Posts
August 25
FT Sunderland 0 - 2 Liverpool
37' [0 - 1] M.L. Sissoko -Liverpool
87' [0 - 2] A. Voronin -Liverpool
FT Arsenal 1 - 0 Manchester C.
80' [1 - 0] C. Fabregas -Arsenal
FT Aston Villa 2 - 1 Fulham
6' [0 - 1] C. Dempsey -Fulham
51' [1 - 1] Z. Knight (o.g.) -Aston Villa
90' [2 - 1] S. Maloney -Aston Villa
FT Bolton W. 3 - 0 Reading
32' [1 - 0] G. Speed -Bolton W
55' [2 - 0] N. Anelka -Bolton W
90' [3 - 0] D.O. Braaten -Bolton W
FT Chelsea 1 - 0 Portsmouth
31' [1 - 0] F. Lampard -Chelsea
FT Derby County 1 - 2 Birmingham C.
1' [0 - 1] C. Jerome -Birmingham C
51' [1 - 1] M. Oakley -Derby County
63' [1 - 2] C. Jerome -Birmingham C
FT West Ham U. 1 - 1 Wigan Athletic
78' [0 - 1] P. Scharner -Wigan Athletic
81' [1 - 1] L. Bowyer -West Ham U.
FT Everton 1 - 1 Blackburn R.
15' [0 - 1] R.S. Cruz -Blackburn R.
78' [1 - 1] J. McFadden -Everton
August 26
FT Middlesbrough 2 - 2 Newcastle U.
22' [0 - 1] C. N'Zogbia -Newcastle U
28' [1 - 1] Mido -Middlesbrough
77' [1 - 2] M. Viduka -Newcastle U
80' [2 - 2] J. Arca -Middlesbrough
FT Manchester U. 1 - 0 Tottenham H.
68' [1 - 0] Nani -Manchester U
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Score Update August 25
Saturday, August 25, 2007
La Liga Preview: Racing Santander - FC Barcelona
Who: Racing Santander v FC Barcelona
When: Sunday, 26th August 2007, kick-off 19:00
Where: El Sardinero, Santander
After Racing’s most successful season ever in La Liga there has been a summer of change in Cantabria. The manager, Miguel Angel Portugal, left to rejoin the Real Madrid technical staff and was replaced by former Recreativo manager Marcelino, who lead Recreativo to an excellent 8th place last season, finishing four points above Racing.
Last season’s top scorer and star player, Nikola Zigic, has also departed with several other key players from last season following him through the exit door. Ruben, who formed a solid centre back pairing with Garay, has left along with Scaloni and Balboa has returned to Real Madrid after his loan spell.
With Zigic’s exit Racing have lost their main method of attack with a high proportion of their goals last season coming from the head of the giant Serb or from his flick-ons to the diminutive Munitis. Marcelino may have to look for a new system with which to play and is said to be concerned by the clubs forays into the transfer market thus far.
The additions of Duscher, Jorge Lopez and Jordi Lopez will strengthen the midfield but an adequate replacement for Zigic remains essential. After Racing’s unexpected venture into the top half last season they look like they’ll be back to their usual relegation battle this season.
Barcelona
While Racing have had a difficult time in the transfer market Barcelona have been busy assembling a squad capable of regaining La Liga. With all areas strengthened and none of the big stars departing, Barça appear to have the strongest squad in the league, with a formidable starting eleven backed up by very good reserves.
The additions of Milito and Abidal to the backline coupled with the signing of Yaya Toure for the holding midfield position should make Barcelona a lot more difficult to break down. Rijkaard has an embarrassment of riches in the front five with Iniesta, Xavi, and Deco competing for the two creative midfield slots and Ronaldinho, Eto’o, Messi, Henry and Dos Santos battling it out to make up the front three.
Iniesta seems to be a certain pick as one of the creative midfielders after his excellent performances last season. Dos Santos’ excellent pre-season form will have pushed him into Rijkaard’s thoughts but he’ll have to wait for his dual nationality to be finalised before getting a look in.
Of the ‘fantastic four’ Messi is now arguably the biggest star and could be the player least affected by the rotations. Barça will be looking to get off to a strong start on Sunday in order to banish the memories of last season’s failure and send out a message to their title rivals that this season; they mean business.
Pre-Season
The two sides have had contrasting pre-seasons with Barcelona going unbeaten while Racing have failed to pick up a victory in a 90 minute match.
Racing participated in the Peace Cup in South Korea and only picked up one point from a 0-0 draw with Seongnam and suffered defeats to Bolton and a 5-0 thumping at the hands of Guadalajara.
Barcelona won every game on their usual pre-season Asian tour and also collected the inaugural Franz Beckenbauer Cup after beating Bayern Munich thanks to a wondergoal from Leo Messi.
FORM GUIDE
Racing Santander
Sporting Gijon 1 - 2 Racing 16/08/2007 (friendly)
Alaves 2- 1 Racing 11/08/2007 (friendly)
Racing 0-2 Betis 17/06/2007
Real Sociedad 0-0 Racing 09/06/2007
Racing 2-3 Levante 27/05/2007
FC Barcelona
Bayern 0-1 Barcelona 15/08/2007 (friendly)
Mission Hill XI 0-4 Barcelona 11/08/2007 (friendly)
Gimnastic 1-5 Barcelona 17/06/2007
Barcelona 2-2 Espanyol 09/06/2007
Barcelona 1-0
Getafe 26/05/2007
TEAM NEWS
Racing Santander
Racing have lost several players over the summer, but can at least be thankful for the fact that they are essentially injury-free. Pedro Munitis could start alone up front despite his less than prolific form last season - he was more of a supporting player - but will receive backup courtesy of a trio of attacking midfielders.
Probable Starting XI: Tono; Oriol, Garay, Marcano, Ayoze; Colsa, Duscher; Jorge Lopez, Aganzo, Oscar; Munitis
FC Barcelona
With Puyol (knee), Milito (suspension) and Edmilson (knee) all unavailable, Rijkaard will probably hand the centre back positions to Marquez and Thuram, who looks like being fit after an injury worry. Abidal and Toure should be given competitive debuts while in attack Henry may be on the bench with Ronaldinho, Eto’o and Messi poised to start. Dos Santos is still waiting to receive his Spanish passport so won’t make the squad.
Probable Starting XI: Valdes; Zambrotta, Marquez, Thuram, Abidal; Iniesta, Toure, Xavi; Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Racing Santander - Ezequiel Garay - The highest scorer from last season still at the club. Racing will need a towering display from Garay if they are to get anything from the game. The promising Argentinean centre back was a key factor in the Verdiblancos top 10 finish last season and is being watched by many of Europe’s top clubs. As well as keeping goals out Garay may also be Racing’s best chance of scoring with one of his free kicks or penalties.
FC Barcelona – Andres Iniesta – The creative midfielder was one of the positives form an otherwise negative season and looks to have forced himself into the starting XI after being the understudy to Xavi and Deco in previous seasons. Rijkaard will be looking to Iniesta to provide the chances for the plethora of talent up front. With Racing likely to stick plenty of men behind the ball Iniesta could be the man to unlock the defence.
PREDICTION It is difficult to see anything but an away win here with the contrasting fortunes in the transfer market and pre-season. Barça will be hoping to get an early lead to settle any early season nerves; whilst Racing will be thinking the longer they keep it goalless the more chance they have of sneaking something.
Racing Santander 0-2 FC Barcelona
news get form goal.com
Read More......
Ronaldinho: This Will Be My Best Season Ever
Ronaldinho is convinced that he will back to his best this season and is ready to put last term behind him and battle for a place in Barça's new look attack.
The Brazilian superstar was accused of looking tired last term and not performing in crucial games, as well being mixed up in off-field problems at the club.Without the burden of appearing in a major tournament and having little holiday, like last summer, Ronaldinho is well rested and ready to steer the Blaugrana back to the top.
"I'm going to make a big effort to ensure that this is my best season," the 27-year-old said.
"I'm really pleased with the way things have gone in pre-season. When you are in good physical shape, things come more easily and every day I feel more motivated."
After failing to win a major trophy last season, the behind-the-scenes problems and the effect it had on the pitch were highlighted at the end of the campaign, but Ronaldinho believes that the players are now fully focussed.
"We have talked over what we did wrong last season and we are all now working to ensure that we become a champion team again," he continued.
The arrival of four new players has increased competition for places in Frank Rijkaard's squad with the forward line being under particular pressure to perform as Thierry Henry joins Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Leo Messi in battling for a spot.
"All the players that have come to the club are experienced and are very keen to triumph here," Ronaldinho explained.
"They are all known worldwide, but they all have their feet on the ground. I think the team is well focused and more motivated than ever."
Fabregas Strikes Late To Sink Manchester City
Eighteen minutes into the game the home side were forced to make another change as Bacary Sagna, who was injured in a collision with team-mate Mathieu Flamini, was replaced by Denilson. In spite of this Arsenal then dominated most of the first half but failed to find the crucial breakthrough. City’s best chance of the half came for Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov whose powerful shot whistled past Manuel Almunia’s post. City came out in the second half with a lot more purpose. Some inspired defending by captain Richard Dunn and man-of-the-moment Micah Richards kept Aresnal at bay whereas their attackers enjoyed some decent possession upfront. Another big moment in the game came when just ahead of the hour mark Arsenal were awarded a penalty as Richards was rightly adjudged to have brought down Aliaksandre Hleb in the area. Van Persie stepped up to take the spot kick but his poor placed shot was brilliantly saved by Kasper Schmeichel. Minutes later the young City keeper denied Arsenal again when he tipped over a long range effort from Fabregas. With fifteen minutes remaining, both managers made changes as Eduardo was introduced for Manu Adabyor for Arsenal whereas Eriksson brought on Rolando Bianchi for Emile Mpenza for the visitors. With ten minutes remaining on the clock, Arsenal’s relentless efforts were finally rewarded. Fabregas scored from a tight angle to give Arsenal a deserved lead. City tried to hit back but it was too little and too late from Eriksson’s side as Arsenal held onto the lead to claim their second victory of the season.
In an exciting encounter at the Emirates this afternoon, Arsenal left it until late on to beat Manchester City 1-0, although the visitors looked strong again.
Manchester City’s perfect run was finally halted today at the Emirates Stadium as they went down against Arsenal. The only goal of the game came late in the second half when Fabregas shot a powerful drive from close range over the City keeper Schmeichel. Prior to the kickoff Arsenal suffered another injury blow when Swiss defender Phillipe Senderos picked up an ankle knock during the warm up. This forced Arsene Wegner to start with the returning Gilberto as centre-back alongside Kolo Toure.
Liverpool Win Well At Sunderland
Liverpool have produced a clinical performance to claim a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and it could have been a bigger victory after a very one-sided affair.
A first half strike from Mohammed Sissoko, his first goal in a Liverpool shirt, broke the deadlock in an otherwise patchy first half, while Voronin finally killed off Sunderland's threat with a deserved second goal late on in the match. However, it could have been more had it not been for an impressive performance by goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
After collecting four points in their first two Premiership matches Roy Keane's side have been reminded just what a tough challenge they face in staying in the top flight with back-to-back defeats. Liverpool on the other hand will be delighted with their start to the campaign as they look to lay down their credentials as title contenders.Liverpool went into the game without skipper Steven Gerrard, while veteran defender Sami Hyypia started at the back, but the Finns afternoon did not last as long as expected as he broke his nose in a challenge with Darryl Murphy. Hyypia was not impressed with the Sunderland player, but it did seem to be a genuine clash that ended his match despite the best attempts of the Reds medical staff.
There was later to be more injury concern for Benitez as fellow centre-back Jamie Carragher has to be withdrawn and was taken to hospital with a possible broken rib.
Despite the defensive interruptions there was little to worry Liverpool and their goalkeeper Jose Reina in the first half bar one opportunity that almost opened up for Michael Chopra, but the striker, who has started his Sunderland career well, could not get the ball under his control.
At the other end Liverpool had their new look attackers in full force as winger Ryan Babel featured along with new striker Fernando Torres and Voronin and there seems hope of an early partnership forming between the Ukrainian and Spaniard, although Babel's display was rather inconspicuous.
The opening goal came at a time when neither team were playing nice football and Liverpool were looking unsure on how they were going to break down a Sunderland side that were fully committed. However, they did find a way through with a Gerrard style effort by the player playing in Gerrad's position, but long-range efforts were certainly not known to be in Sissoko's repertoire. The midfielder thundered a low effort past Gordon, who managed to get a hand on the effort, after the ball was laid back by Voronin after Torres had failed to control a ball into the box.
Torres had a promising yet frustrating afternoon as he was denied by Gordon on at least three occasions while other opportunities went begging. The best of them all came late on in the first half as the Scottish keeper did well to keep out a diving header that perhaps should have been converted by the £20m man.
The signing from Atletico Madrid did deliver an unselfish pass to Voronin to seal the victory in the 86th minute, which was also a relief for the former Bayer Leverkusen player, who had also been denied by Gordon, again after good work from Torres.
Roy Keane may start to get concerned after a second successive convincing defeat, but his team worked so hard this afternoon and they will not face many teams as potent as Liverpool this season.
Read More......Wednesday, August 22, 2007
News Update
Robben And Heinze To Miss Madrid Derby .Arjen Robben and Gabriel Heinze will play no part in Real Madrid's opening day fixture against Atlético after signing for the club on Thursday.
Madrid's coach could now draft in Royston Drenthe to play at left-back as Miguel Torres has been ruled out after failing to recover from a knock.
Drenthe played his first game in midfield for Madrid in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup last weekend against Sevilla.
Heinze admitted that he may not be ready to play after being given an extended break by his former club Manchester United as he appeared in the Copa América at the end of last season.
The Argentinian was then unable to train with the Red Devils as he unsuccessfully attempted to force through a move to Liverpool.
Robben explained in his first press conference in Madrid that he was still feeling the affects of an operation that underwent last year and would need to rediscover his best level.
There was some good news for Schuster as Iker Casillas has recovered from a knee injury in time to play, while Sergio Ramos is also available after overcoming a foot problem.
United Deny Making Any Approach For Berbatov .After a day of claims and rumours that Manchester United had made a bid for Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov, the Premier League champions have denied making any offer for the Bulgarian.
Dimitar Berbatov's agent had earlier claimed that United had made an enquiry for the Bulgarian international, and that Tottenham would make a decision over his future next week.
Spurs manager Martin Jol admitted earlier on Friday that he had rejected an approach for Berbatov from an unnamed club - and insisted that the player was going nowhere.
But United have made it clear that any offer made had not come them.
"Manchester United is linked with many players in every transfer window," United chief executive David Gill told the club's official website.
He added: "The club has categorically not made a bid for Dimitar Berbatov."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that earlier in this current transfer window he failed in a bid to buy a striker - and now he concedes that he is unlikely to sign any new players before the window closes again next week.
"We made an inquiry about a striker not so long ago. The club concerned would not sell and it remains that way," Ferguson told XFM.
"With a week to the transfer deadline, it would be impossible to get anyone else in now."
Earlier, Berbatov's agent Emil Dantchev told Bulgaria's Darik Radio: "We had a 90-minute meeting with Tottenham's chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Damien Comolli.
"They informed us that there's a query from Manchester United about the possibility of Berbatov joining them.
"They told us they will have a meeting in the next day or two to decide his future."
Berbatov scored 22 goals during the 2006-07 season - his first at Tottenham after joining them from Bayer Leverkusen for £10.9m
And earlier this year, Jol insisted that the 26-year-old captain of Bulgaria would not be sold, although unsubstantiated reports this week claimed that the Dutch manager had fallen out with his star player after having substituted him in the opening match at Sunderland.
But Dantchev told BBC Sport: "I can tell you for sure that there is not a problem."
And Jol added on Friday: "Berbatov loves me. If he is playing well he gets all the praise and if he is not doing well I have to tell him.
"I had one approach and I said 'I'd rather die than sell him'."
Ronaldo was controversially sent off against Portsmouth last week after an alleged head-butt on Richard Hughes.
TV replays and Hughes himself suggest that there was little in the incident, however Ronaldo received the red card, and the three-match ban that came along with it.
The fleet-footed 22-yar-old admits that he has become frustrated with the situation, but is sure United can turn around their form.
"I'm feeling sad not being able to play," Ronaldo told the Daily Mirror.
"It is so frustrating, particularly when we are not able to win right now.
"But I'm optimistic and I have confidence in United, even though the beginning of the season is bad.
Contrary to reports emanating from Argentina, Gabriel Heinze has not yet signed for Real Madrid, and will instead appeal against a Premier League decision not to sanction his move to Liverpool.
Yesterday a Premier League arbitration panel ruled that United were within the laws of the game to refuse Heinze his desired move to Liverpool.
Using a letter received from United as evidence, the Argentinean stated that he was told that he could join any club offering the £6.8million asking price.
Liverpool duly offered the full amount, however United were adamant that the player would not join a close rival, a decision that prompted the left-back to seek legal advice.
The arbitration panel ruled that as the letter did not specify a certain club, it did not represent a legally binding document.
Heinze will now appeal against the decision and will be buoyed by the news that the Premier League will allow him to switch clubs after the transfer window closes even if he is unsuccessful in the appeal.
"My fight is for freedom to negotiate with any club," Heinze told the Daily Mail.
"United never wanted me to leave for one of the big clubs, but this anti-Liverpool clause is incredible."
Speaking about speculation linking him to clubs like Lyon, Real Madrid and AC Milan, the Argentina international admitted his future was still up in the air.
"I still don't have a clear future," Heinze added.
"I have not spoken with Lyon because I believed my option was Liverpool.
Injury Scare For Van Der Sar
United have made a slow start to the Premiership campaign, bagging just two points from three games. The squad has been ravished by injuries, particularly in attack, with Wayne Rooney out for seven weeks and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and Luis Saha also missing the start of the season.
The latest injury worry concerns van der Sar who was involved in a collision with Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt during training with the Dutch national team.
The keeper needed immediate treatment to his foot and is now a doubt for Holland’s match against Switzerland on Wednesday.
"Edwin had a pain in his foot and we will put some ice on it," Holland manager Marco van Bastern said last night.
"We will see what the reaction is, but if it is wrong then we will have to call up another goalkeeper."
The full extent of the damage is not yet known however van der Sar may not feature in United’s crucial Premiership match against Tottenham on Sunday.
Read More......
Sunday, August 19, 2007
England - Premier League Score
August 14
FT Tottenham H. 1 - 3 Everton
3' [0 - 1] J. Lescott -Everton
26' [1 - 1] A. Gardner -Tottenham H
37' [1 - 2] L. Osman -Everton
45' [1 - 3] A. Stubbs -Everton
August 15
FT Birmingham C. 2 - 2 Sunderland
28' [1 - 0] P. McShane (o.g.) -Birmingham C
75' [1 - 1] M. Chopra -Sunderland
82' [2 - 1] G. O'Connor -Birmingham C
90' [2 - 2] S. John -Sunderland
FT Fulham 2 - 1 Bolton W.
12' [0 - 1] H. Helguson -Bolton W
23' [1 - 1] D. Healy -Fulham
26' [2 - 1] A. Smertin -Fulham
Postp. Liverpool ? - ? West Ham U.
FT Manchester C. 1 - 0 Derby County
43' [1 - 0] M. Johnson -Manchester C
Postp. Newcastle U. ? - ? Arsenal
FT Portsmouth 1 - 1 Manchester U.
15' [0 - 1] P. Scholes -Manchester U
53' [1 - 1] B. Mwaruwari -Portsmouth
Postp. Blackburn R. ? - ? Aston Villa
FT Reading 1 - 2 Chelsea
30' [1 - 0] A. Bikey -Reading
47' [1 - 1] F. Lampard -Chelsea
50' [1 - 2] D. Drogba -Chelsea
FT Wigan Athletic 1 - 0 Middlesbrough
[1 - 0] A. Sibierski -Wigan Athletic
August 18
FT Portsmouth 3 - 1 Bolton W.
12' [0 - 1] N. Anelka -Bolton W
16' [1 - 1] N. Kanu -Portsmouth
30' [2 - 1] J. Utaka -Portsmouth
88' [3 - 1] M. Taylor (pen.) -Portsmouth
FT Birmingham C. 0 - 1 West Ham U.
70' [0 - 1] M. Noble (pen.) -West Ham U
FT Fulham 1 - 2 Middlesbrough
16' [1 - 0] B. McBride -Fulham
55' [1 - 1] Mido -Middlesbrough
88' [1 - 2] L. Cattermole -Middlesbrough
FT Reading 1 - 0 Everton
44' [1 - 0] S. Hunt -Reading
FT Tottenham H. 4 - 0 Derby County
2' [1 - 0] S. Malbranque -Tottenham H
6' [2 - 0] S. Malbranque -Tottenham H
14' [3 - 0] J. Jenas -Tottenham H
80' [4 - 0] D. Bent -Tottenham H
FT Wigan Athletic 3 - 0 Sunderland
19' [1 - 0] E. Heskey -Wigan Athletic
62' [2 - 0] D. Landzaat (pen.) -Wigan Athletic
69' [3 - 0] A. Sibierski (pen.) -Wigan Athletic
FT Newcastle U. 0 - 0 Aston Villa
August 19
FT Manchester C. 1 - 0 Manchester U.
31' [1 - 0] D.M. Geovanni -Manchester C
FT Blackburn R. 1 - 1 Arsenal
18' [0 - 1] R.v. Persie -Arsenal
72' [1 - 1] D. Dunn -Blackburn R
FT Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
16' [1 - 0] F. Torres -Liverpool
62' [1 - 1] F. Lampard (pen.) -Chelsea
Monday, August 13, 2007
RESULT MATCH
With the vast majority of the Premier League having far from penny-pinched in a summer of lavish spending, that even some WAGS may have baulked at, the hype ahead of this season's opening salvo of games was as frenzied since its inauguration.
It would, then, come as little surprise had what ensued proved to be the proverbial damp squib but on the contrary, swelled grounds across the county were treated to an opening day of genuine quality and intrigue.
Wayne Rooney's fractured foot has dominated Monday's back pages, and rightly so, but what should not be forgotten was the fine football which went before it.
Black Cats delight
The script-writers would perhaps have sniggered at what transpired in Saturday's early kick-off in the North East, as Michael Chopra, to some still an impostor in red and white stripes, shrugged off his Newcastle leanings, to come off the bench for Sunderland and score the most accomplished of injury-time winners.
Tottenham, tipped to break the into the promised land of the 'Top Four', were left crestfallen, as Roy Keane celebrated his return to the big time with customary aplomb.
Then came Sven Goran Eriksson's return to English shores with a trip to the capital, to face a West Ham side that is shorn of Tevez but replete with a rostra of big money buys, not unlike Manchester City in fact.
Sven's back
Of the two, it was City's new boys that stole the honours, as Sven breathed a sigh of relief in the realisation he had not succumbed to any video nasties, with the Brazilian Elano in particular impressing in an accomplished 2-0 victory.
Over in the North West, there was only ever to be one winner in the battle of Bolton past and present. Big Sam's Newcastle delivered a performance that was both punchy and pacey, while Little Sam's Bolton were pallid, anaemic in comparison.
Obafemi Martins, wary of the arrival of Mark Viduka and imminent return of Michael Owen, stole the personal plaudits with a brace in the 3-1 success.
Midas touch of the weekend goes to Blackburn boss Mark Hughes, after a pair of his strikers came off the bench, to sink a Middlesbrough side that had previously led through Stewart Downing's free-kick.
First came the swarthy Roque Santa Cruz, seemingly straight off a film set, to power home a thumping header, before Matt Derbyshire, less glamorous but no less potent, curled a magnificent winner.
The doom-mongers in the Midlands have cast Derby as lambs to the slaughter, but at Pride Park they were silenced, as Billy Davies' side fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Portsmouth.
Big things are expected from Everton this season and for large spells at Goodison Park they did not disappoint, with Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe rendering Antoine Sibierski's debut goal for Wigan mere consolation.
In Saturday's final game, Fernando Torres may have made his bow in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Aston Villa, but it was Steven Gerrard that reaffirmed his status as Anfield's top dog with a late free-kick winner of sublime execution.
Sunday's round of matches had plenty to live up to and, for the most part, they did not disappoint.
Sanchez fumes
A rare noon kick-off in North London saw Arsenal's Jens Lehmann make his annual entry into the season's bloopers video, courtesy of a comical slip that handed a grateful David Healy a goal on his Fulham debut.
A familiar Achilles of missing a raft of chances appeared to flare up as the game entered its final five minutes, but Robin van Persie and Alexander Hleb had other ideas, in netting a goal apiece, which had Lawrie Sanchez fuming, in a manner that one suspects will not be the last time this season.
After Arsenal's style council it was over to the west side of the capital, as Jose Mourinho's Chelsea proceeded to put on a performance that belied their status as being disciples of dour.
Embracing an attacking mantra and a lackadaisical approach to defending, Chelsea were cute on the eye as they came from behind to win 3-2, as Birmingham goalkeeper Colin Doyle endured an afternoon best resigned to the scrapbook.
With Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea having all tasted sweet opening day success, the pressure was on Manchester United to do likewise.
Thankfully, after all the excitement that had passed before it, United and Reading produced a sober snooze-fest that was ideal for a pleasant Sunday afternoon nap.
Although, Rooney's injury woke even the neutral, as Sir Alex Ferguson's woes at a lack of a breakthrough were exacerbated by the news his attacking talisman now faces up to two months on the sidelines.
Honourable mentions must also go to Martin Laursen, who scored the season's first own goal, and Dave Kitson, who got himself a red card just 37 seconds after entering the field as a second half substitute at Old Trafford.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SCORE
FT Arsenal 2 - 1 Fulham
1' D. Healy Fulham
83' R.v. Persie (pen.) Arsenal
90' A. Hleb Arsenal
FT Chelsea 3 - 2 Birmingham C.
15' M. Forssell Birmingham C.
18' C. Pizarro Chelsea
31' F. Malouda Chelsea
36' O. Kapo Birmingham C.
50' M. Essien Chelsea
FT Manchester U. 0 - 0 Reading
Saturday, August 11, 2007
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SCORE
FT Sunderland 1 - 0 Tottenham H.
90' M. Chopra Sunderland
FT Bolton W. 1 - 3 Newcastle U.
11' C. N'Zogbia Newcastle U
21' O. Martins Newcastle U
27' O. Martins Newcastle U
50' N. Anelka Bolton W
FT Derby County 2 - 2 Portsmouth
5' M. Oakley Derby County
27' B. Mwaruwari Portsmouth
83' J. Utaka Portsmouth
84' A. Todd Derby County
FT Everton 2 - 1 Wigan Athletic
26' L. Osman Everton
75' V. Anichebe Everton
80' A. Sibierski Wigan Athletic
FT Middlesbrough 1 - 2 Blackburn R.
31' S. Downing Middlesbrough
62' R.S. Cruz Blackburn R
79' M. Derbyshire Blackburn R
FT West Ham U. 0 - 2 Manchester C.
18' R. Bianchi Manchester C
87' D.M. Geovanni Manchester C
14' Aston Villa 1 - 2 Liverpool
31' M. Laursen (o.g.) Liverpool
85' G. Barry (pen.) Aston Villa
87' S. Gerrard Liverpool
Friday, August 10, 2007
NEW SEASON
WELCOME BACK ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP
Finally english league has come and we can see attractive match . While many observers will see this weekend's opening round of the English Premier League as a first chance to see new talent, assess off-season progress and enjoy their first taste of top-flight football in several months, for premiership managers and players it's just like any other round, with points being very much - well, the point.
While the rest of us come to terms with seeing former Reading star Steve Sidwell in a Chelsea strip, Spanish young gun Fernando Torres at Merseyside, and Mark Viduka in the black and white of Newcastle United, managers are all too aware that points in round one are as valuable (more so in some cases) as points earned in the final few weeks.
For Manchester United, it's simply a case of picking up where the club left off several months ago. Sir Alex Ferguson has spent around $125 million in the off season and will test his side against Reading at Old Trafford in round one.
With Carlos Tevez, Owen Hargreaves and Nani (among others) bolstering a side already dripping with talent, United seem to have a very good chance of landing back-to-back titles. And the Red Devils have already landed a psychological blow to Chelsea through a dominating performance in the Community Shield.
After a honeymoon season following promotion, Steve Coppell's Reading should be satisfied with anything close to its eighth-placed 2006-2007 finish.
Chelsea opens its account with what would normally be a routine home match against promoted Birmingham City. But the Blues have an injury list as long as many clubs' playing rosters, and Steve Bruce's boys won't have a better chance of taking something away from Stamford Bridge.
John Terry, Didier Drogba, Claude Makelele, Salomon Kalou, Michael Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko, Wayne Bridge and Paolo Ferreira are non-staters for Chelsea in round one. Jose Mourinho could only field 11 outfield players at training in midweek, with 14 players needing treatment of some sort.
Ashley Cole left training clutching a thigh, and Frank Lampard, of those who did train, has a broken toe. Michael Essien and Lassana Diarra have also been hampered by minor knee complaints, while Claudio Pizarro is still a few weeks away from being match fit.
Birmingham has also had cash to spend in the off season. Stuart Parnaby will add starch to the club's traditional defensive strength, talented former Ajax midfield player Daniel De Ridder has pace and guile aplenty, and a raft of other imports leaves Bruce's side a decent chance of avoiding the drop.
Liverpool, which faces Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa away in a tricky opening match, has recruited heavily and now has six proven finishers and creators, including Torres, Andriy Voronin, Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel. Rafael Benitez has assembled a formidable-looking armada to challenge Manchester United and Chelsea for the title.
Liverpool have started with tortoise-like pace In the past three seasons under Benitez, building just 10 points from their opening seven games in each campaign. The Reds have still finished in the top four each year (except 2004-2005, when finishing fifth and Everton fourth) and with Steven Gerrard moving to the centre of midfield, surely a better start awaits. From there, who knows?
Villa manager Martin O'Neill will be happy if his side can turn just a few of last season's draws into wins. The Villans earned a single point in no less than 17 matches in 2006-2007 (the most of any club, and 10 more than Blackburn, for example) and finished in 11th place.
The form of former West Ham United duo Marlon Harewood and Nigel Reo-Coker will be key, as will the progression of last season's surprise, Gabriel Agbonlahor, and John Carew. With a slightly sharper attack and few more goals, Villa could well emulate former glory days with European football next season. O'Neill certainly knows what it takes to get there.
At Arsenal, enough has been said about the departure of Thierry Henry. Manager Arsene Wenger, himself the subject of ongoing speculation about his future, now has a chance to prove the past two seasons have not been a waste of time.
His players are no longer "kids", although you'd still be hard pressed to name four outfield players over the age of 25, so there really is no excuse. Wenger would never have placed all his eggs in one basket and would have at least contemplated the scenario of life without his France striker.
These "kids" reached the final of the Carling Cup last season, and would have topped a table made up exclusively of the Big Four's results against each other. They've proved they have the talent; now consistency is needed. It's all about converting the chances created by Wenger's fluent attacking style, and in new boy Eduardo da Silva and Robin van Persie, perhaps they have the balance to challenge.
Against a new-look Fulham, which is targeting a top-10 finish and has recently recruited Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer, Arsenal should be too good at home.
Down the road, Tottenham Hotspur has spent megabucks in an effort to overhaul bitter rival Arsenal for a Champions League berth. Ledley King's fragility has been countered with the purchase of Younes Kaboul, while Gareth Bale has joined the mix and Darren Bent finally gets a chance do show what he can do with decent service (he scored as many Premier League goals as Wayne Rooney last season, while playing for Charlton).
Spurs' away clash with Roy Keane's promoted Sunderland is one of the tastiest first-round matches.
The Black Cats could prove to be the Reading of this season, having looked easily the best of the promoted clubs in the final weeks of last year's Championship. And in Keane, they have a man who knows what it takes to succeed.
What seems to distinguish this season from others in recent memory is the fact that so many clubs have no excuses left to offer fans (and shareholders) should another year of European dreams fail to materialise.
Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, Blackburn and Manchester City are just some of the clubs starting the season with renewed confidence. How long that confidence remains in tact, though, is another matter entirely.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
CUP
Arsenal On Fire
Lazio and Arsenal kicked off the Amsterdam Tournament in the splendid Amsterdam ArenA - and the Gunners ran out winers with an encouraging performance from Eduardo Da Silva.
The big story pre-match was the granting of a work permit to Eduardo Da Silva, Arsenal's Brazilian-born Croatian striker who joined from Dinamo Zagreb this summer. Eduardo takes his place in the Arsenal
In the first half Arsenal have a luck let-off when Pandev breaks clear and bears down on goal. Almunia gets a crucial touch that forces Pandev wide enough for Senderos to dispossess him with a superb tackle
Arsenal, having upped the tempo, take the lead through Nicklas Bendnter, The young Dane looked to have been forced too wide on the right but he cut in a low angled drive to the far corner to put the Gunners ahead. The goal came when Clichy crossed from the left and Fabregas's shot was deflected into the path of Bendtneron (minute 18')
Arsenal are sloppy from the corner and Pandev takes full advantage with a neat swivel and shot as Arsenal appeal in vain for a non-existent foul on Eduardo, who dwelt too long on the bal rather than hacking it clear. The Gunners must be kicking themselves. They reacted too slowly(minute 40')
In the second half Arsenal have replaced Gael Clichy and Cesc Fabregas with Tomas Rosicy and Mathie Flamini
From Rosicky's corner, Eduardo pulls off his marker for an unmarked header into the net(minute 55')
The final whistle sounds and it's a winning start for Arsenal in Amsterdam. Given that Arsenal fielded a young team that is far from their first choice starting XI, it was a very good workout for Arsene Wenger's side. They get five points for that win, but will be particularly pleased with the promising display by new striker Eduardo.
other match :
Ajax Amsterdam 2 - 0 Atletico Madrid
Emirates CUP for Arsenal
Robin van Persie produced a moment of brilliance to fire Arsenal to victory over Inter Milan and claim the Emirates Cup.
The Gunners had shown plenty of spirit and glimpses of the quality they will need to have an impact on next season's title race during an entertaining encounter with the Italian champions.
Then just when the match seemed to be heading towards a draw, van Persie - out since breaking his metatarsal in January - smashed home a winner following superb close control in the six-yard box.
As expected, manager Arsene Wenger made several changes from the starting XI for yesterday's victory over Paris St Germain.
Those changes included bringing in centre-back William Gallas, who was named captain ahead of Kolo Toure, and handing a first-team debut for teenage winger Kieran Gibbs.
Summer signing Eduardo da Silva was still missing as he awaits next week's appeal to the Home Office for a work permit.
Inter were very disappointing against Valencia yesterday, and having also rotated several of their players, the Italians offered little threat during the opening exchanges.
Van Persie looked lively in attack for the Gunners and was ably supported by Alexander Hleb.
On 20 minutes, a clever step-over from Hleb created a shooting chance just outside the box for van Persie but Julio Cesar forced away his low effort.
Former Everton defender Marco Materazzi was cautioned for a late challenge on Emmanuel Eboue as the Arsenal defender, playing on the wing, surged down the right flank.
From the resulting free-kick, a yard outside the area, van Persie forced a good reaction save from Cesar at his near post.
Mathieu Flamini - on target against PSG yesterday - made the Inter keeper work again to stop his low 20-yard strike.
Summer signing Bacary Sagna also saw his angled shot saved as Arsenal and van Persie shot over from a free-kick.
Wenger kept the same XI for the second half, with Eboue again dangerous down the right.
Arsenal felt they should have been awarded a penalty when van Persie went down following what looked like a push by defender Cristian Chivu, a big-money summer signing from Roma but referee Mark Halsey was unimpressed.
Van Persie needed brief treatment on his shoulder following the awkward fall but was soon up and running again.
Out of nothing, Inter snatched the lead on 52 minutes.
Cesar the midfielder floated the ball over from the right and Honduras striker David Suazo got above Gallas to power a header in off Jens Lehmann's right-hand post.
Eboue smashed an angled drive over as Arsenal looked to quickly get back on level terms.
The equaliser came on 68 minutes through Hleb. Following a break down the right, Sagna cut the ball back to the penalty spot.
Francesco Toldo, on at the break for goalkeeper Cesar, made a brilliant save to keep out Hleb's first effort, but had no chance of stopping the low shot into the corner from the rebound.
The Inter keeper produced another fine reaction stop to deflect away van Persie's close-range effort flowing a low right-wing cross from Hleb.
Young Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner came on for Gibbs to add some weight to the Arsenal attack in the final 10 minutes.
Yet it was van Persie who the game late on. There looked little danger when Eboue fed the Dutchman, surrounded by blue shirts, on the right side of the area.
However, van Persie produced a sublime dragback to turn defender Daniele Pedrelliez inside out - before smashing the ball high into the roof of the net.
Second place is Paris saint Germain ,3st Valencia and Inter Milan the last.
Inter Milan - Valencia : 0-2
Arsenal - PSG : 2-1
Valencia - PSG : 0-3
Arsenal - Inter : 2-1
