EPL Today
Friday, January 21, 2011
Piennar moved to Spurs for the style of football
New Tottenham signing Steven Pienaar has claimed it was the club's attractive football that persuaded him to sign for them ahead of Premier League champions Chelsea.
Having joined from Everton for around £3 million on Tuesday, Pienaar is looking forward to once again linking up with former Ajax team-mate Rafael van der Vaart and becoming a part of the entertaining style of football that manager Harry Redknapp employs at White Hart Lane.
"The style of football is really important," Pienaar said. "I played with Rafa at Ajax and we played attacking football and I want to be in a team that plays attacking football that is exciting for the supporters to watch.
GettyImagesSteven Pienaar can;t wait to link up with former Ajax team-mate Rafael van der Vaart
Having joined from Everton for around £3 million on Tuesday, Pienaar is looking forward to once again linking up with former Ajax team-mate Rafael van der Vaart and becoming a part of the entertaining style of football that manager Harry Redknapp employs at White Hart Lane.
"The style of football is really important," Pienaar said. "I played with Rafa at Ajax and we played attacking football and I want to be in a team that plays attacking football that is exciting for the supporters to watch.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Arsenal moves on in FA Cup
LEEDS, England -- Samir Nasri, Bacary Sagna and Robin van Persie scored to lead Arsenal over second-tier Leeds 3-1 in a third-round FA Cup replay on Wednesday night.
Leeds, which forced the replay with a 1-1 tie in London on Jan. 8, got a goal from former Arsenal trainee Bradley Johnson on a 25-yard shot that beat goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny just before halftime.
Arsenal will host Huddesfield in the fourth round on Jan. 30.
Leeds, which forced the replay with a 1-1 tie in London on Jan. 8, got a goal from former Arsenal trainee Bradley Johnson on a 25-yard shot that beat goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny just before halftime.
Arsenal will host Huddesfield in the fourth round on Jan. 30.
Panic by Aston Villa
In what is turning into a complete desperation move, the fee in the end for former Sunderland striker Darren Bent will be in the range of 40 million pounds.
FA Cup Round 4 Matchups (Jan 29 and 30)
- Everton v Chelsea
- Watford v Brighton
- Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic
- Swansea City v Leyton Orient
- Burnley v Burton Albion
- Birmingham v Coventry City
- Stevenage v Reading
- Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers
- West Ham United v Nottingham Forest
- Torquay United v Crawley Town
- Sheffield Wednesday v Hereford United
- Wolverhampton Wanderers v Stoke City
- Southampton v Manchester United
- Arsenal/Leeds v Huddersfield Town
- Notts County v Manchester City
- Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
Replays for Wolverhampton, Man City and Stoke City results
For all the hope that was earned by Cardiff, Leicester, and Doncaster; it was all EPL in the replays.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Bent seals Aston Villa switch
New Aston Villa striker Darren Bent said he can't way to play for "a massive football club" after completing his transfer from Sunderland on Tuesday.
Bent will be officially unveiled as a Villa player at 1900 GMT following his move from the Stadium of Light for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £24 million including add-ons..
The former Tottenham and Charlton frontman has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Villa and becomes Gerard Houllier's second January signing after Jean Makoun, who arrived from Lyon for £6 million last week.
Bent completed a medical and agreed personal terms and will be available to make his Villa debut against Manchester City on Saturday at Villa Park.
Bent will be officially unveiled as a Villa player at 1900 GMT following his move from the Stadium of Light for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £24 million including add-ons..
The former Tottenham and Charlton frontman has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Villa and becomes Gerard Houllier's second January signing after Jean Makoun, who arrived from Lyon for £6 million last week.
Bent completed a medical and agreed personal terms and will be available to make his Villa debut against Manchester City on Saturday at Villa Park.
Pienaar announces Spurs move
Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar has announced on his Twitter account that he has chosen to join Tottenham over London rivals Chelsea.
Both clubs had offers in the region of £3 million accepted for Pienaar, who told Everton he would not extend his contract which expires at the end of the season.
However, Chelsea were unable to agree personal terms, allowing Tottenham to conclude a deal for the player who made 104 Premier League appearances for Everton.
Pienaar arrived at Tottenham's training ground on Tuesday to undergo a medical and later confirmed he will be signing a contract, reported to be for four years.
GettyImagesSteven Pienaar has joined Spurs for around £3m.
Both clubs had offers in the region of £3 million accepted for Pienaar, who told Everton he would not extend his contract which expires at the end of the season.
However, Chelsea were unable to agree personal terms, allowing Tottenham to conclude a deal for the player who made 104 Premier League appearances for Everton.
Pienaar arrived at Tottenham's training ground on Tuesday to undergo a medical and later confirmed he will be signing a contract, reported to be for four years.
Bent to Villa
In what may be the most shocking of all transfers, Darren Bent is negotiating with Aston Villa to leave Sunderlands and become the point man at Villa.
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has confirmed to ESPNsoccernet that Darren Bent is holding transfer negotiations with Aston Villa after the relegation strugglers had a bid, believed to be £18million, accepted. Bruce said: "I'm disappointed but that's the way it is."
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has confirmed to ESPNsoccernet that Darren Bent is holding transfer negotiations with Aston Villa after the relegation strugglers had a bid, believed to be £18million, accepted. Bruce said: "I'm disappointed but that's the way it is."
Monday, January 17, 2011
Villa may get Jamacian injection on loan
BIRMINGHAM, England -- Colorado Rapids striker Omar Cummings could join Premier League club Aston Villa on a short loan from Major League Soccer.
The 28-year-old Jamaican has been on a tryout at Villa, and manager Gerard Houllier says he is "getting better and better with every training session."
Houllier says he will "will make a decision about him soon. It will be a loan deal and we would need a work permit."
Cummings' MLS season is scheduled to start March 19 at home against the Portland Timbers.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
The 28-year-old Jamaican has been on a tryout at Villa, and manager Gerard Houllier says he is "getting better and better with every training session."
Houllier says he will "will make a decision about him soon. It will be a loan deal and we would need a work permit."
Cummings' MLS season is scheduled to start March 19 at home against the Portland Timbers.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Van Bommel to the Spurs?
Rafael van der Vaart believes Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel would be a fine addition to the Tottenham team.
Van Bommel, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a number of clubs around Europe including Spurs, AC Milan and Aston Villa, and Van der Vaart feels his Netherlands team-mate would be a strong signing.
"He is a super player with lots of experience, who would help any team," he told Sport Bild. "Tottenham want to take the next step to get to the same level as our local rivals Arsenal.
"I think that is possible. Therefore we can use good players."
Van der Vaart, 27, also reiterated his desire to remain at White Hart Lane long-term after ending a miserable two-year spell with Real Madrid in the summer.
GettyImagesRafael van der Vaart believes Mark van Bommel would be a good addition to the Tottenham squad
Van Bommel, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a number of clubs around Europe including Spurs, AC Milan and Aston Villa, and Van der Vaart feels his Netherlands team-mate would be a strong signing.
"He is a super player with lots of experience, who would help any team," he told Sport Bild. "Tottenham want to take the next step to get to the same level as our local rivals Arsenal.
"I think that is possible. Therefore we can use good players."
Van der Vaart, 27, also reiterated his desire to remain at White Hart Lane long-term after ending a miserable two-year spell with Real Madrid in the summer.
Dalglish to rebuild duo of Konchesky and Poulsen
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says he has some bridges to rebuild in restoring the damaged confidence and reputations of some of the experienced members of his squad.
He specifically named Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen - both much-maligned signings of his predecessor Roy Hodgson - as those who have suffered the most.
Konchesky has not played once in Dalglish's three matches in charge since taking over a little more than a week ago and was an unused substitute for Sunday's 2-2 draw in the 215th Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.
The 29-year-old was signed from Fulham on transfer deadline day in August but has failed to win over fans who believe he is not up to the quality required.
He specifically named Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen - both much-maligned signings of his predecessor Roy Hodgson - as those who have suffered the most.
Konchesky has not played once in Dalglish's three matches in charge since taking over a little more than a week ago and was an unused substitute for Sunday's 2-2 draw in the 215th Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.
The 29-year-old was signed from Fulham on transfer deadline day in August but has failed to win over fans who believe he is not up to the quality required.
Suarez linked with Liverpool
Liverpool are reported to have made a move for Ajax striker Luis Suarez.
Ajax boss Frank de Boer has confirmed Suarez, 23, has indicated that he wants to move on if an offer comes in and said that plans for his replacement are already in place.
"I've had a showdown with Luis," De Boer said. "I wanted to know what his plans are and what the future will bring. Luis is training hard. He told me that if a big club comes in for him now he is ready to talk to them.
"I've a back-up scenario ready."
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Monday that Liverpool made contact with Ajax on Saturday night and negotiations continued on Sunday.
GettyImagesLuis Suarez appears to be ready to take the next step in his career
Ajax boss Frank de Boer has confirmed Suarez, 23, has indicated that he wants to move on if an offer comes in and said that plans for his replacement are already in place.
"I've had a showdown with Luis," De Boer said. "I wanted to know what his plans are and what the future will bring. Luis is training hard. He told me that if a big club comes in for him now he is ready to talk to them.
"I've a back-up scenario ready."
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Monday that Liverpool made contact with Ajax on Saturday night and negotiations continued on Sunday.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Tottenham 0-0 Manchester United
Brazilian full-back Rafael was sent off but 10-man Manchester United still kept their unbeaten record as they went back to the top of the Barclays Premier League on goal difference after a frantic encounter at White Hart Lane.
Wayne Rooney brought a couple of smart saves from Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and Rafael van der Vaart also went close on two occasions for Tottenham.
But in the end the two sides cancelled each other out in a game which proved the title race is going to be tight right until the end.
The draw sees Tottenham, who have not beaten United since May 2001 in a run which now stretches 24 matches, stay fifth a point behind Chelsea and outside the Champions League places after a game which was long on effort and passion but short on quality.
Wayne Rooney brought a couple of smart saves from Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and Rafael van der Vaart also went close on two occasions for Tottenham.
But in the end the two sides cancelled each other out in a game which proved the title race is going to be tight right until the end.
The draw sees Tottenham, who have not beaten United since May 2001 in a run which now stretches 24 matches, stay fifth a point behind Chelsea and outside the Champions League places after a game which was long on effort and passion but short on quality.
Birmingham 1-1 Aston Villa
James Collins rescued a precious point for Aston Villa in a pulsating relegation clash with locals rivals Birmingham at St. Andrew's.
Blues defender Roger Johnson put Alex McLeish's side in front early in the second period. But Collins made no mistake from close range to salvage a share of the spoils for Villa.
Villa dominated the opening phase and final part of the game and hit the woodwork on three occasions. However, Birmingham also squandered several clear-cut opportunities.
Blues had defeated Villa in the Carling Cup quarter-final last month but Collins' point-saver means they have not beaten their rivals in a league game for nearly six years.
Villa made a positive start, with Stewart Downing playing just behind John Carew in a 4-1-4-1 formation, and could have taken the lead inside the first minute. Downing put Blues keeper Ben Foster under pressure and his clearance went straight to Gabriel Agbonlahor. He cut into the box unopposed but from 12 yards out fired over the bar.
Blues defender Roger Johnson put Alex McLeish's side in front early in the second period. But Collins made no mistake from close range to salvage a share of the spoils for Villa.
Villa dominated the opening phase and final part of the game and hit the woodwork on three occasions. However, Birmingham also squandered several clear-cut opportunities.
Blues had defeated Villa in the Carling Cup quarter-final last month but Collins' point-saver means they have not beaten their rivals in a league game for nearly six years.
Villa made a positive start, with Stewart Downing playing just behind John Carew in a 4-1-4-1 formation, and could have taken the lead inside the first minute. Downing put Blues keeper Ben Foster under pressure and his clearance went straight to Gabriel Agbonlahor. He cut into the box unopposed but from 12 yards out fired over the bar.
Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle
Record signing Asamoah Gyan got Sunderland out of jail with a last-gasp equaliser to deny Newcastle a derby double.
Magpies skipper Kevin Nolan looked to have won the game with his audacious 52nd-minute strike, but with the clock having ticked into the fourth minute of injury time, Gyan almost involuntarily nudged the ball over the line after keeper Steve Harper could only parry Phil Bardsley's shot to snatch a point his side barely deserved.
Newcastle left the Stadium of Light bemoaning the loss of two points which were firmly within their grasp for all but a few seconds of a tense encounter despite the absence of Andy Carroll, Cheik Tiote and Steven Taylor, three of the club's most impressive performers this season.
They dominated the game after Nolan's strike, his 10th of the season - the first time he has reached double figures in the Premier League - and headed off on the short trip back to Tyneside kicking themselves.
Magpies skipper Kevin Nolan looked to have won the game with his audacious 52nd-minute strike, but with the clock having ticked into the fourth minute of injury time, Gyan almost involuntarily nudged the ball over the line after keeper Steve Harper could only parry Phil Bardsley's shot to snatch a point his side barely deserved.
Newcastle left the Stadium of Light bemoaning the loss of two points which were firmly within their grasp for all but a few seconds of a tense encounter despite the absence of Andy Carroll, Cheik Tiote and Steven Taylor, three of the club's most impressive performers this season.
They dominated the game after Nolan's strike, his 10th of the season - the first time he has reached double figures in the Premier League - and headed off on the short trip back to Tyneside kicking themselves.
Liverpool 2-2 Everton
It was not an entirely happy homecoming for Kenny Dalglish on his first match at Anfield since becoming Liverpool manager for the second time but a draw in an entertaining 215th Merseyside derby represented some progress.
The club's legendary former player went into the game on the back of successive defeats to Manchester United and Blackpool but the result against their closest rivals at least ensured his first point.
However, there are still many issues to address as Liverpool's defensive frailties let an early advantage slip in a frenetic six minutes after half-time and their pride was only salvaged by a penalty in the final quarter.
Raul Meireles picked the perfect time to score his first goal to give the club he joined in the summer an interval lead but Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford soon turned that around after the break.
The club's legendary former player went into the game on the back of successive defeats to Manchester United and Blackpool but the result against their closest rivals at least ensured his first point.
However, there are still many issues to address as Liverpool's defensive frailties let an early advantage slip in a frenetic six minutes after half-time and their pride was only salvaged by a penalty in the final quarter.
Raul Meireles picked the perfect time to score his first goal to give the club he joined in the summer an interval lead but Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford soon turned that around after the break.
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