Posts Tagged ‘Aston Villa’

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Stoke City Vs Liverpool: Stoke holds League leaders for the second time

January 11th, 2009

Liverpool failed to break the strong defense of Stoke City for the second time in this season, as they were held for a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium.

Captain Steven Gerrard hit the woodwork twice in the dying stages of the game. Other than that, Reds lacked the consistency that has allowed them to stay at the top of the Premier League table in this season.

At Villa Park, Aston Villa moved to the third spot in the league when they defeated West Brom 2-1.

It was thanks to former West Brom Captain, Curtis Davies, and an own goal from Baggies keeper, Scott Carson, who played on loan at Villa Park in the last season, that allowed Martin O’Neill’s side to continue their dream run in the league.

Arsenal kept their hopes of winning the title alive when they went past a stern resistance from Bolton at the Emirates Stadium.

After coming down as a substitute, Denmark Forward Nicklas Bendtner scored the winner for the home side.

Everton also marched towards another European berth, as they registered a convincing 2-0 victory over Hull City.

Felani and Mikel Arteta scored the goals for the Toffees at Goodison Park, as the home side stretched their unbeaten streak to six games.

Meanwhile, Andy Carroll late equalizer helped Newcastle United survive a scare against the Hammers at St. James Park.

West Ham led better part of the game 2-1 thanks to goals from Cole and Bellamy. However, Carroll header in the 77th minute helped Magpies salvage a draw.

Middlesbrough and Sunderland also played out a 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium with a late effort from Kenwyne Jones getting a point for the Black Cats.

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Posted in Arsenal, Liverpool

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West Ham United Vs Aston Villa: Villa moves to top three with win over Hammers

December 21st, 2008

Aston Villa moved into the top three of the Premier League Table, as they grabbed yet another victory over West Ham United at Upton Park.

James Milner cross was deflected of Hammers’ Lucas Neil, as his side scored a 1-0 victory over the home club and went ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal in the League.

At Cravens Cottage, Fulham continued their great form at home, as they demolished Middlesbrough 3-0 with goals from Clint Dempsey, Jimmy Bullard and Danny Murphy.

Cottagers stretched their unbeaten run to seven games and moved to the eighth position in the League.

Early goals from former Portsmouth midfielder Matt Taylor and Ricardo Gardner allowed Bolton Wanderers to defeat Portsmouth 2-1 at Reebok Stadium.

Gardner and Taylor scored only within 3 minutes from kickoff and made it too tough for Pompey to make a comeback. Although England International, Peter Crouch, did allow the touring side to make a comeback in the 20th minute, it was too late.

Blackburn finally took to winning ways under a new boss and registered a much-needed 3-0 win over newcomers Stoke City at Ewood Park.

Benn McCarthy scored twice and Jason Roberts once, as Sam Allardyce, new Rovers manager, had a great first outing.

Sunderland, playing without a permanent coach after Roy Keane was sacked, also scored a 4-1 away win over Hull City at K.C. Stadium.

3-late goals from Black Cats allowed them to get on the winning track and gave Ricky Sbargia, their caretaker boss, a reason to feel relieved.

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Posted in Aston Villa, Middlesbrough

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Everton Vs Aston Villa: Villa wins a thriller at Goodison Park

December 8th, 2008

It was yet another great performance by Aston Villa at Goodison Park, as they scored a wonderful win over Everton, who continued to struggle on their home turf.

It was one of the most remarkable finishes of the season, as injury-time saw 2 goals and Villa claimed a 3-2 victory over the home side for recapturing the fifth spot in Premier League table.

The drama started when Everton scored an equalizer (2-2) through the second goal from Joleon Lescott. At that stage, it was believed by them and their fans that they have secured a crucial point from the game.

However when the celebration was at full swing in the Goodison Park, Ashley Young broke away for grabbing a winner within 60 seconds to make it 3-2 and a win for Villa.

Earlier in the game, Villa broke the deadlock only 34 seconds into the game through Steve Sidwell. However, their lead was cut short by a lapse in defense and a crucial flick from Everton defender Lescott in the 30 minute.

Another game saw Peter Crouch saving the day for Portsmouth, as his equalizer denied West Brom their first victory in 9 games at The Hawthorns.

Jonathan Greening gave the Baggies a lead in the 40th minute when it seemed that Pompey was still having the effects of their mid-week loss at Wolfsburg, which confirmed their exit from the UEFA Cup.

However, English International smashed his 9th goal of the season and dashed the hopes of a victory for the home side.

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Posted in Aston Villa, Everton

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Stoke Vs Hull: No winner from the Battle of the New Boys

November 30th, 2008

New boys of Premier League, Stoke & Hull, came out of a tough encounter at the Britannia Stadium and ended the game at even terms with a 1-1 score line.

Prior to the start of the game, Stoke was looking for their fifth straight victory at home in the league, whereas the club from Yorkshire tasted only one defeat on road this season.

A curler from Hull’s Marlon King got them in front on the stroke of half-time. However, a well-taken penalty in the second half from Ricardo Fuller allowed the home side to equalize.

Meanwhile, Bolton trashed Roy Keane’s Sunderland 4-1 at the Stadium of Lights.

Although the home side got the lead through Cisse in only the 11th minute, 2 goals from Johan Elmander and one each from Gary Cahill & Matt Taylor scripted another horror day for the Irishman.

Another game saw Wigan beat last-placed West Brom 2-1 at JJB Stadium to record back-to-back wins in the league.

West Brom did hold the early advantage with a goal coming from Ishmael Miller in the 47th minute.

However, Wigan came back with an equalizer from Henri Camara in the 61st minute. A late winner from
Emmerson Boyce sealed the game for Steve Bruce’s side.

Aston Villa kept their fourth position in the league, after they managed a goalless draw against Fulham at Villa Park.

Again, Newcastle United came out of relegation zone when they played out a goalless draw at Riverside Stadium against Middlesbrough.

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Posted in Aston Villa, Newcastle United

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Davies: I consider Rio as my benchmark

November 22nd, 2008

Curtis Davies revealed that England International Rio Ferdinand is his role model prior to their clash against one another at Villa Park.

Aston Villa’s central defender, who was recalled to England’s squad for their friendly against Germany, has been a Ferdinand admirer for a long time.

During an interview Davies said, ‘I still consider Rio to be my benchmark, as he has the potential to perform on all aspects of the game. He’s a great player and always stays composed on the ball with the potential of using his head in situations, where it can work.’

‘He’s calm with the ball on his feet and the one I look up to. I’d always look to emulate his achievements and the manner in which he plays the game.’

‘We haven’t been playing in the same team for England. It will be good seeing what he’s like during training. However, his admirers will know that whether on the pitch or training ground, he’s all the same.’

‘If you watch the games that he has been a part of and take a look at things that he did on the field, then only you’ll know the talent of the man. Try taking his talent into your game and you’ll only get better in your trade.’

‘If you have the will to go to the top, you should know what the bests are up to. Look at John Terry and Rio. They are the best, as they do all the right things, when the going gets tough for them and their team.’

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

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Ferguson: O’Neil is amongst the top Premier League managers

November 21st, 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson feels that Martin O’Neill has the talent to lead Aston Villa into the top four of this season.

While he was managing Celtic, O’Neill was amongst the front runner for Ferguson’s job at Old Trafford, when there were rumors of Manchester United boss stepping down from his job.

As the Scot ruled out any possibility of stepping down in the immediate future, his name drifted out of contention.

However, he accepted the challenge offered by Villa owner, Randy Lerner, with both hands and has assembled an inspiring squad that is packed with young talent of the league.

After brief stutters, victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium has taken Midlands giants on equal points with Gunners in the league table.

Ferguson feels that it is possible that Villa can end the season by toppling one of the Top Four sides in the league.

Ferguson said, ‘They have the ingredients to finish in top four.’

‘They’re currently on level terms with Arsenal and catching on us in the table. This is a great position for them to be in and will lead to an interesting final stage of the league.’

‘Without any doubt, Martin is amongst the best managers of the game.’

‘The only way to judge managers is by their performance over a period. His record with Leicester, Celtic & now at Villa is enough to count him amongst the topmost in the league.’

Meanwhile, Ferguson was worried ahead of an encounter with Aston Villa at Villa Park, as Dimitar Berbatov received a hamstring injury during Bulgaria’s friendly against Serbia.

It was revealed that Berbatov will not be available for at least 2 weeks. However, Ferguson confirmed that the injury was not serious and he will be match fit soon.

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Posted in Aston Villa, Man U

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Newcastle United Vs Aston Villa: First back-to-back win for Magpies in six months

November 4th, 2008

Newcastle United’s Obafemi Martins played wonderfully, as he blasted his side out of the relegation zone of Barclays Premier League.

Battlers of Joe Kinnear claimed their second successive victory by defeating Aston Villa 2-0 at St. James Park.

It was the second time in 6 days that Obafemi, Nigerian International, scored for the Magpies. His 2 goals in the 2-0 win allowed Newcastle to lift to the 14th place ahead of arch-rival Sunderland (goal difference).

This was the first time that Newcastle recorded back-to-back league victories since April.

These six points, which they got of visits from West Brom & Villa (midlands duo) within a span of one week, represented a major boost in the side. Again, it was the first clean sheet for the Magpies since August 23.

In the game, Kinnear’s side survived the stern test of their own resolve against an emerging side of the Premier League.

Magpies were able to fend of the challenges thrown at them by Villa persistently in the first half.

In the second half, the home side came up with a renewed spirit, which has been common feature to them after the arrival of Kinnear and through Martins’ 2 goals sealed the game.

What would have impressed Newcastle’s interim manager even more was that his side won the game in absence of star striker Michael Owen, who came on the pitch during the final stages of the game.

Now, he would be hoping that this rejuvenated showing keeps on improving and they retain the position in the league, which they are accustomed to.

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Posted in Aston Villa, Newcastle United

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Liverpool Vs Manchester City: Reds make stunning comeback to win 3-2

October 6th, 2008

Liverpool maintained their winning run by coming from 2-0 down and beating Manchester City 3-2 on an eventful BPL Sunday.

It was Dirk Kuyt who scored his first Premier League goal since November, as Liverpool beat 10-man Manchester City in stoppage time.

The home side got a stunning two goal lead in the dramatic first half through Javier Garrido and Steven Ireland.

Liverpool almost scored in the fourth minute after Albert Riera got an excellent touch, but City goalkeeper Joe Hart was alert enough to turn the effort around the post.

In spite of many swift counterattacks launched by Liverpool, Shaun Wright-Philips showed some great defensive qualities to prevent the visitors from scoring a goal.

It was Ireland, who rifled an unstoppable shot into the corner and scored his third goal of the season for Manchester City in the 19th minute.

City was quick to extend their lead to 2 goals just before the first half (41st minute) when Garrido sent a superb free kick just over Reina for his first goal for the club.

It seemed all over for Liverpool when the second half began. However, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres had some other ideas.

He gave a marvellous slid in from a close range in the 55th minute reducing the deficit to 2-1. It was the Spanish striker again, who headed the equaliser in the 73rd minute from Gerrard’s corner.

Liverpool got the momentum and finally Dirk Kuyt scored the winning goal in injury time when he smashed the ball high into the City net.

Meanwhile, Chelsea continued their winning streak at Stamford Bridge after they beat Aston Villa 2-0. Bolton also scored a 3-1 away victory over West Ham United at Upton Park. Again, it was Jermain Defoe, who fired Portsmouth to clinch a 2-1 victory over Stoke City at Fratton Park.

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Posted in Liverpool, Manchester City

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Scolari concerned over growing injury list at Stamford Bridge

October 3rd, 2008

Chelsea Boss, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has been concerned over the growing injury list at Stamford Bridge.

The recent addition to the list was Chelsea Striker, Didier Drogba. He was stretchered off with a suspected damage to his knee ligament during Blues’ Champions League tie against Cluj.

The London club is already missing the services of Joe Cole, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Essien and Ashley Cole. If Drogba does manage to make this list, Scolari will have a lot to think about in coming games.

In a post on the official website of Chelsea, ‘Big Phil’ said ‘I have no idea of Drogba’s current injury status.’

‘All I know is that he is having a problem, which is making it impossible for him to move on the field.’

Ashley Cole, who recently got injured, said in an interview that he was having difficulty in running and expected the same situation to prevail with Drogba. However, Scolari was hopeful regarding the possibility of his striker to be fit by Sunday.

If the layoff for Ivory Coast Captain is confirmed, it will mean that Chelsea will have only one fit recognised forward in Nicolas Anelka for the game against Aston Villa during the weekend.

Scolari said ‘I have got little time in my hand to develop a tough side with so many injuries on the cards, as there are several important games coming up within a short time.’

‘I don’t know the possibilities of getting desired result against Villa on Sunday. However, I will be hoping that there is no addition to my side’s injury list in the form of Drogba.’

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Premier League

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Manchester United Vs Chelsea: United fails to capitalize on good start

September 22nd, 2008

It was probably one of the games of the seasons at Stamford Bridge, as holders Manchester United took on Chelsea, who had an 85-games unbeaten record at their home ground.

Despite poor form in recent games, Red Devils started on a positive note and got the home side on the back foot for the first time in a long while.

Although Ronaldo and Tevez were not a part of the playing eleven, still the likes of Hargreaves, Park and Fletcher made life difficult for Chelsea defenders.

Blues, on the other hand, had a bad start to the game with Deco injured during practice session before the game and defender Ricardo Carvalho hobbled off only after 12 minutes.

Rooney, Fletcher and Ferdinand had attempts at the goal, but Petr Cech was tough to beat. Even though United players were able to penetrate the defenders, but Cech (with wobbles) was able to stop them from scoring.

However in the eighteenth minute, Cech wobbled a shot from Berbatov after a pinpoint pass from Evra and Park was there to make it 1-0 for the away side.

Like the Liverpool game, Devils lacked finishing in this game or it could have been an easy win for them. In the end, things could have been worse, if Chelsea would have been alive to the situation.

After constant attack on United’s goal through Anelka, Cole, Ballack and Lampard, substitute Kalou scored the equalizer heading a Mikel’s free kick in 80th minute.

Manchester United, who had 7 bookings during the game, ended the drawn game (1-1) with Ferdinand showing bad temper to referee Mike Riley for his improper handling of situations during the match.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa continued their good run in the league by beating West Brom 2-1 at The Hawthorns. Another game saw Hull salvaging a point in a 2-2 draw against an inconsistent Everton at Kingston Communications Stadium.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

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