With all the players having played again for their clubs, it's time for us to look at our "Team of the Week" for week 2. Week two was, like the opening week, a surprising week in some ways but some performances really stood out:
Goalkeeper-Ali Al Habsi (Wigan)
The Omani Goalkeeper often seems to be one of the most of the most over-looked players in the Premier League but he was certainly responsible for Wigan taking home 3 points last weekend. The excellent stopper made a number of notable saves including an excellent one early on to deny Adam Lallana from breaking the deadlock. Fantastic performance.
Defence-Rafael (Manchester United)
The Manchester United wing back has often been criticised for his defensive skill though showed excellent ability both at the back and attacking as United defeated Fulham. Not only did Rafael show great attacking promise bagging a goal but he was also a key part of United's defense.
Defence-Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Chelsea's centre defense may have revolved around John Terry for years but it now seems like Gary Cahill is becoming the new rock at the back for the Blues. Cahill was solid at the back helping Chelsea to completely neutralise Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse and really proved just why Chelsea opened the cheque book to sign him.
Defence-Glen Johnson (Liverpool)
I'll admit I'm not a big Glen Johnson fan, especially at national level but his performance against Manchester City showed just how good Johnson on his day can be. He neutralised many of the Manchester City threats and linked up amazingly well with Raheem Sterling (see below) as Liverpool showed a huge improvement on their opening day fixture.
Defence-Angel Rangel (Swansea)
Swansea appear to be the surprise team of Premier League so far. Having already scored 8 goals it'd be easy to forget how good they've been at the back but they're yet to concede a goal thanks to the likes of Rangel who helped put the Swans up against West Ham at the weekend.
Midfielder-Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
The young Belgian already looks like the signing of the summer and the Chelsea new boy was again one of the keys to Chelsea's continued success. Not only did he create numerous opportunities against Newcastle (including Fernando Torres' goal) but he also opened his own account for Chelsea thanks to a penalty. Expect there to be much, much more to com from Hazard.
Midfielder-Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
Everton have gotten off to an excellent start to the season and much of that has been down to the continued threat of the Midfielder pairing of Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini. Whilst Pienaar ran much of the game it was the worry about Fellaini that helped give the South African so much time and space to work his magic.
Midfielder-Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United)
Attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa not only opened his Premier League account but again pulled the strings for Manchester United. Many had claimed that Kagawa was only at United to sell shirts, but it's quickly become apparent that he's there to score and create chances which he did excellently here.
Midfielder-Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
Wow. It was hard to describe the performance of Liverpool's youngster any other way than "wow" or "amazing". The youngster had a game to remember against Manchester City and really looked sensational down the wing pushing the Blues back. Whilst he had a man of the match performance I wouldn't rush him as he could end up taking a knock, but using him sparingly will bring Liverpool a lot of success.
Attack-Fernando Torres (Chelsea)
Well it suddenly appears that the sleeping giant has awoken. After receiving an unfortunate yellow card against Newcastle we suddenly saw the Torres of old as the Spaniard ripped the defenders to pieces before scoring a wonderful goal after linking with Eden Hazard. Torres looks to finally be enjoying his football once again and looks like a real threat once more. The Premier League has been warned.
Attack-Nikica Jelavic (Everton)
Everton's team really did look exceptional (not only with Pienaar and Fellaini in the middle but also Leighton Baines and Phil Neville at the back) and up front Nikica Jelavic once again proved that he's deadly on the ball. It was Jelavic's goal before half time against Aston Villa that secured the 3 points but his attacking run in the second half had the Villa defense on edge and saw Ciaran Clarke getting sent off, further secure Everton's place. near the top of the League table.
Manager of the Week-Brendon RodgersWhat a difference a week makes in the world of professional football. A week ago Liverpool were humiliated by a rampant West Brom side and yet this past weekend Liverpool were hugely unfortunate not to have taken 3 points against Manchester City, in fact barring a stupid mistake by Martin Skrtel Liverpool should have taken all 3 points. Rodger's men looked a completely different team, their passing was generally excellent and the work rate they showed was fantastic.
Showing posts with label Gary Cahil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gary Cahil. Show all posts
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Week 1-Wednesday Night Football As It Happened (Chelsea v Wigan)
Ful Time
Chelsea 4-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Guthrie (29)
Cahill (69)
Torres (81)
Ivanovic (90)
Chelsea GOAL!Chelsea break straight away from the Reading corner and catch The Royals at the wrong end of the pitch with Federici still in the Chelsea half. Eden Hazard makes a simple lay off for Branislav Ivanovic who scores his second in 2 games as the home team seal a very flattering 4-2 victory.
Chelsea 4-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Guthrie (29)
Cahill (69)
Torres (81)
Ivanovic (90)
Reading FreekickReading get another freekick, quite central and around 35 yards out. Ian Harte shoots and it deflects behind the Chelsea goal for a corner with Federici coming up for it.
Reading Freekick
With just a few minutes of stoppage time Reading have a free kick in a promising position, sad it's not one of Ian Harte's better efforts and comes to nothing.
Reading Substitution
Reading make their final substitution as Hal Robson-Kanu comes on to replace Garath McCleary as Reading seek a late equaliser.
Chelsea Substitution
Raul Meireles replaces Juan Mata with around 6 minutes left.
Chelsea GOAL!
We now have controversy. Ashley Cole makes an excellent pass to Juan Mata who instead of shooting lays across a weak cross that runs to fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres who is stood noticeably offside. Torres pops it in and Chelsea re-take the lead. When the Reading team look back over this they will feel very hard done by.
Chelsea 3-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Guthrie (29)
Cahill (69)
Torres (81)
Chelsea Chance
After some Chelsea pressure the ball breaks to Juan Mata who really should hit the target but ends up screw his shot well wide.
Reading Substitution
Reading make their first change as goal scorer Pavel Pogrebnyak is replaced by by fellow attacker Noel Hunt.
Chelsea GOAL!
Chelsea finally break through the Reading defence via the unexpected threat of defender Gary Cahill. The shot, taken at a distance, just seemed to slide away from Federici who really should have done better than he did.
Chelsea 2-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Guthrie (29)
Cahill (69)
Penalty Appeal
Oscar lays in Torres with an excellent little pass but Torres "shot" goes straight into a Reading defender with Torres appealing for a handball. The referee ignores the plea.
Yellow Card
The referee shows the second yellow card of the match, this one going to goalscorer Pavel Pogrebnyak.
Reading Corner
Reading get their first corner of the second half though it leads to nothing.
Chelsea Shot
Oscar attempts to make an early impact by taking a tame shot at the Reading goal that hardly extends Federici.
Yellow Card
The referee goes to his book for the first time in the match as he shows Reading's Jem Karacan a yellow card.
Chelsea Substitution
Brazilian attacker Oscar comes on to replace Ramires as Chelsea look to add to their attack with the first substitution of the match.
Chelsea Corner
Chelsea get their first corner of the match after some intense pressure on the Reading defense though, like much of Chelsea's offensive play it comes to nothing.
Chelsea Chance
Chelsea start the second half fast and within minutes get their first chance on the second half as Fernando Torres turns provider and lays off a very nice ball for Branislav Ivanovic who blasts his shot well over the ball.
Half Time Chelsea 1-2 Reading
Chelea's leaky home defense from last season (which conceded 24 goals in 19 games) appears to again be an issue as Reading unexpectedly lead 2-1 going into the half. Despite the fact Chelsea have had a number of chances they simply haven't been able to take them and, the penalty aside, Federici has had an easy game as Chelsea have simply been to wasteful.
Whilst Roberto Di Matteo may feel his men should be in the lead he will be unhappy about their inability to convert chances and will likely have a word or two with his attackers who have let the team down. Whilst their defense has been breached twice the first goal was simply unstoppable and the second was a huge error by Cech who shouldn't have been beaten by the freekick. Chelsea started really well though quickly slowed down and Reading managed to get a foot hold in the game before taking the lead. Chelsea will need to increase the pace if they wish to come back into this. Despite being down Eden Hazard has shined in the first half.
For Reading's Brian McDermott he will just tell his players to continue doing what they are doing, they are neutralising the attack of Chelsea pretty well and even the better Chelsea attacks are coming to nothing as the Royals get a bit of luck here and their. Despite going into the half time team talk as the happier manager McDermott could well feel annoyed that they aren't 3-1 up at the half after Pearce's fantastic chance late in the half. Pogrebnyak looks excellent up front and seems to be a real threat in and around the penalty area though McAnuff looks the biggest threat when he's running at the Chelsea defense and terrifying them with his pace.
Half Time Stats
Shots
Chelsea 8 Reading 5
On Target
Chelsea 4 Reading 3
Corners
Chelsea 0 Reading 3
Chelsea Chance
Eden Hazard makes an exceptional cross but Fernando Torres fails to get his header on target as another chance goes begging for the European Champions.
Freekick
Reading get a free kick which is taken by Ian Harte and it just whistle's inches away from the head of an on rushing Alex Pearce who could have doubled Reading's lead with any sort of a touch.
Reading Corner
Reading get their second corner in seconds though again it leads to nothing.
Reading Corner
Reading get their second corner of the game and despite it coming to nothing it was a significantly better corner than the previous one.
Freekick
Eden Hazard gets fouled to the edge of the Reading penalty area, the good cross is headed over by John Terry and goes out for a Reading goal kick.
Freekick and GOAL!
Chelsea defender John Terry is lucky not to receive a booking as he cynically ends a promising dribble by Reading's Jobi McAnuff. The resulting free kick, taken by Danny Guthrie takes a deflection but ends up going over the line to give Reading a very unexpected lead!
Chelsea 1-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebyan (25)
Guthrie (29)
Reading GOAL!
Russian forward Pavel Pogrebnyak equalises for Reading with an excellent heading from the centre of the penalty area. It came off his head like a rocket.
Chelsea 1-1 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Reading Corner
Reading pick up the first corner of the game, but it's easily taken by Chelsea's Petr Cech who hoists the ball up and Chelsea come close to doubling their lead.
Chelsea Penalty and GOAL!
Eden Hazard gets tripped by Chris Gunter and Chelsea are given their second penalty in successive games. Frank Lampard nets the penalty past Federici who manages to just get a slight finger tip on on the ball.
Chelsea 1-0 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Chelsea Chance
A Chelsea attack opens up the Reading defense for Ramires but he appears to have too many options before selecting the wrong one leaving Adam Federici with an easy save.
Chelsea Chance
Juan Mata plays through new signing Eden Hazard who tamely hits his shot wide of the Reading Goal as Chelsea open up the Reading defense within 2 minutes.
And we're off!
Our first midweek kick off of the season takes us to Stamford Bridge where European Champion's Chelsea host the recently promoted Reading with both teams looking for a win, which would take them to the top of the league until at least Sunday. As with the Monday night game (Everton v Manchester United) this will be an in depth "As it happened".
Chelsea-
Starting XI- Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Ramires, Eden Hazard, Mata, Torres
Subs-Turnbull, Essien, Romeu, Oscar, Meireles, Sturridge, Bertrand.
Reading-
Startin XI-Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, Karacan, McAnuff, Leigertwood, Guthrie, McCleary, Pogrebnyak
Subs- McCarthy, Mariappa, Le Fondre, Hunt, Tabb, Robson-Kanu, Cummings.
Referee-Lee Mason
Kick Off-19:45
Pre Match Odds
Match Odds
Chelsea 1/3
Draw 5/1
Reading 12/1
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 4/7
Under 13/10
A full preview of the match can be read here.
Chelsea 4-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Guthrie (29)
Cahill (69)
Torres (81)
Ivanovic (90)
Chelsea GOAL!Chelsea break straight away from the Reading corner and catch The Royals at the wrong end of the pitch with Federici still in the Chelsea half. Eden Hazard makes a simple lay off for Branislav Ivanovic who scores his second in 2 games as the home team seal a very flattering 4-2 victory.
Chelsea 4-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Guthrie (29)
Cahill (69)
Torres (81)
Ivanovic (90)
Reading FreekickReading get another freekick, quite central and around 35 yards out. Ian Harte shoots and it deflects behind the Chelsea goal for a corner with Federici coming up for it.
Reading Freekick
With just a few minutes of stoppage time Reading have a free kick in a promising position, sad it's not one of Ian Harte's better efforts and comes to nothing.
Reading Substitution
Reading make their final substitution as Hal Robson-Kanu comes on to replace Garath McCleary as Reading seek a late equaliser.
Chelsea Substitution
Raul Meireles replaces Juan Mata with around 6 minutes left.
Chelsea GOAL!
We now have controversy. Ashley Cole makes an excellent pass to Juan Mata who instead of shooting lays across a weak cross that runs to fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres who is stood noticeably offside. Torres pops it in and Chelsea re-take the lead. When the Reading team look back over this they will feel very hard done by.
Chelsea 3-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Guthrie (29)
Cahill (69)
Torres (81)
Chelsea Chance
After some Chelsea pressure the ball breaks to Juan Mata who really should hit the target but ends up screw his shot well wide.
Reading Substitution
Reading make their first change as goal scorer Pavel Pogrebnyak is replaced by by fellow attacker Noel Hunt.
Chelsea GOAL!
Chelsea finally break through the Reading defence via the unexpected threat of defender Gary Cahill. The shot, taken at a distance, just seemed to slide away from Federici who really should have done better than he did.
Chelsea 2-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Guthrie (29)
Cahill (69)
Penalty Appeal
Oscar lays in Torres with an excellent little pass but Torres "shot" goes straight into a Reading defender with Torres appealing for a handball. The referee ignores the plea.
Yellow Card
The referee shows the second yellow card of the match, this one going to goalscorer Pavel Pogrebnyak.
Reading Corner
Reading get their first corner of the second half though it leads to nothing.
Chelsea Shot
Oscar attempts to make an early impact by taking a tame shot at the Reading goal that hardly extends Federici.
Yellow Card
The referee goes to his book for the first time in the match as he shows Reading's Jem Karacan a yellow card.
Chelsea Substitution
Brazilian attacker Oscar comes on to replace Ramires as Chelsea look to add to their attack with the first substitution of the match.
Chelsea Corner
Chelsea get their first corner of the match after some intense pressure on the Reading defense though, like much of Chelsea's offensive play it comes to nothing.
Chelsea Chance
Chelsea start the second half fast and within minutes get their first chance on the second half as Fernando Torres turns provider and lays off a very nice ball for Branislav Ivanovic who blasts his shot well over the ball.
Half Time Chelsea 1-2 Reading
Chelea's leaky home defense from last season (which conceded 24 goals in 19 games) appears to again be an issue as Reading unexpectedly lead 2-1 going into the half. Despite the fact Chelsea have had a number of chances they simply haven't been able to take them and, the penalty aside, Federici has had an easy game as Chelsea have simply been to wasteful.
Whilst Roberto Di Matteo may feel his men should be in the lead he will be unhappy about their inability to convert chances and will likely have a word or two with his attackers who have let the team down. Whilst their defense has been breached twice the first goal was simply unstoppable and the second was a huge error by Cech who shouldn't have been beaten by the freekick. Chelsea started really well though quickly slowed down and Reading managed to get a foot hold in the game before taking the lead. Chelsea will need to increase the pace if they wish to come back into this. Despite being down Eden Hazard has shined in the first half.
For Reading's Brian McDermott he will just tell his players to continue doing what they are doing, they are neutralising the attack of Chelsea pretty well and even the better Chelsea attacks are coming to nothing as the Royals get a bit of luck here and their. Despite going into the half time team talk as the happier manager McDermott could well feel annoyed that they aren't 3-1 up at the half after Pearce's fantastic chance late in the half. Pogrebnyak looks excellent up front and seems to be a real threat in and around the penalty area though McAnuff looks the biggest threat when he's running at the Chelsea defense and terrifying them with his pace.
Half Time Stats
Shots
Chelsea 8 Reading 5
On Target
Chelsea 4 Reading 3
Corners
Chelsea 0 Reading 3
Chelsea Chance
Eden Hazard makes an exceptional cross but Fernando Torres fails to get his header on target as another chance goes begging for the European Champions.
Freekick
Reading get a free kick which is taken by Ian Harte and it just whistle's inches away from the head of an on rushing Alex Pearce who could have doubled Reading's lead with any sort of a touch.
Reading Corner
Reading get their second corner in seconds though again it leads to nothing.
Reading Corner
Reading get their second corner of the game and despite it coming to nothing it was a significantly better corner than the previous one.
Freekick
Eden Hazard gets fouled to the edge of the Reading penalty area, the good cross is headed over by John Terry and goes out for a Reading goal kick.
Freekick and GOAL!
Chelsea defender John Terry is lucky not to receive a booking as he cynically ends a promising dribble by Reading's Jobi McAnuff. The resulting free kick, taken by Danny Guthrie takes a deflection but ends up going over the line to give Reading a very unexpected lead!
Chelsea 1-2 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebyan (25)
Guthrie (29)
Reading GOAL!
Russian forward Pavel Pogrebnyak equalises for Reading with an excellent heading from the centre of the penalty area. It came off his head like a rocket.
Chelsea 1-1 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Pogrebnyak (25)
Reading Corner
Reading pick up the first corner of the game, but it's easily taken by Chelsea's Petr Cech who hoists the ball up and Chelsea come close to doubling their lead.
Chelsea Penalty and GOAL!
Eden Hazard gets tripped by Chris Gunter and Chelsea are given their second penalty in successive games. Frank Lampard nets the penalty past Federici who manages to just get a slight finger tip on on the ball.
Chelsea 1-0 Reading
Lampard (18)-Pen
Chelsea Chance
A Chelsea attack opens up the Reading defense for Ramires but he appears to have too many options before selecting the wrong one leaving Adam Federici with an easy save.
Chelsea Chance
Juan Mata plays through new signing Eden Hazard who tamely hits his shot wide of the Reading Goal as Chelsea open up the Reading defense within 2 minutes.
And we're off!
Our first midweek kick off of the season takes us to Stamford Bridge where European Champion's Chelsea host the recently promoted Reading with both teams looking for a win, which would take them to the top of the league until at least Sunday. As with the Monday night game (Everton v Manchester United) this will be an in depth "As it happened".
Chelsea-
Starting XI- Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Ramires, Eden Hazard, Mata, Torres
Subs-Turnbull, Essien, Romeu, Oscar, Meireles, Sturridge, Bertrand.
Reading-
Startin XI-Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, Karacan, McAnuff, Leigertwood, Guthrie, McCleary, Pogrebnyak
Subs- McCarthy, Mariappa, Le Fondre, Hunt, Tabb, Robson-Kanu, Cummings.
Referee-Lee Mason
Kick Off-19:45
Pre Match Odds
Match Odds
Chelsea 1/3
Draw 5/1
Reading 12/1
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 4/7
Under 13/10
A full preview of the match can be read here.
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