Arsenal 6-1 Southampton
It took Arsenal until their 3rd game to score their first goals but it seems like the international break has really helped them as they went goal-mad against a Southampton team who are yet to pick up a point. Despite Southampton's poor start to the seas however this will have been a serious low point.
Arsenal first took the lead after just 10 minutes as Keiran Gibb's cross was turned into the Southampton goal by the unfortunate Jos Hooiveld, from then on it became a case of just how many would Arsenal score. Less than 20 minutes later Arsenal doubled their lead via an excellent Lukas Podolski free kick. Just minutes later Arsenal had gone from 2-0 to 4-0 as Gervinho netted his first of the day thanks to a clever ball by Mikael Arteta and Nathaniel Clyne had netted the second Southampton own goal.
Despite the game effectively being over inside 36 minutes, Southampton did manage to grab a consolation goal just before half time as Danny Fox managed to get the ball unmarked in the area. This however was little more than a brief reprieve before half time and not a comeback.
With the points in the bag Arsenal didn't do go for the kill in the second, this however didn't mean that they refused to attack. A fifth was added 25 minutes into the second half with Gervinho netting a tap-in before before Theo Walcott, a former Saint himself, finished off the scoring late on.
At the start of the season much was made of Arsenal's struggles to score, in fact in their first 2 games they failed to net at all, however with 8 goals in their last 2 games it's fair to say that Arsenal certainly do have goals in them. Whilst it's true that 2 of the 6 here were own goals they both came due to the threat of Keiran Gibbs down the wing and it's the sheer number of threats that Arsenal have that make them so threatening. Santi Cazorla may not have netted one himself but he and Arteta were pulling he strings for fun from the middle and further proving just how good Arsenal's football really is.
For Southampton it's still not a time to out and out worry. Whilst they are still pointless they have faced Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal in 3 matches that they wouldn't have expected anything at all from. Despite this fans do need to worry at least a little bit by the defensive woes which has seen the team concede 14 goals in 4 matches. Saints fans may be feeling some despair however their team have shown some class and they will be hoping to show some consistency, especially at the back.
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Monday, 3 September 2012
Premier League Week 3-Write up Liverpool v Arsenal
Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
Going into Sunday's early kick off between Liverpool and Arsenal it would be fair to say serious pressure was on both sides. Liverpool's opening day loss to West Broom was still a fresh memory and despite looking very good in their 2-2 draw Manchester City last week they still gave the match away. Likewise for Arsenal their two 0-0 draws in as many matches lead fans to asking about just how good a post-Van Persie Arsenal really are.
Liverpool started brightly, the confidence of the display against Manchester City seemed to be fresh in their mind and they played well in the opening stages. The good start however came to nothing as Liverpool failed to open up a strong Arsenal defense who neutralised both Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini.
Perhaps a telling sign of Liverpool's season so far has been their ability to shoot themselves in the foot and thats exactly what they did around the 30 minute mark. A wayward Steven Gerrard pass was cut out by Arsenal and left Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski able to open up the Home side's defense before Podolski opened his Arsenal account in clinical fashion. Arsenal should have doubled their lead before the half with Olivier Giroud missing a great chance, but 1-0 was a fair half time scoreline.
Going into the second half it was perhaps fair to say that Liverpool looked the most likely to score the games second goal and they started to create better chances than they had in the opening half. Luis Suarez had become a nuisance to the Arsenal defense and teenager Raheem Sterling was again excelling however as Liverpool searched for an equaliser they were caught out by Arsenal this time with Santi Cazorla bagging the goal with some help from Pepe Reina. It's fair to say that this wasn't a week to remember for the Spanish goalkeeper who also let in a blunderous goal against Hearts in midweek.
Liverpool continued to chance the game trying to find their way back into the match and although Jonjo Shelvey came close twice they never really looked able to create the clear cut chances that their limited strike force needed.
Brendon Rodgers' inability to sign a true goal scorer over the summer break may well come back to haunt him as neither Suarez or Borini look likely to bag the 20+ goals a top team needs from a striker. Whilst their attack seems to be very toothless (just 2 goals from their first 3 games) it's the silly things that are really costing them, mistakes from Pepe Reiane, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Steven Gerrard have been all too common this season with a number of their mistakes being punished by goals. Whilst Raheem Sterling looks excellent the teenager cannot win games on his own and sadly for him the rest of the team are letting him down.
Arsene Wenger will have a lot to be happy about. Whilst he would likely have expected more from his first 2 games this was a pleasing result as they recorded not only their first Premier League victory but their 3rd successive clean sheet of the season. Once again Santi Cazorla looked brilliant, I thought at the start of the season that the Spaniard would fit right into the Arsenal philosophy and he has done just that taking the mantle from Cesc Fabregas. Sadly however their is still the boots of Robin Van Persie to fill and neither Lukas Podolski or Olivier Giroud look likely to fill them anytime soon. Whilst the German netted his first goal for the gunners the Frenchman missed 3 or 4 great chances to open his account for the gunners. Arsenal are a team with goals in them, any Gunners fans who have already written their season off (and I know a few pundits have) have done so far too early as they are an excellent team.
Going into Sunday's early kick off between Liverpool and Arsenal it would be fair to say serious pressure was on both sides. Liverpool's opening day loss to West Broom was still a fresh memory and despite looking very good in their 2-2 draw Manchester City last week they still gave the match away. Likewise for Arsenal their two 0-0 draws in as many matches lead fans to asking about just how good a post-Van Persie Arsenal really are.
Liverpool started brightly, the confidence of the display against Manchester City seemed to be fresh in their mind and they played well in the opening stages. The good start however came to nothing as Liverpool failed to open up a strong Arsenal defense who neutralised both Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini.
Perhaps a telling sign of Liverpool's season so far has been their ability to shoot themselves in the foot and thats exactly what they did around the 30 minute mark. A wayward Steven Gerrard pass was cut out by Arsenal and left Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski able to open up the Home side's defense before Podolski opened his Arsenal account in clinical fashion. Arsenal should have doubled their lead before the half with Olivier Giroud missing a great chance, but 1-0 was a fair half time scoreline.
Going into the second half it was perhaps fair to say that Liverpool looked the most likely to score the games second goal and they started to create better chances than they had in the opening half. Luis Suarez had become a nuisance to the Arsenal defense and teenager Raheem Sterling was again excelling however as Liverpool searched for an equaliser they were caught out by Arsenal this time with Santi Cazorla bagging the goal with some help from Pepe Reina. It's fair to say that this wasn't a week to remember for the Spanish goalkeeper who also let in a blunderous goal against Hearts in midweek.
Liverpool continued to chance the game trying to find their way back into the match and although Jonjo Shelvey came close twice they never really looked able to create the clear cut chances that their limited strike force needed.
Brendon Rodgers' inability to sign a true goal scorer over the summer break may well come back to haunt him as neither Suarez or Borini look likely to bag the 20+ goals a top team needs from a striker. Whilst their attack seems to be very toothless (just 2 goals from their first 3 games) it's the silly things that are really costing them, mistakes from Pepe Reiane, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Steven Gerrard have been all too common this season with a number of their mistakes being punished by goals. Whilst Raheem Sterling looks excellent the teenager cannot win games on his own and sadly for him the rest of the team are letting him down.
Arsene Wenger will have a lot to be happy about. Whilst he would likely have expected more from his first 2 games this was a pleasing result as they recorded not only their first Premier League victory but their 3rd successive clean sheet of the season. Once again Santi Cazorla looked brilliant, I thought at the start of the season that the Spaniard would fit right into the Arsenal philosophy and he has done just that taking the mantle from Cesc Fabregas. Sadly however their is still the boots of Robin Van Persie to fill and neither Lukas Podolski or Olivier Giroud look likely to fill them anytime soon. Whilst the German netted his first goal for the gunners the Frenchman missed 3 or 4 great chances to open his account for the gunners. Arsenal are a team with goals in them, any Gunners fans who have already written their season off (and I know a few pundits have) have done so far too early as they are an excellent team.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Premier League Week 2-Write up Stoke v Arsenal
Stoke 0-0 Arsenal
Everyone who watches the Premier League knows about the love-hate relationship between Arsene Wenger and Stoke City, it's fair to say that this match will not ease his dislike of a team that seem to have become his nemesis in recent years.
Stoke have made a habit of not losing games over the past few seasons and have an excellently drilled defense that often refuses to be breached and that's again what happened as they bent and buckled but refused to snap to relentless Arsenal pressure. In fact it was Arsenal's defense that seemed to be broken early in the game as Jonathan Walters put the ball in the Arsenal net inside the first 10 minutes before the goal was ruled out. It was as close as either team came to breaking the dead lock.
Arsenal, via Santi Cazorla and Mikael Arteta dominated the game with two Spaniards pulling all the strings in the middle though the organised Stoke back 4 managed to hold out and really limited the solid chances Arsenal had. Whilst at the other end Peter Crouch was effectively played out of the gme by Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen who seemed to show Steve Pulis' men that Arsenal had manned up this year.
For Steve Pulis this was a point well earned as his team were on the back foot for much of the game and they proved that they are defensively as sound as ever. Whilst they couldn't really get into the game going forward with only a handful of half chances they proved to be resolute and solid at the back. The Stoke fans may feel a slight aggreived not to have had a penalty in the second half but it would have been very soft to have awarded a penalty for the coming together in question and all in all they were lucky to get apoint.
Arsene Wenger hasn't tried to hide his dislike of Stoke over the years and he will again be seething whilst feeling that his team had enough chances to bag all 3 points. He knows Stoke are physical however he'll have been pleased by the fact that his players refused to be kicked off the pitch however the wasted chances will really annoying him, especially given how much of the game they bossed. Once again Santi Cazorla looked exceptional and controlled the game for the second match running however it was Mikael Arteta who perhaps deserved all the plaudits as he was the one who was fidning Cazorla in space.
Notes-
Arsenal have been involved in both of the 0-0's so far
Stoke failed to get a single corner whilst Arsenal had double figures.
Everyone who watches the Premier League knows about the love-hate relationship between Arsene Wenger and Stoke City, it's fair to say that this match will not ease his dislike of a team that seem to have become his nemesis in recent years.
Stoke have made a habit of not losing games over the past few seasons and have an excellently drilled defense that often refuses to be breached and that's again what happened as they bent and buckled but refused to snap to relentless Arsenal pressure. In fact it was Arsenal's defense that seemed to be broken early in the game as Jonathan Walters put the ball in the Arsenal net inside the first 10 minutes before the goal was ruled out. It was as close as either team came to breaking the dead lock.
Arsenal, via Santi Cazorla and Mikael Arteta dominated the game with two Spaniards pulling all the strings in the middle though the organised Stoke back 4 managed to hold out and really limited the solid chances Arsenal had. Whilst at the other end Peter Crouch was effectively played out of the gme by Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen who seemed to show Steve Pulis' men that Arsenal had manned up this year.
For Steve Pulis this was a point well earned as his team were on the back foot for much of the game and they proved that they are defensively as sound as ever. Whilst they couldn't really get into the game going forward with only a handful of half chances they proved to be resolute and solid at the back. The Stoke fans may feel a slight aggreived not to have had a penalty in the second half but it would have been very soft to have awarded a penalty for the coming together in question and all in all they were lucky to get apoint.
Arsene Wenger hasn't tried to hide his dislike of Stoke over the years and he will again be seething whilst feeling that his team had enough chances to bag all 3 points. He knows Stoke are physical however he'll have been pleased by the fact that his players refused to be kicked off the pitch however the wasted chances will really annoying him, especially given how much of the game they bossed. Once again Santi Cazorla looked exceptional and controlled the game for the second match running however it was Mikael Arteta who perhaps deserved all the plaudits as he was the one who was fidning Cazorla in space.
Notes-
Arsenal have been involved in both of the 0-0's so far
Stoke failed to get a single corner whilst Arsenal had double figures.
Premier League Week 2-As it Happens (Sunday)
Full-time
Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
A much improved performance by Liverpool after the West Brom match last week and in fairness they will feel they deserved all 3 points. The huge blunder by Martin Skrtel saw him going from hero to zero and he was effectively the reaosn that Liverpool didn't claim all 3 points. Roberto Mancini really needs to see this as a point won and not 2 points lost but in all honesty he needs to worry. His defense has now let in 4 goals in 2 games and they cannot keep conceding goals like this if they are to repeat the succes of last year.
Yellow Card
Luis Suarez gets the first yellow card of the game for aguing with the referee.
Manchester City Corner
We are half way into stoppage time and Manchester City have a corner. It eventually falls for Carlos Tevez who hits his shot wide.
End to end action now as both teams go for the win, we have just a few minutes of stoppage time left but both teams seem to feel they can win it!
Liverpool Corner
Corner crossed in and rebounds around the around the area before it's hit on target, big appeal for hanball turned down by the referee. Liverpool really seeking a winner.
Liverpool Corner
Liverpool break and get a corner, it gets turned behind for another
Manchester City half chance
Edin Dzeko gets half a chance but hits his shot wide
Liverpool Substitution
Fabio Borini comes off and is replaced by Andy Carroll
Liverpool half chance
The homeside are trying to go back in the lead and play the ball around City's penalty area before a shot by Jonjo Shelby goes over the bar.
Goal!
What was Martin Skrtel doing? He calmly passes the ball to Carlos Tevez who cooly slows the ball past Pepe Reina as Liverpool fans ask what their defender was doing there.
Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
Skrtel (34)
Y. Toure (63)
Suarez (66)
Tvez (80)
Mancester City Substitute
David Silva comes on with about 15 minutes left as he replaces James Milner.
Penalty Appeal
Liverpool look almost certain to be given a penalty as Glen Johnson goes down but the referee doesn't blow the whistle.
Liverpool half chance
Fabio Borini breaks down the side and tries to lay in a cross but it's cut out as Liverpool look to kill off the game.
Liverpool free kick and Substitution
Martin Kelly goes off to be replaced by Jose Enrique as Liverpool prepare for a free kick following a handball. The free kick, taken by Luis Suarez is perfectly placed as Liverpool retake the lead.
Liverpool 2-1 Manchester City
Skrtel (34)
Y. Toure (63)
Suarez (66)
Goal!
The substitution of Edin Dzeko seems to have automatically revitalised the Manchester City attack and a cross from the left leaves the Liverpool defense looking clueless as Yaya Toure bangs in an equaliser
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
Skrtel (34)
Y. Toure (63)
Manchester City Substitution
Edin Dzeko comes on to replace Mario Ballotelli
Manchester City Substitution
Jack Rodwell comes on for Samir Nasri who has been rather quiet today after being excellent last weekend.
Liverpool half Chance
Mario Ballotelli gives the ball away in a dangerous position but Luis Suarez makes the wrong decision.
Manchester City Corner
Mario Ballotelli was annoyed not to get a free kick but he did manage to earn a corner for his team whilst being angrily booed by the Kop faithful.
Manchester City Free kick
The visitors get a free kick from wide on the attack right but it goes over everyone and sails out for a goal kick.
...and we're back off for the second half at Anfield.
Half Time
Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City
Brendon Rodgers will have to be a very, very happy man. His team were humiliated last weekend but came out firing today and made their intentions well known early on. Although they lost Lukas inside the first 5 minutes they had none stop desire all over the place. Really incredible performance as Liverpool show no signs of having played just a few days ago.
Manchester City do look like they have goals in them though with only 3 men at the back they do look defensively weak and perhaps feel a little unlucky not to have conceded more than just the 1. Whilst Carloz Tevez came incredibly close with a magical moment Liverpool's defense has stopped almost everything else without too many problems. Robert Mancini will be telling his players that they need to take the chances when they get them and if they do there will be no way that this ends 1-0
Manchester City Free kick
Manchester City get a free kick in a promising position but it goes straight in to the wall before the referee blows the whistle for half time.
Manchester City Corner
Manchester City are looking an equaliser before half time as hey get a second successive corner but it's easily defended by Liverpool
Manchester City Corner
City get a corner but it fails to beat the first man.
Liverpool Chance
Luis Suarez has half a chance but hits it over the bar as Liverpool push for a second goal before half time.
Liverpool Corner and Goal!
Liverpool were unlucky just seconds earlier as Vincent Kompany got lucky in front of his own goal, but the resulting corner was excellent and Martin Skrtel gets his head on it and gives Joe Hart no chance.
Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City
Skrtel (35)
Lucky Boy!Vincent Kompany almost puts one into the back of his own net, though it goes behidn for a Liverpool corner.
Manchester City Chance
End to end action here with Liverpool feeling they deserve a free kick at one end before Mario Ballotelli gets a chance at the other end. Brilliant action at times with a much improved Liverpool to the one who were humiliated last weekend.
Liverpool Corner
Liverpool showing real desire and get a corner...which doesn't go how they want.
Manchester City Free kick
City get a freekick in an excellent position which is crossed but it goes out before anyone gets a touch.
Penalty Appeal
The Manchester City fans appeal for a handball against Martin Skrtel, referee has none of it.
How did that not go in?
Carlos Tevez hits a ball that literally goes along the Liverpool goal line before hitting the far post and rolling out as several City players watch idly. Should have been a Manchester City goal.
Liverpool Chance
Fabio Borini gets the first notable chance of the game but blasts wide as Liverpool open up the Manchester City back 3.
Penalty Appeal
The Liverpool fans appeal for a handball against Aleksandar Kolarov, nothing is given however.
Manchester City Free kick
A foul by Liverpool gives the visitors a free kick which is easily saved by Pepe Reina.
Liverpool Substitution
Lukas hobbles off inside the first 5 minutes and is replaced by Jonjo Shelvey
...and we have kick off in our 16:00 kick off!
With a 0-0 in the early kick off we are all expecting goals in the late kick off as we go to Anfield for Liverpool v Manchester City in what promises to be an excellent and enthralling match up.
Full Time
Stoke 0-0 Arsenal
Stoke Free Kick
We have 3 minutes of extra time and Stoke have another chance to launch a free kick in the penalty area. The set piece however is cleared with ease.
Arsenal Shot!
Oliver Giroud sees Asmir Begovic off his line and attempts and outrageous shot which only just misses the net. Probably as close as either team has come in the second half.
Stoke Free kickStoke get a free kick due to a foul by Mikael Arteta in a nice position, the ball is floated in but cleared easily by Per Mertesacker
Stoke Half Chance
Stoke break through the Arsenal defence but the shot is poor.
Just 5 minutes left at the Britannia Stadium with the scores still 0-0, will Arsenal have their second goalless draw of the season?
Arsenal Corner
This one is poor and misses everyone.
Arsenal Corner
Another Arsenal corner leads to yet another Arsenal corner.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal get yet another corner, this one is threatening but Per Mertesacker's header goes well over.
Arsenal Substitution
Aaron Ramsey comes to replace Santi Corzola
Stoke Subsitition
Glenn Whelan goes off for Wilson Palacios as Stoke make their final change.
Penalty Appeal
The Stoke crowd appeal for a penalty against Carl Jenkinson
Stoke Substitution
Peter Crouch goes off for Ryan Shotton
Stoke Half Chance
Peter Crouch delivers a cross but the resulting header is disappointing. Stoke showing some belief now.
Arsenal Chance
Abou Diaby finds himself in the Stoke are with the ball at his feet but sadly he fails to get his shot on target. A great chance.
Arsenal Subsitutions
Gervinho and Lukas Podolski both go off to be replaced by Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Arsenal look in add some pace to their attack.
Arsenal Half Chance
Gervinho predicts and error but can't quite get to the ball befor Asmir Begovic.
Arsenal Corner
Yet another corner for Arsenal this one falls to Oliver Giroud in the penalty area but the Frenchman has to go for the spectacular and it sails over.
Stoke Half Chance
A Stoke cross finds Peter Crouch at the far post but the gentle giant can't pop in what was a very tough chance.
Stoke Substitution
Jermain Pennant off and Cameron Jerome on for the home side.
Arsenal Free kick and Yellow Card
Arsenal keep the pressure on the Stoke defense and Andy Wilkinson gets booked as he makes a very rash challenge inside the D. Very promising position for a free kick but Mikael Arteta's shot is straight into the wall.
Arsenal Free kick
A needlessly given away free kick ends a possible Stoke counter but Arsenal don't manage to do much with the free kick.
Arsenal Corner
Stoke have a chance but Arsenal quickly break and get themselves a corner. It's half cleared.
Stoke Half Chance
A long ball by Stoke seems to catch the Arsenal defense off guard but the eventual cross by Michaek Kightly is poor to say the least.
Penalty Appeal
Stoke appeal for a penalty after Jermain Pennant and Kieran Gibbs come close but the referee and linesman ignore the appeal. Stoke are starting to make their presence known once again.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal get their first corner of the second half and despite having some serious height they fail make much of the corner.
Arsenal Chance
Gervinho gets himself into a great position but sadly his shot is lacking.
...And we're off for the second half at the Britannia Stadium for the second half.
Half time
Stoke 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal have been much the better side in the opening half but despite a number of half chances they've failed to break the deadlock. Stoke are the only seam so far to have the ball in the net though it was pretty clearly offside.
So far it's been Santi Carzola who has been pulling the strings and the Spaniard looks a class above everyone on the pitch controlling the pace of the game excellently though he will be wanting someone up front to finish off the chances he creates. Stoke are being physical but are lacking a serious threat and Peter Crouch has been all but played out of the match so far.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal get a corner from the other side and this one comes to nothing as the whistle blows and that's half time.
Arsenal Corner
We enter stoppage time with an Arsenal corner after Gervinho is challenged. It goes into the area and out the other end for another corner.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal counter after a solid Stoke attack and get a corner after an excellent challenge on Kieran Gibbs.
Stoke Free kick
Stoke have a free kick in a promising position but it's headed straight out by the Arsenal defense. Stoke appear to be making their way into this game.
Arsenal Corner
The corner following Santi Carzola's shot comes to absolutely nothing as the referee notices an infringement by Arsenal.
SAVE!
Mikael Arteta is fouled not far from the half way line but the referee plays advantage and Santi Carzola takes a brilliant shot forcing Asmir Begović into action as he turns it behind for a corner.
Free kick
After having their best series of play Stoke are again on the back foot and Santi Carzola gets given a bit more of the Britannia treatment. The free kick is played short and the resulting shot goes out for a goal kick.
Stoke Chance
Michael Kightly, on his home debut for Stoke has a chance but smashes it straight at Vito Mannone.
Arsenal Chance
Only a half chance this time which Lukas Podolski whacks over from just outside the penalty area. This is starting to look like one way traffic so far with Diaby and Carzola being the bosses of the game up to now.
Arsenal Chance
The visitors split open Stoke's defense but the final pass is too hard and too high. Arsenal really are bossing this so far.
Freekick and Yellow Card
Lukas Podolski is driving towards the Stoke penalty area until Robert Huth takes him down and gets the first booking of the match. Arsenal fancy their chances from a very promising position but Santi Carzola's free kick hits the bottom of the wall.
Arsenal Chance
Arsenal bringing a lot of pressure to the Stoke defense with Santi Corzola pulling the strings already in and around the Stoke penalty area. A chance goes begging but it's looking like only a matter of time.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal get there first chance to throw the big defenders up into the Stoke penalty area but nothing comes from the set piece.
Arsenal Chance
A slip in the Stoke defense lets Arsenal in and but Lukas Podolski's shot is blocked, looks to be a handball but only given as a corner.
Goal!...or not
Stoke have the ball in the Arsenal net but a flag is up and it's ruled out. That's been the first major goal mouth action from the opening 7 or 8 minutes.
Free kick
Less than 2 minutes into the game and we see Stoke's physicality coming into play already as Santi Carzola is given a Britannia Stadium welcome.
Kick off
13:30-And we have kick off in the battle some are dubbing as "Beauty against the Beast".
Our second Sunday of the Premier League season sees us beginning the day's at the Britannia Stadium as Stoke City host Arsenal. This well talked about styles clash is always engaging for the neutral fans who get to see the passing play of Arsenal set up against the physicality of Stoke. With both teams starting their season with a draw they will be hunting the 3 points here in what should be a key fixture for both as they seek their first win of the season.
Following the game at the Brittania we are off to Anfield as Brendon Rodgers looks for his first points as Liverpool manager following the humiliating 3-0 opening day defeat to West Brom. Sadly for Rodgers, and the Kop, Liverpool will be playing against the defending champions Manchester City who will look to put Liverpool to the sword and really raise the pressure on Rodgers.
Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
A much improved performance by Liverpool after the West Brom match last week and in fairness they will feel they deserved all 3 points. The huge blunder by Martin Skrtel saw him going from hero to zero and he was effectively the reaosn that Liverpool didn't claim all 3 points. Roberto Mancini really needs to see this as a point won and not 2 points lost but in all honesty he needs to worry. His defense has now let in 4 goals in 2 games and they cannot keep conceding goals like this if they are to repeat the succes of last year.
Yellow Card
Luis Suarez gets the first yellow card of the game for aguing with the referee.
Manchester City Corner
We are half way into stoppage time and Manchester City have a corner. It eventually falls for Carlos Tevez who hits his shot wide.
End to end action now as both teams go for the win, we have just a few minutes of stoppage time left but both teams seem to feel they can win it!
Liverpool Corner
Corner crossed in and rebounds around the around the area before it's hit on target, big appeal for hanball turned down by the referee. Liverpool really seeking a winner.
Liverpool Corner
Liverpool break and get a corner, it gets turned behind for another
Manchester City half chance
Edin Dzeko gets half a chance but hits his shot wide
Liverpool Substitution
Fabio Borini comes off and is replaced by Andy Carroll
Liverpool half chance
The homeside are trying to go back in the lead and play the ball around City's penalty area before a shot by Jonjo Shelby goes over the bar.
Goal!
What was Martin Skrtel doing? He calmly passes the ball to Carlos Tevez who cooly slows the ball past Pepe Reina as Liverpool fans ask what their defender was doing there.
Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
Skrtel (34)
Y. Toure (63)
Suarez (66)
Tvez (80)
Mancester City Substitute
David Silva comes on with about 15 minutes left as he replaces James Milner.
Penalty Appeal
Liverpool look almost certain to be given a penalty as Glen Johnson goes down but the referee doesn't blow the whistle.
Liverpool half chance
Fabio Borini breaks down the side and tries to lay in a cross but it's cut out as Liverpool look to kill off the game.
Liverpool free kick and Substitution
Martin Kelly goes off to be replaced by Jose Enrique as Liverpool prepare for a free kick following a handball. The free kick, taken by Luis Suarez is perfectly placed as Liverpool retake the lead.
Liverpool 2-1 Manchester City
Skrtel (34)
Y. Toure (63)
Suarez (66)
Goal!
The substitution of Edin Dzeko seems to have automatically revitalised the Manchester City attack and a cross from the left leaves the Liverpool defense looking clueless as Yaya Toure bangs in an equaliser
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
Skrtel (34)
Y. Toure (63)
Manchester City Substitution
Edin Dzeko comes on to replace Mario Ballotelli
Manchester City Substitution
Jack Rodwell comes on for Samir Nasri who has been rather quiet today after being excellent last weekend.
Liverpool half Chance
Mario Ballotelli gives the ball away in a dangerous position but Luis Suarez makes the wrong decision.
Manchester City Corner
Mario Ballotelli was annoyed not to get a free kick but he did manage to earn a corner for his team whilst being angrily booed by the Kop faithful.
Manchester City Free kick
The visitors get a free kick from wide on the attack right but it goes over everyone and sails out for a goal kick.
...and we're back off for the second half at Anfield.
Half Time
Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City
Brendon Rodgers will have to be a very, very happy man. His team were humiliated last weekend but came out firing today and made their intentions well known early on. Although they lost Lukas inside the first 5 minutes they had none stop desire all over the place. Really incredible performance as Liverpool show no signs of having played just a few days ago.
Manchester City do look like they have goals in them though with only 3 men at the back they do look defensively weak and perhaps feel a little unlucky not to have conceded more than just the 1. Whilst Carloz Tevez came incredibly close with a magical moment Liverpool's defense has stopped almost everything else without too many problems. Robert Mancini will be telling his players that they need to take the chances when they get them and if they do there will be no way that this ends 1-0
Manchester City Free kick
Manchester City get a free kick in a promising position but it goes straight in to the wall before the referee blows the whistle for half time.
Manchester City Corner
Manchester City are looking an equaliser before half time as hey get a second successive corner but it's easily defended by Liverpool
Manchester City Corner
City get a corner but it fails to beat the first man.
Liverpool Chance
Luis Suarez has half a chance but hits it over the bar as Liverpool push for a second goal before half time.
Liverpool Corner and Goal!
Liverpool were unlucky just seconds earlier as Vincent Kompany got lucky in front of his own goal, but the resulting corner was excellent and Martin Skrtel gets his head on it and gives Joe Hart no chance.
Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City
Skrtel (35)
Lucky Boy!Vincent Kompany almost puts one into the back of his own net, though it goes behidn for a Liverpool corner.
Manchester City Chance
End to end action here with Liverpool feeling they deserve a free kick at one end before Mario Ballotelli gets a chance at the other end. Brilliant action at times with a much improved Liverpool to the one who were humiliated last weekend.
Liverpool Corner
Liverpool showing real desire and get a corner...which doesn't go how they want.
Manchester City Free kick
City get a freekick in an excellent position which is crossed but it goes out before anyone gets a touch.
Penalty Appeal
The Manchester City fans appeal for a handball against Martin Skrtel, referee has none of it.
How did that not go in?
Carlos Tevez hits a ball that literally goes along the Liverpool goal line before hitting the far post and rolling out as several City players watch idly. Should have been a Manchester City goal.
Liverpool Chance
Fabio Borini gets the first notable chance of the game but blasts wide as Liverpool open up the Manchester City back 3.
Penalty Appeal
The Liverpool fans appeal for a handball against Aleksandar Kolarov, nothing is given however.
Manchester City Free kick
A foul by Liverpool gives the visitors a free kick which is easily saved by Pepe Reina.
Liverpool Substitution
Lukas hobbles off inside the first 5 minutes and is replaced by Jonjo Shelvey
...and we have kick off in our 16:00 kick off!
With a 0-0 in the early kick off we are all expecting goals in the late kick off as we go to Anfield for Liverpool v Manchester City in what promises to be an excellent and enthralling match up.
Full Time
Stoke 0-0 Arsenal
Stoke Free Kick
We have 3 minutes of extra time and Stoke have another chance to launch a free kick in the penalty area. The set piece however is cleared with ease.
Arsenal Shot!
Oliver Giroud sees Asmir Begovic off his line and attempts and outrageous shot which only just misses the net. Probably as close as either team has come in the second half.
Stoke Free kickStoke get a free kick due to a foul by Mikael Arteta in a nice position, the ball is floated in but cleared easily by Per Mertesacker
Stoke Half Chance
Stoke break through the Arsenal defence but the shot is poor.
Just 5 minutes left at the Britannia Stadium with the scores still 0-0, will Arsenal have their second goalless draw of the season?
Arsenal Corner
This one is poor and misses everyone.
Arsenal Corner
Another Arsenal corner leads to yet another Arsenal corner.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal get yet another corner, this one is threatening but Per Mertesacker's header goes well over.
Arsenal Substitution
Aaron Ramsey comes to replace Santi Corzola
Stoke Subsitition
Glenn Whelan goes off for Wilson Palacios as Stoke make their final change.
Penalty Appeal
The Stoke crowd appeal for a penalty against Carl Jenkinson
Stoke Substitution
Peter Crouch goes off for Ryan Shotton
Stoke Half Chance
Peter Crouch delivers a cross but the resulting header is disappointing. Stoke showing some belief now.
Arsenal Chance
Abou Diaby finds himself in the Stoke are with the ball at his feet but sadly he fails to get his shot on target. A great chance.
Arsenal Subsitutions
Gervinho and Lukas Podolski both go off to be replaced by Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Arsenal look in add some pace to their attack.
Arsenal Half Chance
Gervinho predicts and error but can't quite get to the ball befor Asmir Begovic.
Arsenal Corner
Yet another corner for Arsenal this one falls to Oliver Giroud in the penalty area but the Frenchman has to go for the spectacular and it sails over.
Stoke Half Chance
A Stoke cross finds Peter Crouch at the far post but the gentle giant can't pop in what was a very tough chance.
Stoke Substitution
Jermain Pennant off and Cameron Jerome on for the home side.
Arsenal Free kick and Yellow Card
Arsenal keep the pressure on the Stoke defense and Andy Wilkinson gets booked as he makes a very rash challenge inside the D. Very promising position for a free kick but Mikael Arteta's shot is straight into the wall.
Arsenal Free kick
A needlessly given away free kick ends a possible Stoke counter but Arsenal don't manage to do much with the free kick.
Arsenal Corner
Stoke have a chance but Arsenal quickly break and get themselves a corner. It's half cleared.
Stoke Half Chance
A long ball by Stoke seems to catch the Arsenal defense off guard but the eventual cross by Michaek Kightly is poor to say the least.
Penalty Appeal
Stoke appeal for a penalty after Jermain Pennant and Kieran Gibbs come close but the referee and linesman ignore the appeal. Stoke are starting to make their presence known once again.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal get their first corner of the second half and despite having some serious height they fail make much of the corner.
Arsenal Chance
Gervinho gets himself into a great position but sadly his shot is lacking.
...And we're off for the second half at the Britannia Stadium for the second half.
Half time
Stoke 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal have been much the better side in the opening half but despite a number of half chances they've failed to break the deadlock. Stoke are the only seam so far to have the ball in the net though it was pretty clearly offside.
So far it's been Santi Carzola who has been pulling the strings and the Spaniard looks a class above everyone on the pitch controlling the pace of the game excellently though he will be wanting someone up front to finish off the chances he creates. Stoke are being physical but are lacking a serious threat and Peter Crouch has been all but played out of the match so far.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal get a corner from the other side and this one comes to nothing as the whistle blows and that's half time.
Arsenal Corner
We enter stoppage time with an Arsenal corner after Gervinho is challenged. It goes into the area and out the other end for another corner.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal counter after a solid Stoke attack and get a corner after an excellent challenge on Kieran Gibbs.
Stoke Free kick
Stoke have a free kick in a promising position but it's headed straight out by the Arsenal defense. Stoke appear to be making their way into this game.
Arsenal Corner
The corner following Santi Carzola's shot comes to absolutely nothing as the referee notices an infringement by Arsenal.
SAVE!
Mikael Arteta is fouled not far from the half way line but the referee plays advantage and Santi Carzola takes a brilliant shot forcing Asmir Begović into action as he turns it behind for a corner.
Free kick
After having their best series of play Stoke are again on the back foot and Santi Carzola gets given a bit more of the Britannia treatment. The free kick is played short and the resulting shot goes out for a goal kick.
Stoke Chance
Michael Kightly, on his home debut for Stoke has a chance but smashes it straight at Vito Mannone.
Arsenal Chance
Only a half chance this time which Lukas Podolski whacks over from just outside the penalty area. This is starting to look like one way traffic so far with Diaby and Carzola being the bosses of the game up to now.
Arsenal Chance
The visitors split open Stoke's defense but the final pass is too hard and too high. Arsenal really are bossing this so far.
Freekick and Yellow Card
Lukas Podolski is driving towards the Stoke penalty area until Robert Huth takes him down and gets the first booking of the match. Arsenal fancy their chances from a very promising position but Santi Carzola's free kick hits the bottom of the wall.
Arsenal Chance
Arsenal bringing a lot of pressure to the Stoke defense with Santi Corzola pulling the strings already in and around the Stoke penalty area. A chance goes begging but it's looking like only a matter of time.
Arsenal Corner
Arsenal get there first chance to throw the big defenders up into the Stoke penalty area but nothing comes from the set piece.
Arsenal Chance
A slip in the Stoke defense lets Arsenal in and but Lukas Podolski's shot is blocked, looks to be a handball but only given as a corner.
Goal!...or not
Stoke have the ball in the Arsenal net but a flag is up and it's ruled out. That's been the first major goal mouth action from the opening 7 or 8 minutes.
Free kick
Less than 2 minutes into the game and we see Stoke's physicality coming into play already as Santi Carzola is given a Britannia Stadium welcome.
Kick off
13:30-And we have kick off in the battle some are dubbing as "Beauty against the Beast".
Our second Sunday of the Premier League season sees us beginning the day's at the Britannia Stadium as Stoke City host Arsenal. This well talked about styles clash is always engaging for the neutral fans who get to see the passing play of Arsenal set up against the physicality of Stoke. With both teams starting their season with a draw they will be hunting the 3 points here in what should be a key fixture for both as they seek their first win of the season.
Following the game at the Brittania we are off to Anfield as Brendon Rodgers looks for his first points as Liverpool manager following the humiliating 3-0 opening day defeat to West Brom. Sadly for Rodgers, and the Kop, Liverpool will be playing against the defending champions Manchester City who will look to put Liverpool to the sword and really raise the pressure on Rodgers.
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Week 2-Predictions (Sunday)
Due to other commitments I've not managed to preview either of Sunday's games, I will however give a short preview of both games as well as a preview in here.
Stoke v Arsenal (13:30)
It's probably fair to say that Stoke v Arsenal is one of those weird games that draw the neutrals in due to the fact one of the managers (in this case Arsene Wenger) publicly hates the other teams. Stoke are a physical side and this has upset Wenger repeatedly in the past as he feels his players get given a particularly hard time by the Potters who often feel Wenger's men need to "man up". I have a feeling that this time around Wengers men will man up. I have a feeling Lukas Podolski will enjoy the physical match up and may even thrive in this fixture as Arsenal put the draw with Sunderland behind them and play catch up with Chelsea.
Whilst the Britannia Stadium may be seen as a fortress Wenger's men have a point to prove.
Prediction 2-0 Arsenal
Liverpool v Manchester City (16:00)
Losing isn't an option for Brendon Rodgers' team however Manchester City don't make a habit of dropping points. Rodgers will know that the everybody is watching his first game in charge at Anfield and he will also know that Liverpool need at least a point just to kick start their season after a horror show against West Brom. Sadly Rodgers doesn't appear to have added much to Liverpool yet and they looked decidedly disorganised against West Brom. Unless they tightened up considerably here they could be onto a hiding to nothing against a Manchester City team who love to score. Yes City looked poor against the Saints last weekend but they won, it's unlikely they will play that badly here.
Prediction 1-3 Manchester City
Stoke v Arsenal (13:30)
It's probably fair to say that Stoke v Arsenal is one of those weird games that draw the neutrals in due to the fact one of the managers (in this case Arsene Wenger) publicly hates the other teams. Stoke are a physical side and this has upset Wenger repeatedly in the past as he feels his players get given a particularly hard time by the Potters who often feel Wenger's men need to "man up". I have a feeling that this time around Wengers men will man up. I have a feeling Lukas Podolski will enjoy the physical match up and may even thrive in this fixture as Arsenal put the draw with Sunderland behind them and play catch up with Chelsea.
Whilst the Britannia Stadium may be seen as a fortress Wenger's men have a point to prove.
Prediction 2-0 Arsenal
Liverpool v Manchester City (16:00)
Losing isn't an option for Brendon Rodgers' team however Manchester City don't make a habit of dropping points. Rodgers will know that the everybody is watching his first game in charge at Anfield and he will also know that Liverpool need at least a point just to kick start their season after a horror show against West Brom. Sadly Rodgers doesn't appear to have added much to Liverpool yet and they looked decidedly disorganised against West Brom. Unless they tightened up considerably here they could be onto a hiding to nothing against a Manchester City team who love to score. Yes City looked poor against the Saints last weekend but they won, it's unlikely they will play that badly here.
Prediction 1-3 Manchester City
Saturday, 18 August 2012
Premier League Week 1-Write up Arsenal v Sunderland
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
Arsenal week has been a bad one, not only have they seen their talisman Robin Van Persie leave for bitter rivals Manchester United but they've also bee dragged into a transfer saga regarding their defender Alex Song who is a wanted in Barcelona. Despite this Arsenal have signed a number of highly regarded players themselves which are expected to turn Arsenal back into a title contending team. The Gunners started their campaign against Sunderland who's key signing in the transfer window was experienced Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar whilst they lost Asomoah Gyan.
From the off Arsenal looked the more dangerous team with new signing Santi Cazorla pulling the strings and looking like a real class act for the Gunners. Sadly despite looking dangerous Arsenal couldn't convert any of their numerous chances due to real issues with accuracy. As well as Arsenal's problems with aiming Sunderland refused to give space and time and were working hard for a point and their manager.
As much as Arsenal tried to score a winner they simply couldn't get the goal they needed and despite dominating the game they had to settle for a point. Despite only getting a point it's fair to say that Arsenal have signed some excellent players in Carzola, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud and the three really have potential to turn Arsenal into a very serious title threat. The team will gel well and has a lot of flair with real goal scoring threats. Write Arsenal off at your own peril.
Whilst Sunderland were out played for vast chunks of the game they played hard and played for their manager who appears to have the team doing what he wants them to. Whilst it's fair to say they were negative they knew they'd be out gunned if they tried to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal. If I was a Sunderland fan this year I'd have to say I'd be pretty relaxed with the knowledge that, at worst I'd be supporting a solid, mid table team with an excellent manager. Whilst it's true Sunderland haven't spent much they have a solid team there and I'd imagine O'Neill will be looking to bring in at least 1 more player, probably an attacker before the window closes just to strengthen his team.
Arsenal week has been a bad one, not only have they seen their talisman Robin Van Persie leave for bitter rivals Manchester United but they've also bee dragged into a transfer saga regarding their defender Alex Song who is a wanted in Barcelona. Despite this Arsenal have signed a number of highly regarded players themselves which are expected to turn Arsenal back into a title contending team. The Gunners started their campaign against Sunderland who's key signing in the transfer window was experienced Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar whilst they lost Asomoah Gyan.
From the off Arsenal looked the more dangerous team with new signing Santi Cazorla pulling the strings and looking like a real class act for the Gunners. Sadly despite looking dangerous Arsenal couldn't convert any of their numerous chances due to real issues with accuracy. As well as Arsenal's problems with aiming Sunderland refused to give space and time and were working hard for a point and their manager.
As much as Arsenal tried to score a winner they simply couldn't get the goal they needed and despite dominating the game they had to settle for a point. Despite only getting a point it's fair to say that Arsenal have signed some excellent players in Carzola, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud and the three really have potential to turn Arsenal into a very serious title threat. The team will gel well and has a lot of flair with real goal scoring threats. Write Arsenal off at your own peril.
Whilst Sunderland were out played for vast chunks of the game they played hard and played for their manager who appears to have the team doing what he wants them to. Whilst it's fair to say they were negative they knew they'd be out gunned if they tried to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal. If I was a Sunderland fan this year I'd have to say I'd be pretty relaxed with the knowledge that, at worst I'd be supporting a solid, mid table team with an excellent manager. Whilst it's true Sunderland haven't spent much they have a solid team there and I'd imagine O'Neill will be looking to bring in at least 1 more player, probably an attacker before the window closes just to strengthen his team.
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