Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool
An emotional week for Liverpool fans may not have ended perfectly for their team but picking up a point in The Stadium Light will have eased some of their worries about the immediate Premier League future.
The match started well for Liverpool who really should have opened the scoring through Fabio Borini early on though sadly the Italian striker failed to put away either of his 2 early chances. Despite the good start for the visitors it was actually Sunderland who took the lead thanks to Steven Fletcher, who bagged his 3rd goal from 2 starts since moving from Wolves.
Having fallen behind Liverpool searched desperately for an equaliser and came close a number of times as they began to really boss the game with Sunderland looking to counter. Despite coming close a number of times Liverpool really struggled to carve open the defense and the chances were rarely clear cut, despite forcing Simon Mignolet in to action a number of times.
Despite Sunderland holding firm for much of the game Liverpool did eventually manage to bag an equaliser via the always controversial Luis Suarez who had previously been booked for diving. After the scores were level Liverpool looked like the only team likely to score a winner though they couldn't find a second goal despite trying to turn the screw.
Sunderland, just like Stoke bizarrely, are still unbeaten but with out a single victory, however they have taken a point from both Liverpool and Arsenal which was perhaps a little unexpected. The addition of Steven Fletcher to the team gives them what appears to be a real hit man up front capable of scoring the goals Sunderland need to make an impact in the Premier League this year.
Liverpool may not be a team who are going to challenge for a Premier League title but Brendon Rodgers is bringing his team along well. They are lacking a striker, Borini is, to be polite, not Premier League quality and whilst Suarez is a good player he's not a true goalscorer (and he's also a player who appears to have a poor temperament). Unless Liverpool can find an out and out goalscorer in the next few months they are going to struggle to win games against teams who have solid defenses. Don't get me wrong they play some beautiful football but they aren't a team with a lot of goals in them.
Showing posts with label Liverpool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liverpool. Show all posts
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Friday, 14 September 2012
Premier League Week 4-Preview and prediction (Sunderland v Liverpool)
Sunderland is the venue for our late kick off this Saturday as the Black Cats host a Liverpool team who desperately need a win to kick start their season after a hugely disappointing start to Brendon Rodgers' reign and a massively emotional week.
Despite sitting 13th in the Premier League Sunderland are actually unbeaten having picked up draws against both Arsenal (0-0) and high flying Swansea (2-2) as they showed both defensive toughness (against Arsenal) and a serious offensive threat through Steven Fletcher. They will certainly be looking to pick up their first league win against a very nervous looking Liverpool.
Whilst the quality of Martin O'Neill is well known the fact that Sunderland's squad is also strong is something that appears to often be over-looked. With international players littered throughout the team they really don't have any glaring weaknesses, although they may struggle to score a huge number of goals, despite the threat of Fletcher. This was an issue last season as well with just 45 Premier League goals (tied 13th best). This is somewhat countered however by the strong defensive line of John O'Shea, Carlos Cuellar and Belgian Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Having finished 13th in the Premier League last season Sunderland will be looking to build on a successful mid-table finish. The Sunderland fans will be hoping that, like last season, their team will be strong at home (where they picked up 28 of their 45 points) and if they are, they will hoping to secure another win at home against Liverpool.
For Liverpool fans this past week has been about much, much more than just football, it's been about justice. Having finally had the truth about the Hillsborough tragedy more than 20 years ago they will be hoping their team start to show the form that they remember from that era. Sadly however Liverpool have really struggled on the pitch this season having only picked up a single point from their 3 games so far.
Brendon Rodgers has got Liverpool playing some genuinely gorgeous football, with some beautiful passing and movement but the results sadly hadn't followed their performances, most notable their 2-2 draw with Manchester City. Sadly for Liverpool they have shown a knack of making really major errors in games, giving away goals and penalties at an alarming rate and undoing all their good work.
Whilst Liverpool have a solid and experienced team they just need to start getting results sooner rather than later or they will find themselves questioning their own ability, a real problem at Liverpool in recent years. Whilst we all know last season was disappointing (with an 8th placed finish) it sadly followed finishes of 6th and 7th in the previous 2 years and has seen them going through a number of managers one after the other, a real issue.
I wouldn't write Liverpool off here as the team hopefully will react positively after the news of this previous week, however unless they really start to click they will struggle with a solid Sunderland team.
Kick-Off: 17:30
Prediction: 1-0
Expected Line Ups:
Sunderland-
Mignolet, Gardner, O'Shea, Cuellar, Rose, Johnson, Cattermole, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon, Fletcher (4-4-2)
Liverpool-
Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique, Gerrard, Sahin, Allen, Borini, Suarez, Sterling (4-4-2)
Notes:Sunderland have won 2 of the last 3 games against Liverpool at the Stadium of Light
A loss for Liverpool would signify their worst start to a league season in over 100 years.
Players to watch out for-
Sunderland:
Adam Johnson-The former Manchester City attacker adds a real level of class to the Sunderland squad and will be looking to force himself into the England mix after having rarely played for City last year. Whilst he is considered a doubt for the match, his inclusion will play a big part in whether or not Sunderland will be able to win the Midfield battle.
Steven Fletcher-Sunderland's major goal threat will be given a tough match by the Liverpool defense but he'll be a continual threat throughout the game, especially in the air. Whilst Fletcher isn't quick he is able to show his strength and bully defenders who are questioning themselves like the Liverpool defense will be.
Liverpool:
Raheem Sterling-There has been little to really celebrate on the pitch for Liverpool however the emergence of youngster Raheem Sterling has been one of those few things. The very promising youngster has looked sensational against both Manchester City and Arsenal and seems likely to be a threat to the Sunderland defense here. Keep an eye out for another out standing performance from this youngster.
Luis Suarez-The every controversial Uruguayan appears to be Liverpool's only proven attacker at the moment and a lot is resting on his shoulders. Sadly for Liverpool Suarez has so far been less than successful at finding the back of the goal, despite having had a number of great chances. If Suarez can't get his shooting boots on sooner, rather than later, Liverpool will seriously struggle.
Despite sitting 13th in the Premier League Sunderland are actually unbeaten having picked up draws against both Arsenal (0-0) and high flying Swansea (2-2) as they showed both defensive toughness (against Arsenal) and a serious offensive threat through Steven Fletcher. They will certainly be looking to pick up their first league win against a very nervous looking Liverpool.
Whilst the quality of Martin O'Neill is well known the fact that Sunderland's squad is also strong is something that appears to often be over-looked. With international players littered throughout the team they really don't have any glaring weaknesses, although they may struggle to score a huge number of goals, despite the threat of Fletcher. This was an issue last season as well with just 45 Premier League goals (tied 13th best). This is somewhat countered however by the strong defensive line of John O'Shea, Carlos Cuellar and Belgian Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Having finished 13th in the Premier League last season Sunderland will be looking to build on a successful mid-table finish. The Sunderland fans will be hoping that, like last season, their team will be strong at home (where they picked up 28 of their 45 points) and if they are, they will hoping to secure another win at home against Liverpool.
For Liverpool fans this past week has been about much, much more than just football, it's been about justice. Having finally had the truth about the Hillsborough tragedy more than 20 years ago they will be hoping their team start to show the form that they remember from that era. Sadly however Liverpool have really struggled on the pitch this season having only picked up a single point from their 3 games so far.
Brendon Rodgers has got Liverpool playing some genuinely gorgeous football, with some beautiful passing and movement but the results sadly hadn't followed their performances, most notable their 2-2 draw with Manchester City. Sadly for Liverpool they have shown a knack of making really major errors in games, giving away goals and penalties at an alarming rate and undoing all their good work.
Whilst Liverpool have a solid and experienced team they just need to start getting results sooner rather than later or they will find themselves questioning their own ability, a real problem at Liverpool in recent years. Whilst we all know last season was disappointing (with an 8th placed finish) it sadly followed finishes of 6th and 7th in the previous 2 years and has seen them going through a number of managers one after the other, a real issue.
I wouldn't write Liverpool off here as the team hopefully will react positively after the news of this previous week, however unless they really start to click they will struggle with a solid Sunderland team.
Kick-Off: 17:30
Prediction: 1-0
Expected Line Ups:
Sunderland-
Mignolet, Gardner, O'Shea, Cuellar, Rose, Johnson, Cattermole, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon, Fletcher (4-4-2)
Liverpool-
Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique, Gerrard, Sahin, Allen, Borini, Suarez, Sterling (4-4-2)
Notes:Sunderland have won 2 of the last 3 games against Liverpool at the Stadium of Light
A loss for Liverpool would signify their worst start to a league season in over 100 years.
Players to watch out for-
Sunderland:
Adam Johnson-The former Manchester City attacker adds a real level of class to the Sunderland squad and will be looking to force himself into the England mix after having rarely played for City last year. Whilst he is considered a doubt for the match, his inclusion will play a big part in whether or not Sunderland will be able to win the Midfield battle.
Steven Fletcher-Sunderland's major goal threat will be given a tough match by the Liverpool defense but he'll be a continual threat throughout the game, especially in the air. Whilst Fletcher isn't quick he is able to show his strength and bully defenders who are questioning themselves like the Liverpool defense will be.
Liverpool:
Raheem Sterling-There has been little to really celebrate on the pitch for Liverpool however the emergence of youngster Raheem Sterling has been one of those few things. The very promising youngster has looked sensational against both Manchester City and Arsenal and seems likely to be a threat to the Sunderland defense here. Keep an eye out for another out standing performance from this youngster.
Luis Suarez-The every controversial Uruguayan appears to be Liverpool's only proven attacker at the moment and a lot is resting on his shoulders. Sadly for Liverpool Suarez has so far been less than successful at finding the back of the goal, despite having had a number of great chances. If Suarez can't get his shooting boots on sooner, rather than later, Liverpool will seriously struggle.
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 Liverpool v Manchester City
Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
After being thumped 3-0 on the opening day of the season many, including myself had real fear for Liverpool as reigning Premier League champions Manchester City came to visit in the late kick off on Sunday. Although City themselves hadn't looked particularly good on their opening league fixture they had managed to defeat Southampton 3-2 in a very fun to watch fixture.
Things started badly for Brendon Rodgers' side with Lucas going off injured inside the first 5 minutes however Liverpool showed a real unity and drive and looked like a team with a point to prove. Lead by the Midfield pairing of Steven Gerrard and new signing Joe Allen, Liverpool quickly looked like the better team and with their wing backs raiding forward it seemed only a matter of team before the Red's would take the lead. Liverpool would eventually take the lead in around 34 minutes into the game thanks to a rocket header by Martin Skrtel following a Liverpool corner.
Going into half time Brendon Rodgers would have felt the job was half done, Liverpool had not only taken the lead but bossed the game and looked to be in charge. Their lead was undone around 20 minutes into the second half as Carlos Tevez's cross was finished off by Yaya Toure thanks to some very poor defending by Liverpool who appeared to switch off and were punished as a result.
It would take Liverpool just 3 minutes retake the lead as a Luis Suarez free kick from just outside the penalty area was perfectly placed into the bottom corner giving Joe Hart no chance at all. It was once again looking like Liverpool were in charge and they came close to going 3-1 up on a number of occasions though couldn't finish any of the chances off.
With 10 minutes of the match left Martin Skrtel went from hero to zero as he passed to Carlos Tevez who had no issues in going around Pepe Reina to equalise once more. From then on the game turned into an end-to-end struggle with both teams attacking hard looking for a winner though no one could score the decisive goal to seal 3 points.
Liverpool fans should be very happy at the performance, it was a massive improvement from their opening fixture however they will also feel massively disappointed by taking the 3 points from the match. They were the better team and they created the better chances however they twice shot themselves in the foot for the 2 Manchester City goals which were pretty much gifts for city. It'll be a bittersweet day for both Brendon Rodgers and Martin Skrtel, however the positives were there for Liverpool. Gerrard, Suarez, Allen and youngster Raheem Sterling were all excellent and hardly put a foot wrong between them, the team passed wonderfully and looked much like the team that Rodgers would have been wanting them to be. If they continue to improve they could be a very good team, however if this was just a case of "playing up to the champions" then I'd worry, sadly however we won't know about that for at least another week.
For Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini he will be very happy at earning a point here, though he will certainly see this as a point given to them rather than one they truly deserved. Up front they look good, Tevez came close with a shot that rolled across the line and though the strikers rarely got solid chances as the Liverpool defense held them well they looked like they had goals in them. Yaya Toure was again impressive (then again when isn't he?) and after coming on Jack Rodwell, Edin Dzeko and David Silva all changed the flow of the game. Sadly however the talking point about City isn't there attackers but instead their defense which again conceded two goals. This will need to be tightened up and soon if City are going to retain the Premier League title, you simply cannot expect to score 3 goals a game just to win matches. If they can sort out at the back then they certainly should be able to retain the title, if they keep conceding then they are really going to be in trouble
After being thumped 3-0 on the opening day of the season many, including myself had real fear for Liverpool as reigning Premier League champions Manchester City came to visit in the late kick off on Sunday. Although City themselves hadn't looked particularly good on their opening league fixture they had managed to defeat Southampton 3-2 in a very fun to watch fixture.
Things started badly for Brendon Rodgers' side with Lucas going off injured inside the first 5 minutes however Liverpool showed a real unity and drive and looked like a team with a point to prove. Lead by the Midfield pairing of Steven Gerrard and new signing Joe Allen, Liverpool quickly looked like the better team and with their wing backs raiding forward it seemed only a matter of team before the Red's would take the lead. Liverpool would eventually take the lead in around 34 minutes into the game thanks to a rocket header by Martin Skrtel following a Liverpool corner.
Going into half time Brendon Rodgers would have felt the job was half done, Liverpool had not only taken the lead but bossed the game and looked to be in charge. Their lead was undone around 20 minutes into the second half as Carlos Tevez's cross was finished off by Yaya Toure thanks to some very poor defending by Liverpool who appeared to switch off and were punished as a result.
It would take Liverpool just 3 minutes retake the lead as a Luis Suarez free kick from just outside the penalty area was perfectly placed into the bottom corner giving Joe Hart no chance at all. It was once again looking like Liverpool were in charge and they came close to going 3-1 up on a number of occasions though couldn't finish any of the chances off.
With 10 minutes of the match left Martin Skrtel went from hero to zero as he passed to Carlos Tevez who had no issues in going around Pepe Reina to equalise once more. From then on the game turned into an end-to-end struggle with both teams attacking hard looking for a winner though no one could score the decisive goal to seal 3 points.
Liverpool fans should be very happy at the performance, it was a massive improvement from their opening fixture however they will also feel massively disappointed by taking the 3 points from the match. They were the better team and they created the better chances however they twice shot themselves in the foot for the 2 Manchester City goals which were pretty much gifts for city. It'll be a bittersweet day for both Brendon Rodgers and Martin Skrtel, however the positives were there for Liverpool. Gerrard, Suarez, Allen and youngster Raheem Sterling were all excellent and hardly put a foot wrong between them, the team passed wonderfully and looked much like the team that Rodgers would have been wanting them to be. If they continue to improve they could be a very good team, however if this was just a case of "playing up to the champions" then I'd worry, sadly however we won't know about that for at least another week.
For Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini he will be very happy at earning a point here, though he will certainly see this as a point given to them rather than one they truly deserved. Up front they look good, Tevez came close with a shot that rolled across the line and though the strikers rarely got solid chances as the Liverpool defense held them well they looked like they had goals in them. Yaya Toure was again impressive (then again when isn't he?) and after coming on Jack Rodwell, Edin Dzeko and David Silva all changed the flow of the game. Sadly however the talking point about City isn't there attackers but instead their defense which again conceded two goals. This will need to be tightened up and soon if City are going to retain the Premier League title, you simply cannot expect to score 3 goals a game just to win matches. If they can sort out at the back then they certainly should be able to retain the title, if they keep conceding then they are really going to be in trouble
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 West Brom v Liverpool
West Brom 3-0 Liverpool
Having sacked Kenny Dalglish at the end of last season and brought in Brendon Rodgers expectations were high at Liverpool for this season, though as we all know things are never the way they should be for Liverpool where stunningly upset today in their league opener by West Brom.
Liverpool started well with the controversial Luis Suarez having a number of chances including an excellent headed chance to put Liverpool in the lead, though couldn't finish any of them. Instead of Suarez it was returning Zoltán Gera that opened the scoring with an excellent strike in the 43rd minute that may well be an early contender for goal of the season. The Hungarian let loose with a thunderbolt from outside the penalty area that gave Reina no chance.
In the second half West Brom had a fantastic chance to double their lead as Daniel Agger fouled Shane Long in the penalty area. Whilst Agger was given a straight red Long couldn't convert the penalty. It didn't take long however for West Brom to be given a second penalty after Martin Škrtel lost track of both the ball and Long. This time Peter Odemwinge stepped up to the spot and he didn't make the same mistake as his team smashing the ball into the bottom corner. The match was finally sealed around 15 minutes from time as Romelu Lukaku headed in a 3rd for West Brom.
Brendon Rodgers was expected to have a midas touch though signings Joe Allen and Fabio Borini both looked completely out of place on the pitch with the pair looking like 2 very expensive accessories. The combined £26 million spent on the two men is looking like a seriously bad move for Rodgers who will almost certainly get the fans on his back if he cannot turn things around quickly.
For West Brom's new manager Steve Clarke this must have been a dream start. Not only did he manage to defeat the team that got rid of him last year but he managed to make a real statement about his team, who will likely be expected to match last season's 10th place finish. The return of Gera (who had been out for 8 months) is a major positive for the Baggies and Lukaku is an excellent loan signing who will seriously give West Brom a threat up front. Don't be surprised if West Brom manage a number of upsets this year.
Having sacked Kenny Dalglish at the end of last season and brought in Brendon Rodgers expectations were high at Liverpool for this season, though as we all know things are never the way they should be for Liverpool where stunningly upset today in their league opener by West Brom.
Liverpool started well with the controversial Luis Suarez having a number of chances including an excellent headed chance to put Liverpool in the lead, though couldn't finish any of them. Instead of Suarez it was returning Zoltán Gera that opened the scoring with an excellent strike in the 43rd minute that may well be an early contender for goal of the season. The Hungarian let loose with a thunderbolt from outside the penalty area that gave Reina no chance.
In the second half West Brom had a fantastic chance to double their lead as Daniel Agger fouled Shane Long in the penalty area. Whilst Agger was given a straight red Long couldn't convert the penalty. It didn't take long however for West Brom to be given a second penalty after Martin Škrtel lost track of both the ball and Long. This time Peter Odemwinge stepped up to the spot and he didn't make the same mistake as his team smashing the ball into the bottom corner. The match was finally sealed around 15 minutes from time as Romelu Lukaku headed in a 3rd for West Brom.
Brendon Rodgers was expected to have a midas touch though signings Joe Allen and Fabio Borini both looked completely out of place on the pitch with the pair looking like 2 very expensive accessories. The combined £26 million spent on the two men is looking like a seriously bad move for Rodgers who will almost certainly get the fans on his back if he cannot turn things around quickly.
For West Brom's new manager Steve Clarke this must have been a dream start. Not only did he manage to defeat the team that got rid of him last year but he managed to make a real statement about his team, who will likely be expected to match last season's 10th place finish. The return of Gera (who had been out for 8 months) is a major positive for the Baggies and Lukaku is an excellent loan signing who will seriously give West Brom a threat up front. Don't be surprised if West Brom manage a number of upsets this year.
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