Fulltimes
Southampton 4-1 Aston Villa
Wigan 1-2 Fulham
West Ham 1-1 Sunderland
West Brom 1-0 Reading
Chelsea 1-0 Stoke
Goal!
Southampton complete and emphatic comeback by netting a fourth, via a Steven Fletcher penalty. What a signing Fletcher appears to be!
Southampton 4-1 Aston Villa
Bent (25)
Lambert (58, 90-pen)
Puncheon (72)
Yellow Card!
Chris Baird picks up a late booking as as Fulham hold on to their slender lead.
Goal!
Wigan have picked up a late consolation as Arouna Koné nets against Fulham
Wigan 1-2 FulhamRodallega (32)
Duff (68)
Kone (90)
Yellow Card!
Jussi Jääskeläinen picks up a late booking just moments after West Ham's equaliser.
Goal!
West Ham have left it late, but have managed to equalise thanks to Kevin Nolan
West Ham 1-1 Sunderland
Fletcher (10)
Nolan (90)
Yellow Card!
David Luiz picks up Chelsea's second yellow card.
Yellow Card!
Claudio Yacob picks up a late booking at West Brom try to hold on.
Yellow Card!
Winston Reid picks up West Hams first booking of the match.
Goal!
Chelsea have taken the lead against Stoke thanks to Ashley Cole.
Chelsea 1-0 Stoke
Cole (85)
Goal!
Jason Puncheon appears to have sealed the points for Southampton as they go 3-1 up.
Southampton 3-1 Aston Villa
Bent (35)
Lambert (58)
Clyne (63)
Puncheon (72)
Goal!
Romelu Lukaku finally breaks the deadlock as West Brom take the lead against Reading.
West Brom 1-0 Reading
Lukaku (71)
Yellow Card!
Steve Sidwell gets pics up a yellow just moments after Fulham pick up their second goal.
Goal!
Fulham double their lead against Wigan thanks to Damien Duff who has scored his 3rd goal of the season.
Wigan 0-2 Fulham
Rodallega (32)
Duff (68)
Yellow Card!
Nathaniel Clyne picks up a yellow card to go with his goal.
Goal!
Nathaniel Clyne puts Southampton in to the lead for the first time today as they go 2-1 against Aston Villa
Southampton 2-1 Aston Villa
Bent (35)
Lamber (58)
Clyne (63)
Yellow Card!
Craig Gardner gets his name taken as Sunderland remain ahead against West Ham.
Goal!
Ricky Lambert equalises for Southampton against Aston Villa.
Southampton 1-1 Aston Villa
Bent (35)
Lamber (58)
Booking
Eric Lichaj picks up a yellow card.
Yellow Card!
Oscar is booked for simulation. Harsh booking.
Half Times
Chelsea 0-0 Stoke
Southampton 0-1 Aston Villa
West Brom 0-0 Reading
West Ham 0-1 Sunderland
Wigan 0-1 Fulham
Yellow Card!
Aaron Hughes picks up the first booking of the Wigan v Fulham match.
Yellow Card!
Ron Vlaar picks up the first booking of the game between Southampton and Aston Villa
Goal!
Darren Bent puts Aston Villa in the lead against Southampton.
Southampton 0-1 Aston Villa
Bent (36)
Goal!
Fulham take the lead against Wigan as Hugo Rodallega scores against his former team.
Wigan 0-1 Fulham
Rodellega (32)
Yellow Card!
Charlie Adam picks up the first yellow card of Chelsea v Stoke match up.
Goal!
Steven Fletcher keeps up his amazing form and scores the first goal from the 15:00 kick offs by putting Sunderland up against West Ham.
West Ham 0-1 Sunderland
Fletcher (10)
Kicks offs!
We are now off at all the 15:00 kick offs! Remember folks we have no late kick off this evening.
Full time
Swansea 0-3 Everton
A well deserved victory for Everton who were the better team from the first whistle until the last.
Goal!
Finally Everton finish it off after a Leighton Baines free kick is headed by Marouane Fellaini, whilst the header appears to have taken a deflection it's surely a goal for the big Belgian.
Swansea 0-3 Everton
Anichebe (21)
Mirallas (43)
Fellaini (82)
How is this not over?
Everton have continued to dominate but still can't find a 3rd goal. They really should be out of sight by now in all honesty...
Yellow Card!
Leon Osman picks up Everton's first booking of the match.
Chance!
Great chance for Marouane Fellaini but he somehow misses.
Yellow Card!
Michu picks up a needless booking and Swansea may be lucky to finish with 10 men here!
Sending off!
Nathan Dyer came on at half time...and now goes off for a very early shower having picked up a second yellow card in just minutes.
Yellow Card!
Angel Rangel becomes the latest name into the referees book. Swansea now have 4 yellows.
Yellow Card!
Nathan Dyer gets his name taken by the referee for dissent.
Save!
Tim Howard may not have had a lot to do but what he's had to has been exceptional as he turns a Swansea shot behind for a corner.
Close!
How are Everton not 3-0 up? They came close 2 or 3 times there and really should have finished off the game!
Second Half
We are now under way for the second half, can Swansea find their way back in to this?
Half time
Swansea 0-2 Everton
Despite the fact that Swansea had some chances late on, they were thoroughly dominated by Everton who looked exceptional. 2-0 is probably a fair reflection of Everton's domination of the game however Swansea have had noteworthy chances and do seem to pose a threat when they do have the ball, though they don't seem to have it much.
Close!
Swansea come close to getting one back just before half time but Tim Howard keeps the the home side out.
Goal!
Everton double their lead as Kevin Mirallas bangs in his own rebound after hitting the woodwork. It was, in all honesty, the least that Everton deserved.
Swansea 0-2 Everton
Anichebe (21)
Mirallas (43)
Chance!
Swansea have their best chance but Michu heads over.
Game on!
For the first time in the match Swansea some solid pressure and appeal for a penalty however it all comes to nothing and Everton counter quickly. It seems like Swansea have finally woken up!
Yellow Card!
Everton's pressure is building as they look to double their lead and their attack has brought a foul by Ki Sung-Yueng who gets booked as a result. Swansea starting to look very frustrated.
Goal!
Just as I type that it's still 0-0 Everton take the lead after Marouane Fellaini gives the Swansea defense real problems before laying it off to Victor Anichebe who puts it past Michael Vorm.
Swansea 0-1 Everton
Anichebe (22)
Still 0-0
Everton have been bossing the first 20 minutes but have yet to manage to score.
Yellow Card!
Ashley Williams hasn't has a great start to the season and now he's very fortunate to still be on the pitch after a poor challenge. Was he the last man?
Close!
Kevin Mirallas comes close for Everton who have started very fast and could well have been 2-0 up inside the first 5 minutes.
Close!
Everton almost make an early break through via Victor Anichebe but Michael Vorm is equal to it.
Welcome to week 5 of the Premier League, our early kick off today sees Swansea, who are trying to bounce back from their loss last weekend to Aston Villa play Everton who were unfortunate in their last game (2-2 with Newcastle).
We now have kick off!
Showing posts with label Marouane Fellaini. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marouane Fellaini. Show all posts
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Friday, 21 September 2012
Premier League Week 4-Write up Everton v Newcastle
Everton 2-2 Newcastle
At it's best live sport is the best form of drama and we saw exactly why in this game as Everton were controversially denied victory against Newcastle in one of the truly outstanding games of the season so far.
Everton started the match quickly and took charge of the match from the opening whistle. Just moments after the kick off Everton had the ball in the goal thanks to Nikica Jelavic, however, the linesman rightly spotted him in an offside position disallowing the goal, it was to be one of 5 times Everton were to have the ball in the net.
Despite having Jelavics' "goal" disallowed it wouldn't be long before Everton did take the lead through Leighton Baines who finished off an excellent move with Steven Pienaar. It seemed almost certain that Everton were going to extend their lead before the half time mark, and with their dominance they probably should have done, but Newcastle did well to keep the score at 1-0.
The second half started like a completely different game and Newcastle came out like a house on fire. With in moments of the restart they came close, soon afterwards they Demba Ba equalised and the game seemed like it was flipped on it's head. Everton, who had thoroughly dominated the first half struggled to get the ball and it looked almost certain that Newcastle were going to score next and take the win.
Despite looking shell shocked, Everton battled their way back into the game and appeared to have taken the lead as Marouane Fellaini put in from a pass by Pienaar. Sadly this was ruled as offside, though replays suggest that the Belgian was onside and should have been given the benefit of the doubt. This decision appeared to really frustrate Everton who should have taken the lead again after Victor Anichebe's header crossed the line only for it not to be seen by the linesman. Both of these decisions really cost Everton who should have been 3-1 up.
Everton would finally score their second goal as Anichebe managed to put the Toffees in the lead just minutes from the end, sadly however Everton were caught napping traight from the restart and Newcastle grabbed an equaliser just minutes later as the match finished 2-2, with a lot of people looking at the officiating.
David Moyes has every right to feel annoyed at the officiating however he needs to really look at his own team who conceded just minutes after taking a 2-1 lead an appearing to claim all 3 points. It was a lapse of concentration that cost them just as much as poor officiating. He will however be pleased by the fact that Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines were both tremendous througout the game.
Whilst Newcastle were very lucky their manager has to be happy. Not only were they the better team in the second half, but they also showed real fighting spirit to come from behind twice. They refused to be beaten and it's a real quality that they will need to show time and time again if they are to eclipse last seasons final position.
At it's best live sport is the best form of drama and we saw exactly why in this game as Everton were controversially denied victory against Newcastle in one of the truly outstanding games of the season so far.
Everton started the match quickly and took charge of the match from the opening whistle. Just moments after the kick off Everton had the ball in the goal thanks to Nikica Jelavic, however, the linesman rightly spotted him in an offside position disallowing the goal, it was to be one of 5 times Everton were to have the ball in the net.
Despite having Jelavics' "goal" disallowed it wouldn't be long before Everton did take the lead through Leighton Baines who finished off an excellent move with Steven Pienaar. It seemed almost certain that Everton were going to extend their lead before the half time mark, and with their dominance they probably should have done, but Newcastle did well to keep the score at 1-0.
The second half started like a completely different game and Newcastle came out like a house on fire. With in moments of the restart they came close, soon afterwards they Demba Ba equalised and the game seemed like it was flipped on it's head. Everton, who had thoroughly dominated the first half struggled to get the ball and it looked almost certain that Newcastle were going to score next and take the win.
Despite looking shell shocked, Everton battled their way back into the game and appeared to have taken the lead as Marouane Fellaini put in from a pass by Pienaar. Sadly this was ruled as offside, though replays suggest that the Belgian was onside and should have been given the benefit of the doubt. This decision appeared to really frustrate Everton who should have taken the lead again after Victor Anichebe's header crossed the line only for it not to be seen by the linesman. Both of these decisions really cost Everton who should have been 3-1 up.
Everton would finally score their second goal as Anichebe managed to put the Toffees in the lead just minutes from the end, sadly however Everton were caught napping traight from the restart and Newcastle grabbed an equaliser just minutes later as the match finished 2-2, with a lot of people looking at the officiating.
David Moyes has every right to feel annoyed at the officiating however he needs to really look at his own team who conceded just minutes after taking a 2-1 lead an appearing to claim all 3 points. It was a lapse of concentration that cost them just as much as poor officiating. He will however be pleased by the fact that Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines were both tremendous througout the game.
Whilst Newcastle were very lucky their manager has to be happy. Not only were they the better team in the second half, but they also showed real fighting spirit to come from behind twice. They refused to be beaten and it's a real quality that they will need to show time and time again if they are to eclipse last seasons final position.
Monday, 17 September 2012
Premier League Week 4-As it Happens (Monday)
Full time
Everton 2-2 NewcastleThis is what Premier League football is about! We had high octane football, especially in the second half, we had real controversy with Everton having 2 goals unfairly disallowed and we had massive shifts in emotion. What more can we ask for from sport? This may not be remembered at the end of the season but this has seriously been one of the best matches of the season!
SubstitutionNewcastle make their final substitution as Yohan Cabaye is replaced by Gaël Bigirimana
Goal!
Everton's lead has lasted almost no time at all as some awful defending allows Demba Ba to net his second of the match.
Everton 2-2 Newcastle
Baines (15)
Ba (49, 90)
Anichebe (88)
Goal!
Everton finally have their second and the linesman cannot save Newcastle this time! Victor Anichebe (who's goal was disallowed just minutes ago) has quite probably secured the points for Everton.
Everton 2-1 Newcastle
Baines (15)
Ba (49)
Anichebe (88)
Yellow Card!
Shola Ameobi swiftly becomes the sixth booking of the match.
Yellow Card!
Marouane Fellaini picks up the fifth booking of the match.
Substitution
Pappiss Cisse is replaced by Shola Ameobi
Yellow card
Steven Pienaar "takes one for the team" as he breaks down a Newcastle counter
Goal! Oh noes
Everton have a goal...right? Surely? Nope the linesman fails to see the ball is a good foot over the line. Everton will feel very, very aggrieved if they fail to bag 3 points now.
Close!
Leon Osman takes a side footed shot from just outside the penalty area, the shot just rolls wide of the post.
Corner
Newcastle continue to push for the win and get another corner, this one floats over everyone.
Corner
Everton get a corner, but Newcastle defend it well.
Close
Newcastle come close to taking the lead after some excellent innovative play. This is very end-to-end now.
Goal! Oh noes!
Marouane Fellaini puts the balls into the Newcastle net...but there's a flag. Very close and it looks on replay as if he was onside.
Corner
Newcastle gain their first corner of the match and it's cleared fairly easily.
Corner
Everton are wanting to reclaim the lead and force a corner but nothing comes of it.
Goal !
Newcastle have stormed out for the second half and it's taken them less than 5 minutes of the second half to equalise as Demba Ba, who came on as a half time sub, nets the equaliser.
Everton 1-1 Newcastle
Baines (15)
Ba (49)
Half Time
Everton 1-0 Newcastle
Despite being in the lead Everton may feel a little bit unfortunate not to be 2 or even 3 up after dominating the first 45 minutes. Both Steven Piernaar and Leighton Baines have been exceptional, in fact it's probably fair to say that Baines has claimed the Man of the Match in just the first half having scored one and prevented a clear Newcastle chance.
Everton Substitution
Nikica Jelavić has been in the wars from the off and has to limp off to be replaced by Victor Anichebe.
Close!
Everton come close once again with Steven Pienaar's shot going wide whilst Leon Osman screamed for the ball.
Yellow Card
James Perch picks up the the third yellow card of the game.
Close!
Newcastle come incredibly close as Leighton Baines is forced to clear off his own line.
Penalty appeal
Leon Osman goes down and Everton look for the penalty by Mike Jones makes the correct decision.
Close!
Everton come close to doubling their lead via Phil Jagielka who's shot just drifts wide.
Yellow Card!
Vernon Anita receives Newcastle's first yellow card of the game.
Corner
Everton get a corner but nothing comes from it.
Goal!
Everton do now take the lead as Steven Pienaar plays an excellent pass before Leighton Baines finishes the attack. A well deserved goal for Everton.
Everton 1-0 Newcastle
Baines (15)
Yellow Card!
Phil Neville picks up the first booking of the inside 7 minutes. He'll have to watch himself now.
Goal!...oh no
Nikica Jelavić puts the ball in the net inside the first 2 minutes but is judged to have been off side. The Croatian clatters into the post and appears to be in real pain.
We have one game tonight as Everton host Newcastle in a very interesting match up. And we have kick off.
Everton 2-2 NewcastleThis is what Premier League football is about! We had high octane football, especially in the second half, we had real controversy with Everton having 2 goals unfairly disallowed and we had massive shifts in emotion. What more can we ask for from sport? This may not be remembered at the end of the season but this has seriously been one of the best matches of the season!
SubstitutionNewcastle make their final substitution as Yohan Cabaye is replaced by Gaël Bigirimana
Goal!
Everton's lead has lasted almost no time at all as some awful defending allows Demba Ba to net his second of the match.
Everton 2-2 Newcastle
Baines (15)
Ba (49, 90)
Anichebe (88)
Goal!
Everton finally have their second and the linesman cannot save Newcastle this time! Victor Anichebe (who's goal was disallowed just minutes ago) has quite probably secured the points for Everton.
Everton 2-1 Newcastle
Baines (15)
Ba (49)
Anichebe (88)
Yellow Card!
Shola Ameobi swiftly becomes the sixth booking of the match.
Yellow Card!
Marouane Fellaini picks up the fifth booking of the match.
Substitution
Pappiss Cisse is replaced by Shola Ameobi
Yellow card
Steven Pienaar "takes one for the team" as he breaks down a Newcastle counter
Goal! Oh noes
Everton have a goal...right? Surely? Nope the linesman fails to see the ball is a good foot over the line. Everton will feel very, very aggrieved if they fail to bag 3 points now.
Close!
Leon Osman takes a side footed shot from just outside the penalty area, the shot just rolls wide of the post.
Corner
Newcastle continue to push for the win and get another corner, this one floats over everyone.
Corner
Everton get a corner, but Newcastle defend it well.
Close
Newcastle come close to taking the lead after some excellent innovative play. This is very end-to-end now.
Goal! Oh noes!
Marouane Fellaini puts the balls into the Newcastle net...but there's a flag. Very close and it looks on replay as if he was onside.
Corner
Newcastle gain their first corner of the match and it's cleared fairly easily.
Corner
Everton are wanting to reclaim the lead and force a corner but nothing comes of it.
Goal !
Newcastle have stormed out for the second half and it's taken them less than 5 minutes of the second half to equalise as Demba Ba, who came on as a half time sub, nets the equaliser.
Everton 1-1 Newcastle
Baines (15)
Ba (49)
Half Time
Everton 1-0 Newcastle
Despite being in the lead Everton may feel a little bit unfortunate not to be 2 or even 3 up after dominating the first 45 minutes. Both Steven Piernaar and Leighton Baines have been exceptional, in fact it's probably fair to say that Baines has claimed the Man of the Match in just the first half having scored one and prevented a clear Newcastle chance.
Everton Substitution
Nikica Jelavić has been in the wars from the off and has to limp off to be replaced by Victor Anichebe.
Close!
Everton come close once again with Steven Pienaar's shot going wide whilst Leon Osman screamed for the ball.
Yellow Card
James Perch picks up the the third yellow card of the game.
Close!
Newcastle come incredibly close as Leighton Baines is forced to clear off his own line.
Penalty appeal
Leon Osman goes down and Everton look for the penalty by Mike Jones makes the correct decision.
Close!
Everton come close to doubling their lead via Phil Jagielka who's shot just drifts wide.
Yellow Card!
Vernon Anita receives Newcastle's first yellow card of the game.
Corner
Everton get a corner but nothing comes from it.
Goal!
Everton do now take the lead as Steven Pienaar plays an excellent pass before Leighton Baines finishes the attack. A well deserved goal for Everton.
Everton 1-0 Newcastle
Baines (15)
Yellow Card!
Phil Neville picks up the first booking of the inside 7 minutes. He'll have to watch himself now.
Goal!...oh no
Nikica Jelavić puts the ball in the net inside the first 2 minutes but is judged to have been off side. The Croatian clatters into the post and appears to be in real pain.
We have one game tonight as Everton host Newcastle in a very interesting match up. And we have kick off.
Saturday, 1 September 2012
Premier League Week 3-Write up West Brom v Everton
West Brom 2-0 Everton
Everton had started the Premier League campaign on fire with a huge upset win over Manchester United followed by a 3-1 drubbing over Villa, it was widely expected that they'd make it 3 from 3. Like Everton West Brom had also secured an upset in their first game of the season defeating Liverpool 3-0 before getting a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, this was a clash of unbeatens.
Despite both of these teams being early pace setters in the Premier League neither team really started fast though West Brom really should have been ahead before going in at half time level 0-0. The major talking point of the first half however wasn't a chance but instead the early substitution of Darron Gibson who only lasted around 20 minutes before Tony Hibbert replaced him.
Everton had a great chance around 20 minutes into the second half as the ball fell for Marouane Fellaini who hit his chance over the goal. The Baggies soon made the visitors pay for missing the opportunity with Shane Long scoring just minutes later as the home side broke the deadlock. Around 17 minutes later West Brom doubled their lead and sealed the well deserved 3 points thanks to Gareth McAuley's header with less than 10 minutes left.
West Brom manager Steve Clarke will be smiling from ear to ear having had West Brom's best ever start to a Premier League season bagging 7 points in his opening 3 games as manager and already securing wins over both Merseyside clubs. Steve Clarke's team are not only unbeaten but are also scoring relatively easily with 6 goals for and only 1 against, this is a team who are really looking well organised even if they do lack an out and out goal scorer.
David Moyes will not be best pleased at his team's performance as they looked a shadow of the side who won their opening 2 games. Their attack looked much, much poorer than it had looked in previous games and whilst Kevin Mirallas did make an impact he couldn't create a goal. It's fair to assume however that this will just be a blip and Moyes will not be too concerned with the loss against a Baggies side that did much worse to Liverpool.
Everton had started the Premier League campaign on fire with a huge upset win over Manchester United followed by a 3-1 drubbing over Villa, it was widely expected that they'd make it 3 from 3. Like Everton West Brom had also secured an upset in their first game of the season defeating Liverpool 3-0 before getting a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, this was a clash of unbeatens.
Despite both of these teams being early pace setters in the Premier League neither team really started fast though West Brom really should have been ahead before going in at half time level 0-0. The major talking point of the first half however wasn't a chance but instead the early substitution of Darron Gibson who only lasted around 20 minutes before Tony Hibbert replaced him.
Everton had a great chance around 20 minutes into the second half as the ball fell for Marouane Fellaini who hit his chance over the goal. The Baggies soon made the visitors pay for missing the opportunity with Shane Long scoring just minutes later as the home side broke the deadlock. Around 17 minutes later West Brom doubled their lead and sealed the well deserved 3 points thanks to Gareth McAuley's header with less than 10 minutes left.
West Brom manager Steve Clarke will be smiling from ear to ear having had West Brom's best ever start to a Premier League season bagging 7 points in his opening 3 games as manager and already securing wins over both Merseyside clubs. Steve Clarke's team are not only unbeaten but are also scoring relatively easily with 6 goals for and only 1 against, this is a team who are really looking well organised even if they do lack an out and out goal scorer.
David Moyes will not be best pleased at his team's performance as they looked a shadow of the side who won their opening 2 games. Their attack looked much, much poorer than it had looked in previous games and whilst Kevin Mirallas did make an impact he couldn't create a goal. It's fair to assume however that this will just be a blip and Moyes will not be too concerned with the loss against a Baggies side that did much worse to Liverpool.
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Premier League-Team of the Week, Week 2
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.
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.
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Premier League Week 2-Write up Aston Villa v Everton
Aston Villa 1-3 Everton
It maybe early in the season with just 2 games gone but alarm bells need to be ringing at Villa Park with their team really struggling. Their opening day defeat to West Ham made Villa look toothless, they didn't look any better here as Everton put them to the sword and showed that they didn't just fluke their victory over Manchester United.
The Villa defense looked awful last weekend and they didn't look much better here as Everton took them to the cleaners in the opening half. It took less than 3 minutes for Everton to open the scoring for the day as Steven Pienaar netted a real beauty from outside the penalty area. Whilst the shot it's self was near unstoppable Pienaar was allowed too much space and took full advantage. Everton doubled their lead a little thanks to a major mistake by Shay Given who let Marouane Fellaini's header go right through him. Whilst Given didn't stand a chance for the first goal, he should have stopped the second. Everton added a 3rd before half time thanks to Nikica Jelavic who escaped from his man to put in a Leighton Baines cut back and seal the points.
Things went from bad to worse for Villa when Ciaran Clark got sent off in the second half for a foul on Jelavic who appeared to be through on goal. With 10 men Villa did manage to show something and scored their first goal of the season as new signing Karim El Ahmadi opened his account, however in all honesty Tim Howard should have saved the shot.
Villa fans will be sick to death with their managerial merry-go-round that has plagued them in recent years, sadly however Paul Lambert isn't looking like the man for the job. Lambert has brought in a host of new signings and sadly it seems none of them have really settled yet, in fact it seems like no one is settled. Defensively Villa look awful and up front they simply have no penetration, in fact they only managed a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes. It may be early but Lambert may well be leading the sack race.
Before the season kicked off I really doubted Everton, I thought the loss of Tim Cahill would really make the team struggle. Instead however it seems to have really lit a fire under Marouane Fellaini who was once again exceptional as Everton dominated for the second game in a row. In attack Everton look genuinely scary, Fellaini, Jelavic and Pienaar all look like they will be bagging goals for fun this year and at the back Leighton Baines and Phil Neville look like they are having roaming up and down the flanks. This Everton team are already showing signs of a team going places. Despite their almost crippling financial position the team look brilliant and David Moyes needs to be seriously applauded for getting the usually starting Everton off to a fantastic start this season.
It maybe early in the season with just 2 games gone but alarm bells need to be ringing at Villa Park with their team really struggling. Their opening day defeat to West Ham made Villa look toothless, they didn't look any better here as Everton put them to the sword and showed that they didn't just fluke their victory over Manchester United.
The Villa defense looked awful last weekend and they didn't look much better here as Everton took them to the cleaners in the opening half. It took less than 3 minutes for Everton to open the scoring for the day as Steven Pienaar netted a real beauty from outside the penalty area. Whilst the shot it's self was near unstoppable Pienaar was allowed too much space and took full advantage. Everton doubled their lead a little thanks to a major mistake by Shay Given who let Marouane Fellaini's header go right through him. Whilst Given didn't stand a chance for the first goal, he should have stopped the second. Everton added a 3rd before half time thanks to Nikica Jelavic who escaped from his man to put in a Leighton Baines cut back and seal the points.
Things went from bad to worse for Villa when Ciaran Clark got sent off in the second half for a foul on Jelavic who appeared to be through on goal. With 10 men Villa did manage to show something and scored their first goal of the season as new signing Karim El Ahmadi opened his account, however in all honesty Tim Howard should have saved the shot.
Villa fans will be sick to death with their managerial merry-go-round that has plagued them in recent years, sadly however Paul Lambert isn't looking like the man for the job. Lambert has brought in a host of new signings and sadly it seems none of them have really settled yet, in fact it seems like no one is settled. Defensively Villa look awful and up front they simply have no penetration, in fact they only managed a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes. It may be early but Lambert may well be leading the sack race.
Before the season kicked off I really doubted Everton, I thought the loss of Tim Cahill would really make the team struggle. Instead however it seems to have really lit a fire under Marouane Fellaini who was once again exceptional as Everton dominated for the second game in a row. In attack Everton look genuinely scary, Fellaini, Jelavic and Pienaar all look like they will be bagging goals for fun this year and at the back Leighton Baines and Phil Neville look like they are having roaming up and down the flanks. This Everton team are already showing signs of a team going places. Despite their almost crippling financial position the team look brilliant and David Moyes needs to be seriously applauded for getting the usually starting Everton off to a fantastic start this season.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Premier League Week 1-Write up Everton v Manchester United
Everton 1-0 Manchester United
In the last kick off from the the opening round of Premier League fixtures we got a notable upset as Everton managed to defeat the highly favoured Manchester United 1-0, a victory that was well deserved by the Toffees.
Despite much of the pre-game talk being about Robin Van Persie the Dutchman merely started on the bench as the talking point went from Van Persie to United dishevelled looking defence that was ravaged by injuries to 4 centre backs, leaving them with a make shift defence that included Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia. Whilst this should have worried United fans they would have assumed an attacking line up that included new signing Shinji Kagawa, Wayne Rooney, Danny Wellbeck, Nani and Paul Scholes would have managed to outscore Everton. Instead of being about the strong United attack it was a man in blue who stole the headlines as Belgium's wacky haired Marouane Fellaini dominated the game.
The opening half saw Everton dominate the match with Fellaini in the middle of everything and the Toffee's could easily have been 3 or 4 up by the break with David De Gea managing to keep United in the match with a number of tremendous saves. Whilst David Moyes would have felt happy at half time with his teams domination of the play he may have worried it was going to be "just one of them days" where nothing goes in.
It took only 12 minutes of the second half for Everton to do what they failed to do in the opening 45 minutes as Fellaini managed to out muscle Michael Carrick in the penalty area and thunder a header past De Gea who really stood no chance of stopping it.
The goal seemed to completely change the form of the game as Everton went defensive and allowed United to come at them, and attack United did earning 6 corners in the half, though they failed to really do anything with them. Every corner United had was cleared with ease by the rock solid Everton defense who rarely allowed United the space, or time they needed on the ball to open a good chance. Despite the impressiveness of the Everton defense Shinji Kagawa was given a chance to shine as he became more and more involved in the game and after linking up with Van Persie, a second half substitution, the Japanese player came close forcing Tim Howard to make a rare save.
Whilst Fellaini was the clear man of the match the whole Everton were impressive with Sylvian Distin, Phil Jagielka and Tony Hibbert being rocks at the back who repeatedly thwarted United. In fact Everton's "worst" performance may well have been by Tim Howard who had very little to do due to how excellent Everton's out field players were. If Everton can keep this standard of play up they may well challenge for a European place at the end of the year. Worryingly though Nikica Jelavic did appear to have a niggling injury when he was subbed off late and Distin also looked in pain before the final whilst, if either of those men are absent for the next fixture Everton fans should be worried.
It's obvious that David Moyes will be estatic at the result though Alex Ferguson will be more than a little bit annoyed. Whilst United did have a bit of a makeshift back four they had the players on the pitch that would have been expected to beat Everton, sadly a number of them were poor. Tom Cleverly, Nani and Scholes were all sub standard and allowed Everton to boss the Midfield, whilst Wellbeck failed to shine, Rooney looked to be lacking fitness and the defence was also poor with Carrick being to blame for the goal. However Ferguson will take some positives from the match, Kagawa looks like an excellent signing and despite being quiet in the first half he really came alive in the second and the late display by Robin Van Persie was promising whilst David De Gea looked sensational.
In the last kick off from the the opening round of Premier League fixtures we got a notable upset as Everton managed to defeat the highly favoured Manchester United 1-0, a victory that was well deserved by the Toffees.
Despite much of the pre-game talk being about Robin Van Persie the Dutchman merely started on the bench as the talking point went from Van Persie to United dishevelled looking defence that was ravaged by injuries to 4 centre backs, leaving them with a make shift defence that included Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia. Whilst this should have worried United fans they would have assumed an attacking line up that included new signing Shinji Kagawa, Wayne Rooney, Danny Wellbeck, Nani and Paul Scholes would have managed to outscore Everton. Instead of being about the strong United attack it was a man in blue who stole the headlines as Belgium's wacky haired Marouane Fellaini dominated the game.
The opening half saw Everton dominate the match with Fellaini in the middle of everything and the Toffee's could easily have been 3 or 4 up by the break with David De Gea managing to keep United in the match with a number of tremendous saves. Whilst David Moyes would have felt happy at half time with his teams domination of the play he may have worried it was going to be "just one of them days" where nothing goes in.
It took only 12 minutes of the second half for Everton to do what they failed to do in the opening 45 minutes as Fellaini managed to out muscle Michael Carrick in the penalty area and thunder a header past De Gea who really stood no chance of stopping it.
The goal seemed to completely change the form of the game as Everton went defensive and allowed United to come at them, and attack United did earning 6 corners in the half, though they failed to really do anything with them. Every corner United had was cleared with ease by the rock solid Everton defense who rarely allowed United the space, or time they needed on the ball to open a good chance. Despite the impressiveness of the Everton defense Shinji Kagawa was given a chance to shine as he became more and more involved in the game and after linking up with Van Persie, a second half substitution, the Japanese player came close forcing Tim Howard to make a rare save.
Whilst Fellaini was the clear man of the match the whole Everton were impressive with Sylvian Distin, Phil Jagielka and Tony Hibbert being rocks at the back who repeatedly thwarted United. In fact Everton's "worst" performance may well have been by Tim Howard who had very little to do due to how excellent Everton's out field players were. If Everton can keep this standard of play up they may well challenge for a European place at the end of the year. Worryingly though Nikica Jelavic did appear to have a niggling injury when he was subbed off late and Distin also looked in pain before the final whilst, if either of those men are absent for the next fixture Everton fans should be worried.
It's obvious that David Moyes will be estatic at the result though Alex Ferguson will be more than a little bit annoyed. Whilst United did have a bit of a makeshift back four they had the players on the pitch that would have been expected to beat Everton, sadly a number of them were poor. Tom Cleverly, Nani and Scholes were all sub standard and allowed Everton to boss the Midfield, whilst Wellbeck failed to shine, Rooney looked to be lacking fitness and the defence was also poor with Carrick being to blame for the goal. However Ferguson will take some positives from the match, Kagawa looks like an excellent signing and despite being quiet in the first half he really came alive in the second and the late display by Robin Van Persie was promising whilst David De Gea looked sensational.
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