Stoke City
Danny Collins
League: Bolton H 2-0 (bench)
FA Cup replay: Cardiff A 0-0, 0-2 aet (played all)
League: Fulham A 2-0 (starts, off 58)
FA Cup: Wolves A 0-1 (bench)
League: Liverpool A 2-0 (bench, on 65, Y foul 81)
Ryan Shawcross received his third red card in less than a year in Stoke City’s defeat to Fulham but Tony Pulis says it was all Clint Dempsey’s fault for apparently placing his body under Ryan’s hand.
League: Bolton H 2-0 (played all)
FA Cup replay: Cardiff A 0-0, 0-2 aet (unselected)
League: Fulham A 2-0 (starts, R foul 55)
FA Cup: Wolves A 0-1 (suspended)
League: Liverpool A 2-0 (suspended)
Tottenham Hotspur
Gareth Bale lasted just eleven minutes of Tottenham Hotspur’s draw with Newcastle United before leaving the field with a recurrence of a back injury. He has seen an osteopath and has been told to rest for two weeks. Gareth is training again but has not been named in the Wales squad to face the Republic of Ireland.
Harry Redknapp doesn’t want Gareth to leave and said Tottenham would fall apart if Gareth left. Maybe he should leave then.
Real Madrid and Inter Milan want to make a £40 million bid for Gareth, which would make him the most expensive British player in history. It would also make him just £5 million better than Andy Carroll.
Interview with Gareth in the Telegraph.
League: Man Utd H 0-0 (played all)
League: Newcastle A 1-1 (starts, off 11)
FA Cup: Fulham A 4-0 (out, back)
League: Blackburn A 0-1 (out, back)
West Bromwich Albion
Boaz Myhill says he won’t be taking his new first-team place for granted. Bo believes West Brom can survive.
League: Blackpool H 3-2 (played all)
League: Blackburn A 2-0 (played all)
League: Wigan H 2-2 (played all)
West Ham United
Jack Collison is training but not ready to return from a knee injury.
Interview with Jack in the Daily Mail.
Danny Gabbidon left the field with a hamstring injury after just 33 minutes of West Hams 3-1 away win over Blackpool. Just when he’d finally been persuaded to come out of international retirement.
Danny attracted the attention of Celtic and Rangers during the January transfer window. But he is far more tempted by Cardiff City.
League: Arsenal H 0-3 (bench)
League: Everton A 2-2 (bench)
Carling Cup: CC Birmingham A 3-1, 4-3 on agg aet (bench)
FA Cup: Forest H 3-2 (Y foul 19, played all)
League: Blackpool A 1-3 (starts, off 33)
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wayne Hennessey has attracted the attention of former employers Manchester City.
League: Man City A 4-3 (played all)
FA Cup: Doncaster H 5-0 (bench)
League: Liverpool H 0-3 (played all)
FA Cup: Stoke H 0-1 (bench)
League: Bolton A 1-0 (played all)
Dave Edwards returned to the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury and made his return sooner than expected when a Wolves player injured himself after fourteen minutes.
Dave says he won’t blame the Molineaux pitch for their FA Cup exit to Stoke. He wants to become Wolves’ ‘midfield enforcer’.
League: Man City A 4-3 (out, hamstring)
FA Cup: Doncaster H 5-0 (out, hamstring)
League: Liverpool H 0-3 (out, hamstring)
FA Cup: Stoke H 0-1 (bench, on 14)
League: Bolton A 1-0 (starts, off 75)
David Jones wants to stay at Wolves – he’ll be hoping the next contract they offer is to his liking.
League: Man City A 4-3 (played all)
FA Cup: Doncaster H 5-0 (G5 93, played all)
League: Liverpool H 0-3 (bench)
FA Cup: Stoke H 0-1 (bench)
League: Bolton A 1-0 (played all)
Sam Vokes finally played again after a hamstring injury that has seen him face a number of setbacks and just thirteen minutes of game time this season. Sam suffered the injury on loan at Bristol City but is now back with his parent club.
League: Man City A 4-3 (bench)
FA Cup: Doncaster H 5-0 (bench, on 78)
League: Liverpool H 0-3 (bench)
FA Cup: Stoke H 0-1 (bench, on 84)
League: Bolton A 1-0 (unselected)
Showing posts with label boaz myhill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boaz myhill. Show all posts
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Premier League Results 15th January 2011
Manchester City 4-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manchester City moved (briefly) to the top of the table following their victory over Wolves, who find themselves back in the bottom three. The fact that this match ended as a win for the home side would have been no surprise for anyone but when Wolves fought back from 4-1 down, having initially taken the lead, Manchester City were probably just a little bit concerned when Wolves got it back to 4-3 with four minutes plus stoppage time remaining. Ultimately, Manchester City kept the score at 4-3 but Wolves certainly deserved a bit more than the feeling that they’d just put three past the richest team in the world.
Wayne Hennessey was in goal for Wolves. David Jones started in place of the injured Dave Edwards and both Wayne and David helped Kolo Toure to score Manchester City’s first goal but I’m sure it was an accident. There was a surprise appearance for Sam Vokes on the bench but that was a nice surprise– let’s hope Sam’s second half of the season is a lot happier than his first.
Stoke City 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Stoke deservedly took the three points in this match and are now behind Bolton only on goal difference. Bolton remain in what is probably quite likely to be a Europa League place but with no league wins since beating West Bromwich Albion in late December and no away wins since they played Wolverhampton Wanderers more than a month earlier (they have won only twice away this season), Bolton do have reason to be concerned.
Ryan Shawcross played the full match for Stoke but Danny Collins was dropped to the bench.
Sam Ricketts kept his place in the starting line-up for Bolton. The Mirror was impressed by his ‘magnificent tackle’ but Vital Bolton Wanderers didn’t like the way he ‘slid in hard’. (I’m not a 13 year old boy in disguise. I promise.)
West Bromwich Albion 3-2 Blackpool
West Bromwich Albion’s run of six matches without a win – including an FA Cup defeat to Reading – came to an end when Blackpool visited the Hawthorns. The result didn’t turn out quite as I wanted it to but it was an entertaining game with numerous chances and the comedy wasn’t restricted to Ian Holloway’s interview. Probably only Blackpool can lose a match you want them to win and still leave you feeling good – although perhaps this is not the case if Blackpool are your own football team, rather than one you’ve adopted because they’re just so loveable.
David Vaughan opened the scoring with a superbly-taken goal (which okay yes did go past Boaz Myhill, making his first Premier League in the West Brom goal to the delight of the West Brom fans, but it’s very difficult to make every Welsh player happy) and the match continued with taken chances, missed chances, and a whole lot of goals and excitement. Neal Eardley also started for Blackpool.
West Ham United 0-3 Arsenal
The result should never have been in doubt but Arsenal are still Arsenal. They dominated, failed to take many of their chances and didn’t play as well as they can do when they’re in the right mood. They could have been in a lot more trouble if West Ham weren’t so badly challenged in the goal-scoring department. Luckily, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott were around to score and set up all three goals between them and Arsenal claimed the win.
Danny Gabbidon returned from injury but was left on the bench by West Ham, who preferred Wayne Bridge at left back. I think Arsenal preferred it that way too.
Aaron Ramsey wasn’t in Arsenal’s squad.
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Fulham
Fulham and Wigan did just about enough to ensure neither of them were in the bottom three at the end of this match – but Aston Villa spoiled things on Sunday by managing a draw against Birmingham City. Wigan took the lead after 57 minutes and probably thought they’d done enough to secure only their third home win of the season but Fulham striker Andrew Johnson came off the bench to score for the first time since recovering from a long and difficult series of injuries.
Simon Davies started for Fulham.
Manchester City moved (briefly) to the top of the table following their victory over Wolves, who find themselves back in the bottom three. The fact that this match ended as a win for the home side would have been no surprise for anyone but when Wolves fought back from 4-1 down, having initially taken the lead, Manchester City were probably just a little bit concerned when Wolves got it back to 4-3 with four minutes plus stoppage time remaining. Ultimately, Manchester City kept the score at 4-3 but Wolves certainly deserved a bit more than the feeling that they’d just put three past the richest team in the world.
Wayne Hennessey was in goal for Wolves. David Jones started in place of the injured Dave Edwards and both Wayne and David helped Kolo Toure to score Manchester City’s first goal but I’m sure it was an accident. There was a surprise appearance for Sam Vokes on the bench but that was a nice surprise– let’s hope Sam’s second half of the season is a lot happier than his first.
Stoke City 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Stoke deservedly took the three points in this match and are now behind Bolton only on goal difference. Bolton remain in what is probably quite likely to be a Europa League place but with no league wins since beating West Bromwich Albion in late December and no away wins since they played Wolverhampton Wanderers more than a month earlier (they have won only twice away this season), Bolton do have reason to be concerned.
Ryan Shawcross played the full match for Stoke but Danny Collins was dropped to the bench.
Sam Ricketts kept his place in the starting line-up for Bolton. The Mirror was impressed by his ‘magnificent tackle’ but Vital Bolton Wanderers didn’t like the way he ‘slid in hard’. (I’m not a 13 year old boy in disguise. I promise.)
West Bromwich Albion 3-2 Blackpool
West Bromwich Albion’s run of six matches without a win – including an FA Cup defeat to Reading – came to an end when Blackpool visited the Hawthorns. The result didn’t turn out quite as I wanted it to but it was an entertaining game with numerous chances and the comedy wasn’t restricted to Ian Holloway’s interview. Probably only Blackpool can lose a match you want them to win and still leave you feeling good – although perhaps this is not the case if Blackpool are your own football team, rather than one you’ve adopted because they’re just so loveable.
David Vaughan opened the scoring with a superbly-taken goal (which okay yes did go past Boaz Myhill, making his first Premier League in the West Brom goal to the delight of the West Brom fans, but it’s very difficult to make every Welsh player happy) and the match continued with taken chances, missed chances, and a whole lot of goals and excitement. Neal Eardley also started for Blackpool.
West Ham United 0-3 Arsenal
The result should never have been in doubt but Arsenal are still Arsenal. They dominated, failed to take many of their chances and didn’t play as well as they can do when they’re in the right mood. They could have been in a lot more trouble if West Ham weren’t so badly challenged in the goal-scoring department. Luckily, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott were around to score and set up all three goals between them and Arsenal claimed the win.
Danny Gabbidon returned from injury but was left on the bench by West Ham, who preferred Wayne Bridge at left back. I think Arsenal preferred it that way too.
Aaron Ramsey wasn’t in Arsenal’s squad.
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Fulham
Fulham and Wigan did just about enough to ensure neither of them were in the bottom three at the end of this match – but Aston Villa spoiled things on Sunday by managing a draw against Birmingham City. Wigan took the lead after 57 minutes and probably thought they’d done enough to secure only their third home win of the season but Fulham striker Andrew Johnson came off the bench to score for the first time since recovering from a long and difficult series of injuries.
Simon Davies started for Fulham.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Premier League Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 2)
West Bromwich Albion v Blackpool
A win for Blackpool will only put them into a Europa League place if other results go their way – but they’ll still have that game in hand. True, the game in hand is over Manchester United but let’s not spoil things by mentioning that. After all, Burnley beat Manchester United last season and they weren’t as good as Blackpool. Blackpool are hoping to do the double over West Brom. But they haven’t won at the Hawthorns since 1964.
Boaz Myhill is now West Bromwich Albion’s No. 1 goalkeeper following recent errors by Scott Carson. This will be his first Premier League match with the Baggies.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan should both start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards possibly on the bench.
West Ham United v Arsenal
After failing to beat Championship sides in their last two matches, Arsenal will be desperate to do better against a team that could be in the Championship next season. West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green always has a good game against Arsenal but that didn’t stop Arsenal from winning last time. West Ham haven’t actually beaten Arsenal since 2006.
Danny Gabbidon wasn’t in West Ham’s last squad but maybe he’ll be back to face Arsenal. Jack Collison is out with a long-term knee injury.
Aaron Ramsey will probably be on the bench for Arsenal but Arsene Wenger doesn’t seem willing to rush him back into first-team Premier League football.
Wigan Athletic v Fulham
Fifteen years ago, these clubs were in the bottom division together. They were promoted from that league together although it took Wigan a bit longer to get all the way up. Now, if they’re not careful, they might finding themselves heading in the opposite direction together. Wigan have the worst home record of any club but Fulham have only won once away this season.
Simon Davies was substituted at half-time during Fulham’s 6-2 thrashing of Peterborough United in the FA Cup but he might not be injured, maybe they just didn’t want to tire him out unnecessarily.
A win for Blackpool will only put them into a Europa League place if other results go their way – but they’ll still have that game in hand. True, the game in hand is over Manchester United but let’s not spoil things by mentioning that. After all, Burnley beat Manchester United last season and they weren’t as good as Blackpool. Blackpool are hoping to do the double over West Brom. But they haven’t won at the Hawthorns since 1964.
Boaz Myhill is now West Bromwich Albion’s No. 1 goalkeeper following recent errors by Scott Carson. This will be his first Premier League match with the Baggies.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan should both start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards possibly on the bench.
West Ham United v Arsenal
After failing to beat Championship sides in their last two matches, Arsenal will be desperate to do better against a team that could be in the Championship next season. West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green always has a good game against Arsenal but that didn’t stop Arsenal from winning last time. West Ham haven’t actually beaten Arsenal since 2006.
Danny Gabbidon wasn’t in West Ham’s last squad but maybe he’ll be back to face Arsenal. Jack Collison is out with a long-term knee injury.
Aaron Ramsey will probably be on the bench for Arsenal but Arsene Wenger doesn’t seem willing to rush him back into first-team Premier League football.
Wigan Athletic v Fulham
Fifteen years ago, these clubs were in the bottom division together. They were promoted from that league together although it took Wigan a bit longer to get all the way up. Now, if they’re not careful, they might finding themselves heading in the opposite direction together. Wigan have the worst home record of any club but Fulham have only won once away this season.
Simon Davies was substituted at half-time during Fulham’s 6-2 thrashing of Peterborough United in the FA Cup but he might not be injured, maybe they just didn’t want to tire him out unnecessarily.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Three)
Norwich City 0-1 Leyton Orient
A 20th-minute goal from League One strugglers Leyton Orient was enough to see off Championship promotion contenders Norwich City. After coming so close to being knocked out by Droylsden in the last match. Orient were not taking any chances. Or rather, they took one chance, scored from it, and then defended brilliantly to keep out Norwich. Their next FA Cup opponents will be Swansea City at the almost impenetrable Liberty Stadium.
Andrew Crofts was one of several players rested by Norwich, who were also without the cup-tied Owain Tudur Jones.
Preston North End 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Preston went into the break a goal up but there’s a reason why Forest have forced their way into play-off contention while Preston are still floundering at the bottom. As if the news that Phil Brown was their new manager wasn’t enough, Preston fans had to watch their team lose. Again. They’re probably getting used to it by now. Forest are away at West Ham United in the fourth round.
Craig Morgan nearly scored when he got his head on the end of a corner (which sounds quite painful when I put it like that) and could have opened the scoring. But the result wouldn’t necessarily have been 2-2 if he had. Paul Parry was absent from the team with a broken wrist – not that the injury prevented him from being on the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.
Robert Earnshaw and, slightly more surprisingly, Chris Gunter both came close to putting Forest 2-1 up but luckily Forest were 2-1 up by the end anyway.
Reading 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not so long ago, West Brom were looking like the Premier League side beginning with W who were most likely to survive. That this was their sixth straight defeat probably makes this more doubtful although this result of course has no direct effect on their Premier League status.
Reading meanwhile seem to be heading in the opposite direction, albeit in a different division and it they’ll deservedly have the distraction of the FA Cup for one more round at least – they’ll be away at giant-killers Stevenage.
Simon Church was expected to start in the absence of Shane Long but Shane Long wasn’t absent (which must have been so annoying) and therefore Simon was on the bench. He and Hal Robson-Kanu did get a late run-out but they couldn’t add to Reading’s lead.
Boaz Myhill played in goal for West Brom and played well, the goal aside. And loads of goalkeepers have failed to keep out Shane Long shots this season.
Sheffield United 1-3 Aston Villa
The final result made it look easier than it was as Premier League strugglers Aston Villa beating Championship team Sheffield United. Villa got off to a great start with a goal from new loan signing Kyle Walker but there were mixed feelings for the passionate Sheffield United fan who began his career at his hometown club. Villa will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United – the second consecutive match in which he hasn’t found the net (although I’m sure he would have done if Jamie Ward had let him take the penalty like he was supposed to) but with a return of four goals in his last six games, maybe it was another player’s turn to score.
James Collins was on Aston Villa’s bench for this match which raised questions (in my mind at least) about whether Gerard Houllier was reluctant to cup-tie a player he was rumoured to be selling but his appearance in the 91st minute suggested this was unlikely.
A 20th-minute goal from League One strugglers Leyton Orient was enough to see off Championship promotion contenders Norwich City. After coming so close to being knocked out by Droylsden in the last match. Orient were not taking any chances. Or rather, they took one chance, scored from it, and then defended brilliantly to keep out Norwich. Their next FA Cup opponents will be Swansea City at the almost impenetrable Liberty Stadium.
Andrew Crofts was one of several players rested by Norwich, who were also without the cup-tied Owain Tudur Jones.
Preston North End 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Preston went into the break a goal up but there’s a reason why Forest have forced their way into play-off contention while Preston are still floundering at the bottom. As if the news that Phil Brown was their new manager wasn’t enough, Preston fans had to watch their team lose. Again. They’re probably getting used to it by now. Forest are away at West Ham United in the fourth round.
Craig Morgan nearly scored when he got his head on the end of a corner (which sounds quite painful when I put it like that) and could have opened the scoring. But the result wouldn’t necessarily have been 2-2 if he had. Paul Parry was absent from the team with a broken wrist – not that the injury prevented him from being on the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.
Robert Earnshaw and, slightly more surprisingly, Chris Gunter both came close to putting Forest 2-1 up but luckily Forest were 2-1 up by the end anyway.
Reading 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not so long ago, West Brom were looking like the Premier League side beginning with W who were most likely to survive. That this was their sixth straight defeat probably makes this more doubtful although this result of course has no direct effect on their Premier League status.
Reading meanwhile seem to be heading in the opposite direction, albeit in a different division and it they’ll deservedly have the distraction of the FA Cup for one more round at least – they’ll be away at giant-killers Stevenage.
Simon Church was expected to start in the absence of Shane Long but Shane Long wasn’t absent (which must have been so annoying) and therefore Simon was on the bench. He and Hal Robson-Kanu did get a late run-out but they couldn’t add to Reading’s lead.
Boaz Myhill played in goal for West Brom and played well, the goal aside. And loads of goalkeepers have failed to keep out Shane Long shots this season.
Sheffield United 1-3 Aston Villa
The final result made it look easier than it was as Premier League strugglers Aston Villa beating Championship team Sheffield United. Villa got off to a great start with a goal from new loan signing Kyle Walker but there were mixed feelings for the passionate Sheffield United fan who began his career at his hometown club. Villa will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United – the second consecutive match in which he hasn’t found the net (although I’m sure he would have done if Jamie Ward had let him take the penalty like he was supposed to) but with a return of four goals in his last six games, maybe it was another player’s turn to score.
James Collins was on Aston Villa’s bench for this match which raised questions (in my mind at least) about whether Gerard Houllier was reluctant to cup-tie a player he was rumoured to be selling but his appearance in the 91st minute suggested this was unlikely.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 4)
Norwich City v Leyton Orient
Norwich had a few problems with Droylsden in the last round, needing a replay and extra time in order to beat them 8-2. They’ll be hoping Orient are a lot less trouble.
If Norwich rest players, Andrew Crofts could be one of them. Owain Tudur Jones is cup-tied, having already played for Yeovil in the FA Cup.
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Here’s the second of the two all-Championship ties. Preston are looking like a team who could be in League One next season while Forest have crept up on the play-offs and now look like contenders. But anything can happen in the FA Cup.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry could start for Preston but they might be saved for more important games. No disrespect to the FA Cup but they have more chance of surviving relegation than winning the Cup and surviving is probably something they quite want to do.
If Forest do plan on giving star players such as Chris Gunter a rest, this might be a good time. Robert Earnshaw was rested in Forest’s last match so maybe he was being saved for the FA Cup. He did score a hat-trick two matches ago. Aaron Ramsey has returned to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger refused a request to extend his loan. The chances are, he wouldn’t have let them cup-tie Aaron either.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
These two clubs were probably hoping not to see each other for a couple of season after playing four times last season.
Simon Church is expected to start for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor might also get the chance to feature.
Boaz Myhill will start in goal for West Brom/
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Sheffield United and Aston Villa have something in common. Not only are they both playing in this match, they are both have one point from their last four matches.
Ched Evans should play for Sheffield United. They might not be winning but that isn’t stopping him from scoring.
James Collins will probably play for Villa unless they are going to sell him and don’t want him cup-tied. The other James Collins has signed for Shrewsbury Town but he’s not Welsh.
Norwich had a few problems with Droylsden in the last round, needing a replay and extra time in order to beat them 8-2. They’ll be hoping Orient are a lot less trouble.
If Norwich rest players, Andrew Crofts could be one of them. Owain Tudur Jones is cup-tied, having already played for Yeovil in the FA Cup.
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Here’s the second of the two all-Championship ties. Preston are looking like a team who could be in League One next season while Forest have crept up on the play-offs and now look like contenders. But anything can happen in the FA Cup.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry could start for Preston but they might be saved for more important games. No disrespect to the FA Cup but they have more chance of surviving relegation than winning the Cup and surviving is probably something they quite want to do.
If Forest do plan on giving star players such as Chris Gunter a rest, this might be a good time. Robert Earnshaw was rested in Forest’s last match so maybe he was being saved for the FA Cup. He did score a hat-trick two matches ago. Aaron Ramsey has returned to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger refused a request to extend his loan. The chances are, he wouldn’t have let them cup-tie Aaron either.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
These two clubs were probably hoping not to see each other for a couple of season after playing four times last season.
Simon Church is expected to start for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor might also get the chance to feature.
Boaz Myhill will start in goal for West Brom/
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Sheffield United and Aston Villa have something in common. Not only are they both playing in this match, they are both have one point from their last four matches.
Ched Evans should play for Sheffield United. They might not be winning but that isn’t stopping him from scoring.
James Collins will probably play for Villa unless they are going to sell him and don’t want him cup-tied. The other James Collins has signed for Shrewsbury Town but he’s not Welsh.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Premier League, Part 2)
Manchester United
Ryan Giggs returned from a hamstring injury and after being careful with him for a few matches, Sir Alex Ferguson has started him regularly. The rumour is that Gary Speed wants Ryan either to play for Wales again or to become part of his coaching team.
Sunderland H 2-0 (starts, off 63)
Birmingham A 1-1 (Y dissent 91, played all)
West Brom A 1-2 (unselected, presumably rested)
Stoke H 2-1 (played all)
Owen Hargreaves’ injury nightmare continues. He got his hamstring injury at about the same time as Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen got theirs but while they are back in matchday squads again, Owen is wondering if this football business is really worth it. Owen’s situation is sadder than his decision not to play for Wales – a lot sadder - and I really hope his next comeback works out for him. He didn’t get to play over Christmas.
Michael Owen might have got the chance to play regularly when Wayne Rooney went tits up (and not just tits) but then he went and injured himself. But he’s not injury prone. He’s not. If you don’t believe me, ask Michael.
Michael has been linked with a move to Aston Villa, who are managed by Michael’s former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier but Houllier has claimed he is not keen. That’s what all the managers say.
Michael made his comeback from a hamstring injury in Manchester United’s win over Stoke.
Sunderland H 2-0 (out, hamstring)
Birmingham A 1-1 (out, hamstring)
West Brom A 1-2 (bench)
Stoke H 2-1 (bench, on 71)
Stoke City
Danny Collins is back in the Wales fold and he’s also doing well for Stoke – so far Tony Pulis’ admittedly few attempts to leave him on the bench have come to nothing.
Danny remains a regular fixture in Stoke’s defence.
Blackburn A 0-2 (played all)
Fulham H 0-2 (played all)
Everton H 2-0 (Y foul 12, played all)
Man Utd A 2-1 (played all)
Ryan Shawcross was probably quite relieved when he discovered that Aaron Ramsey was on loan at Nottingham Forest and therefore wouldn’t be around when Stoke City visited the Emirates. But that match was postponed and the two young players could be facing off against each other again. I kind of think the best thing is for them to get the match out of the way as soon as possible so people like me can stop talking about it.
Blackburn A 0-2 (Y foul 44, played all)
Fulham H 0-2 (played all)
Everton H 2-0 (played all)
Man Utd A 2-1 (played all)
Tottenham Hotspur
Gareth Bale has been linked to almost every big club in the world which is hardly surprising as he has got rather good all of a sudden. Two years ago he wasn’t always getting into Tottenham’s matchday squad. One year ago, Tottenham fans watched nervously as the jinx was forced to take to the field. This year, who could think of leaving Gareth out of the team? I can only echo Theo Walcott’s view: he should have come to Arsenal.
Gareth scored all (both) Tottenham’s goals in their wins over Newcastle and Fulham but he worryingly limped out of their defeat to Everton after aggravating a back injury he’d picked up in the first half.
Villa A 1-2 (played all)
Newcastle H 1-0 (G2 81, played all))
Fulham H 1-0 (G1 42, played all)
Everton A 2-1 (starts, off 58 back)
West Bromwich Albion
Boaz Myhill has been sitting on the bench for West Bromwich Albion, who have developed an annoying habit of being too far up the table to warrant a change of goalkeeper.
Bolton A 1-0 (bench)
Blackburn H 1-3 (bench)
Man Utd H 1-2 (bench)
Fulham A 3-0 (bench)
West Ham United
I don’t want to jinx Danny Gabbidon but it’s been great seeing him have such a long run in the team after a good three years of injury troubles. Admittedly, he’s not exactly part of the strongest defence in the league and he is human, there has been the odd moment when his play hasn’t been completely perfect but he’s playing. And he’s playing well.
Blackburn A 1-1 (played all)
Fulham A 1-3 (played all)
Everton H 1-1 (rested)
Wolves H 2-0 (played all)
Newcastle A 5-0 (played all)
I hope Jack Collison’s 2011 is markedly better than his 2010. Jack has spent the season so far recovering from a knee problem but he is back in full training and should return to West Ham United’s squad at any moment.
Wigan Athletic
Wigan sent Jason Koumas out on loan to Cardiff City and despite their troubles, they don’t seem to want him back. Let’s hope he can get Cardiff promoted come the end of the season and maybe then he’ll get to score against the team who didn’t want him. But maybe he won’t. Maybe Wigan won’t be in the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wayne Hennessey finally regained his place as Wolverhampton Wanderers’ No. 1 and has played well, even keeping a couple of clean sheets. To say he has saved Wolves’ season would probably be a lie rather than an exaggeration but his performances can only help.
Wigan H 1-2 (played all)
Liverpool A 0-1 (played all)
West Ham A 2-0 (played all)
Chelsea H 1-0 (played all)
Dave Edwards returned from a hamstring injury and was probably not quite ready to play 90 minutes in every match. But he did play the full match against Chelsea – and look what happened.
Wigan H 1-2 (starts, off 54)
Liverpool A 0-1 (bench, on 89)
West Ham A 2-0 (bench, on 76)
Chelsea H 1-0 (played all)
David Jones has been unable to re-establish himself in Wolves’ team since recovering from a foot injury – but maybe he hasn’t completely recovered.
Wigan H 1-2 (bench)
Liverpool A 0-1 (bench)
West Ham A 2-0 (bench)
Chelsea H 1-0 (bench)
Sam Vokes returned to Wolves after a hugely disappointing loan spell at Bristol City. He lasted just thirteen minutes in his first game and never played for Bristol City again. Sam has seen a number of setbacks in an attempt to recover from a hamstring injury.
Ryan Giggs returned from a hamstring injury and after being careful with him for a few matches, Sir Alex Ferguson has started him regularly. The rumour is that Gary Speed wants Ryan either to play for Wales again or to become part of his coaching team.
Sunderland H 2-0 (starts, off 63)
Birmingham A 1-1 (Y dissent 91, played all)
West Brom A 1-2 (unselected, presumably rested)
Stoke H 2-1 (played all)
Owen Hargreaves’ injury nightmare continues. He got his hamstring injury at about the same time as Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen got theirs but while they are back in matchday squads again, Owen is wondering if this football business is really worth it. Owen’s situation is sadder than his decision not to play for Wales – a lot sadder - and I really hope his next comeback works out for him. He didn’t get to play over Christmas.
Michael Owen might have got the chance to play regularly when Wayne Rooney went tits up (and not just tits) but then he went and injured himself. But he’s not injury prone. He’s not. If you don’t believe me, ask Michael.
Michael has been linked with a move to Aston Villa, who are managed by Michael’s former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier but Houllier has claimed he is not keen. That’s what all the managers say.
Michael made his comeback from a hamstring injury in Manchester United’s win over Stoke.
Sunderland H 2-0 (out, hamstring)
Birmingham A 1-1 (out, hamstring)
West Brom A 1-2 (bench)
Stoke H 2-1 (bench, on 71)
Stoke City
Danny Collins is back in the Wales fold and he’s also doing well for Stoke – so far Tony Pulis’ admittedly few attempts to leave him on the bench have come to nothing.
Danny remains a regular fixture in Stoke’s defence.
Blackburn A 0-2 (played all)
Fulham H 0-2 (played all)
Everton H 2-0 (Y foul 12, played all)
Man Utd A 2-1 (played all)
Ryan Shawcross was probably quite relieved when he discovered that Aaron Ramsey was on loan at Nottingham Forest and therefore wouldn’t be around when Stoke City visited the Emirates. But that match was postponed and the two young players could be facing off against each other again. I kind of think the best thing is for them to get the match out of the way as soon as possible so people like me can stop talking about it.
Blackburn A 0-2 (Y foul 44, played all)
Fulham H 0-2 (played all)
Everton H 2-0 (played all)
Man Utd A 2-1 (played all)
Tottenham Hotspur
Gareth Bale has been linked to almost every big club in the world which is hardly surprising as he has got rather good all of a sudden. Two years ago he wasn’t always getting into Tottenham’s matchday squad. One year ago, Tottenham fans watched nervously as the jinx was forced to take to the field. This year, who could think of leaving Gareth out of the team? I can only echo Theo Walcott’s view: he should have come to Arsenal.
Gareth scored all (both) Tottenham’s goals in their wins over Newcastle and Fulham but he worryingly limped out of their defeat to Everton after aggravating a back injury he’d picked up in the first half.
Villa A 1-2 (played all)
Newcastle H 1-0 (G2 81, played all))
Fulham H 1-0 (G1 42, played all)
Everton A 2-1 (starts, off 58 back)
West Bromwich Albion
Boaz Myhill has been sitting on the bench for West Bromwich Albion, who have developed an annoying habit of being too far up the table to warrant a change of goalkeeper.
Bolton A 1-0 (bench)
Blackburn H 1-3 (bench)
Man Utd H 1-2 (bench)
Fulham A 3-0 (bench)
West Ham United
I don’t want to jinx Danny Gabbidon but it’s been great seeing him have such a long run in the team after a good three years of injury troubles. Admittedly, he’s not exactly part of the strongest defence in the league and he is human, there has been the odd moment when his play hasn’t been completely perfect but he’s playing. And he’s playing well.
Blackburn A 1-1 (played all)
Fulham A 1-3 (played all)
Everton H 1-1 (rested)
Wolves H 2-0 (played all)
Newcastle A 5-0 (played all)
I hope Jack Collison’s 2011 is markedly better than his 2010. Jack has spent the season so far recovering from a knee problem but he is back in full training and should return to West Ham United’s squad at any moment.
Wigan Athletic
Wigan sent Jason Koumas out on loan to Cardiff City and despite their troubles, they don’t seem to want him back. Let’s hope he can get Cardiff promoted come the end of the season and maybe then he’ll get to score against the team who didn’t want him. But maybe he won’t. Maybe Wigan won’t be in the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wayne Hennessey finally regained his place as Wolverhampton Wanderers’ No. 1 and has played well, even keeping a couple of clean sheets. To say he has saved Wolves’ season would probably be a lie rather than an exaggeration but his performances can only help.
Wigan H 1-2 (played all)
Liverpool A 0-1 (played all)
West Ham A 2-0 (played all)
Chelsea H 1-0 (played all)
Dave Edwards returned from a hamstring injury and was probably not quite ready to play 90 minutes in every match. But he did play the full match against Chelsea – and look what happened.
Wigan H 1-2 (starts, off 54)
Liverpool A 0-1 (bench, on 89)
West Ham A 2-0 (bench, on 76)
Chelsea H 1-0 (played all)
David Jones has been unable to re-establish himself in Wolves’ team since recovering from a foot injury – but maybe he hasn’t completely recovered.
Wigan H 1-2 (bench)
Liverpool A 0-1 (bench)
West Ham A 2-0 (bench)
Chelsea H 1-0 (bench)
Sam Vokes returned to Wolves after a hugely disappointing loan spell at Bristol City. He lasted just thirteen minutes in his first game and never played for Bristol City again. Sam has seen a number of setbacks in an attempt to recover from a hamstring injury.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Premier League Results 11th December 2010
Aston Villa 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa’s run of five straight defeats came to an end when they won the derby match with West Bromwich Albion.
James Collins played for Villa despite daring to go out for a meal with his wife in the vicinity of a nightclub the night before a game. He nearly scored (during the match, I mean, not at the nightclub) and finished the game with a match-saving block.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom and missed the chance to play against a former club.
Fulham 0-0 Sunderland
Both teams have drawn more than their fair share of matches this season so this result was no surprise at all. Fulham remain outside the bottom three on goal difference and have equalled the record for the biggest number of draws in the opening seventeen games. This was their tenth draw. I won’t say how many matches Mark Hughes has won from his last twenty-six because I’m supposed to be nice to Welshmen.
Simon Davies played the full match for Fulham. He might have got an assist if the referee hadn’t been paying attention.
Stoke City 0-1 Blackpool
Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway are good friends and Tony’s son Anthony Pulis, now at Stockport County on loan from Southampton, is apparently Ian Holloway’s godson. Which practically makes Ian Welsh if you’re me. But if Tony had had another child after this match, maybe he would have chosen a different godparent.
Stoke are formidable at home and they were on a five-match unbeaten run but Blackpool fear nobody and they do have the third-best away record in the League, after Arsenal and Manchester City. The win puts them into the top half of the table. They haven’t done enough to stop them from going down (not even Manchester United have done that) but at least they’ve managed to shut up most of the people who are saying they’ll go straight back down again.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played in defence for Stoke. Danny says he can’t blame the fans for jeering.
Neal Eardley nearly scored on his 150th league appearance and also made a great block to deny Stoke a certain goal but this was unfortunately credited to a team-mate.
David Vaughan also had a good game – 91% of his passes were successful. Rob Edwards was on the bench. It’s nice to see the Blackpool players being so complimentary about two of my favourite Blackpool players.
West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City
West Ham must be so disappointed. If only their former player Carlos Tevez had decided to leave forty-eight hours earlier. It would have thrown the club into disarray and maybe West Ham could have got a point or three.
Danny Gabbidon didn’t play for West Ham due to injury. Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are both said to be interested in bringing Danny to the Midlands.
Aston Villa’s run of five straight defeats came to an end when they won the derby match with West Bromwich Albion.
James Collins played for Villa despite daring to go out for a meal with his wife in the vicinity of a nightclub the night before a game. He nearly scored (during the match, I mean, not at the nightclub) and finished the game with a match-saving block.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom and missed the chance to play against a former club.
Fulham 0-0 Sunderland
Both teams have drawn more than their fair share of matches this season so this result was no surprise at all. Fulham remain outside the bottom three on goal difference and have equalled the record for the biggest number of draws in the opening seventeen games. This was their tenth draw. I won’t say how many matches Mark Hughes has won from his last twenty-six because I’m supposed to be nice to Welshmen.
Simon Davies played the full match for Fulham. He might have got an assist if the referee hadn’t been paying attention.
Stoke City 0-1 Blackpool
Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway are good friends and Tony’s son Anthony Pulis, now at Stockport County on loan from Southampton, is apparently Ian Holloway’s godson. Which practically makes Ian Welsh if you’re me. But if Tony had had another child after this match, maybe he would have chosen a different godparent.
Stoke are formidable at home and they were on a five-match unbeaten run but Blackpool fear nobody and they do have the third-best away record in the League, after Arsenal and Manchester City. The win puts them into the top half of the table. They haven’t done enough to stop them from going down (not even Manchester United have done that) but at least they’ve managed to shut up most of the people who are saying they’ll go straight back down again.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played in defence for Stoke. Danny says he can’t blame the fans for jeering.
Neal Eardley nearly scored on his 150th league appearance and also made a great block to deny Stoke a certain goal but this was unfortunately credited to a team-mate.
David Vaughan also had a good game – 91% of his passes were successful. Rob Edwards was on the bench. It’s nice to see the Blackpool players being so complimentary about two of my favourite Blackpool players.
West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City
West Ham must be so disappointed. If only their former player Carlos Tevez had decided to leave forty-eight hours earlier. It would have thrown the club into disarray and maybe West Ham could have got a point or three.
Danny Gabbidon didn’t play for West Ham due to injury. Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are both said to be interested in bringing Danny to the Midlands.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Premier League Results 5th December 2010
Sunderland 1-0 West Ham United
Isn’t it nice when records are kept intact? Sunderland’s unbeaten home record remains while West Ham are still without an away win this season.
Danny Gabbidon made sure Sunderland only won by one goal.
West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Newcastle United
I know losing to West Brom is a bit embarrassing. Arsenal have lost to them this season too. But sacking Chris Hughton is as crazy an idea as replacing him with the pundit who was the manager when they last got relegated. He’s done an amazing job and defeat to West Brom doesn’t change that.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Isn’t it nice when records are kept intact? Sunderland’s unbeaten home record remains while West Ham are still without an away win this season.
Danny Gabbidon made sure Sunderland only won by one goal.
West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Newcastle United
I know losing to West Brom is a bit embarrassing. Arsenal have lost to them this season too. But sacking Chris Hughton is as crazy an idea as replacing him with the pundit who was the manager when they last got relegated. He’s done an amazing job and defeat to West Brom doesn’t change that.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Premier League Fixtures 11th December 2010
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion
Villa have never lost to West Brom in the Premier League but the two midlands clubs meet with West Brom the side on form. Villa have only lost once at home this season and that was to Arsenal.
Gerard Houllier is said to be unhappy with Villa’s defending. James Collins is in trouble for going clubbing the night before a match, although he says it was just a meal with his wife, but Houllier says he won’t punish him.
One Welshman likely to be sitting on the bench though is West Brom’s Boaz Myhill.
Fulham v Sunderland
Fulham are only out of the bottom three on goal difference and really need a win. But one thing Fulham and Sunderland share is the fact that they’ve drawn at least as many games as they’ve won and lost put together. Managers Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce did better when they were on the same team.
Simon Davies should play for Fulham.
Stoke City v Blackpool
Blackpool have been training on the beach. It sounds nice… but then I remembered the temperature. Blackpool are unbeaten in three but Stoke are notoriously strong at the Britannia Stadium and are themselves unbeaten in five.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should both start for Stoke. And if anyone from Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid or Juventus happens to be reading, Ryan is not for sale. Okay?
Neal Eardley will be making his 150th league appearance if he plays some part in this match – I’d expect both him and David Vaughan to start with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David can expect a lot of support today from his fan club – of which Everon are apparently members.
West Ham United v Manchester City
The papers are full of rumours of Manchester City bust-ups but they are still fourth in the league and could be second after this match (or top if they win by seven goals). West Ham are unbeaten in five home games in all competitions.
Jack Collison is back in training for West Ham! He won’t be playing in this fixture and he probably still won’t play again in 2010. Maybe he’ll inspire West Ham to win. They have done quite well against teams from Manchester recently.
Danny Gabbidon should play for West Ham – which is also very exciting when you consider his own injury problems.
Villa have never lost to West Brom in the Premier League but the two midlands clubs meet with West Brom the side on form. Villa have only lost once at home this season and that was to Arsenal.
Gerard Houllier is said to be unhappy with Villa’s defending. James Collins is in trouble for going clubbing the night before a match, although he says it was just a meal with his wife, but Houllier says he won’t punish him.
One Welshman likely to be sitting on the bench though is West Brom’s Boaz Myhill.
Fulham v Sunderland
Fulham are only out of the bottom three on goal difference and really need a win. But one thing Fulham and Sunderland share is the fact that they’ve drawn at least as many games as they’ve won and lost put together. Managers Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce did better when they were on the same team.
Simon Davies should play for Fulham.
Stoke City v Blackpool
Blackpool have been training on the beach. It sounds nice… but then I remembered the temperature. Blackpool are unbeaten in three but Stoke are notoriously strong at the Britannia Stadium and are themselves unbeaten in five.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should both start for Stoke. And if anyone from Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid or Juventus happens to be reading, Ryan is not for sale. Okay?
Neal Eardley will be making his 150th league appearance if he plays some part in this match – I’d expect both him and David Vaughan to start with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David can expect a lot of support today from his fan club – of which Everon are apparently members.
West Ham United v Manchester City
The papers are full of rumours of Manchester City bust-ups but they are still fourth in the league and could be second after this match (or top if they win by seven goals). West Ham are unbeaten in five home games in all competitions.
Jack Collison is back in training for West Ham! He won’t be playing in this fixture and he probably still won’t play again in 2010. Maybe he’ll inspire West Ham to win. They have done quite well against teams from Manchester recently.
Danny Gabbidon should play for West Ham – which is also very exciting when you consider his own injury problems.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Premier Leagur Fixtures 5th December 2010
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United
The Premier League’s two automatically promoted teams have had some great moments this season but more recently they’ve been on a downward slide. Not that (to my knowledge) there’s any such thing as an upward slide. Newcastle haven’t lost to West Brom since 1984.
I would love to see Boaz Myhill start for West Brom again but he did just lose to Ipswich Town.
Sunderland v West Ham United
West Ham haven’t won many games this season but two of their wins came in their last two matches. However, Sunderland are unbeaten at home this season.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to make his 100th appearance for West Ham after sitting out their shock win over Manchester United with a knock. Jack Collison has a long-term knee injury.
The Premier League’s two automatically promoted teams have had some great moments this season but more recently they’ve been on a downward slide. Not that (to my knowledge) there’s any such thing as an upward slide. Newcastle haven’t lost to West Brom since 1984.
I would love to see Boaz Myhill start for West Brom again but he did just lose to Ipswich Town.
Sunderland v West Ham United
West Ham haven’t won many games this season but two of their wins came in their last two matches. However, Sunderland are unbeaten at home this season.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to make his 100th appearance for West Ham after sitting out their shock win over Manchester United with a knock. Jack Collison has a long-term knee injury.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Premier League Results 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal
This match was a lot more excrutiating than the result suggests. Arsenal won by two clear goals but it could easily have been won by one goal – and not necessarily by Arsenal. But they did get to the top of the table briefly and I’m just happy they’re still in a position where they can get to the top of the table.
James Collins played the full match for Villa and aggravated his calf which must have been, well, aggravating.
Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Blackpool
It looked as though Blackpool were about to pull off another shock when they went 2-0 ahead at Bolton. But Bolton aren’t in a Europa League place for nothing and two late goals gave them a share of the points.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Neal Eardley was in the right place to ensure Bolton didn’t get a winner. He and David Vaughan played the full match for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David is Ian Holloway’s dream man – if he is a man. Apparently he was manufactured which makes him sound more like a robot. Whatever he is, Holloway is going to offer him a new contract which he hopes will be enough to entice him to stay.
Everton 1-4 West Bromwich Albion
I thought Everton were getting over their usual early season slump but if you’re losing at home to West Brom (who aren’t on the best run themselves), you’ve really got a problem. Oh well, at least the Liverpool fans had something to be happy about for once.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Fulham 1-1 Birmingham City
Fulham used to be good at home but now it seems all they’re good at is drawing. In some ways, drawing a match is more of an achievement than winning it because if you win a match, you can score any number of goals and as long as it’s more than the opposition, you win. For a draw, you need to score exactly the same number of goals as the opposition. It’s probably not easy. But it still only gets you one point.
Simon Davies started for Fulham and took the corner that led to their equaliser.
This match was a lot more excrutiating than the result suggests. Arsenal won by two clear goals but it could easily have been won by one goal – and not necessarily by Arsenal. But they did get to the top of the table briefly and I’m just happy they’re still in a position where they can get to the top of the table.
James Collins played the full match for Villa and aggravated his calf which must have been, well, aggravating.
Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Blackpool
It looked as though Blackpool were about to pull off another shock when they went 2-0 ahead at Bolton. But Bolton aren’t in a Europa League place for nothing and two late goals gave them a share of the points.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Neal Eardley was in the right place to ensure Bolton didn’t get a winner. He and David Vaughan played the full match for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David is Ian Holloway’s dream man – if he is a man. Apparently he was manufactured which makes him sound more like a robot. Whatever he is, Holloway is going to offer him a new contract which he hopes will be enough to entice him to stay.
Everton 1-4 West Bromwich Albion
I thought Everton were getting over their usual early season slump but if you’re losing at home to West Brom (who aren’t on the best run themselves), you’ve really got a problem. Oh well, at least the Liverpool fans had something to be happy about for once.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Fulham 1-1 Birmingham City
Fulham used to be good at home but now it seems all they’re good at is drawing. In some ways, drawing a match is more of an achievement than winning it because if you win a match, you can score any number of goals and as long as it’s more than the opposition, you win. For a draw, you need to score exactly the same number of goals as the opposition. It’s probably not easy. But it still only gets you one point.
Simon Davies started for Fulham and took the corner that led to their equaliser.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Premier League Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back from two humiliating wins in their last two matches. Birmingham City did them a huge favour last weekend by beating Chelsea and while Arsenal spurned the chance to overtake them, at least it means Chelsea aren’t too far ahead. He’s not Welsh but former Arsenal star Robert Pires could start for Villa – who are unbeaten at home this season.
James Collins will return from a calf injury to play in defence for Aston Villa
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until January, a move which has been welcomed by Wales caretaker manager Brian Flynn.
Bolton Wanderers v Blackpool
Blackpool’s impressive start to the season has got everyone’s attention but meanwhile Bolton have been sneaking quietly up the table and they are currently in fifth place.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence – and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t, given how well he’s done. But it’s not all the defence – Sam believes Johan Elmander is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will probably start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench. Ian Holloway really wants David to remain at Blackpool but he doesn’t sound very hopeful.
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
West Brom’s six-match unbeaten run seems like a long time ago and they could be in the relegation zone on Saturday evening if results don’t go their way. But with Everton winning only three times this season (although they have only lost four in their last 25), maybe this is the time for West Brom to halt their slide down the table… and win their second away league match this season.
Boaz Myhill probably won’t start for West Brom.
Fulham v Birmingham City
Fulham are in trouble after losing to Manchester City in their last match. Now they must try to beat the team who’s just beaten the League Champions. Birmingham are however much weaker away from home – they’re yet to win away this season. The last time Birmingham beat Fulham at home, Robbie Savage scored. Even more incredibly, so did Emile Heskey.
Fulham are short of strikers as usual but they’ve been short of strikers for the last two years and that didn’t stop them from getting their highest finish ever and going all the way to the Europa League final. They do have a number of midfielders capable of scoring, including Simon Davies. Although if Roy Hodgson has his way, Simon might not be a Fulham player for very much longer.
Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back from two humiliating wins in their last two matches. Birmingham City did them a huge favour last weekend by beating Chelsea and while Arsenal spurned the chance to overtake them, at least it means Chelsea aren’t too far ahead. He’s not Welsh but former Arsenal star Robert Pires could start for Villa – who are unbeaten at home this season.
James Collins will return from a calf injury to play in defence for Aston Villa
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until January, a move which has been welcomed by Wales caretaker manager Brian Flynn.
Bolton Wanderers v Blackpool
Blackpool’s impressive start to the season has got everyone’s attention but meanwhile Bolton have been sneaking quietly up the table and they are currently in fifth place.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence – and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t, given how well he’s done. But it’s not all the defence – Sam believes Johan Elmander is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will probably start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench. Ian Holloway really wants David to remain at Blackpool but he doesn’t sound very hopeful.
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
West Brom’s six-match unbeaten run seems like a long time ago and they could be in the relegation zone on Saturday evening if results don’t go their way. But with Everton winning only three times this season (although they have only lost four in their last 25), maybe this is the time for West Brom to halt their slide down the table… and win their second away league match this season.
Boaz Myhill probably won’t start for West Brom.
Fulham v Birmingham City
Fulham are in trouble after losing to Manchester City in their last match. Now they must try to beat the team who’s just beaten the League Champions. Birmingham are however much weaker away from home – they’re yet to win away this season. The last time Birmingham beat Fulham at home, Robbie Savage scored. Even more incredibly, so did Emile Heskey.
Fulham are short of strikers as usual but they’ve been short of strikers for the last two years and that didn’t stop them from getting their highest finish ever and going all the way to the Europa League final. They do have a number of midfielders capable of scoring, including Simon Davies. Although if Roy Hodgson has his way, Simon might not be a Fulham player for very much longer.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Premier League Results 20th November 2010
Arsenal 3-2 Tottenhm Hotspur
Tottenham beat Arsenal away for the first time in the league since Gareth Bale was at nursery school.
Arsenal were deservedly leading 2-0 and Gareth was doing really well but Harry Redknapp took exception to the way he shook hands with Bacary Sagna and poor Gareth ended up scoring after all
That would have been fine but his team-mates got it into their heads that it would be okay if they scored too. Gareth says the comeback was special but I don’t blame him, Theo Walcott told everyone he was an Arsenal supporter last week so Gareth had to do something. But I’d have preferred 4-3 to Arsenal, I really would.
The only consolation is that Chelsea lost to Birmingham so they’re not too far ahead. And Arsene Wenger’s antics with the water bottle made me smile so well done to him, not many people can make me smile when Arsenal are losing. Unfortunately his job is to make me smile in different ways.
Blackpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
It was a great might in Blackpool, where you could have spent the afternoon watching the home team win again and the evening watchng the wonderful Ann Widdecombe dance. But it was Wolves who finished the night in the bottom two, five points adrift of safety and with their goal difference, they really need six points. Blackpool are halfway between the Champions’ League and the relegation places as they succeeded again in being just as entertaining as their manager.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan were both back in the starting line-up for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David Jones was back in Wolves’ starting line-up and could have scored from a free kick. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench. He was this week told he couldn’t go on loan in case something happened to Marcus Hahnemann. Well something happened to him today: goalkeeping errors.
Bolton Wanderers 5-1 Newcastle United
I’m not looking forward to Arsenal playing against Bolton. Newcastle scored a goal against Arsenal too but they didn’t let five in. Or even one. Bolton have most of the same players as last season but the difference is remarkable. But I hope Johan Elmander is appropriately grateful to Wales. If we hadn’t let you score, Johan, maybe you wouldn’t be banging them in now.
Sam Ricketts kept his place in Bolton’s starting line-up.
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United
West Ham are looking in serious trouble. If Liverpool can score three goals against you, you’ve got problems. West Ham did at least seem to tighten up at the back after three first-half goals from Liverpool – they kept a clean sheet in the second half but you can’t win games without scoring. That only works if the game’s over two legs and you won the other one.
Danny Gabbidon conceded a penalty for handball but it really looks like an accident.
Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Manchester United moved level on points with Chelsea after Wigan played fairly well but lost two players to red cards. Match of the Day claimed the reaction to Wayne Rooney was mixed. But it’s hard to tell if anyone likes you when you’ve just come on with Paul Scholes in a double substitution. He’s not back to his best and it was up to Man Utd’s new star striker and the left back who never scores to win the game for Man Utd.
Ryan Giggs was sufficiently recovered from a hamstring injury to sit on the bench for Manchester United. Ryan is expected to have his contract extended by another year in the near future.
West Bromwich Albion 0-3 Stoke City
After a bright start, West Brom are sliding back down towards the bottom of the table after losing 3-0 to a team who never win away. From being the team in the league with the worst run of form, Stoke must now be the best., just three points behind the Champions’ League places. It is the first time Stoke have won three consecutive games in the Premier League – the last time they did it in the top division was seventeen seasons ago.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played well in defence for Stoke. Ryan’s manager Tony Pulis and team-mates Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington say Fabio Capello made a mistake in leaving Ryan out of the England squad.
Tottenham beat Arsenal away for the first time in the league since Gareth Bale was at nursery school.
Arsenal were deservedly leading 2-0 and Gareth was doing really well but Harry Redknapp took exception to the way he shook hands with Bacary Sagna and poor Gareth ended up scoring after all
That would have been fine but his team-mates got it into their heads that it would be okay if they scored too. Gareth says the comeback was special but I don’t blame him, Theo Walcott told everyone he was an Arsenal supporter last week so Gareth had to do something. But I’d have preferred 4-3 to Arsenal, I really would.
The only consolation is that Chelsea lost to Birmingham so they’re not too far ahead. And Arsene Wenger’s antics with the water bottle made me smile so well done to him, not many people can make me smile when Arsenal are losing. Unfortunately his job is to make me smile in different ways.
Blackpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
It was a great might in Blackpool, where you could have spent the afternoon watching the home team win again and the evening watchng the wonderful Ann Widdecombe dance. But it was Wolves who finished the night in the bottom two, five points adrift of safety and with their goal difference, they really need six points. Blackpool are halfway between the Champions’ League and the relegation places as they succeeded again in being just as entertaining as their manager.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan were both back in the starting line-up for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David Jones was back in Wolves’ starting line-up and could have scored from a free kick. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench. He was this week told he couldn’t go on loan in case something happened to Marcus Hahnemann. Well something happened to him today: goalkeeping errors.
Bolton Wanderers 5-1 Newcastle United
I’m not looking forward to Arsenal playing against Bolton. Newcastle scored a goal against Arsenal too but they didn’t let five in. Or even one. Bolton have most of the same players as last season but the difference is remarkable. But I hope Johan Elmander is appropriately grateful to Wales. If we hadn’t let you score, Johan, maybe you wouldn’t be banging them in now.
Sam Ricketts kept his place in Bolton’s starting line-up.
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United
West Ham are looking in serious trouble. If Liverpool can score three goals against you, you’ve got problems. West Ham did at least seem to tighten up at the back after three first-half goals from Liverpool – they kept a clean sheet in the second half but you can’t win games without scoring. That only works if the game’s over two legs and you won the other one.
Danny Gabbidon conceded a penalty for handball but it really looks like an accident.
Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Manchester United moved level on points with Chelsea after Wigan played fairly well but lost two players to red cards. Match of the Day claimed the reaction to Wayne Rooney was mixed. But it’s hard to tell if anyone likes you when you’ve just come on with Paul Scholes in a double substitution. He’s not back to his best and it was up to Man Utd’s new star striker and the left back who never scores to win the game for Man Utd.
Ryan Giggs was sufficiently recovered from a hamstring injury to sit on the bench for Manchester United. Ryan is expected to have his contract extended by another year in the near future.
West Bromwich Albion 0-3 Stoke City
After a bright start, West Brom are sliding back down towards the bottom of the table after losing 3-0 to a team who never win away. From being the team in the league with the worst run of form, Stoke must now be the best., just three points behind the Champions’ League places. It is the first time Stoke have won three consecutive games in the Premier League – the last time they did it in the top division was seventeen seasons ago.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played well in defence for Stoke. Ryan’s manager Tony Pulis and team-mates Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington say Fabio Capello made a mistake in leaving Ryan out of the England squad.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Premier League Fixtures/News 20th November 2010
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
A win could take Arsenal up to where they should be – the top of the table – but perhaps only until the end of Chelsea’s match against Birmingham City. Right back Bacary Sagna has the task of keeping Gareth Bale quiet. All his team-mates say he’s quiet but the opposition tends not to agree.
Gareth will be up against former Southampton room-mate Theo Walcott but not Wales team-mate Aaron Ramsey, who recently played for Arsenal’s reserves. If Gareth wants to score a hat-trick against Arsenal that’s fine but you know the rules, Gareth. Wait until you’re 4-0 down.
Blackpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
It will be a dangerous night for the town of Blackpool, who will be visited firstly by some Wolves and then by Ann Widdecombe. The only thing you can be sure of is that Blackpool will have a good go. And Wolves will have a good go. And Ann Widdecombe will have a good go too. Whatever the result, I’m sure the people of Blackpool will be laughing tonight. And that’s just those who hear what the managers have to say.
Blackpool have only won once at home this season – but that’s still one more than Wolves have won away.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will hope to keep their places in Blackpool’s starting line-up but Blackpool have competition in every position, as players including Rob Edwards showed when the first-choice players were rested against Aston Villa. Neal says he is making no predictions on where Blackpool will finish their first Premier League season.
Wolves' Dave Edwards is doubtful due to an ankle injury so David Jones will hope to keep his place in the squad although he’s most likely to be on the bench with Wayne Hennessey. Wayne really wants to go out on loan but Mick McCarthy says no. The meanie.
Bolton Wanderers v Newcastle United
Bolton striker Kevin Davies wasn’t in the England squad this week and it’s all Newcastle striker Andy Carroll’s fault. Which big tough striker will win this battle? I wonder if Kevin Davies is as Welsh as his surname. Imagine him and Craig Bellamy playing up front for Wales. Provided they don’t kill each other, it would be a great partnership.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence but the guy he replaced is back from suspension and about to make his 100th appearance so I bet Owen Coyle will do the soppy thing and put Sam back on the bench.
Liverpool v West Ham United
The chairmen of Liverpool and West Ham have said this week that they have confidence in managers Roy Hodgson and Avram Grant. But they didn’t say how much confidence and I’m guessing this confidence is something that could disappear quite suddenly following this match. West Ham are still looking for their first away win of the season.
Danny Gabbidon will play in defence for West Ham but Jack Collison is still a way away from his return from a knee injury.
Manchester United v Wigan Athletic
Wigan have never won away at a Big Four club although they probably have really considering Liverpool aren’t really one of those anymore. Manchester United are the only team in the country to be unbeaten in all competitions (though that’s probably not completely true).
If you play for Manchester United and you have a Welsh connection I don’t know about, watch out for your hamstrings. Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen didn’t although Ryan could return for this match.
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
West Brom have loads of injuries but Stoke aren’t known for their away wins and have only managed one this season.
Roberto di Matteo has said he might change his starting line-up so he can play ‘big’ players against Stoke. First-choice goalkeeper Scott Carson is six feet tall. Boaz Myhill is six feet three. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Probably not.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross will play in defence for Stoke.
Ryan wants Stoke to be more consistent. I bet he wouldn’t have said that if they hadn’t beat Liverpool, they were perfectly consistent up until then. Then they went and spoiled it. Poor Ryan.
A win could take Arsenal up to where they should be – the top of the table – but perhaps only until the end of Chelsea’s match against Birmingham City. Right back Bacary Sagna has the task of keeping Gareth Bale quiet. All his team-mates say he’s quiet but the opposition tends not to agree.
Gareth will be up against former Southampton room-mate Theo Walcott but not Wales team-mate Aaron Ramsey, who recently played for Arsenal’s reserves. If Gareth wants to score a hat-trick against Arsenal that’s fine but you know the rules, Gareth. Wait until you’re 4-0 down.
Blackpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
It will be a dangerous night for the town of Blackpool, who will be visited firstly by some Wolves and then by Ann Widdecombe. The only thing you can be sure of is that Blackpool will have a good go. And Wolves will have a good go. And Ann Widdecombe will have a good go too. Whatever the result, I’m sure the people of Blackpool will be laughing tonight. And that’s just those who hear what the managers have to say.
Blackpool have only won once at home this season – but that’s still one more than Wolves have won away.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will hope to keep their places in Blackpool’s starting line-up but Blackpool have competition in every position, as players including Rob Edwards showed when the first-choice players were rested against Aston Villa. Neal says he is making no predictions on where Blackpool will finish their first Premier League season.
Wolves' Dave Edwards is doubtful due to an ankle injury so David Jones will hope to keep his place in the squad although he’s most likely to be on the bench with Wayne Hennessey. Wayne really wants to go out on loan but Mick McCarthy says no. The meanie.
Bolton Wanderers v Newcastle United
Bolton striker Kevin Davies wasn’t in the England squad this week and it’s all Newcastle striker Andy Carroll’s fault. Which big tough striker will win this battle? I wonder if Kevin Davies is as Welsh as his surname. Imagine him and Craig Bellamy playing up front for Wales. Provided they don’t kill each other, it would be a great partnership.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence but the guy he replaced is back from suspension and about to make his 100th appearance so I bet Owen Coyle will do the soppy thing and put Sam back on the bench.
Liverpool v West Ham United
The chairmen of Liverpool and West Ham have said this week that they have confidence in managers Roy Hodgson and Avram Grant. But they didn’t say how much confidence and I’m guessing this confidence is something that could disappear quite suddenly following this match. West Ham are still looking for their first away win of the season.
Danny Gabbidon will play in defence for West Ham but Jack Collison is still a way away from his return from a knee injury.
Manchester United v Wigan Athletic
Wigan have never won away at a Big Four club although they probably have really considering Liverpool aren’t really one of those anymore. Manchester United are the only team in the country to be unbeaten in all competitions (though that’s probably not completely true).
If you play for Manchester United and you have a Welsh connection I don’t know about, watch out for your hamstrings. Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen didn’t although Ryan could return for this match.
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
West Brom have loads of injuries but Stoke aren’t known for their away wins and have only managed one this season.
Roberto di Matteo has said he might change his starting line-up so he can play ‘big’ players against Stoke. First-choice goalkeeper Scott Carson is six feet tall. Boaz Myhill is six feet three. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Probably not.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross will play in defence for Stoke.
Ryan wants Stoke to be more consistent. I bet he wouldn’t have said that if they hadn’t beat Liverpool, they were perfectly consistent up until then. Then they went and spoiled it. Poor Ryan.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Premier League Results 13th November 2010 (Part 2)
West Ham United 0-0 Blackpool
I didn’t look at many prediction sites but they all predicted an away win and that just shows you how impressive Blackpool have been. Before the start of the season, would you have predicted an away win? But with West Ham struggling and Blackpool not caring whether they’re playing Manchester United or FC United of Manchester (though on current form, the latter look more of a threat), an away win looked very possible and the only mystery is how it didn’t happen – although if West Ham had been awarded a penalty in the first half, things could have been very different.
Danny Gabbidon played in defence for West Ham and nearly scored.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan, who scored against Aston Villa, came pretty close to repeating the feat against West Ham. Rob Edwards was on the bench for once.
Ian Holloway will offer David a new contract in the next fortnight – but if he won’t sign it, he’ll be moving clubs in January. David – just sign it.
Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Wigan are a point above the relegation zone after getting three against West Brom. After flirting with the Champions’ League places, the Baggies seem to be heading for the place where everyone expected to see them. This match saw Wigan substitute an injured player for his brother – I wonder how many times that has happened.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom. But maybe not for much longer if they keep going like this.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 Bolton Wanderers
Wolves played well again but were left with nothing – a situation with which, as an Arsenal supporter, I can sympathise - as Bolton claimed three points with three goals. Bolton were 3-0 up but only for two minutes, with Wolves taking the opportunity to give Bolton a scare.
David Jones came back into Wolves’ squad, joining Wayne Hennessey on the bench. Dave Edwards was out with a thigh injury.
Sam Ricketts was in Bolton’s starting line-up and it was his sliding challenge that prevented Wolves from equalising shortly after Bolton’s first goal.
I didn’t look at many prediction sites but they all predicted an away win and that just shows you how impressive Blackpool have been. Before the start of the season, would you have predicted an away win? But with West Ham struggling and Blackpool not caring whether they’re playing Manchester United or FC United of Manchester (though on current form, the latter look more of a threat), an away win looked very possible and the only mystery is how it didn’t happen – although if West Ham had been awarded a penalty in the first half, things could have been very different.
Danny Gabbidon played in defence for West Ham and nearly scored.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan, who scored against Aston Villa, came pretty close to repeating the feat against West Ham. Rob Edwards was on the bench for once.
Ian Holloway will offer David a new contract in the next fortnight – but if he won’t sign it, he’ll be moving clubs in January. David – just sign it.
Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Wigan are a point above the relegation zone after getting three against West Brom. After flirting with the Champions’ League places, the Baggies seem to be heading for the place where everyone expected to see them. This match saw Wigan substitute an injured player for his brother – I wonder how many times that has happened.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom. But maybe not for much longer if they keep going like this.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 Bolton Wanderers
Wolves played well again but were left with nothing – a situation with which, as an Arsenal supporter, I can sympathise - as Bolton claimed three points with three goals. Bolton were 3-0 up but only for two minutes, with Wolves taking the opportunity to give Bolton a scare.
David Jones came back into Wolves’ squad, joining Wayne Hennessey on the bench. Dave Edwards was out with a thigh injury.
Sam Ricketts was in Bolton’s starting line-up and it was his sliding challenge that prevented Wolves from equalising shortly after Bolton’s first goal.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Premier League Fixtures 13th November 2010 (Part 2)
West Ham United v Blackpool
West Ham are gradually improving. They aren’t off the bottom of the table (although they could be if they draw this match) and they have only won one match but their performances have improved. Now they face Blackpool, who gave Aston Villa a big scare even with their second-string side. But if you play your second team against Villa, wouldn’t you play your youth team against West Ham? Don’t do it, Ian Holloway.
Danny Gabbidon should start for West Ham again. Jack Collison is out with a long-term knee injury.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will hope to be back in Blackpool’s starting line-up after being rested (so what was all that about?) against Aston Villa. Rob Edwards could drop to the bench or out of the squad. David is hoping he’ll be offered a new contract by Blackpool soon.
Wigan Athletic v West Bromwich Albion
The Premier League’s youngest managers, two of three Premier League managers with the first name Roberto, face off in a match many predicted would be a relegation decider. I still think both teams will be in the relegation battle but there could be six or seven teams in it and only three will go down.
Boaz Myhill will probably be on the bench for West Brom.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bolton Wanderers
Both Wolves’ wins have come at home this season so the good news for them is that they’re at home again. Bolton have only won once away this season – but they’ve also only lost one. This could be seen as good news or bad news, it depends what kind of mood you’re in really.
Dave Edwards injured a thigh muscle against Arsenal and is a doubt. Wayne Hennessey should be on the bench but I think Mick McCarthy has forgotten about David Jones. First-choice goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann is considering returning to the USA at the end of the season so hopefully Wayne will get his chance then, if he doesn’t outst Hahnemann before then.
Sam Ricketts has a very good chance of starting for Bolton as the regular right back is injured and suspended.
West Ham are gradually improving. They aren’t off the bottom of the table (although they could be if they draw this match) and they have only won one match but their performances have improved. Now they face Blackpool, who gave Aston Villa a big scare even with their second-string side. But if you play your second team against Villa, wouldn’t you play your youth team against West Ham? Don’t do it, Ian Holloway.
Danny Gabbidon should start for West Ham again. Jack Collison is out with a long-term knee injury.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will hope to be back in Blackpool’s starting line-up after being rested (so what was all that about?) against Aston Villa. Rob Edwards could drop to the bench or out of the squad. David is hoping he’ll be offered a new contract by Blackpool soon.
Wigan Athletic v West Bromwich Albion
The Premier League’s youngest managers, two of three Premier League managers with the first name Roberto, face off in a match many predicted would be a relegation decider. I still think both teams will be in the relegation battle but there could be six or seven teams in it and only three will go down.
Boaz Myhill will probably be on the bench for West Brom.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bolton Wanderers
Both Wolves’ wins have come at home this season so the good news for them is that they’re at home again. Bolton have only won once away this season – but they’ve also only lost one. This could be seen as good news or bad news, it depends what kind of mood you’re in really.
Dave Edwards injured a thigh muscle against Arsenal and is a doubt. Wayne Hennessey should be on the bench but I think Mick McCarthy has forgotten about David Jones. First-choice goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann is considering returning to the USA at the end of the season so hopefully Wayne will get his chance then, if he doesn’t outst Hahnemann before then.
Sam Ricketts has a very good chance of starting for Bolton as the regular right back is injured and suspended.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Carling Cup Results 26th October 2010
Ipswich Town 3-1 Northampton Town
Ipswich would be forgiven for feeling slightly worried about Northampton after what they did to Liverpool. And it was Northampton who took the lead. Although Ipswich did manage to bring the score back to 2-1 by half-time, there was still a chance Northampton would score an equaliser… and Northampton only beat Liverpool on penalties. Luckily for Ipswich, the winner came finally (in the 88th minute, after 44 minutes of stress), Ipswich were back to winning ways and Northampton were able to turn their attention back to winning games in League Two, which might be a lot less romantic than giant-killings but it probably is more important.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Paul Parry was on the bench for Northampton.
Leicester City 1-4 West Bromwich Albion
The score makes it look worse than it actually was although Leicester’s only goal wasn’t scored by one of their own players but by a West Brom half-time substitute. Leicester were on equal terms for nine minutes and remained in the game, at 2-1, for some seventeen minutes after that. (It might not seem like much but nine minutes can seem like forever in football.)
Andy King played the first 57 minutes for Leicester, at which point he was replaced by last year’s top scorer.
Boaz Myhill got a rare start in goal for West Brom and can’t really be blamed if his team-mates suddenly decided to start scoring against him. It would have been the last thing he was expecting.
Manchester United 3-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves came so close to taking this match to extra time, with the club joint-bottom In the Premier League table taking on the club in joint-second at Old Trafford. True, Manchester United made eleven changes but that included Bébé and substitute Javier Hernandez, both of whom scored. A weakend side? I’m not sure.
Wolves were fined for making eleven changes in a Cup match last season so they compromised by making only seven changes. Perhaps with a full-strength team, Wolves could have won it but the players who haven’t been starting can sometimes be all the hungrier, and we all know what hungry wolves are like. And what is full-strength anyway? Your eleven best players and the eleven players with the biggest chance of beating Manchester United won’t always be the same team. West Brom were unlucky in that Man Utd were far from weakened in the striking department. I wonder if this Bébé has any Welsh blood.
Wayne Hennessey started for Wolves and acquitted himself well although he was unfortunately in the wrong place when the winning goal deflected in off his body. David Jones got ninety minutes and was one of the four players who started at the weekend but Dave Edwards was dropped to the bench.
Wigan Athletic 2-0 Swansea City
Roberto Martinez returned to Swansea City – but as the manager of their opponents, Wigan. It’s fair to say the Swansea fans were very aware of his presence and let him know of it in a less than friendly manner. Swansea could have taken the lead after 9 minutes but their goal was ruled out for offside (wrongly I think but it’s hard to be 100% sure, even with the benefit of a pause button) and it was Wigan who took the lead some forty minutes later. Wigan didn’t make sure of the win until the third minute of stoppage time, and even then it came from the penalty spot.
David Cotterill was restored to Swansea’s starting line-up and Joe Allen was an unused substitute but a number of players were rested, including Neil Taylor and loads of others I haven’t noticed because of my Cardiff roots. Ashley Williams wasn’t rested except probably in the literal sense as he had concussion.
Ipswich would be forgiven for feeling slightly worried about Northampton after what they did to Liverpool. And it was Northampton who took the lead. Although Ipswich did manage to bring the score back to 2-1 by half-time, there was still a chance Northampton would score an equaliser… and Northampton only beat Liverpool on penalties. Luckily for Ipswich, the winner came finally (in the 88th minute, after 44 minutes of stress), Ipswich were back to winning ways and Northampton were able to turn their attention back to winning games in League Two, which might be a lot less romantic than giant-killings but it probably is more important.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Paul Parry was on the bench for Northampton.
Leicester City 1-4 West Bromwich Albion
The score makes it look worse than it actually was although Leicester’s only goal wasn’t scored by one of their own players but by a West Brom half-time substitute. Leicester were on equal terms for nine minutes and remained in the game, at 2-1, for some seventeen minutes after that. (It might not seem like much but nine minutes can seem like forever in football.)
Andy King played the first 57 minutes for Leicester, at which point he was replaced by last year’s top scorer.
Boaz Myhill got a rare start in goal for West Brom and can’t really be blamed if his team-mates suddenly decided to start scoring against him. It would have been the last thing he was expecting.
Manchester United 3-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves came so close to taking this match to extra time, with the club joint-bottom In the Premier League table taking on the club in joint-second at Old Trafford. True, Manchester United made eleven changes but that included Bébé and substitute Javier Hernandez, both of whom scored. A weakend side? I’m not sure.
Wolves were fined for making eleven changes in a Cup match last season so they compromised by making only seven changes. Perhaps with a full-strength team, Wolves could have won it but the players who haven’t been starting can sometimes be all the hungrier, and we all know what hungry wolves are like. And what is full-strength anyway? Your eleven best players and the eleven players with the biggest chance of beating Manchester United won’t always be the same team. West Brom were unlucky in that Man Utd were far from weakened in the striking department. I wonder if this Bébé has any Welsh blood.
Wayne Hennessey started for Wolves and acquitted himself well although he was unfortunately in the wrong place when the winning goal deflected in off his body. David Jones got ninety minutes and was one of the four players who started at the weekend but Dave Edwards was dropped to the bench.
Wigan Athletic 2-0 Swansea City
Roberto Martinez returned to Swansea City – but as the manager of their opponents, Wigan. It’s fair to say the Swansea fans were very aware of his presence and let him know of it in a less than friendly manner. Swansea could have taken the lead after 9 minutes but their goal was ruled out for offside (wrongly I think but it’s hard to be 100% sure, even with the benefit of a pause button) and it was Wigan who took the lead some forty minutes later. Wigan didn’t make sure of the win until the third minute of stoppage time, and even then it came from the penalty spot.
David Cotterill was restored to Swansea’s starting line-up and Joe Allen was an unused substitute but a number of players were rested, including Neil Taylor and loads of others I haven’t noticed because of my Cardiff roots. Ashley Williams wasn’t rested except probably in the literal sense as he had concussion.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Welsh Player News 28th October 2010 (Part 1)
Aaron Ramsey is expected to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly in early November and could be a substitute for the first team by December but he’s unlikely to start until January. (link includes picture of Aaron’s injury)
James Collins believes Aston Villa are a match for any Premier League side. He’s also happy to see some of last year’s fringe players playing a part this season.
Blackpool are understandably keen to extend David Vaughan’s contract but Ian Holloway thinks the club could lose him next summer.
Simon Davies doesn’t want Mark Schwarzer to leave Fulham for Arsenal. But either way, they might not be playing in the same team many more times. Simon is expecting to become a bit-part player for Fulham over the next couple of seasons before retiring in 2013. But ideally, he’ll score in another Europa League final first.
Shocking news from Old Trafford. Ryan Giggs is mortal. Apparently.
Michael Owen could retire from football if Manchester United let him go at the end of the season. He’s not interested in playing for any other teams and he’s happy Wayne Rooney is staying, even though he’s just one striker blocking his route to the first team. Michael is certainly not expected to play for the next few weeks as he has a hamstring injury. Three goals in six appearances isn’t bad though. I bet lots of strikers would love to score three goals in six games.
Sir Alex Ferguson says he made a big mistake letting Ryan Shawcross leave Manchester United. He would have played if he’d stayed. Ryan just wants to play for England. Shame.
Gareth Bale is set to be the richest Welsh player in history. He could also be by far the most expensive. All the top clubs want to buy him and his hat-trick can only encourage the other clubs to lure him away from my least favourite half of North London. And writer Michael Colvin believes Gareth will go.
For the moment, Gareth is happy where he is and Harry Redknapp says he’s not after Ashley Young because he’s got Gareth so he obviously doesn’t want to sell him.. They’re not that stupid. The Guardian describes Gareth as a talent to give British football hope. Or Welsh football maybe.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan and AC Milan all want to sign Gareth.
Phil Neville enjoyed getting the better of a very tired Gareth when Tottenham played Everton last weekend. It’s the most impressive thing he’s done for a long time. No, I actually think Phil Neville is the best English right back at the moment. He wouldn’t get into the Wales team though.
Boaz Myhill hasn’t had a lot of first-team action since joining West Bromwich Albion from Hull City – but you won’t catch him moaning about it. (I wish he hadn’t mentioned beating Arsenal though. But who can blame him, it’s not something that happens to many clubs.)
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Matt Murray feels Mick McCarthy did a good thing in making Marcus Hahnemann first choice keeper instead of Wayne Hennessey. And he might have a point.
James Collins believes Aston Villa are a match for any Premier League side. He’s also happy to see some of last year’s fringe players playing a part this season.
Blackpool are understandably keen to extend David Vaughan’s contract but Ian Holloway thinks the club could lose him next summer.
Simon Davies doesn’t want Mark Schwarzer to leave Fulham for Arsenal. But either way, they might not be playing in the same team many more times. Simon is expecting to become a bit-part player for Fulham over the next couple of seasons before retiring in 2013. But ideally, he’ll score in another Europa League final first.
Shocking news from Old Trafford. Ryan Giggs is mortal. Apparently.
Michael Owen could retire from football if Manchester United let him go at the end of the season. He’s not interested in playing for any other teams and he’s happy Wayne Rooney is staying, even though he’s just one striker blocking his route to the first team. Michael is certainly not expected to play for the next few weeks as he has a hamstring injury. Three goals in six appearances isn’t bad though. I bet lots of strikers would love to score three goals in six games.
Sir Alex Ferguson says he made a big mistake letting Ryan Shawcross leave Manchester United. He would have played if he’d stayed. Ryan just wants to play for England. Shame.
Gareth Bale is set to be the richest Welsh player in history. He could also be by far the most expensive. All the top clubs want to buy him and his hat-trick can only encourage the other clubs to lure him away from my least favourite half of North London. And writer Michael Colvin believes Gareth will go.
For the moment, Gareth is happy where he is and Harry Redknapp says he’s not after Ashley Young because he’s got Gareth so he obviously doesn’t want to sell him.. They’re not that stupid. The Guardian describes Gareth as a talent to give British football hope. Or Welsh football maybe.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan and AC Milan all want to sign Gareth.
Phil Neville enjoyed getting the better of a very tired Gareth when Tottenham played Everton last weekend. It’s the most impressive thing he’s done for a long time. No, I actually think Phil Neville is the best English right back at the moment. He wouldn’t get into the Wales team though.
Boaz Myhill hasn’t had a lot of first-team action since joining West Bromwich Albion from Hull City – but you won’t catch him moaning about it. (I wish he hadn’t mentioned beating Arsenal though. But who can blame him, it’s not something that happens to many clubs.)
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Matt Murray feels Mick McCarthy did a good thing in making Marcus Hahnemann first choice keeper instead of Wayne Hennessey. And he might have a point.
Premier League Results 23rd October 2010
Birmingham City 2-0 Blackpool
Neal Eardley played the full match as Blackpool lost 2-0 away at Birmingham. He also got a yellow card.
David Vaughan played the full match.
Chelsea 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves failed to get back to winning ways against Chelsea but what were the chances of that?
David Jones and Dave Edwards played the complete match for Wolves. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench.
Sunderland 1-0 Aston Villa
James Collins played the full match for Aston Villa.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Everton
Gareth Bale was understandably tired after his exertions in Milan but I understand he still collected the Man of the Match champagne. Any more of those and he’ll have to take up drinking.
West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Fulham
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Simon Davies didn’t feature for Fulham in this match.
West Ham United 1-2 Newcastle United
Danny Gabbidon played the full match for West Ham.
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Bolton Wanderers
Sam Ricketts was on the bench for Bolton.
Neal Eardley played the full match as Blackpool lost 2-0 away at Birmingham. He also got a yellow card.
David Vaughan played the full match.
Chelsea 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves failed to get back to winning ways against Chelsea but what were the chances of that?
David Jones and Dave Edwards played the complete match for Wolves. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench.
Sunderland 1-0 Aston Villa
James Collins played the full match for Aston Villa.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Everton
Gareth Bale was understandably tired after his exertions in Milan but I understand he still collected the Man of the Match champagne. Any more of those and he’ll have to take up drinking.
West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Fulham
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Simon Davies didn’t feature for Fulham in this match.
West Ham United 1-2 Newcastle United
Danny Gabbidon played the full match for West Ham.
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Bolton Wanderers
Sam Ricketts was on the bench for Bolton.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Premier League Results 16th October 2010 Part 2
Manchester United 2-2 West Bromwich Albion
I thought West Brom would go straight back down again this year but for now they’re looking like Champions’ League material. And why not? Bolton are an established Premier League side now, Birmingham look like they could be around for a while too so why not West Brom? It didn’t look likely when Man Utd went 2-0 up after 25 minutes but West Brom manager Roberto di Matteo had never lost at Old Trafford before this match and he wasn’t about to start now.
Ryan Giggs started for Man Utd for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury but he went of after 42 minutes when his hamstring started playing up again. He could be out for even longer this time. Michael Owen missed out with a calf injury. Or a groin injury.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 West Ham United
I find Mick McCarthy unlikeable and I really like Danny Murphy. But I have to say, McCarthy’s response to Murphy’s comments on Wolves’ playing style did make me smile. A lot. And I’d love to see McCarthy and Murphy on Match of the Day together. It could be interesting.
Dave Edwards and David Jones both started for Wolves and it was a move from David that led to Wolves’ goal. Both Davids came close to scoring. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench.
Danny Gabbidon kept his place in West Ham’s starting line-up.
I thought West Brom would go straight back down again this year but for now they’re looking like Champions’ League material. And why not? Bolton are an established Premier League side now, Birmingham look like they could be around for a while too so why not West Brom? It didn’t look likely when Man Utd went 2-0 up after 25 minutes but West Brom manager Roberto di Matteo had never lost at Old Trafford before this match and he wasn’t about to start now.
Ryan Giggs started for Man Utd for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury but he went of after 42 minutes when his hamstring started playing up again. He could be out for even longer this time. Michael Owen missed out with a calf injury. Or a groin injury.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 West Ham United
I find Mick McCarthy unlikeable and I really like Danny Murphy. But I have to say, McCarthy’s response to Murphy’s comments on Wolves’ playing style did make me smile. A lot. And I’d love to see McCarthy and Murphy on Match of the Day together. It could be interesting.
Dave Edwards and David Jones both started for Wolves and it was a move from David that led to Wolves’ goal. Both Davids came close to scoring. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench.
Danny Gabbidon kept his place in West Ham’s starting line-up.
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