Substitute Junior Stanislas earned West Ham a priceless point with a 78th-minute equaliser at Ewood Park to deny Blackburn caretaker manager Steve Kean a win in his first game in charge.
With West Ham boss Avram Grant enduring another week of speculation about his future, it was an important match for both managers, and, after a woeful first half, it was Blackburn who made the breakthrough in the 51st minute thanks to the scrappiest of goals from Ryan Nelsen.
Defeat would certainly have been harsh on the visitors, who were easily the more creative side, and they got their reward when Stanislas fired an unstoppable shot into the far corner. The point was not enough to lift West Ham off the bottom of the table but they did close to within two points of Wolves.
Staff at Ewood Park had spent all morning clearing the pitch, stands and surrounding areas of snow and their efforts were rewarded as the match was the only one of the scheduled 3pm kick-offs in the Barclays Premier League to go ahead.
EPL Today
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunderland 1-0 Bolton
Danny Welbeck's fifth goal of the season saw Sunderland leapfrog Premier League surprise package Bolton and strengthen their claims on Europe.
The striker, on loan from Manchester United, stooped to head home from close range after Jussi Jaaskelainen had turned away Darren Bent's 32nd-minute shot.
However, keeper Craig Gordon had to pull off a superb 45th-minute save to deny defender Zat Knight an equaliser. Victory saw the Black Cats climb above the visitors into sixth place to cement their excellent start to the season as they gave a crowd of 35,101 something to cheer on a bitterly cold Wearside afternoon.
The striker, on loan from Manchester United, stooped to head home from close range after Jussi Jaaskelainen had turned away Darren Bent's 32nd-minute shot.
However, keeper Craig Gordon had to pull off a superb 45th-minute save to deny defender Zat Knight an equaliser. Victory saw the Black Cats climb above the visitors into sixth place to cement their excellent start to the season as they gave a crowd of 35,101 something to cheer on a bitterly cold Wearside afternoon.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Champions League Draws
- Arsenal gets the toughest match up in what should be a thrilling home and away match up versus behemoth Barcelona.
- Tottenham gets Italian power AC Milan, so there should be lots of goals in those two matches.
- Manchester United gets a bit of a break in drawing Olympique Marseille although Marseille is quite capable of pulling the upset.
- Chelsea gets the easiest matchup of the knockout stages for EPL squads with a match versus Copenhagen.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Manchester City 1-1 Juventus
Manchester City secured top spot in Group A after coming from behind in their Europa League match to take a point against Juventus in Turin.• Mancini expresses delight
Jo, the only senior striker in the team, rose to the challenge to cancel out the opening goal from Niccolo Giannetti.
The Brazilian kept a cool head in the 77th minute to sweep the ball home at the back post following a cross from Adam Johnson.
City manager Roberto Mancini made nine changes to his side, with only Jerome Boateng and Jo retaining their places following the Premier League victory over West Ham at the weekend. Micah Richards was given the captain's armband.
Jo, the only senior striker in the team, rose to the challenge to cancel out the opening goal from Niccolo Giannetti.
The Brazilian kept a cool head in the 77th minute to sweep the ball home at the back post following a cross from Adam Johnson.
City manager Roberto Mancini made nine changes to his side, with only Jerome Boateng and Jo retaining their places following the Premier League victory over West Ham at the weekend. Micah Richards was given the captain's armband.
Liverpool 0-0 FC Utrecht
Liverpool may have given children free tickets for the Europa League tie against Utrecht at Anfield but even they will have felt short-changed by the disappointing goalless draw against Utrecht at Anfield.
On Tuesday manager Roy Hodgson had pledged to play his one fit star name, Fernando Torres, but had a last-minute change of heart after being persuaded otherwise by his medical staff.
With the Reds already qualified for the last 32, it led to a turgid and uninspiring night which highlighted the lack of depth in the squad.
Hodgson had initially planned to give Torres pitch time to rediscover his goalscoring touch - goalkeeper Jose Reina was also expected to start but he was left out of the squad altogether - but was forced to watch the entire 90 minutes from the bench instead.
On Tuesday manager Roy Hodgson had pledged to play his one fit star name, Fernando Torres, but had a last-minute change of heart after being persuaded otherwise by his medical staff.
With the Reds already qualified for the last 32, it led to a turgid and uninspiring night which highlighted the lack of depth in the squad.
Hodgson had initially planned to give Torres pitch time to rediscover his goalscoring touch - goalkeeper Jose Reina was also expected to start but he was left out of the squad altogether - but was forced to watch the entire 90 minutes from the bench instead.
Donovan to Fulham??
For some managers, the January transfer window can't come soon enough. Take David Moyes and Mark Hughes. I'd wager that the bosses of Everton and Fulham, respectively, will be the most enthusiastic observers of the countdown clock on New Year's Eve. Heck, they might even get a head start by watching the festivities in Australia.
Both clubs are in the middle of borderline train-wreck seasons when so much more was expected of them, especially Everton, after top-12 finishes in 2009-10 -- Everton at No. 8 and Fulham at No. 12. They sit at the bottom of the form table (performances in the past six games): four draws and two losses for the Toffees, three draws and three losses for the Cottagers. Fulham's seven-game winless streak is also tied with Everton for the longest current streak in the league.
Both clubs are in the middle of borderline train-wreck seasons when so much more was expected of them, especially Everton, after top-12 finishes in 2009-10 -- Everton at No. 8 and Fulham at No. 12. They sit at the bottom of the form table (performances in the past six games): four draws and two losses for the Toffees, three draws and three losses for the Cottagers. Fulham's seven-game winless streak is also tied with Everton for the longest current streak in the league.
Edson Buddle gets tryout with Birmingham
Associated Press
BIRMINGHAM, England -- Los Angeles Galaxy striker Edson Buddle is trying out with Premier League club Birmingham during the Major League Soccer offseason.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is searching for a new forward. The central England club is two points above the three-team relegation zone after scoring just 17 goals in 17 matches.
The 29-year-old Buddle was the leading scorer in the MLS for most of the 2010 season despite missing more than a month for the World Cup. He ended the regular season as the second-highest scorer with 17 goals in 25 matches.
BIRMINGHAM, England -- Los Angeles Galaxy striker Edson Buddle is trying out with Premier League club Birmingham during the Major League Soccer offseason.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is searching for a new forward. The central England club is two points above the three-team relegation zone after scoring just 17 goals in 17 matches.
The 29-year-old Buddle was the leading scorer in the MLS for most of the 2010 season despite missing more than a month for the World Cup. He ended the regular season as the second-highest scorer with 17 goals in 25 matches.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Would you like a scouting report on all 16 teams in the Champions League final 16?
If you are interested in a team by team look at the final 16 in champions league play, let me know and I will begin to work on it and have it on the site as early monday of next week.
That is all.
That is all.
Cleverley boost for Wigan
Cleverley was hurt during last weekend's 0-0 draw at Everton after a clash with Marouane Fellaini and there were fears he had cracked a rib.
Latics boss Roberto Martinez was worried that the England Under 21 international had played the last game of his loan spell from Manchester United due to the injury.
However, scans have shown there is no crack and Martinez is optimistic Cleverley will be in contention for Saturday's visit of Villa.
"He's had an X-ray and there is no fracture, just bruising to the rib," Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post.
Latics boss Roberto Martinez was worried that the England Under 21 international had played the last game of his loan spell from Manchester United due to the injury.
However, scans have shown there is no crack and Martinez is optimistic Cleverley will be in contention for Saturday's visit of Villa.
"He's had an X-ray and there is no fracture, just bruising to the rib," Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post.
Anderson re-signs with Man U
Anderson has struggled for consistency since joining United from Porto in 2007 and had been linked with moves to the likes of Lyon and Panathinaikos over the past year.
However, the 22-year-old has impressed in recent matches for United and scored his first goal at Old Trafford in last week's UEFA Champions League draw with Valencia.
That goal was only the second the Brazilian has scored since arriving at United and he passed a century of appearances for the club earlier this season.
He has recovered from a serious knee injury suffered against West Ham United in February and is delighted to have been rewarded with a new deal.
However, the 22-year-old has impressed in recent matches for United and scored his first goal at Old Trafford in last week's UEFA Champions League draw with Valencia.
That goal was only the second the Brazilian has scored since arriving at United and he passed a century of appearances for the club earlier this season.
He has recovered from a serious knee injury suffered against West Ham United in February and is delighted to have been rewarded with a new deal.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Following the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League group stage, UEFA.com takes its pick of ten players who stepped out of the shadows to make their mark on the campaign. VIA UEFA
Following the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League group stage, UEFA.com takes its pick of ten players who have stepped out of the shadows of the competition's more stellar names to make their mark this season. Which player has surprised you most along the way?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Managerial Changes
With Newcastle and Blackburn both changing managers in the first 20 games of the season and both at least 4 points out of relegation, does this mean a new standard for smaller money teams?
Going into game 18, Newcastle has 22 points and are comfortably seated in 8th on the table. Blackburn is 13th on the table but only 1 point behind Newcastle and could conceivably jump into the top 10 with a win in their upcoming match.
Going into game 18, Newcastle has 22 points and are comfortably seated in 8th on the table. Blackburn is 13th on the table but only 1 point behind Newcastle and could conceivably jump into the top 10 with a win in their upcoming match.
Sam Allardyce leaves Blackburn
Sam Allardyce has left Blackburn Rovers with immediate effect, along with assistant manager Neil McDonald.
Allardyce leaves the club, who have just been taken over by Indian chicken company Venky's, in 13th position in the Premier League. Chris Hughton, sacked by Newcastle last week, is among the early favourites to take over.
A statement on the Blackburn website read: ''The Venky's Group, owners of Blackburn Rovers Football Club, has today [Monday] confirmed the departure of manager Sam Allardyce and assistant manager Neil McDonald with immediate effect.
GettyImages
Allardyce leaves the club, who have just been taken over by Indian chicken company Venky's, in 13th position in the Premier League. Chris Hughton, sacked by Newcastle last week, is among the early favourites to take over.
A statement on the Blackburn website read: ''The Venky's Group, owners of Blackburn Rovers Football Club, has today [Monday] confirmed the departure of manager Sam Allardyce and assistant manager Neil McDonald with immediate effect.
Table after 17 games (16 for Man U and Blackpool)
| December 13, 20102010-2011 English Premier League Table | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||||||
| POS | TEAM | P | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | ||||
| 1 |  | Manchester United | 16 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 36 | 16 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 11 | 10 | 20 | 34 | |||
| 2 | | Arsenal | 17 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 34 | 19 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 19 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 9 | 15 | 32 | |||
| 3 | | Manchester City | 17 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 24 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 16 | 8 | 11 | 32 | |||
| 4 | | Chelsea | 17 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 31 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 8 | 19 | 31 | |||
| 5 | | Tottenham Hotspur | 17 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 25 | 22 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 13 | 3 | 27 | |||
| 6 | | Bolton Wanderers | 17 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 30 | 24 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 19 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 11 | 12 | 6 | 26 | |||
| 7 | | Sunderland | 17 | 5 | 9 | 3 | 20 | 18 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 2 | 24 | |||
| 8 | | Newcastle United | 17 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 27 | 26 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 19 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 15 | 1 | 22 | |||
| 9 | | Liverpool | 17 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 21 | 22 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 16 | -1 | 22 | |||
| 10 | | Blackpool | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 24 | 29 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 13 | 18 | -5 | 22 | |||
| 11 | | West Bromwich Albion | 17 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 24 | 29 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 13 | 19 | -5 | 22 | |||
| 12 | | Stoke City | 17 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 21 | 22 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 12 | -1 | 21 | |||
| 13 | | Blackburn Rovers | 17 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 22 | 27 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 21 | -5 | 21 | |||
| 14 | | Aston Villa | 17 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 19 | 28 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 18 | -9 | 20 | |||
| 15 | | Everton | 17 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 18 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 8 | -2 | 18 | |||
| 16 | | Birmingham | 17 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 17 | 20 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 14 | -3 | 18 | |||
| 17 | | Fulham | 17 | 2 | 10 | 5 | 16 | 20 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 11 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 9 | -4 | 16 | |||
| 18 | | Wigan Athletic | 17 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 13 | 28 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 17 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 11 | -15 | 16 | |||
| 19 | | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 17 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 18 | 30 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 17 | -12 | 15 | |||
| 20 | | West Ham United | 17 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 30 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 15 | -15 | 12 | |||
Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal
Park Ji-sung ensured the visiting Chilean miners were able to celebrate a Manchester United victory over Arsenal on their momentous visit to Old Trafford.
It should have been more. United wasted countless chances, the best of which being a penalty from Wayne Rooney 17 minutes from time that he ballooned over the bar.
For Arsenal, the sorry statistic of a fifth reverse concealed a desperately disappointing performance which did not get that much better even after Arsene Wenger had thrown his star man Cesc Fabregas on in a last desperate bid to secure a share of the spoils.
It should have been more. United wasted countless chances, the best of which being a penalty from Wayne Rooney 17 minutes from time that he ballooned over the bar.
For Arsenal, the sorry statistic of a fifth reverse concealed a desperately disappointing performance which did not get that much better even after Arsene Wenger had thrown his star man Cesc Fabregas on in a last desperate bid to secure a share of the spoils.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wolverhampton 1-0 Birmingham
Wolves deservedly secured a 1-0 derby triumph over Birmingham which could have been all the more comfortable if not for the heroics of Ben Foster.
Stephen Hunt's near-post finish on the stroke of half-time was the only effort to beat the England international who put in another sublime performance to keep the hosts at bay at Molineux.
Wanderers triumphed with their first clean sheet since April, although that was much to do with Birmingham's inability to create anything of note.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy stoked the flames ahead of the derby by stressing the encounter was about more than just three points, and he will be a relieved man to see his side move within a point of safety with what was his first success over the blue half of Birmingham in seven league attempts.
Stephen Hunt's near-post finish on the stroke of half-time was the only effort to beat the England international who put in another sublime performance to keep the hosts at bay at Molineux.
Wanderers triumphed with their first clean sheet since April, although that was much to do with Birmingham's inability to create anything of note.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy stoked the flames ahead of the derby by stressing the encounter was about more than just three points, and he will be a relieved man to see his side move within a point of safety with what was his first success over the blue half of Birmingham in seven league attempts.
Bolton 2-1 Blackburn
Stuart Holden fired home a dramatic late winner for 10-man Bolton at the Reebok Stadium just seconds after Mame Biram Diouf appeared to have snatched Blackburn a point.
The American drilled home a stunning 88th-minute finish while the visitors were still celebrating their equaliser by substitute Diouf at the other end moments earlier.
Owen Coyle's men had played with 10 men since Mark Davies' 56th-minute dismissal for an apparent elbow, but they still grabbed a 65th-minute lead through Fabrice Muamba.
And just when Rovers appeared to have made their desperate pressure tell, American Holden raced on to a neat header down from Kevin Davies to smash his rising shot past Paul Robinson.
The American drilled home a stunning 88th-minute finish while the visitors were still celebrating their equaliser by substitute Diouf at the other end moments earlier.
Owen Coyle's men had played with 10 men since Mark Davies' 56th-minute dismissal for an apparent elbow, but they still grabbed a 65th-minute lead through Fabrice Muamba.
And just when Rovers appeared to have made their desperate pressure tell, American Holden raced on to a neat header down from Kevin Davies to smash his rising shot past Paul Robinson.
Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea
Didier Drogba missed a stoppage-time penalty as Chelsea's Premier League winless run stretched to five matches with a breathless draw at Tottenham.
Heurelho Gomes looked to have gifted the champions the unlikeliest of victories when he clattered into Ramires having already handed Drogba an equaliser with a howler, but he redeemed himself by saving the substitute's spot-kick.
It meant Chelsea failed to regain top spot and stayed fourth, level on points with Manchester United, who have two games in hand.
The manner of the Blues' comeback may ease the pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti, who continues to insist he has the full backing of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
Heurelho Gomes looked to have gifted the champions the unlikeliest of victories when he clattered into Ramires having already handed Drogba an equaliser with a howler, but he redeemed himself by saving the substitute's spot-kick.
It meant Chelsea failed to regain top spot and stayed fourth, level on points with Manchester United, who have two games in hand.
The manner of the Blues' comeback may ease the pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti, who continues to insist he has the full backing of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
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