You can now follow me at Suite101! Here's a match report from today's FA Cup 4th round replay between Everton and Chelsea:
http://www.suite101.com/content/toffess-topple-cup-holders-chelsea-a349789
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Matri Dents Inter’s Title Hopes
Juventus 1 Inter Milan 0
Leonardo saw the Nerazzurri lose for only the second time of his managerial reign in the Derby d’Italia continuing the visitors’ poor record in Turin, with the home side managing a clean sheet for the first time in 2011. Alessandro Matri’s header on the half hour proved to be the difference between these two giants, sending Juventus sixth and leaving Inter eight points behind Serie A leaders A. C. Milan putting their chances of retaining the Scudetto into further doubt.
Just four of Luigi Delneri’s starting XI were playing for the Turin club this time last year, with the much travelled Luca Toni partnering his fellow January transfer window signing from Cagliari up front. Leonardo picked the same team which took to the field in the remarkable 5-3 win over Roma last weekend. Unlike that fixture though this was a more tense affair with the message that today was a game neither could afford to lose clearly having been imparted to the players from their coaches.
Andrea Ranocchia again showed very little evidence of his high rating with another poor display at the back with Ivan Cordoba. Time and again he made errors which on another day would have cost him dear. It should be noted that the centre back pairing which won last season’s unprecedented treble, Lucio and Walter Samuel, are both out injured at the moment and it is one area of the pitch where there isn’t a lot of cover.
Juventus exploited this weakness and after ten minutes a Giorgio Chiellini cross, playing at left back the position he started his career in, was headed over by Toni. The visitors did look dangerous with balls over the top with Giampaolo Pazzini giving chase. The former Sampdoria favourite was wrongly flagged offside on a couple of occasions by the officials; such was Inter’s luck that these tight calls went against them.
Milos Krasic coming inside from the right wing gave the Nerazzurri problems with the ageing Javier Zanetti showing that three games in a week, including his one hundred and thirty ninth cap for Argentina against Portugal, was perhaps a little too much for him. Sneijder looked fatigued as well, failing to have the influence and impact the Dutchman had last weekend and on international duty.
Delneri’s side could not make the most of a 3-on-3 counter with Cordoba stepping up to snuff out the danger. The match winner came from Krasic’s ability to commit players. Both Zanetti and compatriot Esteban Cambiasso tracked him wide on the right and he laid it back to young Freddy Sorensen up from full back in space. A cross from the Dane was missed by Cordoba and that gave Matri the space for a free header which he put into the corner with Julio Cesar stranded to net for the third time in three matches.
Inter continued to have good possession either side of the break, but never seemed to do anything particularly creative or forward-thinking with the ball. Matri spurned another opportunity that would have seen the Turin outfit increase their lead eight minutes into the second half. Krasic provided the ball in, but this time the former Cagliari striker’s header was off target.
The Nerazzurri boss looked to Goran Pandev off the bench replacing the absent Kharja, but nothing clear cut came for the visitors until late in the match. After an encouraging display in the target man role, Toni was replaced by Vincenzo Iaquinta who offered nothing like the same outlet through the last quarter of the match. Matri took a blow to the ribs and was in some discomfort, but Delneri somewhat surprisingly kept him on the pitch. Claudio Marchisio who had kept Maicon’s forays from right back down to a minimum with the help of Chiellini on the left side departed for Simone Pepe and after Felipe Melo began to struggle he too was brought off for Momo Sissoko leaving no more substitutes at Juventus’s disposal.
A poor Sorensen back pass had Eto’o marauding in on goal from off the left wing, but Buffon was alert and came off his line to block an effort from the Cameroonian. Inter pressed for an equaliser inside the last ten minutes and again the home side were indebted to their goalkeeper. Sneijder’s ball over the top found Eto’o racing through again coming in from a wide position, but Italy's number one smothered out the danger. Despite playing through the pain Matri missed a further opportunity at the other end, volleying wide from Pepe’s cut back.
With a minute to go Eto’o unbelievably spurned a guilt edge chance, an effective open goal from four yards out was not found. A Maicon cross eluded everybody at the near post and the twenty seven goal striker came steaming in at the back stick, but somehow put his shot against the bar. It was a big let off for Juventus, but they hung on to secure what might prove a vital win come the end of the season and it could well be the difference between them settling for the Europa or making a return to the Champions League.
The Nerazzurri were not at their best today and problems at the back are apparent. This wasn’t exactly the most convincing display from their hosts either, with Barzagli and Bonucci having about the same experience as a centre half pairing as Inter’s defensive duo. The big names did not perform at the end of what has been a demanding week. This fixture was compelling evidence that there is at least something in claims that internationals are a tiring experience.
Leonardo saw the Nerazzurri lose for only the second time of his managerial reign in the Derby d’Italia continuing the visitors’ poor record in Turin, with the home side managing a clean sheet for the first time in 2011. Alessandro Matri’s header on the half hour proved to be the difference between these two giants, sending Juventus sixth and leaving Inter eight points behind Serie A leaders A. C. Milan putting their chances of retaining the Scudetto into further doubt.
Just four of Luigi Delneri’s starting XI were playing for the Turin club this time last year, with the much travelled Luca Toni partnering his fellow January transfer window signing from Cagliari up front. Leonardo picked the same team which took to the field in the remarkable 5-3 win over Roma last weekend. Unlike that fixture though this was a more tense affair with the message that today was a game neither could afford to lose clearly having been imparted to the players from their coaches.
Andrea Ranocchia again showed very little evidence of his high rating with another poor display at the back with Ivan Cordoba. Time and again he made errors which on another day would have cost him dear. It should be noted that the centre back pairing which won last season’s unprecedented treble, Lucio and Walter Samuel, are both out injured at the moment and it is one area of the pitch where there isn’t a lot of cover.
Juventus exploited this weakness and after ten minutes a Giorgio Chiellini cross, playing at left back the position he started his career in, was headed over by Toni. The visitors did look dangerous with balls over the top with Giampaolo Pazzini giving chase. The former Sampdoria favourite was wrongly flagged offside on a couple of occasions by the officials; such was Inter’s luck that these tight calls went against them.
Milos Krasic coming inside from the right wing gave the Nerazzurri problems with the ageing Javier Zanetti showing that three games in a week, including his one hundred and thirty ninth cap for Argentina against Portugal, was perhaps a little too much for him. Sneijder looked fatigued as well, failing to have the influence and impact the Dutchman had last weekend and on international duty.
Delneri’s side could not make the most of a 3-on-3 counter with Cordoba stepping up to snuff out the danger. The match winner came from Krasic’s ability to commit players. Both Zanetti and compatriot Esteban Cambiasso tracked him wide on the right and he laid it back to young Freddy Sorensen up from full back in space. A cross from the Dane was missed by Cordoba and that gave Matri the space for a free header which he put into the corner with Julio Cesar stranded to net for the third time in three matches.
Inter continued to have good possession either side of the break, but never seemed to do anything particularly creative or forward-thinking with the ball. Matri spurned another opportunity that would have seen the Turin outfit increase their lead eight minutes into the second half. Krasic provided the ball in, but this time the former Cagliari striker’s header was off target.
The Nerazzurri boss looked to Goran Pandev off the bench replacing the absent Kharja, but nothing clear cut came for the visitors until late in the match. After an encouraging display in the target man role, Toni was replaced by Vincenzo Iaquinta who offered nothing like the same outlet through the last quarter of the match. Matri took a blow to the ribs and was in some discomfort, but Delneri somewhat surprisingly kept him on the pitch. Claudio Marchisio who had kept Maicon’s forays from right back down to a minimum with the help of Chiellini on the left side departed for Simone Pepe and after Felipe Melo began to struggle he too was brought off for Momo Sissoko leaving no more substitutes at Juventus’s disposal.
A poor Sorensen back pass had Eto’o marauding in on goal from off the left wing, but Buffon was alert and came off his line to block an effort from the Cameroonian. Inter pressed for an equaliser inside the last ten minutes and again the home side were indebted to their goalkeeper. Sneijder’s ball over the top found Eto’o racing through again coming in from a wide position, but Italy's number one smothered out the danger. Despite playing through the pain Matri missed a further opportunity at the other end, volleying wide from Pepe’s cut back.
With a minute to go Eto’o unbelievably spurned a guilt edge chance, an effective open goal from four yards out was not found. A Maicon cross eluded everybody at the near post and the twenty seven goal striker came steaming in at the back stick, but somehow put his shot against the bar. It was a big let off for Juventus, but they hung on to secure what might prove a vital win come the end of the season and it could well be the difference between them settling for the Europa or making a return to the Champions League.
The Nerazzurri were not at their best today and problems at the back are apparent. This wasn’t exactly the most convincing display from their hosts either, with Barzagli and Bonucci having about the same experience as a centre half pairing as Inter’s defensive duo. The big names did not perform at the end of what has been a demanding week. This fixture was compelling evidence that there is at least something in claims that internationals are a tiring experience.
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Rooney Wonder Strike Wins Manchester Derby
Man United 2 Man City 1
An out of this world overhead kick proved to be the difference between the Red Devils and the Citizens at Old Trafford as the home side extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points and now sit eight ahead of their neighbours.
City were by far the better side in the first half, but as is so often the case it was United who went in at the break with a lead courtesy of a smash and grab Nani goal. A lead that Sir Alex’s side scarcely deserved on their opening forty-five display was cancelled out by a real stroke of fortune for the blues. Substitute Edin Dzeko’s shot cannoned off the back of David Silva to level the score, but Wayne Rooney completed his rehabilitation in the eyes of Red Devils fans with a world class finish twelve minutes from time.
When the team sheets came in there was a real fear that this match might repeat the drab goalless draw at Eastlands earlier in the season, with both Ferguson and Mancini going with five in midfield. Right from the first whistle these concerns were allayed, as the first real opening camie inside four minutes and for the visitors. Silva attacked down the right and fed Yaya Toure, who passed to Tevez who slipped the Spaniard in who had continued his run into the box, but poked his shot wide of Edwin Van Der Sar’s goal from a narrowing angle.
Much of City’s joy came from exploiting the space in the right channel between Vidic and Evra. On the quarter hour Silva fed Toure, but Chris Smalling came across to put it behind for a corner. The young defender had been earmarked by many as a weak link in the United back line, but performed with composure and maturity beyond his years throughout.
Similarly for the visitors, Vincent Kompany had an impressive display despite receiving the first booking of the match from referee Andre Mariner for a foul on Wayne Rooney. He was strong in the air all afternoon, riling the man he was marking. Further up the field City showed wonderful off-the-ball movement with Kolarov ending a spell of possession with a shot over from edge of the box.
It took United over half an hour to create a real chance. Ryan Giggs’s deep cross was met by the head of Darren Fletcher, but it was straight at Joe Hart. Nani then began to come off the right wing and had two sighters before firing the Red Devils into a half time lead. Van Der Sar’s long kick up field towards Rooney was won by the England striker in the air ahead of Joleon Lescott, Giggs then put a first time pass towards the Portuguese winger down the middle. His first touch was exquisite to bring the ball down and he rolled it into the corner with Hart exposed.
Mancini introduced Shaun Wright-Phillips off the bench five minutes after the break and Dzeko came on at the hour mark. The substitutes combined to set up the equaliser. Wright-Phillips put a low cross into Dzeko’s path and his shot deflected off the back of Silva with the ball looping into the corner with Van Der Sar wrong-footed. Ferguson responded to being pegged back by throwing Premier League top scorer Dimitar Berbatov on, but it fell to his strike partner to steal the headlines and earn the Red Devils the three points.
After some great build up, Nani’s cross from the right took a nick off a City defender but reached Rooney at the perfect height to execute his overhead kick which flew into the top corner leaving Hart with no chance. It’s no exaggeration to say that the United winner was worthy of settling any game and the strike will be one that is talked about for years to come. What technique and confidence to attempt such an audacious effort!
The extraordinary goal is not something that Mancini and the City players will admire as they have lost further ground on their neighbours and now face a mountain that may be too great to climb in order to win the Premier League title. The race is by no means over, but only Arsenal can now feel confident of catching United.
An out of this world overhead kick proved to be the difference between the Red Devils and the Citizens at Old Trafford as the home side extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points and now sit eight ahead of their neighbours.
City were by far the better side in the first half, but as is so often the case it was United who went in at the break with a lead courtesy of a smash and grab Nani goal. A lead that Sir Alex’s side scarcely deserved on their opening forty-five display was cancelled out by a real stroke of fortune for the blues. Substitute Edin Dzeko’s shot cannoned off the back of David Silva to level the score, but Wayne Rooney completed his rehabilitation in the eyes of Red Devils fans with a world class finish twelve minutes from time.
When the team sheets came in there was a real fear that this match might repeat the drab goalless draw at Eastlands earlier in the season, with both Ferguson and Mancini going with five in midfield. Right from the first whistle these concerns were allayed, as the first real opening camie inside four minutes and for the visitors. Silva attacked down the right and fed Yaya Toure, who passed to Tevez who slipped the Spaniard in who had continued his run into the box, but poked his shot wide of Edwin Van Der Sar’s goal from a narrowing angle.
Much of City’s joy came from exploiting the space in the right channel between Vidic and Evra. On the quarter hour Silva fed Toure, but Chris Smalling came across to put it behind for a corner. The young defender had been earmarked by many as a weak link in the United back line, but performed with composure and maturity beyond his years throughout.
Similarly for the visitors, Vincent Kompany had an impressive display despite receiving the first booking of the match from referee Andre Mariner for a foul on Wayne Rooney. He was strong in the air all afternoon, riling the man he was marking. Further up the field City showed wonderful off-the-ball movement with Kolarov ending a spell of possession with a shot over from edge of the box.
It took United over half an hour to create a real chance. Ryan Giggs’s deep cross was met by the head of Darren Fletcher, but it was straight at Joe Hart. Nani then began to come off the right wing and had two sighters before firing the Red Devils into a half time lead. Van Der Sar’s long kick up field towards Rooney was won by the England striker in the air ahead of Joleon Lescott, Giggs then put a first time pass towards the Portuguese winger down the middle. His first touch was exquisite to bring the ball down and he rolled it into the corner with Hart exposed.
Mancini introduced Shaun Wright-Phillips off the bench five minutes after the break and Dzeko came on at the hour mark. The substitutes combined to set up the equaliser. Wright-Phillips put a low cross into Dzeko’s path and his shot deflected off the back of Silva with the ball looping into the corner with Van Der Sar wrong-footed. Ferguson responded to being pegged back by throwing Premier League top scorer Dimitar Berbatov on, but it fell to his strike partner to steal the headlines and earn the Red Devils the three points.
After some great build up, Nani’s cross from the right took a nick off a City defender but reached Rooney at the perfect height to execute his overhead kick which flew into the top corner leaving Hart with no chance. It’s no exaggeration to say that the United winner was worthy of settling any game and the strike will be one that is talked about for years to come. What technique and confidence to attempt such an audacious effort!
The extraordinary goal is not something that Mancini and the City players will admire as they have lost further ground on their neighbours and now face a mountain that may be too great to climb in order to win the Premier League title. The race is by no means over, but only Arsenal can now feel confident of catching United.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
England Come from Behind in Copenhagen
Denmark 1 England 2
A first international goal for Ashley Young twenty minutes from time ensured that Fabio Capello’s Three Lions fought back from a goal down to beat Martin Olsen’s side in the Parken Stadium. Daniel Agger had given the Danish an early lead, heading in a cross from the eye-catching Christian Eriksen, but with little more than ten minutes played England had responded and equalised through Darren Bent.
Jack Wilshere got his first start and looked solid in a deep lying role in midfield. The home side wasted a couple of early half chances through the profligate Nicklas Bendtner, but it was the visitors who created the first clear sight of goal. Bent pounced on a slack backpass, but Thomas Sorensen came off his line sharply to smother. Wayne Rooney was the first to rebound but was forced wide and Mathias Jorgensen cleared his shot off the line.
With seven minutes played Michael Krohn-Dehli who also had an excellent game for the Danes passed into Eriksen and the Ajax prodigy’s cross was met by the flying Agger ahead of Michael Dawson whose header went beyond Joe Hart to give Olsen’s men the lead. Capello got an instant response to going a goal and two and a half minutes later England were on level terms. After patient build up and a lengthy spell of possession, Rooney had the vision to find Theo Walcott with an inspired cross field pass. The Arsenal winger then showed strength and skill to get the better of Simon Poulsen and his cross was tapped home by Bent about a yard out.
Eriksen continued to be a thorn in the side of the Three Lions. Taking up a position in the hole every Danish attack went through him and were it not for good tracking back from Wilshere and Dawson’s tackle on Bendtner the home side might have had another clear sight of goal. With ten minutes to go to the break the England captain Frank Lampard allowed Eriksen to drift away from him and free the Ajax forward exchanged passes with Bendtner before cracking a shot from the edge of the area that came back off the post. Krohn-Dehli blazed the rebound well over.
The visitors continued to live dangerously as half time approached. Eriksen slipped a ball in to Rommedahl between Terry and Ashley Cole and his shot form a tightening angle was saved by the legs of Hart to keep the score even. At the interval Capello swapped Lampard, Rooney and Wilshere for Gareth Barry, Scott Parker and Ashley Young and these changes had the desired effect. England pressed for a second goal, with the Aston Villa front line almost combining, but Sorensen bravely punched with Bent lurking. Young had chipped up a cute cross from his teammate. James Milner also posed a threat down the left, putting in some dangerous balls into the box.
Denmark had a great chance of their own to retake the lead with a quarter of the match remaining. Krohn-Dheli found Eriksen yet again and his audacious back heel set up Rommedahl but he couldn’t put his shot across Hart and the Manchester City keeper smothered it out with his body. The Danish number nine would get caught in possession by Glen Johnson and this would lead to the visitors getting their winner. The Liverpool full back played a crisp pass into Young’s path and he slotted it past the exposed Sorensen at the near post.
The victory is Capello’s first since the win in Switzerland, with a subsequent draw with Montenegro and defeat at the hands of France in the interim. There are a number of positives for England fans to take from tonight’s performance. Resiliency, patient build-up and good football got their reward, but some of the defending needs to be tightened up. Wilshere acquitted himself well in the middle of park. For Denmark there’s no doubt Eriksen is a real talent and one of Scandinavian football’s players to watch in future.
A first international goal for Ashley Young twenty minutes from time ensured that Fabio Capello’s Three Lions fought back from a goal down to beat Martin Olsen’s side in the Parken Stadium. Daniel Agger had given the Danish an early lead, heading in a cross from the eye-catching Christian Eriksen, but with little more than ten minutes played England had responded and equalised through Darren Bent.
Jack Wilshere got his first start and looked solid in a deep lying role in midfield. The home side wasted a couple of early half chances through the profligate Nicklas Bendtner, but it was the visitors who created the first clear sight of goal. Bent pounced on a slack backpass, but Thomas Sorensen came off his line sharply to smother. Wayne Rooney was the first to rebound but was forced wide and Mathias Jorgensen cleared his shot off the line.
With seven minutes played Michael Krohn-Dehli who also had an excellent game for the Danes passed into Eriksen and the Ajax prodigy’s cross was met by the flying Agger ahead of Michael Dawson whose header went beyond Joe Hart to give Olsen’s men the lead. Capello got an instant response to going a goal and two and a half minutes later England were on level terms. After patient build up and a lengthy spell of possession, Rooney had the vision to find Theo Walcott with an inspired cross field pass. The Arsenal winger then showed strength and skill to get the better of Simon Poulsen and his cross was tapped home by Bent about a yard out.
Eriksen continued to be a thorn in the side of the Three Lions. Taking up a position in the hole every Danish attack went through him and were it not for good tracking back from Wilshere and Dawson’s tackle on Bendtner the home side might have had another clear sight of goal. With ten minutes to go to the break the England captain Frank Lampard allowed Eriksen to drift away from him and free the Ajax forward exchanged passes with Bendtner before cracking a shot from the edge of the area that came back off the post. Krohn-Dehli blazed the rebound well over.
The visitors continued to live dangerously as half time approached. Eriksen slipped a ball in to Rommedahl between Terry and Ashley Cole and his shot form a tightening angle was saved by the legs of Hart to keep the score even. At the interval Capello swapped Lampard, Rooney and Wilshere for Gareth Barry, Scott Parker and Ashley Young and these changes had the desired effect. England pressed for a second goal, with the Aston Villa front line almost combining, but Sorensen bravely punched with Bent lurking. Young had chipped up a cute cross from his teammate. James Milner also posed a threat down the left, putting in some dangerous balls into the box.
Denmark had a great chance of their own to retake the lead with a quarter of the match remaining. Krohn-Dheli found Eriksen yet again and his audacious back heel set up Rommedahl but he couldn’t put his shot across Hart and the Manchester City keeper smothered it out with his body. The Danish number nine would get caught in possession by Glen Johnson and this would lead to the visitors getting their winner. The Liverpool full back played a crisp pass into Young’s path and he slotted it past the exposed Sorensen at the near post.
The victory is Capello’s first since the win in Switzerland, with a subsequent draw with Montenegro and defeat at the hands of France in the interim. There are a number of positives for England fans to take from tonight’s performance. Resiliency, patient build-up and good football got their reward, but some of the defending needs to be tightened up. Wilshere acquitted himself well in the middle of park. For Denmark there’s no doubt Eriksen is a real talent and one of Scandinavian football’s players to watch in future.
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Speed Era Starts with Defeat
Republic of Ireland 3 Wales 0
Giovanni Trapattoni enjoyed a comfortable win in the first fixture of the Carling Nations Cup as the hosts outshone a poor showing from Gary Speed’s side in his first game in charge. Second half goals from Darron Gibson, Damien Duff and Keith Fahey wrapped up three points to send the Republic top of the table in the round robin format competition.
In the absence of Robbie Keane, Jonathan Walters got his first start partnering Kevin Doyle. Seamus Coleman, Ciaran Clark and later Marc Wilson all made their debuts for the boys in green. Speed went with a front three, the diminutive Rob Earnshaw playing centrally rather than Simon Church who had a berth on the right.
Chances were few and far between in an underwhelming first half, but the home side made the better start with a Duff crosshot shaving the post after five minutes. The Fulham winger certainly had the better of his exchange with Blackpool full back Neal Eardley who was subbed at the interval for Chris Gunter.
Welsh attacks broke down and possession was consistently wasted in the final third with Earnshaw not getting a sniff all night; a counter attack made by his pace being cut out summed up the Nottingham Forest striker’s evening. Speed’s men nonetheless had a case for a penalty as the half hour approached when Coleman lunged in on Hal Robson-Kanu, but the Reading man stayed on his feet when going down under the challenge might have resulted in a spot kick.
Doyle, who had been voted the Republic’s player of the year for 2010, showed great strength to get away from his markers, but shot straight at Wayne Hennessy in the visiting goal with ten minutes to go before the break. Debutant Clark subsequently wasted a free header which he put wide after a worked free kick. Church did draw a save out of Shay Given at the end of the half, coming in from the right and shooting from the edge of the box, but Ireland’s most capped player and captain on the night was equal to it.
Shane Long was introduced for Doyle during the interval and the Reading striker should have hit the target from twelve yards on fifty minutes when Duff slipped him in but he fired over. The pair combined again moments later, but the Fulham man was off-balance when he cracked his shot and it was straight into the arms of Hennessy.
The Republic found the breakthrough on the hour. Gibson played a one-two with Glenn Whelan with the Welsh defence standing off him and the Manchester United midfielder hammered a twenty five yard drive beyond the keeper. Speed’s side showed very little signs of responding to going behind, though Church did have another long range effort deflected wide.
Seven minutes after taking the lead Trapattoni’s men doubled their advantage through Duff. Walters showed strength and determination to get the ball off Gunter who was attempting to shepherd it out for a goal kick. The Stoke forward then pulled it back into the middle where Long dummied and the Fulham winger ended his five year international goal drought beating Hennessy from eight yards.
Substitutions for both sides came thick and fast as six apiece are permitted in the Carling Nations Cup. Eight minutes from time James Collins who was given the armband by Speed for the match fouled Walters giving the Republic a free kick in a promising position. Fahey stepped up and the substitute curled one round the wall and past Hennessy to seal the win. The Welsh keeper’s positioning may be brought into question as he was stood too centrally as the set piece was taken.
This was a comfortable win that puts the boys in green in a promising position with Scotland and Northern Ireland to play tomorrow. Wales were very poor opposition, lacking creativity and guile. The in-form Andy King had an extremely quiet night and Andrew Crofts showed none of the playmaking ability he has displayed for club side Norwich. Service into the frontmen was absent and although a number of key names, Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy to name two, were missing for the visitors the lack of depth is something that will concern Speed.
Trapattoni’s side didn’t have to be anywhere near their best to come out on top in this fixture. The Irish defence was commanding in the air, but there was not much of a contest in that department. All the Welsh possession was enjoyed in front of them which made it easy for the back four to shut out attacks; a first clean sheet in five is most welcome nonetheless. Duff was the inspiration and still has a lot to offer in spite of his increasing years.
Giovanni Trapattoni enjoyed a comfortable win in the first fixture of the Carling Nations Cup as the hosts outshone a poor showing from Gary Speed’s side in his first game in charge. Second half goals from Darron Gibson, Damien Duff and Keith Fahey wrapped up three points to send the Republic top of the table in the round robin format competition.
In the absence of Robbie Keane, Jonathan Walters got his first start partnering Kevin Doyle. Seamus Coleman, Ciaran Clark and later Marc Wilson all made their debuts for the boys in green. Speed went with a front three, the diminutive Rob Earnshaw playing centrally rather than Simon Church who had a berth on the right.
Chances were few and far between in an underwhelming first half, but the home side made the better start with a Duff crosshot shaving the post after five minutes. The Fulham winger certainly had the better of his exchange with Blackpool full back Neal Eardley who was subbed at the interval for Chris Gunter.
Welsh attacks broke down and possession was consistently wasted in the final third with Earnshaw not getting a sniff all night; a counter attack made by his pace being cut out summed up the Nottingham Forest striker’s evening. Speed’s men nonetheless had a case for a penalty as the half hour approached when Coleman lunged in on Hal Robson-Kanu, but the Reading man stayed on his feet when going down under the challenge might have resulted in a spot kick.
Doyle, who had been voted the Republic’s player of the year for 2010, showed great strength to get away from his markers, but shot straight at Wayne Hennessy in the visiting goal with ten minutes to go before the break. Debutant Clark subsequently wasted a free header which he put wide after a worked free kick. Church did draw a save out of Shay Given at the end of the half, coming in from the right and shooting from the edge of the box, but Ireland’s most capped player and captain on the night was equal to it.
Shane Long was introduced for Doyle during the interval and the Reading striker should have hit the target from twelve yards on fifty minutes when Duff slipped him in but he fired over. The pair combined again moments later, but the Fulham man was off-balance when he cracked his shot and it was straight into the arms of Hennessy.
The Republic found the breakthrough on the hour. Gibson played a one-two with Glenn Whelan with the Welsh defence standing off him and the Manchester United midfielder hammered a twenty five yard drive beyond the keeper. Speed’s side showed very little signs of responding to going behind, though Church did have another long range effort deflected wide.
Seven minutes after taking the lead Trapattoni’s men doubled their advantage through Duff. Walters showed strength and determination to get the ball off Gunter who was attempting to shepherd it out for a goal kick. The Stoke forward then pulled it back into the middle where Long dummied and the Fulham winger ended his five year international goal drought beating Hennessy from eight yards.
Substitutions for both sides came thick and fast as six apiece are permitted in the Carling Nations Cup. Eight minutes from time James Collins who was given the armband by Speed for the match fouled Walters giving the Republic a free kick in a promising position. Fahey stepped up and the substitute curled one round the wall and past Hennessy to seal the win. The Welsh keeper’s positioning may be brought into question as he was stood too centrally as the set piece was taken.
This was a comfortable win that puts the boys in green in a promising position with Scotland and Northern Ireland to play tomorrow. Wales were very poor opposition, lacking creativity and guile. The in-form Andy King had an extremely quiet night and Andrew Crofts showed none of the playmaking ability he has displayed for club side Norwich. Service into the frontmen was absent and although a number of key names, Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy to name two, were missing for the visitors the lack of depth is something that will concern Speed.
Trapattoni’s side didn’t have to be anywhere near their best to come out on top in this fixture. The Irish defence was commanding in the air, but there was not much of a contest in that department. All the Welsh possession was enjoyed in front of them which made it easy for the back four to shut out attacks; a first clean sheet in five is most welcome nonetheless. Duff was the inspiration and still has a lot to offer in spite of his increasing years.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Inter and Roma Produce Eight Goal Thriller
Inter Milan 5 AS Roma 3
The returning Wesley Sneijder inspired the Nerazzurri to victory in a quite remarkable contest. The win sees them cut their great rivals A. C. Milan’s lead at the top of Serie A to just four points. In a match that from start to finish was a joy to watch the Dutchman opened the scoring inside three minutes with a stunning strike. Fabio Simplicio equalised for Ranieri’s Roma, before a Samuel Eto’o brace either side of the interval, the second a penalty, put the home side in command.
A red card for Nicolas Burdisso’s on the hour for the challenge that led to the referee pointing to the spot looked to have ended the contest, couple with a Thiago Motta tap in that saw Inter establish a three goal lead over the ten men. Goals in just over five minutes from Mirko Vucinic and Simone Loria put Roma back in it and set up a tense finish. In the last minute of the ninety, as the visitors looked for an equaliser to complete a most remarkable comeback, the Nerazzurri sealed the win through Esteban Cambiasso.
Sneijder’s opener was something special. Maicon romped down the right and passed to the Dutchman who created the opening from the edge of the area from where he found the top corner with Julio Sergio merely a spectator in the Roma goal.
Ranieri got a response from his side after going a goal down. Marco Borriello drew a save from Julio Cesar at the near post before Simplicio equalised. Vucinic ran at the Inter defence and found Marco Cassetti on the overlap from full back. His cross found the Brazilian midfielder ahead of compatriot Maicon, the wing back caught in a centre half’s position, to tap in and level the score.
Roma could well have been in front were it not for two top saves in quick succession from Cesar. The inexperienced partnership at centre half of Ivan Cordoba and Andrea Ranocchia was exploited by the visiting front three. Borriello played in Jeremy Menez, but his shot was parried by the Brazilian stopper who kept the rebound out which the Italian international had headed goalwards. A third, more comfortable save from a tight angle from the Frenchman followed.
Leonardo’s side began to press, Sneijder’s free kick was spilled by Sergio but Cassetti blocked any follow up with Eto’o lurking. Last ditch defending from Roma denied Giampaolo Pazzini and Cambiasso from getting shots in inside the area. With thirty minutes gone Sergio saved well from another Sneijder long range effort.
Eto’o broke the deadlock ten minutes before half time. The Cameroonian international came inside off the right flank, touched it past John Arne Riise and slotted it into the net under Sergio, who will feel he should have done better.
After the break Inter had a great chance to extend their lead, but Pazzini was flagged offside running onto Cambiasso’s incisive pass. The Nerazzurri did increase their lead just after the hour when Burdisso brought down Pazzini after he cut across him. Sneijder played a delightful through ball over the top which led to the concession of the penalty. The Argentine centre got an early bath and Eto’o placed the spot kick expertly into the corner to put Leonardo’s side 3-1 up.
Loria was brought off the bench to fill the void in the visiting defence. Inter continued to look to increase their lead against the ten men. Maicon fed Sneijder on the counter who passed to Eto’o on the left and Pazzini’s shot from his cross was kept out by Sergio. The Dutchman and Cameroonian were involved in creating the Nerazzurri’s fourth goal, with Motta heading home from close range. It was served up on a plate for the Brazilian as Sneijder’s deep cross was nodded back into the danger area by Eto’o with the Roma defence static.
Daniele De Rossi’s deflected free kick found Vucinic with fifteen minutes remaining and the Montenegrin guided it past the wrong-footed Cesar for what appeared to be only a consolation. Five minutes later Ranieri’s side had got themselves within a goal of pulling level once more. A powerful header from a corner by Juan cracked the post and the rebound was seized upon by substitute Loria.
Inter spurned chances to put the match to bed, largely thanks to the Japanese full back Yuto Nagatomo off the bench, his endeavour and willingness to get to the by line led to chances for Eto’o and Maicon. Substitute Diego Milito missed a guilt edge chance that would have put the matter beyond doubt, stabbing wide from two yards out as an Eto’o shot rebounded off the goalkeeper to him too quickly to react properly.
Cambiasso wrapped up the win for the Nerazzurri in the ninetieth minute. Again Eto’o came in from a wide position. His cross was parried by Sergio and fell to the feet of Inter’s captain Javier Zanetti who unselfishly squared to his compatriot to pass the ball into the net.
To say that this match was thoroughly absorbing is a massive understatement. There isn’t going to be a better advert for Serie A and Italian football than this wonderful game all season. Whilst that is no consolation to Ranieri and Roma, who have lost ground in their quest for the Scudetto, the positives he can draw from are the way in which his side continued to attack and score after losing a man.
With A. C. Milan dropping two points at Genoa earlier today, it seems Leonardo and Inter are right back in the hunt for successfully defending the Italian league crown. The Nerazzurri look completely rejuvenated with the additions of Pazzini and Houssine Kharja in midfield, as well as the timely return to fitness of Sneijder. No question he was man of the match tonight and his club look a completely different side to how they did under Rafael Benitez.
The returning Wesley Sneijder inspired the Nerazzurri to victory in a quite remarkable contest. The win sees them cut their great rivals A. C. Milan’s lead at the top of Serie A to just four points. In a match that from start to finish was a joy to watch the Dutchman opened the scoring inside three minutes with a stunning strike. Fabio Simplicio equalised for Ranieri’s Roma, before a Samuel Eto’o brace either side of the interval, the second a penalty, put the home side in command.
A red card for Nicolas Burdisso’s on the hour for the challenge that led to the referee pointing to the spot looked to have ended the contest, couple with a Thiago Motta tap in that saw Inter establish a three goal lead over the ten men. Goals in just over five minutes from Mirko Vucinic and Simone Loria put Roma back in it and set up a tense finish. In the last minute of the ninety, as the visitors looked for an equaliser to complete a most remarkable comeback, the Nerazzurri sealed the win through Esteban Cambiasso.
Sneijder’s opener was something special. Maicon romped down the right and passed to the Dutchman who created the opening from the edge of the area from where he found the top corner with Julio Sergio merely a spectator in the Roma goal.
Ranieri got a response from his side after going a goal down. Marco Borriello drew a save from Julio Cesar at the near post before Simplicio equalised. Vucinic ran at the Inter defence and found Marco Cassetti on the overlap from full back. His cross found the Brazilian midfielder ahead of compatriot Maicon, the wing back caught in a centre half’s position, to tap in and level the score.
Roma could well have been in front were it not for two top saves in quick succession from Cesar. The inexperienced partnership at centre half of Ivan Cordoba and Andrea Ranocchia was exploited by the visiting front three. Borriello played in Jeremy Menez, but his shot was parried by the Brazilian stopper who kept the rebound out which the Italian international had headed goalwards. A third, more comfortable save from a tight angle from the Frenchman followed.
Leonardo’s side began to press, Sneijder’s free kick was spilled by Sergio but Cassetti blocked any follow up with Eto’o lurking. Last ditch defending from Roma denied Giampaolo Pazzini and Cambiasso from getting shots in inside the area. With thirty minutes gone Sergio saved well from another Sneijder long range effort.
Eto’o broke the deadlock ten minutes before half time. The Cameroonian international came inside off the right flank, touched it past John Arne Riise and slotted it into the net under Sergio, who will feel he should have done better.
After the break Inter had a great chance to extend their lead, but Pazzini was flagged offside running onto Cambiasso’s incisive pass. The Nerazzurri did increase their lead just after the hour when Burdisso brought down Pazzini after he cut across him. Sneijder played a delightful through ball over the top which led to the concession of the penalty. The Argentine centre got an early bath and Eto’o placed the spot kick expertly into the corner to put Leonardo’s side 3-1 up.
Loria was brought off the bench to fill the void in the visiting defence. Inter continued to look to increase their lead against the ten men. Maicon fed Sneijder on the counter who passed to Eto’o on the left and Pazzini’s shot from his cross was kept out by Sergio. The Dutchman and Cameroonian were involved in creating the Nerazzurri’s fourth goal, with Motta heading home from close range. It was served up on a plate for the Brazilian as Sneijder’s deep cross was nodded back into the danger area by Eto’o with the Roma defence static.
Daniele De Rossi’s deflected free kick found Vucinic with fifteen minutes remaining and the Montenegrin guided it past the wrong-footed Cesar for what appeared to be only a consolation. Five minutes later Ranieri’s side had got themselves within a goal of pulling level once more. A powerful header from a corner by Juan cracked the post and the rebound was seized upon by substitute Loria.
Inter spurned chances to put the match to bed, largely thanks to the Japanese full back Yuto Nagatomo off the bench, his endeavour and willingness to get to the by line led to chances for Eto’o and Maicon. Substitute Diego Milito missed a guilt edge chance that would have put the matter beyond doubt, stabbing wide from two yards out as an Eto’o shot rebounded off the goalkeeper to him too quickly to react properly.
Cambiasso wrapped up the win for the Nerazzurri in the ninetieth minute. Again Eto’o came in from a wide position. His cross was parried by Sergio and fell to the feet of Inter’s captain Javier Zanetti who unselfishly squared to his compatriot to pass the ball into the net.
To say that this match was thoroughly absorbing is a massive understatement. There isn’t going to be a better advert for Serie A and Italian football than this wonderful game all season. Whilst that is no consolation to Ranieri and Roma, who have lost ground in their quest for the Scudetto, the positives he can draw from are the way in which his side continued to attack and score after losing a man.
With A. C. Milan dropping two points at Genoa earlier today, it seems Leonardo and Inter are right back in the hunt for successfully defending the Italian league crown. The Nerazzurri look completely rejuvenated with the additions of Pazzini and Houssine Kharja in midfield, as well as the timely return to fitness of Sneijder. No question he was man of the match tonight and his club look a completely different side to how they did under Rafael Benitez.
Friday, 4 February 2011
10-Man Rangers Edge Past Royals
Reading 0 QPR 1
Wayne Routledge’s second winner in four games since rejoining Neil Warnock’s side on loan handed the Loftus Road outfit a vital victory in a tempestuous match. Just before the break Hogan Ephraim’s lunge on Jimmy Kebe earned him an early bath as referee Russell Booth showed him red.
Moments earlier Matthew Mills had blocked off the Rangers midfielder on the wing as he looked to attack down the flank. The Reading defender was the last man, but Booth brandished yellow when to the letter of the law the challenge could have resulted in a sending off.
This action came late in the first half, with neither side hitting the target in the opening forty minutes. In between these two big calls for the official, the home side created two chances. First Simon Church drew a sprawling save from Paddy Kenny from a knock down off the chest of Shane Long and just after Mills’ back post header from a corner was kept out by the legs of the QPR keeper. A third opportunity before the break saw Long hit the side netting from a tight angle after Kenny made an uncharacteristic error.
With the visitors aggrieved by the number of decisions going against them the situation threatened to boil over when Rangers captain Adel Taarabt had a coming together with an opposition player. From the referee’s point of view the half time whistle came at just the right time in order for him to keep control of match.
In the second half a poor challenge from Jay Tabb on Taarabt did not get sufficiently punished; in light of other bookings Booth should have shown the Irishman a yellow. Warnock introduced Ishmael Miller for Rob Hulse with a quarter of the game to go as the ten men searched for a winner. The man on loan from West Brom looked lively showing strength and power, firing a shot just over Adam Federici’s goal.
Eight minutes from time after some crisp passing Alejandro Faurlin played in Routledge through the middle and the winger showed Mills a clean pair of heels as he struck a precise finish into the corner. Federici did get a hand to the shot, but it was in vain. QPR have notched their first ever win at the Madjeski Stadium and sent themselves eight points clear of the chasing pack at the top of the Championship.
Being clinical in front of goal, coupled with great resolve and determination after losing a man ensured Warnock’s side ground out a result. It is victories like this, in adversity, that trophy wins and promotions are founded on. Reading lacked that cutting edge tonight and had been sweating on the in-form Long’s fitness. Brian McDermott’s team will lose ground in their own push into the play-off places with the rest of this weekend’s fixtures to come.
Wayne Routledge’s second winner in four games since rejoining Neil Warnock’s side on loan handed the Loftus Road outfit a vital victory in a tempestuous match. Just before the break Hogan Ephraim’s lunge on Jimmy Kebe earned him an early bath as referee Russell Booth showed him red.
Moments earlier Matthew Mills had blocked off the Rangers midfielder on the wing as he looked to attack down the flank. The Reading defender was the last man, but Booth brandished yellow when to the letter of the law the challenge could have resulted in a sending off.
This action came late in the first half, with neither side hitting the target in the opening forty minutes. In between these two big calls for the official, the home side created two chances. First Simon Church drew a sprawling save from Paddy Kenny from a knock down off the chest of Shane Long and just after Mills’ back post header from a corner was kept out by the legs of the QPR keeper. A third opportunity before the break saw Long hit the side netting from a tight angle after Kenny made an uncharacteristic error.
With the visitors aggrieved by the number of decisions going against them the situation threatened to boil over when Rangers captain Adel Taarabt had a coming together with an opposition player. From the referee’s point of view the half time whistle came at just the right time in order for him to keep control of match.
In the second half a poor challenge from Jay Tabb on Taarabt did not get sufficiently punished; in light of other bookings Booth should have shown the Irishman a yellow. Warnock introduced Ishmael Miller for Rob Hulse with a quarter of the game to go as the ten men searched for a winner. The man on loan from West Brom looked lively showing strength and power, firing a shot just over Adam Federici’s goal.
Eight minutes from time after some crisp passing Alejandro Faurlin played in Routledge through the middle and the winger showed Mills a clean pair of heels as he struck a precise finish into the corner. Federici did get a hand to the shot, but it was in vain. QPR have notched their first ever win at the Madjeski Stadium and sent themselves eight points clear of the chasing pack at the top of the Championship.
Being clinical in front of goal, coupled with great resolve and determination after losing a man ensured Warnock’s side ground out a result. It is victories like this, in adversity, that trophy wins and promotions are founded on. Reading lacked that cutting edge tonight and had been sweating on the in-form Long’s fitness. Brian McDermott’s team will lose ground in their own push into the play-off places with the rest of this weekend’s fixtures to come.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Duff Does for Deflated Magpies
Fulham 1 Newcastle United 0
Ex-Toon winger Damien Duff needed three bites of the cherry in the second half to consign his former club to their first defeat of 2011. The Irishman’s strike with a quarter of the game remaining was enough to push Mark Hughes’ side up to twelfth, a point behind the visitors and gave Fulham their fifth straight home win.
Much has been made of star striker Andy Carroll leaving St. James’s Park for Liverpool on transfer deadline day for a fee of around £35 million. It should be pointed out that the England international would not have been fit to play at Craven Cottage this evening, although he was paraded in front of his new fans at Anfield.
The burden of his departure will fall on Alan Pardew’s team as a whole, but matters have not been helped by the loss of another forward, Shola Ameobi, through injury just over ten minutes into tonight’s match. An innocuous flailing of Steve Sidwell’s arm without any intent whatsoever appears to have fractured the Magpies striker’s cheekbone, sidelining him for the foreseeable future.
Nile Ranger stepped in to the breech, but the first half was characterised by solid defensively displays from both sides. The calmness and skill of Jose Enrique to play the visitors out of trouble from left back was notable. Andy Johnson and Moussa Dembele chose their moments throughout the match to drift into wide areas and come inside, but the Spaniard remained on top of the situation for the opening forty-five at least.
The Toon’s success has not all been down to Carroll, but their threat from set pieces looked visibly diminished on tonight’s evidence. Pardew’s men probably just edged the first half with clear cut openings hard to come by. Had referee Mike Jones played an advantage when Danny Simpson fouled Clint Dempsey and the ball broke to Andy Johnson in a promising position, then Fulham might have created a chance.
Further the home side had a couple of minor shouts for penalties as Mike Williamson lived dangerously pulling the shirt of Brede Hangeland as he marked him from corner and free kicks. Neither keeper was called into any noteworthy action before the break, Mark Schwarzer having returned to the XI for Hughes after the conclusion of the Asian Cup with Australia.
Duff’s first effort came just after the restart, racing through on goal inside from the right his shot was blocked out. The second opening he spurned was a real guilt edge chance. Dembele played Dempsey in behind the Magpies defence and his shot came back off the legs of Steve Harper, deflected off Williamson and fell to the Irishman only a few yards out but he screwed it wide.
At the other end after a quiet display from Leon Best, he headed a half chance well over the bar from Danny Guthrie’s cross; Ranger’s industry in the build up should get a mention. Fulham’s next chance to take the lead came just after the hour when Williamson got caught in possessing by the harrying of Johnson and Sidwell, Dembele profited and again fed Dempsey who from an ever tightening angle forced Harper to tip it over for a corner.
Moments later Danny Murphy’s long ball out of defence found Duff in a race with Enrique, but the Spaniard could not get his team out of trouble this time, so typical of a full back finding himself in a centre half’s position, and the Irishman showed strength before slotting home past the exposed Harper.
Hughes’ side had other opportunities to put the match to bed. Gael Kakuta off the bench looked lively, shooting straight at the keeper from a Dembele pull back inside the last ten minutes. Fulham are indebted to Schwarzer who saved well from Ranger at close quarters after Kevin Nolan set him up from Joey Barton’s deep cross.
Straight down the other end, Kakuta put a delightful through ball into Dempsey but one-on-one with Harper the American opted to try and poke it past him rather than lift it over and another chance went begging. Duff’s goal in the end proved enough to secure the three points for the home side to ease their relegation fears.
Newcastle cane up against a side tonight that have become resolute under Mark Hughes, a style that he has brought to all the clubs he has managed. In all likelihood the Toon only need a few more wins to ensure their own place in the Premier League next season. Losing Ameobi is unfortunate, but it is premature to be panicking at this stage.
Ex-Toon winger Damien Duff needed three bites of the cherry in the second half to consign his former club to their first defeat of 2011. The Irishman’s strike with a quarter of the game remaining was enough to push Mark Hughes’ side up to twelfth, a point behind the visitors and gave Fulham their fifth straight home win.
Much has been made of star striker Andy Carroll leaving St. James’s Park for Liverpool on transfer deadline day for a fee of around £35 million. It should be pointed out that the England international would not have been fit to play at Craven Cottage this evening, although he was paraded in front of his new fans at Anfield.
The burden of his departure will fall on Alan Pardew’s team as a whole, but matters have not been helped by the loss of another forward, Shola Ameobi, through injury just over ten minutes into tonight’s match. An innocuous flailing of Steve Sidwell’s arm without any intent whatsoever appears to have fractured the Magpies striker’s cheekbone, sidelining him for the foreseeable future.
Nile Ranger stepped in to the breech, but the first half was characterised by solid defensively displays from both sides. The calmness and skill of Jose Enrique to play the visitors out of trouble from left back was notable. Andy Johnson and Moussa Dembele chose their moments throughout the match to drift into wide areas and come inside, but the Spaniard remained on top of the situation for the opening forty-five at least.
The Toon’s success has not all been down to Carroll, but their threat from set pieces looked visibly diminished on tonight’s evidence. Pardew’s men probably just edged the first half with clear cut openings hard to come by. Had referee Mike Jones played an advantage when Danny Simpson fouled Clint Dempsey and the ball broke to Andy Johnson in a promising position, then Fulham might have created a chance.
Further the home side had a couple of minor shouts for penalties as Mike Williamson lived dangerously pulling the shirt of Brede Hangeland as he marked him from corner and free kicks. Neither keeper was called into any noteworthy action before the break, Mark Schwarzer having returned to the XI for Hughes after the conclusion of the Asian Cup with Australia.
Duff’s first effort came just after the restart, racing through on goal inside from the right his shot was blocked out. The second opening he spurned was a real guilt edge chance. Dembele played Dempsey in behind the Magpies defence and his shot came back off the legs of Steve Harper, deflected off Williamson and fell to the Irishman only a few yards out but he screwed it wide.
At the other end after a quiet display from Leon Best, he headed a half chance well over the bar from Danny Guthrie’s cross; Ranger’s industry in the build up should get a mention. Fulham’s next chance to take the lead came just after the hour when Williamson got caught in possessing by the harrying of Johnson and Sidwell, Dembele profited and again fed Dempsey who from an ever tightening angle forced Harper to tip it over for a corner.
Moments later Danny Murphy’s long ball out of defence found Duff in a race with Enrique, but the Spaniard could not get his team out of trouble this time, so typical of a full back finding himself in a centre half’s position, and the Irishman showed strength before slotting home past the exposed Harper.
Hughes’ side had other opportunities to put the match to bed. Gael Kakuta off the bench looked lively, shooting straight at the keeper from a Dembele pull back inside the last ten minutes. Fulham are indebted to Schwarzer who saved well from Ranger at close quarters after Kevin Nolan set him up from Joey Barton’s deep cross.
Straight down the other end, Kakuta put a delightful through ball into Dempsey but one-on-one with Harper the American opted to try and poke it past him rather than lift it over and another chance went begging. Duff’s goal in the end proved enough to secure the three points for the home side to ease their relegation fears.
Newcastle cane up against a side tonight that have become resolute under Mark Hughes, a style that he has brought to all the clubs he has managed. In all likelihood the Toon only need a few more wins to ensure their own place in the Premier League next season. Losing Ameobi is unfortunate, but it is premature to be panicking at this stage.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Baggies and Lactics Share Relegation Battle Spoils
West Bromwich Albion 2 Wigan Athletic 2
With the transfer window firmly shut and the end of big money moves attentions were turned to the on the field matters once more. Both Roberto di Matteo and Martinez found their sides in the bottom five of the Premier League and despite an enthralling game from the neutral’s perspective they remain there after a draw at the Hawthorns.
Peter Odemwingie gave the home side the lead before the visitors turned things around to lead at half time thanks to free kicks from first Charles N’Zogbia and then Ben Watson. Albion rallied after the break, having been booed off at the interval and earned themselves a point thanks to a strike from Marc-Antoine Fortune.
This meeting of two sides who have struggled in the Premier League was billed as an important fixture and it certainly did not disappoint. Coming into tonight’s encounter the Lactics had just two away wins to their name all season, whilst their hosts had not kept a clean sheet since the opening weekend.
It was the Baggies who drew first blood with just less than five minutes played. Odemwingie timed his run superbly from a delightful through ball from Jerome Thomas. The Nigerian then showed a turn of pace to get away from Steve Gohouri and slotted it past the onrushing Ali Al Habsi. This early goal boosted the confidence of di Matteo’s men and Jonas Olsson up from the back at set pieces posed a dangerous threat.
This quickly evaporated when with less than twenty minutes on the clock Youssouf Mulumbu conceded a free kick in an excellent position for a left footer. N’Zogbia, who had been fouled himself to get the award, stepped up and his low effort was deflected past Boaz Myhill. An assist must surely go to Franco di Santo who locked arms with Mulumbu on the end of the wall, preventing the Congolese midfielder from cutting it out and instead helping it into the net to draw Wigan level.
The Lactics winger who is believed to have been the subject of a substantial offer from former club Newcastle in the late stages of the window grew in influence. The Frenchman dribbled past three and got a shot away at a tight angle that was punched away by Myhill.
Albion conceded another free kick on the edge of the area just before half time, Maynor Figueroa being caught by Gonzalo Jara. Ben Watson, who otherwise totally wasted set pieces, whipped in a ball that three teammates attacked whilst the home defence stood static, with Myhill powerless to stop it going in the corner.
Di Matteo’s side started the second half much more promisingly. An audacious lofted effort from Thomas went just over after he came inside. Simon Cox was pushed up front from midfield as they searched for an equaliser. Wigan spurned chances to increase their lead, di Santo shooting straight at Myhill on the break and N’Zogbia and Rodallega both cutting inside, a tactic which was consistent throughout tonight’s game, but with finishes that similarly lacked conviction.
Substitute Fortune hit the post with a strike on the turn and again moments later the visitors’ woodwork was rattled by Albion’s captain Chris Brunt. The home side’s pressure finally told when with ten minutes remaining Thomas found himself at the back post from a corner, stuck the ball back into the centre and this time Fortune found the net with a header past Al Habsi’s despairing dive.
Olsson again threatened from a set piece and were it not for the Omani keeper in the Lactics goal the Baggies might have won it. The tension was palpable towards the ends with players from both sides going into referee Phil Dowd’s notebook as the emotion reached breaking point.
Late appeals for a penalty to West Brom were waved away despite Gary Caldwell handling the ball and in stoppage time Al Habsi saved well with his legs after Fortune got a shot away amidst a scramble in the penalty area. Honours remained even and although the result has done nothing to improve either side’s fortunes or defensive records this was a thoroughly entertaining match.
Play in wide areas from both sides was outstanding, N’Zogbia and Thomas lit up the fixture. The decision to play Cox in central midfield is one that puzzles and Olsson’s prowess in attacking set pieces at one end is good, but the Swede didn’t seem to show that same aggression when he was defending them. This will concern di Matteo, but on the other hand Brunt’s passing and playmaking is a big positive to draw from.
As for Wigan they defensively have very little quality. Gohouri and both Caldwell brothers seem to still be struggling to step up to the Premier League. Di Santo is still learning and although Rodaellga has the pace to play out wide, he will only add to his goal tally and subsequently fire the Lactics to safety if he plays down the middle.
On a final note it is so refreshing to see two sides fighting for their lives in the top flight of English football sticking to their guns and positive philosophy. The temptation must be immense to play defensively, but both Martinez and di Matteo sent their teams out to attack tonight and that is why we got a memorable game instead of a scrappy affair.
With the transfer window firmly shut and the end of big money moves attentions were turned to the on the field matters once more. Both Roberto di Matteo and Martinez found their sides in the bottom five of the Premier League and despite an enthralling game from the neutral’s perspective they remain there after a draw at the Hawthorns.
Peter Odemwingie gave the home side the lead before the visitors turned things around to lead at half time thanks to free kicks from first Charles N’Zogbia and then Ben Watson. Albion rallied after the break, having been booed off at the interval and earned themselves a point thanks to a strike from Marc-Antoine Fortune.
This meeting of two sides who have struggled in the Premier League was billed as an important fixture and it certainly did not disappoint. Coming into tonight’s encounter the Lactics had just two away wins to their name all season, whilst their hosts had not kept a clean sheet since the opening weekend.
It was the Baggies who drew first blood with just less than five minutes played. Odemwingie timed his run superbly from a delightful through ball from Jerome Thomas. The Nigerian then showed a turn of pace to get away from Steve Gohouri and slotted it past the onrushing Ali Al Habsi. This early goal boosted the confidence of di Matteo’s men and Jonas Olsson up from the back at set pieces posed a dangerous threat.
This quickly evaporated when with less than twenty minutes on the clock Youssouf Mulumbu conceded a free kick in an excellent position for a left footer. N’Zogbia, who had been fouled himself to get the award, stepped up and his low effort was deflected past Boaz Myhill. An assist must surely go to Franco di Santo who locked arms with Mulumbu on the end of the wall, preventing the Congolese midfielder from cutting it out and instead helping it into the net to draw Wigan level.
The Lactics winger who is believed to have been the subject of a substantial offer from former club Newcastle in the late stages of the window grew in influence. The Frenchman dribbled past three and got a shot away at a tight angle that was punched away by Myhill.
Albion conceded another free kick on the edge of the area just before half time, Maynor Figueroa being caught by Gonzalo Jara. Ben Watson, who otherwise totally wasted set pieces, whipped in a ball that three teammates attacked whilst the home defence stood static, with Myhill powerless to stop it going in the corner.
Di Matteo’s side started the second half much more promisingly. An audacious lofted effort from Thomas went just over after he came inside. Simon Cox was pushed up front from midfield as they searched for an equaliser. Wigan spurned chances to increase their lead, di Santo shooting straight at Myhill on the break and N’Zogbia and Rodallega both cutting inside, a tactic which was consistent throughout tonight’s game, but with finishes that similarly lacked conviction.
Substitute Fortune hit the post with a strike on the turn and again moments later the visitors’ woodwork was rattled by Albion’s captain Chris Brunt. The home side’s pressure finally told when with ten minutes remaining Thomas found himself at the back post from a corner, stuck the ball back into the centre and this time Fortune found the net with a header past Al Habsi’s despairing dive.
Olsson again threatened from a set piece and were it not for the Omani keeper in the Lactics goal the Baggies might have won it. The tension was palpable towards the ends with players from both sides going into referee Phil Dowd’s notebook as the emotion reached breaking point.
Late appeals for a penalty to West Brom were waved away despite Gary Caldwell handling the ball and in stoppage time Al Habsi saved well with his legs after Fortune got a shot away amidst a scramble in the penalty area. Honours remained even and although the result has done nothing to improve either side’s fortunes or defensive records this was a thoroughly entertaining match.
Play in wide areas from both sides was outstanding, N’Zogbia and Thomas lit up the fixture. The decision to play Cox in central midfield is one that puzzles and Olsson’s prowess in attacking set pieces at one end is good, but the Swede didn’t seem to show that same aggression when he was defending them. This will concern di Matteo, but on the other hand Brunt’s passing and playmaking is a big positive to draw from.
As for Wigan they defensively have very little quality. Gohouri and both Caldwell brothers seem to still be struggling to step up to the Premier League. Di Santo is still learning and although Rodaellga has the pace to play out wide, he will only add to his goal tally and subsequently fire the Lactics to safety if he plays down the middle.
On a final note it is so refreshing to see two sides fighting for their lives in the top flight of English football sticking to their guns and positive philosophy. The temptation must be immense to play defensively, but both Martinez and di Matteo sent their teams out to attack tonight and that is why we got a memorable game instead of a scrappy affair.
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