Archive for February, 2009

« Older Entries

Wenger: Spot for Champions League is on the cards

February 28th, 2009

Arsene Wenger has no doubt that Arsenal is going to end the season on a high with a spot in the next year’s Champions League.

With Arsenal 6 points adrift of the fourth placed Aston Villa and the final berth in the Champions League, Wenger is going to take his side’s Saturday home clash to be a make of break game. He knows that his London outfit can afford very few, if any, wrong moves in the game that are remaining in the season.

In recent week, Gunners have found it difficult for finding the net with there of their previous four games ending in a 0-0 draw. What disappointed fans more were that two of the games were in the Emirates Stadium.

In spite of the woes surrounding the club, Wenger is adamant that his club has what it takes for booking a place in the elite completion in Europe.

Arsene Wenger said, ‘I know that nothing can be predicted in football. Still, there is a feeling inside of me that gives me the right notion for my side.’

‘We still have 12 games in our hand. With consistent performance and a slight attitude adjustment, we can make it.’

‘There are some impressive young players in the club, who have been the prime factor for our unbeaten streak. All they need, at this moment, is a proper guidance and some good results in the coming games.’

With their game against Fulham on the cards, Wenger will be looking forward for his side to come up with great efforts and change their fortune.

No comments »

Posted in Arsenal, Premier League

Tags:

Wenger: There is no pressure on our strikers

February 27th, 2009

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager, maintained that there ‘no major problem’ in regards to the goal scoring form of his club and backed them to perform in the coming games.

Gunners, who are going to host Fulham on Saturday, will be looking to extend their 14-match unbeaten streak following their 1-0 victory over Roma in the Champions League.

However, Wenger’s men are also yet to scored a goal for three games, with the last time being against Bolton going as far back as January 10.

This inability to convert opportunities has proved to be quite costly for them, as they have slipped to the fifth position on the table. Now, they have a long way (6 points) to cover the gap from the side immediate above them.

However, Wenger insists that there is no reason for them to hit the panic button as of yet.

Wenger said, ‘We never put pressure on players missing out on goal scoring opportunities. We know that if we force them to perform, they may break due to pressure. All we do is keep reminding them of their quality.’

‘I know teams, who have conceded goals in final few minutes of the game on a regular basis, after their manager kept pressing them to improve their defense.’

‘So, what I feel the best situation in such a scenario is to be spontaneous and natural. Sometimes, you’ve got to take the decision from the problem and think of playing to the best of our ability.’

‘There have been periods where we decimated our opponents. Now, we’ve happened to hit a slump where we are scoring less. But, this is how the game always folds up. Like other sports, football is a great leveler and our recent performance is an example of that!’

No comments »

Posted in Arsenal, Premier League

Tags:

Injury to Torres causes further worries to Liverpool

February 26th, 2009

Fernando Torres is all set to miss the coming Premiership encounter against Middlesbrough on Saturday at The Riverside Stadium.

The Liverpool striker picked up a severe injury in his ankle during his side’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday in the Champions League.

The Spaniard was barely able to move and limped out from the field after 61 minutes of the game.

Now, Rafael Benitez, Liverpool Boss, has no idea about the time that may require for Torres to come back. Tension in Rafa’s mind is understandable, as the striker gets counted amongst the prized asset for the Reds.

During a post-match interview, Benitez said, ‘I have no idea about the current situation with Torres. Yes, there are possibilities that he may miss some games, but how many is what I would also wish to know.’

‘We have a game at the Riverside Stadium against Middlesbrough in three days. However, it is going to be difficult for him to be fully fit within this short span.’

The injury to Torres is going to come as a major hit to the preparation of Benitez’s side, as they are attempting to close in the seven-point gap, which currently separates them from Manchester United, who are sitting pretty at the top of the table.

Following their trip to the Riverside Stadium, Liverpool is going to face Sunderland at Anfield. According to Benitez, there is a very slim possibility of Torres to be fit for this game.

No comments »

Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

Tags:

Redknapp: It is always about winning trophies

February 25th, 2009

Harry Redknapp insisted that trophies were more important to him than European Football, as he has decided to field a second string squad in the UEFA Cup game against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Spurs boss will be resting all his first team players for the important Carling Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday.

Heurelho Gomes, Spurs keeper, is the only player to be expected for starting both UEFA Cup and Carling Cup encounters. Redknapp needs to play him in both the games, as Carlo Cudicini has picked up an injury in his knees.

Redknapp said, ‘It is always about winning trophies.’

‘I wouldn’t have been bothered by the fact if there was no existence of Europe and this is what I said to Portsmouth in the previous season before their European games.’

Meanwhile, David Bentley will be looking forward to make full use of the opportunities, which he will get in the last-32 tie against Ukraine Champions, Shakhtar. He was rested for the previous leg.

A good performance here might see Bentley grabbing a place in the Wembley showdown against the Red Devils.

For emphasizing his priorities, Redknapp seems adamant that Spurs will be playing against United with the spirit of winning the cup.

Spurs trails Donetsk 2-0 and needs to clear that deficit for staying in the Cup. However, Redknapp is not in the mood of losing out on senior players through injuries while chasing this tie.

‘Even though a final is not about reputation and all are equal, still playing against a club like Manchester United is always intimidating, as they are the best club in Europe. This is why I want all my best players to be in full fitness and fend off the Champions.’

No comments »

Posted in Premier League, Tottenham

Tags:

Hull City Vs Tottenham Hotspurs: Late header from Woodgate seals it for Spurs

February 24th, 2009

Veteran defender, Jonathan Woodgate, came up with a goal five minutes from time and allowed the Spurs to snatch an important 2-1 victory over Hull City at the KC Stadium.

Woodgate was able to head a cross from Benoit Assou-Ekotto past Hull keeper, Matt Duke, in the final moments of a game, which had a combination of some scrappy and entertaining moments.

Midfielder Aaron Lennon broke the deadlock in the 17th minute for the away side with a sublime shot pass the Hull keeper.

However, Michael Turner, Hull defender, was able to scramble home an equalizer after ten minutes of Lennon’s strike.

This victory should ease the pressure for Spurs at the bottom of the Premier League table. Now, the Carling Cup finalists have lifted themselves to 14th position, only a point behind Hull and 5 points above the clubs in the relegation zone.

Hull City, who has only registered one win from their previous 17 games, is looking a completely different unit from the one that started the season.

Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp, Spurs’ boss, made as many as 10 changes to come up with a full-strength lineup after their UEFA Cup clash against Shakhtar Donetsk at Ukraine.

This week, Spurs will have to contend with Shakhtar for their second leg game at White hart Lane. Again, they also have a Wembley faceoff against Manchester United in the final of the Carling Cup.

However, getting full points from the Premier League game was the first thing in mind for Redknapp, which was evident with the changes that he made.

He would be looking for his side to come up with a similar performance in the games coming up and turn the tables on what has been a dreadful season for the Spurs.

No comments »

Posted in Premier League, Tottenham

Tags:

Benitez has threatened to quit Anfield

February 23rd, 2009

Rafael Benitez, Liverpool manager, threatened to walk out of Anfield after he rejected a new contract that was offered to him.

Sources revealed that the Spaniard rejected a 4-year contract offered to him last week, an event, which left Tom Hicks, club co-owner, stunned.

Benitez insists that he does not have any intentions of committing to the Reds, unless radical changes have been made in the club.

Benitez has been sending angry emails to Liverpool owners accusing them for their lack of support.

Apart from being shocked at the turn of events, co-owner Hicks was fuming for his refusal in signing a contract, which was reportedly worth 16-million pounds.

Things went from bad to worse for Liverpool, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

Dirk Kuyt, who scored his 9th goal of the season, saved the day for Liverpool, after City took the lead through an own goal from Craig Bellamy.

Liverpool’s dream of attaining their 19th title appears all but over with this draw. If the Red Devils falter in the coming games, which they are unlikely to, then only they can get back in frame.

Meanwhile, a 10-man Newcastle held Everton to a goalless draw and moved to a considerable distance from the relegation zone.

After midfielder Kevin Nolan got sent off for a dreadful challenge on Victor Anichebe in the 43rd minute, Magpies showed immense courage to fend off the challenges thrown at them.

Elsewhere at Cravens Cottage, Fulham continued their excellent home form and got on top of West Brom 2-0 thanks to goals from Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson.

No comments »

Posted in Liverpool, Manchester City

Tags:

Manchester United Vs Blackburn Rovers: United’s record run ends at 1334 minutes

February 22nd, 2009

Even though the record run of clean sheets ended for Manchester United, they kept their winning streak alive following another moment of magic from Portuguese winger, Cristiano Ronaldo that sunk Blackburn 2-1 at the Theater of Dreams.

Ronaldo came up with a stunning free kick on the stroke of an hour that allowed Red Devils to stay 8 points clear at the top of the table.

This strike came after Roque Santa Cruz scored his first goal for the Rovers in an injury-hit season and in the process broke United’s record at 1,334 minutes.

The game could have gone either way after Rooney scored the opener followed quickly by an equalizer from Santa Cruz.

This was the only game for a long time, when United’s defense seemed vulnerable. However, Rovers failed to convert the chances and now are staying put in the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Chelsea came out refreshed under their new manager, Guus Hiddink, and registered a 1-0 win over the in-form Aston Villa at Villa Park thanks to a first half goal from Nicolas Anelka.

With this win, Blues are now only 2 points behind second-placed Liverpool.

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s poor run continued, as they were held 0-0 by Sunderland.

Middlesbrough also failed to break the deadlock against Wigan, as the fans at Riverside Stadium were unable to witness their side move out of the bottom of the League table.

Portsmouth’s Ryan Shawcross scored in the injury time, as Pompey were able to manage a 2-2 draw against Stoke City at Britannia Stadium.

Elsewhere at Reebok Stadium, Kevin Davies took Bolton to safety, as he scored in his side’s 2-1 win over the Hammers.

No comments »

Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

Tags:

Kuyt determined to win a silverware for Liverpool

February 21st, 2009

Dirk Kuyt admitted that he was frustrated of not being with a winner’s medal at Liverpool, since he arrived in Anfield three years back.

With Liverpool embarking on their final 13 League games of the season, which starts with a clash against Manchester City on Sunday at home, Kuyt insists that he’s more motivated than ever before for ending their title draught.

The coming few days are going to be tough for the Reds. Following the meeting with City at Anfield, they next face the Real Madrid at Bernabeu on Wednesday in the last-16 clash of the Champions League.

Liverpool will be playing against Mark Hughes’ men without Steven Gerrard, who has still not recovered from his hamstring injury. Again, they will also be without the services of Xabi Alonso, who is serving a suspension.

Their absence will only make Liverpool’s job more difficult, as they are fighting to be in the hunt for the silverware at the end of the season.

Kuyt says, ‘The most imperative thing to me is winning trophies with Liverpool.’

‘It’s my third season with the club and we’re still to win any silverware. Hopefully, this season will change everything.’

‘Every season we have tried hard to come out on top. However, we have failed in achieving success till date. For me, at this stage, these failures will work as an extra motivation to win something in this season.’

Reds have been fighting to make it 19 top-flight titles for 19 years. However, it seems that their dream may have to wait for another year, as Manchester United is storming for glory yet again.

No comments »

Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

Tags:

O’Neill: Loss will end Blues hopes of a Premier League title

February 20th, 2009

Martin O’Neill feels that Chelsea are in a situation where they cannot afford losing another game in this season, if they wish to have any hope of being crowned the Premier League Champions.

Ahead of his club’s clash with the Blues at Villa Park, O’Neil insists that their opponent have the quality in players for putting together such a run.

O’Neill said, ‘Chelsea needs to beat us for staying in the hunt of Premier League title, as Manchester United have opened up a 5-point gap at the top of the table over Liverpool and another 5 over them.’

‘With only 13 games remaining in the season, Chelsea needs to remain unbeaten throughout and will require winning at least 11 of them.’

‘Although achieving such a feat takes some doing, for the talent, which is on display at Stamford Bridge, it is achievable.’

‘Last season, they achieved a similar feat only to lose the chance after drawing with Wigan in a crucial game of the season.’

‘They were also within a penalty of winning the final of the Champions League, which they went on to lose to Manchester United.’

Chelsea displayed top class performance, as O’Neil hailed following the match, to defeat Aston Villa 2-0 in October at Stamford Bridge. O’Neil was surprised with their dip in fortune and an unexpected change of manager.

‘I was surprised when I heard that Scolari was sacked. For someone, who has the credential of winning the World Cup and being lauded by everyone as a great manager, he was given too little opportunity for having an impact at Stamford Bridge.’

No comments »

Posted in Aston Villa, Chelsea FC

Tags:

Manchester United Vs Fulham: 3-0 win takes Red Devils 5 points clear at the top

February 19th, 2009

Manchester United continued their winning streak at home and moved 5 points clear of Liverpool in the Premier League summit after thrashing Fulham 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Veteran midfielder, Paul Scholes, opened the scoring for Red Devils in the 12th minute of the game with a stunning strike off a Carrick corner.

Dimitar Berbatov followed it up with another goal in the 30th minute to make it 2-0 for the current leaders in the League table.

Wayne Rooney, who returned after a 7-match layoff, came on as a substitute late in the second half and completed the rout with a deft touch into the Cottagers net.

Statistics look most likely to favor the current Premier League Champions for a 3rd title in succession and equal the record of 18, which is currently held by Liverpool.

Although they are going to meet tough oppositions in the coming games, Red Devils look determined not to relinquish their advantage in the 13 games remaining in the season. They have now started scoring heavily and are no longer looking to let any ball in.

Apart from the lead in the table, the clean sheet took Red Devils tally to 1,302 minutes without a blemish in their defense. It has been more than 14 games since keeper Edwin Van Der Sar conceded a goal in top-flight.

If he is able to hold Blackburn Rovers for 89 minutes on Saturday at Old Trafford, Van der Sar is going to eclipse Dany Verlinden of Club Brugge, who holds the European record of 1,390 minutes without conceding goals.

No comments »

Posted in Man U, Premier League

Tags: