Despite the Man Utd v Spurs, evening match that was ahead of them Liverpool kept their eye on what they could influence in the Premier League title race yesterday with a 3-1 away win at the KC stadium.
Xabi Alonso scored the first goal for the Reds, smashing a 25 yard screaming volley after his free kick had been blocked and rebounded to him for a second try. Conceding just before the half time break proved to be a killer blow for the Tigers.
Then it was Dirk Kuyt who added a second in the 63rd minute with a close range header. Things then got worse for Hull when Caleb Folan got a red card for kicking Reds defender Martin Skrtel.
Phil Brown’s team kept fighting though and their efforts were rewarded with a goal from Tigers favourite Geovanni who found some space in the Liverpool box to rifle home from close range.
In the 89th minute, Arbeloa took a shot that rebounded back to him and he made no mistake the second time to take this hard fought match out of the home team’s reach.
Phil Brown will be more than aware that their form will need to pick up and convert into points in order to retain Premier League status for next season as this loss takes them to fourth from bottom with Boro and Newcastle both having a game in hand on them.
Hull scorer: Geovanni: 72nd minute
Liverpool scorers: Alonso 45th minute, Kuyt 63rd minute, 89th minute
Attendance 24,942
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Fulham 1 Stoke 0 Premiership result 25 April
Roy Hodgson’s Fulham beat Premier League strugglers Stoke 1-0 moving them up to seventh in the Premier League to boost their chances of a European spot next season.
It was substitute Erik Nevland who separated the two teams, finishing a counter attack from close range. Norwegian striker Nevland replaced injured Bobby Zamora and was sharp.
Stoke’s usual bombardment of spectacular Rory Delap throw ins couldn’t save them yesterday, but the visitors were without Beattie, Higginbotham and Wilkinson. The Potters did push Fulham in the second half but coach Tony Pulis wanted more from his team in terms of testing Mark Schwarzer.
"The 'keepers didn't have a lot to do but we created four good chances today and disappointing thing is we haven't made their goalkeeper make a save.
"I thought the two from Rory in the first half were very good chances, as were the two headers in the second half. Ryan's headed it down and it's bounced over the bar, and the second glanced off Ric's head when on another day it would have been buried in the back of the net."
Fulham scorer: Nevland 29th minute
Attendance: 24,997 (Craven Cottage)
It was substitute Erik Nevland who separated the two teams, finishing a counter attack from close range. Norwegian striker Nevland replaced injured Bobby Zamora and was sharp.
Stoke’s usual bombardment of spectacular Rory Delap throw ins couldn’t save them yesterday, but the visitors were without Beattie, Higginbotham and Wilkinson. The Potters did push Fulham in the second half but coach Tony Pulis wanted more from his team in terms of testing Mark Schwarzer.
"The 'keepers didn't have a lot to do but we created four good chances today and disappointing thing is we haven't made their goalkeeper make a save.
"I thought the two from Rory in the first half were very good chances, as were the two headers in the second half. Ryan's headed it down and it's bounced over the bar, and the second glanced off Ric's head when on another day it would have been buried in the back of the net."
Fulham scorer: Nevland 29th minute
Attendance: 24,997 (Craven Cottage)
Everton 1 Man City 2 25th April
In contrast to their brilliant win against Man Utd in the FA Cup last weekend, home team Everton lost 2-1 and picked up an injury wit Phil Jagielka being stretchered odd towards the end.
City scored in the 35th minute when Elano put in Brazilian trickster Robino, who skipped past Jagielka. This was a blow to the home side who then conceded again wuickly after the half time break, this time with Man City favourite Stephen Ireland fnding himself in space at the end of a siwft counter attack, Ireland coolly side footed past ‘keeper Tim Howard.
Awkwardly for the Toffees, Moyes had used all 3 subs by the time that Jagielka came off with his injury but one of those subs Dan Gosling who replaced Louis Saha smashed the ball in the net from a good pass from winger Pienaar but the game was over and done with even with 7 minutes of added time.
Man City’s victory gave them a much needed boost in the league, pushing them up into ninth, giving the Blues the belief that they can get right back into the UEFA Cup next season after last week’s exit against Hamburg.
Attendance: 37,791 (Goodison Park)
Everton 1 Man City 2 25th April
Everton scorer: Gosling 90th minute
Man City scorers: Robinho 35th minute, Ireland 54th minute
In contrast to their brilliant win against Man Utd in the FA Cup last weekend, home team Everton lost 2-1 and picked up an injury wit Phil Jagielka being stretchered odd towards the end.
City scored in the 35th minute when Elano put in Brazilian trickster Robino, who skipped past Jagielka. This was a blow to the home side who then conceded again wuickly after the half time break, this time with Man City favourite Stephen Ireland fnding himself in space at the end of a siwft counter attack, Ireland coolly side footed past ‘keeper Tim Howard.
Awkwardly for the Toffees, Moyes had used all 3 subs by the time that Jagielka came off with his injury but one of those subs Dan Gosling who replaced Louis Saha smashed the ball in the net from a good pass from winger Pienaar but the game was over and done with even with 7 minutes of added time.
Man City’s victory gave them a much needed boost in the league, pushing them up into ninth, giving the Blues the belief that they can get right back into the UEFA Cup next season after last week’s exit against Hamburg.
Attendance: 37,791 (Goodison Park)
Everton scorer: Gosling 90th minute
Man City scorers: Robinho 35th minute, Ireland 54th minute
City scored in the 35th minute when Elano put in Brazilian trickster Robino, who skipped past Jagielka. This was a blow to the home side who then conceded again wuickly after the half time break, this time with Man City favourite Stephen Ireland fnding himself in space at the end of a siwft counter attack, Ireland coolly side footed past ‘keeper Tim Howard.
Awkwardly for the Toffees, Moyes had used all 3 subs by the time that Jagielka came off with his injury but one of those subs Dan Gosling who replaced Louis Saha smashed the ball in the net from a good pass from winger Pienaar but the game was over and done with even with 7 minutes of added time.
Man City’s victory gave them a much needed boost in the league, pushing them up into ninth, giving the Blues the belief that they can get right back into the UEFA Cup next season after last week’s exit against Hamburg.
Attendance: 37,791 (Goodison Park)
Everton 1 Man City 2 25th April
Everton scorer: Gosling 90th minute
Man City scorers: Robinho 35th minute, Ireland 54th minute
In contrast to their brilliant win against Man Utd in the FA Cup last weekend, home team Everton lost 2-1 and picked up an injury wit Phil Jagielka being stretchered odd towards the end.
City scored in the 35th minute when Elano put in Brazilian trickster Robino, who skipped past Jagielka. This was a blow to the home side who then conceded again wuickly after the half time break, this time with Man City favourite Stephen Ireland fnding himself in space at the end of a siwft counter attack, Ireland coolly side footed past ‘keeper Tim Howard.
Awkwardly for the Toffees, Moyes had used all 3 subs by the time that Jagielka came off with his injury but one of those subs Dan Gosling who replaced Louis Saha smashed the ball in the net from a good pass from winger Pienaar but the game was over and done with even with 7 minutes of added time.
Man City’s victory gave them a much needed boost in the league, pushing them up into ninth, giving the Blues the belief that they can get right back into the UEFA Cup next season after last week’s exit against Hamburg.
Attendance: 37,791 (Goodison Park)
Everton scorer: Gosling 90th minute
Man City scorers: Robinho 35th minute, Ireland 54th minute
Bolton 1 Aston Villa 1 Premier League result 25th April
Martin O’Neill and his team felt disappointed at the end of 90 minutes yesterday at the Reebook Stadium but then found out that Man City had beaten Everton who are also trying to get into Europe next season Aston Villa took the lead just before half time against the Wanderers with Ashley Young and in the second half carried on playing great football. Predictably, Gary Megson’s team were tough, resilient and scored on the 60th minute with Israeli Tamir Cohen. Megson admitted:
"We did okay without playing anywhere near like champagne football. Aston Villa have taken a lead 13 times this season and they have won 11 of them and drawn two, so we've done well against a top-class side."
Although both teams wanted 3 points for different reasons, the home team will be content to have improved on their points tally as they remain in 13th, now on 38 points. Villa are now 2 points above Everton and will be looking to finish strongly after a difficult phase of results in the last 2 months.
Attendance: 21,709 (Reebok Stadium)
Bolton scorer: Cohen 60th minute
Aston Villa scorer: Young 43rd minute
"We did okay without playing anywhere near like champagne football. Aston Villa have taken a lead 13 times this season and they have won 11 of them and drawn two, so we've done well against a top-class side."
Although both teams wanted 3 points for different reasons, the home team will be content to have improved on their points tally as they remain in 13th, now on 38 points. Villa are now 2 points above Everton and will be looking to finish strongly after a difficult phase of results in the last 2 months.
Attendance: 21,709 (Reebok Stadium)
Bolton scorer: Cohen 60th minute
Aston Villa scorer: Young 43rd minute
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Premier League 25th April
Footie fixtures for this week in the Premier League:
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Barclays Premier League
Bolton v Aston Villa
Everton v Man City
Fulham v Stoke
Hull v Liverpool
Man Utd v Tottenham (17:30 kick off)
West Brom v Sunderland
West Ham v Chelsea
I guess that most people will be watching the performance of the teams at the bottom of the Prem today. Boro are away to in-form Arsenal and Newcastle play on Monday at home vs Pompey. Today Stoke will hope to pull away from the relegation zone as the visit Craven Cottage and Sunderland are away at West Brom who are nearly sunk.
Man Utd have the 5.30 slot on Setanta Sports, at home entertaining Spurs. I think today they'll pull away from Liverpool who are away at Hull...Hull aren't safe quite yet so the Premier League could take a big swing today to the current champions.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Chelsea vs Everton Preview 22nd April 2009
Chelsea vs Everton Preview 22nd April 2009
Following the weekend’s FA Cup semi results, tonight’s Premiership clash (televised on Sky) is a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final at the end of May. For both teams this match is however much more than a practice for the Wembley showdown.
Chelsea, who have steadily increased in confidence since Hiddink took over, believe they are still in contention for the Premiership. Three points against the Toffees would bring Chelsea within one point of Liverpool, who dropped 2 points against Arsenal last night. Equally Everton, who currently lie in sixth, want a win to help secure their Europa prospects and a win tonight would see them leapfrog Villa to fifth place. Everton is also keen to demonstrate that despite Chelsea being the favourites, Everton has a strong chance of winning the FA cup for the first time since 1995.
Chelsea are without midfielder Deco and right-back Jose Bosingwa for Wednesday's home Premier League clash with Everton.Deco due to both players having hamstring problems. Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira are both out for the season with knee ligament injuries. Everton’s young manager has his own dilemma. Although keen to field a strong squad and with no fresh injuries to concern him, Moyes is conscious that some of his players would benefit from a rest after playing 120 minutes on Sunday. Fortunately Moyes also has striker Jo at his disposal, who is able to return to the squad after being cup-tied on Sunday.
Despite Moyes’ enthusiasm and growing reputation, it is hard to overlook recent history between the two teams. Everton have not beaten Chelsea in the league or in the cup since Novmember 1995. For this reason I predict a 3:1 win for Chelsea.
Following the weekend’s FA Cup semi results, tonight’s Premiership clash (televised on Sky) is a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final at the end of May. For both teams this match is however much more than a practice for the Wembley showdown.
Chelsea, who have steadily increased in confidence since Hiddink took over, believe they are still in contention for the Premiership. Three points against the Toffees would bring Chelsea within one point of Liverpool, who dropped 2 points against Arsenal last night. Equally Everton, who currently lie in sixth, want a win to help secure their Europa prospects and a win tonight would see them leapfrog Villa to fifth place. Everton is also keen to demonstrate that despite Chelsea being the favourites, Everton has a strong chance of winning the FA cup for the first time since 1995.
Chelsea are without midfielder Deco and right-back Jose Bosingwa for Wednesday's home Premier League clash with Everton.Deco due to both players having hamstring problems. Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira are both out for the season with knee ligament injuries. Everton’s young manager has his own dilemma. Although keen to field a strong squad and with no fresh injuries to concern him, Moyes is conscious that some of his players would benefit from a rest after playing 120 minutes on Sunday. Fortunately Moyes also has striker Jo at his disposal, who is able to return to the squad after being cup-tied on Sunday.
Despite Moyes’ enthusiasm and growing reputation, it is hard to overlook recent history between the two teams. Everton have not beaten Chelsea in the league or in the cup since Novmember 1995. For this reason I predict a 3:1 win for Chelsea.
Manchester United v Portsmouth Preview 22nd April 2009
Manchester United v Portsmouth Preview 22nd April 2009
Despite Liverpool only managing a draw last night against Arsenal and topping the table on goal difference alone, Alex Ferguson will be keen to use one of Manchester United’s games in hand against Portsmouth tonight to knock them off the number one spot. The controversial Scot surprised and ultimately disappointed many on Sunday by fielding an inexperienced team in their losing FA cup semi against Everton and is unlikely to do the same against Pompey.
Rafael and Fabio Da Silva, Federico Macheda, Danny Wellbeck, Ben Foster and Darren Gibson all started at Wembley but all will almost certainly step aside for the more established stars, including Paul Scholes, who is expected to make his 600th appearance for the Red Devils tonight. Carrick is also hoping to be passed fit for tonight’s match and Fletcher may also be sufficiently recovered from is hamstring injury to be selected tonight. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are also likely to play at centre-back and may in fact be the only survivors from the weekend’s defeat.
As well as the immense depth of Manchester United’s squad, Ferguson is bullish that his team have the psychological strength to bounce back after Sunday’s disappointment. "We only lost the semi-final with Everton on penalties and that can happen to anyone," said boss Ferguson. "There is enough motivation to ensure we will be OK against Portsmouth. We are focused on what we have got to do."
Whilst Ferguson’s attention is very much on the top spot, the match is of equal significance to Pompey at the other end of the table. The South Coast team are only 6 points above the drop zone and three points against Manchester United could provide them with the buffer they need to stay in the top flight next season. Portsmouth have had a tough season after first losing their influential manager Harry Redknapp to Tottenham and then sacking his replacement Tony Adams as form suffered, but have grown in confidence under caretaker boss Paul Hart. Since Hart took over, the team have lost just once against Chelsea and are currently unbeaten in five games having conceded just four goals in the process. However Hart, whilst remaining positive, advises against complacency "Anybody who thinks the 37 points we've got makes us safe already is a fool," said Hart "We are keeping hard down on the pedal and, even though United are the best team in the world, we can give them problems if we prepare right. I can't see any reason why we can't get something there." Hart also has Brian Kidd on his staff, who as a former number two to Ferguson, will be useful in anticipating the Scot’s game plan.
Pompey does however have some injury problems and like most teams in the world does not have a squad with as much depth as Manchester United to call upon. Portsmouth will be without their inspirational midfielder Niko Kranjcar who is out with an ankle injury and defender Younes Kaboul looks unlikely after tearing fibres in a thigh muscle.
My prediction for tonight is that as Manchester United have an uncanny knack of bouncing back strongly after disappointment (look at their form since the defeats against Fulham and Liverpool), this momentum will be too much for Pompey, who will go down 2:0 at Old Trafford.
Despite Liverpool only managing a draw last night against Arsenal and topping the table on goal difference alone, Alex Ferguson will be keen to use one of Manchester United’s games in hand against Portsmouth tonight to knock them off the number one spot. The controversial Scot surprised and ultimately disappointed many on Sunday by fielding an inexperienced team in their losing FA cup semi against Everton and is unlikely to do the same against Pompey.
Rafael and Fabio Da Silva, Federico Macheda, Danny Wellbeck, Ben Foster and Darren Gibson all started at Wembley but all will almost certainly step aside for the more established stars, including Paul Scholes, who is expected to make his 600th appearance for the Red Devils tonight. Carrick is also hoping to be passed fit for tonight’s match and Fletcher may also be sufficiently recovered from is hamstring injury to be selected tonight. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are also likely to play at centre-back and may in fact be the only survivors from the weekend’s defeat.
As well as the immense depth of Manchester United’s squad, Ferguson is bullish that his team have the psychological strength to bounce back after Sunday’s disappointment. "We only lost the semi-final with Everton on penalties and that can happen to anyone," said boss Ferguson. "There is enough motivation to ensure we will be OK against Portsmouth. We are focused on what we have got to do."
Whilst Ferguson’s attention is very much on the top spot, the match is of equal significance to Pompey at the other end of the table. The South Coast team are only 6 points above the drop zone and three points against Manchester United could provide them with the buffer they need to stay in the top flight next season. Portsmouth have had a tough season after first losing their influential manager Harry Redknapp to Tottenham and then sacking his replacement Tony Adams as form suffered, but have grown in confidence under caretaker boss Paul Hart. Since Hart took over, the team have lost just once against Chelsea and are currently unbeaten in five games having conceded just four goals in the process. However Hart, whilst remaining positive, advises against complacency "Anybody who thinks the 37 points we've got makes us safe already is a fool," said Hart "We are keeping hard down on the pedal and, even though United are the best team in the world, we can give them problems if we prepare right. I can't see any reason why we can't get something there." Hart also has Brian Kidd on his staff, who as a former number two to Ferguson, will be useful in anticipating the Scot’s game plan.
Pompey does however have some injury problems and like most teams in the world does not have a squad with as much depth as Manchester United to call upon. Portsmouth will be without their inspirational midfielder Niko Kranjcar who is out with an ankle injury and defender Younes Kaboul looks unlikely after tearing fibres in a thigh muscle.
My prediction for tonight is that as Manchester United have an uncanny knack of bouncing back strongly after disappointment (look at their form since the defeats against Fulham and Liverpool), this momentum will be too much for Pompey, who will go down 2:0 at Old Trafford.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Muntari linked with Spurs
Former Pompey midfielder Sulley Muntari has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to skysports.com.
Now whether this is lazy journalism or not, Muntari is out of favour under Mourinho and with the Inter fans. With more budget at White Hart Lane, Harry Redknapp could be keen to get him back as financial contraints in his previous management role meant that he had to sell the player.
Could be a good signing for the Lily whites, COYS!
Arsenal will be hoping for a moment like this tonight
We loved the way that ITV cocked up the camera view for Adebayor's beautiful goal against Villareal here shown on Youtube.com. For all fans that think that Adebayor is a one trick pony, they should watch more of the Gunners - his link up play has improved massively and with goals like this Wenger saved a few pennies in terms of not buying Didier Drogba prior to his move to Chelsea.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Liverpool v Arsenal 21st April MATCH PREVIEW
Liverpool v Arsenal 20th April Premier League News
It is difficult to predict whether tomorrow night’s battle between 2 of the most talented Premiership teams will be a thrilling clash or whether instead it will actually turn out to be a bit of a damp squib. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been playing exciting attacking football of late, however after recent exits from cup competitions both teams must to some extent be licking their wounds. After last week’s defeat in the Champion’s League, the Liverpool squad must feel extremely unfortunate after scoring 4 goals against Chelsea, which in almost any other contest would have give them a decisive victory. Equally Arsenal, booted out of the FA Cup on Saturday after a late Drogba strike gave Chelsea a 2:1 win, must be disheartened and wondering what might have been now that Manchester United has followed them out of the competition after being defeated yesterday by Everton on penalties.
Recent history also suggests that Tuesday’s meeting will not be the spirit lifting goal fest that fans of both sides will be hoping for. 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams in all competitions have ended in a 1:1 draw, including the same fixture last season and the meeting of the two sides in December. Liverpool fans who know their stats will however be cheered by the fact that Arsenal have not returned with all three points from Anfield since Ocober 2003, when Pires’ stunning second half strike gave the Gunners victory and contributed towards their title win that year. These football geeks will also be happily aware that there has not been an away win in a fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool in 10 league meetings.
Leaving the stats aside, based on squad fitness it looks like Liverpool will be in the strongest position to take the glory. Although the Merseysiders will be missing their Talisman as with Steven Gerrard remains sidelined with a groin injury, the list of sicknotes handed in by the North Londoners continues to grow. In addition to the gaps in the Arsenal defence, only too noticeable on Saturday, the Gunners will also be without Van Persie and Adebayor as the Dutchman sustained a groin problem in the semi final and his team mate is carrying a hamstring complaint. The only bit of light at the end of the tunnel for Wenger is that Sagna is likely to return at the back and Eduardo should be fit to start.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that a combination of these injuries and a lack of focus from Arsenal will hand them victory. With the Gunners ten points off the Premiership pace, many commentators are suggesting that Arsenal will not have the drive to win at Anfield and will instead be prioritising the Champion’s League, although Wenger denies this vehemently and claims he is determined to cut the gap on the Reds to six points and enjoy a strong finish to the domestic campaign. There is however no disputing that Liverpool has absolutely everything to play for in Tuesday’s match as they are out of all cup competitions and are in hot pursuit of a record 19th English top-flight crown, which would not only be their first in 19 years but would also deny their great rivals Manchester United the opportunity to equal their 18 titles. A draw would see Liverpool top the table on goal difference and a win would put them two points clear, although United will have 2 games in hand.
Given Arsenal’s injury list I predict a 2:1 victory for Liverpool, which although not the most exciting of scorelines does add a further twist in one of the most exciting title races in recent years.
It is difficult to predict whether tomorrow night’s battle between 2 of the most talented Premiership teams will be a thrilling clash or whether instead it will actually turn out to be a bit of a damp squib. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been playing exciting attacking football of late, however after recent exits from cup competitions both teams must to some extent be licking their wounds. After last week’s defeat in the Champion’s League, the Liverpool squad must feel extremely unfortunate after scoring 4 goals against Chelsea, which in almost any other contest would have give them a decisive victory. Equally Arsenal, booted out of the FA Cup on Saturday after a late Drogba strike gave Chelsea a 2:1 win, must be disheartened and wondering what might have been now that Manchester United has followed them out of the competition after being defeated yesterday by Everton on penalties.
Recent history also suggests that Tuesday’s meeting will not be the spirit lifting goal fest that fans of both sides will be hoping for. 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams in all competitions have ended in a 1:1 draw, including the same fixture last season and the meeting of the two sides in December. Liverpool fans who know their stats will however be cheered by the fact that Arsenal have not returned with all three points from Anfield since Ocober 2003, when Pires’ stunning second half strike gave the Gunners victory and contributed towards their title win that year. These football geeks will also be happily aware that there has not been an away win in a fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool in 10 league meetings.
Leaving the stats aside, based on squad fitness it looks like Liverpool will be in the strongest position to take the glory. Although the Merseysiders will be missing their Talisman as with Steven Gerrard remains sidelined with a groin injury, the list of sicknotes handed in by the North Londoners continues to grow. In addition to the gaps in the Arsenal defence, only too noticeable on Saturday, the Gunners will also be without Van Persie and Adebayor as the Dutchman sustained a groin problem in the semi final and his team mate is carrying a hamstring complaint. The only bit of light at the end of the tunnel for Wenger is that Sagna is likely to return at the back and Eduardo should be fit to start.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that a combination of these injuries and a lack of focus from Arsenal will hand them victory. With the Gunners ten points off the Premiership pace, many commentators are suggesting that Arsenal will not have the drive to win at Anfield and will instead be prioritising the Champion’s League, although Wenger denies this vehemently and claims he is determined to cut the gap on the Reds to six points and enjoy a strong finish to the domestic campaign. There is however no disputing that Liverpool has absolutely everything to play for in Tuesday’s match as they are out of all cup competitions and are in hot pursuit of a record 19th English top-flight crown, which would not only be their first in 19 years but would also deny their great rivals Manchester United the opportunity to equal their 18 titles. A draw would see Liverpool top the table on goal difference and a win would put them two points clear, although United will have 2 games in hand.
Given Arsenal’s injury list I predict a 2:1 victory for Liverpool, which although not the most exciting of scorelines does add a further twist in one of the most exciting title races in recent years.
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