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 gareth bale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gareth bale. Show all posts
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Premier League Fixtures 22nd January (Part 2)
Manchester United v Birmingham City
Birmingham travel to Old Trafford hoping to end Manchester United’s unbeaten run. Their league positions suggest this is unlikely. Manchester United have won 10 of their 11 home matches this season.
Ryan Giggs could start for Manchester United - and Alex Ferguson expects him to be still playing in the Premier League when he’s 40.
Michael Owen is only likely to be on the bench. Owen Hargreaves remains out with a hamstring injury but he is back in light training and there are vague rumours that he could be joining the even more Welsh Robbie Savage in Vancouver. However, Owen is expected to be left out of Manchester United’s Champions’ League squad for the knockout stages.
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham haven’t got any points at St James’ Park in the league since 2004. A win for Tottenham would put them back into the top four, at least until Chelsea play.
Gareth Bale is obviously going to start but he might play at left back as Benoit Assou-Ekotto is a doubt.
Gareth is one of the favourites to be named Player of the Year. But he’s got big competition from Samir Nasri. It’s Wales v Arsenal. Whatever happens, I’ll be happy.
If Teddy Sheringham could play with any current Tottenham player, he would play with Gareth Bale. That makes two of us.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool
Wolves haven’t lost to Liverpool at home for three decades but Liverpool are yet to win with Kenny Dalglish as manager. They’ve also only won one away game this season.
Wayne Hennessey should be back in goal for this relegation clash. David Jones will hope to keep his place in the starting line-up after scoring against Doncaster Rovers midweek and Sam Vokes, who came off the bench in that match, probably has a good chance of being on the bench. Dave Edwards has presumably recovered from his hamstring injury but he now has flu (possibly caught from his manager?) and isn’t expected to play.
Birmingham travel to Old Trafford hoping to end Manchester United’s unbeaten run. Their league positions suggest this is unlikely. Manchester United have won 10 of their 11 home matches this season.
Ryan Giggs could start for Manchester United - and Alex Ferguson expects him to be still playing in the Premier League when he’s 40.
Michael Owen is only likely to be on the bench. Owen Hargreaves remains out with a hamstring injury but he is back in light training and there are vague rumours that he could be joining the even more Welsh Robbie Savage in Vancouver. However, Owen is expected to be left out of Manchester United’s Champions’ League squad for the knockout stages.
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham haven’t got any points at St James’ Park in the league since 2004. A win for Tottenham would put them back into the top four, at least until Chelsea play.
Gareth Bale is obviously going to start but he might play at left back as Benoit Assou-Ekotto is a doubt.
Gareth is one of the favourites to be named Player of the Year. But he’s got big competition from Samir Nasri. It’s Wales v Arsenal. Whatever happens, I’ll be happy.
If Teddy Sheringham could play with any current Tottenham player, he would play with Gareth Bale. That makes two of us.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool
Wolves haven’t lost to Liverpool at home for three decades but Liverpool are yet to win with Kenny Dalglish as manager. They’ve also only won one away game this season.
Wayne Hennessey should be back in goal for this relegation clash. David Jones will hope to keep his place in the starting line-up after scoring against Doncaster Rovers midweek and Sam Vokes, who came off the bench in that match, probably has a good chance of being on the bench. Dave Edwards has presumably recovered from his hamstring injury but he now has flu (possibly caught from his manager?) and isn’t expected to play.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Wales National Team News 20th January 2011
Gary Speed will talk to Arsene Wenger this week concerning Aaron Ramsey’s availability for Wales’ match against the Republic of Ireland. But he won’t be giving us any hints of who might be in the squad. We’ll just have to wait and see… and have a good guess while we’re at it.
Gareth Bale will have the option of suing the Welsh FA if they won’t give him permission to play for the Great Britain team at the Olympics.
Craig Bellamy says there is a lot wrong with Welsh football – but at least he seems interested in putting it right.
The Welsh FA have launched a bid to host the UEFA 2013 Under-21s finals.
Gareth Bale will have the option of suing the Welsh FA if they won’t give him permission to play for the Great Britain team at the Olympics.
Craig Bellamy says there is a lot wrong with Welsh football – but at least he seems interested in putting it right.
The Welsh FA have launched a bid to host the UEFA 2013 Under-21s finals.
Premier League Results 16th January 2011
Birmingham City 1-1 Aston Villa
This was not the only Sunday derby it was also not the only one to end in a draw – in fact, the only team to win on Sunday were Barnet Ladies. Birmingham remain a point above Villa, who are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
James Collins was back in the starting line-up and showed Aston Villa just how stupid it would be to sell him when his 73rd-minute goal sealed a point for Villa. He also did his job at the other end of the pitch when Birmingham’s Arsenal rejects started causing trouble. James thinks Villa need to play every match as though it’s a derby.
James was one of a group of Aston Villa players who visited a Worcester hospice this week after their Christmas visit had to be cancelled due to the snow.
Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Manchester United
Typical. On one of the few occasions where there is a definite advantage in Tottenham’s winning, they go all rubbish again and can’t do it. Tottenham did at least restrict them to one point but they couldn’t do anything about Man Utd’s unbeaten run which is starting to look worrying. Man Utd did not play particularly well as usual and Tottenham weren’t bad but Man Utd just refused to lose.
Gareth Bale could have got a couple of assists for Tottenham. Team-mate Rafael van der Vaart believes Gareth is good enough to play in Spain. But he also says that Arsenal have no chance of beating Barcelona so he probably doesn’t know what he’s talking about really. Not that he's wrong about Gareth.
Ryan Giggs made his 600th appearance for Manchester United. Michael Owen was on the bench.
This was not the only Sunday derby it was also not the only one to end in a draw – in fact, the only team to win on Sunday were Barnet Ladies. Birmingham remain a point above Villa, who are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
James Collins was back in the starting line-up and showed Aston Villa just how stupid it would be to sell him when his 73rd-minute goal sealed a point for Villa. He also did his job at the other end of the pitch when Birmingham’s Arsenal rejects started causing trouble. James thinks Villa need to play every match as though it’s a derby.
James was one of a group of Aston Villa players who visited a Worcester hospice this week after their Christmas visit had to be cancelled due to the snow.
Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Manchester United
Typical. On one of the few occasions where there is a definite advantage in Tottenham’s winning, they go all rubbish again and can’t do it. Tottenham did at least restrict them to one point but they couldn’t do anything about Man Utd’s unbeaten run which is starting to look worrying. Man Utd did not play particularly well as usual and Tottenham weren’t bad but Man Utd just refused to lose.
Gareth Bale could have got a couple of assists for Tottenham. Team-mate Rafael van der Vaart believes Gareth is good enough to play in Spain. But he also says that Arsenal have no chance of beating Barcelona so he probably doesn’t know what he’s talking about really. Not that he's wrong about Gareth.
Ryan Giggs made his 600th appearance for Manchester United. Michael Owen was on the bench.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Welsh Player Transfer News and Rumours 13th January 2011
Blackpool would like to sign Aaron Ramsey on loan. And who can blame then for trying? They got into the Premier League, they did the double over Liverpool, they know all about making the impossible happen.
Manchester City would like to buy Gareth Bale in the summer, if Tottenham Hotspur are interested in selling him but I don’t think even Tottenham are that stupid.
Danny Gabbidon could be returning to Cardiff City after failing to agree a new contract with West Ham United.
Derby County manager Nigel Clough is hoping to sign Ben Davies from Notts County this month. He could replace Robbie Savage, who is interested in a move to Vancouver.
Joe Allen has been attracting interest from Premier League clubs but his agent says he will be staying at Swansea City and hopes to sign a new contract soon.
Jermaine Easter has left loan club Swansea City early after being recalled by parent club Milton Keynes Dons. Jermaine was interested in signing for Swansea permanently and Crystal Palace are also said to have shown an interest.
Rotherham United have said Mark Bradley can go out on loan after struggling to get into the matchday squad.
John Hartson could become the new manager of Newport County. Gary Speed thinks John would do a great job.
Manchester City would like to buy Gareth Bale in the summer, if Tottenham Hotspur are interested in selling him but I don’t think even Tottenham are that stupid.
Danny Gabbidon could be returning to Cardiff City after failing to agree a new contract with West Ham United.
Derby County manager Nigel Clough is hoping to sign Ben Davies from Notts County this month. He could replace Robbie Savage, who is interested in a move to Vancouver.
Joe Allen has been attracting interest from Premier League clubs but his agent says he will be staying at Swansea City and hopes to sign a new contract soon.
Jermaine Easter has left loan club Swansea City early after being recalled by parent club Milton Keynes Dons. Jermaine was interested in signing for Swansea permanently and Crystal Palace are also said to have shown an interest.
Rotherham United have said Mark Bradley can go out on loan after struggling to get into the matchday squad.
John Hartson could become the new manager of Newport County. Gary Speed thinks John would do a great job.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Transfer News and Gossip 12th January 2011
David Vaughan says Ian Holloway is the best manager he’s ever worked for, thus getting everyone’s hopes up that he might sign a new contract and stay at Blackpool after all.
Liverpool are interested in Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross.
Harry Redknapp says we shouldn’t pay any attention to all the gossip about Gareth Bale. Presumably including the gossip from Roberto Mancini.
Derby County captain Robbie Savage will sign for Manchester City next summer. Maybe.
Or maybe Robbie will join the Vancouver Whitecaps. They want him and ideally they’d like him to join them in April. (I think this is a serious article.)
Rochdale have made an approach to Stockport County about Owain fon Williams.
Liverpool are interested in Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross.
Harry Redknapp says we shouldn’t pay any attention to all the gossip about Gareth Bale. Presumably including the gossip from Roberto Mancini.
Derby County captain Robbie Savage will sign for Manchester City next summer. Maybe.
Or maybe Robbie will join the Vancouver Whitecaps. They want him and ideally they’d like him to join them in April. (I think this is a serious article.)
Rochdale have made an approach to Stockport County about Owain fon Williams.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
FA Cup Fixtures 9th January 2011
Manchester United v Liverpool
The Premier League leaders take on Liverpool, four points outside the relegation zone, in the third round’s only all-Premier League tie. Kenny Dalglish is Liverpool’s manager following the departure of Roy Hodgson by ‘mutual consent’. Twelve months ago, Liverpool were knocked out by Reading while League One Leeds United beat Manchester United before nearly doing the same to Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United could rest players including Ryan Giggs but that could mean Michael Owen will get a chance. Owen Hargreaves is still out with a hamstring injury. Ryan is expecting a good performance from Liverpool but he says Manchester United will never end up like them.
Tottenham Hotspur v Charlton Athletic
Tottenham are expected to rest players against League One Charlton, who have never beaten Tottenham in the FA Cup. Tottenham’s eleven-match unbeaten run came to an end midweek when Gareth Bale got injured and had to be substituted. Charlton are without a win in five.
Gareth Bale has a slight back injury and probably deserved a rest anyway so he won’t play.
Chelsea v Ipswich Town
Managerless Ipswich have some easy matches over the next few days. Chelsea in the FA Cup, Arsenal in the Carling Cup. If they’re planning on doing any giant-killing, let’s hope it happens tomorrow. Ipswich have never beaten Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Troy Brown is likely to be in Ipswich’s squad.
Leicester City v Manchester City
There are giant-killings all over the place today. Manchester City will hope they’re not the next to suffer. Leicester, who have won all their (two) matches in 2011, are managed by former Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
The Premier League leaders take on Liverpool, four points outside the relegation zone, in the third round’s only all-Premier League tie. Kenny Dalglish is Liverpool’s manager following the departure of Roy Hodgson by ‘mutual consent’. Twelve months ago, Liverpool were knocked out by Reading while League One Leeds United beat Manchester United before nearly doing the same to Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United could rest players including Ryan Giggs but that could mean Michael Owen will get a chance. Owen Hargreaves is still out with a hamstring injury. Ryan is expecting a good performance from Liverpool but he says Manchester United will never end up like them.
Tottenham Hotspur v Charlton Athletic
Tottenham are expected to rest players against League One Charlton, who have never beaten Tottenham in the FA Cup. Tottenham’s eleven-match unbeaten run came to an end midweek when Gareth Bale got injured and had to be substituted. Charlton are without a win in five.
Gareth Bale has a slight back injury and probably deserved a rest anyway so he won’t play.
Chelsea v Ipswich Town
Managerless Ipswich have some easy matches over the next few days. Chelsea in the FA Cup, Arsenal in the Carling Cup. If they’re planning on doing any giant-killing, let’s hope it happens tomorrow. Ipswich have never beaten Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Troy Brown is likely to be in Ipswich’s squad.
Leicester City v Manchester City
There are giant-killings all over the place today. Manchester City will hope they’re not the next to suffer. Leicester, who have won all their (two) matches in 2011, are managed by former Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
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.
Friday, 17 December 2010
Premier League Results 12th December 2010
Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
So Blackburn lost narrowly to Bolton. A team in the top six. Away. To a late goal. Is that a reason to sack your manager? Or are Blackburn just copying Newcastle? Okay so Bolton were down to ten men but everyone says it’s harder against ten men and certainly it isn’t necessarily easier.
Sam Ricketts provided the free kick that led to Bolton’s opening goal.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Chelsea
Typical. One of the few games I actually kind of vaguely want Tottenham to win and they can’t do it. But at least they made sure Chelsea stayed behind Arsenal which is exactly where I want them.
Gareth Bale was quiet but effective for Tottenham. He was limping as he left the stadium but there’s no news of an injury. Maybe he just stubbed his toe in the dressing room.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Birmingham City
Wolves were so desperate, they had Academy players on the bench but clearly desperation suits them as they claimed their fourth win of the season.
Dave Edwards returned from a thigh injury and was on fine form for Wolves. Wayne Hennessey helped Wolves to their first clean sheet of the season. Not that he really had any saves to make.
So Blackburn lost narrowly to Bolton. A team in the top six. Away. To a late goal. Is that a reason to sack your manager? Or are Blackburn just copying Newcastle? Okay so Bolton were down to ten men but everyone says it’s harder against ten men and certainly it isn’t necessarily easier.
Sam Ricketts provided the free kick that led to Bolton’s opening goal.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Chelsea
Typical. One of the few games I actually kind of vaguely want Tottenham to win and they can’t do it. But at least they made sure Chelsea stayed behind Arsenal which is exactly where I want them.
Gareth Bale was quiet but effective for Tottenham. He was limping as he left the stadium but there’s no news of an injury. Maybe he just stubbed his toe in the dressing room.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Birmingham City
Wolves were so desperate, they had Academy players on the bench but clearly desperation suits them as they claimed their fourth win of the season.
Dave Edwards returned from a thigh injury and was on fine form for Wolves. Wayne Hennessey helped Wolves to their first clean sheet of the season. Not that he really had any saves to make.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Gareth Bale Wales Sports Personality of the Year
Belated congratulations to Gareth Bale, who has been named the 2010 Wales Sports Personality of the Year.
It's not as prestigious a competition as the British one but it's still a great achievement and a deserved one.
Gareth's dedication to football was demonstrated by the fact he did not attend the awards ceremony - he was very proud and honoured to have won the award but instead he travelled to Holland for Tottenham Hotspur's match against Werder Bremen, even though Tottenham had already qualified and Harry Redknapp was thinking of resting players.
Somehow I think Gareth will win this award again. And again.
It's not as prestigious a competition as the British one but it's still a great achievement and a deserved one.
Gareth's dedication to football was demonstrated by the fact he did not attend the awards ceremony - he was very proud and honoured to have won the award but instead he travelled to Holland for Tottenham Hotspur's match against Werder Bremen, even though Tottenham had already qualified and Harry Redknapp was thinking of resting players.
Somehow I think Gareth will win this award again. And again.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Champions' League Results 7th December 2010
FC Twente 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Well, at least they didn’t win.
Gareth Bale was a star again. But no, the three goals weren’t his. Not this time.
Manchester United 1-1 Valencia
Much as I like seeing rival Premier League teams draw, it’s not nearly as sweet when they still win the group.
Ryan Giggs was an 81st-minute substitute
Well, at least they didn’t win.
Gareth Bale was a star again. But no, the three goals weren’t his. Not this time.
Manchester United 1-1 Valencia
Much as I like seeing rival Premier League teams draw, it’s not nearly as sweet when they still win the group.
Ryan Giggs was an 81st-minute substitute
Premier League Results 4th December 2010
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
Saturday wasn’t a good day for the Welshmen with none of those in the Premier League finishing on the winning side. Don’t tell me they’re all cursed now. Luckily I was supporting the team without a Welshman in and Arsenal claimed another win following a stressful match.
Simon Davies was playing against Arsenal though and Fulham haven’t won for ages so he might not be cursed. Mark Hughes named Simon as one of his best players in this match and the Daily Mail says he gave Gael Clichy a torrid time which would be great if Clichy didn’t play for Arsenal.
Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
At least Birmingham are three points from the relegation zone after this draw. And fifth isn’t too bad for Tottenham.
Gareth Bale played well for Tottenham as usual. Some Tottenham fans are complaining he’s not firing on all cylinders but that’s the thing about Gareth. He can give his cylinders a rest anytime he likes and still be the best player on the pitch. As he arguably was in this match.
Blackburn Rovers 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves losing doesn’t mean they’re cursed either. Wolves always lose. If there was something funny going on for Wolves, they’d be winning.
Wayne Hennessey kept his place in goal for Wolves but he was unable to extend his winning run. David Jones and Dave Edwards were out due to thigh and foot injuries.
Manchester City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City claimed all three points in this, er, battle for the fourth Champions’ League place.
Sam Ricketts was the victim of a tackle that saw Manchester City’s Aleksandar Kolarov sent off.
Wigan Athletic 2-2 Stoke City
Wigan moved ahead of West Ham United after beating Stoke City who have only just broken ther referee curse and definitely don’t need another one.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played for Stoke. Danny scored a goal but it wasn’t in the right net or anything like that.
Saturday wasn’t a good day for the Welshmen with none of those in the Premier League finishing on the winning side. Don’t tell me they’re all cursed now. Luckily I was supporting the team without a Welshman in and Arsenal claimed another win following a stressful match.
Simon Davies was playing against Arsenal though and Fulham haven’t won for ages so he might not be cursed. Mark Hughes named Simon as one of his best players in this match and the Daily Mail says he gave Gael Clichy a torrid time which would be great if Clichy didn’t play for Arsenal.
Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
At least Birmingham are three points from the relegation zone after this draw. And fifth isn’t too bad for Tottenham.
Gareth Bale played well for Tottenham as usual. Some Tottenham fans are complaining he’s not firing on all cylinders but that’s the thing about Gareth. He can give his cylinders a rest anytime he likes and still be the best player on the pitch. As he arguably was in this match.
Blackburn Rovers 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves losing doesn’t mean they’re cursed either. Wolves always lose. If there was something funny going on for Wolves, they’d be winning.
Wayne Hennessey kept his place in goal for Wolves but he was unable to extend his winning run. David Jones and Dave Edwards were out due to thigh and foot injuries.
Manchester City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City claimed all three points in this, er, battle for the fourth Champions’ League place.
Sam Ricketts was the victim of a tackle that saw Manchester City’s Aleksandar Kolarov sent off.
Wigan Athletic 2-2 Stoke City
Wigan moved ahead of West Ham United after beating Stoke City who have only just broken ther referee curse and definitely don’t need another one.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played for Stoke. Danny scored a goal but it wasn’t in the right net or anything like that.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Premier League Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010
Arsenal v Fulham
Arsenal might be only third in the league but they’re second in the form table and they’ve never lost to Fulham at home before. As for Fulham’s form, it’s all about drawing. They’ve drawn nine of their fifteen League matches this season and are yet to win away. They haven’t won away for 33 matches.
Simon Davies should start for Fulham.
Birmingham City v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham are having an injury crisis but I don’t have too much sympathy for them. They’d better hope they don’t get any penalties because the chances are, they’ll miss. Birmingham have only lost once at home this season.
Tottenham won’t be leaving out Gareth Bale.
Blackburn Rovers v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Blackburn really need to bounce back from last week’s embarrassing defeat while Wolves are still looking for their first clean sheet of the season. And their first away win. And their second away point.
Wayne Hennessey has done enough to hang onto his first-team place. David Jones is out after injuring his foot in Wolves’ match against Sunderland. Dave Edwards isn’t ready to return from a thigh injury and is using a scuba chamber in order to speed up his recovery.
Blackpool P-P Manchester United
This match is postponed due to Blackpool’s lack of undersoil heating.
Michael Owen will be back from his hamstring injury soon. But Owen Hargreaves’ return has been put back again.
Blackpool will hope the rearranged match happens before the transfer window as contract talks have hit a problem: David Vaughan doesn’t want to take a pay cut if Blackpool gets relegated. Well, if they keep going as they have, pay cut clauses shouldn’t come into it.
Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City haven’t scored at home in the league for two months. And with their strikers, there’s no excuse. But this offers Bolton the chance to reclaim their place in the top four.
Sam Ricketts should keep his place in Bolton’s starting line-up.
Wigan Athletic v Stoke City
Stoke will be hoping Wigan left back Maynor Figueroa doesn’t score another Goal of the Season but this season he hasn’t looked like the sort of player you’d want to buy to replace Gareth Bale. But who does? Stoke are unbeaten in four matches.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should both start for Stoke. Tony Pulis says he is focusing on Stoke’s survival rather than a top ten finish.
Arsenal might be only third in the league but they’re second in the form table and they’ve never lost to Fulham at home before. As for Fulham’s form, it’s all about drawing. They’ve drawn nine of their fifteen League matches this season and are yet to win away. They haven’t won away for 33 matches.
Simon Davies should start for Fulham.
Birmingham City v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham are having an injury crisis but I don’t have too much sympathy for them. They’d better hope they don’t get any penalties because the chances are, they’ll miss. Birmingham have only lost once at home this season.
Tottenham won’t be leaving out Gareth Bale.
Blackburn Rovers v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Blackburn really need to bounce back from last week’s embarrassing defeat while Wolves are still looking for their first clean sheet of the season. And their first away win. And their second away point.
Wayne Hennessey has done enough to hang onto his first-team place. David Jones is out after injuring his foot in Wolves’ match against Sunderland. Dave Edwards isn’t ready to return from a thigh injury and is using a scuba chamber in order to speed up his recovery.
Blackpool P-P Manchester United
This match is postponed due to Blackpool’s lack of undersoil heating.
Michael Owen will be back from his hamstring injury soon. But Owen Hargreaves’ return has been put back again.
Blackpool will hope the rearranged match happens before the transfer window as contract talks have hit a problem: David Vaughan doesn’t want to take a pay cut if Blackpool gets relegated. Well, if they keep going as they have, pay cut clauses shouldn’t come into it.
Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City haven’t scored at home in the league for two months. And with their strikers, there’s no excuse. But this offers Bolton the chance to reclaim their place in the top four.
Sam Ricketts should keep his place in Bolton’s starting line-up.
Wigan Athletic v Stoke City
Stoke will be hoping Wigan left back Maynor Figueroa doesn’t score another Goal of the Season but this season he hasn’t looked like the sort of player you’d want to buy to replace Gareth Bale. But who does? Stoke are unbeaten in four matches.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should both start for Stoke. Tony Pulis says he is focusing on Stoke’s survival rather than a top ten finish.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Premier League Fixture 28th November 2010
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
As usual, I expect the team in the Champions’ League to win this fixture. Unfortunately for Liverpool, that isn’t them this year. Tottenham haven’t been at their best in every game but they’ve been excellent and I don’t enjoy saying things like that.
Liverpool will be hoping Gareth Bale is on penalty duty again. It’s literally the only thing he isn’t brilliant at. He can even defend now. If he wasn’t Welsh, I would hate him so much (obviously I mean hate in the football sense, not literal hate). The left back is Tottenham’s top scorer with nine goals. (I know he’s more left midfield now but that doesn’t sound as impressive.)
Gareth was this week one of only seventeen Premier League players named on the FIFA FIPro World XI 2010 shortlist. Or longlist? List anyway. He’s also one of only three players (if I counted right) whose national side didn’t qualify for the World Cup.
As usual, I expect the team in the Champions’ League to win this fixture. Unfortunately for Liverpool, that isn’t them this year. Tottenham haven’t been at their best in every game but they’ve been excellent and I don’t enjoy saying things like that.
Liverpool will be hoping Gareth Bale is on penalty duty again. It’s literally the only thing he isn’t brilliant at. He can even defend now. If he wasn’t Welsh, I would hate him so much (obviously I mean hate in the football sense, not literal hate). The left back is Tottenham’s top scorer with nine goals. (I know he’s more left midfield now but that doesn’t sound as impressive.)
Gareth was this week one of only seventeen Premier League players named on the FIFA FIPro World XI 2010 shortlist. Or longlist? List anyway. He’s also one of only three players (if I counted right) whose national side didn’t qualify for the World Cup.
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 1)
Aston Villa 2-2 Manchester United
Aston Villa kept their unbeaten home record intact but let a 2-0 lead slip in the last ten minutes to give Manchester United another undeserved point. Manchester United are unbeaten both home and away.
James Collins scored for Villa in their last game and could have made it two in two but his effort hit the crossbar. James believes Villa should have won and he’s kind of right really.
Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen were sitting on Utd’s treatment table nursing their hamstrings.
Jordan Henderson says he really looked up to Ryan as a child. Not when you were sitting on his shoulders, you didn’t, Jordan.
Newcastle United 0-0 Fulham
When you’ve just suffered the agony of watching your team being beaten by Newcastle, the last thing you want is then to see that team only managing to draw against a team who can’t win away.
Unfortunately, this is what they did. Imagine how embarrassing it would have been if Bobby Zamora was fit.
Simon Davies played the full match for Fulham. He used to do things like that for Wales.
Stoke City 2-0 Liverpool
Those people who say Liverpool are back to their old selves are not wrong. After a couple of blips which saw Fernando Torres score goals, Liverpool are back to what they do best. Stoke moved into the top half of the table, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference after beating them for the first time for twenty-six years. Torres would have been a few months old at most. But there is some good news for the Liverpool fans: Lucas won’t be playing next week.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins helped Stoke to keep a clean sheet.
Tony Pulis isn’t going to criticise Fabio Capello for leaving Ryan Shawcross out of the England side (neither am I!) but he does make it clear he’s left out the best young centre back in the country.
Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 Blackburn Rovers
There, you see. He doesn’t just do it against the big sides. He does it against Blackburn too. Gareth Bale tied Michel Salgado in so many knots (again), he was taken off after 37 minutes and replaced by a striker. Well, Gareth went past him like he wasn’t there so he might as well not be.
Gareth, who was making his 100th league appearance, scored Tottenham’s first goal, set up the second and scored the fourth, ensuring that a first-half penalty miss (not from Gareth) didn’t matter. I don’t know what he was doing when the third goal went in, probably doing his hair or something. But if Gareth keeps being Man of the Match, they need to change the rules and give him a bottle of something he’ll actually drink.
Blackburn weren’t great but at least they had a go at fighting back. That’s not something you’ll see from every team.
Aston Villa kept their unbeaten home record intact but let a 2-0 lead slip in the last ten minutes to give Manchester United another undeserved point. Manchester United are unbeaten both home and away.
James Collins scored for Villa in their last game and could have made it two in two but his effort hit the crossbar. James believes Villa should have won and he’s kind of right really.
Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen were sitting on Utd’s treatment table nursing their hamstrings.
Jordan Henderson says he really looked up to Ryan as a child. Not when you were sitting on his shoulders, you didn’t, Jordan.
Newcastle United 0-0 Fulham
When you’ve just suffered the agony of watching your team being beaten by Newcastle, the last thing you want is then to see that team only managing to draw against a team who can’t win away.
Unfortunately, this is what they did. Imagine how embarrassing it would have been if Bobby Zamora was fit.
Simon Davies played the full match for Fulham. He used to do things like that for Wales.
Stoke City 2-0 Liverpool
Those people who say Liverpool are back to their old selves are not wrong. After a couple of blips which saw Fernando Torres score goals, Liverpool are back to what they do best. Stoke moved into the top half of the table, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference after beating them for the first time for twenty-six years. Torres would have been a few months old at most. But there is some good news for the Liverpool fans: Lucas won’t be playing next week.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins helped Stoke to keep a clean sheet.
Tony Pulis isn’t going to criticise Fabio Capello for leaving Ryan Shawcross out of the England side (neither am I!) but he does make it clear he’s left out the best young centre back in the country.
Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 Blackburn Rovers
There, you see. He doesn’t just do it against the big sides. He does it against Blackburn too. Gareth Bale tied Michel Salgado in so many knots (again), he was taken off after 37 minutes and replaced by a striker. Well, Gareth went past him like he wasn’t there so he might as well not be.
Gareth, who was making his 100th league appearance, scored Tottenham’s first goal, set up the second and scored the fourth, ensuring that a first-half penalty miss (not from Gareth) didn’t matter. I don’t know what he was doing when the third goal went in, probably doing his hair or something. But if Gareth keeps being Man of the Match, they need to change the rules and give him a bottle of something he’ll actually drink.
Blackburn weren’t great but at least they had a go at fighting back. That’s not something you’ll see from every team.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Premier League Fixtures 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Aston Villa are just a point behind fifth place and will hope to build on their late victory over Blackpool this week. And right now, Manchester United’s name probably doesn’t strike fear into the heart of every footballer.
Aston Villa would be very silly to leave James Collins out and he only made himself more valuable with his last-minute winner against Blackpool this week. But be careful, Man Utd. James hasn’t forgotten the Carling Cup final.
It was thought Ryan Giggs could return from a hamstring injury for Manchester United but it looks like he won’t make it. Michael Owen’s and Owen Hargreaves’ hamstrings are also still playing up. Owen is likely to be out until mid-December.
Newcastle United v Fulham
Newcastle were predicted to struggle and there’s plenty of time for them to struggle later on in the season. Fulham are looking for their first away win since August. And I’m not talking about August 2010.
There’s no word on Simon Davies’ ankle but he’s already played two in the last week for Fulham and that’s something likely to trouble any long-term injury.
Mark Hughes has only won four of his last 23 Premier League games but it’s not as bad as it sounds, most of them were draws so he was mostly unbeaten.
Stoke City v Liverpool
Stoke are out of the bottom three and they have the home advantage which can make a real difference to them. But Liverpool aren’t looking nearly as bad as they did two weeks ago. Relegation battle? Oh no, everyone’s talking about the Champions’ League now. Fernando Torres finds the net for once (or three times) and suddenly people are deleting the last three letters from the word Championship and adding the word League instead.
Ryan Shawcross has completed a one-match ban so he returns for Stoke. Danny Collins should also play.
Tottenham Hotspur v Blackburn Rovers
Tottenham can do the business against Inter Milan but when it comes to the Premier League, they’ve been struggling – although they are a point away from the Europa League place. Blackburn’s right back had a nightmare against Gareth Bale last time they played – and Gareth is even better now.
Tottenham will be hoping Gareth Bale stays fit. Not only is he a very important player for them, they have eleven players out injured already.
Aston Villa are just a point behind fifth place and will hope to build on their late victory over Blackpool this week. And right now, Manchester United’s name probably doesn’t strike fear into the heart of every footballer.
Aston Villa would be very silly to leave James Collins out and he only made himself more valuable with his last-minute winner against Blackpool this week. But be careful, Man Utd. James hasn’t forgotten the Carling Cup final.
It was thought Ryan Giggs could return from a hamstring injury for Manchester United but it looks like he won’t make it. Michael Owen’s and Owen Hargreaves’ hamstrings are also still playing up. Owen is likely to be out until mid-December.
Newcastle United v Fulham
Newcastle were predicted to struggle and there’s plenty of time for them to struggle later on in the season. Fulham are looking for their first away win since August. And I’m not talking about August 2010.
There’s no word on Simon Davies’ ankle but he’s already played two in the last week for Fulham and that’s something likely to trouble any long-term injury.
Mark Hughes has only won four of his last 23 Premier League games but it’s not as bad as it sounds, most of them were draws so he was mostly unbeaten.
Stoke City v Liverpool
Stoke are out of the bottom three and they have the home advantage which can make a real difference to them. But Liverpool aren’t looking nearly as bad as they did two weeks ago. Relegation battle? Oh no, everyone’s talking about the Champions’ League now. Fernando Torres finds the net for once (or three times) and suddenly people are deleting the last three letters from the word Championship and adding the word League instead.
Ryan Shawcross has completed a one-match ban so he returns for Stoke. Danny Collins should also play.
Tottenham Hotspur v Blackburn Rovers
Tottenham can do the business against Inter Milan but when it comes to the Premier League, they’ve been struggling – although they are a point away from the Europa League place. Blackburn’s right back had a nightmare against Gareth Bale last time they played – and Gareth is even better now.
Tottenham will be hoping Gareth Bale stays fit. Not only is he a very important player for them, they have eleven players out injured already.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Premier League Fixtures 9th November 2010
Stoke City v Birmingham City
Stoke have lost four games in a row – their worst run since promotion to the Premier League.
On the positive side, they have always been stronger at home but they’ll be without Ryan Shawcross, who was given a straight red card in the weekend defeat to Sunderland.
Danny Collins should keep his place in Stoke’s defence.
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland
Sunderland are the form team now following their victory over Stoke City – but they are much weaker away from home, where they are yet to win. Tottenham will hope to get back to winning ways following theie defeat to Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.
Gareth Bale should be in midfield for Tottenham and he seems to do particularly well in midweek games.
Stoke have lost four games in a row – their worst run since promotion to the Premier League.
On the positive side, they have always been stronger at home but they’ll be without Ryan Shawcross, who was given a straight red card in the weekend defeat to Sunderland.
Danny Collins should keep his place in Stoke’s defence.
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland
Sunderland are the form team now following their victory over Stoke City – but they are much weaker away from home, where they are yet to win. Tottenham will hope to get back to winning ways following theie defeat to Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.
Gareth Bale should be in midfield for Tottenham and he seems to do particularly well in midweek games.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Premier League Results 6th November 2010
Birmingham City 2-2 West Ham United
The game started brilliantly when the sprinkler system came on, leaving the players drenched and the referee at a loss, but it wasn’t until after the interval that the game came alive in other ways. Birmingham came back from 2-0 down to deny West Ham a much-needed win.
Danny Gabbidon was in defence for West Ham and prevented at least one goal.
Blackpool 2-2 Everton
Blackpool just refuse to lie down and get relegated – and I woudn’t want it any other way. The Tangerines got an excellent draw against an in-form Everton side. Not that you could really say Blackpool are off-form – they’re closer to the Champions’ League places than the relegation ones.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan started for Blackpool and scored the two goals, both of which put Blackpool into the lead. It was a very happy birthday for Neal, who scored from a stunning free kick.
Bolton Wanderers 4-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Not so long ago, Bolton at home were easier than Bolton away. Now they’re harder to beat than Inter Milan – for the simple reason that they’ve worked out that two men are harder to beat than one.
Bolton doubled up on Gareth Bale, as many predicted Inter would do, which made it very difficult for Tottenham to make any attacks. Though it was one of his markers who scored the goal to put Bolton 2-0 ahead. Some newspapers immediately started criticising Gareth for having a poor game and wondering what that meant for his Tottenham future but Harry Redknapp says Gareth was his best player, he’s just a young boy who isn’t going to be at his best every week and he’s not going to get his head turned by all this transfer talk. I don’t like having one of my favourite players at Tottenham but I do hope he’s right. If a Welsh player is doing well, it’s best they stay where they are.
Sam Ricketts was an unused substitute for Bolton.
While Gareth is starring on the football field, his classmate Sam Warburton is playing a sport far more familiar to the Welsh.
Dean Saunders becomes the 1000000000th person to compare Gareth to Ryan Giggs.
The game started brilliantly when the sprinkler system came on, leaving the players drenched and the referee at a loss, but it wasn’t until after the interval that the game came alive in other ways. Birmingham came back from 2-0 down to deny West Ham a much-needed win.
Danny Gabbidon was in defence for West Ham and prevented at least one goal.
Blackpool 2-2 Everton
Blackpool just refuse to lie down and get relegated – and I woudn’t want it any other way. The Tangerines got an excellent draw against an in-form Everton side. Not that you could really say Blackpool are off-form – they’re closer to the Champions’ League places than the relegation ones.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan started for Blackpool and scored the two goals, both of which put Blackpool into the lead. It was a very happy birthday for Neal, who scored from a stunning free kick.
Bolton Wanderers 4-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Not so long ago, Bolton at home were easier than Bolton away. Now they’re harder to beat than Inter Milan – for the simple reason that they’ve worked out that two men are harder to beat than one.
Bolton doubled up on Gareth Bale, as many predicted Inter would do, which made it very difficult for Tottenham to make any attacks. Though it was one of his markers who scored the goal to put Bolton 2-0 ahead. Some newspapers immediately started criticising Gareth for having a poor game and wondering what that meant for his Tottenham future but Harry Redknapp says Gareth was his best player, he’s just a young boy who isn’t going to be at his best every week and he’s not going to get his head turned by all this transfer talk. I don’t like having one of my favourite players at Tottenham but I do hope he’s right. If a Welsh player is doing well, it’s best they stay where they are.
Sam Ricketts was an unused substitute for Bolton.
While Gareth is starring on the football field, his classmate Sam Warburton is playing a sport far more familiar to the Welsh.
Dean Saunders becomes the 1000000000th person to compare Gareth to Ryan Giggs.
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