some great passing and the possession battle started to tip towards the visitors.
Yuri Zhirkov was substituted for Salomon Kalou in the 72nd minute as Carlo started to feel the pressure of this great tie. Kalou had an instant impact, combining with Drogba and Anelka well to no end result but it applied the right level of pressure to give the home team added belief that they could capitalise one of the numerous chances that they were generating.
In the 77th minute Sneijder played a superb first time ball, releasing Mikon who was narrowly offside.
In the 78th minute Sneijder's tried again, this time with his left foot to put Eto'o in on goal. Cameroon international Eto'o drilled it into the bottom corner - Alex played the former Barcelona striker onside to put Inter Milan 3-1 up on aggregate. Inter deserved the goal, working hard in defence but also taking the game to Chelsea with some exciting pass and move football.
In the last ten minutes, Chelsea started to make their play extremely direct, desperate to stay in the Champions LEague.,
In the 85 minute, Mourinho substituted Sneijder for Mariga, making his Champions League debut. Wesley Sneijder for me was easily man of the match, giving a true number 10 midfield maestro play.
Confusingly, Didier Drogba was then sent off for tangling with Thiago Motta in the penalty box. There wasn't a definitive view on Sky Sports but I thought that it looked pretty harsh on Drogba.
Inter played 'keep ball' towards the end, completing a slick, classy away performance knocking out Mourinho's old club making it sting even more for Ancelotti's side.
Materazzi came on for Thiago Motta in the 91st minute, as the special one employed an old technigue of soaking up a few more unwanted moments of footballing action.
Eto'o could have had a second late on, Inter retained possession, frustrating Chelsea and securing
their place in the next Champions League round.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Tottenham 3 Blackburn 1 13th March 2010 Premier League result
13/03/2010 Spurs 3 Blackburn Rovers 1 Barclays Premiership result
Today's lunchtime Premier League match was at White Hart Lane as Big Sam's Blackburn Rovers took on Harry Redknapp's Spurs who are battling fiercely for that fourth position in the league. OK so as a keen Football Blogger I do self indulge content wise - Spurs are my team. However this was a game with lots of goal mouth incident, tough refereeing calls for Howard Webb to make and 4 goals - it could have so easily been more.
Blackburn Rovers, captained by Chris Samba set a defensive stall out but unfortunately lost ex Tottenham Hotspur 'keeper Paul Robinson after the first 15 mins with a calf injury.
Blackburn remained resilient and managed a handful of attacking breaks, namely David Dunn who clashed with Corluka after a great run - this was a tough call for the ref but without my Spurs scarf on, I think that he did get this one correct - I think Dunn fouled Corluka.
On the stroke of half time, Jermaine Defoe poached a goal in typical goal scorer fashion, tapping in from close range as Corluka Had headed the Modric corner goal wards.
Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the other 2, sandwiching a late goal from captain Chris Samba.
"It's a great win for us," said Harry Redknapp on the Tottenham Hotspur website. "You get a feelings about games and driving to the stadium this morning, I just felt it was going to be difficult day for us against Blackburn because they are so strong.
"We watched re-runs of their match against Liverpool and they gave them a lot of problems so to pick up the three points was great for us.
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