As some of you may have noticed, it's all gone quiet over here.
Viva is currently hibernating until the pre-World Cup period, as the blog pulls together the skill and effort of a whole team of folks, and you can anticipate a glorious re-launch around June 1st.
Wednesday 21 April 2010
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Tuesday night round-up
The Premiership:
Wolves picked up a crucial away 3-1 win at fellow strugglers West Ham to take them 7 points clear of the relegation zone.
The away side eased past The Hammers with goals from the tireless Kevin Doyle, Ronald Zubar and Matt Jarvis. Doyle and Wolves' first came just before the half hour mark. Welsh centre back James Tomkins attempted to play the ball back to 'keeper Rob Green, but succeeded only in scuffing the ball and leaves Kevin Doyle to run the ball into the box before applying a confident finish.
Wolves continued in strong fashion, with the hard working Kevin Doyle epitomising the ethos of Mick McCarthy's Wolves. On the hour mark, the travelling side put the game beyond the London side with two quick fire goals.
First, Ronald Zubar plundered in a tremendous finish from twenty yards before Matt Jarvis completed the victory for the visitors after a flowing move and a tidy finish.
In the 94th minute, Franco eluded the away side's offside trap to net a goal which will provide little consolation to either Gianfranco Zola nor the unsettled Upton Park support.
The Championship:
League leaders Newcastle extended their lead at the top to 5 points with a battling away win at playoff chasing Doncaster.
Andy Carroll scored the solitary goal of the match on the hour mark, his tenth goal in eleven games, which will prove a welcome distraction from stories of an alleged training-ground bust-up with teammate Steven Taylor. The result dented the home side's playoff hopes, leaving them 6 points off the pace, having played more games than some of their rivals.
Nottingham Forest kept up their automatic promotion charge to record their 12th consecutive home win. A rare wondergoal from Wes Morgan in first half stoppage time handed Forest the lead. Substitute Nathan Tyson was only on the field for 2 minutes when he made sure of the points for the home side in the 82nd minute. The win takes Billy Davies' home side 5 points shy of automatic promotion, and it is just Forest's patchy away form that stands between them and automatic promotion to English football's top flight. The away side however remain a point away from safety under the stewardship of newly appointed manager Paul Hart.
Playoff hopefuls Blackpool scored a fantastic 5-1 victory over fellow playoff contenders Swansea at a jubilant Bloomfield Road. The home side dominated the tie from start to finish, with first half goals from Brett Ormerod and Ian Evatt put Ian Holloway's side in charge. Blackpool's third came soon after the restart through Ben Burgess, Ormerod netted his second of the night to make it four and Gary Taylor-Fletcher completed the rout on 82 minutes. Cedric van der Gun pulled a consolation back for the visitors on 84 minutes. The win moves Blackpool 4 points behind 6th placed Cardiff City, and 7 points behind the defeated away side.
And Middlesbrough kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Darren Ferguson's Preston at The Riverside. Goals from Chris Killen and Jonathan Franks handed the home side the three points, and moved them to within 5 points of the playoffs.
Plymouth Argyle secured a surprise away win at Ipswich's Portman Road. Goals from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Joe Mason handed Paul Mariner an invaluable win in the club's bid for Championship survival. The result moves the visitors within 3 points of safety. Roy Keane's Ipswich remain in relative safety, 8 points away from the danger zone.
Beleaguered Peterborough succumbed to a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Scunthorpe at Glanford Park. The visitors were three goals behind by half time, following goals from Paul Hayes, Garry Thompson and Sam Togwell. Thompson completed a brace just after the hour mark. The score leaves Peterborough needing a miracle if they are to play Championship football next season. Jim Gannon's side are 10 points from safety with only 7 matches to play. The win, however, was a massive result for Scunthorpe, moving Nigel Adkins' side 5 points away from the drop zone.
Neil Warnock's Q.P.R moved to 7 points clear of the relegation scrap with a 1-1 home draw with Derby. The home side took the lead just prior to half time, Lee Cook grabbing the goal following Adel Taarabt's through-ball. But Shaun Barker's equaliser on 67 minutes meant the sides would share the points. The result leaves Nigel Clough's Derby 6 points above the drop zone.
Midtable sides Bristol City and Barnsley played out a thrilling 5-3 result in favour of the home side at Ashton Gate. And it was they who opened the scoring after just 2 minutes following a goal from Danny Haynes. The visitors made an immediate response, Hugo Colace netting the equaliser just a minute later. And Alex Bogdanovic gave the travelling Tykes the lead on 25 minutes before City's Nicky Maynard restored parity on the stroke of half time. After the break both Maynard and Haynes doubled their individual tally for the night, making it four for the hosts. A 76th minute Paul Hartley penalty settled the tie. Andy Gray's 81st minute goal, however, gave the travelling Barnsley hope of an unlikely comeback.
League One:
Southend secured a massive three points in their quest for League One survival this season.
Dogged with off-field problems, an on-field improvement would be welcome at Roots Hall. Franck Moussa made himself the hero for the home side, bagging a brace. Moussa opened the scoring after 18 minutes, following which Walsall's Clayton Donaldson was dismissed for a wreckless challenge. Southend doubled their lead after the break through with a Scott Spencer headed goal before Franck Moussa completed his brace on 89 minutes sending the home fans into delirium. The win moves Southend to within a point of safety.
Elsewhere Southampton secured a 3-2 home win over Hartlepool to keep their slender playoff prospects alive. It wasn't easy going for the hosts, and they fell behind to a tenth minute goal from Andy Monkhouse. A Lee Barnard header restored parity just three minutes later, however. Seven minutes before the break Rickie Lambert scored his 30th goal of the campaign to put his side into the lead before Papa Waigo seemed to have secured the win for the St. Mary's side. The visitors, however, replied immediately, Neil Austin scoring from the edge of the box to bring the Hartlepool back into the match. The home side held on, however, and the three points leaves them 11 points off 6th spot with just 9 games left to play. The away side remain in serious threat of relegation. The defeat leaves them just 2 points above Southend following their invaluable home win.
Colchester will regard their 3-3 draw with Brentford as a point gained rather than two points dropped following an eventful draw at The Colchester Community Stadium. The away side took a surprise 2-0 lead over playoff chasing Colchester with goals from David Hunt and Leon Legge inside twenty minutes. The U's pulled level as Hunt put through his own net before Anthony Wordsworth levelled the tie on the stroke of half time. But the away side started the second half well, Charlie MacDonald restoring their lead on 57 minutes. A 76th minute David Prutton equaliser settled the tie. The point leaves the home side 3 points clear inside the playoffs as Brentford are left all but safe from relegation in 13th place.
League Two and Blue Square Premier updates to follow...
Wolves picked up a crucial away 3-1 win at fellow strugglers West Ham to take them 7 points clear of the relegation zone.
The away side eased past The Hammers with goals from the tireless Kevin Doyle, Ronald Zubar and Matt Jarvis. Doyle and Wolves' first came just before the half hour mark. Welsh centre back James Tomkins attempted to play the ball back to 'keeper Rob Green, but succeeded only in scuffing the ball and leaves Kevin Doyle to run the ball into the box before applying a confident finish.
Wolves continued in strong fashion, with the hard working Kevin Doyle epitomising the ethos of Mick McCarthy's Wolves. On the hour mark, the travelling side put the game beyond the London side with two quick fire goals.
First, Ronald Zubar plundered in a tremendous finish from twenty yards before Matt Jarvis completed the victory for the visitors after a flowing move and a tidy finish.
In the 94th minute, Franco eluded the away side's offside trap to net a goal which will provide little consolation to either Gianfranco Zola nor the unsettled Upton Park support.
The Championship:
League leaders Newcastle extended their lead at the top to 5 points with a battling away win at playoff chasing Doncaster.
Andy Carroll scored the solitary goal of the match on the hour mark, his tenth goal in eleven games, which will prove a welcome distraction from stories of an alleged training-ground bust-up with teammate Steven Taylor. The result dented the home side's playoff hopes, leaving them 6 points off the pace, having played more games than some of their rivals.
Nottingham Forest kept up their automatic promotion charge to record their 12th consecutive home win. A rare wondergoal from Wes Morgan in first half stoppage time handed Forest the lead. Substitute Nathan Tyson was only on the field for 2 minutes when he made sure of the points for the home side in the 82nd minute. The win takes Billy Davies' home side 5 points shy of automatic promotion, and it is just Forest's patchy away form that stands between them and automatic promotion to English football's top flight. The away side however remain a point away from safety under the stewardship of newly appointed manager Paul Hart.
Playoff hopefuls Blackpool scored a fantastic 5-1 victory over fellow playoff contenders Swansea at a jubilant Bloomfield Road. The home side dominated the tie from start to finish, with first half goals from Brett Ormerod and Ian Evatt put Ian Holloway's side in charge. Blackpool's third came soon after the restart through Ben Burgess, Ormerod netted his second of the night to make it four and Gary Taylor-Fletcher completed the rout on 82 minutes. Cedric van der Gun pulled a consolation back for the visitors on 84 minutes. The win moves Blackpool 4 points behind 6th placed Cardiff City, and 7 points behind the defeated away side.
And Middlesbrough kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Darren Ferguson's Preston at The Riverside. Goals from Chris Killen and Jonathan Franks handed the home side the three points, and moved them to within 5 points of the playoffs.
Plymouth Argyle secured a surprise away win at Ipswich's Portman Road. Goals from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Joe Mason handed Paul Mariner an invaluable win in the club's bid for Championship survival. The result moves the visitors within 3 points of safety. Roy Keane's Ipswich remain in relative safety, 8 points away from the danger zone.
Beleaguered Peterborough succumbed to a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Scunthorpe at Glanford Park. The visitors were three goals behind by half time, following goals from Paul Hayes, Garry Thompson and Sam Togwell. Thompson completed a brace just after the hour mark. The score leaves Peterborough needing a miracle if they are to play Championship football next season. Jim Gannon's side are 10 points from safety with only 7 matches to play. The win, however, was a massive result for Scunthorpe, moving Nigel Adkins' side 5 points away from the drop zone.
Neil Warnock's Q.P.R moved to 7 points clear of the relegation scrap with a 1-1 home draw with Derby. The home side took the lead just prior to half time, Lee Cook grabbing the goal following Adel Taarabt's through-ball. But Shaun Barker's equaliser on 67 minutes meant the sides would share the points. The result leaves Nigel Clough's Derby 6 points above the drop zone.
Midtable sides Bristol City and Barnsley played out a thrilling 5-3 result in favour of the home side at Ashton Gate. And it was they who opened the scoring after just 2 minutes following a goal from Danny Haynes. The visitors made an immediate response, Hugo Colace netting the equaliser just a minute later. And Alex Bogdanovic gave the travelling Tykes the lead on 25 minutes before City's Nicky Maynard restored parity on the stroke of half time. After the break both Maynard and Haynes doubled their individual tally for the night, making it four for the hosts. A 76th minute Paul Hartley penalty settled the tie. Andy Gray's 81st minute goal, however, gave the travelling Barnsley hope of an unlikely comeback.
League One:
Southend secured a massive three points in their quest for League One survival this season.
Dogged with off-field problems, an on-field improvement would be welcome at Roots Hall. Franck Moussa made himself the hero for the home side, bagging a brace. Moussa opened the scoring after 18 minutes, following which Walsall's Clayton Donaldson was dismissed for a wreckless challenge. Southend doubled their lead after the break through with a Scott Spencer headed goal before Franck Moussa completed his brace on 89 minutes sending the home fans into delirium. The win moves Southend to within a point of safety.
Elsewhere Southampton secured a 3-2 home win over Hartlepool to keep their slender playoff prospects alive. It wasn't easy going for the hosts, and they fell behind to a tenth minute goal from Andy Monkhouse. A Lee Barnard header restored parity just three minutes later, however. Seven minutes before the break Rickie Lambert scored his 30th goal of the campaign to put his side into the lead before Papa Waigo seemed to have secured the win for the St. Mary's side. The visitors, however, replied immediately, Neil Austin scoring from the edge of the box to bring the Hartlepool back into the match. The home side held on, however, and the three points leaves them 11 points off 6th spot with just 9 games left to play. The away side remain in serious threat of relegation. The defeat leaves them just 2 points above Southend following their invaluable home win.
Colchester will regard their 3-3 draw with Brentford as a point gained rather than two points dropped following an eventful draw at The Colchester Community Stadium. The away side took a surprise 2-0 lead over playoff chasing Colchester with goals from David Hunt and Leon Legge inside twenty minutes. The U's pulled level as Hunt put through his own net before Anthony Wordsworth levelled the tie on the stroke of half time. But the away side started the second half well, Charlie MacDonald restoring their lead on 57 minutes. A 76th minute David Prutton equaliser settled the tie. The point leaves the home side 3 points clear inside the playoffs as Brentford are left all but safe from relegation in 13th place.
League Two and Blue Square Premier updates to follow...
Spurs swoop to sign combative Brazilian Sandro
Harry Redknapp has delved into the transfer market to sign long term target 21 year old Brazilian midfielder Sandro Ranieri.
The Spurs boss has been tracking the movements of the young holding midfielder for some time following a failed 14 million pound transfer bid last summer. Sandro, whose full name is Sandro Ranieri Guimarães Cordeiro, will add some resolve to a Spurs midfield that is largely built upon its attacking merits, and fill the void of left by the departure of Dider Zokora. Sandro made his full international debut for ten man Brazil in September 2009, coming off the bench to to replace Julio Baptista in a 4-2 World Cup Qualification win over Chile.
Whilst primarily a defensive player, the six foot one Internacional player harbours many of the ball-playing skills that we have come to expect from Brazilian footballers. His finishing appears decent too, as demonstrated in this video of his goal against Sporting Recife:
Prior to his move to north London, Sandro had been linked with moves to many of Europe's top clubs. It was rumoured that both the Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona were interested in the young midfielder, whilst the main Italian interest appeared to be Fiorentina. However, it is the persistance of Spurs that has led to something of a coup for Redknapp's side.
It would be understandable for Spurs fans to have reservations, however. The last time their side splashed out on a Brazilian, they ended up with the mercurial 'keeper Heurelho Gomes. But early indications are promising on the prospects of the internationally decorated Sandro. Harry Redknapp has a strong pedigree in the transfer market, and doesn't often make mistakes, particularly when large fees are involved.
The Brazilian will join up with Spurs at the conclusion of this year's Copa Libertodores in July, subject to a medical, for a fee believed to be around £10 million.
The Spurs boss has been tracking the movements of the young holding midfielder for some time following a failed 14 million pound transfer bid last summer. Sandro, whose full name is Sandro Ranieri Guimarães Cordeiro, will add some resolve to a Spurs midfield that is largely built upon its attacking merits, and fill the void of left by the departure of Dider Zokora. Sandro made his full international debut for ten man Brazil in September 2009, coming off the bench to to replace Julio Baptista in a 4-2 World Cup Qualification win over Chile.
Whilst primarily a defensive player, the six foot one Internacional player harbours many of the ball-playing skills that we have come to expect from Brazilian footballers. His finishing appears decent too, as demonstrated in this video of his goal against Sporting Recife:
Prior to his move to north London, Sandro had been linked with moves to many of Europe's top clubs. It was rumoured that both the Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona were interested in the young midfielder, whilst the main Italian interest appeared to be Fiorentina. However, it is the persistance of Spurs that has led to something of a coup for Redknapp's side.
It would be understandable for Spurs fans to have reservations, however. The last time their side splashed out on a Brazilian, they ended up with the mercurial 'keeper Heurelho Gomes. But early indications are promising on the prospects of the internationally decorated Sandro. Harry Redknapp has a strong pedigree in the transfer market, and doesn't often make mistakes, particularly when large fees are involved.
The Brazilian will join up with Spurs at the conclusion of this year's Copa Libertodores in July, subject to a medical, for a fee believed to be around £10 million.
Monday 22 March 2010
Millwall underline their promotion credentials
Goals from two graduates of non league football fired Millwall to within three points of Leeds in the battle for League One's automatic promotion places.
Simon Grayson's Leeds were a mere shadow of the side that started the season dominantly, holding the lead of the league for four months. The Yorkshire side were without top scorer Jermaine Beckford, who missed out with a tight hamstring, but it would have taken a massive performance from the striker if Leeds were to have taken anything from this tie.
Grayson's side were dealt their first blow of the evening when influential defender Patrick Kisnorbo was stretchered off after just six minutes with an apparent recurrence of an achilles problem. The Australian pulled up with his injury tracking the menacing Steve Morison. And it was the former Stevenage Borough striker who put The Lions ahead just five minutes later, latching onto a deep cross to rifle the ball into the midriff of the helpless Casper Ankegren as both 'keeper and ball hit the back of the net.
Following the opener, the East London side continued to dominate, and looked likely to score a second goal amid apprehensive Leeds defending. Extra pressure was applied to the home side's back four as Leeds were perpetually wasteful with possession in midfield. It wasn't until approaching half time that the Yorkshire club began to gain something of a foothold.
"Leeds were perpetually wasteful with possession in midfield"
After the break Leeds showed much more urgency in getting the ball forward, but lacked the necessary creative spark to generate realistic goal scoring opportunities. Usually inventive midfielders Luciano Becchio and Robert Snodgrass both looked short of imagination in their play, and they were ably shut down by the hard working Millwall midfielder Nadjim Abdou. With Leeds unable to convert their increasing dominance into clear cut chances they conceded a goal which will have frustrated manager Simon Grayson.
Freshly introduced winger Shaun Batt battled well on the left hand side following a throw in down the line, scrapping to work the ball goalwards before firing in a speculative near-post effort. Casper Akegren was beaten at his near post by the power of the strike, but the ball appeared to go underneath the Danish 'keeper's hand. The goal all but settled the tie, and the impressive Steve Morison showed competence and perseverance in winning a series of corners, enabling the away side to close down the match.
Leeds' recent woes continue. Having looked like Champions elect around the turn of the new year their season is going downhill. Their problems may well be compounded in their next fixture, as they travel to run away league leaders Norwich. Defeat at Carrow Road would likely see the Yorkshire club retain their automatic promotion spot on goal difference alone, and boss Simon Grayson will be eager to take a positive result. Millwall, on the other hand, are building a head of steam at the perfect juncture. With increasingly strong results, Millwall look the most likely side to take the automatic promotion spot and make a return to The Championship following a four year absence.
Simon Grayson's Leeds were a mere shadow of the side that started the season dominantly, holding the lead of the league for four months. The Yorkshire side were without top scorer Jermaine Beckford, who missed out with a tight hamstring, but it would have taken a massive performance from the striker if Leeds were to have taken anything from this tie.
Grayson's side were dealt their first blow of the evening when influential defender Patrick Kisnorbo was stretchered off after just six minutes with an apparent recurrence of an achilles problem. The Australian pulled up with his injury tracking the menacing Steve Morison. And it was the former Stevenage Borough striker who put The Lions ahead just five minutes later, latching onto a deep cross to rifle the ball into the midriff of the helpless Casper Ankegren as both 'keeper and ball hit the back of the net.
Following the opener, the East London side continued to dominate, and looked likely to score a second goal amid apprehensive Leeds defending. Extra pressure was applied to the home side's back four as Leeds were perpetually wasteful with possession in midfield. It wasn't until approaching half time that the Yorkshire club began to gain something of a foothold.
"Leeds were perpetually wasteful with possession in midfield"
After the break Leeds showed much more urgency in getting the ball forward, but lacked the necessary creative spark to generate realistic goal scoring opportunities. Usually inventive midfielders Luciano Becchio and Robert Snodgrass both looked short of imagination in their play, and they were ably shut down by the hard working Millwall midfielder Nadjim Abdou. With Leeds unable to convert their increasing dominance into clear cut chances they conceded a goal which will have frustrated manager Simon Grayson.
Freshly introduced winger Shaun Batt battled well on the left hand side following a throw in down the line, scrapping to work the ball goalwards before firing in a speculative near-post effort. Casper Akegren was beaten at his near post by the power of the strike, but the ball appeared to go underneath the Danish 'keeper's hand. The goal all but settled the tie, and the impressive Steve Morison showed competence and perseverance in winning a series of corners, enabling the away side to close down the match.
Leeds' recent woes continue. Having looked like Champions elect around the turn of the new year their season is going downhill. Their problems may well be compounded in their next fixture, as they travel to run away league leaders Norwich. Defeat at Carrow Road would likely see the Yorkshire club retain their automatic promotion spot on goal difference alone, and boss Simon Grayson will be eager to take a positive result. Millwall, on the other hand, are building a head of steam at the perfect juncture. With increasingly strong results, Millwall look the most likely side to take the automatic promotion spot and make a return to The Championship following a four year absence.
Lionel Messi is the best player in the world
Barcelona supremo Lionel Messi has had quite a week. The 22 year old Argentine, dubbed by Diego Maradona as his "successor", is in simply irresistible form, scoring eight goals in his last three outings.
The diminutive genius started his week in blistering fashion, netting a majestic hattrick in front of a privileged Camp Nou crowd in Barca's 3-0 victory over high-flying Valencia. Messi took all three of his goals with typical class, ghosting past confounded Los Che defenders and leaving the home fans breathless.
Messi's mid-week exploits saw him lead the Catalan side's charge in Europe. The European Champions, bidding to become the first side in history to retain the trophy, eased past helpless German side Stuttgart. The young Argentine played a massive part in Barca's victory, scoring two and creating another.
Messi's first came from nothing. He picked up the ball just beyond the halfway line before weaving into a throng of Stuttgart defenders and striking into the top corner, leaving former Arsenal 'keeper Jens Lehmann helpless.With the German side's defence closing in on him, it had seemed impossible that the Argentine could find the back of the net - write off Messi at your peril.
"Write off Messi at your peril"
On 22 minutes it was Messi's turn to become provider. The 22 year old dinked a delightful, defence-splitting ball wide to Toure, who consummately squared for the on-rushing Pedro to tap in a wonderfully worked team goal.
Messi scored Barca's third on the hour mark, settling the tie at 4-1 on aggregate. Creative industry from the attacking Dani Alves sent Pedro surging down the right hand flank and he pulled the ball back to Alves, whose smart flick found Messi, leaving the European player of the year to guide the ball into the near corner, wrong footing Lehmann in the Stuttgart goal.
Barca's fourth came as Stuttgart were looking stretched. A simple counter-attack saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic slide 19 year old prodigy Bojan Krkic in for his first touch of the night, slotting past Lehmann's valiant outstretched arm to seal a fantastic European night for Barcelona.
Back on home soil, Messi was at it again. This time it was Real Zaragoaza's Romareda crowd who were treated to another masterclass as Messi completed his second domestic hattrick in the space of seven days. In a role reversal from mid-week, it was Pedro who supplied Messi with the opening goal after just 5 minutes. The Spanish winger fired in a left footed cross for Messi to deftly nod home, demonstrating the versatility of the current Ballon D'or holder who scores goals with both his feet and his head.
"Messi scores goals with both his feet and his head"
In the 66th minute, Messi showed effortless, all-round quality to score his and Barca's second. Back-tracking, the Argentine wizard wrested possession in midfield before skipping past one then running at the hapless Matteo Contini, turning the defender inside out before rifling a low strike into the far corner. He simply made it look easy.
Barca's third showed how easy it is for creative players like Andres Iniesta to get their assist bonus with Messi in their line-up. The Spanish playmaker picked up the ball in midfield before distributing it to Messi outside the area, Messi took one touch to push the ball outside his left foot before curling it into the near corner to complete his hattrick.
Zaragoza then thereatened an unlikely comeback, with two quick fire goals from hard-working striker Adrian Colunga in the 85th and 89th minute. The home side's uprising was quashed in stoppage time however, as Messi once more tormented centre back Contini whose only option was to bring the Argentine maestro down for a penalty. Selflessly, Messi handed the responsibility of taking the spot-kick to striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Contini's only option was to bring the
Argentine maestro down for a penalty"
The recent form of the Swedish striker has been an interesting sub-plot in Barca's season. The Catalan giants' win at La Romareda typified the second most expensive player in the world's 2010 so far as he missed a number of guilt-edged chances, looking bereft of confidence. And when he plundered in the penalty won by the masterful Messi, the big striker's frustration was clear for all to see. Despite the difference in their physical stature, Ibrahimovic knows that he has been dwarfed by the irrepresible Messi this season, and will hope his twelve yard strike will be the catalyst that re-ignites his goalscoring form.
As for Messi, there are no words. Superlatives simply don't do him justice.
The diminutive genius started his week in blistering fashion, netting a majestic hattrick in front of a privileged Camp Nou crowd in Barca's 3-0 victory over high-flying Valencia. Messi took all three of his goals with typical class, ghosting past confounded Los Che defenders and leaving the home fans breathless.
Messi's mid-week exploits saw him lead the Catalan side's charge in Europe. The European Champions, bidding to become the first side in history to retain the trophy, eased past helpless German side Stuttgart. The young Argentine played a massive part in Barca's victory, scoring two and creating another.
Messi's first came from nothing. He picked up the ball just beyond the halfway line before weaving into a throng of Stuttgart defenders and striking into the top corner, leaving former Arsenal 'keeper Jens Lehmann helpless.With the German side's defence closing in on him, it had seemed impossible that the Argentine could find the back of the net - write off Messi at your peril.
"Write off Messi at your peril"
On 22 minutes it was Messi's turn to become provider. The 22 year old dinked a delightful, defence-splitting ball wide to Toure, who consummately squared for the on-rushing Pedro to tap in a wonderfully worked team goal.
Messi scored Barca's third on the hour mark, settling the tie at 4-1 on aggregate. Creative industry from the attacking Dani Alves sent Pedro surging down the right hand flank and he pulled the ball back to Alves, whose smart flick found Messi, leaving the European player of the year to guide the ball into the near corner, wrong footing Lehmann in the Stuttgart goal.
Barca's fourth came as Stuttgart were looking stretched. A simple counter-attack saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic slide 19 year old prodigy Bojan Krkic in for his first touch of the night, slotting past Lehmann's valiant outstretched arm to seal a fantastic European night for Barcelona.
Back on home soil, Messi was at it again. This time it was Real Zaragoaza's Romareda crowd who were treated to another masterclass as Messi completed his second domestic hattrick in the space of seven days. In a role reversal from mid-week, it was Pedro who supplied Messi with the opening goal after just 5 minutes. The Spanish winger fired in a left footed cross for Messi to deftly nod home, demonstrating the versatility of the current Ballon D'or holder who scores goals with both his feet and his head.
"Messi scores goals with both his feet and his head"
In the 66th minute, Messi showed effortless, all-round quality to score his and Barca's second. Back-tracking, the Argentine wizard wrested possession in midfield before skipping past one then running at the hapless Matteo Contini, turning the defender inside out before rifling a low strike into the far corner. He simply made it look easy.
Barca's third showed how easy it is for creative players like Andres Iniesta to get their assist bonus with Messi in their line-up. The Spanish playmaker picked up the ball in midfield before distributing it to Messi outside the area, Messi took one touch to push the ball outside his left foot before curling it into the near corner to complete his hattrick.
Zaragoza then thereatened an unlikely comeback, with two quick fire goals from hard-working striker Adrian Colunga in the 85th and 89th minute. The home side's uprising was quashed in stoppage time however, as Messi once more tormented centre back Contini whose only option was to bring the Argentine maestro down for a penalty. Selflessly, Messi handed the responsibility of taking the spot-kick to striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Contini's only option was to bring the
Argentine maestro down for a penalty"
The recent form of the Swedish striker has been an interesting sub-plot in Barca's season. The Catalan giants' win at La Romareda typified the second most expensive player in the world's 2010 so far as he missed a number of guilt-edged chances, looking bereft of confidence. And when he plundered in the penalty won by the masterful Messi, the big striker's frustration was clear for all to see. Despite the difference in their physical stature, Ibrahimovic knows that he has been dwarfed by the irrepresible Messi this season, and will hope his twelve yard strike will be the catalyst that re-ignites his goalscoring form.
As for Messi, there are no words. Superlatives simply don't do him justice.
Sunday 21 March 2010
Sunday Round-Up
The Premiership:
Manchester United moved back to the top of the Premier League after a cagey 2-1 over arch-rivals Liverpool.
Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a familiar first XI for a game of this magnitude, handing starts to the combative Darren Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park. And it was United's two big-game players who linked up to supply the Champions with a valuable win at a boisterous Old Trafford. Fletcher's pinpoint cross on the hour-mark saw Park win a brave header, before being struck on the head by Glen Johnson's boot in a despairing attempt at clearing his lines.
Liverpool's Fernando Torres had handed the visitors a surprise lead after just 5 minutes, when the Spaniard intercepted Dirk Kuyt's centre with a powerful header. This early goal contributed to a lively opening to the fixture, with both sides committing men forward. It was during one of the home-side's attacking forays that Javier Mascherano once again proved to be the villain for Liverpool against United.
"Mascherano once again proved to be
the villain for Liverpool against United"
Mascherano cynically tugged on the arm of Antonio Valencia, who had eluded him, but appeared to have been fouled outside of the penalty area. Referee Howard Webb interpreted the offence as a penalty, and subsequently showed the Argentine midfielder the yellow card. the villain for Liverpool against United"
England's hero in-waiting Wayne Rooney stepped up confidently, but saw Liverpool 'keeper Reina make a commanding save away to his left. If you could level any criticism at Reina, it was the he had dived too far, and could only bunt the ball back to a relieved Wayne Rooney for simple tap-in.
The result moved gave United a 2 point lead at the top of the table, following Chelsea's lacklustre 1-1 draw away at Blackburn.
Events from Ewood Park will have frustrated Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who saw his side start strong, and take the lead as his two front-men combined for Didier Drogba's 28th goal of the season. Supplying the assist was Nicolas Anelka, who has shared a prolific partnership with Drogba under the stewardship of Chelsea's Italian manager. Anelka showed pace and power as he surged down the right hand flank before pulling a smart ball back for the Ivorian striker to slot home with his left.
"Anelka has shared a prolific partnership with
Drogba under the stewardship of Ancelotti"
Drogba under the stewardship of Ancelotti"
Carlo Ancelotti will have been looking for a response from his side, following their Champions League exit in mid-week. The Chelsea boss witnessed his side allow Blackburn to re-establish a foothold in the fixture, and, as the hosts built a head of steam the equaliser seemed inevitable. Michel Salgado rolled back the years as he exposed the counter attacking Chelsea, flying down the right wing before delivering a centre for El-Hadji Diouf who out-leapt Paulo Ferreira to pull the home side level on 70 minutes.
Sam Allardyce's Blackburn showed great character in grinding out the result, withstanding increasing Chelsea pressure as the match drew to a close. No player typified the performance more than 18-year old debutant Phil Jones. The young centre back was handed the man of the match award for his lion-hearted display at the back, and showed all the qualities that Allardyce expects from one of his sides.
Goals from Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez handed Manchester City a confident 2-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Roberto Mancini's side started well with Santa Cruz following-up Craig Bellamy's 7th minute effort, which rebounded off the woodwork. And Tevez doubled City's lead ten minutes before half time from close range.
Gareth Barry handed the home side an opportunity to reduce the deficit on 75 minutes. The former Aston Villa man handled the ball, allowing Danny Murphy to convert from twelve yards.
But City held on to a 2-1 win against a Fulham team who appeared to show some weariness following their mid-week heroics in the Europa League. For City, the win moved them up into 5th ahead of the earlier-vanquished Liverpool and demonstrated their Champions League qualification credentials.
The Championship:
Cardiff City enjoyed a 3-1 home victory over strugglers Watford. Goals from Ross McCormack, Peter Whittingham and Chris Burke saw The Bluebirds maintain their playoff push as they opened up a 5 point margin between themselves and 7th placed Sheffield United. With the tie all but over, Heidar Helguson netted his eighth league goal of the season with a consolation on 93 minutes. Watford, in 19th place, sit just 3 points above the drop zone with 10 matches left to secure their Championship status.
Two first half Andy King goals and playoff-chasing Leicester City appeared to have given them complete control in this afternoon's home tie against Coventry. But The Sky Blues made a confident comeback in the second half to take a share of the spoils in front of the BBC cameras. Stuart McPake struck 8 minutes after the restart to bring Chris Coleman's side back into contention. It wasn't until Gary Deegan's 87th minute strike that the comeback was complete. There was a question of offside about the goal. Freshly introduced loanee Freddie Spears was stood in an offside position as Martin Cranie mis-hit an effort back into the box in the build-up to the equaliser, but whether or not he interfered with play was questionable.
Sam Allardyce's Blackburn showed great character in grinding out the result, withstanding increasing Chelsea pressure as the match drew to a close. No player typified the performance more than 18-year old debutant Phil Jones. The young centre back was handed the man of the match award for his lion-hearted display at the back, and showed all the qualities that Allardyce expects from one of his sides.
Goals from Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez handed Manchester City a confident 2-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Roberto Mancini's side started well with Santa Cruz following-up Craig Bellamy's 7th minute effort, which rebounded off the woodwork. And Tevez doubled City's lead ten minutes before half time from close range.
Gareth Barry handed the home side an opportunity to reduce the deficit on 75 minutes. The former Aston Villa man handled the ball, allowing Danny Murphy to convert from twelve yards.
But City held on to a 2-1 win against a Fulham team who appeared to show some weariness following their mid-week heroics in the Europa League. For City, the win moved them up into 5th ahead of the earlier-vanquished Liverpool and demonstrated their Champions League qualification credentials.
The Championship:
Cardiff City enjoyed a 3-1 home victory over strugglers Watford. Goals from Ross McCormack, Peter Whittingham and Chris Burke saw The Bluebirds maintain their playoff push as they opened up a 5 point margin between themselves and 7th placed Sheffield United. With the tie all but over, Heidar Helguson netted his eighth league goal of the season with a consolation on 93 minutes. Watford, in 19th place, sit just 3 points above the drop zone with 10 matches left to secure their Championship status.
Two first half Andy King goals and playoff-chasing Leicester City appeared to have given them complete control in this afternoon's home tie against Coventry. But The Sky Blues made a confident comeback in the second half to take a share of the spoils in front of the BBC cameras. Stuart McPake struck 8 minutes after the restart to bring Chris Coleman's side back into contention. It wasn't until Gary Deegan's 87th minute strike that the comeback was complete. There was a question of offside about the goal. Freshly introduced loanee Freddie Spears was stood in an offside position as Martin Cranie mis-hit an effort back into the box in the build-up to the equaliser, but whether or not he interfered with play was questionable.
Saturday 20 March 2010
News from the late fixtures
Ten-man Arsenal moved to the summit of the Premier League with a 2-0 home win over West Ham.
Denilson handed Arsenal the lead within five minutes, before Belgian centre half Thomas Vermaelen conceded a penalty and was subsequently given his marching orders on the stroke of half time. Manuel Almunia saved Diamanti's spot-kick to preserve the north London side's lead. Captain Cesc Fabregas settled the tie on 82 minutes from the penalty mark after Matthew Upson was adjudged to have handled the ball.
The win moves Arsenal a point clear at the top of The Premiership with Man United and Chelsea in action tomorrow afternoon. United host rivals Liverpool at 13:30 whilst Chelsea travel to Blackburn's Ewood Park in the 16:00 kick off. West Ham, however, failed to capitalise on defeats to relegation rivals Hull and Burnley, whilst seeing the two sides above them take positive results. West Ham's cushion between themselves and the drop zone remains at three.
Bristol City were pegged back from a two goal lead as Newcastle slip up at Ashston Gate.
First half goals from Lewin Nyatanga and Nicky Maynard handed caretaker Manager Keith Millen's side a 2-0 half time lead. But Newcastle made a strong comeback in the second half, with two goals in four minutes from Jonas Gutierrez and Andy Carroll leaving each side to share the spoils.
The result leaves Newcastle two points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand over their three closest rivals. Boss Chris Hughton will be confident in promotion, but it is yet to be seen whether The Magpies will sustain their title charge. Bristol City, meanwhile, are seven points clear of the relegation zone and not yet safe from the drop.
Denilson handed Arsenal the lead within five minutes, before Belgian centre half Thomas Vermaelen conceded a penalty and was subsequently given his marching orders on the stroke of half time. Manuel Almunia saved Diamanti's spot-kick to preserve the north London side's lead. Captain Cesc Fabregas settled the tie on 82 minutes from the penalty mark after Matthew Upson was adjudged to have handled the ball.
The win moves Arsenal a point clear at the top of The Premiership with Man United and Chelsea in action tomorrow afternoon. United host rivals Liverpool at 13:30 whilst Chelsea travel to Blackburn's Ewood Park in the 16:00 kick off. West Ham, however, failed to capitalise on defeats to relegation rivals Hull and Burnley, whilst seeing the two sides above them take positive results. West Ham's cushion between themselves and the drop zone remains at three.
Bristol City were pegged back from a two goal lead as Newcastle slip up at Ashston Gate.
First half goals from Lewin Nyatanga and Nicky Maynard handed caretaker Manager Keith Millen's side a 2-0 half time lead. But Newcastle made a strong comeback in the second half, with two goals in four minutes from Jonas Gutierrez and Andy Carroll leaving each side to share the spoils.
The result leaves Newcastle two points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand over their three closest rivals. Boss Chris Hughton will be confident in promotion, but it is yet to be seen whether The Magpies will sustain their title charge. Bristol City, meanwhile, are seven points clear of the relegation zone and not yet safe from the drop.
Saturday Afternoon Round-Up
The Premiership:
Harry Redknapp's Spurs earned a hard-fought away win at The Brittania Stadium after Niko Kranjcar's late goal seized the initative in the race for fourth. The north London side will have been buoyed by their 2-1 victory following a 2-2 draw in the early kick off for Aston Villa in an entertaining derby match with Midlands rivals Wolves. Villa boss Martin O' Neil will have been frustrated by his side's inability to overcome Wolves, and it took a late, and questionably offside equaliser from John Carew to secure a point for the Champions League chasing side. Elsewhere in the race for fourth spot, Everton did their prospects no harm with a professional 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Bolton at Goodison Park. Everton took the lead on 72 minutes shortly after the dismissal of the away side's Gretar Steinsson. The red card seemed to change the game, with Everton having being frustrated by the visitors to that point.
In this season's tense relegation scrap both Burnley and Hull conceded at the death to succumb to defeat. Iain Dowie's first game in charge of strugglers Hull seemed set to end in a priceless away win, until late goals from Jamie O' Hara and Nwankwo Kanu in the final two minutes snatched a 3-2 win for the doomed south coast team. Meanwhile, Hugo Rodallega's last minute goal over Brian Laws' Burnley will be considered by many as the goal that consigns Burnley to relegation in a heart-breaking 1-0 defeat.
At The Stadium of Light a goalkeeping masterclass from Sunderland stopper Craig Gordon saw the Black Cats safely through to a 3-1 win over stuttering Birmingham. Two early goals from Darren Bent saw the home side make an imperious start to the match, before Cameron Jerome pulled a goal back on 60 minutes to set up a tense finale. But Frazer Campbell's 88th minute goal settled the tie and brought Steve Bruce's side a welcome win over his former club to take Sunderland away from the relegation pack.
The Championship:
With Newcastle not due to kick off until 17:20, West Brom had an opportunity to close the gap at the top to just one point with a home game against Preston. The Baggies took their chance in a lively 3-2 victory, with all the goals coming in the first half. Having taken a 2-0 lead through goals from Ben Watson and Chris Brunt in the 7th and 9th minute, Preston defender Sean St. Ledger pulled one back for the visitors. Greame Dorrans restored a two-goal cushion for Roberto Di Matteo's side before Neil Mellor pulled another goal back for Preston on the stroke of half time. And 3-2 it stayed to take the automatic promotion chasing Baggies within a point of rivals Newcastle who would face Bristol City later on.
Robert Earnshaw's early goal proved to be the decider for Billy Davies' Nottingham Forest as they secured their 11th home win on the bounce over struggling Peterborough. The result leaves Forest 8 points behind automatic promotion with only 8 games remaining, which will surely prove to be insurmountable with Forest's patchy away form.
Playoff hopefuls Doncaster and Sheffield United played out a 1-1 draw at The Keepmoat Stadium, where it took a late James Harper equaliser to bring The Blades back on level terms. Meanwhile, playoff outsiders Middlesbrough and Reading also finished 1-1, as Blackpool needed a late Ben Burgess equaliser to share the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. The result leaves the league table looking ominous for Palace, as they drop into the relegation zone.
Elsewhere in the relegation battle, there were valuable home wins for both Ipswich and Scunthorpe. The 1-0 win for Roy Keane's side over Barnsley takes them 8 points clear of the meleé, and they can surely regard themselves as nearly home and dry. Scunthorpe secured a massive win over fellow strugglers Plymouth Argyle to lift themselves out of the relegatio zone and leave Plymouth 6 points off safety with a 65 minute Martyn Woolford winner in a 2-1 victory. And Scunthorpe's win left steel city club Sheffield Wednesday looking nervously over their shoulders with just a point separating them and the drop zone following a 0-0 stalemate at home against Derby County.
League One:
There was frustration in the race for automatic promotion as both Charlton and Norwich dropped points. Norwich still hold an 8 point lead at the top, with Leeds due to play their game in hand on Monday night with Millwall. But it could have been a 10 point gap, had it not been for a late Gorden Greer equaliser for the home side as playoff-chasing Swindon Town secured a 1-1 draw. Meanwhile a battling away performance from Gillingham saw them gain a point in a 2-2 draw against local rivals Charlton. The result leaves Charlton 4 points behind second-placed Leeds United, and Swindon move level on 67 points as they make a late bid for automatic promotion.
In the race for the playoffs, Colchester succumbed to a poor 1-0 away defeat to 10-man Walsall, courtesy of a dramatic 94th minute winner from Darren Byfield. Colchester's loss was Huddersfield's gain as they strolled to a comfortable 2-0 away win at Leyton Orient's Brisbane Road. And in the outisde pack, Bristol Rovers' 3-0 away win at Yeovil saw them move to within a point of MK Dons, who were heavily beaten 3-0 at home by rank outsiders for the playoffs, Southampton.
Meanwhile, in the tight relegation scrap there were draws for three of the four sides in the drop zone. Stockport County were defeated 1-0 at home to Brentford in a result which sounded the death-knell on their season. Wycombe and Exeter played out a 2-2 draw with a point bringing Exeter within a point of safety but leaving The Chairboys in real peril 7 points from survival. Southend also played out a 2-2 draw at Roots Hall against Carlisle. And in a tie between two sides not yet safe from relegation, Brighton enjoyed a 2-0 away win over Oldham to take them up into 14th spot, but still only 7 points away from the drop zone.
League Two:
Two late goals for Rochdale secured a 4-2 away win for champions elect away at Accrington. Both sides were reduced to 10-men after 74 minutes, after which Rochdale scored two late goals to take them 11 points clear at the top of the table. Notts County underlined their automatic promotion credentials with a battling 1-0 away win at Crewe Alexandra as Bournemouth's hopes were dealt a blow after they conceded a late goal away at Grimsby's Blundell Park to lose 3-2. The result was a massive one for The Mariners, bringing them back to 4 points off survival.
Rotherham applied further pressure to Bournemouth with a 1-0 victory over Bury, which saw the away side slip further down the table and away from the automatic promotion spot. And Chesterfield were left to settle for an away point at mid-table Burton Albion in a 2-2 draw between two sides who had both conceded 5 the previous Saturday; whilst Chesterfield having been hammered 5-0, Burton remarkably lost 6-5 at home to Cheltenham.
Results from the playoff hopefuls saw Northampton take a comfortable 3 points from fellow playoff contenders Morecambe in a 2-0 win at Sixfields as Aldershot enjoyed the same scoreline in a home win over Shrewsbury Town. Dagenham & Redbridge came from behind to secure a 3-1 home win over Macclesfield which leaves Macclesfield yet to be sure of League 2 survival.
At the foot of the table, Grimsby's 3-2 win over Bournemouth moves them to within 4 points of safety as a 2-1 home defeat for Darlington against Barnet all but confirmed their relegation as The Bees moved 10 points clear of the relegation zone. A 2-0 win for Hereford over Bradford meant they remained level with Barnet on points, also 10 points clear of the drop zone. The 1-1 stalemate between Cheltenham and Port Vale will leave The Robins nervously watching the progress of Grimsby Town behind them.
Harry Redknapp's Spurs earned a hard-fought away win at The Brittania Stadium after Niko Kranjcar's late goal seized the initative in the race for fourth. The north London side will have been buoyed by their 2-1 victory following a 2-2 draw in the early kick off for Aston Villa in an entertaining derby match with Midlands rivals Wolves. Villa boss Martin O' Neil will have been frustrated by his side's inability to overcome Wolves, and it took a late, and questionably offside equaliser from John Carew to secure a point for the Champions League chasing side. Elsewhere in the race for fourth spot, Everton did their prospects no harm with a professional 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Bolton at Goodison Park. Everton took the lead on 72 minutes shortly after the dismissal of the away side's Gretar Steinsson. The red card seemed to change the game, with Everton having being frustrated by the visitors to that point.
In this season's tense relegation scrap both Burnley and Hull conceded at the death to succumb to defeat. Iain Dowie's first game in charge of strugglers Hull seemed set to end in a priceless away win, until late goals from Jamie O' Hara and Nwankwo Kanu in the final two minutes snatched a 3-2 win for the doomed south coast team. Meanwhile, Hugo Rodallega's last minute goal over Brian Laws' Burnley will be considered by many as the goal that consigns Burnley to relegation in a heart-breaking 1-0 defeat.
At The Stadium of Light a goalkeeping masterclass from Sunderland stopper Craig Gordon saw the Black Cats safely through to a 3-1 win over stuttering Birmingham. Two early goals from Darren Bent saw the home side make an imperious start to the match, before Cameron Jerome pulled a goal back on 60 minutes to set up a tense finale. But Frazer Campbell's 88th minute goal settled the tie and brought Steve Bruce's side a welcome win over his former club to take Sunderland away from the relegation pack.
The Championship:
With Newcastle not due to kick off until 17:20, West Brom had an opportunity to close the gap at the top to just one point with a home game against Preston. The Baggies took their chance in a lively 3-2 victory, with all the goals coming in the first half. Having taken a 2-0 lead through goals from Ben Watson and Chris Brunt in the 7th and 9th minute, Preston defender Sean St. Ledger pulled one back for the visitors. Greame Dorrans restored a two-goal cushion for Roberto Di Matteo's side before Neil Mellor pulled another goal back for Preston on the stroke of half time. And 3-2 it stayed to take the automatic promotion chasing Baggies within a point of rivals Newcastle who would face Bristol City later on.
Robert Earnshaw's early goal proved to be the decider for Billy Davies' Nottingham Forest as they secured their 11th home win on the bounce over struggling Peterborough. The result leaves Forest 8 points behind automatic promotion with only 8 games remaining, which will surely prove to be insurmountable with Forest's patchy away form.
Playoff hopefuls Doncaster and Sheffield United played out a 1-1 draw at The Keepmoat Stadium, where it took a late James Harper equaliser to bring The Blades back on level terms. Meanwhile, playoff outsiders Middlesbrough and Reading also finished 1-1, as Blackpool needed a late Ben Burgess equaliser to share the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. The result leaves the league table looking ominous for Palace, as they drop into the relegation zone.
Elsewhere in the relegation battle, there were valuable home wins for both Ipswich and Scunthorpe. The 1-0 win for Roy Keane's side over Barnsley takes them 8 points clear of the meleé, and they can surely regard themselves as nearly home and dry. Scunthorpe secured a massive win over fellow strugglers Plymouth Argyle to lift themselves out of the relegatio zone and leave Plymouth 6 points off safety with a 65 minute Martyn Woolford winner in a 2-1 victory. And Scunthorpe's win left steel city club Sheffield Wednesday looking nervously over their shoulders with just a point separating them and the drop zone following a 0-0 stalemate at home against Derby County.
League One:
There was frustration in the race for automatic promotion as both Charlton and Norwich dropped points. Norwich still hold an 8 point lead at the top, with Leeds due to play their game in hand on Monday night with Millwall. But it could have been a 10 point gap, had it not been for a late Gorden Greer equaliser for the home side as playoff-chasing Swindon Town secured a 1-1 draw. Meanwhile a battling away performance from Gillingham saw them gain a point in a 2-2 draw against local rivals Charlton. The result leaves Charlton 4 points behind second-placed Leeds United, and Swindon move level on 67 points as they make a late bid for automatic promotion.
In the race for the playoffs, Colchester succumbed to a poor 1-0 away defeat to 10-man Walsall, courtesy of a dramatic 94th minute winner from Darren Byfield. Colchester's loss was Huddersfield's gain as they strolled to a comfortable 2-0 away win at Leyton Orient's Brisbane Road. And in the outisde pack, Bristol Rovers' 3-0 away win at Yeovil saw them move to within a point of MK Dons, who were heavily beaten 3-0 at home by rank outsiders for the playoffs, Southampton.
Meanwhile, in the tight relegation scrap there were draws for three of the four sides in the drop zone. Stockport County were defeated 1-0 at home to Brentford in a result which sounded the death-knell on their season. Wycombe and Exeter played out a 2-2 draw with a point bringing Exeter within a point of safety but leaving The Chairboys in real peril 7 points from survival. Southend also played out a 2-2 draw at Roots Hall against Carlisle. And in a tie between two sides not yet safe from relegation, Brighton enjoyed a 2-0 away win over Oldham to take them up into 14th spot, but still only 7 points away from the drop zone.
League Two:
Two late goals for Rochdale secured a 4-2 away win for champions elect away at Accrington. Both sides were reduced to 10-men after 74 minutes, after which Rochdale scored two late goals to take them 11 points clear at the top of the table. Notts County underlined their automatic promotion credentials with a battling 1-0 away win at Crewe Alexandra as Bournemouth's hopes were dealt a blow after they conceded a late goal away at Grimsby's Blundell Park to lose 3-2. The result was a massive one for The Mariners, bringing them back to 4 points off survival.
Rotherham applied further pressure to Bournemouth with a 1-0 victory over Bury, which saw the away side slip further down the table and away from the automatic promotion spot. And Chesterfield were left to settle for an away point at mid-table Burton Albion in a 2-2 draw between two sides who had both conceded 5 the previous Saturday; whilst Chesterfield having been hammered 5-0, Burton remarkably lost 6-5 at home to Cheltenham.
Results from the playoff hopefuls saw Northampton take a comfortable 3 points from fellow playoff contenders Morecambe in a 2-0 win at Sixfields as Aldershot enjoyed the same scoreline in a home win over Shrewsbury Town. Dagenham & Redbridge came from behind to secure a 3-1 home win over Macclesfield which leaves Macclesfield yet to be sure of League 2 survival.
At the foot of the table, Grimsby's 3-2 win over Bournemouth moves them to within 4 points of safety as a 2-1 home defeat for Darlington against Barnet all but confirmed their relegation as The Bees moved 10 points clear of the relegation zone. A 2-0 win for Hereford over Bradford meant they remained level with Barnet on points, also 10 points clear of the drop zone. The 1-1 stalemate between Cheltenham and Port Vale will leave The Robins nervously watching the progress of Grimsby Town behind them.
Friday 19 March 2010
Ferguson will be wary of Bayern Munich threat
Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United will have been pleased by this morning's UEFA Champions League quarter and semi-final draw in Nyon, Switzerland.
The English champions avoided current holders and favourites Barcelona in both the quarter and semi-final stage, drawing Bayern Munich in a repeat of the thrilling 1998/1999 final. Should United progress against the German side they would face the winner of the all-French quarter final between Bordeaux and Lyon, in the semi-final.
On paper, United have drawn the most favourable opponents, and would now be considered likely to reach the showpiece final in Real Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium. But Bayern are not a side to be underestimated.
After an inconsistent start to this year's Bundesliga campaign, manager Louis van Gaal has got his Bayern side firing. The Germans currently sit atop the league, and overcame Fiorentina to progress to the quarter-final stage. During the course of this tie, Bayern showed incredible resolve, alongside a dangerous attacking threat. Arjen Robben's sensational strike handed van Gaal's side a win on the away goal ruling and Bayern will be buoyed by their record against United. In seven meetings between the two, the English have only a solitary win (that memorable 1999 final)
Memories of that incredible 1999 final will undoubtedly dominate the media focus approaching the fixture, and rightly so.
It is not that the match, itself, was particularly entertaining. It is simply the sheer, unbridled nature of the reversal that makes this match unique. Bayern twice struck the woodwork when one goal up, and would surely have won the trophy had either effort found the goal. But it was not to be, and the late goals from Sheringham and Solskjaer have gone down in Manchester United and Champions League folklore.
But the Bayern fans will remember that night too. The Germans will be keen to turn United over and start the healing process from that fateful night in Barcelona in 1999. Whilst United will be strong favourites to win the tie, and, indeed, progress to the final, Bayern will be as spurred on as United by events from the final 11 years ago.
The English champions avoided current holders and favourites Barcelona in both the quarter and semi-final stage, drawing Bayern Munich in a repeat of the thrilling 1998/1999 final. Should United progress against the German side they would face the winner of the all-French quarter final between Bordeaux and Lyon, in the semi-final.
On paper, United have drawn the most favourable opponents, and would now be considered likely to reach the showpiece final in Real Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium. But Bayern are not a side to be underestimated.
After an inconsistent start to this year's Bundesliga campaign, manager Louis van Gaal has got his Bayern side firing. The Germans currently sit atop the league, and overcame Fiorentina to progress to the quarter-final stage. During the course of this tie, Bayern showed incredible resolve, alongside a dangerous attacking threat. Arjen Robben's sensational strike handed van Gaal's side a win on the away goal ruling and Bayern will be buoyed by their record against United. In seven meetings between the two, the English have only a solitary win (that memorable 1999 final)
Memories of that incredible 1999 final will undoubtedly dominate the media focus approaching the fixture, and rightly so.
It is not that the match, itself, was particularly entertaining. It is simply the sheer, unbridled nature of the reversal that makes this match unique. Bayern twice struck the woodwork when one goal up, and would surely have won the trophy had either effort found the goal. But it was not to be, and the late goals from Sheringham and Solskjaer have gone down in Manchester United and Champions League folklore.
But the Bayern fans will remember that night too. The Germans will be keen to turn United over and start the healing process from that fateful night in Barcelona in 1999. Whilst United will be strong favourites to win the tie, and, indeed, progress to the final, Bayern will be as spurred on as United by events from the final 11 years ago.
Zamora still has more to prove to book World Cup spot
There have been increasing calls for Bobby Zamora's inclusion in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad following the striker's impressive showing against Juventus last night.
The 29 year old Fulham player put in a mature performance against the most decorated side in Italian football history, scoring The Cottagers' opening goal and sparking the emphatic come-back which saw the West Londoners through to the Europa League quarter final. But the clamour for Zamora to feature in England's squad for South Africa is more an indictment of English attacking depth - beyond the imperious Wayne Rooney - than it is belief that Bobby Zamora is the calibre of player to score the goals that will win the World Cup.
The striker, to his credit, has scored some crucial goals for Fulham this season. Having declined a summer move to Premiership strugglers Hull City, the former Spurs and West Ham player has enjoyed his most consistent top-flight season to date. The 29 year old has netted 16 goals this season, with Premiership strikes against Liverpool and Manchester United. Furthermore, Zamora has weighed in with some important goals in Fulham's European adventure. His strong outing in The Cottagers' crucial 3-2 win at FC Basel's St. Jakob-Park saw him score twice to send his side through to the knockout phase of the Europa League. There, he scored the winner at Craven Cottage over Europa League holders, Ukranian side Shaktar Donetsk before last night's effort against Juventus.
Zamora is undoubtedly a grafter, and typifies the workmanlike foundation upon which the impressive Roy Hodgson has constructed his Fulham side. The English striker has demonstrated a penchant for scoring in important fixtures this season, but it is yet to be seen whether or not he can perform on the biggest stage. Without any international or Champions League appearances in his career, Fabio Capello will struggle to assess Zamora's big-match credentials, save for Fulham's buccaneering European campaign. Furthermore, Zamora does flatter to deceive. The unimpressive form shown prior to this season must be taken into account. In terms of Premiership records, the 29 year old can only be regarded as a failure at both Spurs and West Ham.
Today's news of an hamstring tear suffered by Jermain Defoe, as well as monitoring Carlton Cole's return to fitness, will frustrate Fabio Capello. The England manager unveils his 23-man squad on the 1st of June, and he has been posed several dilemmas by injuries to players on the periphery of his squad for South Africa. The attacking department is just another area where Capello now has crucial decisions to make.
Whilst Zamora's recent performances will not have gone unnoticed by the 63 year old manager - Capello was present at Fulham's Craven Cottage triumph last night - he has not shown much creativity in his attacking selections to date. England play just 2 more friendlies before Capello names his World Cup squad. The national side will face Mexico at Wembley in May, before playing Japan in Austria later that week, and Zamora certainly deserves an opportunity on the international stage. But questions still remain over whether Zamora has the consistent ability to shine on the world's biggest stage.
The 29 year old Fulham player put in a mature performance against the most decorated side in Italian football history, scoring The Cottagers' opening goal and sparking the emphatic come-back which saw the West Londoners through to the Europa League quarter final. But the clamour for Zamora to feature in England's squad for South Africa is more an indictment of English attacking depth - beyond the imperious Wayne Rooney - than it is belief that Bobby Zamora is the calibre of player to score the goals that will win the World Cup.
The striker, to his credit, has scored some crucial goals for Fulham this season. Having declined a summer move to Premiership strugglers Hull City, the former Spurs and West Ham player has enjoyed his most consistent top-flight season to date. The 29 year old has netted 16 goals this season, with Premiership strikes against Liverpool and Manchester United. Furthermore, Zamora has weighed in with some important goals in Fulham's European adventure. His strong outing in The Cottagers' crucial 3-2 win at FC Basel's St. Jakob-Park saw him score twice to send his side through to the knockout phase of the Europa League. There, he scored the winner at Craven Cottage over Europa League holders, Ukranian side Shaktar Donetsk before last night's effort against Juventus.
Zamora is undoubtedly a grafter, and typifies the workmanlike foundation upon which the impressive Roy Hodgson has constructed his Fulham side. The English striker has demonstrated a penchant for scoring in important fixtures this season, but it is yet to be seen whether or not he can perform on the biggest stage. Without any international or Champions League appearances in his career, Fabio Capello will struggle to assess Zamora's big-match credentials, save for Fulham's buccaneering European campaign. Furthermore, Zamora does flatter to deceive. The unimpressive form shown prior to this season must be taken into account. In terms of Premiership records, the 29 year old can only be regarded as a failure at both Spurs and West Ham.
Today's news of an hamstring tear suffered by Jermain Defoe, as well as monitoring Carlton Cole's return to fitness, will frustrate Fabio Capello. The England manager unveils his 23-man squad on the 1st of June, and he has been posed several dilemmas by injuries to players on the periphery of his squad for South Africa. The attacking department is just another area where Capello now has crucial decisions to make.
Whilst Zamora's recent performances will not have gone unnoticed by the 63 year old manager - Capello was present at Fulham's Craven Cottage triumph last night - he has not shown much creativity in his attacking selections to date. England play just 2 more friendlies before Capello names his World Cup squad. The national side will face Mexico at Wembley in May, before playing Japan in Austria later that week, and Zamora certainly deserves an opportunity on the international stage. But questions still remain over whether Zamora has the consistent ability to shine on the world's biggest stage.
Thursday 18 March 2010
Europa League Bursts Into Life
The UEFA Europa League tonight stepped out of the colossal shadow cast upon it by European football's premier competition, The Champions League.
And no performance exemplified this more than Fulham's sensational win over Italian giants Juventus. Taking a 3-1 deficit into the second leg, Dickson Etuhu's away goal was the only crumb of comfort for Roy Hodgson's side. But under the watchful eye of Fabio Capello, Bobby Zamora turned in a bravura performance. The English striker lifted his team mates around him and restored parity on the night on 9 minutes following David Trezeguet's early opener for the Bianconeri.
Their task, however, was still a daunting one.
Fulham passed their test of character with flying colours. And it was the colour red that proved significant with just 27 minutes on the clock. Italian national Captain Fabio Cannavaro was shown his marching orders for a dubious professional foul. The Italian centre half's dismissal breathed fresh impetus into The Cottagers, and it was no surprise when Zoltan Gera fired in goals either side of half time to bring the tie back even at 4-4.
Then followed a somewhat attritional period, no doubt exacerbated by the knowledge that the next goal in the tie could likely be a decider. This proved to be the case in the 83rd minute when Clint Dempsey scored an exquisite chip worthy of winning any tie. The American striker's finish will not have escaped the notice of England supremo Capello, with his side due to face USA in this summer's World Cup. Juventus 'keeper Antonio Chimenti was a mere spectator as Dempsey's deft effort sent the West London faithful into raptures and Fulham into the quarter final of the Europa League.
For Liverpool, the only other English side remaining in the competition, the night proved to be somewhat more straight forward. Following a lacklustre first leg performance that saw Rafael Benítez's side lose by a solitary goal in France, Liverpool's ailing season demanded an improved performance. Anfield's famous Kop End once again served as inspiration for the Merseyside club, and it was their favourite son and chief talisman Steven Gerrard who fired them into the lead from the penalty spot within 10 minutes.
A Liverpool victory was secured by a Fernando Torres masterclass. The Spaniard simply oozed quality, taking his 50th minute goal with impeccable ease. The former Atletico Madrid striker's strike left the tie poised at 2-1, and a tense atmosphere developed with Lille needing just a crucial away goal to win the tie. Any concerns were ended in the final minute of normal time when Torres settled the tie after Lille 'keeper Landreau parried a Steven Gerrard effort.
Progression to the quarter final was a welcome distraction for beleaguered reds manager Benítez, whose latest mini-crisis was sparked when out of favour winger Albert Riera criticised the Liverpool bosses' methods. The Anfield side's manager can look forward to the Europa League draw tomorrow morning knowing that his former side Valencia are potential opponents.
Valencia triumphed over Werder Bremen in an enthralling 4-4 (agg. 5-5) draw at Bremen's Weserstadion, featuring a marvellous hattrick from Spanish hitman David Villa. Elsewhere, Hamburg secured a nailbiting victory away at Anderlecht, losing on the night 4-3 but winning 6-5 on aggregate, Wolfsburg needed extra time to overcome Russian champions Rubin Kazan, whilst there were wins for Standard Liege, Atletico Madrid and Benfica, who recorded an impressive 2-1 win at Marseille's Stade Vélodrome.
The line-up of sides who have progressed to the quarter and semi final draw, to be held in Nyon at 11 o' clock on Friday morning, is as follows:
Atletico Madrid
Benfica
Fulham
Hamburg
Liverpool
Standard Liege
Valencia
Wolfsburg
Matthew Caspell
And no performance exemplified this more than Fulham's sensational win over Italian giants Juventus. Taking a 3-1 deficit into the second leg, Dickson Etuhu's away goal was the only crumb of comfort for Roy Hodgson's side. But under the watchful eye of Fabio Capello, Bobby Zamora turned in a bravura performance. The English striker lifted his team mates around him and restored parity on the night on 9 minutes following David Trezeguet's early opener for the Bianconeri.
Their task, however, was still a daunting one.
Fulham passed their test of character with flying colours. And it was the colour red that proved significant with just 27 minutes on the clock. Italian national Captain Fabio Cannavaro was shown his marching orders for a dubious professional foul. The Italian centre half's dismissal breathed fresh impetus into The Cottagers, and it was no surprise when Zoltan Gera fired in goals either side of half time to bring the tie back even at 4-4.
Then followed a somewhat attritional period, no doubt exacerbated by the knowledge that the next goal in the tie could likely be a decider. This proved to be the case in the 83rd minute when Clint Dempsey scored an exquisite chip worthy of winning any tie. The American striker's finish will not have escaped the notice of England supremo Capello, with his side due to face USA in this summer's World Cup. Juventus 'keeper Antonio Chimenti was a mere spectator as Dempsey's deft effort sent the West London faithful into raptures and Fulham into the quarter final of the Europa League.
For Liverpool, the only other English side remaining in the competition, the night proved to be somewhat more straight forward. Following a lacklustre first leg performance that saw Rafael Benítez's side lose by a solitary goal in France, Liverpool's ailing season demanded an improved performance. Anfield's famous Kop End once again served as inspiration for the Merseyside club, and it was their favourite son and chief talisman Steven Gerrard who fired them into the lead from the penalty spot within 10 minutes.
A Liverpool victory was secured by a Fernando Torres masterclass. The Spaniard simply oozed quality, taking his 50th minute goal with impeccable ease. The former Atletico Madrid striker's strike left the tie poised at 2-1, and a tense atmosphere developed with Lille needing just a crucial away goal to win the tie. Any concerns were ended in the final minute of normal time when Torres settled the tie after Lille 'keeper Landreau parried a Steven Gerrard effort.
Progression to the quarter final was a welcome distraction for beleaguered reds manager Benítez, whose latest mini-crisis was sparked when out of favour winger Albert Riera criticised the Liverpool bosses' methods. The Anfield side's manager can look forward to the Europa League draw tomorrow morning knowing that his former side Valencia are potential opponents.
Valencia triumphed over Werder Bremen in an enthralling 4-4 (agg. 5-5) draw at Bremen's Weserstadion, featuring a marvellous hattrick from Spanish hitman David Villa. Elsewhere, Hamburg secured a nailbiting victory away at Anderlecht, losing on the night 4-3 but winning 6-5 on aggregate, Wolfsburg needed extra time to overcome Russian champions Rubin Kazan, whilst there were wins for Standard Liege, Atletico Madrid and Benfica, who recorded an impressive 2-1 win at Marseille's Stade Vélodrome.
The line-up of sides who have progressed to the quarter and semi final draw, to be held in Nyon at 11 o' clock on Friday morning, is as follows:
Atletico Madrid
Benfica
Fulham
Hamburg
Liverpool
Standard Liege
Valencia
Wolfsburg
Matthew Caspell
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