Sad, pathetic, embarassing... those are the words to describe the opening two weeks of Roberto Martinez's reign over Wigan Athletic. After giving up 4 goals in a one sided loss to newly promoted Blackpool, Wigan gave up six goals to reigning Premier league champs, Chelsea.
Goals were scored by: Florent Malouda 34', Nicolas Anelka 48', 52', Salomon Kalou 78', 90', and Yossi Benayoun 90'.
Wigan did play inspired for 30 minutes but once Malouda put that first one in, things fell apart and the next two goals were scored within 20 minutes of the first. While it can be said that losing to Chelsea is not a bad thing, being -10 in goal differntial after two weeks is going to be incredibly difficult if not impossible to overcome.
Scoring Summary
Chelsea
Florent Malouda 34'
Nicolas Anelka 48', 52'
Salomon Kalou 78', 90'
Yossi Benayoun 90'
EPL Today
Saturday, August 21, 2010
West ham v Bolton
Johan Elmander scored twice at Upton Park as Bolton extended their winning run against West Ham to seven matches.
Bolton weathered a first-half hammering - including a missed penalty from Carlton Cole - before snatching the lead with a Matthew Upson own goal four minutes after the restart.
Once the second half began, Bolton settled in and took control of the game getting all three goals including the above mentioned own goal gift from Matthew Upson.
Scoring Summary
West Ham United
Carlton Cole pen miss 33'
Mark Noble pen 79'
Bolton Wanderers
Matthew Upson og 48'
Johan Elmander 68', 84'
Bolton weathered a first-half hammering - including a missed penalty from Carlton Cole - before snatching the lead with a Matthew Upson own goal four minutes after the restart.
Once the second half began, Bolton settled in and took control of the game getting all three goals including the above mentioned own goal gift from Matthew Upson.
Scoring Summary
West Ham United
Carlton Cole pen miss 33'
Mark Noble pen 79'
Bolton Wanderers
Matthew Upson og 48'
Johan Elmander 68', 84'
West Brom v Sunderland
Peter Odemwingie didnt waste any time making people take notice saturday. The transfer from Lokomotiv Moscow who was only comfirmed a mere 24 hours before game time scored a goal in the 81st minute that gave West Brom their first points of the EPL season.
The victory marked a spirited response from the Baggies, who had started the day bottom of the Barclays Premier League table after they were thrashed 6-0 at Chelsea last week.
Having received international clearance to play, Nigeria forward Odemwingie was straight in the thick of the action, latching onto Chris Brunt's measured through-ball in the eighth minute and shooting narrowly wide.
Scoring Summary
West Brom
Peter Odemwingie 81'
The victory marked a spirited response from the Baggies, who had started the day bottom of the Barclays Premier League table after they were thrashed 6-0 at Chelsea last week.
Having received international clearance to play, Nigeria forward Odemwingie was straight in the thick of the action, latching onto Chris Brunt's measured through-ball in the eighth minute and shooting narrowly wide.
Scoring Summary
West Brom
Peter Odemwingie 81'
Tottenham v Stoke City
Gareth Bale, not known for his scoring touch, made easily the most impressive goal of the young season with a curving volley that met the top left corner of the net. That goal was the margin of victory for the Spurs giving them momentum for the return matchup with Young Boys.
Stoke City did not go away easily as the game ended with some controversy over a foul/no foul that was called against Stoke that disallowed the possible equalizer.
Scoring Summary
Tottenham
Gareth Bale 19', 30'
Stoke City
Ricardo Ruller 25'
Stoke City did not go away easily as the game ended with some controversy over a foul/no foul that was called against Stoke that disallowed the possible equalizer.
Scoring Summary
Tottenham
Gareth Bale 19', 30'
Stoke City
Ricardo Ruller 25'
Everton v Wolverhampton
In a game largely devoid of scoring opportunities, Everton and Wolverhampton played to a 1-1 draw. Goalies Tim Howard and Marcus Hahnemann were beaten by Tim Cahill 43' and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 74'.
With Moyes' men desperate to claim the three points they poured forward, with both Cahill and substitute Louis Saha coming close, but the visitors' smash-and-grab point was secure.
Scoring Summary
Everton
Tim Cahill 43'
Wolverhampton
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 74'
With Moyes' men desperate to claim the three points they poured forward, with both Cahill and substitute Louis Saha coming close, but the visitors' smash-and-grab point was secure.
Scoring Summary
Everton
Tim Cahill 43'
Wolverhampton
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 74'
Birminghan v Blackburn
Craig Gardner may have scored 2 goals, but the hero for Birmingham was goalie Ben Foster. Foster stopped a penalty shot in the 50th minute that was the margin of victory in the match.
English fans may want to take notice as Foster has been mentioned as having a great possibility of being the number one goal for the national side.
On a side note, today was the premiere of referee Michael Oliver, who at 25 became the Premier League's youngest referee, beating the record set two years ago by Stuart Attwell.
Scoring summary is as follows:
Birmingham
Craig Gardner 57'
Craig Gardner 71'
Blackburn
Morten Gamst Pedersen pen miss 50'
Steven Nzonzi 54'
English fans may want to take notice as Foster has been mentioned as having a great possibility of being the number one goal for the national side.
On a side note, today was the premiere of referee Michael Oliver, who at 25 became the Premier League's youngest referee, beating the record set two years ago by Stuart Attwell.
Scoring summary is as follows:
Birmingham
Craig Gardner 57'
Craig Gardner 71'
Blackburn
Morten Gamst Pedersen pen miss 50'
Steven Nzonzi 54'
Arsenal v Blackpool
Blackpool was brought back to earth with a resounding defeat to Arsenal. Arsenal scored 6 goals coming from, Theo Walcott (3), Andrei Arshavin (1), Abou Daiby (1), and Marouane Chamak (1).
Blackpool made it interesting until the red card of Ian Evatt which resulted in the penalty goal from Arshavin. Once that goal made it 2-nil, the game opened up more and the rout was on.
Arsenal will face Blackburn next saturday in week 3 action. Blackpool will have a midweek game on tuesday facing English One League squad, Milton Keynes Dons in a Carling Cup match. Then will face Fulham in their next Premier League game.
Blackpool made it interesting until the red card of Ian Evatt which resulted in the penalty goal from Arshavin. Once that goal made it 2-nil, the game opened up more and the rout was on.
Arsenal will face Blackburn next saturday in week 3 action. Blackpool will have a midweek game on tuesday facing English One League squad, Milton Keynes Dons in a Carling Cup match. Then will face Fulham in their next Premier League game.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tottenham signing
French defender, William Gallas, is expected to come to terms with the Spurs giving the Spurs some much needed help in defense.
Gallas left Arsenal on a free transfer in June having failed to agree a contract extension with the club he joined from Chelsea in 2006. The French defender made 145 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 17 goals.
"He's a no-brainer on a free transfer," Redknapp said. "He's never asked for big money here. The chairman's agreed a one-year contract with him and the wages are more than reasonable.
"He's done nothing wrong. What's he done wrong? He's not the first player to go from Arsenal to Tottenham or Tottenham to Arsenal. It happens all the time. He won championships and all sorts at Chelsea.
"He's a great lad as well, smashing fellow. I've been absolutely really impressed with him. He'll improve Tottenham and that's all I'm concerned about. He wants to come here and play and I think that shows the character. He could say, 'I played at Arsenal; I daren't go there'. He's got the bottle to want to come and play here.
Gallas left Arsenal on a free transfer in June having failed to agree a contract extension with the club he joined from Chelsea in 2006. The French defender made 145 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 17 goals.
"He's a no-brainer on a free transfer," Redknapp said. "He's never asked for big money here. The chairman's agreed a one-year contract with him and the wages are more than reasonable.
"He's done nothing wrong. What's he done wrong? He's not the first player to go from Arsenal to Tottenham or Tottenham to Arsenal. It happens all the time. He won championships and all sorts at Chelsea.
"He's a great lad as well, smashing fellow. I've been absolutely really impressed with him. He'll improve Tottenham and that's all I'm concerned about. He wants to come here and play and I think that shows the character. He could say, 'I played at Arsenal; I daren't go there'. He's got the bottle to want to come and play here.
Neymar says no
Brazilian superstar in the making, Neymar, has told Chelsea no and will remain at Santos signing a 5 year deal to remain at home. This is a small blow to Chelsea, but Chelsea has enough young players in the organization to recover.
He is still young and maybe a couple more years of seasoning in Brazil may be good for him before he makes his "hopeful" debut in England. It seems like something that may happen but his young age tends to make it seem like the timing just wasnt right.
He is still young and maybe a couple more years of seasoning in Brazil may be good for him before he makes his "hopeful" debut in England. It seems like something that may happen but his young age tends to make it seem like the timing just wasnt right.
Europa League Qualifier
Super Mario might be worth all those headavhes he is bound to cause for Manchester City in the future. 15 minutes into his debut for City, Balotelli scored the game winner in a 1-0 victory over Romanian squad FC Timisoara.
"He had a great debut and I am happy that he scored," Mancini said. "He is a good player. He needs to improve of course and get to know everybody. It was the first time he had played with the team.''
It was not all sunshine and rainbows for Mario. A mere two minutes after his goal, Balotelli lost his cool and got his first of many bookings he will get in his English career. "We must work on this with him because it will be different in the Premier League than in Italy," Mancini warned.
FC Timisoara will travel to Manchester for the follow up leg this match and the chance to play in the Europa League.
"He had a great debut and I am happy that he scored," Mancini said. "He is a good player. He needs to improve of course and get to know everybody. It was the first time he had played with the team.''
It was not all sunshine and rainbows for Mario. A mere two minutes after his goal, Balotelli lost his cool and got his first of many bookings he will get in his English career. "We must work on this with him because it will be different in the Premier League than in Italy," Mancini warned.
FC Timisoara will travel to Manchester for the follow up leg this match and the chance to play in the Europa League.
Europa Cup Qualifiers
Liverpool won 1-0 over Trabzonspor in the home side of the Europa Cup qualifier thursday. Ryan Babel scored in the final minute of the first half giving Liverpool the margin of victory. It could have been 3-0 if not for a disallowed goal and a miss of a penalty shot by new man Joe Cole. Liverpool will travel to Trabzonspor for the second leg to have a right to fight for the Europa League Cup.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Week 2 Schedule
Saturday, August 21
10am: Everton v Wolves, Fox Soccer Channel
10am: Stoke v Spurs, Fox Soccer Plus and FoxSoccer.tv
10am: Arsenal v Blackpool, ESPN2/ESPN3.com/ESPN Deportes/ESPN Mobile TV
10am: West Ham v Bolton, FoxSoccer.tv
10am: West Brom v Sunderland, FoxSoccer.tv
10am: Birmingham v Blackburn, FoxSoccer.tv
12:15pm: Wigan Athletic v Chelsea, Fox Soccer Channel
Sunday, August 22
8:30am: Newcastle United v Aston Villa, Fox Soccer Plus and FoxSoccer.tv
11am: Fulham v Manchester United, Fox Soccer Channel
Monday, August 23
3pm: Manchester City v Liverpool, ESPN2/ESPN3.com/ESPN Deportes/ESPN Mobile TV
10am: Everton v Wolves, Fox Soccer Channel
10am: Stoke v Spurs, Fox Soccer Plus and FoxSoccer.tv
10am: Arsenal v Blackpool, ESPN2/ESPN3.com/ESPN Deportes/ESPN Mobile TV
10am: West Ham v Bolton, FoxSoccer.tv
10am: West Brom v Sunderland, FoxSoccer.tv
10am: Birmingham v Blackburn, FoxSoccer.tv
12:15pm: Wigan Athletic v Chelsea, Fox Soccer Channel
Sunday, August 22
8:30am: Newcastle United v Aston Villa, Fox Soccer Plus and FoxSoccer.tv
11am: Fulham v Manchester United, Fox Soccer Channel
Monday, August 23
3pm: Manchester City v Liverpool, ESPN2/ESPN3.com/ESPN Deportes/ESPN Mobile TV
Europa League Qualifiers
Facing Austrian side, Rapid Vienna, Aston Villa was able to secure a tie in the first leg of the Europa League qualifiers. Goals were scored by Rapid Vienna's Ardhe Nuhiu in the 32nd minute and Aston Villa's Barry Bannan in the 11th minute. The score in the 11th minute was Bannan's first tally as a member of Villa.
Now that the first leg is done. Vienna must travel to visit Villa in the return match. Based on the results of those two matches, one will advance to play for the Europa League Cup.
Now that the first leg is done. Vienna must travel to visit Villa in the return match. Based on the results of those two matches, one will advance to play for the Europa League Cup.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Americans who matter in the EPL
1. Clint Demesey, Mid, Fulham
Prediction: Hughes is a great pick at manager for Fulham, so despite not having a deep squad, the Cottagers should better last year's 12th place finish, especially with no European soccer. Dempsey had a good World Cup and we should see 35-40 appearances from him with another ten goals.
2. Brad Friedel, GK, Aston Villa
Prediction: Without Barry, maybe Milner, and especially O'Neill, Aston Villa are going to be hard pressed to repeat their sixth place finish. Friedel might not be getting any younger but he still has a few miles left in him. The addition of Richard Dunne helps give him a great, consistent, and underrated back four. Villa may not make it back Europe but it won't be Friedel's fault.
3. Brad Guzman, GK, Aston Villa
Prediction: There is some talk that Guzan will be loaned out next season. He was not happy about being benched in the League Cup final, after leading Villa through the tournament. Friedel is still good enough to play every game for the Villans. I do expect Guzan to be loaned out from Villa Park, maybe even to a Premier League side.
4. Marcus Hahnemann, GK, Wolverhampton
Prediction: Wolves has made a few additions in the offseason and, if the wheels don't come off too early, they should be able to stave off relegation for another year. Hahnemann may be 38, but he still should be a solid presence for Wolverhampton.
5. Stuart Holden, Mid, Bolton
Prediction: It will be difficult for Holden to crack Bolton's starting lineup and even accumulate much playing time because the Wanderers are deep in the midfield. Still, Bolton will survive and Holden should see around 15 appearances, many of which will not be league games.
6. Tim Howard, GK, Everton
Prediction: If the Toffees can avoid a horrible start, then they should finish in the top seven. Without European football this year they will be fresher than their main competition (Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City). Howard should be one the best keepers in the Premiership again as Everton has a solid and cohesive defense and midfield.
7. Eddie Johnson, Forward, Fulham
Prediction: Johnson has voiced his desire to actually play for Fulham this season. It will be his last chance as his contract expires after this year. I don't think he will be loaned out, but I also don't think he will appear in more than five to ten games. It's impossible to tell how many goals Johnson will score, but if Greece was an indicator we should expect one or two. I don't see him being at Craven Cottage next season.
8. Eric Lichaj, Def, Aston Villa
Prediction: Aston Villa have a lot of good young players, but I expect Lichaj to make the squad based on the fact he has played well every time he has played with the first team. In terms of playing time, I doubt he will see much. Only during the ends of blowouts. Still, he may score a goal or two and has shown his knack for garnering playing time.
9. Jonathan Spector, Def, West Ham
Prediction: When everyone is healthy Spector is around fifth on the depth chart for defenders. So, he should see considerable playing time. He still has some time to get better, especially because he is a defender. West Ham are more talented their 17th place finish would suggest, and I expect them to finish 12-14th. Spector should see time in approximately 30 games and will have another respectable year.
Thanks to bleacherreport.com for this list...
Prediction: Hughes is a great pick at manager for Fulham, so despite not having a deep squad, the Cottagers should better last year's 12th place finish, especially with no European soccer. Dempsey had a good World Cup and we should see 35-40 appearances from him with another ten goals.
2. Brad Friedel, GK, Aston Villa
Prediction: Without Barry, maybe Milner, and especially O'Neill, Aston Villa are going to be hard pressed to repeat their sixth place finish. Friedel might not be getting any younger but he still has a few miles left in him. The addition of Richard Dunne helps give him a great, consistent, and underrated back four. Villa may not make it back Europe but it won't be Friedel's fault.
3. Brad Guzman, GK, Aston Villa
Prediction: There is some talk that Guzan will be loaned out next season. He was not happy about being benched in the League Cup final, after leading Villa through the tournament. Friedel is still good enough to play every game for the Villans. I do expect Guzan to be loaned out from Villa Park, maybe even to a Premier League side.
4. Marcus Hahnemann, GK, Wolverhampton
Prediction: Wolves has made a few additions in the offseason and, if the wheels don't come off too early, they should be able to stave off relegation for another year. Hahnemann may be 38, but he still should be a solid presence for Wolverhampton.
5. Stuart Holden, Mid, Bolton
Prediction: It will be difficult for Holden to crack Bolton's starting lineup and even accumulate much playing time because the Wanderers are deep in the midfield. Still, Bolton will survive and Holden should see around 15 appearances, many of which will not be league games.
6. Tim Howard, GK, Everton
Prediction: If the Toffees can avoid a horrible start, then they should finish in the top seven. Without European football this year they will be fresher than their main competition (Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City). Howard should be one the best keepers in the Premiership again as Everton has a solid and cohesive defense and midfield.
7. Eddie Johnson, Forward, Fulham
Prediction: Johnson has voiced his desire to actually play for Fulham this season. It will be his last chance as his contract expires after this year. I don't think he will be loaned out, but I also don't think he will appear in more than five to ten games. It's impossible to tell how many goals Johnson will score, but if Greece was an indicator we should expect one or two. I don't see him being at Craven Cottage next season.
8. Eric Lichaj, Def, Aston Villa
Prediction: Aston Villa have a lot of good young players, but I expect Lichaj to make the squad based on the fact he has played well every time he has played with the first team. In terms of playing time, I doubt he will see much. Only during the ends of blowouts. Still, he may score a goal or two and has shown his knack for garnering playing time.
9. Jonathan Spector, Def, West Ham
Prediction: When everyone is healthy Spector is around fifth on the depth chart for defenders. So, he should see considerable playing time. He still has some time to get better, especially because he is a defender. West Ham are more talented their 17th place finish would suggest, and I expect them to finish 12-14th. Spector should see time in approximately 30 games and will have another respectable year.
Thanks to bleacherreport.com for this list...
Incoming Transfers for the week of August 15-21.
Aug 18 Moussa Dembele
From: AZ Alkmaar
To: Fulham
Undisclosed Fee
Aug 18 Brad Jones
From: Middlesbrough
To: Liverpool
£2,300,000
Aug 18 James Milner
From: Aston Villa
To: Manchester City
Undisclosed Fee
Aug 18 Stephen Ireland
From: Manchester City
To: Aston Villa
Undisclosed Fee
Aug 18 Jonathan Walters
From: Ipswich Town
To: Stoke City
£2,750,000
Aug 18 Dekel Keinan
From: Unattached
To: Blackpool
Free
Aug 17 Jake Cassidy
From: Airbus UK Broughton
To:Wolverhampton Wanderers
Undisclosed Fee
Aug 16 Matt Derbyshire
From: Olympiakos
To:Birmingham
Loan
Aug 16 Bebé
From: Guimaraes
To: Manchester United
Undisclosed Fee
From: AZ Alkmaar
To: Fulham
Undisclosed Fee
Aug 18 Brad Jones
From: Middlesbrough
To: Liverpool
£2,300,000
Aug 18 James Milner
From: Aston Villa
To: Manchester City
Undisclosed Fee
Aug 18 Stephen Ireland
From: Manchester City
To: Aston Villa
Undisclosed Fee
Aug 18 Jonathan Walters
From: Ipswich Town
To: Stoke City
£2,750,000
Aug 18 Dekel Keinan
From: Unattached
To: Blackpool
Free
Aug 17 Jake Cassidy
From: Airbus UK Broughton
To:Wolverhampton Wanderers
Undisclosed Fee
Aug 16 Matt Derbyshire
From: Olympiakos
To:Birmingham
Loan
Aug 16 Bebé
From: Guimaraes
To: Manchester United
Undisclosed Fee
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Champions League Qualifying
Tottenham got off to a dreadful start to the 2 leg qualifier for the Champions League. Swiss side, Young Boys roared to three goals in the first half. Tottenham was able to make it respectable with goals by Bassong and Pavlyuchenko. Tottenham must win and make sure that Young Boys do not score more than one goal in the return match in order to advance to the Champions League.
Young Boys
Senad Lulic 4'
Henri Bienvenu 13'
Xavier Hochstrasser 28'
Tottenham
Sebastien Bassong 42'
Roman Pavlyuchenko 83'
Young Boys
Senad Lulic 4'
Henri Bienvenu 13'
Xavier Hochstrasser 28'
Tottenham
Sebastien Bassong 42'
Roman Pavlyuchenko 83'
Shay Given to Arsenal?
Shay Given has previously stated that he will not play for City as a backup and that he wants out. A logical destination for Given is Arsenal.
It is reported that the Irishman is now ready to consider leaving Eastlands in search of regular football. Arsenal, who have spent the summer chasing Mark Schwarzer, are reported to be possible suitors for Given while Fulham, if they lose Schwarzer to the Gunners, could also be interested.
It seems right now that it is only a matter of time before Given leaves City, most likely to Arsenal. Updates will be given as more information is collected.
It is reported that the Irishman is now ready to consider leaving Eastlands in search of regular football. Arsenal, who have spent the summer chasing Mark Schwarzer, are reported to be possible suitors for Given while Fulham, if they lose Schwarzer to the Gunners, could also be interested.
It seems right now that it is only a matter of time before Given leaves City, most likely to Arsenal. Updates will be given as more information is collected.
This one is for Bowers (Chelsea news)
Chelsea will know by the end of the week if Brazilian Neymar will quit his club, Santos, and join the Premier League champions.
Blues chairman Bruce Buck confirmed this week that the club were in talks with Santos and Neymar, 18, is having talks with his family to decide the best course of action.
Neymar made his international debut versus the United States recently and looked every bit of the prodigy he is said to be. He scored a goal and made US defenders look slow and out of form.
The sticking point between Chelsea and Santos is the transfer fee. The Brazilian clus is holding out for 29.6 million pounds as stated in the reserve fee clause in his contract. Chelsea is reportedly offering 24 million so far. I believe that the sides will come to an agreement and Neymar will be a member of Chelsea's squad by the end of the week.
Blues chairman Bruce Buck confirmed this week that the club were in talks with Santos and Neymar, 18, is having talks with his family to decide the best course of action.
Neymar made his international debut versus the United States recently and looked every bit of the prodigy he is said to be. He scored a goal and made US defenders look slow and out of form.
The sticking point between Chelsea and Santos is the transfer fee. The Brazilian clus is holding out for 29.6 million pounds as stated in the reserve fee clause in his contract. Chelsea is reportedly offering 24 million so far. I believe that the sides will come to an agreement and Neymar will be a member of Chelsea's squad by the end of the week.
Manchester City transfers of the day
-Craig Bellamy has officially been loaned to Cardiff after being shut out from the Man City facilities after multiple clashes with Coach Mancini. Bellamy was a saving grace for a group of underachivers last year. Will someone step up to play the role that Bellamy played so well last year?
-Aston Villa midfielder James Milner has been moved to Manchester City in a move that amounts to a trade for City's Steven Ireland. Milner was given a standing ovation after scoring and starring in the 3-0 victory over West Ham saturday afternoon. This give Milner a chance to star for a very talented but underachieving team and giving yet another City castoff, Ireland, a chance to make an impact for a team that fits his skill levels and talents better.
-Now the question of the day becomes... what will happen with Robinho? Will he be loaned or transferred or be completely left off the 25 man roster for City?
-Aston Villa midfielder James Milner has been moved to Manchester City in a move that amounts to a trade for City's Steven Ireland. Milner was given a standing ovation after scoring and starring in the 3-0 victory over West Ham saturday afternoon. This give Milner a chance to star for a very talented but underachieving team and giving yet another City castoff, Ireland, a chance to make an impact for a team that fits his skill levels and talents better.
-Now the question of the day becomes... what will happen with Robinho? Will he be loaned or transferred or be completely left off the 25 man roster for City?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Arsenal v Liverpool
In a hard fought game that saw a player sent off on both squads, Arsenal and Liverpool fought to a draw. David Ngog scored a goal one minute into the second half and Arsenal saw some luck surface in stoppage time with Jose Reina's own goal tying the score. For the full match report, http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchReports/0,,12306~52666,00.html
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