Alex Ferguson's second string side fell 2-0 at Old Trafford to slump out of the Carling Cup in only the third round. Avram Grant fared better as Chelsea defeated Hull 4-0. Here are today's results.
Aston Villa 0-1 Leicester
Aston Villa was another Premiership side to fall out before the round of 16. A 76th minute strike from Matt Fryatt sent Villa home.
Hull 0-4 Chelsea
Avram Grant recorded his first victory as Chelsea manager today as a Salomon Kalou double propelled the blues into the next round. Also on the scoreboard were Steve Sidwell and Scott Sinclair. The win will at least take a little bit of pressure of the Israeli, but Roman Abramovich is sure to want success in the Premier and Champions Leagues as well.
Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Everton
A James McFadden double and a late strike from Yakubu sent Sheffield Wednesday home. David Moyes will be pleased by the performance of his side.
West Ham United 1-0 Plymouth
West Ham just barely managed to avoid going into overtime as Dean Ashton secured a win for the Hammers in stoppage time. Plymouth put up a defiant performance, but Alan Curbishley's men succeeded in the end and the Londoners will be going through to the next round.
Blackburn 3-0 Birmingham
David Bentley, Matt Derbyshire, and Roque Santa Cruz were all on target for Blackburn in this all Premiership clash. Blackburn have now added to their decent start to the season with a convincing win in the Carling Cup.
Fulham 1-2 Bolton
Stelios Giannakopoulos was Bolton's hero as the wanderers offed Fulham in extra time. Danny Guthrie had put Sammy Lee's side ahead in the 57th minute, but Fulham equalized through David Healy in the 78th, and it took until the 112th minute for Bolton to break the deadlock in another all Premiership game.
Manchester United 0-2 Coventry
Manchester United fell to a double from Michael Mifsud as Coventry became giant-killers at the intimidating Old Trafford. Alex Ferguson brought on Michael Carrick and Wes Brown, but even the two regular starters were not enough to beat a determined Coventry side. United's expensive summer signings Luis Nani and Oliveira Anderson also featured in the embarrassing loss.
Tottenham 2-0 Middlesbrough
Martin Jol felt a bit of pressure lift off his shoulders as his side defeated Middlesbrough in today's third all premiership clash. Gareth Bale and Tom Huddleston scored within three minutes of each other to secure a struggling Spurs side a spot in the 4th round of the Carling Cup.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
EPL Roundup Sept. 23: Manchester United Beat Chelsea
Sorry for the delay in posting this roundup folks, but I was out looking at colleges and had no access to a computer. In any case, here's the rest of the results for this weekend.
Newcastle United 3-1 West Ham United
A double from Mark Viduka and a strike from the young (but talented) Charles N'Zogbia allowed Sam Allardyce's men to leapfrog a high-flying West Ham side. West Ham equaled the first goal through Dean Ashton, but Newcastle's next two strikes gave them the full 3 points at home. Newcastle are now in 5th, while West Ham have sunk into a respectable 7th.
Aston Villa 2-0 Everton
Aston Villa pulled out a surprisingly convincing win over a Mikel Arteta-less Everton side this Sunday. John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor compounded the misery upon a team which failed to win its UEFA Cup match despite having two penalty kicks awarded (and missed). Villa and Everton find themselves in 8th and 9th in the league, both on 10 points. Villa lead with a 3 goal differential to Everton's 0.
Blackburn 0-1 Portsmouth
Nwankwo Kanu scored the only goal of this match to give 3 points to Portsmouth at Ewood Park. A Blackburn side which had impressed against some of the bigger teams fell at home to sink to 10th place. Right behind them are Portsmouth, both teams on 9 points.
Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Robbie Keane's 34th minute goal was equaled only 5 minutes later when Ivan Campo scored an equalizer for Sammy Lee's struggling Wanderers. The point moved Bolton out of last place thanks to their -4 goal differential as compared to Derby's -16. Martin Jol's boys are only 1 spot ahead in 18th on 5 points, following a repulsively bad season start.
Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea
Avram Grant got his Chelsea career off to a losing start as 10 man Chelsea fell to Carlos Tevez and Luis Saha. The game was all but over as soon as John Obi Mikel was sent off in the 32nd minute. The win means that Ferguson's men are now in 2nd behind Arsenal despite a wretched first few games. Chelsea on the other hand are in a disappointing 6th and may struggle to keep a Champions League place now that Jose Mourinho is gone.
Newcastle United 3-1 West Ham United
A double from Mark Viduka and a strike from the young (but talented) Charles N'Zogbia allowed Sam Allardyce's men to leapfrog a high-flying West Ham side. West Ham equaled the first goal through Dean Ashton, but Newcastle's next two strikes gave them the full 3 points at home. Newcastle are now in 5th, while West Ham have sunk into a respectable 7th.
Aston Villa 2-0 Everton
Aston Villa pulled out a surprisingly convincing win over a Mikel Arteta-less Everton side this Sunday. John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor compounded the misery upon a team which failed to win its UEFA Cup match despite having two penalty kicks awarded (and missed). Villa and Everton find themselves in 8th and 9th in the league, both on 10 points. Villa lead with a 3 goal differential to Everton's 0.
Blackburn 0-1 Portsmouth
Nwankwo Kanu scored the only goal of this match to give 3 points to Portsmouth at Ewood Park. A Blackburn side which had impressed against some of the bigger teams fell at home to sink to 10th place. Right behind them are Portsmouth, both teams on 9 points.
Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Robbie Keane's 34th minute goal was equaled only 5 minutes later when Ivan Campo scored an equalizer for Sammy Lee's struggling Wanderers. The point moved Bolton out of last place thanks to their -4 goal differential as compared to Derby's -16. Martin Jol's boys are only 1 spot ahead in 18th on 5 points, following a repulsively bad season start.
Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea
Avram Grant got his Chelsea career off to a losing start as 10 man Chelsea fell to Carlos Tevez and Luis Saha. The game was all but over as soon as John Obi Mikel was sent off in the 32nd minute. The win means that Ferguson's men are now in 2nd behind Arsenal despite a wretched first few games. Chelsea on the other hand are in a disappointing 6th and may struggle to keep a Champions League place now that Jose Mourinho is gone.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
EPL Roundup Sept. 22: Arsenal stay clear, Liverpool falter
Arsenal registered an impressive 5-0 win over Derby county to stay at the top of the Premier League. Liverpool drew at home to Birmingham, and Manchester City drew away to Fulham to keep the top 8 the same as last week.
Arsenal 5-0 Derby
Arsene Wenger's young team put 5 goals past Derby's Stephen Bywater in what was yet another embarrassing loss for the newly promoted Rams. A hat-trick from Emmanuel Adebayor, as well as goals from Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby ensured that Arsenal will stay at the top of the Premiership for at least one more week.
Liverpool 0-0 Birmingham
Liverpool failed to score at Anfield as Rafa Benitez's men succumbed to a goalless draw against Premier League newcomers Birmingham. Despite Liverpool's incredible summer spending, they now found themselves unable to get past the central midfield duo of Liam Ridgewell and Johan Djourou. Birmingham deserved the point though, although Benitez will still be disappointed that his team isn't keeping pace with Arsenal.
Middlesbrough 2-2 Sunderland
Middlesbrough drew at home to Sunderland, after a 2nd minute strike from Gary Leadbitter was canceled out by goals from Julio Arca and Stewart Downing. Sunderland managed to get a point out of it though, as Liam Miller equalized in the 89th minute, placing Sunderland in 13th. Middlesbrough are two places ahead of them in 11th on 8 points.
Reading 2-1 Wigan
Wigan were felled by a stoppage time goal from James Harper. Reading went up in the 29th minute thanks to Dave Kitson, but Marcus Bent equalized in the 50th. Wigan thought they had secured a point, but Kitson turned provider as James Harper slotted home a last minute winner to see Reading go 15th on 7 points. Wigan's loss sees a team which started very strongly slip into a modest 10th.
Fulham 3-3 Manchester City
This season's surprise package, Manchester City, drew away at Fulham in a six goal thriller. Fulham went up in the 13th minute thanks to Simon Davies, but Martin Petrov equalized in the 36th to go into half time tied at 1 goal each. Hameur Bouazza put Fulham up again just after the break, but Emile Mpenza scored just two minutes later to bring it to 2-2. Manchester City then saw their first lead of the game when Martin Petrov added a second in the 60th, but a 75th minute equalizer from Danny Murphy resulted in a 3-3 draw that saw Manchester City remain in 2nd place behind Arsenal. Fulham are on the other end of the table with 6 points from 7 games in 17th place.
Arsenal 5-0 Derby
Arsene Wenger's young team put 5 goals past Derby's Stephen Bywater in what was yet another embarrassing loss for the newly promoted Rams. A hat-trick from Emmanuel Adebayor, as well as goals from Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby ensured that Arsenal will stay at the top of the Premiership for at least one more week.
Liverpool 0-0 Birmingham
Liverpool failed to score at Anfield as Rafa Benitez's men succumbed to a goalless draw against Premier League newcomers Birmingham. Despite Liverpool's incredible summer spending, they now found themselves unable to get past the central midfield duo of Liam Ridgewell and Johan Djourou. Birmingham deserved the point though, although Benitez will still be disappointed that his team isn't keeping pace with Arsenal.
Middlesbrough 2-2 Sunderland
Middlesbrough drew at home to Sunderland, after a 2nd minute strike from Gary Leadbitter was canceled out by goals from Julio Arca and Stewart Downing. Sunderland managed to get a point out of it though, as Liam Miller equalized in the 89th minute, placing Sunderland in 13th. Middlesbrough are two places ahead of them in 11th on 8 points.
Reading 2-1 Wigan
Wigan were felled by a stoppage time goal from James Harper. Reading went up in the 29th minute thanks to Dave Kitson, but Marcus Bent equalized in the 50th. Wigan thought they had secured a point, but Kitson turned provider as James Harper slotted home a last minute winner to see Reading go 15th on 7 points. Wigan's loss sees a team which started very strongly slip into a modest 10th.
Fulham 3-3 Manchester City
This season's surprise package, Manchester City, drew away at Fulham in a six goal thriller. Fulham went up in the 13th minute thanks to Simon Davies, but Martin Petrov equalized in the 36th to go into half time tied at 1 goal each. Hameur Bouazza put Fulham up again just after the break, but Emile Mpenza scored just two minutes later to bring it to 2-2. Manchester City then saw their first lead of the game when Martin Petrov added a second in the 60th, but a 75th minute equalizer from Danny Murphy resulted in a 3-3 draw that saw Manchester City remain in 2nd place behind Arsenal. Fulham are on the other end of the table with 6 points from 7 games in 17th place.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
UEFA Cup: Everton Woe, Tottenham Glee
Tottenham crushed Anorthosis Famagusta 6-1 at White Heart Lane to all but guarantee a spot in the next round. Everton and Bolton both drew 1-1 with their opponents, but are still favorites to progress.
Everton 1-1 FC Metalist Kharkiv
A 9 man Ukrainian team was able to equalize in the 78th minute to secure a draw at Goodison Park. Everton fans will not be happy with Andy Johnson who missed two penalties after Joleon Lescott put the team ahead in the 24th minute. Even a dismissal in the 69th minute (and a second in the 89th) was not enough for Everton to win, so they will need a win in the next leg in order to progress. Moyes will be very disappointed not to have won this encounter at least 2-1.
Rabotnicki Kometal 1-1 Bolton
Sammy Lee's underachieving Wanderers once again failed to win, but at least registered their first draw of the season. An 8th minute Abdoulaye Meite strike saved face for Sammy Lee, but Bolton will be disappointed to have not taken a win against their inferior opponents.
Tottenham 6-1 Anorthosis Famagusta
Martin Jol will be happy to have registered a win at this critical time, and it couldn't have been done in better style. Jol's side was up 4-0 at half time thanks to strikes from Younes Kaboul, Michael Dawson, Robbie Keane, and Darren Bent. Jermaine Defoe then struck twice on either side of a consolation goal from Anorthosis' Zlogar. Tottenham are almost certainly through to the next round, and maybe Martin Jol will even get to keep his job a little bit longer.
Everton 1-1 FC Metalist Kharkiv
A 9 man Ukrainian team was able to equalize in the 78th minute to secure a draw at Goodison Park. Everton fans will not be happy with Andy Johnson who missed two penalties after Joleon Lescott put the team ahead in the 24th minute. Even a dismissal in the 69th minute (and a second in the 89th) was not enough for Everton to win, so they will need a win in the next leg in order to progress. Moyes will be very disappointed not to have won this encounter at least 2-1.
Rabotnicki Kometal 1-1 Bolton
Sammy Lee's underachieving Wanderers once again failed to win, but at least registered their first draw of the season. An 8th minute Abdoulaye Meite strike saved face for Sammy Lee, but Bolton will be disappointed to have not taken a win against their inferior opponents.
Tottenham 6-1 Anorthosis Famagusta
Martin Jol will be happy to have registered a win at this critical time, and it couldn't have been done in better style. Jol's side was up 4-0 at half time thanks to strikes from Younes Kaboul, Michael Dawson, Robbie Keane, and Darren Bent. Jermaine Defoe then struck twice on either side of a consolation goal from Anorthosis' Zlogar. Tottenham are almost certainly through to the next round, and maybe Martin Jol will even get to keep his job a little bit longer.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Jose Mourinho Leaves Chelsea
Chelsea have confirmed that 'the special one' Jose Mourinho has left the club after three successful years in London. The decision was apparently made after the release of a Chelsea documentary Blue Revolution.
Mourinho has been rumored to be willing to leave Chelsea following a falling out with Roman Abromovic over the role of Andriy Shevchenko in the first team. It may be that he once again had an argument with the Russian today, as rumor has it that Abromivic called a 'crisis meeting' following yesterday's 1-1 draw with Rosenborg in the Champions League.
Even more surprising than Mourinho's departure is the news that he allegedly informed his players via text message. Also surprising is that Mourinho leaves just before Chelsea's Sunday clash with Manchester United, one of the biggest games of the season.
It will be interesting to see how Chelsea get on without the special one at their helm.
Mourinho has been rumored to be willing to leave Chelsea following a falling out with Roman Abromovic over the role of Andriy Shevchenko in the first team. It may be that he once again had an argument with the Russian today, as rumor has it that Abromivic called a 'crisis meeting' following yesterday's 1-1 draw with Rosenborg in the Champions League.
Even more surprising than Mourinho's departure is the news that he allegedly informed his players via text message. Also surprising is that Mourinho leaves just before Chelsea's Sunday clash with Manchester United, one of the biggest games of the season.
It will be interesting to see how Chelsea get on without the special one at their helm.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Liverpool and Chelsea Held in Champions League Games
Liverpool drew 1-1 with Porto at the Estadio de Dragao in Portugal, ending the game with only 10 men. Jermaine Pennant was sent off in the 58th minute after receiving a second yellow card.
Liverpool conceded after only 8 minutes when Jose Reina was adjudged to have taken down a Porto player. Lucho Gonzalez converted the penalty kick, sending a hopeless Reina in the wrong direction. Liverpool were lucky to equalize only 9 minutes later when Sami Hyypia headed a ball to Dirk Kuyt who's head directed the ball to the back of the net.
If they were lucky to convert, they were even luckier to have escaped with a point. Porto threatened to overrun Liverpool from the beginning, and the statistics speak for themselves: Liverpool managed only 2 shots throughout the entire game as compared to Porto's 14. The Possession was 57% to 43% in Porto's favor. The Anfielders will need to do better next month if they hope to advance to the finals (yet alone the knockout stages) again.
Chelsea's game was more in their favor, but once again, the Premiership side failed to score goals. Without the injured Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, the Londoners had difficulty finding the back of the net despite enjoying 70% of the possession against unfavored Rosenborg.
Andriy Shevchenko scored the equalizer after Miika Koppinen gave the Norwegian club a surprise lead in the 24th minute. The Nordic minnows will be pleased with their performance, after the general consensus was that they would be run over by Jose Morinhou's expensive team of internationals. As with Liverpool, Chelsea will have to play far better if they hope to reach the knockout stages.
Tomorrow two more Premier League sides play: Arsenal and Manchester United. Arsenal take on Sevilla in what is sure to be a good match, while Alex Ferguson's side take on Sporting Lisbon. Match updates will be here soon after the games end.
Liverpool conceded after only 8 minutes when Jose Reina was adjudged to have taken down a Porto player. Lucho Gonzalez converted the penalty kick, sending a hopeless Reina in the wrong direction. Liverpool were lucky to equalize only 9 minutes later when Sami Hyypia headed a ball to Dirk Kuyt who's head directed the ball to the back of the net.
If they were lucky to convert, they were even luckier to have escaped with a point. Porto threatened to overrun Liverpool from the beginning, and the statistics speak for themselves: Liverpool managed only 2 shots throughout the entire game as compared to Porto's 14. The Possession was 57% to 43% in Porto's favor. The Anfielders will need to do better next month if they hope to advance to the finals (yet alone the knockout stages) again.
Chelsea's game was more in their favor, but once again, the Premiership side failed to score goals. Without the injured Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, the Londoners had difficulty finding the back of the net despite enjoying 70% of the possession against unfavored Rosenborg.
Andriy Shevchenko scored the equalizer after Miika Koppinen gave the Norwegian club a surprise lead in the 24th minute. The Nordic minnows will be pleased with their performance, after the general consensus was that they would be run over by Jose Morinhou's expensive team of internationals. As with Liverpool, Chelsea will have to play far better if they hope to reach the knockout stages.
Tomorrow two more Premier League sides play: Arsenal and Manchester United. Arsenal take on Sevilla in what is sure to be a good match, while Alex Ferguson's side take on Sporting Lisbon. Match updates will be here soon after the games end.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Derby County vs. Newcastle United: Match Review
Derby County won their first Premiership game today, as they defeated a poor Newcastle 1-0 at Pride Park. A goal from Kenny Miller was enough to put an end to this boring affair and put Derby in 19th place, above a faltering Bolton. Newcastle now find themselves in 10th after failing to win this match which would have put them equal on points with 3rd place Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Derby boss Billy Davies will be happy to have finally registered a win after suffering 4 losses and 1 draw in the Premiership. Big Sam on the other hand will be frustrated with one question: why can't Newcastle score? With a strike force of Michael Owen, Alan Smith, Obafemi Martins, and Shola Ameobi, you would think that finding the back of the net would be the least of the problems for Newcastle. Quite the contrary. Since the 3-1 opening day drubbing of Bolton, Allardyce's men have managed only 3 goals in 4 Premiership games.
Lineups:
Derby: Stephen Bywater; Claude Davis, Andy Griffin, Dean Leacock, Tyrone Mears; Eddie Lewis, Matt Oakley, Stephen Pearson, Gary Teale; Steve Howard, Kenny Miller
Newcastle: Steve Harper; Claudio Cacapa, David Rozenhal, Steven Taylor; Nicky Butt, Geremi, James Milner, Charles N'Zogbia; Shola Ameobi, Michael Owen, Alan Smith
Derby started well, with Steve Howard seeing a shot pushed out for a corner after only half a minute of play. The resulting corner was headed high and wide by Howard, but it was a shock warning for Newcastle.
Steve Harper was called into action again when Tyrone Mear's shot was parried away by the Newcastle 'keeper, after he had cut inside David Rozenhal.
Newcastle nearly replied when Rozenhal missed an open net from 12 yards out after a slick pass from Milner.
There was little entertainment as the two teams fought for the ball in the midfield, with a passionate Derby managing to nullify Newcastle's technically stronger players. Little entertainment, that is, until Kenny Miller unleashed a 35 yard shot which found the roof of Harper's goal. Miller's superb strike will certainly rival Adebayor's and Fabregas' goals for Arsenal against Tottenham on Saturday for the goal of the week, and maybe even goal of the month.
This was the end of the action for the first half, and little happened for the first few minutes of the second half either. Sam Allardyce, maybe trying to get a little entertainment value into the game, replaced Michael Owen with Nigerian ace Obafemi Martins in the 55th minute, but Martins was also unable to break through Derby.
Steven Taylor had one of the few clear chances of the second half, but again Newcastle failed to capitalize on a good chance as the defender failed to force a save.
The miss was repaid by Steve Howard twofold, as the Derby striker first headed the ball away from goal from 6 yards away. Soon after, a perfect pass from Teale found him in the box, but he again failed to force a save from an unmoving Steve Harper as he headed wide.
This was an unexciting match, but it was good to see Derby finally win a match. Good on you Derby fans, and shame on you Newcastle. Now lets see some real football. Look forwards to the Champions League tomorrow and Wednesday.
Derby boss Billy Davies will be happy to have finally registered a win after suffering 4 losses and 1 draw in the Premiership. Big Sam on the other hand will be frustrated with one question: why can't Newcastle score? With a strike force of Michael Owen, Alan Smith, Obafemi Martins, and Shola Ameobi, you would think that finding the back of the net would be the least of the problems for Newcastle. Quite the contrary. Since the 3-1 opening day drubbing of Bolton, Allardyce's men have managed only 3 goals in 4 Premiership games.
Lineups:
Derby: Stephen Bywater; Claude Davis, Andy Griffin, Dean Leacock, Tyrone Mears; Eddie Lewis, Matt Oakley, Stephen Pearson, Gary Teale; Steve Howard, Kenny Miller
Newcastle: Steve Harper; Claudio Cacapa, David Rozenhal, Steven Taylor; Nicky Butt, Geremi, James Milner, Charles N'Zogbia; Shola Ameobi, Michael Owen, Alan Smith
Derby started well, with Steve Howard seeing a shot pushed out for a corner after only half a minute of play. The resulting corner was headed high and wide by Howard, but it was a shock warning for Newcastle.
Steve Harper was called into action again when Tyrone Mear's shot was parried away by the Newcastle 'keeper, after he had cut inside David Rozenhal.
Newcastle nearly replied when Rozenhal missed an open net from 12 yards out after a slick pass from Milner.
There was little entertainment as the two teams fought for the ball in the midfield, with a passionate Derby managing to nullify Newcastle's technically stronger players. Little entertainment, that is, until Kenny Miller unleashed a 35 yard shot which found the roof of Harper's goal. Miller's superb strike will certainly rival Adebayor's and Fabregas' goals for Arsenal against Tottenham on Saturday for the goal of the week, and maybe even goal of the month.
This was the end of the action for the first half, and little happened for the first few minutes of the second half either. Sam Allardyce, maybe trying to get a little entertainment value into the game, replaced Michael Owen with Nigerian ace Obafemi Martins in the 55th minute, but Martins was also unable to break through Derby.
Steven Taylor had one of the few clear chances of the second half, but again Newcastle failed to capitalize on a good chance as the defender failed to force a save.
The miss was repaid by Steve Howard twofold, as the Derby striker first headed the ball away from goal from 6 yards away. Soon after, a perfect pass from Teale found him in the box, but he again failed to force a save from an unmoving Steve Harper as he headed wide.
This was an unexciting match, but it was good to see Derby finally win a match. Good on you Derby fans, and shame on you Newcastle. Now lets see some real football. Look forwards to the Champions League tomorrow and Wednesday.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Manchester City vs. Aston Villa: Match Review
Manchester City today beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Eastlands to climb to second place in the Premiership, 1 point behind Arsenal (who have played one game less). Villa Stayed in eleventh with 7 points, although they have yet to play a 6th game.
Lineups
Man City: Schmeichel; Corluka, Garrido, Onuoha, Richards; Elano, Hamann, Johnson, Petrov; Mpenza, Vassel
Aston Villa: Carson; Bouma, Knight, Laursen, Mellberg; Barry, Reo-Coker; Agbonlahor, Moore, Carew, Young
Sven-Goran Eriksson's over-achieving side began the game with a bit of a scare as a shot from John Carew was blocked by City's Vedran Corluka. Villa came close a second time when Kasper Schmeichel fumbled a shot from Villa Captain Gareth Barry, only for Olof Mellberg to waste the opportunity.
City began to take control as the first half wore on though, and a header from Darius Vassel came close. In the 19th minute Elano released Johnson in the box, but Scott Carson came out well and managed to parry the shot.
Agbonlahor then came close for Villa, as he rounded Schmeichel after a long ball from Bouma, only to find the angle too tight.
City found the winner in the 48th minute when Johnson burst past Laursen and put the ball into the back of the net. Villa almost equalized mere minutes later, but John Carew headed wide after a cross from Bouma.
Gabriel Agbonlahor looked sure to equalize in the 58th minute, but an alert Vedran Corluka cleared the ball at the last second. Soon after, Luke Moore had a goal disallowed after a push in the box. Moore was then booked for a foul on Corluka, further ruining his day.
Man City almost pulled out a second when Rolando Bianchi's shot was cleared off the line, but Johnson's solitary goal proved to be enough to put down Villa.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's side still has a 100% record at home.
Lineups
Man City: Schmeichel; Corluka, Garrido, Onuoha, Richards; Elano, Hamann, Johnson, Petrov; Mpenza, Vassel
Aston Villa: Carson; Bouma, Knight, Laursen, Mellberg; Barry, Reo-Coker; Agbonlahor, Moore, Carew, Young
Sven-Goran Eriksson's over-achieving side began the game with a bit of a scare as a shot from John Carew was blocked by City's Vedran Corluka. Villa came close a second time when Kasper Schmeichel fumbled a shot from Villa Captain Gareth Barry, only for Olof Mellberg to waste the opportunity.
City began to take control as the first half wore on though, and a header from Darius Vassel came close. In the 19th minute Elano released Johnson in the box, but Scott Carson came out well and managed to parry the shot.
Agbonlahor then came close for Villa, as he rounded Schmeichel after a long ball from Bouma, only to find the angle too tight.
City found the winner in the 48th minute when Johnson burst past Laursen and put the ball into the back of the net. Villa almost equalized mere minutes later, but John Carew headed wide after a cross from Bouma.
Gabriel Agbonlahor looked sure to equalize in the 58th minute, but an alert Vedran Corluka cleared the ball at the last second. Soon after, Luke Moore had a goal disallowed after a push in the box. Moore was then booked for a foul on Corluka, further ruining his day.
Man City almost pulled out a second when Rolando Bianchi's shot was cleared off the line, but Johnson's solitary goal proved to be enough to put down Villa.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's side still has a 100% record at home.
English teams in Europe: Who's playing who
This week sees the beginning of both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup. All of the big 4 qualified for the Champions League this year, and will start their trip to the finals on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. Everton, Tottenham, and Bolton will all be beginning their UEFA Cup trials on Thursday.
Tuesday - Champions League
FC Porto vs. Liverpool
Chelsea vs. Rosenborg
Wednesday - Champions League
Sporting Lisbon vs. Manchester United
Arsenal vs. Sevilla
Thursday - UEFA Cup
Everton vs. FC Metalist Kharkiv
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Anorthosis Famagusta
Rabotnicki Kometal vs. Bolton Wanderers
Most of the Premiership sides will be heavy favorites to win all of their matches, although the clash between Arsenal and Sevilla could go in either direction, as could the match between Liverpool and Porto. A struggling Bolton could have a bit of trouble, but Rabotnicki Kometal isn't exactly a name that strikes fear into the hearts of football fans. My bet is on the English team in all of the matches.
Tuesday - Champions League
FC Porto vs. Liverpool
Chelsea vs. Rosenborg
Wednesday - Champions League
Sporting Lisbon vs. Manchester United
Arsenal vs. Sevilla
Thursday - UEFA Cup
Everton vs. FC Metalist Kharkiv
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Anorthosis Famagusta
Rabotnicki Kometal vs. Bolton Wanderers
Most of the Premiership sides will be heavy favorites to win all of their matches, although the clash between Arsenal and Sevilla could go in either direction, as could the match between Liverpool and Porto. A struggling Bolton could have a bit of trouble, but Rabotnicki Kometal isn't exactly a name that strikes fear into the hearts of football fans. My bet is on the English team in all of the matches.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
EPL Roundup Sept. 15: Arsenal Goes Top
Saturday's eight English Premier League matches saw Arsene Wenger's young gunners go clear on top of the table with 13 points. Last years champions Manchester United beat Everton in the 83rd minute to go 3rd in the Premiership, tied on points with Liverpool and Chelsea in 2nd and 4th respectively.
Liverpool and Chelsea were both held to 0-0 draws, Liverpool getting their point courtesy of a Nwankwo Kanu penalty miss. Chelsea were unable to beat Blackburn, after Salomon Kalou's winner was waved off by the linesman.
Game Results:
Everton 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United secured three vital points through a Nemanja Vidic header in the 83rd minute. Although they had a tough time unraveling a tough Everton defense, they have risen to third in the league on 11 points from 6 games. Everton have just one less point, but find themselves in 6th, behind the big four and West Ham, who also have 10 points.
Portsmouth 0-0 Liverpool
Portsmouth held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Fratton Park this morning, and nearly took the full three points in the 32nd minute, but Nwankwo Kanu failed to capitalize on a penalty kick. With one point each, Liverpool now find themselves in 2nd place behind Arsenal (but tied on points with Manchester United and Chelsea albeit with a game in hand), while Portsmouth settle into 15th place after getting only 6 points from the same number of games.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Arsenal
Martin Jol's Spurs wasted a 1-0 halftime lead to lose 3-1 to an inspirational Arsenal side. A double from Emanuel Adebayor and a goal from Cesc Fabregas was enough to propel Arsenal into 1st place, with 13 points from 5 games. Tottenham's Gareth Bale will be disappointed to see his team sink into 17th place after his free-kick put the Spurs ahead in the 14th minute. With only 4 points from 6 games this season, Martin Jol's stay at Tottenham looks like it won't last much longer. Full Match Review
Birmingham 1-0 Bolton
Sammy Lee's Bolton team fell into 19th place after being defeated by newly promoted Birmingham. With only 3 points from 6 games, Bolton look to be missing Big Sam Allardyce. Olivier Kapo scored the only goal in a win that sent Birmingham up to a respectable 12th place.
Sunderland 2-1 Reading
Another newly promoted team won today, as Sunderland defeated Reading 2-1 at the Stadium of Light. Strikes from Kenwyne Jones and Ross Wallace put Sunderland up 2-0, and an 85th minute goal from Dave Kitson was not enough to pull back a point for Reading. The win moves Sunderland up to 14th in the Premiership, while Reading (who finished 8th last year) are in 18th with only 4 points.
West Ham 3-0 Middlesbrough
Goals from Lee Bowyer and Dean Ashton as well as an own goal from Luke Young condemned Boro to a 3-0 loss at Upton Park. West Ham fans will soon be forgetting the name of Carlos Tevez if they manage to keep up the impressive record which sees them in a UEFA Cup spot in 5th. Middlesbrough fans won't be nearly as happy as their team slips down into 13th.
Wigan 1-0 Fulham
An 11th minute goal from American Clint Dempsey wasn't enough to win all 3 points at the JJB as Wigan pulled back an equalizer through Jason Koumas in the 80th minute. Fulham find themselves in a familiar position near the bottom of the table in 16th with 5 points, while Wigan are in 10th after a reasonably good start to the season.
Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn
Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by a tough tackling Blackburn side. The heroic American goalkeeper Brad Friedel made 13 saves during to hold on to a point for Blackburn. Jose Mourinho will be disappointed to have dropped points at home, but still finds himself in a relatively safe position at 4th in the league (tied on points with Liverpool and Manchester United in 2nd and 3rd). Blackburn, who have been flying high this season, also taking 2 points off of Arsenal at the Emirates, are in a safe 7th place, after taking 9 points from 5 games.
That rounds up this Saturday's Premiership action. Be sure to check back tomorrow for updates on the Manchester City v Aston Villa game and more.
Liverpool and Chelsea were both held to 0-0 draws, Liverpool getting their point courtesy of a Nwankwo Kanu penalty miss. Chelsea were unable to beat Blackburn, after Salomon Kalou's winner was waved off by the linesman.
Game Results:
Everton 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United secured three vital points through a Nemanja Vidic header in the 83rd minute. Although they had a tough time unraveling a tough Everton defense, they have risen to third in the league on 11 points from 6 games. Everton have just one less point, but find themselves in 6th, behind the big four and West Ham, who also have 10 points.
Portsmouth 0-0 Liverpool
Portsmouth held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Fratton Park this morning, and nearly took the full three points in the 32nd minute, but Nwankwo Kanu failed to capitalize on a penalty kick. With one point each, Liverpool now find themselves in 2nd place behind Arsenal (but tied on points with Manchester United and Chelsea albeit with a game in hand), while Portsmouth settle into 15th place after getting only 6 points from the same number of games.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Arsenal
Martin Jol's Spurs wasted a 1-0 halftime lead to lose 3-1 to an inspirational Arsenal side. A double from Emanuel Adebayor and a goal from Cesc Fabregas was enough to propel Arsenal into 1st place, with 13 points from 5 games. Tottenham's Gareth Bale will be disappointed to see his team sink into 17th place after his free-kick put the Spurs ahead in the 14th minute. With only 4 points from 6 games this season, Martin Jol's stay at Tottenham looks like it won't last much longer. Full Match Review
Birmingham 1-0 Bolton
Sammy Lee's Bolton team fell into 19th place after being defeated by newly promoted Birmingham. With only 3 points from 6 games, Bolton look to be missing Big Sam Allardyce. Olivier Kapo scored the only goal in a win that sent Birmingham up to a respectable 12th place.
Sunderland 2-1 Reading
Another newly promoted team won today, as Sunderland defeated Reading 2-1 at the Stadium of Light. Strikes from Kenwyne Jones and Ross Wallace put Sunderland up 2-0, and an 85th minute goal from Dave Kitson was not enough to pull back a point for Reading. The win moves Sunderland up to 14th in the Premiership, while Reading (who finished 8th last year) are in 18th with only 4 points.
West Ham 3-0 Middlesbrough
Goals from Lee Bowyer and Dean Ashton as well as an own goal from Luke Young condemned Boro to a 3-0 loss at Upton Park. West Ham fans will soon be forgetting the name of Carlos Tevez if they manage to keep up the impressive record which sees them in a UEFA Cup spot in 5th. Middlesbrough fans won't be nearly as happy as their team slips down into 13th.
Wigan 1-0 Fulham
An 11th minute goal from American Clint Dempsey wasn't enough to win all 3 points at the JJB as Wigan pulled back an equalizer through Jason Koumas in the 80th minute. Fulham find themselves in a familiar position near the bottom of the table in 16th with 5 points, while Wigan are in 10th after a reasonably good start to the season.
Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn
Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by a tough tackling Blackburn side. The heroic American goalkeeper Brad Friedel made 13 saves during to hold on to a point for Blackburn. Jose Mourinho will be disappointed to have dropped points at home, but still finds himself in a relatively safe position at 4th in the league (tied on points with Liverpool and Manchester United in 2nd and 3rd). Blackburn, who have been flying high this season, also taking 2 points off of Arsenal at the Emirates, are in a safe 7th place, after taking 9 points from 5 games.
That rounds up this Saturday's Premiership action. Be sure to check back tomorrow for updates on the Manchester City v Aston Villa game and more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
