Posts Tagged ‘Aston Villa’

« Older Entries

Today in Premier League

September 26th, 2009

Cheslea faced defeat for the first time this season at the JJB stadium playing against Wigan Athletic. Wigan opened score in the 16th minute with a header from Bramble. Chelsea equalized two minutes into the second half with a goal from Drogba but Wigan’s attempt to score in the 52nd minute saw Petr Cech bringing Rodallega down in the box. Cech was shown a straight red card which left reserve keeper Hilario with the job of saving the penalty. Rodallega stepped up and took the penalty which he netted comfortably, making the score 2-1.

Chelsea tried attacking, but with a man down there was always a fear of counter attack. Chelsea did not capitalize on the opportunities that came their way and were punished again in 90+2 minutes when Paul Scharner scored, giving Wigan their first win ever against one of the top 4 English clubs.

Manchester United defeated Stoke City 0-2. First half saw United making sloppy passes but soon Ferguson replaced Nani with Giggs which proved to be a master stroke as Giggs helped United to score both the goals. With assists from Giggs in both united goals, Berbatov and O’Shea scored a goal each in the 62nd and 77th minute.

Liverpool defeated Hull at Anfield with a thumping 6-1 lead. Torres took 3, Babel 2 and a goal from Gerrard saw Anfield live with action. 4 goals from Keane saw Spurs defeating Burnley 5-0 at home. Portsmouth continued their losing run as they faced their seventh consecutive defeat this season, this time at the hands of Everton.

Blackburn won against Aston Villa 2-1 in front of home fans. Birmingham and Fulham were not able to capitalize on their home advantage and lost 1-2 to Bolton, and 0-1 to Arsenal respectively.

No comments »

Posted in Arsenal, Articles, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Burnley, Chelsea FC, Everton, Football Post Match Review, Football Results, Hull City, Liverpool, Man U, Portsmouth, Premier League, Stoke City, Tottenham

Tags:

Updates from Premier League

September 2nd, 2009

On its last day, the transfer window saw Everton successfully sign 25 year old Dutch footballer John Heitinga. A regular in the Dutch national side, Heitinga signed a five year deal with the blue side of Merseyside on 1st September. He selected the no 5 jersey which was previously worn by Joleon Lescott who left the club last month and joined Manchester City. Everton Have reported paid £6.2m to Atletico Madrid for the Dutch defender.

Manchester United’s wonder kid, Macheda who rose to fame after his 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa in a league game has again expressed his desire to return to his home country Italy.

26 year old Swedish striker, David Elm has successfully signed a one year contract with Premier League old timers Fulham for a reported fee of £500,000.

It is still not clear whether Portsmouth have signed 28 year old Aston Villa left back Nicky Shorey. Though, sky sports claims that the deal has completed successfully before the transfer window closed.

Finnish footballer Teemu Tainio will play the new season with newly promoted Birmingham City. Teemu joined City from Sunderland on loan.

Newly signed Niko Kranjcar of Tottenham Hotspur has revealed that he was also approached by Everton, before signing for Spurs from Portsmouth for a reported fee of £2.5 million.

The summer transfers saw Manchester City as the biggest spender in England as they approximately spent £120 million after deducting the money gained from selling five of its players for a seven figure price tag. Manchester United were seen the biggest gainers as they sold their star player Ronaldo for £80 million.

No comments »

Posted in Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Everton, Man U, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Premier League, Tottenham

Tags:

Liverpool defeated at home

August 25th, 2009

Liverpool’s 31 games undefeated streak at home finally came to an end. Liverpool lost 3-1 to a Villa side which was desperately looking for a win. Before this match Villa had won only 2 of their last 18 matches, so, this win would give them the much needed confidence especially at the start of the season.

It all started well for Liverpool, Benayoun almost drew first blood in the first minute itself. They kept creating chances in the first 30 minutes but nothing was converted, luck didn’t seem to be favoring them. Finally the breakthrough came from a Liverpool player, but he scored for the away team.  Lucas headed Ashley Young’s cross into his own net in the 34th minute. Aston Villa added another just before half time, again from a set piece. This time the goal scorer was Davies who headed at the near post from a Nicky Shorey’s corner.

Liverpool looked dangerous in the second half. They kept pushing Villa’s defense to the limits. Finally in the 72nd minute Torres netted one back for Liverpool and suddenly it seemed that Liverpool might win it. Three minutes later Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard provided a penalty to Villa through a reckless tackle on Nigel Reo-Coker, allowing Young to make the score 1-3.

Liverpool still kept creating chances here and there but nothing proved significant. The match leaves Liverpool at 10th place in the league table. Liverpool has already lost two of its first three games in the current season, and interestingly they lost only two games in entire season last year.

No comments »

Posted in Aston Villa, Liverpool, Premier League

Tags:

Football fever on a high

August 22nd, 2009

With the football fever on a high and spread like wild fire among all the soccer fans in the world, the Premier league that began from 19th august surely was more than welcomed.

The league kick started with one of the top favorites Arsenal taking on Stoke city and as expected from the star studded team they took it as it came and swept the game away from Stoke City by a stunning 4-0 win.

The game was filled with surprises and a little ruff play from Dean Whitehead of the stoke city landed them in a little trouble with him getting booked for unsporting game play.

The goal scorers from Liverpool were Torres, Johnson, Kuyt, Ngog.

Well the team surely have kick started there league with a bang and sent thrills down the spine of many other teams in the league.

The next match for the in form team is due on 24th august and in this game Liverpool will be taking on Aston Villa at Anfield.

It will be a very crucial match for both the teams but especially for Aston Villa who are already down the table with 1 game played and lost and are currently standing at the 16th position were as the Liverpool are inching towards the top of the chart with 3 points to there tally and are currently standing at 4th position in the table were as the chart leader Chelsea and Tottenham are each standing at the 2nd and first positions respectively with 6 points each.

Well the Liverpool bench will be really working hard to keep up the form and take this opportunity to make there way into the top 3

No comments »

Posted in Arsenal, General, Liverpool, Premier League

Tags:

Bruce still hoping for a place in the European Competition

March 16th, 2009

Steve Bruce, Wigan Athletic Manager, is still having a hope of seeing his side participate in the next season’s European competition.

Latics continued their good run in the current season and remained in the line for a top-7 finish, following their 2-1 win on Sunderland at Stadium of Lights on Saturday. This victory brought to an end a wobble in form, which was affecting their recent performance in the league.

With the seventh position expected to be adequate for securing a place in the European League, Bruce’s side is currently sitting just a point behind the pace.

If they eventually realize their dream of getting a spot in the competition, it will represent am amazing achievement for the side, which was playing as a non-league football 30 years back.

Bruce said, ‘It is going to be a terrific feat for us, if we can bring the European Championships to JJB Stadium.’

‘It is going to be an implausible achievement for us, when you consider how far we have gone ahead within a span of three decades. It was only in 1978 that we were participating in non-league games.’

‘How we are going to cope up with the pressure, which comes with this opportunity, is a completely different issue.’

‘If Aston Villa and Spurs cannot cope up with the amount of games in hand, then I am not so sure that we would.’

‘Still, it is very exciting seeing the opportunity available to us with only 9 games remaining in the season.’

No comments »

Posted in Premier League, Tottenham

Tags:

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:

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:

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:

5-0 drubbing takes Red Devils three points clear of Liverpool

January 28th, 2009

Manchester United thrashed West Brom 5-0 and moved three points clear of Liverpool on the Premier League Table.

During this crushing encounter, it was Edwin van der Sar, who made BPL history by surpassing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech 2004-05 record of 925 minutes without conceding a single goal for his team.

United also set an all new record of 11 consecutive clean sheets breaking the one set by Chelsea four years back.

First half goals were scored by Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov following a typical blunder from Scott Carson.

The match saw a harsh decision from the referee with the West Brom acting skipper Paul Robinson being shown the ninth red card of his football career.

Later in the second half, United increased their lead with two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and one from Nemanja Vidic. This drubbing allowed the Red Devils to earn their sixth successive win in the league.

United’s crushing win over West Brom has increased the pressure over Liverpool, who have been plagued with poor performances and draws in the recent past. Reds next play Wigan on Wednesday and will be looking forward to close the gap with the current league leaders.

Elsewhere, Tottenham recorded their first Premier League win in over a month, as they defeated Stoke 3-1, courtesy a series of goals at White Hart Lane in the first half.

Aston Villa moved to the third spot in the Premier league table beating Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park. Emile Heskey scored his debut goal for Villa in the 20th minute of the game.

Again, Sunderland defeated Fulham 1-0 at the Theatre of Dreams and ended the club’s run of four Premier League defeats against them.

No comments »

Posted in Man U, Tottenham

Tags:

O’Neill: Young and Abbonlahor are irreplaceable

January 16th, 2009

Martin O’Neill, Aston Villa Boss, insisted that the duo of Ashley Young and Gabriel Abbonlahor, who have played an imperative role in the team’s success, are irreplaceable.

O’Neill stressed on the fact that his priority is to drive more blood in his team and make them sustainable in challenging on all the three fronts, which includes FA Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League.

Duo of Young and Agbonlahor have scored as many as 17 goals this season helping Villa in overcoming the loss of John Crew, who has missed most part of the season with a serious back trouble.

Sources say that Ashley Young is currently linked with Real Madrid, who have offered £27 million for him. However, his current manager claims that he is worth many times more than the initial £8 million, which Villa paid for buying his services before couple of years back.

On the other side, Abbonlahor has been operating effectively for his team as the lone striker in 4-5-1 formation. He has been responsible for keeping Villa amongst the top four in the current season.

Villa Boss expressed his concerns to rest some of his key players in the next few days.

O’Neill said, ‘Boys like Gabby and Ashley are really irreplaceable, as they are priceless for the team.’

‘Till the transfer window closes, I need to keep my fingers crossed as losing out on either one of these players may leave the side in a tight situation.’

‘With a possible Champions League berth in sight, we will need the support of all our best players.’

No comments »

Posted in Aston Villa, Football Transfer Market

Tags: