Arsenal-2 Blackburn-1: Today's early game pitted Arsenal against a physical Blackburn team at Ewood Park. Arsenal struck first in the game, with a 20th minute goal from Theo Walcott. Walcott great low strike settled into the side netting. Walcott has been great so far for the Gunners.
Blackburn equalized just seven minutes later. Mame Biram Diouf tapped the ball past Arsenal keeper Manuel Alumunia. Diouf did a great job finding open space in the box and seeking out the cross. Andrey Arshavin quieted the Rovers fans in the 51st minute with a goal off a deflection. Cesc Fabregas had a shot deflected, and it bounced right to Arshavin, who put it away. Arsenal wore down Blackburn with their passing and possession for the rest of the game.
Blackpool-2 Fulham-2: Very evenly matched game, each team getting their chances to score. Fulham forward Bobby Zamora capitalized on a chance in the 35th minute, when he leapt up to meat the ball with his head, and put it into the goal. Zamora did have to leave the game with an injury in the second half. Fulham was hit with more own-goal bad luck in the 71st minute, when a ball deflected into the net off defender John Pantsil.
The game swung dramatically late, starting with that own goal. Blackpool forward Luke Varney, who was involved in the own goal, put his team on top in the 76th minute. A complete turnaround now saw Fulham a goal down. Dickson Etuhu made sure Fulham could at least get a draw, when he chipped the ball over Blackpool keeper Matthew Gilks.
Chelsea-2 Stoke City-0: Although Chelsea only scored two goals this week against the Stoke City, make no mistake, they dominated this game. Florent Malouda, continuing his good form, opening the scoring in the 32nd minute. He was released by a pass from John Terry, and put the ball past the keeper.
Chelsea scored their second goal on a penalty in the 76th minute. Ironically, Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute, but keeper Thomas Sorensen saved the attempt. Didier Drogba buried the second penalty into the back of the net. While this win wasn't as dominant as Chelsea's recent performance, they still have 9 points in three games.
Wigan-1 Tottenham-0: This is the most shocking upset of the Premier League so far. Wigan, who were utterly destroyed in their first two matches, edged out a win at White Hart Lane. Wigan were powered by an outstanding match from keeper Ali Al Habsi. The game remained scoreless until the 80th because of the many great saves made by Al Habsi.
Hugo Rodallega scored the game winner in the 80th minute. Rodallega found some space and fired the ball past Spurs keeper Carlo Cudicini. This was an epic moment for Wigan, the first bright spot in their season. As for Tottenham, they should be deeply disappointed to have lost to such a team at home.
Wolves-1 Newcastle-1: Wolves have continued to play solid football, and as a result, have not lost a game yet. Even though they managed only one shot on goal (six total), they were able to work a draw out of Newcastle. Newcastle had many more chances to score, but were only able to cash in once.
Wolves opened the scoring late in the first half, when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake put one in on a volley. Newcastle rallied back and finally scored in the 62nd minute. Andrew Carroll headed home the equalizer off a set piece taken by Joey Barton.
Manchester United-3 West Ham-0: Man United dealt very easily with West Ham United today at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney ended his 13-match scoreless streak in the 33rd minute. Ryan Giggs was brought down in the box, and Rooney deposited the ball from the penalty spot. Nani, who had a terrific game, scored the second goal in the 50th when Man United blasted through the West Ham defense. Nani finished it off with a nice strike.
The third goal was one of the better goals of the Premier League season so far. Nani crossed the ball into the box and right to Dimitar Berbatov. Berbatov performed a magnificent scissor-kick move and the ball whizzed into the net. West Ham better pick up the pace or we could see them down in the Championship this time next year.
Showing posts with label Wigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wigan. Show all posts
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Premier League Rundown: 8/21
Birmingham City-2 Blackburn Rovers-1: This was a thrilling game at St Andrews Stadium in Birmingham, and the home side came out on top. Birmingham City goalkeeper Ben Foster made a magnificent save on a penalty. Morten Gamst Pedersen was on the receiving end of the save in the 50th minute, and that was a big moment in the game.
Blackburn did take the lead a few minutes later however, when a header from Steven Nzonzi found the back of the net. Birmingham city rallied back to when it though. Craig Gardner was the hero, scoring two great goals in the 57th and 71st minutes.
Everton-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers-1: Althought Everton controlled the ball for most of the game, Wolves were able to come away from Goodison Park with a point. Tim Cahill scored for Everton late in the first half, but Wolves equalized on a goal from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake in the 74th minute.
Everton have to be disappointed with their performance today. This are the kinds of games they have to win (especially at home) if they hope to finish in the top-10 at the end of the year. Wolves will be thrilled to get a result in this one.
Tottenham Hotspur-2 Stoke City-1: Another close, thrilling game took place at Britannia Stadium. Gareth Bale opened the scoring in the 19th minute, when a ball deflected off his face and into the net. Stoke came back and equalized, when Ricardo Fuller scored in the 25th minute. Gareth Bale, five minutes later, put Tottenham up for good with his second goal of the game. It was a terrific volley from Bale.
Now comes the controversy. Stoke, trying to equalize late in the game, appeared to have put the ball across the line but it was ruled not a goal. Jon Walters, making his debut, headed the ball towards the net. It was cleared by Peter Crouch but looked to go over the line first. Unfortunately for Stoke, the referee ruled no goal on the play.
West Bromwich-1 Sunderland-0: This game, while not as exciting as the others, was just as close. West Brom and Sunderland battled it out and both failed to score until West Brom took the lead in the 81st minute. Peter Odemwingle was the hero for West Brom.
This is a great bounce back game for West Brom, who were thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea last weekend.
Bolton-3 West Ham-1: West Ham's bad luck has continued. It started in the 33rd minute, when Carlton Cole kicked his penalty shot right into the arms of Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelanien. The misery continued when Matthew Upson netted an own goal in the 48th minute. West Ham really have to start playing better if they want to stay in the Premier League.
As for Bolton, Johan Elmander was the star, scoring two goals and leading Bolton to the win.
Chelsea-6 Wigan-0: Think about this stat: Chelsea's goal differential this season is 12 goals scored and 0 goals against. Wigan's goal differential is 0 goals scored and 10 goals against. That basically tells the story of this game. Chelsea dominated all game, and Wigan struggled yet again.
Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou each scored two goals for Chelsea.
Blackburn did take the lead a few minutes later however, when a header from Steven Nzonzi found the back of the net. Birmingham city rallied back to when it though. Craig Gardner was the hero, scoring two great goals in the 57th and 71st minutes.
Everton-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers-1: Althought Everton controlled the ball for most of the game, Wolves were able to come away from Goodison Park with a point. Tim Cahill scored for Everton late in the first half, but Wolves equalized on a goal from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake in the 74th minute.
Everton have to be disappointed with their performance today. This are the kinds of games they have to win (especially at home) if they hope to finish in the top-10 at the end of the year. Wolves will be thrilled to get a result in this one.
Tottenham Hotspur-2 Stoke City-1: Another close, thrilling game took place at Britannia Stadium. Gareth Bale opened the scoring in the 19th minute, when a ball deflected off his face and into the net. Stoke came back and equalized, when Ricardo Fuller scored in the 25th minute. Gareth Bale, five minutes later, put Tottenham up for good with his second goal of the game. It was a terrific volley from Bale.
Now comes the controversy. Stoke, trying to equalize late in the game, appeared to have put the ball across the line but it was ruled not a goal. Jon Walters, making his debut, headed the ball towards the net. It was cleared by Peter Crouch but looked to go over the line first. Unfortunately for Stoke, the referee ruled no goal on the play.
West Bromwich-1 Sunderland-0: This game, while not as exciting as the others, was just as close. West Brom and Sunderland battled it out and both failed to score until West Brom took the lead in the 81st minute. Peter Odemwingle was the hero for West Brom.
This is a great bounce back game for West Brom, who were thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea last weekend.
Bolton-3 West Ham-1: West Ham's bad luck has continued. It started in the 33rd minute, when Carlton Cole kicked his penalty shot right into the arms of Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelanien. The misery continued when Matthew Upson netted an own goal in the 48th minute. West Ham really have to start playing better if they want to stay in the Premier League.
As for Bolton, Johan Elmander was the star, scoring two goals and leading Bolton to the win.
Chelsea-6 Wigan-0: Think about this stat: Chelsea's goal differential this season is 12 goals scored and 0 goals against. Wigan's goal differential is 0 goals scored and 10 goals against. That basically tells the story of this game. Chelsea dominated all game, and Wigan struggled yet again.
Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou each scored two goals for Chelsea.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Premier League Rundown: 8/14
Here are the games that took place earlier today:
Aston Villa-3 West Ham United-0: I saw a little of this game, and Villa dominated right from the start. West Ham only managed to get one shot on goal, while logged a remarkable 16 corners. Stewart Downing and Stiliyan Petrov scored for Villa in the first half, while James Milner scored maybe his last goal for Villa in the 66th minute. The fans at Villa Park cheered Milner for possibly one last time before his was subbed in the 85th minute.
Marc Albrighton also received mass appraise from the fans after he assisted on a goal and recorded three shots.
Blackburn Rovers-1 Everton-0: Everton controlled this game, but a stumble by American goalkeeper Tim Howard cost Everton the game. Howard attempted to clear the ball, but muffed it, and it fell to the feet of Nikola Kilinic. Kilinic slotted the ball home, and that was the difference in the game.
Everton had chances to tie the game. They took 21shots, but only four of them were on goal. Everton had 70% of the possession, but were not able to capitalize on it. Ultimately, Everton will be disappointed with their start of the season. Blackburn, on the other hand, will be thrilled to come away with three points.
Bolton Wanderers-0 Fulham-0: This was a very evenly matched game, and the scoreline suggests that. David Stockdale filled in admirably for Mark Schwarzer in goal. Schwarzer has made it clear he wants to go to Arsenal, and he'll probably end up there. American Stuart Holden had a good game for Bolton, almost scoring but falling just short.
Sunderland-2 Birmingham-2: Sunderland thought they had the game all wrapped up after gaining a two goal lead in the 56th minute. Even though Sunderland lost Lee Cattermole to a red card in the 43rd minute, the game looked locked up. It was not to be however, as Birmingham stormed back and tied it in the final minutes.
Darren Bent scored from the penalty spot to open the scoring in the 24th minute. Birmingham cut the lead in half in the 77th minute with a goal from the head of Scott Dann. Liam Ridgewell was the hero for Birmingham, tying it in the 88th minute. Both sides will be disappointed. Sunderland because of the red card and the collapse. Birmingham because of the questionable penalty call.
Blackpool-4 Wigan-0: Blackpool smashed Wigan and sealed this game early on. This is a shock win for the many of us who wrote Blackpool off. Again, I did predict that Wigan would be relegated this year, but I did not think Blackpool would utterly destroy them.
Marlon Harewood was the Man of the Match, scoring two goals and assisting on another. Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Alex Baptiste also scored in Blackpool's first game in the top flight since the 70's. Manager Ian Holloway will be proud.
Wolverhampton Wanderers-2 Stoke City-1: Steven Fletcher had a joyous debut with Wolves today, scoring a goal in the 39th to put his club up two. Only two minutes earlier, David Jones hit the net to open the scoring. Stoke City showed some promise but struggled when Kenwyne Jones was subbed out due to injury.
Great start for Wolves at home. These are the kinds of games they need to win to stay afloat in the Premier League.
Chelsea-6 West Bromwich-0: Chelsea came out flying in their opening game today, destroying newly promoted West Bromwich Albion. Man of the Match Didier Drogba netted a hat trick in the game. Florent Malouda netted two goals himself. Frank Lampard also found the back of the net at Stamford Bridge.
This was too be expected from the defending champions, but it is still a good sign. Chelsea's preseason struggles clearly have not carried over into the season.
Aston Villa-3 West Ham United-0: I saw a little of this game, and Villa dominated right from the start. West Ham only managed to get one shot on goal, while logged a remarkable 16 corners. Stewart Downing and Stiliyan Petrov scored for Villa in the first half, while James Milner scored maybe his last goal for Villa in the 66th minute. The fans at Villa Park cheered Milner for possibly one last time before his was subbed in the 85th minute.
Marc Albrighton also received mass appraise from the fans after he assisted on a goal and recorded three shots.
Blackburn Rovers-1 Everton-0: Everton controlled this game, but a stumble by American goalkeeper Tim Howard cost Everton the game. Howard attempted to clear the ball, but muffed it, and it fell to the feet of Nikola Kilinic. Kilinic slotted the ball home, and that was the difference in the game.
Everton had chances to tie the game. They took 21shots, but only four of them were on goal. Everton had 70% of the possession, but were not able to capitalize on it. Ultimately, Everton will be disappointed with their start of the season. Blackburn, on the other hand, will be thrilled to come away with three points.
Bolton Wanderers-0 Fulham-0: This was a very evenly matched game, and the scoreline suggests that. David Stockdale filled in admirably for Mark Schwarzer in goal. Schwarzer has made it clear he wants to go to Arsenal, and he'll probably end up there. American Stuart Holden had a good game for Bolton, almost scoring but falling just short.
Sunderland-2 Birmingham-2: Sunderland thought they had the game all wrapped up after gaining a two goal lead in the 56th minute. Even though Sunderland lost Lee Cattermole to a red card in the 43rd minute, the game looked locked up. It was not to be however, as Birmingham stormed back and tied it in the final minutes.
Darren Bent scored from the penalty spot to open the scoring in the 24th minute. Birmingham cut the lead in half in the 77th minute with a goal from the head of Scott Dann. Liam Ridgewell was the hero for Birmingham, tying it in the 88th minute. Both sides will be disappointed. Sunderland because of the red card and the collapse. Birmingham because of the questionable penalty call.
Blackpool-4 Wigan-0: Blackpool smashed Wigan and sealed this game early on. This is a shock win for the many of us who wrote Blackpool off. Again, I did predict that Wigan would be relegated this year, but I did not think Blackpool would utterly destroy them.
Marlon Harewood was the Man of the Match, scoring two goals and assisting on another. Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Alex Baptiste also scored in Blackpool's first game in the top flight since the 70's. Manager Ian Holloway will be proud.
Wolverhampton Wanderers-2 Stoke City-1: Steven Fletcher had a joyous debut with Wolves today, scoring a goal in the 39th to put his club up two. Only two minutes earlier, David Jones hit the net to open the scoring. Stoke City showed some promise but struggled when Kenwyne Jones was subbed out due to injury.
Great start for Wolves at home. These are the kinds of games they need to win to stay afloat in the Premier League.
Chelsea-6 West Bromwich-0: Chelsea came out flying in their opening game today, destroying newly promoted West Bromwich Albion. Man of the Match Didier Drogba netted a hat trick in the game. Florent Malouda netted two goals himself. Frank Lampard also found the back of the net at Stamford Bridge.
This was too be expected from the defending champions, but it is still a good sign. Chelsea's preseason struggles clearly have not carried over into the season.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Premier League Predictions: 20-11
Here are my 2010/11 Premier League predictions and previews. I will be going in reverse order, starting with the the team I think will finish last up until #11 for this post. Later in the week, I will post who I think will finish in the top 10 in the league table. Enjoy.
20. Blackpool
Manager: Ian Holloway
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Neil Eardley, Brett Ormerod, Charlie Adam
Preview: Blackpool are just happy to be up in the top league. Many newly promoted teams like to keep a tight budget for players. Blackpool is no different. The most they've ever spent for a player is £500,000. The big four teams pay 12-year old youth players that amount. Almost all the players on Blackpool's roster are from the UK or Ireland.
While Blackpool have a good manager in Holloway, their roster is just not up to Premier League standards. I have a feeling they will be back in the Championship next season.
19. West Bromwich Albion
Manager: Roberto Di Matteo
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Yossuf Mulumbu, Graham Dorrans, Chris Wood
Preview: West Brom are more prepared to face the Premier League than Blackpool. That said, I still think they will be relegated. The "Baggies" have a more experienced roster than Blackpool, and have a small chance to stick around in the Premier League.
18. Wigan Athletic
Manager: Roberto Martinez
2009/10 Finish: 16th
Players to Watch: Emmerson Boyce, Chris Kirkland, Charles N'Zogbia
Preview: I think Wigan were lucky to avoid relegation last season. Their goal differential was worst in the EPL last season at -42. I don't think they'll be so lucky this season.
17. West Ham United
Manager: Avram Grant
2009/10 Finish: 17th
Players to Watch: Scott Parker, Matthew Upson, Robert Green
Preview: West Ham just avoided an relegation last season. Of course, 17th wasn't their ideal finish. They do have some quality players however. Captain Matthew Upson started center back at center back for the English national team in the World Cup. Green gave up that soft goal against the USA, which lead to a 1-1 draw. West Ham will just escape relegation this season.
16. Newcastle United
Manager: Chris Hughton
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Kevin Nolan, Sol Campbell, Nile Ranger
Preview: After bringing in Sol Campbell from Arsenal, Newcastle basically have no money for any more players. That said, they still have a decent enough squad to stick around in the Premier League. Newcastle gained their promotion by winning the Championship. They will avoid relegation, but they will not finish higher than hated rival Sunderland.
15. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manager: Andy Dalziel
2009/10 Finish: 15th
Players to Watch: Kevin Doyle, Michael Kightly, Ashley Hemmings
Preview: Wolves surprised many by avoiding relegation last season. This season they are expected to stay in the league as they try to become a Premier League mainstay. They brought in Stephen Fletcher to play with Irishman Kevin Doyle up front. Wolves may surprise some people again this season.
14. Stoke City
Manager: Tony Pulis
2009/10 Finish: 11th
Players to Watch: Ricardo Fuller, Matthew Etherington, Rory Delap
Preview: Stoke terrorized Arsenal and Man City in in the F.A. Cup and finished 11th in the table. Everyone was shocked by Stoke City last year and Rory Delap's long throw-ins. That will not be the case this season. Teams that took Stoke lightly last season will not this season.
13. Birmingham City
Manager: Alex McLeish
2009/10 Finish: 9th
Players to Watch: Ben Foster, Roger Johnson, Stephen Carr
Preview: Birmingham had a great season in 09/10. Ben Foster will have to come up HUGE if Birmingham hope to crack the top 10 this season. Joe Hart, on loan from Man City, saved Birmingham time and time again last season. Birmingham will return back to earth this season.
12. Bolton Wanderers
Manager: Owen Coyle
2009/10 Finish: 14th
Players to Watch: Lee Chung-yong, Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill
Preview: Bolton finished a disappointing 14th last season. Acquiring Martin Petrov will help them, but they will still not get into the top 10. They need more young talent to inject some creativity into the side.
11. Blackburn Rovers
Manager: Sam Allardyce
2009/10 Finish: 10th
Players to Watch: El Hadji Diouf, Steven Nzonzi, Phil Jones
Preview: Blackburn have a lot of young talent. That is great for the future of the club, until bigger clubs snatch them away that is.
Check in tomorrow for my prediction as to who will finish in the top 10 in the Premier League.
20. Blackpool
Manager: Ian Holloway
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Neil Eardley, Brett Ormerod, Charlie Adam
Preview: Blackpool are just happy to be up in the top league. Many newly promoted teams like to keep a tight budget for players. Blackpool is no different. The most they've ever spent for a player is £500,000. The big four teams pay 12-year old youth players that amount. Almost all the players on Blackpool's roster are from the UK or Ireland.
While Blackpool have a good manager in Holloway, their roster is just not up to Premier League standards. I have a feeling they will be back in the Championship next season.
19. West Bromwich Albion
Manager: Roberto Di Matteo
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Yossuf Mulumbu, Graham Dorrans, Chris Wood
Preview: West Brom are more prepared to face the Premier League than Blackpool. That said, I still think they will be relegated. The "Baggies" have a more experienced roster than Blackpool, and have a small chance to stick around in the Premier League.
18. Wigan Athletic
Manager: Roberto Martinez
2009/10 Finish: 16th
Players to Watch: Emmerson Boyce, Chris Kirkland, Charles N'Zogbia
Preview: I think Wigan were lucky to avoid relegation last season. Their goal differential was worst in the EPL last season at -42. I don't think they'll be so lucky this season.
17. West Ham United
Manager: Avram Grant
2009/10 Finish: 17th
Players to Watch: Scott Parker, Matthew Upson, Robert Green
Preview: West Ham just avoided an relegation last season. Of course, 17th wasn't their ideal finish. They do have some quality players however. Captain Matthew Upson started center back at center back for the English national team in the World Cup. Green gave up that soft goal against the USA, which lead to a 1-1 draw. West Ham will just escape relegation this season.
16. Newcastle United
Manager: Chris Hughton
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Kevin Nolan, Sol Campbell, Nile Ranger
Preview: After bringing in Sol Campbell from Arsenal, Newcastle basically have no money for any more players. That said, they still have a decent enough squad to stick around in the Premier League. Newcastle gained their promotion by winning the Championship. They will avoid relegation, but they will not finish higher than hated rival Sunderland.
15. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manager: Andy Dalziel
2009/10 Finish: 15th
Players to Watch: Kevin Doyle, Michael Kightly, Ashley Hemmings
Preview: Wolves surprised many by avoiding relegation last season. This season they are expected to stay in the league as they try to become a Premier League mainstay. They brought in Stephen Fletcher to play with Irishman Kevin Doyle up front. Wolves may surprise some people again this season.
14. Stoke City
Manager: Tony Pulis
2009/10 Finish: 11th
Players to Watch: Ricardo Fuller, Matthew Etherington, Rory Delap
Preview: Stoke terrorized Arsenal and Man City in in the F.A. Cup and finished 11th in the table. Everyone was shocked by Stoke City last year and Rory Delap's long throw-ins. That will not be the case this season. Teams that took Stoke lightly last season will not this season.
13. Birmingham City
Manager: Alex McLeish
2009/10 Finish: 9th
Players to Watch: Ben Foster, Roger Johnson, Stephen Carr
Preview: Birmingham had a great season in 09/10. Ben Foster will have to come up HUGE if Birmingham hope to crack the top 10 this season. Joe Hart, on loan from Man City, saved Birmingham time and time again last season. Birmingham will return back to earth this season.
12. Bolton Wanderers
Manager: Owen Coyle
2009/10 Finish: 14th
Players to Watch: Lee Chung-yong, Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill
Preview: Bolton finished a disappointing 14th last season. Acquiring Martin Petrov will help them, but they will still not get into the top 10. They need more young talent to inject some creativity into the side.
11. Blackburn Rovers
Manager: Sam Allardyce
2009/10 Finish: 10th
Players to Watch: El Hadji Diouf, Steven Nzonzi, Phil Jones
Preview: Blackburn have a lot of young talent. That is great for the future of the club, until bigger clubs snatch them away that is.
Check in tomorrow for my prediction as to who will finish in the top 10 in the Premier League.
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