Archive for October, 2008

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Manchester United looking to build up!

October 31st, 2008

After a convincing win over West Ham, Manchester United players seem to be charged up and raring to go for the Premier League title yet again.

As far as the Portugal football star, Cristiano Ronaldo, is concerned, he seems pretty much engrossed over himself.

Ronaldo scored twice to lead his team to a 2-0 victory over West Ham at Old Trafford.

Red Devils winger had been recently awarded the FIFPro World Footballer of the Year award for his exemplary performance in the field during the previous season.

Experts feel that this may be just the beginning of many more acclaims that would come by Ronaldo’s way.

However, the player is pretty nonchalant and said that it was very logical for him to be awarded. According to him, he performed quite remarkably last season with 42 goals under his belt.

While Ronaldo is looking to build on his skills and performance, his teammate Edwin Van der Sar is asking his team to regroup and heighten their game’s tempo.

Former Holland International is urging United to keep close to the League leaders, until the second half of the Championship season.

United, who are following Liverpool and last years contender Chelsea by 8 and 5 points respectively, would be looking forward to gain full points from their match against an in-form Hull City.

A victory would ensure them a proper chance at the title, as they have a game in hand too.

In the mean time several United’s players, who have not been able to show up due to international duties or injuries, would be returning back to the camp boosting Red Devils to move ahead in their quest for Premier League and Champions League titles.

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Arsenal Vs Tottenham Hotspurs: Redknapp magic works again

October 30th, 2008

Magic touch of Harry Redknapp worked in two consecutive games, as his side was able to deny Arsenal full points from the game at Emirates Stadium.

Although Spurs broke the deadlock first through David Bentley (13th minute), goals from Silvestre (37th minute), Gallas (45th minute) and Adebayor (64th minute) broke the back of the touring side.

However, Spurs scored 3 of the next four goals, including a stunning equalizer in extra time through Lennon, and were able to draw the game.

Meanwhile, Chelsea broke the dream run of Hull City at the Kingston Communications Stadium, as they romped home with a 3-0 won through goals from Frank Lampard (3rd minute), Nicolas Anelka (50th minute) and Malouda (75th minute).

Liverpool and Manchester United also won their respective matches quite comfortably.

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo answered Sir Alex Ferguson’s challenge, as he scored two goals for allowing Red Devils to achieve a 2-0 victory over West Ham United at Old Trafford.

League leaders, Liverpool, saw Steven Gerrard scored from the penalty as a resilient Portsmouth side under their new boss, Tony Adams, was unable to create many chances during the 1-0 victory for the home side at Anfield.

Elsewhere, Fulham defeated Wigan Athletic 2-0 at Cravens Cottage. Again, Villa Park had a thriller on show, as the home side barely managed a 3-2 win over Blackburn Rovers.

Everton and Stoke also won their matches, as they defeated Bolton Wanderers (1-0 at Reebok Stadium) and Sunderland (1-0 at Britannia Stadium).

Biggest upset of the day was when Middlesbrough defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Riverside Stadium through goals from Afonso Alves (53rd minutes) and Garry O’Neil (Injury time).

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Posted in Arsenal, Tottenham

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Newcastle United Vs West Brom: Barton architects Newcastle’s second win

October 29th, 2008

Bad Boy of Newcastle United, Joey Barton, commenced the process of repaying his club for the faith, which they had shown in him, by scoring a goal at St. James Park.

Barton helped Magpies to score their first victory in Barclays Premier League after eight games, as they defeated West Brom 2-1.

26-year-old midfielder, who made his first start for Newcastle after getting released from jail, was able to convert a 9th minute penalty for setting Magpies up for only their 2nd win of the season in the league and the first for manager Joe Kinnear.

Barton, who got pelted with bottles and coins when he was warming up for the Saturday derby against Sunderland, was the one starting the healing process for the home side.

However, ultimately it was header from Obafemi Martins in the 42nd minute, which won the game and allowed his side to come out of relegation zone.

A crowd of 45,801 gathered at St. James Park endured an anxious finish, after Magpies failed to make most of the 2nd half chances that came along the way. Things got even tougher when Baggies substitute, Ishmael Miller, pulled one back for the visitors with 25 minutes still to go.

Newcastle might not have got the full points, if it wasn’t for keeper Shay Given. Given kept out a shot from James Morrison before half time. Again, a vital block from defender Miller saved the home side from losing an important point.

Now, Kinnear will be hoping that his side continues to play the way they did today and get them as close to the top Premier League positions as possible.

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Posted in Newcastle United, Premier League

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Tony Adams named the new Portsmouth Boss

October 28th, 2008

Tony Adams, former defender from England, was today named the new Portsmouth Boss, after Harry Redknapp left for a stint with struggling Tottenham Hotspurs.

Adams along with Joe Jordan took the temporary charge of the club during a 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday following Redknapp’s departure.

The 42-year-old has now been given Fratton Park’s top job and his first test will be against current Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Peter Storrie, who is currently the executive chairman in Fratton Park, gave the confirmation of his appointment. He revealed that Adams has been given a 2-year contract.

Storrie said ‘It has been a tough 48 hours for the club.’

‘We did say that we might take time for the decision on this important job. However, after having a chat with Tony, we felt that he’s perfect for the job. Even, his dedication for the club in the recent past has simplified our decision of selecting him.’

On being asked of his appointment as the new boss of Portsmouth, Adams said, ‘It’s a fantastic feeling. I’m honored!’

‘I’m excited for the task in hand. I cannot wait to start. It’s been more than 2 years for me at Fratton Park and this stint will help me in contributing more to the success of the club.’

‘We’ve got great talent at Portsmouth. I hope to nurture them in the same manner as Harry did when I was working under him.’

‘Harry did a great job for the clubs and its fans. He will be a touch act to follow. But, I’m sure I won’t let anyone down.’

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Posted in Portsmouth, Premier League

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Chelsea Vs Liverpool: Alonso helps Liverpool to break Chelsea’s home run

October 27th, 2008

A solitary goal from Xabi Alonso in the first half allowed Liverpool to break the 86-game unbeaten run of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and at the same time, it allowed the Reds to move to the top of the table.

It took only nine minute for Liverpool to take a 1-0 lead, as Alonso’s shot got deflected off Jose Bosingwa and left Czech keeper Petr Cech wrong-footed.

Blues began on a stronger note and almost scored a goal against Rafael Benitez’s men. However after the away side scored the goal, which eventually proved to be a winner, it was Reds all the way!

Tight defense proved to be too much for Scolari’s side, as they were unable to find the equalizer before the final whistle.

This 1-0 defeat has resulted in Chelsea losing the top spot to Liverpool, who now have 23 points from 9 games and are yet to lose a game this season.

Elsewhere, it took only 24 hours for Harry Redknapp to change the fortune of Spurs, as his side defeated Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at White Hart Lane.

Ramon Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent scored the goals for Tottenham, who got their first win of this season after nine games.

Like Hull City, dream run of Aston Villa also continued, as they thrashed Wigan Athletic 4-0 at JJB Stadium. England hopeful, Agbonlahor, scored a goal and had two assists in Villa’s win, as Fabio Capello looked on.

Manchester City and Arsenal also won their respective games. Robinho’s hattrick allowed City to score a 3-0 won over Stoke at City of Manchester Stadium, whereas Upton Park saw Arsenal struggle hard for their 2-0 over West Ham.

However, it was disappointment for Portsmouth, who was waving goodbye to Spurs new manager, Harry Redknapp. They were unable to score a victory over Fulham at Fratton Park. The game ended 1-1 with a late equalizer from Fulham’s Clint Dempsey.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Liverpool

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Everton Vs Manchester United: Rejuvenated Everton denies a Devils’ victory

October 26th, 2008

Everton was able to outmuscle Manchester United, as they held the current Premier League Champions to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

Devils dominated the first half of the game and there was even a stage, when David Moyes’ men were only chasing shadows. However, the home side came back with vigor at their opponents and almost staged a surprising upset.

Earlier, Darren Fletcher broke the deadlock for United to make it 1-0 in the 22nd minute, when he placed a Giggs’ pass wide of Everton keeper Tim Howard.

The score line would have been even worse for Everton, had Ronaldo and Rooney would have converted the chances they got in the first half.

However, Toffees came back with a goal from Marouane Fellaini in the 63rd minute, as he headed a Neville ball past Edwin Van der Sar to make it 1-1.

The game had some heated moments. Former Everton striker Wayne Rooney got a yellow card for a tackle on Arteta and he was immediately taken off by Sir Alex Ferguson, as he feared that things could have turned even worse with his presence on the ground.

Meanwhile at Stadium of Lights, Roy Keane’s Sunderland scored a 2-1 over Newcastle United ending their wait for a home win over the tourists that lasted for 28 years.

Hull continued their dream run in the Premier League, as they convincingly won an away game against West Bromwich Albion 3-0 at The Hawthorns.

After a goalless draw last week against Bolton, Blackburn again failed to score full points against Middlesbrough at Ewood Park. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

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Posted in Everton, Man U

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Ronaldo: You have not seen my best yet

October 25th, 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo, star winger of Portugal, tried to strike fear into his opponents after claiming that he is not yet a finished article.

23-year-old winger has already been rated amongst the top players on the planet. He is also a favorite for getting both the European & World Player of the Year awards, which will be announced within 2 months.

Ronaldo showed his class in the previous season, when he netted 42 goals that helped United in winning the Champions League and Premier League double. However, the Manchester United ace was adamant that he still has a scope of improvement.

While speaking in an interview at Marca, Ronaldo said, ‘Of course, if players think that they already know everything, they are dead.’

‘I still believe that there are lots of aspects in me, which can get polished.’

‘I don’t feel that my learning is finished and I will keep on improving with each game till my career reaches its end.’

Ronaldo missed the early games in this season involving Man U after undergoing an ankle surgery following the EURO 2008 campaign. However, he has now come back to the side and is scoring goals on almost regular basis.

Former Sporting Lisbon winger admitted that he was yet to be in full fitness, but hoped to reach the top after having some games under his belt.

‘I’m yet to recover fully from my injury. However, inside 3-4 games, I will perform to the best of my ability, both mentally and physically.’

Ronaldo added, ‘I know it’s difficult to repeat my feats of the previous year. Still, I’m hopeful that I will be better with every game I play.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Woodgate: We aren’t too good to go down

October 24th, 2008

Jonathan Woodgate, Spurs defender, has slammed his teammates for underperforming and said that they ‘aren’t too good for going down.’

Woodgate was furious after his side gifted a goal to Udinese in their UEFA Cup encounter, when Heurelho Gomes made a reckless challenge in the box that resulted in a penalty for the opponents.

In the same game, Spurs’ Jamie O’Hara got 2 yellow cards within a span of one minute and was given the marching orders adding to the woes of the London club.

Now, Spurs are having huge deficits to overcome in Europe. Currently, they are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table and fighting for relegation.

While speaking to reporters, a frustrated Woodgate said ‘We are currently in a battle to save relegation. We need to start winning consistently.’

‘We really need to start working with one another, if we want our season to improve.’

‘There are some players requiring a telling-off for getting back in shape. Presently, we are not doing it.’

‘Although we always spread the word in the team that it is a must-win game, still the needed results are missing.’

‘With 2 points only from 8 games, we are currently in a relegation battle and it does no justice to the fact that our side is one of the most talented ones in the League.’

‘We have the potential of getting out from this slump, if all our players start to fully concentrate in their game. Even, we have time in our hands. However if things don’t go accordingly, we are sure to go down.’

Spurs is going to face a trio of their foes in the Premier League within the next 9 days, in the form of Bolton, Arsenal & Liverpool.

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Posted in Premier League, Tottenham

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Benitez waiting for trio to be fit for Chelsea game

October 23rd, 2008

Rafael Benitez was hopeful that Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso are going to be available for an important showdown against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge during the weekend.

None of them were able to finish the 1-1 draw on Wednesday at Athletico Madrid in a Champions League Group match.

Midfielder Alonso and striker Keane struggled with knocks, whereas captain Gerrard also suffered from fatigue during the game.

The nature of their injury will be known later in the day. Still, Benitez is having his fingers crossed, as he desires to field all his 3 stars against the Blues for a top spot in the Barclays Premier League table.

Reds are currently locked up with Chelsea at the top of Premier League standings having 20 points from 8 games.

During an interview, Benitez commented ‘The 3 players are currently having some fitness problems’.

‘Robbie has a little bit of trouble in his muscles. Gerrard was doing okay, though he was really fatigued during the Champions League game. However, Alonso has got a knock on the knees.’

Keane, who gave Liverpool the lead in the 14th minute at Vicente Calderon, was the first one to be replaced by Dirk Kuyt very early in the second half. He was followed by Gerrard and Alonso.

‘Although the situation with Keane doesn’t seem serious, we require taking full care of him as he is an important member of the side.’

‘We are giving full efforts to keep all our players 100% fit and have them playing with fresh legs.’

When asked that were there fitness concerns for Chelsea’s clash, Benitez replied ‘I don’t have any information now. I am keeping my fingers crossed and waiting for the final reports.’

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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No break in ankle for Richards

October 22nd, 2008

Mark Hughes, Manchester City Boss, who had his share of problems in the recent games, finally received a boost when it was reveled that the ankle injury of Micah Richards was not as serious as it was thought to be.

Manchester City Defender didn’t sustain any break in his ankle during the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St. James Park on Monday, though he did strain his ligaments.

However, Richards is still going to face a considerable spell on the sidelines, which will start with Barclays Premier League game against Stoke that is going to take place on Sunday.

Nedum Onuoha, who has also been one of the players with numerous injury troubles, played as a substitute for Richards in that match. He might retain his place in an important encounter against Stoke.

While speaking in an interview, Hughes said: ‘ When Micah was injured at an important stage in the game, we had no choice but to throw Onuoha in.’

‘I think that he did well, considering the state of the game when he entered it.’

‘Although we have a cover in Onuoha, still we would prefer going into the Stoke’s game with Micah fully fit and raring to go.’

On being asked about the recent woeful defending of the club, Hughes said, ‘We will give our full efforts in Sunday’s crucial encounter and challenge every ball that gets thrown in our box.’

After a good start to the season, City has lost their way considerably mainly due to their poor defending. Now with Richards out of the next game, it will tough for Hughes’ side to come back to winning ways.

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Posted in Manchester City, Premier League

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