Posts Tagged ‘Manchester City’

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Gerrard likely to make a comeback against Manchester City

February 17th, 2009

Steven Gerrard is almost certain to make his return against Manchester City during this weekend.

Liverpool captain was on the sidelines following a hamstring injury, which he suffered on February 4 against Everton.

Initially, the England International was expected to sit out for three weeks or even more than that. However, Rafael Benitez, Liverpool Boss, believes that Gerrard, the inspirational figure in the Reds lineup, may make a comeback against Mark Hughes’ men from the bench.

During an interview, Benitez reportedly said, ‘There is a possibility of seeing him on the bench against City on Sunday. However, we still do not have any confirmation on it.’

Gerrard was most likely to return during an important Champions League clash against Real Madrid. However, Benitez said, ‘He has been consistently improving. The condition he is in, every day spent is important.’

‘The good thing is that he has been working hard with our medical staff and progressing quite well.’

‘Normally, I rate him amongst the players, who can recover quickly. He requires lesser time than other players.’

‘I was surprised to know when a Spanish Daily released that there is a possibility of him playing for some minutes during the weekend before starting against Real Madrid. However, I do not have any idea about the exact scenario.’

‘Gerrard wants to be a part of each game that we play. He feels that the game against Manchester City is going to be very important for our future in the Champions League and shares the same feeling for the Real Madrid encounter.’

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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Portsmouth Vs Manchester City: Pompey registers first win in three months

February 15th, 2009

Portsmouth thrashed Manchester City 2-0 in the Barclays Premier League at Fratton Park on Saturday, in spite of the club playing without a manager. This was Pompey’s first match since Tony Adams got sacked.

Goals from Glen Johnson & Hermann Hreidarsson eased the pressure on demotion doubts of the south coast club. They registered first three points since November.

A disappointed City boss Hughes confessed that, ‘Premier League is the hardest league in the world. To be in motion for a certain level, one has to hit a ground or you will be beaten.’

With Paul Hart in short-term charge of the club, Portsmouth moved four points adrift of the demotion zone.

Portsmouth keeper David James, who celebrated a record 536th appearance in the Premier League, was able to finish the game with a clean sheet. He even made an excellent save in the closing minutes.

Portsmouth did start well with Jermaine Pennant, on-loan winger, looking exceptional in terms of possession.

Johnson broke the deadlock through a brilliant finish in the 70th minute. Thumping header from Hreidarsson condemned added to the woes of the Eastlands club. City has only won once in 12 away matches in the Premier League this season.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will be looking forward to consolidate their position at the top, when they will next face Fulham at Old Trafford.

With their confidence soaring sky high and a 13-game clean sheet record in the Premier League, Red Devils will pose a tough challenge for Cottagers on Wednesday.

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Posted in Manchester City, Portsmouth

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Manchester United Vs Everton: United increases lead to 5 points with 1-0 win

February 1st, 2009

Manchester United was able to move five points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of the game, when he converted a penalty after Everton’s Arteta tripped Carrick in the box.

Red Devils continued their streak of clean sheets in the Premier League for 12 games and allowed Edwin van der Sar to break the English record of the most minutes (1,122 minutes) without conceding a goal.

Meanwhile, Arsenal frustration in the Premier League continued as they were held by a determined West Ham side 0-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

At Villa Park, Aston Villa missed a chance to climb to the second spot in the table after they were also held for a goalless draw by Wigan Athletic.

Kevin Davies was able to save blushes for Bolton, as he converted a late header in a 3-2 win over Spurs and prevented his club from throwing 2-goal advantage for the second time in four days.

Future of Tony Adams, who replaced Harry Redknapp at Fratton Park, continued to be under threat, as Portsmouth lost 3-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage with Andrew Johnson scoring two goals for the home side.

Manchester City lost to Stoke City 1-0 in the Britannia Stadium, as they were unable to break the defense of 10-man Potters.

Elsewhere at Kingston Communication Stadium, Hull City broke their six-games losing streak, as they drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion.

Sam Allardyce’s unbeaten record was kept intact, as Blackburn Rovers held Middlesbrough 0-0 at Riverside Stadium.

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Posted in Everton, Man U

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Liverpool’s title ambitions dented by a 1-1 draw against Wigan

January 29th, 2009

Liverpool was held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan at The JJB Stadium, as the Reds received another dent in their quest to win the Premier League crown.

Once again, Liverpool showed inability to convert their possession into goals, as Rafael Benitez’s side could not capitalize for the fourth consecutive match.

Yossi Benayoun opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 41st minute. However, it didn’t prove to be enough after the Reds gave Wigan a penalty in the 81st minute.

Lucas Leiva, the Brazilian midfielder, made a rash challenge on Mido, who converted the penalty much to the delight of the home fans.

This draw took Liverpool 2 points behind the Red Devils, who still have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Chelsea thrashed Middlesbrough 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and kept their title aspirations alive with Salomon Kalou scoring twice for the home side.

This victory allowed the Blues to move to the second place in the League table overtaking Liverpool with a better goal difference.

Another game saw Manchester City defeat Newcastle United 2-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Goals from City’s record signing Robinho and Craig Bellamy allowed their club to register a comprehensive win over struggling Magpies.

In another exciting encounter that ended 1-1, Arsenal managed to escape a narrow defeat at the hands of Everton in Goodison Park, as Robin Van Persie scored for the Gunners in the injury time.

At Upton Park, West Ham United defeated Hull City 2-0 and extended their unbeaten run with goals coming from David Di Michele and Carlton Cole.

Elsewhere at Ewood Park, Blackburn’s Benny McCarthy spared Sam Allardyce his first loss, as the striker scored against his former club (Bolton) to make it 2-2.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Liverpool

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West Ham accepts bid for Bellamy

January 19th, 2009

Manchester City’s offer for unsettled forward, Craig Bellamy has been accepted by West Ham United.

Wales Striker, now, has the permission of speaking to Mark Hughes, City Boss, after the latter’s bid was acknowledged.

29-year old star demanded a move to Hammers’ London rivals, Spurs, on Friday. However, his club showed unwillingness for selling him to their adversaries.

West Ham received a bid of about £14 million from Spurs, but they agreed only to City’s offer. Now, Bellamy is expected to go through a medical.

Hammers left out Bellamy from their squad that defeated Fulham 3-1 at Upton Park. According to Gianfranco Zola, West ham Boss, the player wasn’t in the best frame of mind to play in the game.

West Ham was able to shrug off Bellamy’s imminent departure and ended Fulham’s 9-match unbeaten streak in the Barclays Premier League with an emphatic win.

David di Michele, who replaced Bellamy in the starting eleven, capitalized on John Patsil’s error for giving Hammers an early lead.

Cottagers leveled through Paul Konchesky, who delivered a stunning shot against his former club. However, they lost the momentum, as the left back then hacked Carlton Cole down, which allowed Mark Noble to pounce from the spot.

Cole finished the rout after combining with Di Michele and making it 3-1 to help his side register their fourth consecutive win over their opponents in the League.

Meanwhile, Jermaine Defoe helped Spurs record a 1-1 draw against his former club, Portsmouth at White Hart Lane.

Defoe scored his first goal after making a return to the Spurs side and cancelled out David Nugent’s efforts.

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Posted in Football Transfer Market, Manchester City

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Bolton Wanderers Vs Manchester United: Last minute winner takes United to the top

January 18th, 2009

Last minute header from Dimitar Berbatov helped Manchester United register a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. As a result of this win, Red Devils moved to the top of the Premier League table for the first time in this season.

Jussi Jaaskelainen, Bolton goalkeeper, was flawless throughout the game and almost denied their opponents with an excellent individual display.

However, after repelling 3 vicious free-kicks from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jaaskelainen was unable to stop a powerful header from Berbatov from six-yard range.

With another clean sheet, Manchester United also equalized Chelsea’s record of 10 games without conceding a goal.

Meanwhile, Blues were saved from another defeat at Stamford Bridge at the hands of Stoke City.

Juliano Belletti and Frank Lampard scored in the final eight minutes of the game after Stoke took the lead through Delap, as Chelsea overcame their opponents 2-1.

Aston Villa continued to hold their fourth position on the table with a 2-1 win over Sunderland at Stadium of Lights.

Captain Gareth Barry scored a penalty for 10-man Villa in the 80th minute to take his side through.

Arsenal also kept their hopes alive of winning the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Hull City at KC Stadium.

Elsewhere at City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester City announced possibility of a Kaka move and celebrated the news with a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic.

Relegation Zone continued to be a talked about portion on the table, as both West Bromwich and Blackburn Rovers scored 3-0 victory at home. Difference between the bottom 10 clubs in the League continues to be a worry for their managers.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

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Wenger: £100 million deal will stir the transfer market

January 15th, 2009

According to Arsenal Boss, Arsene Wenger, £100 million fees offered by Manchester City for Brazilian Star Kaka can upset the current transfer market.

With the club bankrolled by funds from Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group, who bought it during the summer, Wenger believes that they operate outside the normal parameter.

While he continues to pursue for Andrei Arshavin, Wenger said ‘It doesn’t at all look real to me.’

‘With the recession going on in the global financial market, the deal has no connection with the current scenario across the world.’

‘I am a part of a club, who is living in the real world, as we are spending what we have earned.’

Wenger maintained that the traditionally prudent Gunners were not looking forward to break their budget for competing against Manchester City’s spending power.

‘We are not going to compete the way they are handling the transfer market and would be going with the budget that is available to us.’

Meanwhile, Manchester United went one step closer of moving Liverpool from the top position of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney scored the goal in the first minute of the game. However, he was not a part of the game much, after scoring his ninth goal of the season, due to a hamstring injury.

Now, Red Devils will be looking forward to make full use of the available option against Bolton at Reebok Stadium to move to the top spot in the League.

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Posted in Arsenal, Manchester City

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Terry: Bridge is going to be missed at Stamford Bridge

January 8th, 2009

John Terry feels that Chelsea is going to miss Wayne Bridge after he was moved to Manchester City for US$15 million.

First-team appearances for Bridge were restricted with Ashley Cole playing at the top of his game. Terry voiced his disappointment over the fullback’s transfer.

Terry said, ‘He’s going to be missed in the club. I’m still at shock seeing a lad of his caliber not being a part of Chelsea anymore.’

‘I’m upset but feel that he made the right move. We understand that he is been here for long and tried breaking into the first-team. However, with Ashley and him being amongst the two best left-backs in the league, it was always tough for him to get the break through and become a regular.’

‘I think that at 28, he wishes to play week in and week out, which Bridgey will get at Manchester City. There, he may be able to show everyone that he’s right there with Ash.’

‘Once Bridgey will become a regular, his best will come out. He’s going to be a great asset for his new club, as he can play both left midfield and left back. He is also a great passer and moves fast on the field. It’s certain that his absence will be missed by all of us.’

Meanwhile, Portugal midfielder Deco slammed reports that insinuated him to be a pet of Chelsea Boss, Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Deco said, ‘It’s absolute nonsense for anyone to claim that he’s been showing a biased attitude towards me.’

‘I don’t require defending myself, but everyone knows that that I’ve won several titles without having Scolari on my side.’

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Football Transfer Market

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Arsenal Vs Liverpool: Gunners fail to hold an early advantage on Reds

December 22nd, 2008

Robbie Keane, former Spurs forward, struck an equalizer for allowing Liverpool to come from behind against Arsenal and continued to hold the top position in the Barclays Premier League.

This 1-1 draw against the Reds meant that Gunners stayed behind Aston Villa in the league and their desire of winning the league slipped further.

Arsene Wenger’s side got reduced to 10-man, as Emmanuel Adebayor was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Arbeloa.

The only bright spot in the day at the Emirates Stadium was a Van Persie goal, which was cancelled out by Keane.

It was yet another vital game at St. James Park, as two teams, Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham Hotspurs and Joe Kinnear’s Newcastle United, on the path of reviving their horrible season logged horns.

A late winner from Damien Duff, who was introduced two minute from time, allowed the Magpies to win this thrilling encounter 2-1.

Although visitors were always ahead with many opportunities coming along the way after Luka Modric cancelled out Charles N’Zogbia’s opener, Newcastle found a way to sneak in through Mark Viduka and Duff for making it 2-1.

Meanwhile at The Hawthorns, Manchester City Boss, Mark Hughes, saw the pressure on him continuing to mount as West Bromwich Albion defeated his side 2-1.

City moved into the relegation zone, as Roman Bednar and Luke Moore scored for the home side.

Mark Hughes might have a tough week ahead of himself, as he’ll have a lot to explain for his team’s horrible performance in the recent past.

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Posted in Arsenal, Liverpool

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Chelsea Vs Arsenal: Van Persie helps Gunners get back in the title hunt

December 1st, 2008

Robin Van Persie got Arsenal back into the Premier League title race, as he scored an excellent second half double to help Gunners register an impressive 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Although a fortuitous Johan Djourou’s own goal got Chelsea ahead, Van Persie’s 2 goals in 3 minutes handed Blues only their second loss of the season at home.

With this win, Arsenal has moved into the top four of the Premier League, whereas Chelsea is only ahead on goal difference from Liverpool and only a point against West Ham will take the Reds ahead in the table.

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney’s 100th goal for Manchester United was enough for them to register a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium.

However, the day didn’t end as planned for the Red Devils, as Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a needless red card at the end of the game.

At White Hart Lane, Steven Pienaar deflector allowed David Moyes to register a win over Tottenham in his record 300 game as in-charge of Everton.

Spurs lost their first game on home turf under Harry Redknapp and once again moved closed to the relegation zone.

Again, Portsmouth almost blew a golden win against Rovers when they lost their 2-goal lead for the second time this week.

Peter Crouch and Jermaine Defoe did put Pompey in front 2-0, but Rovers got back into the game with shots from substitute Matt Derbyshire and Tugay.

However, a strike from Sean Davis in the 79th minute sealed the game 3-2 for Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

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Posted in Arsenal, Chelsea FC

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