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 wayne hennessey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wayne hennessey. 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
FA Cup Third Round Replay Results 18th January 2011
Cardiff City 0-2 Stoke City aet
This result provided plenty of disappointment but no real surprises as the Premier League side went though to the next round – although they did need extra time in order to do it. Cardiff arguably should have got a penalty or two, including one right at the end of normal time when Stoke’s Danny Collins got a bit intimate with a member of the opposition in the penalty area. But it wasn’t given.
Darcy Blake was back in the starting line-up for Cardiff, and Aaron Wildig made his first appearance since September when Stephen McPhail went off injured after 39 minutes. Adam Matthews joined them on the pitch in the second half but there was no match time for Nathaniel Jarvis, on the bench for only the third time this season.
Craig Bellamy (Cardiff) and Ryan Shawcross (Stoke) were among the big names to be rested.
Manchester City 4-2 Leicester City
Manchester City went through to the fourth round at the expense of Leicester City, managed by Man City’s former manager Sven Goran-Eriksson. But Leicester shouldn’t feel too disheartened – they were playing against some of football’s biggest names and they didn’t play badly at all. Late in the game, Leicester brought the score back to 3-2 and then pushed for an equaliser which gave Man City the chance to grab a fourth
Andy King caused lots of problems for Manchester City which is what we like to see.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 Doncaster Rovers
For a long time, I thought Doncaster might get an equaliser. They certainly played like a team capable of doing something like that. After an hour, it was still 1-0 to Wolves. But then it all got a bit mad and the commentator was almost saying more about Wolves than he was about Cardiff. Wolves just kept on scoring.
David Jones kept his place in Wolves’ starting line-up and scored their stoppage-time winner. Sam Vokes came off the bench after 78 minutes and I think he lasted the whole of the remaining fifteen minutes which is two minutes longer than he played in his only other game this season. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench.
This result provided plenty of disappointment but no real surprises as the Premier League side went though to the next round – although they did need extra time in order to do it. Cardiff arguably should have got a penalty or two, including one right at the end of normal time when Stoke’s Danny Collins got a bit intimate with a member of the opposition in the penalty area. But it wasn’t given.
Darcy Blake was back in the starting line-up for Cardiff, and Aaron Wildig made his first appearance since September when Stephen McPhail went off injured after 39 minutes. Adam Matthews joined them on the pitch in the second half but there was no match time for Nathaniel Jarvis, on the bench for only the third time this season.
Craig Bellamy (Cardiff) and Ryan Shawcross (Stoke) were among the big names to be rested.
Manchester City 4-2 Leicester City
Manchester City went through to the fourth round at the expense of Leicester City, managed by Man City’s former manager Sven Goran-Eriksson. But Leicester shouldn’t feel too disheartened – they were playing against some of football’s biggest names and they didn’t play badly at all. Late in the game, Leicester brought the score back to 3-2 and then pushed for an equaliser which gave Man City the chance to grab a fourth
Andy King caused lots of problems for Manchester City which is what we like to see.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 Doncaster Rovers
For a long time, I thought Doncaster might get an equaliser. They certainly played like a team capable of doing something like that. After an hour, it was still 1-0 to Wolves. But then it all got a bit mad and the commentator was almost saying more about Wolves than he was about Cardiff. Wolves just kept on scoring.
David Jones kept his place in Wolves’ starting line-up and scored their stoppage-time winner. Sam Vokes came off the bench after 78 minutes and I think he lasted the whole of the remaining fifteen minutes which is two minutes longer than he played in his only other game this season. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
FA Cup Third Round Replay Fixtures 18th January 2011
Cardiff City v Stoke City
Stoke and Cardiff drew the original fixture but (barring match cancellations and abandonments) it will be decided on Tuesday night who goes through to face Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next round. Cardiff haven’t lost any of their last three but only one was actually a win.
It is thought that Cardiff manager Dave Jones might not want to risk Craig Bellamy’s knee by playing him in this fixture – he missed the first match between these two clubs too. If Craig scores, it will be his 150th career goal.
If other first-choice players are rested, Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas (if he’s recovered from injury) could come into contention but it could be that only Craig is rested.
Stoke also rested players in the first tie, keeping captain Ryan Shawcross in the starting line-up but giving Danny Collins a rest. Danny was on the bench for Stoke’s last Premier League match so he could be given the chance to play in this match.
Manchester City v Leicester City
Leicester were another Championship side to hold a Premier League side to a draw.and are unbeaten in their last four matches.
Andy King scored the equaliser to give Leicester a replay at Manchester City. It’s hard to imagine them leaving him out but he might need a rest at some stage and with Leicester eyeing promotion (albeit from a very long way down the table), there will arguably be more important games than this one.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Doncaster Rovers
Wolves needed a penalty in order to set up a rematch with Doncaster. They have struggled in away matches this season but are stronger at home.
Wayne Hennessey could be rested again for Wolves. Dave Edwards is still out with a hamstring injury so David Jones could keep his place in midfield but the return to fitness of Karl Henry could put this in doubt.
Doncaster are still without Brian Stock, who has either a leg or a back injury, but John Oster should play.
Stoke and Cardiff drew the original fixture but (barring match cancellations and abandonments) it will be decided on Tuesday night who goes through to face Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next round. Cardiff haven’t lost any of their last three but only one was actually a win.
It is thought that Cardiff manager Dave Jones might not want to risk Craig Bellamy’s knee by playing him in this fixture – he missed the first match between these two clubs too. If Craig scores, it will be his 150th career goal.
If other first-choice players are rested, Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas (if he’s recovered from injury) could come into contention but it could be that only Craig is rested.
Stoke also rested players in the first tie, keeping captain Ryan Shawcross in the starting line-up but giving Danny Collins a rest. Danny was on the bench for Stoke’s last Premier League match so he could be given the chance to play in this match.
Manchester City v Leicester City
Leicester were another Championship side to hold a Premier League side to a draw.and are unbeaten in their last four matches.
Andy King scored the equaliser to give Leicester a replay at Manchester City. It’s hard to imagine them leaving him out but he might need a rest at some stage and with Leicester eyeing promotion (albeit from a very long way down the table), there will arguably be more important games than this one.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Doncaster Rovers
Wolves needed a penalty in order to set up a rematch with Doncaster. They have struggled in away matches this season but are stronger at home.
Wayne Hennessey could be rested again for Wolves. Dave Edwards is still out with a hamstring injury so David Jones could keep his place in midfield but the return to fitness of Karl Henry could put this in doubt.
Doncaster are still without Brian Stock, who has either a leg or a back injury, but John Oster should play.
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 1)
Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves haven’t won many games this season but they’re still in a position to claim a double over title-hopefuls Manchester City. Their last double over City was 40 years ago.
Wayne Hennessey should start for Wolves. Dave Edwards will probably miss out due to the tweaked hamstring that forced him off the field during the FA Cup match against Doncaster Rovers but he hasn’t completely ruled himself out – although the Wolves medical team might have a different opinion, If Dave is out, David Jones could take his place. It looks as though David won’t be signing a new contract and will be free to move in the summer but Mick McCarthy hasn’t entirely given up hope.
Sam Vokes played in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Wolves this week but he isn’t ready to play for the first team yet. He says he’s happy to go out on loan but he’d rather stay and fight for his place.
Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers
Bolton have just one point from their last three matches but are still in seventh place, which will be a Europa League place if Arsenal can win the FA and Carling Cups like I want them to. Losing to Blackpool at home doesn’t necessarily make you a bad team but Stoke have also lost to Fulham at home recently and Fulham never win away. They’ll be hoping to make up for that against Bolton.
Danny Collins should return to Stoke’s starting line-up to play alongside Ryan Shawcross.
Sam Ricketts should start for Bolton.
Tony Pulis says he won’t be banning his players from using Twitter.
Wolves haven’t won many games this season but they’re still in a position to claim a double over title-hopefuls Manchester City. Their last double over City was 40 years ago.
Wayne Hennessey should start for Wolves. Dave Edwards will probably miss out due to the tweaked hamstring that forced him off the field during the FA Cup match against Doncaster Rovers but he hasn’t completely ruled himself out – although the Wolves medical team might have a different opinion, If Dave is out, David Jones could take his place. It looks as though David won’t be signing a new contract and will be free to move in the summer but Mick McCarthy hasn’t entirely given up hope.
Sam Vokes played in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Wolves this week but he isn’t ready to play for the first team yet. He says he’s happy to go out on loan but he’d rather stay and fight for his place.
Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers
Bolton have just one point from their last three matches but are still in seventh place, which will be a Europa League place if Arsenal can win the FA and Carling Cups like I want them to. Losing to Blackpool at home doesn’t necessarily make you a bad team but Stoke have also lost to Fulham at home recently and Fulham never win away. They’ll be hoping to make up for that against Bolton.
Danny Collins should return to Stoke’s starting line-up to play alongside Ryan Shawcross.
Sam Ricketts should start for Bolton.
Tony Pulis says he won’t be banning his players from using Twitter.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 3)
Doncaster Rovers v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Doncaster have only played Wolves six times but at least four of them must have been in the last two seasons. Doncaster are unbeaten in three matches and their last home defeat was in mid-October.
John Oster and Brian Stock should start for Doncaster.
Wayne Hennessey is expected to be rested. Dave Edwards is hoping for a run in the team but he could be rested too – although this would give David Jones a chance of coming into the side. Sam Vokes is still out with his hamstring injury.
Fulham v Peterborough United
Fulham are having striker problems again. They face Peterborough, who have apparently spent only one season in the same division as them.
Fulham could rest former Peterborough player Simon Davies, who has long-term ankle problems.
Arron Davies (no relation as far as I know) will hope to start for Peterborough.
Huddersfield Town v Dover Athletic
Dover are the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup. They scored six against Macclesfield Town in the last round and seven against Thurrock in their last match but Huddersfield are probably better than Macclesfield and Thurrock. They’ll hope so anyway. But they’re not taking any chances: they are expected to name a full-strength team.
Adam Birchall has scored eleven FA Cup goals so far this season. He’s so happy to be back in love with football again but he still dreams of being back in the Premier League one day. As for the FA Cup match, Dover can do it again.
Lincoln City v Hereford Town
Two of League Two’s strugglers meet in this match.
Ryan Valentine (stomach) remains out for Hereford but Ryan Green should start and Stuart Fleetwood certainly deserves to. Stuart feels Hereford can get to the fourth round.
Millwall v Birmingham City
Millwall’s season in the Championship is going better than many predicted (and worse than I predicted, I said they’d get promoted but I only said that to make my dad happy) – they are unbeaten in the last eight matches. Birmingham are perhaps struggling a bit more than most people expected. They’re unbeaten in one.
Steve Morison should play for Millwall but I’m hoping he won’t do anything too brilliant until the transfer window has closed and he’s still safely at Millwall. A hat-trick should be just about okay but four goals will be pushing it.
Doncaster have only played Wolves six times but at least four of them must have been in the last two seasons. Doncaster are unbeaten in three matches and their last home defeat was in mid-October.
John Oster and Brian Stock should start for Doncaster.
Wayne Hennessey is expected to be rested. Dave Edwards is hoping for a run in the team but he could be rested too – although this would give David Jones a chance of coming into the side. Sam Vokes is still out with his hamstring injury.
Fulham v Peterborough United
Fulham are having striker problems again. They face Peterborough, who have apparently spent only one season in the same division as them.
Fulham could rest former Peterborough player Simon Davies, who has long-term ankle problems.
Arron Davies (no relation as far as I know) will hope to start for Peterborough.
Huddersfield Town v Dover Athletic
Dover are the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup. They scored six against Macclesfield Town in the last round and seven against Thurrock in their last match but Huddersfield are probably better than Macclesfield and Thurrock. They’ll hope so anyway. But they’re not taking any chances: they are expected to name a full-strength team.
Adam Birchall has scored eleven FA Cup goals so far this season. He’s so happy to be back in love with football again but he still dreams of being back in the Premier League one day. As for the FA Cup match, Dover can do it again.
Lincoln City v Hereford Town
Two of League Two’s strugglers meet in this match.
Ryan Valentine (stomach) remains out for Hereford but Ryan Green should start and Stuart Fleetwood certainly deserves to. Stuart feels Hereford can get to the fourth round.
Millwall v Birmingham City
Millwall’s season in the Championship is going better than many predicted (and worse than I predicted, I said they’d get promoted but I only said that to make my dad happy) – they are unbeaten in the last eight matches. Birmingham are perhaps struggling a bit more than most people expected. They’re unbeaten in one.
Steve Morison should play for Millwall but I’m hoping he won’t do anything too brilliant until the transfer window has closed and he’s still safely at Millwall. A hat-trick should be just about okay but four goals will be pushing it.
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.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
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.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Premier League Results 27th November 2010 (Part 2)
Manchester United 7-1 Blackburn Rovers
Manchester United haven’t looked really convincing this season, despite the fact they have an excellent trio of forwards in Dimitar Berbatov, Javier Hernandez and Bebe, not forgetting Michael Owen if he ever gets fit.
Speaking of Bernatov, he became only the fourth striker ever to score five goals in the same Premier League match. It’s now happened in two consecutive years: Jermain Defoe did it last year. Maybe next year it could be Robin van Persie’s turn. Then he could get all his goals out of the way before he gets injured again.
But finally Manchester United showed that they are actually pretty good and if Arsenal can’t stop Chelsea themselves, maybe another team can.
Ryan Giggs was rested – and quite honestly not needed - in this match.
Stoke City 1-1 Manchester City
Stoke were unable to make it four wins in four games but a late equaliser meant they were able to make it four unbeaten. Manchester City have a better team on paper but it’s off the paper where it matters.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins played in defence for Stoke.
West Ham United 3-1 Wigan Athletic
West Ham remained bottom despite picking up three much-needed points with a win over fellow-strugglers Wigan. It takes more than a win over Wigan to save your season but one more win could make a huge difference.
Danny Gabbidon conceded a rather harsh penalty but Wigan missed it so it didn’t matter. Except to Wigan.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 Sunderland
Wolves needed a win and they got one over their manager’s former side. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has done little for Wolves since being the Championship’s top scorer in their promotion year but his winning goal suggests maybe they’re not completely doomed after all.
Wayne Hennessey replaced Marcus Hahnemann in goal and it seemed to work. Mick McCarthy says the No. 1 jersey (figuratively, Wayne wears No. 13) is his again. David Jones also started.
Manchester United haven’t looked really convincing this season, despite the fact they have an excellent trio of forwards in Dimitar Berbatov, Javier Hernandez and Bebe, not forgetting Michael Owen if he ever gets fit.
Speaking of Bernatov, he became only the fourth striker ever to score five goals in the same Premier League match. It’s now happened in two consecutive years: Jermain Defoe did it last year. Maybe next year it could be Robin van Persie’s turn. Then he could get all his goals out of the way before he gets injured again.
But finally Manchester United showed that they are actually pretty good and if Arsenal can’t stop Chelsea themselves, maybe another team can.
Ryan Giggs was rested – and quite honestly not needed - in this match.
Stoke City 1-1 Manchester City
Stoke were unable to make it four wins in four games but a late equaliser meant they were able to make it four unbeaten. Manchester City have a better team on paper but it’s off the paper where it matters.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins played in defence for Stoke.
West Ham United 3-1 Wigan Athletic
West Ham remained bottom despite picking up three much-needed points with a win over fellow-strugglers Wigan. It takes more than a win over Wigan to save your season but one more win could make a huge difference.
Danny Gabbidon conceded a rather harsh penalty but Wigan missed it so it didn’t matter. Except to Wigan.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 Sunderland
Wolves needed a win and they got one over their manager’s former side. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has done little for Wolves since being the Championship’s top scorer in their promotion year but his winning goal suggests maybe they’re not completely doomed after all.
Wayne Hennessey replaced Marcus Hahnemann in goal and it seemed to work. Mick McCarthy says the No. 1 jersey (figuratively, Wayne wears No. 13) is his again. David Jones also started.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Premier League Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 2)
Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers
Manchester United are unbeaten in 28 matches. While this might not seem particularly impressive if you’re an Arsenal fan, it probably is quite good really.
Ryan Giggs made his comeback from a hamstring injury against Rangers but after playing 90 minutes, he might need a rest for this game. And the FAW would love to sit down with him – and talk him into managing Wales. Michael Owen’s and Owen Hargreaves’ hamstrings are still dodgy so they won’t play.
Stoke City v Manchester City
Stoke lost four consecutive matches before embarking on their current winning streak. If the win today, it will be four consecutive wins. Manchester City have never beaten Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should start for Stoke. But Ryan could be starting for Liverpool soon.
West Ham United v Wigan Athletic
A win against Wigan played a big part in saving West Ham from relegation this season. It’s going to take quite a lot more than that this time around but the sooner they can start winning, the better. A year ago today, Avram Grant became manager of Portsmouth. Portsmouth spent the rest of that season in 20th place. Under Grant, West Ham have never left the bottom three. West Ham say his job is safe. I think the safest thing will be to give it to someone else. Wigan are looking for their second away win this season.
Danny Gabbidon should keep his place in West Ham’s starting line-up. Jack Collison is still out following knee surgery.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sunderland
Wolves have lost nine of their last eleven league matches. Sunderland have not lost to any of the team they’ve played so far who finished in the top half last season (whoever it is who keeps track of this sort of stat, is he/she single? Football stats are nearly as sexy as Welsh grammar). However, Sunderland have only won one away game this season.
David Jones will hope to keep his place in Wolves’ starting line-up but Wayne Hennessey will probably be on the bench – although it’s not just me who thinks he should play. Dave Edwards isn’t ready to return from a thigh injury.
David says Wolves really need to win this match. And he thinks it could happen.
Manchester United are unbeaten in 28 matches. While this might not seem particularly impressive if you’re an Arsenal fan, it probably is quite good really.
Ryan Giggs made his comeback from a hamstring injury against Rangers but after playing 90 minutes, he might need a rest for this game. And the FAW would love to sit down with him – and talk him into managing Wales. Michael Owen’s and Owen Hargreaves’ hamstrings are still dodgy so they won’t play.
Stoke City v Manchester City
Stoke lost four consecutive matches before embarking on their current winning streak. If the win today, it will be four consecutive wins. Manchester City have never beaten Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should start for Stoke. But Ryan could be starting for Liverpool soon.
West Ham United v Wigan Athletic
A win against Wigan played a big part in saving West Ham from relegation this season. It’s going to take quite a lot more than that this time around but the sooner they can start winning, the better. A year ago today, Avram Grant became manager of Portsmouth. Portsmouth spent the rest of that season in 20th place. Under Grant, West Ham have never left the bottom three. West Ham say his job is safe. I think the safest thing will be to give it to someone else. Wigan are looking for their second away win this season.
Danny Gabbidon should keep his place in West Ham’s starting line-up. Jack Collison is still out following knee surgery.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sunderland
Wolves have lost nine of their last eleven league matches. Sunderland have not lost to any of the team they’ve played so far who finished in the top half last season (whoever it is who keeps track of this sort of stat, is he/she single? Football stats are nearly as sexy as Welsh grammar). However, Sunderland have only won one away game this season.
David Jones will hope to keep his place in Wolves’ starting line-up but Wayne Hennessey will probably be on the bench – although it’s not just me who thinks he should play. Dave Edwards isn’t ready to return from a thigh injury.
David says Wolves really need to win this match. And he thinks it could happen.
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.
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.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Premier League Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 2)
Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen (I think both hamstring) and Owen Hargreaves (calf) are all likely to miss out for Manchester United.
Dave Edwards deserves to keep his place for Wolves after an excellent performance last weekend. David Jones wasn’t even in the squad although he was named in Match of the Day’s Team of the Week which is really something of an achievement. Wayne Hennessey will be on the bench.
Sunderland v Stoke City
Danny Collins could be one of six former Sunderland players in Stoke’s starting line-up. Ryan Shawcross shoud also play.
Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen (I think both hamstring) and Owen Hargreaves (calf) are all likely to miss out for Manchester United.
Dave Edwards deserves to keep his place for Wolves after an excellent performance last weekend. David Jones wasn’t even in the squad although he was named in Match of the Day’s Team of the Week which is really something of an achievement. Wayne Hennessey will be on the bench.
Sunderland v Stoke City
Danny Collins could be one of six former Sunderland players in Stoke’s starting line-up. Ryan Shawcross shoud also play.
Monday, 1 November 2010
Premier League Results 30th November 2010
Arsenal 1-0 West Ham United
It wasn’t easy for Arsenal. Robert Green was having one of those blinders he only ever seems to have against Arsenal but they finally managed to score and got the win they deserved against the bottom side.
Danny Gabbidon put in a very good performance in central defence for West Ham. Without him, Arsenal would have opened the scoring a lot sooner.
Everton 1-0 Stoke City
Everton are up in seventh place and unbeaten in five after beating Stoke, who had a goal questionably disallowed.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins were both in defence for Stoke. Ryan had a great chance to score and missed but it was a more than acceptable attempt from a centre back.
Fulham 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Fulham were back to winning ways after a deserved victory over Wigan.
Simon Davies was back in Fulham’s starting line-up and played 80 minutes. He played well and probably should have got an assist.
Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United’s first goal was perfectly okay and arguably deserved. The second was a farce of beachball proportions. Nani committed an offence that should have given Tottenham a free kick and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes made the assumption the free kick had been given. But he didn’t take it. Instead, he stood back and looked towards the referee as Nani calmly walked up to the ball and kickec it into the net.
It took the referee, his assistant and their new best friend Rio Ferdinand a while to sort it all out but eventually the goal was given in Manchester United’s favour. This was the correct decision. If the referee either didn’t see a foul or doesn’t recognise it as such, he can’t give the free kick. Therefore the teams have to play on and if the Tottenham players choose to abandon the ball in the penalty area, an opponent has every right to kick it wherever he likes.
I think it was quite unsporting of Nani to kick the ball into the net when the Tottenham players had obviously misunderstood, especially when he must have known he’d committed an offence. But who could blame him? It’s only an offence if the referee says so and his life wouldn’t have been worth living if he’d ignored an opportunity like that. And to be fair to Nani, his hesitation did give Gomes the chance to reclaim the ball.
Gareth Bale wasn’t rested after all but he was clearly saving himself for Inter Milan – which is completely understandable as he seems to be the only player who can do anything with them. In this match, Gareth attempted to create a mirror image version of his hat-trick goals using his right foot and he wasn’t far away at all.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Manchester City
Wolves got only their second win of the season – and their first since the opening day – against the richest team in the league. And they deserved it too.
Dave Edwards kept his place in Wolves’ starting line-up and thoroughly justified his selection with an excellent performance. He got the winning goal and he was actually quite unlucky he only scored once. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench but David Jones wasn’t in the squad at all.
It wasn’t easy for Arsenal. Robert Green was having one of those blinders he only ever seems to have against Arsenal but they finally managed to score and got the win they deserved against the bottom side.
Danny Gabbidon put in a very good performance in central defence for West Ham. Without him, Arsenal would have opened the scoring a lot sooner.
Everton 1-0 Stoke City
Everton are up in seventh place and unbeaten in five after beating Stoke, who had a goal questionably disallowed.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins were both in defence for Stoke. Ryan had a great chance to score and missed but it was a more than acceptable attempt from a centre back.
Fulham 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Fulham were back to winning ways after a deserved victory over Wigan.
Simon Davies was back in Fulham’s starting line-up and played 80 minutes. He played well and probably should have got an assist.
Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United’s first goal was perfectly okay and arguably deserved. The second was a farce of beachball proportions. Nani committed an offence that should have given Tottenham a free kick and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes made the assumption the free kick had been given. But he didn’t take it. Instead, he stood back and looked towards the referee as Nani calmly walked up to the ball and kickec it into the net.
It took the referee, his assistant and their new best friend Rio Ferdinand a while to sort it all out but eventually the goal was given in Manchester United’s favour. This was the correct decision. If the referee either didn’t see a foul or doesn’t recognise it as such, he can’t give the free kick. Therefore the teams have to play on and if the Tottenham players choose to abandon the ball in the penalty area, an opponent has every right to kick it wherever he likes.
I think it was quite unsporting of Nani to kick the ball into the net when the Tottenham players had obviously misunderstood, especially when he must have known he’d committed an offence. But who could blame him? It’s only an offence if the referee says so and his life wouldn’t have been worth living if he’d ignored an opportunity like that. And to be fair to Nani, his hesitation did give Gomes the chance to reclaim the ball.
Gareth Bale wasn’t rested after all but he was clearly saving himself for Inter Milan – which is completely understandable as he seems to be the only player who can do anything with them. In this match, Gareth attempted to create a mirror image version of his hat-trick goals using his right foot and he wasn’t far away at all.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Manchester City
Wolves got only their second win of the season – and their first since the opening day – against the richest team in the league. And they deserved it too.
Dave Edwards kept his place in Wolves’ starting line-up and thoroughly justified his selection with an excellent performance. He got the winning goal and he was actually quite unlucky he only scored once. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench but David Jones wasn’t in the squad at all.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Premier League Fixtures 30th October 2010
Arsenal v West Ham United
Arsenal’s win over Manchester City last week moved them to second in the table, if only on goal difference. A home match against bottom club West Ham (who are yet to win away) should be the ideal way of keeping up the pressure on leaders Chelsea West Ham have done better of late but this is still their worst ever start to a season.
Aaron Ramsey is set to make his long-awaited comeback just a few days after this match but he’s unlikely to play in the first team for another month.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to return to West Ham’s starting line-up after being rested for their Carling Cup win over Stoke City. Jack Collison is still out with a knee injury.
Everton v Stoke City
Stoke have only one away win this season and Everton have only one home win. A win for Everton would lift them into the top ten, at least until Aston Villa’s match on Sunday. Stoke have not beaten Everton since Danny Collins was two.
Ryan Shawcross will keep his place in defence for Stoke and Danny Collins could be ready to return from a knee injury.
Fulham v Wigan Athletic
Fulham are looking for only their second win of the season against Wigan, who are now a point ahead of them and unbeaten away. Fulham and Mark Hughes haven’t been together for long but both have won only three of their last twenty Premier League games. Wigan are hoping to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.
Simon Davies will hope his long-term ankle injury will allow him to play a part in this match.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City
Wolves will be ready to pounce if Manchester City have lost any confidence as a reault of being beaten 3-0 by Arsenal last weekend. One thing Manchester City definitely have lost star striker Carlos Tevez but they aren’t exactly short in the attacking department.
Wayne Hennessey acquitted himself well for Wolves in the Carling Cup but he ended up on the losing side – and even if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t expect him to start this match. David Jones however is likely to keep his place and Dave Edwards might return to the starting line-up alongside him.
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham travel to Old Trafford in the hope of ending Manchester United’s unbeaten record. The last time they won there, Gareth Bale was only five months old. Now he’s 21 and Man Utd are probably really hoping he doesn’t play. Their wish might just be granted, if Harrry Redknapp considers Inter Milan to be more important.
Ryan Giggs (hamstring), Owen Hargreaves (knee) and Michael Owen (depends on which paper you read but Alex Ferguson says it’s hia hamstring) are all expected to be absent for this match. Micharl is expected to be out for up to five weeks but Ryan should return to full training on Monday.
Tottenham’s top scorer Gareth Bale spent a few days recharging his batteries in Wales but with another match against Inter Milen just days away, he could be rested for this match.
Arsenal’s win over Manchester City last week moved them to second in the table, if only on goal difference. A home match against bottom club West Ham (who are yet to win away) should be the ideal way of keeping up the pressure on leaders Chelsea West Ham have done better of late but this is still their worst ever start to a season.
Aaron Ramsey is set to make his long-awaited comeback just a few days after this match but he’s unlikely to play in the first team for another month.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to return to West Ham’s starting line-up after being rested for their Carling Cup win over Stoke City. Jack Collison is still out with a knee injury.
Everton v Stoke City
Stoke have only one away win this season and Everton have only one home win. A win for Everton would lift them into the top ten, at least until Aston Villa’s match on Sunday. Stoke have not beaten Everton since Danny Collins was two.
Ryan Shawcross will keep his place in defence for Stoke and Danny Collins could be ready to return from a knee injury.
Fulham v Wigan Athletic
Fulham are looking for only their second win of the season against Wigan, who are now a point ahead of them and unbeaten away. Fulham and Mark Hughes haven’t been together for long but both have won only three of their last twenty Premier League games. Wigan are hoping to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.
Simon Davies will hope his long-term ankle injury will allow him to play a part in this match.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City
Wolves will be ready to pounce if Manchester City have lost any confidence as a reault of being beaten 3-0 by Arsenal last weekend. One thing Manchester City definitely have lost star striker Carlos Tevez but they aren’t exactly short in the attacking department.
Wayne Hennessey acquitted himself well for Wolves in the Carling Cup but he ended up on the losing side – and even if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t expect him to start this match. David Jones however is likely to keep his place and Dave Edwards might return to the starting line-up alongside him.
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham travel to Old Trafford in the hope of ending Manchester United’s unbeaten record. The last time they won there, Gareth Bale was only five months old. Now he’s 21 and Man Utd are probably really hoping he doesn’t play. Their wish might just be granted, if Harrry Redknapp considers Inter Milan to be more important.
Ryan Giggs (hamstring), Owen Hargreaves (knee) and Michael Owen (depends on which paper you read but Alex Ferguson says it’s hia hamstring) are all expected to be absent for this match. Micharl is expected to be out for up to five weeks but Ryan should return to full training on Monday.
Tottenham’s top scorer Gareth Bale spent a few days recharging his batteries in Wales but with another match against Inter Milen just days away, he could be rested for this match.
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.
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