EPL Today
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Blog is on hold
I have decided due to extreme low numbers that I am going to discontinue the blog for the time being. It may or may not be picked back up but for the time being, it is stopped.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester City
Aston Villa striker Darren Bent showed why his £18million transfer fee could prove money well spent with the winner against title-chasing Manchester City at Villa Park.
The former Sunderland player, who joined Villa on Tuesday in a club-record deal, broke the deadlock with his first clear-cut opportunity after 18 minutes.
With their £59million strike force of Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko, the visitors dominated for long spells but struggled to find a way past Villa's rock-solid defence in which James Collins and former City centre-back Richard Dunne were outstanding.
And the result means City are now three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United and have played two games more.
The former Sunderland player, who joined Villa on Tuesday in a club-record deal, broke the deadlock with his first clear-cut opportunity after 18 minutes.
With their £59million strike force of Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko, the visitors dominated for long spells but struggled to find a way past Villa's rock-solid defence in which James Collins and former City centre-back Richard Dunne were outstanding.
And the result means City are now three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United and have played two games more.
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham
Aaron Lennon broke Newcastle's hearts at the death once again as Tottenham fought back to snatch a draw at St James' Park.
Lennon struck a minute into injury time just when it looked as though Fabricio Coloccini's 59th-minute winner had handed the Magpies all three points.
However, just as they had done last Sunday at Sunderland, Alan Pardew's men conceded in stoppage time to let two points slip from their grasp.
Spurs would argue that they deserved at least a point after dominating for long periods, but they left it desperately late to get their reward.
Leon Best and Luka Modric both it the bar and the Magpies were indebted to goalkeeper Steve Harper for two fines saves.
Lennon struck a minute into injury time just when it looked as though Fabricio Coloccini's 59th-minute winner had handed the Magpies all three points.
However, just as they had done last Sunday at Sunderland, Alan Pardew's men conceded in stoppage time to let two points slip from their grasp.
Spurs would argue that they deserved at least a point after dominating for long periods, but they left it desperately late to get their reward.
Leon Best and Luka Modric both it the bar and the Magpies were indebted to goalkeeper Steve Harper for two fines saves.
Manchester United 5-0 Birmingham
Dimitar Berbatov scored his third hat-trick of the season as Manchester United turned in a five-star performance to demolish sorry Birmingham.
The prolific Bulgarian now has 18 goals this season and yet another match ball to go alongside those he collected against Liverpool and Blackburn earlier in the campaign.
More importantly for Sir Alex Ferguson, his side tightened their grip on top spot, with Ryan Giggs and Nani also finding the net as the leaders extended their unbeaten run this season to 22 games ahead of Tuesday's trip to Blackpool, the first of their matches in hand.
Berbatov for one will be looking forward to his first outing at Bloomfield Road, knowing just how much damage he is capable of inflicting.
The prolific Bulgarian now has 18 goals this season and yet another match ball to go alongside those he collected against Liverpool and Blackburn earlier in the campaign.
More importantly for Sir Alex Ferguson, his side tightened their grip on top spot, with Ryan Giggs and Nani also finding the net as the leaders extended their unbeaten run this season to 22 games ahead of Tuesday's trip to Blackpool, the first of their matches in hand.
Berbatov for one will be looking forward to his first outing at Bloomfield Road, knowing just how much damage he is capable of inflicting.
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City
Fulham had the last laugh in this season's feud with Stoke by completing a Premier League double over them to edge closer to safety.
Top scorer Clint Dempsey netted his eighth and ninth goals of the season as the Cottagers made it three wins in five to put daylight between themselves and the drop zone.
The match was the third tempestuous affair between the sides this season and Potters captain Ryan Shawcross was sent off after bundling over Dempsey in the box.
The American, who had already given his side a half-time lead, stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and seal a comfortable victory.
The opposing managers had refused to shake hands following their two previous meetings this season.
Top scorer Clint Dempsey netted his eighth and ninth goals of the season as the Cottagers made it three wins in five to put daylight between themselves and the drop zone.
The match was the third tempestuous affair between the sides this season and Potters captain Ryan Shawcross was sent off after bundling over Dempsey in the box.
The American, who had already given his side a half-time lead, stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and seal a comfortable victory.
The opposing managers had refused to shake hands following their two previous meetings this season.
Everton 2-2 West Ham
Marouane Fellaini hit an injury-time equaliser as Everton twice came from behind to deny struggling West Ham a much-needed win.
The Hammers and their beleaguered manager, Avram Grant, seemed on course for victory at Goodison Park as Frederic Piquionne headed them in front for the second time six minutes from time.
But Piquionne was sent off for celebrating with fans and the Hammers, who remain bottom of the Premier League, were denied as Fellaini struck.
The visitors had taken the lead after 27 minutes as the once goal-shy Jonathan Spector found the net for the fourth time in two months but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov came off the Everton bench to level.
The result was yet another blow for Grant, whose position has again been the subject of heavy speculation over the past week.
Yet for most of the game his team, with the returning Scott Parker driving them forward, the visitors acquitted themselves superbly.
The Hammers and their beleaguered manager, Avram Grant, seemed on course for victory at Goodison Park as Frederic Piquionne headed them in front for the second time six minutes from time.
But Piquionne was sent off for celebrating with fans and the Hammers, who remain bottom of the Premier League, were denied as Fellaini struck.
The visitors had taken the lead after 27 minutes as the once goal-shy Jonathan Spector found the net for the fourth time in two months but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov came off the Everton bench to level.
The result was yet another blow for Grant, whose position has again been the subject of heavy speculation over the past week.
Yet for most of the game his team, with the returning Scott Parker driving them forward, the visitors acquitted themselves superbly.
Sunderland 2-1 Blackpool
Kieran Richardson rose to the challenge following Darren Bent's move to Aston Villa by scoring a brace for Sunderland and steering them to victory at Blackpool.
Richardson's first goals of the season could not have come at a better time for manager Steve Bruce as his attacking options were limited.
However, Bruce had to endure a nervous last few minutes with Charlie Adam pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 85th minute.
Richardson's goals put Sunderland in the driving seat in the first half but they were also grateful to goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who made three magnificent saves in that period.
Bruce's side made a flying start and Blackpool were pinned back again in the seventh minute when Jordan Henderson swung in a cross from the right.
Richardson's first goals of the season could not have come at a better time for manager Steve Bruce as his attacking options were limited.
However, Bruce had to endure a nervous last few minutes with Charlie Adam pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 85th minute.
Richardson's goals put Sunderland in the driving seat in the first half but they were also grateful to goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who made three magnificent saves in that period.
Bruce's side made a flying start and Blackpool were pinned back again in the seventh minute when Jordan Henderson swung in a cross from the right.
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan
Robin van Persie smashed a hat-trick as Arsenal kept up their Premier League title challenge with a 3-0 win over 10-man Wigan at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners should have been out of sight by half-time, but had only van Persie's 21st-minute strike to show for their dominance as Latics keeper Ali Al Habsi made a string of fine saves.
The in-form Dutchman eventually fired in a second just before the hour, but then blasted a penalty over the bar after Gary Caldwell had been sent off for pulling back Cesc Fabregas.
However, van Persie duly completed his hat-trick with five minutes left to make it six in the last three games.
Arsenal - with five changes from the starting XI which beat Leeds in their FA Cup third round replay on Wednesday night - started brightly.
The Gunners should have been out of sight by half-time, but had only van Persie's 21st-minute strike to show for their dominance as Latics keeper Ali Al Habsi made a string of fine saves.
The in-form Dutchman eventually fired in a second just before the hour, but then blasted a penalty over the bar after Gary Caldwell had been sent off for pulling back Cesc Fabregas.
However, van Persie duly completed his hat-trick with five minutes left to make it six in the last three games.
Arsenal - with five changes from the starting XI which beat Leeds in their FA Cup third round replay on Wednesday night - started brightly.
Liverpool 3-0 Wolverhampton
Liverpool's revival under Kenny Dalglish is officially under way after he secured his first win since returning for his second spell as Reds boss with Wolves beaten 3-0 at Molineux.
Having seen improvements on the pitch if not in results in his three previous matches in charge after taking over from Roy Hodgson the Scot finally got the victory he was craving.
Fernando Torres scored his eighth and ninth Barclays Premier League goals of the season either side of Raul Meireles capping a fine individual performance with a brilliantly-taken second-half volley.
It was only Liverpool's third away win in the league in 13 months and their first point outside Anfield since the 1-1 draw at Wigan on November 10.
Having seen improvements on the pitch if not in results in his three previous matches in charge after taking over from Roy Hodgson the Scot finally got the victory he was craving.
Fernando Torres scored his eighth and ninth Barclays Premier League goals of the season either side of Raul Meireles capping a fine individual performance with a brilliantly-taken second-half volley.
It was only Liverpool's third away win in the league in 13 months and their first point outside Anfield since the 1-1 draw at Wigan on November 10.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)