Archive for the ‘Newcastle United’ category

Match Day 10 – Coca Cola League Championship

September 29th, 2009

Midweek fixtures saw Newcastle United maintaining their position at the top of the table secure with 22 points in spite of not playing tonight. Their game is scheduled for tomorrow night. Second placed West Bromwich Albion had the chance to go to the top by defeating Barnsley, who are currently placed third from the bottom in the league table.

It was not WBA’s day, and they had to face an away defeat for the first time this season. The match ended 3-1 to the joy of home fans. Bristol City registered their 4th win this season with a 2-0 win over Blackpool. Cardiff City thrashed Derby County by 6-1 in front of home fans. Chopra who scored 4 goals for the night was by far the star of the match. Doncaster and Crystal Palace drew 0-0 against Swansea City, and Sheffield Wednesday, respectively at home.

Ipswich Town were looking for their first win this season against Sheffield United but the latter were successful in registering a dramatic draw from a match against Ipswich Town. Henderson opened the scoring for Sheffield United in the 9th minute but 3 goals from Ipswich Town saw the home team trailing 1-3 in the 70th minute. 7 minutes later Henderson scored another pulling one back for his team and a last minute equalizer from Morgan left everyone in disbelief.

Peterborough United and Preston North End were defeated 1-2 in front of the home fans by Plymouth Argyle, and Reading respectively. The away win gave bottom placed team Plymouth their first win this season.

Coventry City and Leicester City also manage to register away wins against Watford and Middlesbrough respectively. Coventry City came from a goal behind to register their second away win this season.

League Cup Updates

September 23rd, 2009

The third round of the League cup saw the big England teams, Arsenal, and Liverpool, going through to the next round. Arsenal defeated West Brom 2-0 at the Emirates stadium. Ex gunner, Jerome Thomas of West Brom was shown a red card by referee L Mason in the 37th minute for slapping Jack Wilshere of Arsenal. This left West Brom with 10 men to play the remaining 53 minutes.

The score at half time remained 0-0 but the outnumbered West Brom squad were not able to hold the gunners for long. A goal each from Sanchez Watt, and Carlos Vela made sure that Arsenal goes through the next round. Arsene Wenger had promised a young Arsenal team would start for the League cup encounter, and accordingly the average age of the team for the night was 20 years.

Elsewhere, Leeds United was hosting Liverpool. The match ended with a 0-1 win for Liverpool. 20 year old French striker David Ngog scored the only goal of the game in the 66th minute. Newly demoted Newcastle United lost against Peterborough United 2-0. The Newcastle fans faced a big question of whether their side will again play in the Premier League next season. Sunderland defeated newly promoted side Birmingham City 2-0 in an encounter which saw two Premier League clubs clashing for a place in the next round. Elsewhere, Bolton Wanderers defeated West Ham 3-1.

Other matches of the night saw Barnsley defeating Burnley 3-2, Carlisle United losing 1-3 against Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest losing 0-1 against Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City defeating Blackpool 4-3, and Scunthorpe United winning 2-0 against Port Vale.

Ronaldo: Defenders never hurt me

March 6th, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United winger, insists that no defenders are playing the game having ill intentions of injuring him on purpose.

The challenge made by Newcastle United’s Steven Taylor on the Portuguese International just before the stroke of half time sparked an altercation that carried on during the break in the tunnel.

Even though Red Devils came on top with a 2-1 win at St. James Park, there were lots of questions that needed to be answered.

Following the tackle made on Ronaldo, there is a debate in the world of football over the playing style of the winger. Some believe that the Man U Star style is the factor that incites aggressive tackling from defenders.

According to Arsene Wenger, Arsenal Boss, Ronaldo requires protection from the Premier League referees, in case no one wishes to see a repeat of the event that took place on Wednesday.

Speaking to Daily Mail, Ronaldo dispelled the fact that defenders are always out there for roughening him up. Still, they do not wish to see him injured at any stage of the game. According to him, injuries were a part of playing in the Premier League and it cannot be completely avoided.

He said, ‘On the football pitch, I am the target for many defenders, so it is difficult for avoiding certain things.’

‘However, I do not believe that defenders are tackling on purpose. I respect the feeling that is spread through the game across the globe and I cannot expect people to compete with such an attitude and intention.’

Newcastle United Vs Liverpool: Reds thrash Magpies 5-1

December 29th, 2008

Liverpool increased their lead at the top when they thrashed Newcastle United 5-1 at St. James Park and Chelsea dropped points at Craven Cottage.

With two goals from Steven Gerrard, Reds stretched their lead at the top by 3 points. Joe Kinnear’s men had no answer to the onslaught from Premier League Leaders and caved in.

However, Chelsea failed to score full points against Fulham.

The Blues did make a comeback and took the lead through two goals from Frank Lampard after the Cottagers were 1-0 ahead at half time. However, a late goal from Clint Dempsey, who also scored the first one, stole a win from the visitors.

Arsenal scraped a 1-0 win over Portsmouth at the Emirates Stadium, as William Gallas, former captain of Gunners, came to the rescue for the home side.

Meanwhile, Manchester City survived a scare with late goals from Robinho and Daniel Sturridge, as they came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Everton, however, continued their winning run in the Premier League, as they stormed into the Top-Six with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland. Mikel Arteta scored two goals and helped his side in taming the Black Cats.

Again, Bolton continued their poor run in recent games, as they lost 1-0 to Wigan Athletic at Reebok Stadium with Amr Zaki scoring for the visitors.

Tottenham also failed to make an impact in their last game of the year with a 2-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

Elsewhere in Upton Park, Hammers came from behind to win 2-1 against Stoke City. This was their second victory in three days.

Shepperd: Owen owes one more season for Magpies

December 24th, 2008

Freddy Shepherd, former chairman of Newcastle United, feels that Michael Owen still ‘owes’ a lot to the Toon fans and should give them another season.

On Monday, Magpies Forward issued a statement saying that he is going to wait till the current season end for making a decision on his future at St. James Park. His contract will be expiring then and he will be allowed to leave for nothing.
In 2005, Shepherd was involved in getting the England International for $ 25million from Real Madrid.

While speaking to the Daily Express, he said, ‘He’s been injured several times since joining the club. Thus, he barely was a part of Newcastle for more than one game in four. For me, he owes another year to the club.’

‘He shouldn’t forget the things that his club did during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, when he was injured. We did look after him and made sure that he received the best care till the next year.’

‘I personally met Sepp Blatter, FIFA president. Our meeting led to a change in the international insurance cover from $ 75,000 of the player’s wages to $ 150,000.’

‘Michael will not like the way I have put up the whole situation, but this is the fact. They always say that these days loyalty is completely absent, but his case is in the level of extreme. He has been amongst those receiving the highest pays in the club, and in turn Newcastle should receive something from his end.’

Owen mulling over Newcastle offer

December 16th, 2008

England International, Michael Owen, is right now considering the new offer made by Newcastle United, after his club finally made a move.

It’s understood that Magpies are continuously being in touch with Owen’s representatives. They are looking forward to discuss the details with the representative in regards to their latest contract, as his current 4-year deal has entered the last phase.

Newcastle Boss, Joe Kinnear, is hoping for sitting down with his 29-year old Captain on Tuesday for persuading him to stay at St James Park.

According to reports, Kinnear has confirmed that England international won’t be on sale in the coming transfer period.

He feels that goals from Owen are more imperative than the fees that could be collected for the player, who might leave for a Bosman free transfer after the current season finishes.

However, similar to former manager, Kevin Keegan, Kinnear is desperate to make Owen commit himself for an extended stay at the club.

On Friday, the 61-year old admitted that he wasn’t confident of retaining services from his striker, whose 9th goal in 15 appearances set his club to a needed 3-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park. The goal took his tally to 29 from 62 games for Newcastle United over a period of an injury-hit four seasons.

Owen gave very little indication to where he was supposed to go following the victory over Portsmouth. Instead, he was concentrating more on their fight to survive in the league.

Speaking in press conference, Owen said, ‘We’re looking up and moving up in the table.’

‘Like other teams, we’ve also got some games during Christmas. This is where we can gain confidence. If we’ll keep the run going, we not only can clear relegation zone, but might end up with a commendable position.’

Portsmouth Vs Newcastle United: Owen gets Newcastle out of relegation zone

December 15th, 2008

Newcastle United’s Captain, Michael Owen, celebrated his 29th birthday in style with a goal.

The goal was his ninth of the season and proved to be imperative in his club’s 3-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park. This elusive away win got them past the relegation zone.

English Forward scored in the 52nd minute and created the ground for his teammates to latch upon. They completely rubbished the unpredictable Pompey’s defense.

Obafemi Martins and Danny Gutherie scored the other two goals for Magpies. They helped Kinnear win his first game away from St. James Park and end a horrendous run of his side at Fratton Park.

Another hero of the game was Shay Given. He kept his clean sheet alive and made some stupendous saves in the end to help Newcastle United keep their recent run in the league alive.

Meanwhile, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Chelsea failed to capitalize on the opportunity given to them by the draws involving Manchester United and Liverpool during the weekend.

The Blues drew 1-1 against West Ham United and continued their inconsistent run at Stamford Bridge.

Craig Bellamy stunned the home fans with the opening goal, as Hammers took the lead in the 33rd minute.

Tension was clearly visible on the faces of Chelsea players, as Michael Ballack, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole received a yellow card in the first half.

However, the shot from Nicolas Anelka, top scorer for the Blues this season with 16 goals, helped his side to save their face in the end with a 1-1 draw.

Kinnear: Owen didn’t got enough goal scoring opportunities

December 4th, 2008

Newcastle Boss, Joe Kinnear, came out strongly and backed his skipper, Michael Owen, in spite of the latter having a poor showing in the weekend game at the Riverside Stadium.

The 28-year old was at the end of major criticism during this weekend, as he failed to come up with a single shot on the goal against Middlesbrough in Saturday’s 0-0 derby draw.

Kinnear has reportedly supported Owen and strongly feels that his striker will be hitting the goals once again, as his talent is remarkable.

In an interview, the manager said, ‘Yes, Owen did have a quiet game, if you go by his general high standards.’

‘Still, his effort during the game was clearly visible to the coaching staff on the bench. All of us felt that he was doing the hard work and running unselfishly for the club.’

‘This was backed up when we went through the video of the Saturday game. We studied performance of each individual and saw how Owen went about his job.’

‘The only regret with the Middlesbrough game was that the chances, which were created, never reached Michael’s path, so that he could convert them. However, this wasn’t necessary his fault.’

‘He was always running to get himself in a goal scoring position. However, he was just never able to get the ball in the right place. This is something that we’ll have to work on, if we are looking to end any game on a high.’


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.

Chelsea Vs Newcastle United: Given & Bassong saves the day for Magpies

November 23rd, 2008

Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool failed to score full points from their game, as they failed to consolidate their position in the League Table.

Chelsea had a goalless encounter against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, as Kinnear’s men were able to continue their revival in the League this season.

Although Nicolas Anelka, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole continued to threaten Newcastle’s defense, keeper Shay Given and defender Bassong proved too much to penetrate.

It took a miraculous save from Given and a close offside decision when Cole finally hit the net in second half that made Chelsea to lose out on important points, in spite of the Blues having a command in most parts of the game.

Liverpool also failed to score against Fulham at Anfield and failed to take advantage of a slip by current Premier League leaders.

With Gerard missing due to injury, Reds were held to a goalless draw by a side, who only registered their second point in the season from 6 away games.

Manchester United also failed to relish the opportunity of closing in on leaders, as they were held to a goalless draw by Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Arsenal faced another setback, as Arsene Wenger’s men lost 3-0 to Manchester City at City of Manchester Stadium.

Stephen Ireland, Robinho and Daniel Sturridge architected what was a miserable day for the Gunners.
With an inconsistent run similar to Gunners, Middlesbrough also got defeated by Bolton 1-3 at the Riverside Stadium.

Gretar Steinsson, Matt Taylor and Johan Elmander, who hit a stunner from long range, scored for Bolton, whereas Steward Downing was the only one from the home side to hit the net.

Newcomers Stoke City continued their great run at Britannia Stadium, as they defeated West Brom 1-0 with Mamady Sidibe heading the only goal of the game.

Again, Hull City managed to draw the game 2-2 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park, as the away side twice came from behind.