Start to season goes from bad to worse for Villa
Posted by Anthony on Aug 27, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The start to the new season has gone from bad to worse for Aston Villa as they were dumped out of the Europa League qualification round for the second year in a row.
It has been a difficult month for Villa fans, which started with the resignation of Martin O’Neill, quickly followed by the departure of James Milner, and then the 6-0 drubbing at St James’ Park. Things went from bad to worse last night as the...
Spurs finally make it to the Promised Land
Posted by Anthony on Aug 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Tottenham Hotspur have finally made it to the Promised Land of the Champions League group stages after beating Young Boys 4-0 at White Hart Lane last night.
Spurs overturned a 3-2 deficit to fend off the challenge of the Swiss team, Young Boys, winning 6-3 on aggregate over the two legs. There was a great atmosphere at the Lane last night, with a mixture of great excitement, and a few nerves, as failure to qualify...
Mark Hughes confirmed as Fulham manager
Posted by Anthony on Jul 30, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Mark Hughes has been confirmed as the new manager of Premier League Fulham FC, signing a two-year contract with the club.
Hughes, 46, has had successful spells in charge of Wales, Blackburn Rovers, and to some extent Manchester City. Many pundits thought Hughes was unlucky to be relieved of his duties at the City of Manchester Stadium at the end of last year, and he will be keen to prove his abilities as a manager...
Torres has his heart set on staying at Anfield
Posted by Anthony on Jul 28, 2010 | 4 Comments
Roy Hodgson now appears more confident of persuading Fernando Torres to stay at Liverpool after the Spanish striker revealed to him that his heart is set on remaining at Anfield.
It’s thought that in private discussions between Hodgson and Torres, the Spaniard has pledged his future to the club for at least one more season, despite his desperation to continue playing Champions League football.
Chelsea and Manchester...
Chelsea close in on Ramires
Posted by Anthony on Jul 24, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Chelsea are confident of signing Brazilian midfielder Ramires from Benfica for a reported £20m, and hope to have the deal wrapped up by the end of next week.
Chelsea are hoping to strengthen their squad before the start of the season, and it looks like they have beaten off competition from Manchester City to sign the Benfica midfielder. Ramires starred in Brazil’s World Cup campaign, and he was sorely missed through...
Jol leaves Fulham in the lurch
Posted by Anthony on Jul 23, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Martin Jol has left Fulham in the lurch, and without a manager, with just three weeks until the start of the new Premier League season.
Jol yesterday did a complete u-turn, and will remain Ajax manager after agreeing in principle to join Fulham a few days before. Jol had agreed personal terms with the West London club, however after meeting with the Ajax Board, in the last couple of days, he has decided to stay in charge...
Liverpool swoop in for Cole
Posted by Jim on Jul 20, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Joe Cole has been unveiled as Roy Hodgson’s second signing as Liverpool manager. Cole, who follows hot on the heels of fellow free transfer signing Milan Jovanovic, is moving as part of a swap deal involving Yossi Benayoun.
Cole must still undergo a medical and although doubts remain about his overall fitness, Liverpool fans should be pleased with the outcome of this swap deal, coming off £5 million better...
Hard work starts now for Harry
Posted by Anthony on Jul 14, 2010 | 1 Comment
Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, has just had his contract extended by the club which will see him in charge until 2013. The hard work for Harry really starts now, however.
Redknapp’s deal at White Hart Lane was set to expire in 2011, however there was a clause which allowed the club to extend his contract by another two years, and they have just taken this option up.
It’s no surprise that the Tottenham board...
Football the Winner as Spain Conquer the World
Posted by Anthony on Jul 12, 2010 | Leave a Comment
A goal from Andres Iniesta four minutes from the end of extra time was enough to make Spain World Champions for the first time, and mean that football is the winner in South Africa 2010.
It’s difficult to be critical of a Dutch side full of talented players such as Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder. If the men in orange had lifted the Fifa World Cup Trophy last night, however, it would have an injustice for...
Robben and Van Persie must shine if Holland are to overcome Spain
Posted by Jim on Jul 09, 2010 | Leave a Comment
On Sunday evening a much improved Spain side will meet the most consistent team of the World Cup, the Netherlands, to contest sport’s greatest prize.
After an opening game defeat to Switzerland, the Spanish team now find themselves in the biggest game of their lives. Coming into the World Cup on hot form, Vincent del Bosque’s side have struggled throughout the tournament to find their usual rhythm...
European teams dominate semi-final line up
Posted by Jim on Jul 05, 2010 | 1 Comment
After a dramatic round of quarter finals in South Africa it is the European teams that now dominate the semi-final line up.Two of the favourites for the World Cup, Brazil and Argentina, were dumped out of the tournament following outstanding performances from the Netherlands and Germany respectively. European Champions, Spain, were somewhat lucky to overcome Paraguay, to leave only dark horses, Uruguay, flying...
A little teamwork goes a long way
Posted by Anthony on Jul 05, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Germany have shown just how far a little teamwork can get you in the World Cup, as they thrash Argentina 4-0 to cruise into the semi-final.
Germany were 14-1 to lift the Fifa World Cup trophy at the start of the tournament, as many feared the squad was simply too inexperienced to advance far in the competition. One thing everyone should have learned by now about the Germans, however, is to never underestimate them.
When...
Should Capello resign as England Manager?
Posted by Anthony on Jul 02, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Following a dismal display in South Africa, which saw his team record their worst ever World Cup defeat, should Fabio Capello now resign as England manager?
The Football Association is set to review Fabio Capello’s position over the coming weeks, and the thought is that there will be no knee jerk reaction to England’s early exit from the World Cup. Capello is receiving plenty of backing from FA Board members,...
Germany v Argentina
Posted by Jim on Jul 02, 2010 | Leave a Comment
This weekend’s Quarter Finals in South Africa boast some classic match ups, one of which faces off two of the form teams of the tournament – three times World Cup winners Germany against much fancied Argentina.
These teams have met many times before in the knock out stages, most recently in 2006 at the quarter final stage when Germany went on to win on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra...
Capello should do the right thing, stand down
Posted by Anthony on Jun 29, 2010 | Leave a Comment
After an abysmal World Cup display by the England team, Fabio Capello needs to do the right thing, stand down.
No one can argue that the 2010 World Cup campaign for the England team has been anything other that an unmitigated disaster, from start to finish. The team played awful football, failed to top the easiest group in the competition, and crashed out with the worst ever defeat in English World Cup history.
Fabio...
Awful England sent packing
Posted by Anthony on Jun 28, 2010 | Leave a Comment
England were dumped out of the World Cup following an awful defensive display that the Germans took full advantage of, helping themselves to four goals in Bloemfontein.
There was so much hope going into the game, with England fans confident their team could overcome a young German side. They obviously hadn’t watched the previous three Group C games, when England failed to impress against much lesser opposition.
The...
Not winning Group C is a disaster for England
Posted by Anthony on Jun 24, 2010 | Leave a Comment
England are through to the knockout stages of the World Cup, however not winning Group C is a disaster for Fabio Capello as his team now has a much tougher route through to the final.
England finished second in Group C following a last minute goal for the United States against Algeria, and this means they now face Germany in the last 16 knockout phase on Sunday. If they manage to overcome the Germans, they will then...
Although tough, England’s run in could be of benefit
Posted by Jim on Jun 23, 2010 | Leave a Comment
England look to be on the harder side of the World Cup draw following on from their second place finish in group C. In order to even reach the semi finals, Capello’s men will have to overcome both Germany and (most likely) Argentina.
Although tough on the face of it, this draw has the possibility to work in the favour of England. As anyone who watched England during the group stage will testify, they...
Who can challenge the ‘top three’?
Posted by Jim on Jun 20, 2010 | 2 Comments
The opening week of group matches in this year’s World Cup has provided some cagey, nervous and fairly uninspiring football. Indeed the two teams of the moment, Brazil and Spain, who many predicted to get off to flying starts, looked void of ideas going forward as they were closed down by physical, organised teams (North Korea and Switzerland respectively) – Brazil going onto to win 2-1, whilst...
They don’t know what they’re doing
Posted by Anthony on Jun 18, 2010 | 1 Comment
England have proved once again that they don’t know what they’re doing, as they draw 0-0 with Algeria in another incompetent display.
It’s difficult to explain what’s happening on the pitch. All the ingredients are there. We have some of the best players in the World, which is highlighted time and time again when those players play for their respective clubs.
Something always seems to get lost...
Capello needs to give it some Hart
Posted by Anthony on Jun 17, 2010 | Leave a Comment
England Manager, Fabio Capello, has a big decision to make ahead of the must-win group game against Algeria tomorrow. Who should start in goal?
Following Robert Green’s error in the opening game against the USA, Capello now must decide whether to bring in David James or Joe Hart to replace a goalkeeper whose confidence must be at an all time low.
Confidence is the key word in this much debated topic, as a confident...
World Cup wide open as favourites lose
Posted by Anthony on Jun 16, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The World Cup has been turned on its head as Spain lose 1-0 to Switzerland and now face a struggle to win their group.
The runners up in Group H will face the winners of Group G, which could well see the two favourites for the competition meet, a lot earlier than most people thought they would. It could also open up the bottom half of the draw, meaning Germany and Argentina would be strong favourites to battle it...
The Netherlands up and running, whilst Italy struggle.
Posted by Jim on Jun 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The Netherlands kicked off their World Cup with a workmanlike victory in their lunch time kick-off against Denmark. After a cagey start from the Dutch their nerves were eased by an unlucky own goal by Denmark’s Daniel Agger early on in the second half.
Dutch fans will be relieved after a much improved second half performance with substitute Eljero Elia looking extremely lively down the left wing. The...
England: Top the group or prepare for early exit
Posted by Anthony on Jun 14, 2010 | Leave a Comment
An impressive display from Germany last night only went to highlight just how important it is for England to top Group C, or they will surely face an early exit.
Germany were at their very best last night, and played the sort of passing, free-flowing football that most England fans could only dream of. The performance from the Germans had everything that Fabio Capello aspires to and the Italian knows that England must...
Germany shows England how it’s done
Posted by Jim on Jun 13, 2010 | 3 Comments
When it comes to playing in the World Cup finals, the biggest stage on earth, the Germans relish it. As we all know they have a fantastic record with three World Cup winners’ medals and the ability to always be in the running at the latter stages of major tournaments.
Tonight they turned up minus star player Michel Ballack (out for the World Cup) and swept aside an Australian team who many expected to ...
Five reasons Capello got it wrong on the night
Posted by Anthony on Jun 13, 2010 | 4 Comments
The England Manager has to take a lot of the blame for another drab performance by the England team last night, and now he really has to get it right if England are to stand any chance of progressing far in this competition.
It started so well for the England Manager as Emile Heskey combined with Steven Gerrard to set up the first England goal, inside ten minutes. Unfortunately for the Italian that was as good as...
Same old England heading for early exit
Posted by Anthony on Jun 08, 2010 | Leave a Comment
It looks like England could be heading for an early World Cup exit after another lackluster performance against vastly inferior opposition yesterday in the form of the Platinum Stars.
It was same old England yesterday, as players who normally look World beaters in the Premier League struggled to do the simplest of things right, like pass the ball to one another.
There was no urgency, no pressing when the opposition had...
Should Capello get his Christmas tree out?
Posted by Anthony on May 25, 2010 | 2 Comments
Last night’s victory over Mexico highlighted the need for Fabio Capello to find a solution to the England Midfield problem, and fast. Could a Christmas tree formation be the answer?
In the first half there was a distinct lack of cohesion in the centre of the English midfield, with Carrick and Milner offering little going forward, and even less defensively. It was only when Steven Gerrard moved into his favoured role,...
United lost title at Ewood Park
Posted by Anthony on May 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment
When Sir Alex Ferguson reflects back on the season he may well point to the 0-0 draw at Blackburn Rovers as the result that really cost his side the Premiership title.
It was a bad ten days for the Club from the North West, as his side lost to Chelsea and were dumped out of the Champions League on the away goals rule. It should not come a massive surprise to us then that the Manchester United Manager struggled to...
Harry leads Spurs to the Promised Land
Posted by Anthony on May 06, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has led his team from relegation candidates to the Promised Land of the Champions League in just 18 months following their victory over Manchester City last night.
It’s been an amazing 18 months for the Club from North London, as when Harry Redknapp took over at White Hart Lane the side were bottom of the Premiership and facing an uphill struggle to stay in the league. 18 months...
Easy on the backpasses, Stevie
Posted by Jim on May 03, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Liverpool Captain, Steven Gerrard, produced a rare error in the lunchtime kick-off, gifting Chelsea their first goal via a shocking backpass. Didier Drogba gratefully lapped up the pass to fire Chelsea into the lead and put them one victory away from the Premiership crown.
England fans will of course remember a similar error during Euro 2004 Championship, when Gerrard’s sloppy backpass into the path of Thierry...
Gerrard hands Chelsea the title
Posted by Anthony on May 03, 2010 | Leave a Comment
A mistake by Steven Gerrard handed Chelsea the victory at Anfield yesterday and the Club from West London now have one hand on the Premiership title.
Chelsea now have the relatively straightforward task of beating Wigan at home next Sunday to win the Premiership title for the third time in six seasons. The trip to Anfield was always going to be the final hurdle Carlo Ancelotti’s men had to overcome to win the...
Fulham one match away from becoming the stuff of legends
Posted by Anthony on Apr 30, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Fulham are the only English side now left in Europe following a dramatic 2-1 win over Hamburg at Craven Cottage last night. Hodgson and his side are now just one match away from becoming the stuff of legends.
At the start of the season if you had to predict which English side would make it to a European Cup Final in May, then Fulham would have been bottom of the list. Roy Hodgson has done the unthinkable and taken...
Inter ride their luck over two legs to make it to final
Posted by Anthony on Apr 29, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Inter Milan rode their luck on more than one occasion over both legs against Barcelona and are now through to the final of the Champions League to face Bayern Munich, following a 3-2 aggregate victory over the current holders.
There is no doubt that last night’s performance by Inter Milan was nothing but heroic, playing against the best side in the world for over an hour with ten men, following the dismissal...
Olic hatrick eases Bayern through to Madrid final
Posted by Jim on Apr 28, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Bayern Munich eased comfortably through to this semi-final against French side, Lyon, and even without star player Frank Ribery, the Bavarians could not have hoped for an easier ride, winning 3-0 on the night (4-0 on aggregate).
Three clinical strikes from Croatian striker Olic sealed the victory for Bayern. Olic for me has been the unsung hero of this Bayern side. Players such as Robben or Ribery may be more used...
Liverpool must focus on defeating Chelsea, and not on United’s title haul.
Posted by Jim on Apr 27, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off at Anfield, between Liverpool and Chelsea, could prove to be decisive in the outcome of this year’s Premier League. Victory for the Londoners should mean the title back will be heading back to Stamford Bridge, whilst a Liverpool victory will potentially result in a record breaking 19th league title for Manchester United.
The latter outcome is the one that is troubling Liverpool, or...
Title to be decided at Anfield
Posted by Anthony on Apr 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment
It’s as you were at the top of the Premier League with both Chelsea and Man Utd winning over the weekend. It looks like the title will now be decided this weekend at Anfield.
Manchester United beat a strong Tottenham side, 3-1 at Old Trafford in the Saturday lunch time kick-off, to go top of the Premier League. This piled the pressue on to Chelsea who duely responded with an infatic 7-0 demolishion of Stoke...
City need to show some respect
Posted by Anthony on Apr 23, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Manchester City need to show some respect in their transfer negotiations if they’re to avoid paying over the odds for players and becoming the most hated club in England.
Liverpool Manager, Rafa Benitez, yesterday blasted Roberto Mancini for making public that Fernando Torres is number one on Manchester City’s summer transfer target list. Benitez was particularly irritated that this declaration was made...
All English Europa League final still possible
Posted by Jim on Apr 23, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Both Liverpool and Fulham still stand a good chance of qualifying for next month’s Europa League final following their first leg ties against Atletico Madrid and Hamburg respectively.
Despite still having a good chance in their tie, Liverpool’s performance last night was frankly poor. This could potentially be blamed on their mammoth journey to reach the Spanish capital, but unfortunately this kind...
Chelsea right to delay contract talks
Posted by Anthony on Apr 22, 2010 | Leave a Comment
It was reported in The Times yesterday that Chelsea risk losing three of their star players because they’ve put contract talks on hold. This is a smart move by the Premiership leaders.
Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, has instructed his staff to hold off on contract negotiations with Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Deco until after the FA Cup Final with Portsmouth on May 15th. This doesn’t leave long for...
Robben steps forward again to give Bayern advantage
Posted by Jim on Apr 22, 2010 | Leave a Comment
A trademark Arjen Robben strike earned Bayern Munich a slender advantage against Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League tie. The semi is still very much in the balance however, following a heated match, with both teams being reduced to ten men.
Bayern crowd favourite Ribery had looked in electric form early on, until a horrendous challenge on Lyon’s Lisandro Lopez right under the nose of the referee,...
Mourinho’s masterclass puts Inter Milan in driving seat
Posted by Jim on Apr 21, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan produced a superb performance to overcome the inform Barcelona 3-1 in the first tie of their Champions League semi-final. The result sets up the prospect of a scintillating second leg in the Camp Nou, where Barcelona must go all out to overcome the two goal deficit.
Following a bright opening producing an early lead, Barcelona may have complaints regarding a disallowed penalty...
Reds cling onto Champions League hopes
Posted by Jim on Apr 20, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Liverpool still have narrow hopes of a 4th place finish after an impressive victory over West Ham played out before a muted Anfield crowd.
Given the general feeling of malaise this season at Anfield, Rafa Benitez will have been pleased with the performance of his team, especially taking into account the absence of star striker Fernando Torres. The Reds must now win their remaining three Premier League ties to have any...
Arsenal in desperate need of world-class goalkeeper
Posted by Anthony on Apr 20, 2010 | 2 Comments
Lukasz Fabianski dropped another clanger against Wigan and this time it really cost his side, preventing them from getting back in the title race. Arsenal really need to sign a top-class keeper if they’re to challenge for honours next season.
Arsene Wenger has been very loyal to his goalkeepers in recent seasons, standing up for both Fabianski and Almunia, even though poor performances have cost his side dear time...
Should Capello persuade Scholes to come out of England retirement?
Posted by Anthony on Apr 19, 2010 | 2 Comments
Paul Scholes popped up with a trademark header in the third minute of injury time against Man City to keep United’s hopes of winning a record fourth consecutive Premier League title very much alive. Should Capello now try to persuade the “Ginger Wizard” to come out of England retirement for the World Cup?
Scholes has made it very clear to previous England Managers that he’s not going to come...
Brilliant Bale puts Spurs back in the race for fourth
Posted by Anthony on Apr 19, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Tottenham Hotspur have put the disappointment of losing in the FA Cup Semi-Final behind them in some style, with two home wins against Arsenal and Chelsea putting them well and truly back in the race to finish fourth.
Many Spurs fans feared that the Tottenham season could fizzle out after the semi-final defeat to Portsmouth in extra-time last Sunday, especially as Harry Redknapp’s men faced the top three sides...
Rooney will never join Real Madrid
Posted by Anthony on Apr 16, 2010 | 2 Comments
The transfer rumours are in full swing this morning suggesting that Real Madrid are set to make an astonishing £90m bid for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, but will Rooney really consider following in Ronaldo’s footsteps?
First up let’s get one thing straight, Sir Alex Ferguson would rather sell Rooney to Liverpool or Manchester City than let him go to Real Madrid after everything that happened with...
City still in driving seat to finish fourth
Posted by Anthony on Apr 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Tottenham Hotspur got back in the race for fourth last night with their first league win over North London rivals Arsenal in 11 years, but Manchester City are still in the driving seat.
Spurs are now just one point behind Champions League rivals Manchester City after the 2-1 victory over Arsenal and are seemingly back in the race to finish fourth, at least for the time being. Spurs still have a tough run of fixtures...
Pompey on a mission from God?
Posted by Anthony on Apr 12, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Portsmouth rode their luck against Spurs but came through to set up meeting with Chelsea in the FA Cup Final and Avram Grant believes Pompey are on a mission from God.
The key breakthrough yesterday resulted from a slip by Tottenham defender Michael Dawson in the first period of Extra Time that allowed Frederic Piquionne to fire home unchallenged from six yards out. This slip was more down to the state of the pitch than...
Rampant City nailed on for fourth spot
Posted by Anthony on Apr 12, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Manchester City look nailed on for fourth spot as they breezed past Birmingham with another impressive performance that saw them run out 5-1 winners on the day; and with Liverpool slipping up against Fulham, City look nailed on for fourth spot.
Tottenham fans may disagree, but following their disappointment of the FA Cup Semi-Final loss to Pompey and with a tough run of games ahead it’s difficult to see how they...
United no cutting edge without Rooney
Posted by Anthony on Apr 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Manchester United proved yet again during the 0-0 draw with Blackburn that without Wayne Rooney in their starting line-up they have no cutting edge and are half the team.
In the goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers today United didn’t look like the same side most opposition have come to fear over the last few seasons. There was no cutting edge, there was no Wayne Rooney, and indeed the superb form of Rooney...
Chelsea overcome spirited Villa
Posted by Jim on Apr 10, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Chelsea overcame a spirited Aston Villa to reach the FA Cup final courtesy of goals from Didier Drogba, Florence Malouda and Frank Lampard to keep on track for a league/cup double.
In what was a largely uneventful game, Martin O’Neill and his team will feel aggrieved following Howard Webb’s failure to award a first half penalty when Jon Mikel Obi clearly brought down Gabriel Agbonlahor in the box. It was the key...
Bottom three look doomed
Posted by Anthony on Apr 10, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Hull and Burnley now look certain to join Portsmouth in the Championship next season after a bad weekend leaves both Clubs four points from safety with only four games to go.
Burnley’s spirited win at Hull leaves both Clubs in trouble as West Ham picked up a valuable three points at home to Sunderland which sees them climb one place and means Wigan are looking nerviously over their shoulder albeit they do have...
Liverpool now with real chance of silverware
Posted by Anthony on Apr 09, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Liverpool now have a real chance of winning some silverware this season after an impressive 4-1 victory over a good Benfica side last night at Anfield.
Liverpool overturned a 2-1 deficit from the first leg to win 5-3 on aggregate and with Gerrard showing signs that he’s back to his best, they have a great chance of winning the competition.
Whether lifting the Europa League and finishing 5th or 6th would consitute...
Capello can’t ignore Zamora any longer
Posted by Anthony on Apr 09, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Bobby Zamora grabbed an early goal against German Champions Wolfsburg last night to send Fulham marching on to the semi-final of the Europa League.
The England striker surely now has to be knocking on the door of the England Squad as he continues to prove his doubters wrong with every game, every goal. On the biggest stages this season with Fulham Zamora has performed and I’m not sure how Fabio Capello can ignore...
Man on the post would have saved United
Posted by Anthony on Apr 08, 2010 | Leave a Comment
A great strike from Arjen Robben sent Man Utd crashing out of the Champions League last night, but on closer inspection you’ll see there’s a man missing on the post who would have surely saved them.
The sending off of Rafael cost United more than just playing out the rest of the game with 10 men, it cost them Bayern’s second goal and ultimately the tie. Had Rafael stayed on the pitch then he would...
Robben strike sends Bayern through
Posted by Jim on Apr 08, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Manchester United’s season has been turned on its head in the space of seven days, as Bayern Munich deservedly advance to a Champions League semi final against French side Lyon. The surprise appearance of Wayne Rooney, seemed to have given United the impetus to put the tie beyond reach by the 41st minute, with a dream start from Alex Ferguson’s men. However, Bayern continued to battle, and once again, Arjen Robben...
Four reasons why Messi is the best in the world
Posted by Anthony on Apr 07, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Lionel Messi last night proved why he has to be considered the best player in the world as he single-handedly destroyed Arsenal with four very different but equally superb goals as Barcelona ran at 4-1 winners on the night.
Messi was at his scintillating best last night and way too much for the injury-ridden Arsenal defence to handle. His four goals were all very different. His first came from a mistake in the Arsenal...
Why did Benitez substitute Torres?
Posted by Anthony on Apr 06, 2010 | Leave a Comment
With 25 minutes still to play and Liverpool in need of a goal to help their bid for Champions League football next season, why did Rafa Benitez decide to take off in-form Spanish striker Fernando Torres?
It was truly the oddest decision of the weekend, even stranger than the Assistant Referee not raising his flag against Didier Drogba who was clearly offside. With so much resting on the result following Man City’s...
Man City with one hand on fourth place
Posted by Anthony on Apr 05, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Manchester City now have one hand on fourth place after a great weekend for the blue half of Manchester saw them thump Burnely 6-1 and their rivals for fourth slip up.
Mancini’s men are now clear favourites with the bookies to claim that fourth Champions League slot and it’s difficult to see how the chasing teams are going to make up the ground. Going into the game against Burnley they knew it was a great...
Chelsea favourites now
Posted by Anthony on Apr 03, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Chelsea have won at Old Trafford to put themselves back in the driving seat for the Premiership title and now it’s really in their own hands.
An impressive performance by Chelsea at Old Trafford was capped off by two goals in either half, the first by Joe Cole and the second from substitute Didier Drogba.
Man Utd fans will be disappointed with the Assistant Referee for the second Chelsea Goal as Drogba was clearly...
Arsenal last gasp winner keeps the pressure on
Posted by Anthony on Apr 03, 2010 | Leave a Comment
A winning goal from Nicklas Bendtner deep into stoppage time keeps Arsenal in the title race and reprieves Wenger from some serious criticism for fielding an understrength side against Wolves.
To be fair to Wenger he didn’t have much choice with the team he put out as he has a string of injury’s and an important trip to Barcelona next week. But as the clock ticked past the 90 minute mark he must have...
Arsenal back from the dead
Posted by Anthony on Apr 01, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Arsenal came back from the dead last night to keep hopes of qualification to the Semi-finals alive with a great comeback to draw 2-2 with Barcelona.
Barcelona were simply breathtaking in the first 25 minutes but failed to score against an inspired goalkeeping performance from Manuel Almunia. Wave after wave of attack came at the Arsenal defence and chance after chance went begging leaving the score goalless at half-time.
Quickly...
Rooney injury is good news for England Fans
Posted by Anthony on Mar 31, 2010 | 10 Comments
It has just been confirmed that Wayne Rooney is set to be sidelined for 2-4 weeks and although this is bad news for Man Utd fans it could actually be good news for England fans.
Fabio Capello will certainly sleep better with the news that his main man will be nice and rested ahead of the World Cup. Rooney may only be out for a couple of weeks so he shouldn’t lose his match sharpness, and it may give his knee a...
United’s Season turned on its head
Posted by Anthony on Mar 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Manchester United’s Season might have been turned on its head last night in the space of 15 minutes as they went from “Semi-Final certs” to “tough to qualify” and more importantly “life without Rooney”.
Man Utd were uncharacteristically poor in Munich last night which is even more surprising after the gift they were given in the second minute. Defensively United looked really...
Tevez keeps City on course for Fourth Place
Posted by Anthony on Mar 30, 2010 | 1 Comment
A second half hat-trick from Carlos Tevez keeps Manchester City on course to finish fourth place and even though they sit two points behind Spurs, City have to be the favourites now.
The reason City can be considered favourites is because destiny is in their own hands. If they win all their remaining fixture they will finish fourth.
City go to Burnley this weekend and with Spurs facing a tough away trip to Sunderland,...
Phillips sinks Arsenal’s title hopes
Posted by Anthony on Mar 29, 2010 | Leave a Comment
A late goal from veteran Kevin Phillips grabbed a point for Birmingham City and may have ended Arsenal’s title hopes as they now lie 4 points behind Man Utd with no games in hand.
Arsenal players were really down hearted after this last minute goal and Arsene Wenger will really have to lift then before there Quarter-Final match against Barcelona on Wednesday.
The Gunners now lie four points behind Manchester United...
Fourth place could go down to Goal Difference
Posted by Anthony on Mar 25, 2010 | Leave a Comment
With Man City losing to Everton last night the race for fourth place took another twist and with 8 games to go it’s sure to take a few more before the season closes.
Predicting the team to finish fourth is really tough with Tottenham, Man City, Liverpool and Aston Villa all still hoping to put a string of victories together.
Looking at the remaining fixtures doesn’t make predicting any easier, and it looks...
West Ham may only stay up by default
Posted by Anthony on Mar 24, 2010 | Leave a Comment
West Ham suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Wolves last night in a match that was labelled a “must win”going into the game and now fans face a really tough end to the season as they battle hard against relegation.
Gianfranco Zola may be on borrowed time at Upton Park following the 3-1 defeat to Wolves and the East End Club’s future in the Premier League is also now seriously under threat.
Assuming...
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