It was hardly a proper test of being able to cope without Steven Gerrard but Liverpool did more than enough to dispose of a woeful West Ham at Anfield.
With the captain out for a month with a hamstring tear manager Roy Hodgson called for his players to step up to fill the void and the Barclays Premier League's bottom side provide the perfect opposition.
First-half goals from Glen Johnson and Maxi Rodriguez, either side of a Dirk Kuyt penalty, were enough to wrap up the points in the first half.
The visiting fans were less than impressed and directed their anger at manager Avram Grant with chants of 'You're getting sacked in the morning'.
EPL Today
Saturday, November 20, 2010
West Bromwich Albion 0 - 3 Stoke City
Stoke netted three times in the second half at West Brom to extend their winning run in the Premier League.
Matthew Etherington's penalty put the visitors 1-0 up in the 55th minute after referee Chris Foy adjudged Scott Carson to have fouled Kenwyne Jones.
Substitute Jon Walters converted another spot-kick with five minutes of normal time remaining and then bagged his second at the death to make it three wins out of three for the Potters.
That takes Tony Pulis' side, only recently hovering around the relegation places, up to eighth in the table as they built on victories over Birmingham and Liverpool.
Matthew Etherington's penalty put the visitors 1-0 up in the 55th minute after referee Chris Foy adjudged Scott Carson to have fouled Kenwyne Jones.
Substitute Jon Walters converted another spot-kick with five minutes of normal time remaining and then bagged his second at the death to make it three wins out of three for the Potters.
That takes Tony Pulis' side, only recently hovering around the relegation places, up to eighth in the table as they built on victories over Birmingham and Liverpool.
Manchester United 2 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Wayne Rooney made it a perfect day for Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson's side took full advantage of their title rivals' misfortunes.
United brushed aside Wigan, who self-destructed in the second half with two unnecessary red cards, but perhaps more importantly Rooney made his first appearance since the contract saga that saw the England striker threaten to leave before signing a new five-year deal.
The setbacks suffered by Arsenal and Chelsea made it imperative that United did not slip up too and they made no mistake as headers by Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez ensured Ferguson's men second spot in the Premier League table, behind Chelsea only on goal difference.
United brushed aside Wigan, who self-destructed in the second half with two unnecessary red cards, but perhaps more importantly Rooney made his first appearance since the contract saga that saw the England striker threaten to leave before signing a new five-year deal.
The setbacks suffered by Arsenal and Chelsea made it imperative that United did not slip up too and they made no mistake as headers by Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez ensured Ferguson's men second spot in the Premier League table, behind Chelsea only on goal difference.
Bolton Wanderers 5 - 1 Newcastle United
Kevin Nolan's big return to Bolton turned sour in spectacular fashion as he gave away an early penalty and could do nothing to prevent his old club soaring to the dizzy heights of fourth in the Barclays Premier League with a sensational 5-1 win.
Kevin Davies hit a brace from the spot and in-form Johan Elmander also scored two as Owen Coyle's men brushed aside the beleaguered Magpies, who finished with 10 men after the late sending-off of Fabricio Coloccini.
Nolan's first appearance at the Reebok Stadium since his £4million move to Newcastle in January last year had started with a rousing reception from the home fans but quickly turned sour as Chris Hughton's men slid to a dismal defeat.
Kevin Davies hit a brace from the spot and in-form Johan Elmander also scored two as Owen Coyle's men brushed aside the beleaguered Magpies, who finished with 10 men after the late sending-off of Fabricio Coloccini.
Nolan's first appearance at the Reebok Stadium since his £4million move to Newcastle in January last year had started with a rousing reception from the home fans but quickly turned sour as Chris Hughton's men slid to a dismal defeat.
Blackpool 2 - 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Luke Varney and Marlon Harewood piled on the pressure for Wolves by firing Blackpool to victory in front of Prince William on Saturday afternoon.
Varney set up a thrilling Premier League contest with a stunning volley after just three minutes at Bloomfield Road and Harewood added a second just before the interval.
Kevin Doyle set up a tense finish after Nenad Milijas hit the post for Wolves in a fine second-half response but the hosts held on.
Varney set up a thrilling Premier League contest with a stunning volley after just three minutes at Bloomfield Road and Harewood added a second just before the interval.
Kevin Doyle set up a tense finish after Nenad Milijas hit the post for Wolves in a fine second-half response but the hosts held on.
Birmingham 1 - 0 Chelsea
Birmingham keeper Ben Foster produced a superb performance as leaders Chelsea suffered successive Barclays Premier League defeats for the first time in more than four years.
Lee Bowyer's opening-half goal - his first for nearly 12 months - earned Alex McLeish's side a shock victory.
But their hero was Foster who bounced back from his error on England duty in midweek with a series of stunning saves.
Chelsea dominated proceedings for the entire 90 minutes but they could not find a way past the former Manchester United player.
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| PA Photos |
But their hero was Foster who bounced back from his error on England duty in midweek with a series of stunning saves.
Chelsea dominated proceedings for the entire 90 minutes but they could not find a way past the former Manchester United player.
Tottenham 3 Arsenal 2
LONDON (AFP) - Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul snatched a late winner to earn a thrilling 3-2 derby victory over Arsenal after his side were two goals down at half-time on Saturday.
Kaboul struck with five minutes to play at the Emirates Stadium as Harry Redknapp's team secured their first win at Arsenal since May 1993.
Kaboul struck with five minutes to play at the Emirates Stadium as Harry Redknapp's team secured their first win at Arsenal since May 1993.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Defoe returns for Spurs
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed Jermain Defoe will be in the squad to face Arsenal on Saturday.
Defoe has been out of action for two months after damaging his ankle ligaments during England's win over Switzerland, but he has returned to full training and is now available for the North London derby.
"It's great to have him back," he said. "He's a fantastic goalscorer and he's different to anybody else. He certainly would've had six or seven goals by this stage of the season.
"All the other lads have done well in his absence. We scored four goals last week against Blackburn and I thought Pav and Crouchy were outstanding.
Defoe has been out of action for two months after damaging his ankle ligaments during England's win over Switzerland, but he has returned to full training and is now available for the North London derby.
"It's great to have him back," he said. "He's a fantastic goalscorer and he's different to anybody else. He certainly would've had six or seven goals by this stage of the season.
"All the other lads have done well in his absence. We scored four goals last week against Blackburn and I thought Pav and Crouchy were outstanding.
Landon Donovan thinking of loan deal
Associated Press
CARSON, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Galaxy's Landon Donovan will consider over the next few weeks whether to play overseas on loan.
If he decides on it, Donovan said, he most likely would return to Everton in England's Premier League.
Donovan spent 10 weeks on loan with Everton earlier this year. He finished with two goals and three assists in 13 games, including wins over Manchester United and Chelsea.
"My plan is to rest over the next few weeks and get in a mental place where I can make a proper decision," said Donovan, who played in 30 of the past 33 months, including all four of the United States' games during the World Cup. "If you ask me today, I would say 'no' because my body is exhausted. If you ask me in two months, I would probably say 'yeah' because I'm excited again."
CARSON, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Galaxy's Landon Donovan will consider over the next few weeks whether to play overseas on loan.
If he decides on it, Donovan said, he most likely would return to Everton in England's Premier League.
Donovan spent 10 weeks on loan with Everton earlier this year. He finished with two goals and three assists in 13 games, including wins over Manchester United and Chelsea.
"My plan is to rest over the next few weeks and get in a mental place where I can make a proper decision," said Donovan, who played in 30 of the past 33 months, including all four of the United States' games during the World Cup. "If you ask me today, I would say 'no' because my body is exhausted. If you ask me in two months, I would probably say 'yeah' because I'm excited again."
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Blackpool Goalkeeper Matt Gilks out up to two months
Somehow improbably, Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks broke his knee cap taking a goal kick in the recent tie versus West Ham United.
Gilks toughed it out and played 20 minutes on the broken knee cap till the half ran out. Ghanian international Richard Kingson will be between the pipes for the match saturday versus Wolverhampton.
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2224345,00.html
Gilks toughed it out and played 20 minutes on the broken knee cap till the half ran out. Ghanian international Richard Kingson will be between the pipes for the match saturday versus Wolverhampton.
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2224345,00.html
Blues name new assistant via Sky Sports
Wilkins made a shock exit from Stamford Bridge last week when the Blues opted not to renew his contract.
Wilkins was a hugely respected figure among the playing staff and little explanation was given for the decision.
But Chelsea have now filled the void by promoting Emenalo from his previous role of head opposition scout.
Wilkins was a hugely respected figure among the playing staff and little explanation was given for the decision.
But Chelsea have now filled the void by promoting Emenalo from his previous role of head opposition scout.
Steven Gerrard out up to 4 weeks
LIVERPOOL, England (AP)—Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could be out of action for as long as four weeks after injuring his hamstring playing for England.
“He’s just been in for an early assessment here and it certainly looks like a significant hamstring injury,” Liverpool doctor Peter Brukner said. “He’s going to be out for a little while, I’m afraid.
“I’d imagine it could be three to four weeks.”
Liverpool was angered that Gerrard played almost all of Wednesday’s 2-1 friendly loss to France despite the national team apparently agreeing to substitute him after an hour because of an existing problem.
“He’s just been in for an early assessment here and it certainly looks like a significant hamstring injury,” Liverpool doctor Peter Brukner said. “He’s going to be out for a little while, I’m afraid.
“I’d imagine it could be three to four weeks.”
Liverpool was angered that Gerrard played almost all of Wednesday’s 2-1 friendly loss to France despite the national team apparently agreeing to substitute him after an hour because of an existing problem.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Quotes of the Week 11/17/2010 via SKY Sports
A week of talk in sport has been dominated by both exaggeration and understatement as reality has been eschewed in favour of quotable soundbites. It's what this column is all about so rather than mock Audley Harrison for showing about as much aggression as a Buddhist monk on a spa retreat we'll congratulate him on having a mouth faster than Usain Bolt on heat.
Bruce confirms top clubs want Henderson
By: Harry Harris
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has told ESPNsoccernet he believes he will have a fight on his hands to keep Jordan Henderson after he makes his England debut.
Henderson, 20, has been included in the England squad to face France in a friendly at Wembley on Wednesday, and Fabio Capello has already confirmed he will be part of his starting line-up.
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has told ESPNsoccernet he believes he will have a fight on his hands to keep Jordan Henderson after he makes his England debut.
Henderson, 20, has been included in the England squad to face France in a friendly at Wembley on Wednesday, and Fabio Capello has already confirmed he will be part of his starting line-up.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Johnson would quit City
Since moving from Middlesbrough in January, the 23-year-old winger has emerged as one of the best attacking players in the country.
But despite his good form, which has seen him emerge as a regular in the England squad, he is far from being first choice at Eastlands under Roberto Mancini.
When Johnson joined City from Boro, he stated that he was playing catch-up having played understudy to Stewart Downing for many years at The Riverside.
Now Johnson is far less patient and looks unlikely to accept a substitutes' role at City.
But despite his good form, which has seen him emerge as a regular in the England squad, he is far from being first choice at Eastlands under Roberto Mancini.
When Johnson joined City from Boro, he stated that he was playing catch-up having played understudy to Stewart Downing for many years at The Riverside.
Now Johnson is far less patient and looks unlikely to accept a substitutes' role at City.
Man United owners say no cash drawn from club
LONDON (AP)—Manchester United’s American owners said Tuesday they have not drawn cash from the Premier League club to fund the repayment of high-interest loans.
The Glazer family has told lenders it plans to pay off 220 million pounds ($353 million) of debt by Nov. 22 that was used to fund their 2005 takeover.
The Glazer family has told lenders it plans to pay off 220 million pounds ($353 million) of debt by Nov. 22 that was used to fund their 2005 takeover.
John Terry could be out for months
AP
Chelsea's Premier League title defence has received a blow with the admission from captain John Terry that he fears a long-term nerve injury in his leg could sideline him for months.
The complaint forced Terry to miss the shock 3-0 home defeat against Sunderland on Sunday, which served to underline the importance of the defender to the Blues' title defence.
Villa confirm deal to sign ex-Arsenal hero Pires
GettyImages
Aston Villa have confirmed that former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires will sign for the club on a free transfer later this week.
Pires departed Villarreal on a free transfer in the summer after spending four years in Spain and has been training with Arsenal in an effort to maintain his fitness levels.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Nasri reveals Marseille hope
The France international shot to prominence after graduating through the academy ranks at Stade Velodrome.
Having broken into the first-team fold at 17, it was not long before he was being tipped for great things and a potential move to one of Europe's top clubs.
That switch arrived in 2008 when Arsenal spent big to lure Nasri away from his homeland.
Now 23, the talented playmaker has become an integral part of the set-up at Emirates Stadium, with his creative ability marking him out as a potential match-winner.
Having broken into the first-team fold at 17, it was not long before he was being tipped for great things and a potential move to one of Europe's top clubs.
That switch arrived in 2008 when Arsenal spent big to lure Nasri away from his homeland.
Now 23, the talented playmaker has become an integral part of the set-up at Emirates Stadium, with his creative ability marking him out as a potential match-winner.
Huddlestone out up to 3 months
The 23-year-old missed Saturday's win over Blackburn with the ankle problem and scans have confirmed the classy midfielder requires surgery on the injury.
The surgery is set to sideline Huddlestone for up to three months meaning he will not be back until February at the earliest.
A club statement read: "Following consultation with several independent ankle specialists, it has been determined that Tom Huddlestone will undergo surgery on his right ankle.
"The procedure is likely to rule the England international out of action for around three months."
The news is a major blow for Spurs boss Harry Redknapp as he now has to contend without his midfield kingpin for the rest of the Champions League group stage as well as a number of key Premier League games.
Huddlestone joins the likes of Jermain Defoe, Michael Dawson (both ligament damage), Jamie O'Hara (back) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) as long-term casulaties this season for Spurs.
The surgery is set to sideline Huddlestone for up to three months meaning he will not be back until February at the earliest.
A club statement read: "Following consultation with several independent ankle specialists, it has been determined that Tom Huddlestone will undergo surgery on his right ankle.
"The procedure is likely to rule the England international out of action for around three months."
The news is a major blow for Spurs boss Harry Redknapp as he now has to contend without his midfield kingpin for the rest of the Champions League group stage as well as a number of key Premier League games.
Huddlestone joins the likes of Jermain Defoe, Michael Dawson (both ligament damage), Jamie O'Hara (back) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) as long-term casulaties this season for Spurs.
New Table 11/15/2010
| 2010/2011 English Premiership Table | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RK | TEAM | P | W | D | L | GS | GA | W | D | L | GS | GA | W | D | L | GS | GA | GD | Pts | ||||
| 1 |  | Chelsea | 13 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 28 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 28 | |||
| 2 |  | Arsenal | 13 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 26 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 6 | 14 | 26 | |||
| 3 |  | Manchester United | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 26 | 15 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 25 | |||
| 4 | | Manchester City | 13 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 15 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 22 | |||
| 5 | | Bolton Wanderers | 13 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 21 | 19 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 11 | 2 | 19 | |||
| 6 | | Sunderland | 13 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 15 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 19 | |||
| 7 | | Tottenham Hotspur | 13 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 17 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 1 | 19 | |||
| 8 | | Newcastle United | 13 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 16 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 15 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 18 | |||
| 9 | | Aston Villa | 13 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 15 | 18 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 13 | -3 | 17 | |||
| 10 | | Stoke City | 13 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 15 | 18 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 10 | -3 | 16 | |||
| 11 | | Liverpool | 13 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 13 | 17 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 11 | -4 | 16 | |||
| 12 | | West Bromwich Albion | 13 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 16 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 16 | -6 | 16 | |||
| 13 | | Everton | 13 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 14 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 15 | |||
| 14 | | Blackburn Rovers | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 15 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 12 | -3 | 15 | |||
| 15 | | Blackpool | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 19 | 26 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 16 | -7 | 15 | |||
| 16 | | Fulham | 13 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 13 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 14 | |||
| 17 | | Wigan Athletic | 13 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 21 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -11 | 14 | |||
| 18 | | Birmingham | 13 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 14 | 17 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 12 | -3 | 13 | |||
| 19 | | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 13 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 23 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 12 | -10 | 9 | |||
| 20 | | West Ham United | 13 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 11 | 22 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 11 | -11 | 9 | |||
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Everton 1 - 2 Arsenal
Goals from Bacary Sagna and Cesc Fabregas proved decisive as Arsenal held off an Everton fightback to claim second place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win.
Sagna opened the scoring after 35 minutes at Goodison Park with a ferocious strike from a tight angle and Fabregas doubled the lead early in the second half.
Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh spurned glorious chances to add to the lead but Everton produced a thrilling finish and deservedly pulled one back through Tim Cahill late on.
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| PA Photos |
Sagna opened the scoring after 35 minutes at Goodison Park with a ferocious strike from a tight angle and Fabregas doubled the lead early in the second half.
Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh spurned glorious chances to add to the lead but Everton produced a thrilling finish and deservedly pulled one back through Tim Cahill late on.
Chelsea 0 - 3 Sunderland
Goals from Nedum Onuoha, Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck gave Sunderland a deserved 3-0 victory over Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
It was Chelsea's first home defeat since March and their first at the hands of Sunderland since 2001.
The visitors stunned Carlo Ancelotti's side on the stroke of half-time when Onuoha dribbled his way through the home defence to score.
Gyan added the second just after half-time with a cool finish and Welbeck seized on a poor backpass by Ashley Cole in the 87th minute to hand Chelsea their second defeat in three games.
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| PA Photos |
The visitors stunned Carlo Ancelotti's side on the stroke of half-time when Onuoha dribbled his way through the home defence to score.
Gyan added the second just after half-time with a cool finish and Welbeck seized on a poor backpass by Ashley Cole in the 87th minute to hand Chelsea their second defeat in three games.
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