Posts Tagged ‘Everton’

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Kuyt: Liverpool is no short in confidence

January 27th, 2009

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has expressed his belief that the Reds are high in confidence in spite of three successive draws.

Liverpool drew against Everton in their last match of the FA cup and collected just two points from their two previous Premier League games allowing Manchester United to clinch the top spot in the table.

Rafael Benitez’s side managed to find the net only twice in their last three matches in the Premier League after scoring as many as eight goals in just two matches against Newcastle and Bolton after Christmas.

Incidentally, both the goals came from the boots of Steven Gerrard. Rest of the Liverpool squad has struggled to supplement the efforts of their captain with striker Fernando Torres still working to get his full fitness back.

However, Holland International feels that the situation of his team is not as bad as the critics are making out.

According to Kuyt, ‘Confidence in the team is good and I believe that we have the capability to win each and every game.’

‘The team needs to keep going, look forward and play according to their strengths.’

‘The points, which we have dropped, were what we never expected. Since we are Liverpool, we want to win each & every game. So, we have no time to stand and think about the past.’

‘Our team is still in the FA Cup and doing pretty well in the Premier League. We are also playing well in the Champions League. All we have to do is to stay positive and the results will be reflected in our future matches.’

No comments »

Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

Tags:

Mourinho: Liverpool can win the Premier League

January 25th, 2009

Jose Mourinho, former Chelsea Boss, believes that Liverpool has everything needed for them to win this season’s Premier League.

Reds are currently sitting second on the league table level in terms of points with Manchester United, but they are behind on superior goal difference. Again, they have also played a game more than the Red Devils.

Speaking to the reporters from Sunday Telegraph, Mourinho said ‘It’s been interesting seeing Liverpool perform this season. I feel that they have the right ingredients for winning the title.’

While they are still in title race, Liverpool has been guilty of wasting important home points against less-fancied opponents this season. However, Mourinho, believes they have the ability to keep their championship challenge right on track.

‘It’s tough for me to understand how they weren’t able to manage such wonderful performances in previous four seasons.’

‘Their manager is good, players are world class, fans are unique and club tradition is big. There’s no reason that they cannot do it this time around.’

However, Mourinho warned that as soon as the Champions League starts from next month, it will be a distraction for the Anfield club.

‘Usually, it’s when Champions League commences that they start losing their focus from the Premier League.’

‘It has been the case with them in previous seasons where they performed well in Champions League, but lost important points in the League games.’

‘They’ve already lost 10 important points at home in games that they could have easily won. On any given day, Liverpool is a better side than West Ham, Stoke, Hull, Everton and Fulham. However, they have failed to perform against such teams and lost crucial points.’

No comments »

Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

Tags:

Cahill continues his streak at Anfield

January 20th, 2009

Tim Cahill, Everton’s makeshift striker, will now have his name alongside Dixie Dean in the club’s record books.

Late equalizer from the Australia midfielder against Liverpool on Monday was his third at Anfield for the Toffees. This is a feat, which nobody has accomplished since the era, when Dean was a part of the team.

29-year-old midfielder said: ‘Am I being referred as Dixie? I have no idea of it. Honestly, I care more about the importance of the goal for both the team and fans.’

Speaking on the performance of his side against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw, Cahill said, ‘You need to work hard chasing after players like Steven Gerrard to be in the game. This is the reason why we have great pride even if we secure a point against Liverpool, as they are an excellent side.’

‘I thought Pepe Reina made it really difficult for us with couple of amazing saves, but we got through in the end and this is what matters.’

Cahill decided not to celebrate his achievement saying: ‘I do not wish to disrespect Liverpool in any manner.’

‘I’m lucky to score thrice at Anfield, but do not want anyone in trouble with too much of celebration.’

Now, Everton will be aiming for yet another performance of high magnitude on this weekend, when they make a return to Anfield for their FA Cup encounter against the Reds.

‘We will be coming back on Sunday and preparing ourselves in the same way. We’ll do what is right and make sure that mistakes made in the league game are not repeated.’

No comments »

Posted in Everton, Liverpool

Tags:

Neville looking forward to relish the welcome at Anfield

January 17th, 2009

Everton Captain, Phil Neville, is eagerly waiting to relish the reception that he is going to receive after he leads Everton at Anfield in their next Premier League match against Liverpool.

Former England International is aware of the fact that his team can experience a torrid time while playing against the Reds on their home ground.

Neville was also not shying from the challenge. He said, ‘I am optimistic and expect my team to test the table toppers on Monday.’

‘It is something, which I really enjoy and I would be worried if the team cannot do that.’

Neville said that he loves the atmosphere of Everton-Liverpool games and it is one of the things that have drawn him to the club.

The Everton skipper has been also enthused by the war of words between Liverpool’s Rafael Benitez and his old boss at Manchester United over Ferguson’s treatment of referees.

‘Ferguson is a master in such occasions and believes that English football specialises. He is the best for such types of managerial spats.’

‘These types of spats set the English League apart from all other leagues in the world. Italian or Spanish managers are not seen doing such type of things.’

Neville feels that it is really fantastic to view from the outside and he hopes that it would be a fantastic start to this year.

In spite of being outplayed at Goodison Park, Everton has the talent to topple Liverpool.

No comments »

Posted in Everton, Premier League

Tags:

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.

No comments »

Posted in Arsenal, Liverpool

Tags:

Bendtner issues a warning to Arsenal

December 23rd, 2008

Arsenal forward, Nicklas Bendtner, fired a warning that he might leave the club, if they would not make him a regular in the first team.

Danish striker has been the third option in the pecking order of Gunners for strikers in most games this season. He has generally followed Van Persie or Emmanuel Adebayor.

However, he is adamant for being amongst the first names in the club’s sheet on a regular basis.

The 20-year old star said, ‘There is no doubt to the fact that my priority lies in playing football.’

‘I know things that I want from the club and if it doesn’t happen here, I’ll look for other options.’

‘I am looking forward to have the remaining portion of my football career playing, irrespective of the club I represent.’

Bendtner has been rumored, thus far, with Bayern Munich. Italian media has also confirmed the assortment of the young player with many Serie A clubs.

However, the striker has insisted that currently he is more interested in staying at the Emirates Stadium.

‘I’m not bothered about the rumors, as I know that I am a Gunner and have a respect for the club. I wish to stay here for a longer duration of time.’

Meanwhile, Chelsea lost yet another opportunity of getting on top of the Premier League table, as they played a goalless draw at Goodison Park against Everton.

Troubles for Luiz Felipe Scolari grew further, when Blues Captain, John Terry, was shown a red card early in the game.

Although they were a better side in spite of being reduced to 10-man, they didn’t capitalize on the slip-ups of Arsenal and Liverpool during the weekend.

No comments »

Posted in Chelsea FC, Everton

Tags:

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.

No comments »

Posted in Aston Villa, Everton

Tags:

Wigan Athletic Vs Everton: Camara stars in 1-0 win for Lactics

November 25th, 2008

Henri Camara gave Wigan Athletic something to cheer about, as he scored his first goal in two years and took his side out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Everton at the JJB Stadium.

Senegal International came as a substitute for Olivier Kapo and took just 6 minutes to rifle a low shot past Everton Keeper Tim Howard following a wonderful piece of skill from midfielder Antonio Valencia.

This goal was enough to give only the second home win for Steve Bruce’s side after they registered a 2-1 win over Manchester City almost couple of months ago.

Moreover, this win was a perfect fillip to Bruce following their recent results were raising fears of Wigan getting dragged into dogfight of the relegation zone.

Still, we are far from seeing the Latics out of trouble. However, this thoroughly deserving victory, where Lee Cattermole was exceptional, showed delight on the face of Wigan Boss. At the final whistle, the pleasure of scoring the goal was clearly visible Camara’s face.

31-year old forward was on loan West Ham United and failed to score a single goal on what was a horrible campaign.

Camara made a return to the JJB Stadium earlier this summer and after scoring thrice in the Carling Cup, finally hit the net in a top flight game for the first time since scoring for Wigan against Middlesbrough in December 2006.

Meanwhile, Everton made a short trip to JJB Stadium with an unbeaten streak in 5 games. However, following a bright start, faded badly.

This defeat for Everton meant that none of the top side’s in the league was able to register a victory in this week.

No comments »

Posted in Everton, Premier League

Tags:

Ferguson receives a 2-match ban

November 18th, 2008

Manchester United Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, received a 2-match ban and a fine of US$15,000 from FA. He was charged following his on-field row with referee Mike Dean.

66-year-old manager was furious when Dean didn’t send off Andy Turner, Hull defender, for his challenge on Michael Carrick during Red Devils’ 4-3 win over the newly promoted side at Old Trafford.

Following that incident, Dean also awarded a penalty to Hull for an innocuous challenge from Rio Ferdinand on Bernard Mendy. This only added to the frustration of the Scot.

Earlier, Ferguson served a 2-match ban for finger-jabbing rant at referee Mark Clattenburg, when his side lost to Bolton.

The latest suspension involving him will start from December 2. This means that he’ll not be available pitch side for United’s Carling Cup encounter against Rovers on December 3.

He is also going to miss out on touchline reunion with Roy Keane, who captained United couple of years back. Keane will be bringing Sunderland to Old Trafford on December 6 for a Premier League encounter.

Ferguson claimed that FA was desperate for hitting him with a charge for improper conduct.

Meanwhile, Everton’s David Moyes was another manager to get charged for improper conduct against referee Alan Wiley.

Wiley sent Moyes to the stands, after the Toffees manager criticized him for not giving a penalty during their 3-2 win against Stoke in September.

However, he has not been slapped with a ban similar to Ferguson. Moyes will only require paying $7,500 for his offence. In addition to the fine, he also received a warning for future conducts.

No comments »

Posted in Everton, Man U

Tags:

Hull City Vs Manchester City: Geovanni wins the battle of Brazilians

November 17th, 2008

Geovanni was able to edge out the battle of Brazilians and helped Hull to salvage a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, his former club, at the Kingston Communication Stadium.

Robinho, who was drafted into the Eastlands side for 32.5 million pounds, played lively on the field, but failed to score a goal. However, City teammate Stephen Ireland continued his good season by scoring both the goals for the visitors.

In the 14th minute, Hull scored the opener, when forward, Cousin, made full use of a horrendous mistake in the defense from Tam Ben Heim.

However, another defensive gaffe from Kamil Zayatte allowed Stephen Ireland to score the equalizer for City in the 37th minute.

Ireland followed it up a sublime effort and was able to score his second goal in the final minutes of the first half to make it 2-1 for the visitors.

Geovanni then in the 60th minute scored the equalizer and allowed the host to take a much-needed point from the game.

City Boss, Mark Hughes, will now be looking for his players to gather their concentration and get back into winning habit, which was clearly visible in the earlier matches of the season.

Meanwhile, Everton managed a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park.

Boro scored the opening goal in the game only within 8 minutes into the first half through O’Neil. However, they were unable to hold the lead, as Yakubu scored the equalizer for Toffees in the 65th minute of the game much to the delight of their boss David Moyes.

No comments »

Posted in Everton, Manchester City

Tags: