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Norwich reject Holt transfer request

May 18th 2012: Norwich City’s captain Grant Holt has  had a written transfer request refused by the Canaries. The journeyman striker has been a revelation for the yellows this season exceeding all expectations with 15 league goals in a fantastic debut Premier League season. We are unsure as to why the 31 year-old former Nottingham Forest striker wishes to depart Carrow Road but i would presume that it’s because he feels time is running out if he is to make a move to a big top flight club.

Any suitors will now look to test the Norfolk club’s resolve but no side has enquired about the availability of Holt’s services as of yet. I personally feel that despite being an unfashionable signing, many Premier League clubs could benefit from having a robust and experienced target man who knows where the back of the net is. It will be fascinating to see how this saga unfold throughout the summer months.

Dalglish exits Anfield

May 16th 2012: Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has quit his post at Anfield after crisis talks with Their American Owners. The 61 year-old Scotsman flew to Boston yesterday to discuss the team’s plight last season and has now left the club with immediate affect. Despite claims that he has chosen to leave of his own accord some commentators believe that Owners John Henry and Tom Werner have requested that Dalglish step down from his managerial role.  Liverpool did win their first trophy in 6 years with a Carling Cup Triumph at Wembley back in February but their appalling league form  saw them finish in a lowly 8th place.  110 million pounds was spent on players in an attempt to restore their famous name amongst Europe’s elite  but The shortcomings of big money signings such as 35 million pound striker Andy Carroll, 20 million pound winger Stewart Downing and 16 million pound Jordan Henderson has seen Dalglish and former director of football Damien Commolli come under severe  scrutiny from fans and critics alike.  Dalglish will always be known as King Kenny amongst the reds faithful for his successes as a player and as a manager. This isn’t the first time he will be leaving the Manager’s job as personal problems caused him to resign as boss back in 1991.  When I take everything in to account, I do believe that this huge Football club and Dalglish have made the right decision. They now must take their time to ensure they make the right appointment, for the long term future of this historic football club.

Hodgson Names Euro 2012 Squad

May 16th 2012:  New Boss Roy Hodgson has named an England squad for Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland. unfortunately he seems to have made similar unsuccesful choices as his predecessors. I hoped to see veteran strikers Grant Holt Or Peter Crouch in there and Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has got in there purely on reputation after an awful debut season at Anfield.  Here is the uninspiring squad in full:

Goalkeepers: John Ruddy, Rob Green, Joe Hart

Defenders: Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Phil Jones, Leighton Baines, Joleon Lescott

Midfielders: Theo Walcott, Stewart Downing, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ashley Young, Frank Lampard, Scott Parker, James Milner, Steven Gerrard

Strikers: Jermaine Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Andy Carroll.

Mcleish is axed by Aston

May 15th 2012: Alec Mcleish has finally been sacked by Aston Villa. The 53 year-old Scotsman has been punished for his woeful debut season at the Villa Park helm.Villa won just 7 league games and notched a pathetic tally of 38 points. The Villains were fortunate to escape relegation which would have been Mcleish’s second in succession after relegating Villa’s city rivals Birmingham last term. I don’t know what’s happened to this once astute and tactically sound manager but he seems to have lost his touch and ability to nurture players.  I don’t envisage a top flight side paying for his services any time in the near future.

Weekend Premiership Last day Review

May 14th 2012: Manchester City won their first League title in 44 years in the most dramatic of circumstances. The Citizens started a little nervy and slow and it took them about half an hour to take the lead through a fortuitous Pablo Zabaleta strike. It was 1-0 going in to half time and most would have predicted that City would then cruise to a comfortable victory, but that is far from what happened.

QPR came out fired up for the second half and Djibril Cisse whose invaluebale goals have kept Rangers up this season, struck clinically from 12 yards out to make the scores level. The Etihad was stunned as Rangers had given themselves what seemed an unlikely lifeline. The Citizens knew that The Red Devils were winning at Sunderland so a victory was imperative for them. Things got even worse on 65 minutes when The Ten man Londoners took a shock lead through a powerful Jamie Mackie header. City fans were inconsolable, some youngsters were even spotted crying in the crowd.  Irresponsible Rangers skipper Joey Barton was dismissed for another act of petulance elbowing Carlos Tevez and kicking Sergio Aguero which could see him face a 9 game ban, and shows that despite his protestations, he still hasn’t grown up.

City probed but the ten men of Rangers defended valiantly and at 90 minutes it looked as if City had blown their greatest chance of winning a title since the Championship winning side in 1968. Roberto Mancini made two inspired substitutions. Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli took to the turf with a point to prove and it showed. An excellent David Silva corner was met by the head of Bosnian Dzeko on 92 minutes to level the scores. With two and a half minutes left of added time City had given themselves hope. The crowd roared them on and Mario Balotelli’s pursuit of a ball lead to top scorer Sergio Aguero seizing upon it and burying the most important goal in the 20 year history of the Premier League. Eastland’s erupted in sheer ecstasy and who could blame them after 44 painful years. City win the League thanks to their superior goal difference and an astonishing feat considering there was an 8 point gap to United just 6 games ago. Congratulations to boss Roberto Mancini and his talented, passionate squad of players.

Manchester United won 1-0 at Sunderland but was all in vain. The reds took an early lead through Wayne Rooney who hit his 27th league goal of an impressive personal campaign. The Black Cats showed plenty of spirit but they’ve been out of sorts for the past couple of months and it showed with another disappointing display. United looked to add to the scoreline with Paul Scholes smashing the post  and Ryan Giggs testing the excellent reflexes of the Wearsiders goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

 United end up with an impressive tally of 89 points but with City possessing a superior goal difference it wasn’t enough to win them a record 20th League title. United have some rebuilding to do in the summer, perhaps the acquisition of a younger and more dynamic midfielder such as Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan may help their cause aswell as the return of influential skipper Nemanja Vidic from injury. Sunderland will be glad just to have avoided relegation this term but a little upset that they couldn’t manage a mid table or top half finish. The real judgement will be made on Martin O’Neill next season.

Bolton were relegated after a 2-2 draw at Stoke City. The Trotters fell behind to an early Jon Walters goal. Bolton recovered well though to go 2-1 up courtesy of strikes from noth Davie’s captain Kevin and midfielder Mark. It looked as if the great escape was on but unfortunately the Trotters leaky defence just couldn’t prevent a Potters equaliser. Manager Owen Coyle was rightly aggrieved at Stoke’s first goal as Walters appeared to head the ball out of Bogdan’s hands but the truth is that Bolton simply haven’t been good enough. QPR are surviving due to their good home form whereas Bolton’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of Spurs 11 days ago highlighted their plight this season. Coyle believes he is the right man to bring Bolton back to the top flight, I disagree but I guess will just have to wait and see.

Arsenal claimed third spot with a 3-2 triumph at West Brom. The Reds took the lead early on when Israeli veteran Yossi Benayoun capitalized on some inept goalkeeping from Martin Fulop. the Baggies responded well though and levelled through a well taken Shane Long effort. Replays showed that Long’s 8th goal of the seaosn did come from an offside position. Brom grew in confidence and went 2-1 ahead when James Morrisson set up fellow Scottish international Graham Dorrans whose excellent strike evaded Woijech Szceny in the Gunners goal.

Arsenal looked beleaguered but responded with a crucial goal before halftime when skillful Brazilian defender Andre Santos 25 yard shot was too hot for Fulop to handle. With Spurs winning at home to Fulham, Arsene Wenger knew that only a win would ensure them that vital third spot. Laurent Koscielny has been a stalwart defender for the Londoners this season and his winning goal on 54 minutes was simply priceless. The Frenchman seized upon some more woeful keeping from Fulop and poked home a goal worth millions of pounds. Arsenal have done tremendously well to bounce back from an abysmal start and guarantee Champions league football but they must look to push on next season and compete for top honours once again.

Spurs beat Fulham 2-0 in a London derby meaning they take that last Champions League spot. Emanuele Adebayor gave the whites a lead within two minutes to ease the tension amongst the players and White Hart Lane crowd.  Spurs added to that lead with the Pedatory Jermaine Defoe netting his 17th goal of the season and now had the cushion of a two goal advantage. Spurs have beaten Newcastle to the prized 4th spot and will now wait nervously for the result of the Champions League final. If Chelsea defeat Bayern Munich and win the Champions League for the first time in their history then the Blues will steal that last Champions League place. If their bitter London rivals lose then Spurs will be back amongst Europe’s elite next season, provided they win their qualifier in August.

In Other results: Swansea 1-0 Liverpool, Norwich 2-0 Aston Villa, Everton 3-1 Newcastle, Wigan 3-2 Wolves, Chelsea 2-1 Blackburn.

Weekend Premiership Preview

May 11th 2012: All matches are being played on Sunday. Manchester City host relegation threatened QPR knowing a win should guarantee them their first title in 44 years. City’s crucial win at Newcastle last week meant that They remained top with a vastly superior goal difference to Manchester United. Rangers dramatic last weekend has given them a great chance of survival but they need at least a point to ensure their Premier League status.

City must be wary of the threat possessed by the controversial French striker Djibril Cisse. Citizens goal hero at St James’s Park was Ivorian powerhouse midfielder Yaya Toure. They have so many ways to score with prolific partnership Aguero and Carlos Tevez, David Silva and even skipper Vincent Kompany who scored the vital winner against United to take City back to the top.

Both sides need a result so I anticipate a fierce and highly competitive contest at the Etihad. If Rangers were to pull off a historic result against the champions elect then the red Devils would forever be indebted to them. City’s home record over the past year is simply astonishing with Sunderland being the only team to take points off them at East lands in 15 months. QPR will fight tooth and nail but surely City have too much in their armoury and will march to their first Premiership crown. Howemost Prediction Manchester City 2-1 QPR.

Manchester United travel to Sunderland on the last day. United were 8 points clear with 5 games left and bitter rivals City have managed a historic turnaround meaning United’s League crown is slipping through their fingers. If City are victorious then United would need to pull of a double figures victory of the likes we have never seen before. The Black Cats have had a dismal spell since affectively security their safety and boss Martin O’Neill will wnat his troops to end the season on a high for their home fans.

United’s need to win is so much greater than the Wearsiders and that is why i’m sure they’ll cruise to victory. Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Co should conjure up a victory meaning that a City win at home to QPR is essential for them to get their hands on a long awaited Championship. Howemost Prediction Sunderland 0-3 Manchester United.

Third Arsenal travel to West Brom knowing that only a victory will suffice. The Gunners still have their Champions League fate in their own hands despite several dropped points in recent games. The Baggies pulled off an impressive comeback to draw at the Reebok with Bolton last Sunday. Roy Hodgson may be on his way to the England hot seat but his motivated group of players still seem determined to fight for him.

Brom’s impressive league campaign means they are secure and have nothing to play for but I am sure they will be fired up to give Hodgson an emotional send off and please their die hard fans. The Gunners are capable of putting a few goals past Brom but need to cut out the naive defending which has cost them so much in the past 6 years. I predict that Arsenal will draw which could well mean they finish 4th and face the danger of no Champions League football for the first  time in 15 years. Howemost Prediction West Brom 2-2 Arsenal.

Spurs host Fulham in a London derby at White Hart Lane. Tottenham had a golden opportunity to reclaim third spot last Sunday but stumbled in a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa. The Cottagers have had another strong season and have the opportunity to make history by finishing above super power Liverpool if they can record a memorable triumph north of the river.

Martin Jol will rally his troops to put on a show for their away fans against his old side. The sought after Clint Dempsey and midfield maestro Moussa Dembele muts be considered as major threats to Spurs’s often leaky defence. Spurs have an array of match winners including Adebayor, Bale and Van Der Vaart. I’m expecting a tight affair but one which will end in a huge victory for the North Londoners and probably secure them a return to the Champions League by claiming third place. Howemost Prediction Spurs 3-2 Fulham.

Arsenal legend Pat Rice to leave club

May 10th 2012: Gunners assistant manager Pat Rice is to end his 44 year association with the North London club at the end of the season. Rice was part of the Arsenal double winning side in 1971 and has been a faithful assistant to manager Arsene Wenger for over 15 years. Wenger paid tribute to his loyal sidekick and credited him for teaching the Frenchman the history of this significant football club.  Integral Member of Arsenal’s infamous  back four under George Graham, Steve Bould is set to replace Rice at the start of next season. Bould has been doing a stellar job as a youth coach at the Emirates and many believe that Bould’s defensive knowledge could be vital as Arsenal have come up short  year after year due to naive, schoolboy defending. Wenger may well have made his most important signing in the past 7 years.

Weekend premiership Review

May 7th 2012: Manchester City have one hand on the title after a deserved 2-0 victory at Newcastle. City were the dominant team throughout much of the contest but the Magpies did have chances of their own which they squandered. City took 70 minutes to find the breakthrough when the outstanding Yaya Toure placed a beautiful shot in to the far corner. Newcastle fought to level the scores but the match was finished when Gael Clichy’s superb pass was met by the monstrous Toure to smash home the decisive blow. Toure proved he’s worth every bit of that 24 million as his powerful runs from the midfield decided this crucial encounter. The Citizens remain top on goal difference with an 8 better difference than Man United.City are on the verge of their first league title in 44 years. This was a set back for Newcastle Champions League aspirations but going in to the last day of the season a victory may still guarantee them  a return to Europe’s elite competition after a painful 9 year hiatus.

Manchester United defeated Swansea 2-0. The Red Devils controlled the first half but too half an hour to take the lead through a cheeky finished by veteran Paul Scholes. Ashley Young made it 2-0 on the brink of halftime with a trademark accurate strike in to the bottom corner of the net. The Swans approached the second half completely differently and had many opportunities of their own which they failed to convert. We were expecting United to add to their lead and improve their goal difference but they just didn’t seem to possess the quality or the spirit in the second half. The whole of Old Trafford had a strangely deflated atmosphere as if the title has already been decided. United play Sunderland Away on the last day knowing they have to win and maybe only an unprecedented victory would see them retain their crown.

Spurs drew 1-1 at Aston Villa. Tottenham began well but failed to convert a whole host of chances. Spurs were caught out by a long ball down the middle which was seized upon by Ciaran Clark and the Irishman ‘s deflected strike found it way past former Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel. Spurs were reduced to ten men when defender Danny rose committed a leg breaking challenge on Alan Hutton.  Spurs 6th and  7th  coaches Joe Jordan and Clive Allen’s defence of the challenge was simply unacceptable considering they were sitting right where it happened. Spurs did display true spirit though and levelled with an Adebayor penalty on 62 minutes. Though The Londoners were down to ten men they were the aggressors and looked most likely to claim all three points but juts couldn’t find that killer pass or shot to win them the game. Spurs spurn a golden opportunity to reclaim third and are 1 point behind Arsenal going in to the last day. Villa’s point practically guarantees their safety but this has been their worst points haul since the inception of the Premier League 20 years ago.

Arsenal drew 3-3 with Norwich at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners took the lead within 1 minute after an audacious curler from Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun. The Canaries responded well though and equalised when Hoolahan’s tame drive somehow found the back of the net thanks to the inept Woijech Scezny. The Yellows continued to impress with their ambitious attacking prowess and went 2-1 ahead when top scorer Grant Holt’s deflected shot sailed over Scezny’s head. The Gunners looked stronger in the second half and finally levelled on 70 minutes when Robin Van Persie’s exquisite first time volley evaded Paul Ruddy in the away net. Van Persie 30th league goal gave Arsenal the lad again just a few minutes later and the reds seemed to have recovered to secure a vital victory. North London born Steve Morison came off the bench for Norwich with a point to prove and exploited the naive Gunners defence by scoring a dramatic equaliser with just a few minutes left on the clock. This performance summarized why Arsenal have failed over the past 6 years, they clearly need a defensive coach to teach them the basics. An Inspired performance form mid table Norwich, Arsenal luckily remain in third but must win at West Brom on the last day to ensure Champions League football for next season.

In other results: Fulham 2-1 Sunderland, Bolton 2-2 West Brom, QPR 1-0 Stoke, Wolves 0-0 Everton

Weekend Premiership Preview

May 4th 2012: Manchester City travel to St James’s Park to take on the reinvigorated magpies. City are coming off the back of a vital win over the champions which saw them regain top spot on goal difference. The Toon army’s shock 2-0 victory at Chelsea saw them go to within one point of third place Arsenal. City’s stubborn back line must be wary of  Senegalese goalscoring machine Pappis Cisse. The atmosphere is bound to be thrilling with tension that you could cut with a knife. Newcastle will be fully aware of City’s in form striking duo of Tevez and Aguero. Both sides will be wary of each other’s attacking threat but neither can be cautious as nothing less than maximum points will suffice. I see a fascinating encounter on the cards here and one which I believe will conclude in a score draw. Howemost Prediction Newcastle 1-1 Manchester City

Champions Manchester United host Swansea city in a pivotal contest. United’s 8 point lead has evaporated and they now find themselves second on goal difference to bitterest rivals Man City. The Swans have had a magnificent debut campaign in the Premiership and have nothing to really play for after securing their top flight status already. The Red Devils were lacklustre at the Etihad on Monday night and never looked to possess a goal threat which is something they must put right on Sunday. They will need top scorer Wayne Rooney to produce the goods at a crunch time. Brendan Rodgers side can play their sexy football without fear and perhaps that will be beneficial. United won narrowly in Wales late last year but you would anticipate that they may find it a lot easier in front of their home fans. United must be wary of the clinical Gylfi Sigurdsson and the speedy Nathan Dyer out wide. United possess too much quality and know how in this situation and I expect them to march to a comprehensive victory. Howemost Prediction Manchester United 4-0 Swansea.

Arsenal host Norwich at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were on an astonishing winning streak but have hit another bump in the road, picking up just two points from their last three games. Paul Lamberr’s Canaries have rarely been criticized this season but their 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Liverpool last Saturday saw the players accused of laziness and complacency. Robin Van Persie rediscovered his goal scoring touch last weekend with his fine equaliser at Stoke but the Londoners need the likes of the misfiring Gervinho and Yossi Benayoun to step up and take the pressure off his shoulders with a vital goal. Norwich are safe and have very little to play for other than pride. Arsenal must win to keep their Champions League destiny in their own hands. I expect a proud Paul Lambert to fire his troops up and make amends for their abysmal defeat at Carrow Road. Arsenal look tired and their reliance on Van Persie is coming back to bite them at the worst possible time. I’m going for another score draw here. Howemost Prediction Arsenal 1-1 Norwich.

Tottenham travel to the West Midlands to face a beleaguered Aston Villa side. Spurs are flying high again with 2 consecutive wins and 6 goals in those victories. Villa are in serious relegation trouble and face the prospect of their first relegation in 25 years. Spurs have match winners all over the pitch that seem to be returning to form at the right time. Emmanuel Adebayor, Gareth Bale and Rafa Van Der Vaart  will all have to be stopped if Mclesihe’s men are to gain a priceless result at Villa Park. Villa have little threat of their own with the powerful pace of Gabby Agbonlahor and maverick Charles N’Zogbia being their most dangerous attacking weapons. I expect a confident Tottenham side to run riot  as they did at home to Villa back in November. Howemost Prediction Aston Villa 1 -5 Spurs

City rule in Manchester Derby

 May 1st 2012: Manchester City beat bitter foes Manchester United 1-0 in a fascinating Manchester derby at the Etihad stadium. Citizens outstanding skipper Vincent Kompany struck the fatal blow with a fantastic header on the brink of half time. The red devils huffed and puffed but couldn’t manage one shot on target and deservedly lost out to their noisy neighbours. This priceless victory means that Roberto Mancini’s men have overcome an 8 point deficit return to the summit of the League table but only on goal difference. The big test will come in a tricky away fixture against Newcastle at St Jame’s Park on Sunday. If City manage to secure maximum points in the Northeast then I believe that the title is as good as theirs and the 44 year wait for League glory is finally over.

Hodgson named new England Boss

May 1st 2012: Roy Hodgson has been appointed as England’s new manager. The 64 year-old  beat  bookies favourite and media darling Harry Redknapp to the post. Hodgson is currently in charge of Premier League side West Brom and will fulfill his duties as manager in their last two matches of the season. The South London gentleman has done a stirling job at the Hawthorns as he did with London club Fulham but some doubt his credentials following an unsuccessful spell as Liverpool manager back in 2010. Hodgson has previous International management experience in major tournaments which is one of the reasons why the FA and its Chairman David Bernstein felt Hodgson has the necessary pedigree and experience to take the helm as Three Lions boss. He’s signed a four year deal and if the sceptical fans and journalists want Hodgson and the team to succeed then they need to back him to the hilt.

Arsenal clinch Podolski deal

April 30th 2012: The Gunners have finally announced the signing of Germany striker Lukas Podolski. the 26 year-old is currently plying his trade with Bundesliga club Cologne where he has enjoyed iconic status but  is now on his way to the Emirates Stadium to test himself in the Premier League. Podolski has notched an impressive 18 league goals for struggling Cologne this term and 43 in 95 caps for the German national side, Arsenal fans will hope that Podolski’s signature may encourage captain Robin Van Persie to sign a new contract with his existing one have just one year left on it.

Premiership Weekend Review

April 30th 2012: Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at Stoke. The Gunners went down 1-0 to an early headed goal from Peter Crouch. A beautifully flighted cross from Matthew Etherington was met by the Head of the giant forward. The visitors responded fantastically though and ran rings around the Potters defence. The Londoners gor their levelling goal in the 15th minute when a sublime cross from the revitalised Tomasz Rosicky was volleyed in first time by The Leagues top scorer and PFA player of the year Robin Van Persie. Arsenal enjoyed the majority of possession and played some fluid football but Ivorian winger Gervinho was typiaclly wasteful with the chances he got. Stoke had chances of their own to win the game. The home side had a late shot dramatically cleare doff the line by Bacary Sagna and the misfiring Jon Walters again proved how awful he is in front of goal as he spurned a golden opportunity. The result leaves Arsenal in third but with a slender advantage and Stoke remain in 14th but free from relegation fears.

Chelsea rounded off a tremendous week with a 6-1 thrashing of West London rivals QPR. The Blues flew out the traps and went ahead with a superb effort from Daniel Sturridge. Skipper John Terry was the talking point before the game but he did his talking on the pitch with a fine header to double Chelsea’s lead. Fernando Torres netted the third and it was  beginning to look like a rout at Stamford Bridge. Torres grabbed the fourth and fifth with spectacular finishes. Substitute Florent Malouda Scored Chelsea’s final goal and his French compatriot Djibril Cisse scored a mere consolation for Rangers. Chelsea are  1 point behind 4th place Spurs and Rangers are in deep trouble at the bottom.

Spurs defeated a pathetic Blackburn side 2-0. Tottenham completely controlled the contest and after striking the bar and pots they finally went ahead when Gareth Bale’s header hit the woodwork and rebounded to Rafa Van Der Vaart to hit his 10th league goal of the campaign. Despite going 1-0 down Rovers seemingly possessed no ambition to score an equaliser. The Lancashire side remained camped in their own half and it almost seemed as if they wanted to get relegated. Spurs continued to fight for that vital second goal and eventually scored it in the most spectacular style. PFA young player of the year Kyle Walker struck a  magnificent curling free-kick from 35 yards out which left ex Spurs keeper Paul Robinson helpless in the Rovers goal. So Tottenham’s win means they have their own top 4 fate in their hands whilst Rovers are on the brink of relegation as only a victory against Wigan next week will prevent them from their first relegation in over 10 years.

Liverpool secured an impressive 3-0 triumph against Norwich at Carrow Road. The Canaries looked flat from the outset and an effusive Liverpool outfit were to take full advanatage of that. Luis Suarez has been criticized for his lack of goals this season but he has a more respectable tally after hitting a fine hat trick. The Uruguayan scored two great goals in the first half capitalising on some inept Norwich defending. Suarez would go on to score a goal of the season Candidate with his third. The controversial striker spotted Paul Ruddy off his line and chipped him sublimely from 45 yards out. Suarez stole the show and it was great morale boosting victory ahead of the FA cup final next Saturday. Paul Lambert;s side were woeful but they have already ensured their Premier League safety with a few games to spare which should not be overlooked as a remarkable achievement.

In other results: Wigan 4-0 Newcastle, Everton 4-0 Fulham, Sunderland 2-2 Bolton, west Brom 0-0 Aston Villa, Swansea 4-4 Wolves. 

Premiership Weekend Preview

April 27th 2012: Monday night sees the biggest Manchester derby in some 50 years. Just a couple of weeks ago United looked like champions elect with a huge 8 point lead which is now down to just three points. A win for City would mean they return to the top and their destiny is back in their own hands. The Red Devils will be hungry to gain revenge over their fiercest rivals for the 6-1 drubbing they received at Old Trafford back in September. The flourishing partnership of Argentina’s Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez has rescued the Citizens title challenge. United will look to top scorer Wayne Rooney to provide the goalscoring threat but maybe this is also a game for the prolific Mexican Javier Hernandez. United turn up at the Etihad knowing a point will suffice but it’s very rare to see United set up in a defensive fashion. I anticpate a fascinating match up which will conclude with a City victory. I still believe however that United will go on to retain their League title. Howemost Prediction Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United.

Third place Arsenal travel north to face Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. The Gunners have hit a poor run of form at just the wrong time. The Potters are safe in midtable but haven’t been enjoying a particularly good spell of form themselves. Stoke have a good home record against the Gunners who always seem to struggle with their aerial and roughhouse tactics. The Home side will launch balls for the Giant Peter Crouch but the Reds backline looks a little more stable with Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen in fine form at the heart of the defence. Robin Van Persie may need to rediscover his goalscoring touch if the Londoners are to secure precious points in the Northwest Midland’s. Arsenal are missing midfield maestro Mikel Arteta and speedy winger Theo Walcott with injuries which have forced them out for the rest of the season. The Gunners seem to be flagging in recent matches and I believe that Stoke’s power and determination will prove too much for them. Howemost Prediction Stoke City 2-1 Arsenal.

Champions League finalists Chelsea host Queens park Rangers in what promises to be an ill tempered West London derby. The FA have made the right decision in abolishing the pre-game handshake. The tension between Chelsea skipper John Terry and his accusor of racial abuse Anton Ferdinand adds a fascinating sub plot to an already vital game. Rangers are three points clear of the drop zone but by no means safe. Chelsea haven’t won anything yet and if they want to guarantee a Champions League spot with their league form then they must return to winning ways. I expect a tight contest here and despite Rangers having a ppor away record I believe they will give their more affluent neighbours a good run for their money. Bobby Zamora and Jamie Mackie in attack will be key for QPR’s chances. Roberto Di Matteo may rest a few of their Nou Camp heroes but with their squad the line up will still be full of World class talent. I predict a narrow win for Chelsea which will plunge Mark Hughes’s side in to further danger and proide the Blues with a major boost in their Champions League aspirations. Howemost Prediction Chelsea 3-1 QPR.

Van Persie claims PFA Gong

April 23rd 2012: Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie has been named PFA footballer of the year by his fellow professionals. The 28 Year-old Dutchman is the League’s top scorer with 27 goals and 34 in all competitions. Tottenham’s Kyle Walker has been named PFA young player of the year. 21 year-old Walker and Van Persie’s form have suffered a blip in recent weeks but these awards are decided much  earlier in the campaign. Walker won his first senior England cap back in late 2011 following a string of fantastic defensive displays.

Premiership Weekend Review

April 23rd 2012: Manchester United dropped vital points in a thrilling 4-4 draw at home to Everton. The Red Devils went behind to a tidy finish from Nikica Jelavic midway through the first half. The prolific Wayne Rooney equalised for United on the stroke of halftime with a close range header. The game became manic in the second half when United went 2-1 ahead when Danny Welbeck curled in a tremendous shot on 57 minutes. The returning Nani made it 3-1 3 minutes later with a cute finish.At this stage  we were all thinking it the contest was over as United always maintain those sorts of leads at old Trafford.

The Outstanding Marouane Fellaini restored hope for the Toffees with a breathtaking volley on 67 minutes. The Belgian’s goal was answered by Rooney who struck his 26th league goal of the season to make it 4-2 to the champions. The Blues should have been deflated but showed rare and courageous spirit to fight back. Jelavic hammered home his second and the Blues third to ensure a nervy finish for the League leaders. Fellaini was integral in a fine passing move which lead to South African Steven Pieenaar slotting the ball past David De Gea to level the scores yet again. Old Trafford were stunned but I still felt they’d go on to snatch a vital victory. To Everton’s credit they defended heroically to hold on and make the title race interesting again. United are now just three points clear at the top and face City next Monday in the most anticipated Manchester Derby for years.

Arsenal drew a blank in a 0-0 home draw with Chelsea. The Gunners were the more adventurous of the sides and were unlucky to strike the post twice once through the terrific Laurent Koscielny and again through skipper Robin Van Persie. The Blues had a few dangerous looking counter attacks but never managed to test Wojech Szceny in the Gunners goal. Van Persie has just won PFA player of the year but had another off day in front of goal extending his open play goal drought to 700 minutes. Both sides defended well and in the end they were both relatively satisfied with a point. Blues captain John Terry was particularly outstanding.  Arsenal remain in 3rd but are now just 3 points ahead of a resurgent Newcastle side who have a game in hand. Chelsea need to start winning again if they are to secure Championsd League football by finishing in the top four.

Spurs slumped to another defeat in a London derby at QPR. Tottenham enjoyed plenty of possession but that quick passing and energy they had in the first half of the season seems to have disappeared form their play. It was ex Spur Adel Taraabt who wreaked revenge on his former side with the winning goal. The Moroccans well struck free-kick evaded Brad Friedel in the away net. replays showed that the 41 year-old American was a little slow in reacting to Tarrab’ts shot. Spurs fought valiantly for an equaliser and when Tarabbt was dismissed for an act of petulance they though they could at least grab a point. It was not to be though and Rangers fine home run continues whilst Spurs drop to fifth and are in real danger of losing out on Champions League qualification for next season. Rangers are three points clear of the drop zone whilst Spurs are three points off the prestigious top four.

Liverpool lost 1-0 at home to West Brom. The reds controlled the game but as like may games at Anfield this season their lack of clinical finisher came back to bite them. Luis Suarez’s industry and skill was marvellous but he needs to just bury the ball in the back of the net if Liverpool are going to secure maximum League points. Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson both struck the woodwork in a hugely frustrating afternoon for the Merseyside faithful. The Baggies capitalized on some inept defending to score a 75th minute winner through Peter Odemwinge. Roy Hodgson’s side would hold on to claim their first Anfield triumph in 45 years. A great moment for the Gentlemanly Roy Hodgson who was given a rough ride during his brief tenure as Liverpool boss last season. The Baggies are now just one point behind Liverpool in tenth. The Reds are 8th and this result strengthens the belief that they have only been a cup team this season.

Manchester City won 2-0 at relegated Wolves to boost their title hopes. Sergio Aguero was fantastic throughout and it was his fabulous goal that gave the Citizens a halftime lead. City failed to double their lead for quite sometime until Carlos Tevez’s superb pass set up Frenchman Samir Nasri to net his fifth league goal of the season from close range. Wolves displayed tremendous spirit but just didn’t have the quality in their ranks to avoid a defeat which has succumbed them to relegation from the Premier League. City now have their own destiny back in their own hands as a win in the hotly anticipated Manchester Derby next Monday will ensure they return to the League’s summit.

In Other results: Newcastle 3-0 Stoke, Fulham 2-1 Wigan, Aston Villa 0-0 Sunderland Blackburn 2-0 Norwich, Bolton 1-1 Swansea.

Premiership Weekend Preview

April 19th 2012: Arsenal host Chelsea in a hotly anticipated London derby. The Gunners are reeling from an emabrassing 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Wigan. The Blues will be in confident mood after thrashing Spurs in the FA cup semi-final and their midweek victory over World champions Barcelona. A Chelsea win would mean they close the gap to two points on Arsenal with a game in hand so this is a real six pointer.

The West Londoners will be eager to seek revenge after the 5-3 defeat to Arsenal back in October at Stamford Bridge. Fernando Torres is expected to start up front with Salamon kalou as Didier Drogba and Juan Mata may be rested for Tuesday’s Semi-final second leg with Barca. Laurent Koscielny hands Arsene Wenger a welcome boost with his return from a two game suspension. This is a potential Champions League qualifying decider and so ther e is bound to be tension you can cut with a knife. Despie the fantastic run that Arsenal have been on I think the wind has run out of Their Talisman Robin Van Persie’s sails and Chelsea will snatch a crucial victory as they always do at the business end of the season. Howemost Prediction Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea.

Manchester City travel south to face Wolves at Molineux. City have been rejuvenated in the past two games scoring 10 goals and keeping their faint title hopes alive. Bottom club Wolves could be relegated this weekend if results go against them. The Citizens Argentinean strike force is in full flow with both Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez both scoring 4 goals in two games. The home side’s threat will come from winger Matt Jarvis and industrious strikers Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher. I expect a valiant effort from Wolves but they just won’t have the class to trouble this revitalised City side and should be on the end of a real drubbing. Howemost Prediction Wolves 1-5 Manchester City.

Champions Manchester United host northwest neighbours Everton at old Trafford. United’s emphatic win over a beleaguered Aston Villa last Sunday mainatained their 5 point lead at the top and a win on Saturday will take them to within touching distance of their 20th League title. The Blues must recover from the disappointment of defeat in last Saturday’s Merseyside cup semi-final. I’d be shocked if the Red Devils weren’t awarded a penalty as they have been in so many home matches of recent.

Striker Wayne Rooney is in hot form and not just from the penalty spot. Everton will look to top scorer Nikica jelavic to provide the goal scoring threat and if United don’t watch the predatory Croatian closely enough they could come to regret it. I expect 100 percent commitment from David Moye’s Toffees but as usual they should come up short. If it isn’t Rooney then it will be Valencia if not him then Ashley Yong and the list of potential match winners goes on and on. Howemost Prediction Manchester United 2-0 Everton.

Tottenham travel to QPR in a crucial London derby. Rangers have had a strong home record of recent as was underlined by wins against Arsenal and Liverpool. Spurs have been wobbling of late but with their North London adversaries Arsenal losing at home to Wigan the door has been opened for them to reclaim 3rd spot. Spurs’s weak defence must be able to cope with the power and pace of Rangers Jamie Mackie and ex white Bobby Zamora. As is  often the case at this stage of the season Tottenham striker Emmanuelle Adebayor has gone off the boil but if they are to finish in the top four again then the Togolese forward must regain some of his form in front of goal.

This should be a passionate game with the Hoops desperate to avoid relegation and the North Londoners seeking to claim a pivotal victory in the race for Champions League football. Rangers lost 2-0 at Spurs back in October despite a strong performance and will be keen to put that right at Loftus Road. This could prove to be the game of the weekend and when I predict will finish in a score draw. Howemost Prediction QPR 2-2 Spurs.

Premiership Weekend Review

April 16th 2012: Manchester United hammered Aston Villa 4-0 at Old Trafford to stay 5 points clear at the top. Wayne Rooney scored from a dubious penalty after what appeared to be another dive from Ashley Young. Rooney notched his 24th league goal of the season with a deflected close range finish. Danny Welbeck finally took one of his chances and Nani came off the bench to complete the rout against an inexperienced and lacklustre Villa side. Alec Mcleish’s team are far from safe yet and if there is a candidate for worst manager of the season then he would win my vote every time. You cannot lose 2 or three players and fall to pieces because your squad is that thin particularly at a club the size of Villa.

Manchester City destroyed Norwich 6-1 at Carrow Road. Sergio Aguero hit a brace and the returning and controversial Carlos Tevez showed manager Roberto Mancini what he’d been missing with a stunning hat trick. The Citizens stay 5 points behind United but this drubbing may prove that they still have the credentials to upset the odds and claim their first league title in 45 years.

In other results: Swansea 4-0 Blackburn, Sunderland 0-0 Wolves, West Brom 3-0 QPR.

Commoli parts company with Reds

April 12th 2012: Liverpool have parted company with Director of Football Damien Comolli. the 39 year-old Frenchman was appointed as Director when Americans John W. Henry and Tom Werner  bought the Anfield club back in September 2010. Comolli was largely responsible for Liverpool’s transfer spending spree which included 35 million pounds for flop striker Andy Carroll and 20 Million on Aston Villa’s   Stewart Downing.  Commoli had this to say regarding his departure: ” I am happy to move on from the club and go back to France for family reasons.”

Reds Chairman Werner said: ”The club needs to move forward and we now have a huge game on Saturday.”

Principal owner Henry commented: ” We are all grateful for all of Damien’s benefits on behalf of Liverpool and wish him all the best for the future.”

Fulham cut costs

April 12th 2012: Fulham are rumoured to be taking unique and extreme measures to cut clubs costs. Machiavellian chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed is said to have purchased 12 hens to save 5,000 pounds a year on catering costs. The West London club are also said to be looking in to buying a vegetable garden and fruit trees.

Premier League Update

April 12th 2012: Manchester City closed the gap on leaders Man United to just 5 points after a 4-0 drubbing of West Brom. Sergio Aguero was back amongst the goals with a brace as was the returning Carlos Tevez. The champions suffered a shock 1-0 loss at northwest neighbours Wigan. Reinvogurated Scotsman Shaun Maloney hit the winning curler four minutes before half time. The Latics deserved win takes them out of the drop zone and United’s retention of their title is far from confirmed yet.

Arsenal claimed a comprehensive 3-0 victory at beleaguered Wolves. The home side went down to ten men after just a few minutes when Tottenham loanee Sebastien Bassong was dismissed for a clumsy challenge on Theo Walcott. Robin Van Persie scored the resulting penalty with an audacious chip and Walcott was also on target himself. This recent triumph was the Gunners 9th win in 10 games and takes them 5 points clear of 4th place Spurs and 5th place Newcastle. Queens Park Rangers jumped out of the bottom three with another Loftus Road victory. Much maligned skipper Joey Barton was on target in a comfortable 3-0 defeat of fellow promoted side Swansea City.

Weekend Premiership Review

April 8th 2012: Arsenal have seemingly ended Manchester City’s title challenge with a late 1-0 victory. The Gunners started much brighter then this Lackadaisical City side and should have gone in front when Robin Van Persie’s header was bizarrely prevented from crossing the line by his own teammate Thomas Vermaelen. Hothead Mario Balotelli was fortunate not to see red for a horrific challenge on Alex Song. The Gunners would have been disappointed to go in 0-0 at the interval after having controlled so much of the first half play.

The Citizens had a brief spell of possession in the second half but were unable to make any real use of it. Arsenal were on the back foot a little but regained their dominance late on in the second half and Van Persie should have made it 1-0 but his close range header smacked the City post.Arsenal pushed and probed but just couldn’t find that elusive winning goal until a moment of magic from Spaniard Mikel Arteta. Arteta picked the ball up in the 87th minute and hit a stunning 25 yard shot which evaded Hart and nestled in the bottom corner of City’s net. Just to rub salt in to City wounds their sulky striker Balotelli was sent off for another reckless challenge and even his own teammates looked  at him in disgrace. Arsenal’s win takes them to two points above Spurs in 3rd and City have fallen to 8 points off rivals Man United with the title race looking all but over.

Tottenham drew 0-0 at Sunderland. Spurs looked more dangerous in attack than the Black Cats but just couldn’t play that killer pass to set up a genuine goalscoring opportunity. Sunderland were well marshalled in defence and centre half Michael Turner turned in an amazing performance against his boyhood club. A point means Tottenham are just 3 points ahead of Chelsea and Newcastle and have slipped to 2 points behind bitter adversaries Arsenal. Sunderland continue to improve under boss Martin O’Neill and remain in midtable.

Manchester United beat QPR 2-0 to go 8 points cleat at the summit. The Red Devils were on top from the outset but needed some good luck to take the lead when an offside Ashley Young was nudged by Hoops  midfielder Shaun Derry and made the most of it. Derry was the last man and so was sent off and Wayne Rooney stepped up to score a tremendous penalty and take his tally to 30 goals for the season. Rangers did hang in the contest for a long time despite being down to ten men but a terriffic strike from the legendary Paul Scholes midway through the second half sealed the points for United. Rangers stay 17th, one place above the drop zone on goal difference and have every right to feel aggrieved. United march on and are now in poll position to claim their 20th league title.

Chelsea beat Wigan 2-1 to give their Champions League hopes a huge boost. In truth Chelsea were undeserving of their victory and Roberto Martinez’s rejuvenated Latics side can count themselves as very unlucky. The Blues failed to break the deadlock until early in the second half when Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic continued his prolific run in front of goal. Replays showed that Ivanovic was 3 or 4 yards offside and the linesman had a made an inept and costly mistake. Wigan displayed true character though to snatch an 82nd minute leveller when Mohamed Diame struck from close range. Wigan were playing some free-flowing football and if anyone was going to score the winning goal it looked as if it would be them. Chelsea seem to be getting the rub of the green at the moment though and they stole an injury time winner when Fernando Torre’s superb Volley rattled the Wigan crossbar and deflected off his Spanish compatriot Juan Mata and in to the back of Ali Al-Habsi’s net. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was left fuming at the final whistle and who could blame him as his Wigan side remain in the danger zone and Chelsea move to within three points of the Champions League places.

In other results: Norwich 2-2 Everton, Stoke 2-1 Wolves, Bolton 0-3 Fulham, Swansea 0-2 Newcastle, Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa, West Brom 3-0 Blackburn.

Weekend Premiership Review

April 1st 2012: Arsenal’s long winning streak finally came to an end with a 2-1 defeat at QPR. Rangers were the superior and more determined outfit from the first whistle to the last. The Hoops took a deserved lead midway through the first half when Moroccan Adel Tarrabt showed his undoubted skill by making Gunners defender Thomas Vermaelen look inept and then hit a fantastic 20 yard drive which evaded reds keeper Wojech Scezeney. Arsenal fought back and they didn’t wait too long to grab an equaliser through Theo Walcott. Walcott turned and shot wonderfully from 20 yards but his effort hit the post and he smartly netted the rebound.

The game was fairly even up until the 66th minute when the powerful Jamie Mackie heaped further misery on Vermaelen who fell over and Mackie passed for Senegalese midfielder Diakite to score his first goal for the club with a tidy close range finish. Mackie and striker Bobby Zamora’s industry was a thorn in Arsenal’s side all afternoon. Robin Van Persie had a great chance to give the Gunners a pivotal lead but his shot was well saved by Paddy Kenny and the Dutchman’s drought in front of goal was extended to three games. A fantastic scalp for Mark Hughe’s men but despite that famous victory they remain in the bottom three. A huge setback for the Gunners who looked to have run out of steam and maybe their place in the Champions League is not as assured as everyone thinks.

Chelsea won 4-2 at Aston Villa. It was an emotional afternoon at Villa Park with news that club captain Stylian Petrov had been diagnosed with acute Leukemia on Friday. The Bulgarian was in attendance to cheer his team on but unfortunately it was in vain. Chelsea took a deserved lead on 9 minutes when Daniel Sturridge finally ended his barren run in front of goal. It was a fairly uneventful in the first half and few would have expected the goal rush we would be treated to in the second.

Serbian Branislav Ivanovic rose highest in the box on 51 minutes to give the Blues the Cushion of a 2-0 advantage. The Villains showed great spirit after Chelsea’s second goal though and eventually got on the score sheet on 77 minutes courtesy of a James Collins header. That goal lifted the whole stadium and just three minutes later the largely unknown Eric Lichaj scored his first Villa goal to square the contest. The crowd were jubilant but their fightback didn’t last long as Ivanovic was back to spoil the party with another strike on 83 minutes. Villa fought valiantly to score another equaliser but the result was confirmed by Fernando Torres in the 1st minute of stoppage time. A thrilling encounter for the neutral but another poor result for Villa who now find themselves in the midst of a relegation battle. Superb week for Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea who went to within two points of 4th place Spurs and are now just 5 points off Arsenal in third.

Manchester City drew 3-3 at home to Sunderland. The Black Cats flew out the traps and seemed to have recovered from any hangover after their FA cup humbling at the hands of Everton on Wednesday night. City looked a little nervous as they well aware of the magnitude of this match. Sunderland took a surprise 1-0 lead on 31 minutes when the Swede Seb Larsson placed a terrific 20 yard shot in to the bottom corner of Joe Hart’s net. The Citizens levelled the scores on 43 minutes but in controversial style. Bosnian Edin Dzeko appeared to dive over Craig Gardner to win his side a dubious spot-kick. Balotelli coolly converted the penalty in typical fashion but the away side felt a huge miscarriage of justice had just taken place. O’Neiils troops showed their resolve and regained the lead on 45 minutes when the great Dane Nicklas Bentdner headed in to the top corner of the goal.

Sunderland were dominating a lacklustre City in the second half and sent shock waves around the premier League when they scored again to make it 3-1. The impressive Larsson was on hand again to score for the Wearsiders on 55 minutes. The title race was looking all but over at this point and some of the City fans were inconsolable. Sunderland managed to maintain their two goal advantage until the 85th minute when Balotelli went on a fine run and finished expertly to give the Mancunians hope. Just one minute later Aleksandr Kolarov levelled the scored with a trademark long range effort and a once miserable Eastland’s audience erupted in joy. With a few minutes left on the clock it seemed as if the script was written for City to go and secure a memorable comeback but to Sunderland’s credit they held on for a point and the match finished level.

Sunderland will have been disappointed at the final whistle but looking back the manager and fans will be proud to be the first team to prevent City winning at home in over a year. City displayed  tremendous character to come back from 3-1 down but in the end it’s another two points dropped and they’ve gifted United with the opportunity to go five points clear with victory at Blackburn on Monday night.

In other results: Wolves 2-3 Bolton, Wigan 2-0 Stoke City, Fulham 2-1 Norwich, Everton 2-0 West Brom.

Villa Captain diagnosed with Leukemia

March 30th 2012: Aston Villa’s Bulgarian skipper Stylian Petrov has been diagnosed with acute Leukemia. The 32 year-old’s condition was determined after he had a battery of tests following a fever he developed in the aftermath of  his side’s defeat at Arsenal last Saturday. The Club have issued this statement: ”During this time we ask that Stylian’s privacy is placed ahead of all enquiries and trust that we will share information as we receive it.”

Weekend Premiership Preview

March 30th 2012: Leaders Manchester United make the short trip to relegation threatened Blackburn. As normal United are in superb form just at the right time after recording their sixth consecutive win at home to Fulham on Monday night. Rovers were going well and recent results saw them climb out the relegation zone but the loss to Bolton in last weekends six pointer has plunged them back into trouble. Rooney was the matchwinner against Fulham and Blackburn boss Steve Kean may feel that if his side can eradicate the threat of Rooney then they have a chance of securing a valuable result.

 Blackburn claimed a shock 3-2 victory at the end of last year and perhaps that will give them hope of derailing the Champions title bid.  The home side’s forward Junior Hoilett has been in awesome form and if he’s in the mood for it then I believe his quality could cause the Red Devils a whole host of problems. United are three points clear at the top and will be determined to maintain that advantage going in to Easter. I expect Blackburn to fight and claw and earn themselves a vital point in their bid for survival. Howemost Prediction Blackburn 2-2 Manchester United.

Manchester City host Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium. City slipped to three points off the summit with a 1-1 draw at Stoke last weekend and so will be desperate to claim maximum points on Saturday. The Black Cats may be suffering the affects of a midweek defeat to Everton in the FA Cup. Argentine striker Sergio Aguero is absent for the Citizens as he has still failed to recover from a ”stupid” foot injury. The good news is that reliable skipper Vincent Kompany should return to the starting line up after missing 4 games with a hamstring problem. Sunderland may take some encouragement form their dramatic 1-0 triumph over the billionaires back in December when Korean striker Ji scored a 94th minute winner.

 Sunderland do have the weaponry to trouble City’s back line with the pace and trickery of Stephane Sessesgon and the industry and quality of Irish youngster James Mclean. City boss Roberto Mancini may feel that with Aguero on the treatment table and Balotelli and Edin Dzeko misfiring that perhaps it’s time for the controversial Carlos Tevez to make his first start in almost a year. I anticipate a hard fought showing from Martin O’Neills Wearsiders but with City’s tremendous home record and strength in depth I see them emerging with a narrow yet vital victory. Howemost Prediction Man City 2-1 Sunderland.

High flying Arsenal travel west for a London derby with Queens Park Rangers. The Gunners are the form team in the country after their comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Aston Villa last Saturday. Rangers seemed to be recovering after a historic comeback win against Liverpool but last weekend’s ill disciplined loss to Sunderland threw them back in to the relegation zone. We’ve seen the good and the bad from French striker Djibril Cisse as he has netted some crucial goals for the hoops but has been sent off twice for acts of irresponsible petulance. Cisse will be banned for this and the next two games so Rangers must look to Jamie Mackie and January signing Bobby Zamora for firepower.

Arsenal will be hoping to have the injured Laurent Koscielny back in central defence because if the clumsy Johan Djourou displaces him again then that may be the West Londoners route to victory. Arsenal have to run out of steam at some point and I feel that in the heat of a London derby where Mark Hughes’s team are fighting for their lives this could be their first dropped points in two months. Robin Van Persie has failed to find the net in the reds last two encounters and if he does so again on Saturday then it may prove costly for Wenger’s men. I predict a score draw giving Rangers a potentially priceless point and slowing down Arsenal’s momentum in the race for third spot. Howemost Prediction Queens Park Rangers 2-2 Arsenal.

Chelsea travel to the West Midlands to take on Aston Villa. The blues will be buoyant after an impressive Champions League win in the Portuguese capital on Tuesday night. Villa are lucky to be 8 points from the danger zone considering their miserable tally of 33 points. The Villains will feel that they require at least one more victory before they can secure their top flight status for another year. Chelsea may be going well in the cups but are still 5 points off a Champions League place and so three points at Villa Park is an absolute must for Di Matteo’s troops. Chelsea will be keen to gain their revenge for a surprise 3-1 Villa win at Stamford Bridge back at Christmas time last year.

 Villa must learn from some of last week’s mistakes against Arsenal and realise that playing the inept Emile Heskey as a loan striker is always doomed to fail. Chelsea will look to Juan Mata to be the orchestrator of attacks and i feel Salamon Kalou warrants a  starting spot after scoring the winning goal at Benfica. Villa have the capability to threaten Chelsea’s resolve with the enthusiastic Marc Albrighton on the wing and Gabby Abgonlahor’s pace and power in the forward line. I envisage a low scoring affair here but one in which the Blues could close the gap on 4th place with an essential victory. Howemost Prediction Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea.

United return to the Top

March 27th 2012: Manchester United beat Fulham 1-0 and went three points clear of nosiy neighbours Manchester City with their 6th win in a row. The Red Devils dominated most of the match but it took them 43 minutes to assume the lead when the prolific Wayne Rooney smashed the ball home from close range after capitalising on some  inept Fulham defending. The home side had chances to finish the Cottagers off but couldn’t take them. United were almost made to rue missed opportunities when Michael Carrick clearly fouled substitute Danny Murphy in the penalty area but referee Michael Oliver continued the great tradition of refusing to award away side’s spot-kicks at Old Trafford. I believe this has been a significant weekend in the title race and City have it all to do if they’re going to catch Fergie’s troops who have the vital run- in experience at this crucial time of the season.

Muamba watched team’s victory in Hospital Bed

March 26th 2012: Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba continues to make positive progress and was strong enough to watch Bolton’s crucial victory against fellow strugglers Blackburn on Saturday. The 23 year-old remains in Intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after collapsing with a cardiac arrest during the Trotters FA cup Quarter final with Spurs nine days ago.  Bolton boss Owen Coyle’s heartwarming and dedicated support of Muamba has been a credit to the footballing profession and the Scotsman had this to say on his players recovery: ”Fabrice is able to recognize people and answer questions. He also watched Match of the Day on Sunday morning which shows he is making progress, although he did fall asleep when the score was at 2-0.”

As for Tuesday’s match with Spurs Coyle said: ”It will give us a chance to thank the Tottenham fans because last Saturday it was almost like a sixth sense had taken over. There was a real sense of unity.”

Weekend Premiership Review

March 26th 2012: Manchester City dropped more points in 1-1 draw at Stoke City. The first half was a largely dull affair with few chances created by either side. There was a contentious decision however though when City’s Gareth Barry appeared to foul Matthew Etherington in the penalty area but another poor official disregarded the Potters appeals. The contest heated up in the second half as the home side grew in to the game and took the lead on 59 minutes in spectacular fashion. Giant striker Peter Crouch took one touch to control the ball then volleyed it home from a difficult angle, 25 yards out. There’s a general consensus that what we saw from Crouch on Saturday evening was the goal of the season so far.

 City brought on super sub Carlos Tevez and his energy and enthusiasm seemed to pay dividends for the Citizens. Yaya Toure’s 30 yard drive took a slight deflection and evaded Asmir Begovic to make the scored level on 76 minutes. Both sides pursued a winning goal but never really came close. The points were fairly shared and though City may be top its only on goal difference with Man United playing Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Arsenal won their 7th league game in a row with a 3-0 victory against Aston Villa. The Gunners were simply irresistible in the first half and took a deserved lead when Gervinho passed for defender Kieran Gibbs to score his first goal for the Arsenal. Theo Walcott made it two shortly after when he latched on to another fantastic cross field pass from Alex Song and coolly finished for his 6th league goal of the season. Skipper Robin Van Persie almost made it out of sight but his close range effort was heroically headed off the line by Stephen Warnock.

 Villa were much improved in the second half but just didn’t possess that cutting edge and firepower in the final third. Arsenal rounded off another superb victory with man of the match Mikel Arteta’s stunning stoppage time free-kick. The Reds go marching on and are now 3 points clear of 4th place Spurs and 8 points in front of 5th place Chelsea. Villa are on 33 points and will need another victory or two before they can ensure their Premier League status for another season.

Chelsea drew 0-0 at home to London rivals Spurs. The first half had few chances but the home side had a good claim for a penalty turned down when ex Chelsea man William Gallas appeared to clumsily tumble Frank Lampard to the floor. Spurs came closest to taking the lead as they saw Petr Cech and a terrific Ashley Cole block deny them on the stroke of half time.

 The game was marginally better in the second half as Chelsea’s Juan Mata rattled the Tottenham woodwork with a trademark free-kick. Gareth Bale hit the Chelsea crossbar with a close range header and Emmanuelle Adebayor’s drought in front of goal continued as his goal bound effort was blocked by Gary Cahill. A better result for Tottenham then it is for Chelsea as the North Londoners maintain that five point gap on the Blues. Worrying times for Chelsea fans as it looks as if they may need to win their first ever Champions League to secure a place in the competition next year.

In Other results: Liverpool 1-2 Wigan, West Brom 1-3 Newcastle, Swansea 0-2 Everton, Norwich 2-1 Wolves, Sunderland 3-1 QPR, Bolton 2-1 Blackburn.

Weekend Premiership Preview

March 23rd 2012: Manchester City make the short journey south to the West Midlands to face Stoke City. City looked down and out of the title race when they were 1-0 down at home to Chelsea but a Carlos Tevez Inspired comeback has given the Citizens renewed optimism. The Potters are in decent form and should be fairly confident after getting a point at the fortress that has been White Hart Lane on Wednesday night. Striker Cameron Jerome will be pushing for a starting place after his goal at Tottenham and is likely to partner Peter Crouch in attack. City will hope to welcome back Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany from injury after having to make do without the defensive duo for the past three games. We all know how Stoke will approach the contest but I feel that City have the necessary tools to cope with Stoke’s physicality and aerial prowess. With Tevez back in contention and Samir Nasri seemingly rediscovering the form he showed with Arsenal last year I believe that the sky blues will just have too much in their armoury for a Stoke side lacking any real creativity. Howemost prediction Stoke City 1-3 Manchester City.

League leaders Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday night. The red Devils have been in awesome form of late, winning five consecutive matches to return to the summit of the table. The Cottagers were in the midst of a great run themselves but their old inconsistency has come back to haunt them causing them to lose their last two on the trot. United have so many options at their disposal particularly in midfield and attacking areas. The Londoners do have danger men of their own with American midfielder Clint Dempsey, the skillful Moussa Dembele and January signing Pavel Progrebnyak  up front. Fulham have a decent record against the champions but that’s because of success they’ve claimed at Craven Cottage at not at the Theatre of Dreams. Fulham have the capability to get on the score sheet but with Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Valencia etc….. United could score a hatful against this struggling defence. I predict a comfortable United victory keeping them one point clear at the top. Howemost Prediction Manchester United 4-1 Fulham.

Arsenal host Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are the form team in the  league after recording six consecutive wins. Villa gave themselves some breathing space at the bottom with their 1-0 triumph over Fulham a couple of weeks ago. Without the injured Darren Bent it’s hard to see where Villa’s goals would come from but the pacy Gabby Agbonlahor does have the potential to trouble an often leaky Gunners defence. Arsenal earned a hard fought victory on Wednesday night at Goodison Park and so You would suspect some of the players would feel a little lethargic. The Villains haven’t played a game in two weeks so they are likely to feel fresh as daisy’s. Alec Mcleish will tell his defenders to keep a close eye on the League’s leading scorer Robin Van Persie but with defender Thomas Vermaelen scoring the winning goal in the last two outings we’ve seen that the Londoners do possess other goal threats. I anticipate an entertaining game of football with Arsenal finally dropping points and Villa securing a priceless draw in their bid for survival. Howemost Prediction Arsenal 1-1 Aston Villa.

Spurs travel to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea in a mouthwatering London derby. Spurs finally stopped the rot with a last gasp equaliser at home to Stoke on Wednesday. Chelsea had won four on the bounce until they let a 1-0 lead slip in their defeat to Manchester City. This is perhaps the most important game of the weekend, it could be called a Champions League six pointer. Chelsea are 5 points below Tottenham in fourth and with Arsenal playing Aston Villa at home Chelsea will feel that only a victory will suffice. Spurs may be tempted to play for the draw but whether that’s in this attacking outfit’s make up or not I’m not sure. Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo must decide whether or not to play Drogba or Torres or indeed both. Harry Redknapp will hope to welcome Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor back from injury but if Spurs want to score goals then I Believe that Rafa Van Der Vaart and Jermaine Defoe should be in their starting line up. I expect Tottenham to adopt a fearless attitude but with the shaky defence that they possess I think that could cost them and result in a crucial victory for their bitter rivals Chelsea. Howemost Prediction Chelsea 3-2 Spurs.

Muamba Showing signs of recovery

March 22nd 2012: Stricken star Fabrice Muamba looks to be on the road to recovery. After collapsing during an FA cup tie with Spurs last Saturday Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba appears to  be on the mend. Many Premier League stars including Ashley Cole and Emmanuelle Adebayor have gone to visit the 23 year-old in the London chest hospital and reported that Muamba was talking and in good spirits. Congolese born  Muamba remains in intensive care and Doctors say its still ”too early” to determine what caused the cardiac arrest.

Premiership Review

March 22nd 2012: Man city beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Etihad to move back to within a point of the top. A deflected Gary Cahill goal gave the Blues a fortuitous lead but the Citziens levelled the scores on 78 minutes. Substitute Michael Essien handled a goal bound shot from Pablo Zabaleta and referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot. Argentine Sergio Aguero took responsibility and showed the necessary composure to give City the equaliser. Another substitute, the controversial Carlos Tevez showed the quality City have been missing when his fine pass through to Samir Nasri saw him beat Petr Cech with an audacious chip which gave the home side a vital three points. City had to win to salvage their title challenge and Chelsea slip to 5 points off 4th spot following this latest defeat.

Arsenal won 1-0 at Everton to reach third spot. The Gunners started terrifically, their passing football was reminiscent of the old Arsenal side. The North Londoners made their early dominance count when Thomas Vermaelen scored his second in two games with a header from Robin Van Persie’s corner kick. After the first 25 minutes the Toffees came back in to the contest and were unfortunate not to make it 1-1 when a dubious call from the linesman ruled out a Royston Drenthe goal for offside. Arsenal had other chances to score with Aaron Ramsey and Robin Van Persie failing to put their shooting boots on. Everton may feel a little aggrieved but the end result is they remain in mid table whilst Arsenal win their 6th game on the bounce and finally leapfrog bitter adversaries Tottenham.

Tottenham drew 1-1 with Stoke at White Hart Lane. Spurs were the superior outfit through out but lacked that cutting edge which has seen them have such a good season. The Potters were defending resolutely but were lucky to keep a clean sheet intact when Gareth Bale smashed the cross bar for the home side. The Potters took a shock lead on 75 minutes when Cameron Jerome capitalised on some woeful Spurs defending. Tottenham responded well to going a goal down and probed for an equaliser which finally came in the 93rd minute. Welsh wizard Bale crossed superbly for his Dutch teammate Rafael Van Der Vaart to head the ball past Thomas Sorenson in the away net. Tony Pulis’s side departed the pitch frustrated but will look back on a point at Tottenham as an impressive result. Spurs wobble continues as they fall to a point behind 3rd place Arsenal but are still 5 points ahead of 5th place Chelsea.

Liverpool lost 3-2 at QPR. Liverpool played some great attacking football but didn’t score until the 54th minute with a mesmeric volley from an unlikely source, defender Seb Coates. Dutchman Dirk Kuyt continued his good recent goalscoring form when he made it 2-0 to the reds and Rangers looked dead and buried. The West Londoners made it 2-1 on 77 minutes when Shaun Derry netted from close range and the unlikeliest of comebacks was on. Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse proved his worth when he headed in the leveller on 86 minutes. Liverpool were rocked and the amazing turnaround was completed in injury time when substitute Jamie Mackie powered through the reds inept defence to score the winning goal. A horrific collapse from Liverpool which highlights how poor they have been in the League this season. For Rangers its their first win under new boss Mark Hughes and a victory which seems them escape the relegation zone.

Blackburn beat Sunderland 2-0 at Ewood Park. Rovers took advantage of a lethargic Black Cats team and won comfortably with goals from rising star Junior Hoillet and the predatory Yakubu. This latest triumph takes Rovers to 5 points off the bottom three and Sunderland remain safe from danger in 12th place.

Muamba remains in Critical Condition

March 19th 2012: Bolton star Fabrice Muamba spent his second night in hospital on Sunday following a cardiac arrest. The 23 year-old Congolese born midfielder suddenly collapsed on the pitch during Bolton’s FA cup tie with Spurs on Saturday evening. Muamba is being treated at The East London chest hospital and doctors have confirmed that his condition remains critical. The football community has come together wonderfully over the past 48 hours to support Muamba and his family. We here at Footballmost hope and pray that Muamba makes a full and speedy recovery.

The Champions go Marching on

March 19th 2012: Man United extend their lead at the top to 4 points with a 5-0 win over beleaguered Wolves at Molineux. The home side began well and have an impressive  home record against the red Devils in recent years. United went ahead on 20 minutes when  overjoyed Northern Irish defender Johnny Evans scored his first goal for the club. Wolves defender Ronald Zubar made the bottom club’s task even harder when he was irresponsibly sent off for two rash challenges. Antonio Valencia made it 2-0 a few minutes after the sending off when he completed a fine counter attacking move with an emphatic finish. Misfiring Danny Welbeck was finally back amongst the goals as he struck his 7th league goal on the stroke of half time.

Mexican Javier Hernandez completed the rout in the second half with a brace of goals. Wolves have fallen to bottom after conceding five goals for the third time in 5 League matches. United now have that 4 point cushion at the summit with Man City playing their game in hand against Chelsea at the Etihad on Wednesday night.

Newcastle beat Norwich City 1-0 at St James’s Park. 10 Million pound January signing Pappis Cisse netted his third goal for the club with a fine first time finish. The Magpies victory sees them cut the gap on 4th place Arsenal to five points whilst the Canaries continue their dismal run by falling to 13th.

Swansea won 3-0 at Fulham to jump in to 8th spot. A double from Icelandic star Gylfi Sigurdsson and a Joe Allen goal gave  Brendan Rodger’s fantastic Swans all three points in South West London.

Wigan drew 1-1 with West Brom at the DW stadium. The Latics went ahead with a close range effort from Scottish midfielder James Mcarthur but they predictably failed to hold on to the lead for long. Former Wigan heroine Paul Scharner equalised for the Baggies to condemn struggling Wigan to yet another home draw. Wigan were the superior team throughout the contest but once again their inability to finish their chances haunted them and they stay rooted in the relegation zone.

Rising star Hazard keen on joining Champions

March 13th 2012: Belgian winger Eden Hazard has expressed his interest in joining Manchester United. The 21 year-old who plies his trade for French champions Lille has become one of the hottest properties in European football over the past year. United chief Sir Alex Ferguson was in the crowd to see Hazard’s Lille lose 2-1 to Lyon at the weekend. North London giants Spurs and Arsenal have both been linked with the 30 million pound rated play maker but it now seems as if the Red Devils are emerging as favourites to capture Hazard this summer. When asked whether a switch to Old Trafford would tempt him Hazard told La Voix Du Nord: ”Of Course this is a club that excites anyone.

For now my focus is on Lille but yes it is a pleasure to be watched by one of the best coaches in the world if not the best.”

Spirited Arsenal come from behind once again

March 13th 2012: Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-1 at the Emirates with a 95th minute winner from Thomas Vermaelen. The Gunners came from behind for a record fourth league game in a row after conceding to a fabulous strike from Newcastle’s Hatem Ben Arfa on 14 minutes.  The Londoners took just 1 minute to respond though with their inspirational captain Robin Van Persie levelling the scores. The Gunners knocked at the door for the entire second half but just couldn’t find the elusive winner until the revitalised Theo Walcott went on a surging run and his fine cross ended up at the feet of die hard defender Vermaelen whose dramatic goal took Arsenal to within just one point of third place rivals Spurs.

Weekend Premiership Review

March 11th 2012: Manchester City fell off their perch with a 1-0 loss at Swansea. City were hit with a double injury blow as they played without recognized centre back pairing Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott due to injuries. The Swans started brightly and capitalised on the away side’s weakened back line by winning a penalty when Scott Sinclair was fouled by England goalkeeper Joe Hart. The former Chelsea man too the spot kick himself but his nonchalant effort was easily saved by Hart. The Welshman continued to outplay the Eithad billionaires but just weren’t able to procure the goal that would have put them into a  half time lead.

City made a tactical change as they brought on Argentine striker for the static midfielder Gareth Barry. The alteration seemed to have little affect though for City as they were clearly having an off day in front of goal. The match looked as if it was petering out and was going to conclude goalless until the 83rd minute. Swans boss Brendan Rodgers brought striker Luke Moore on to the pitch and it proved to be an inspired substitution as he headed the ball in from a terrific Sinclair cross. City battled for a crucial equaliser but it seemed to be proving elusive until defender Micah Richards scored what he thought was a dramatic leveller. The linesman Sian Massey raised her flag though and Richards goal was correctly chalked off for offside. Swansea rise to 11th and are now 14 points off the danger zone. City slip to second for the first time in 5 months and  recovering their pursuit of the title after this latest defeat may prove to be their biggest challenge yet.

Manchester United beat West Brom 2-0 at Old Trafford. United were keen to show their resilience after the humbling European defeat they suffered on Thursday night and they did just that. The Red Devils were on top for the vast majority of the contest and  went 1-0 ahead through the in form Wayne Rooney on 35 minutes. The Baggies did enjoy a bit of possession in their attempt to score an equalising goal and were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when reds captain Patrice Evra appeared to trip Baggies hit man Peter Odemwinge in the penalty area. Replays showed it was a clear foul by Evra but was anyone really surprised by a decision not to give a penalty to the way side at Old Trafford?

United spent most of the second half in cruise control and finally ended the contest on 71 minutes when Wayne Rooney scored his second of the game from the penalty spot. Stalwart defender Jonas Olsson was rightly sent off by the referee for two bookable offences which only served to make the Midlands club unenviable task even harder. So after three straight league wins Roy Hodgson’s side come back down to earth with a bump but I am sure he will be philosophical in defeat as they currently sit in the safe haven of mid table. Fergie’s boys are back in poll position with a lead of 1 point over rivals Man City and I wouldn’t bet against them remaining there for the rest of the season.

Chelsea beat Stoke City 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. The Blues controlled the match from the outset but failed to create any clear cut chances in the early going. The entire shape of the match changed when Potters striker Ricardo Fuller was dismissed for his petulant stamp on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. It was a regrettable and costly act from Fuller who seemed determined to get himself in trouble from the kick off. Chelsea went in to the ascendancy after Stoke were reduced to ten men and managed to strike Asmir Begovic’s cross bar on two occasions. As the half time whistle blew a heavily scrutinized Chelsea team must have been incredibly frustrated to be going in to the changing rooms with the score at 0-0.

The Londoners continued their dominance in the second half but it took 23 minutes of the half for them to finally break the deadlock. The Outstanding Juan Mata played a genius reverse pass for Didier Drogba to slot home his 100th Premier League goal for Chelsea. A milestone which I am sure the Ivorian powerhouse is delighted to have achieved. Mata came closest to making it 2-0 when his superb free-kick rattled Stoke’s battered woodwork. Chelsea stay in fifth place but are now level on points with 4th place Arsenal who play host to Newcastle on Monday night. Stoke will not be too deflated by this defeat as they remain in 10th spot and are in no danger of being dragged in to a relegation battle.

Everton claimed another scalp with a 1-0 home defeat of Tottenham. The Toffees started the better side as Spurs looked a little short on confidence following consecutive league defeats. David Moyes was celebrating ten years in charge at Goodison Park and his troops were doing him proud as they fought for every ball. One of Moyes’s loyal disciples Leon Osman went on a surging run through the visitors defence and squared for Nikica Jelavic to score an excellent goal in the 22nd minute of  his full debut. The goal was no more than the home side had merited and a beleaguered Spurs were struggling to quieten the raucous Goodison crowd.

Spurs were far better in the second 45 minutes and the blues knew they had to maintain their energy levels if they were to prevent the North Londoners from scoring an equaliser. Jermaine Defoe managed to get a couple of shots on target but they were not good enough to test the reliable Tim Howard in Everton’s goal. Emmanuel Adebayor was withdrawn after another lacklustre display. The man who replaced Adebayor was ex Everton striker Louis Saha and he played the game as if he had a point to prove to the fans who used to cheer him. Saha’s energy and quality galvanized Tottenham and it was he who came closest to netting the leveller when his close range effort brushed the Toffees post. Everton managed to hold on in the end and secured another hard fought victory against one of the League’s top dogs. Spurs and manager Harry Redknapp have now lost three games in a row for the first time since Redknapp took the helm back in 2008. This is a true test of this talented team’s character and securing Champions League football for next season would be their finest accomplishment.

In Other Results: Norwich 1-1 Wigan, Wolves 0-2 Blackburn, Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool, Bolton 2-1 QPR, Aston Villa 1-0 Fulham.

Weekend Premiership Preview

March 9th 2012: Champions Manchester United host West Brom at Old Trafford. United have been in outstanding domestic form but the 3-2 home loss to Atletico Bilbao in the Europa League showed they are far from invincible. The Baggies are flying at the moment after three straight wins sees them in the safe haven of mid table. United will need veteran defender Rio Ferdinand back in the fold after witnessing the defensive horror show against Bilbao. The one positive to come from Thursday night is Wayne Rooney’s goal scoring continued and the Brom defence must attempt to stop the England striker’s purple patch in front of goal. Nigerian striker Peter Odemwinge has regained his goal scoring touch in the past month which lead to him claiming February’s Premier League player of the month. If the Baggies are brave and utilize the likes of James Morrisson and Odemwinge then I do believe they can secure an unlikely result at old Trafford. The Red Devils though will be fired up by their European embarrassment and the Midlanders should pay the price for that. Howemost Prediction Manchester United 4-1 West Brom.

Manchester City go to South Wales to face Swansea City. The league leaders may be reeling from their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Swansea had been going through a sticky patch but recovered excellently as they won 2-0 at Wigan despite playing a large perecentage of the match with ten men. City will be without skipper Vincent Kompany in the centre of defence and I like many believe that makes the Citizens a lot weaker. The Swans will look to in form Gylfi Sigurdsson and top scorer Danny Granham to pose City’s defence problems. The Welshman will be without flying winger Nathan Dyer though due to suspension which I’m sure will come as a relief to City boss Roberto Mancini. I expect Mario Balotelli to start in attack for City and he’ll be hoping to maintain his good form in front of goal by getting on the score sheet in a rare away game. This could turn out be the game of the weekend with plenty of attacking quality on show. I anticipate a high scoring contest that will end with the superior Etihad men retruning to England with maximum points. Howemost Prediction Swansea 2-3 Man City.

Arsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates on Monday night. The Gunners have shown great recuperative powers after bouncing back from a dreadful January to secure four straight league wins. The Magpies are still going strong but have a little hiccup with two home draws in their last two outings. Newcastle can’t afford to lose in North London if they are to maintain a push for an unlikely Champions League spot. Arsenal currently lay 4th in the table on goal difference but they could find themselves fifth by Monday if Chelsea have a substantial victory over the weekend. Newcastle are no push over these days with players the calibre of Chiek Tiote and Yohan Cabaye in midfield as well as the powerful Senegalese front pairing of Demba Ba and Pappis Cisse. Toon boss Alan Pardew will tell his defenders to target the League’s leading goal scorer Robin Van Persie but his side must not ignore the potential threats of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out wide. This is all set up to be a fascinating encounter and one i expect to end all square which would not be an ideal result for either club. Howemost Prediction Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle.

Chelsea face Stoke City at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea should be feeling a little more confident after they progressed to the FA Cup quarter finals in mid week under new manager Roberto Di Matteo. The Potters were enduring a turbulent winter but have shown their resilience once again and as they lie in a comfortable ninth place. These two met on the first day of the season in a game which ended 0-0 at the Britannia. The Blues league form has been abysmal in recent times which was compounded by that 1-0 defeat at west Brom last Saturday but with a new captain steering the ship there is a renewed sense of optimism in Southwest London. Stoke will attempt to unsettle Chelsea with their roughhouse tactics and physicality but i believe that with players like Juan Mata and Frank Lampard the blues may prove to have too much class for Tony Pulis’s troops. Giant striker Peter Crouch grew up idolising Chelsea as a child but he will be eager to haunt their shaky defence on Saturday afternoon. I expect Chelsea to emerge from this match victorious as they have  finally shaken off the burden of Andre Villas-Boas and can get back on track for Champions League qualification. Howemost Prediction Chelsea 3-1 Stoke City.

Arsenal Agree Fee for Germany Star

March 8th 2012: Arsenal have reportedly had an 11 million pound for Cologne forward Lukas Podolski accepted. The Gunners have been linked with the 26 year-old for a couple of months now and he has allegedly agreed terms at the Emirates Stadium to join on a four year contract next season. The signature of a proven goal scorer would come as a huge boost for frustrated fans and players of the North London club. Podolski has racked up an impressive 95 caps for his country already and scored 16 league goals in 20 appearances for a struggling Cologne side this season.

Weekend Premiership Review

March 5th 2012: Manchester United won 3-1 at Tottenham to keep the pressure up on league leaders Man City. Spurs were the better side in the first half despite the absence of key players such as Gareth Bale, Rafael Van Der Vaart and the suspended Scott Parker. The home side had an Emmanuelle Adebayor goal chalked off for hand ball, replays showed that the decision was a little on the harsh side. The Red Devils performed a typical smash and grab as they scored with a Wayne Rooney header right on the stroke of half time.

Spurs continued to look the more dangerous side in the second half but were caught cold again with Ashley Young’s fine volley from a corner. The Londoners were paying the price for lazy and naive defending against the champions. Young went on to make the points safe with a fantastic 25 yard curling shot in to the top corner of Brad Freidel’s net. The Tottenham players appeared stunned and exasperated but credit to their manager they continued to fight for a goal. Jermaine Defoe came off the bench with a point to prove and  he scored an 88th minute goal , reminding his boss Harry Redknapp of his predatory instincts in front of goal. United remain hot on the heels of City as they restore the two point deficit and Spurs are now just 4 points above North London adversaries Arsenal and will be desperate not to see their tremendous season collapse.

Arsenal won 2-1 at Anfield against Liverpool. The home side completely controlled the first half and could have easily been 3-0 up after just 25 minutes of play. Dutchman Dirk Kuyt missed from the penalty spot yet again as Gunners keeper Woijech Scezeny pulled off a marvellous double save from Liverpool’s Wembley hero. Luis Suarez hit the woodwork after Scezney made another great stop from a Jordan Henderson strike. The reds eventually took a deserved yet fortuitous lead when  Henderson’s low cross was clumsily put in to his own net by Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny. Arsenal grabbed an equaliser against the run of play when Bacary Sagna’s excellent cross was headed home by the prolific Robin Van Persie. Arsene Wenger and his team must have been relieved to have gone it level at the interval.

Liverpool continued to press in the second half and should have restored their lead when Kuyt’s superb cross was met by the wrong man in defender Martin Kelly who fluffed his lines from just 4 yards out. Arsenal did grow in to the game but struggled to create any real clear cut chances. Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta suffered a horrific injury when he accidentally clashed heads with Henderson  and suffered a concussion. Arteta was strectchered off to a heart warming round of applause and it took 5 minutes of time and so altogether the referee added on 8 minutes of stoppage time at the end. In the 91st minute Cameroon midfielder Alex Song picked out Van Persie with an inch perfect pass from deep and the Dutchman’s sublime volley gave Arsenal a shock lead. Wenger’s men hung on for the final 7 minutes to claim a crucial triumph. Arsenal’s 4th win on the bounce means they are now 10 points ahead of 7th place Liverpool and 3 points clear of Chelsea in 4th.The  Carling cup winners look as if they are all but out of the race for a Champions League spot and may now need to focus their attentions on more Wembley glory with an FA cup win.

West Brom beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Hawthorns. The Baggies had most of the possession and chances in what was a largely disappointing display from the West Londoners. The Blues did have their opportunities to score though too as Frank Lampard and Daniel Sturridge were guilty of misfiring in front of goal. The contest looked to be ending in a 0-0 stalemate until Northern Irish defender Gareth Mcauley struck the fatal blow for Chelsea chief Andre Villas-Boas in the 82nd minute. Chelsea attempted to rescue a point and their manager’s job but it was all in vain as the Baggies climbed to ninth with a memorable victory and Chelsea fell to 3 points behind 4th place Arsenal. The win was further evidence of the terrific job Roy Hodgson has done at the Hawthorns since taking the helm a year ago and for Villas-Boas it was his demise as he was finally fired  on Sunday morning.

Manchester City retain top spot with a 2-0 home defeat of relegation candidates Bolton.  The Citizens predictably controlled possession but it took them longer that they’d have liked to go 1-0 ahead. They did take the lead on 23 minutes when Gael Clichy’s long range effort was deflected in to his own net by Trotters defender Gretar Steinsson. It remained 1-0 for a long time though and whilst there was just 1 goal in it Owen Coyle’s men would have hoped to score a vital leveller. David N’Gog and Ryo Miyaichi both has good shots saved by England and City goal keeper Joe Hart. The killer goal came on 69 minutes when the impressive Adam Johnson squared for the controversial Mario Balotelli to notch up his 11th league goal of the season. City could have won by a few more goals but in the end it was another home victory for title favourites City. Bolton stay second from bottom and two points from safety.

In Other  results : Fulham 5-0 Wolves, Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland, Wigan 0-2 Swansea, Blackburn 1-1 Aston Villa, Stoke 1-0 Norwich, QPR 1-1 Everton.

.Chelsea finally sack Villas-Boas

March 4th 2012: Chelsea have sacked inept boss Andre Villas-Boas. The 1-0 defeat at West Brom on Saturday was clearly the final straw for owner Roman Abramovich. The loss meant that the Blues are now 3 points off 4th place Arsenal and in severe danger of not qualifying for next seasons Champions League. Assistant manager and ex Chelsea hero Roberto Di Matteo will take charge of the first team for the remainder of the season.

Weekend Premier League Preview

 March 2nd 2012: Arsenal travel to Anfield to take on Carling Cup winners Liverpool. Both sides should be in confident mood after famous victories last Sunday. Arsenal came from 2-0 down to thrash local rivals Spurs 5-2 and Liverpool were victorious in a dramatic penalty shoot out to claim their first silverware in 6 years. Both sides have injury worries though as the home side are without long term absentee Daniel Agger and skipper Steven Gerrard is facing a fight to be fit. The Gunners could be without both Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen and top scorer Robin Van Persie after they played in mid week Internationals much to the annoyance of manager Arsene Wenger.

Liverpool and Arsenal are in a fight to finish in 4th spot and a win for the Merseysiders would mean they jump to just one point behind the 4th placed Gunners. If Arsenal show the same determination and quality that they did in the triumph over Spurs then they could secure maximum points here but if  their old inconsistencies come back to haunt them then they could easily be on the end of a defeat. The home side will look to Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy to call Arsenal’s suspect defence in to question and if Vermaelen does fail his fitness test then I believe their defence will be even weaker. I anticipate a classic encounter but I believe that Liverpool will continue their momentum and claim a crucial victory. Howemost Prediction Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal.

Manchester City host struggling Bolton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium. The league leaders are two points clear of second place Man United and with the red devils travelling to Spurs on Sunday this may be a great chance to put some day light between them and Fergie’s men. Bolton are sitting second from bottom and even though they are just one point from safety the 3-0 loss at Chelsea last weekend highlighted their defensive frailties. City have so many attacking options to choose from with top scorer Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and sulky Italian Mario Balotelli who all scored in last Saturday’s triumph.

Bolton will have to approach this game with much caution as they know that if they can defend effectively and gain a point then they may look back on it as a tremendous result. I’m juts not sure that Owen Coyle’s troops have the discipline or class to shut out the title favourites on their own patch. Trotters captain Nigel Reo-Coker may need to play the game of his life to stop Yaya Toure and David Silva running the show in midfield. I just can’t see anything other than a comprehensive win for City which will take them 5 points clear of United before they play on Sunday, Howemost Prediction Man City 4-0 Bolton.

Tottenham play host to Champions Manchester United at White Hart Lane. Spurs will have to get the humbling defeat at Arsenal last Sunday out of their systems if they are to have any chance of securing a victory over the red devils. United showed their undying spirit with a typical late win at Norwich last Sunday, 38 year-old past master Ryan Giggs scoring the 92nd minute winner. The home side hope to have star player Gareth Bale fit after he suffered an injury in mid week whilst Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that striker Wayne Rooney is set to return from a nasty throat infection.

United comfortably won the fixture at Old Trafford earlier in the season 3-0 but this is a much different Spurs side they face now, one who is third in the table and has a fantastic home record. Ashley Young looks to be back to his best after recovering from injury and with Nani out wide as well Spurs full backs must be wary of the away side’s threat on the flanks. This is certainly a test of Spurs character and I do expect the likes of Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart to respond in the right fashion for the lily whites. A huge blow though is the loss of talismanic midfielder Scott Parker as his sending off in the North London derby means that he is suspended for this clash. I expect another fascinating contest here and in the end I believe Spurs will hold United to a draw which could have a major say on this season’s title race. Howemost Prediction Spurs 2-2 Man United.

Chelsea travel to the West midlands to face West Brom. Chelsea are only behind 4th place Arsenal on goal difference after a rare 3-0 win over Bolton last Saturday. West Brom’s home form had been abysmal until the 4-0 demolition of Sunderland last weekend. The blues must be wary of in form striker Peter Odemwinge who last weeknd took his tally to 11 league goals for the season. Chelsea will look to Spainard Juan Mata for a lot of the invention and hopefully Villas’ boas won’t be naive enough to drop Frank Lampard and Michael Essien again.

The Baggies are effectively safe after a strong run of form has taken them to 10 points off the danger zone but a win here would all but confirm their top flight status for another year. Daniel Sturridge showed lots of tricks and  skill in mid week for England but can he actually score a vital goal for the West Londoners which could win them  maximum points. The Baggies look a much stronger outfit in recent weeks but their home form over the course of the season does give reason for Chelsea to be optimistic. Ivorain striker Didier Drogba could prove the difference in this match if he takes his the goal scoring opportunities that become available to him. Andre Villas-Boas must warn his players of James Morrison as well as the Scotland international has been in sublime form and he could cause Chelsea’s shaky defence more than a few headaches. I expect a tight contest which will end with Chelsea getting the 1 point which could well see them return to 4th spot. Howemost Prediction West Brom 1-1 Chelsea.

Bent in fight to be fit for Euro 2012

Feb 28th 2012: Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is set to face at least 3 months on the sidelines after suffering ankle ligament damage. The 28 year-old was injured in a challenge with Wigan’s Antolin Alcaraz on Saturday and is now likely to miss the rest of the Premier League season. With Wayne Rooney suspended for England’s first two group matches at Euro 2012 many have tipped the former Tottenham man to fill his shoes In Ukraine and Poland this summer but after this unexpected turn of events his Euro 2012 dreams hang in the balance.

Weekend Premiership Review

Feb 27th 2012:  Arsenal hammered north London neighbours Spurs in an epic encounter. Tottenham got off to a flying start when they capitalised on some naive Gunners defending and Frenchman Louis Saha gave them a lead with the aid of a huge deflection on 4 minutes. The Home side were dominating proceedings but just couldn’t find that equalising goal with Robin Van Persie coming closest with his effort which struck Brad Freidel’s post. On 34 minute Spurs launched another counter attack which caught the Arsenal defence  out and Gareth Bale went through on goal unchallenged but appeared to dive in the hope of gaining Spurs a penalty. Bale’s simulation worked and the referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot where Arsenal enemy Emmanuelle Adebyor stepped up to coolly convert the penalty and give Spurs a fortutitous 2-0 cushion. Arsenal refused to lay down though and showed plenty of resolve when defender Bacary Sagna rose to meet Mikel Arteta’s cross and put Arsenal back in the contest. Just a  few minutes later the Gunners levelled through an audacious 25 yard curler courtesy of captain Van Persie.

Spurs looked devastated to being going in to the interval at 2-2 but it got even worse for Harry Redknapp’s troops in the second half as Arsenal ripped them to shreds. The outstanding Tomas Rosicky made it 3-2 with a well worked team goal and Theo Walcott completed the rout with a couple of delectable finishes. Wenger’s men capitalised on Spurs dreadful defending and displayed a lionhearted spirit which we are not accustomed to seeing from them. To make matters worse for The White Hart Lane men they had their fiery midfielder Scott Parker sent off for two bookable offences meaning he will now miss the game with champions Manchester United next week. Arsenal climb back to 4th on goal difference and now just 7 points off their 3rd placed adversaries, Tottenham.

Manchester United won 2-1 at Norwich City. United started well and went ahead when Nani’s dangerous cross in to the box was met at the back post by past master Paul Scholes. The Canaries showed their courage and quality to stay in the match and fought hard to score a levelling goal. That goal would eventually come on 83 minutes when their powerhouse skipper Grant Holt turned his defender and hit a  superb 20 yard strike in to the top corner for his 10th league goal of a terrific season.

 Norwich must have thought they’d gained an excellent point until the 92nd minute when substitute Ashley Young crossed in to their box and who was there to meet  the ball and score on his 900th United appearance but 38 year-old Ryan Giggs. Gigg’s delicate first time volley gave the red devils all three points and keeps them just 2 points off leaders Manchester City. Paul Lambert’s side would have felt crushed at the final whistle but this performance was further evidence of what  a spirited and classy team he has compiled at Carrow Road and they still remain in the comfort zone of 8th place.

Manchester City beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium. City were on top from the first whistle to the last and Blackburn just didn’t have the personnel to stop City’s undoubted fire power. It took Mancini’s boys a while to break the deadlock but when they did it was the returning Mario Balotelli whose expertly taken goal pout them in to a 1-0 lead. Rovers keeper Paul Robinson was having a good game until early in the second half when he fumbled the ball back out to City’s top marksman Sergio Aguero and his excellent volley was his 21st goal of the campaign and gave the Citizens a 2-0 advantage. The win was rounded off by substitute Edin Dzeko who headed the ball in from David Silva’s volley in to the penalty area. Another great victory for title favourites City but for Blackburn they just need to lick their wounds and move on as they wouldn’t have expected to get a result at the fortress that has become the Etihad.

Chelsea beat Bolton 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. The blues had a lacklustre first half and seemed to be suffering from a hangover after their midweek beating at the hands of Napoli. Bolton showed plenty of fight and endeavour but just didn’t possess the quality to really hurt the home side. Chelsea finally went ahead through Brazilian defender David Luiz when he struck a fine 20 yard drive which evaded Bolton keeper Paul Bogdan. Wanderers fell apart after that and not long after Ivorian striker Didier Drogba made it 2 with a trademark header.

Frank Lampard made it 3-0 when he  volleyed home from Juan Mata’s pin point  cross. The goal was Lampard’s tenth in the league this season and he has become the first premier league player to score ten league goals in nine consecutive seasons. A morale boosting win for Chelsea and Andre Villas-Boas but they still remain in fifth and for relegation threatened Bolton it’s starting to look ominous.

In other results: Stoke City 2-0 Swansea, Newcastle 2-2 Wolves, QPR 0-1 Fulham, West Brom 4-0 Sunderland, Wigan 0-0 Aston Villa.

 Wolves name new boss

Wolves have promoted assistant Terry Connor to the manager of the first team  until the end of the season. 49 year-old Connor was former chief Mick Mccarthy’s assistant for three and a half years and the board have decided to appoint him as their new number one. It seems like a dubious decision with the team in a midst of a relegation battle but having failed to land experienced Premier League bosses such as Alan Curbishley and Walter Smith they seem to have opted for the cheap and convenient option. I can’t imagine that too many Wanderers fans are overjoyed by this news but maybe the poewers that be  at Molineux do genuinely believe that Connor has the credentials to maintain Wolves top flight status for another season.

Weekend Premiership Preview 23rd February 2012

Feb 23rd 2012 The game of the weekend comes at the Emirates Stadium where Arsenal take on North London foes Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners are nursing a hangover from their horrific week as they exiting the FA cup and are all but out of the Champions League. Spurs are flying high in 3rd spot and with a ten point advantage over their fiercest rivals they are set to finish above them in the League table for the first time in 17 years. Arsenal are hoping to welcome back stalwart defender Laurent Koscielny from a knee injury as they sorely missed him in the 2-0 cup defeat to Sunderland. Tottenham expect to have Rafael Van Der Vaart back from injury and Togolese striker Emmanuelle Adebayor should be fit enough to face a frosty reception at his old stomping grounds.

Spurs have won the last three League meetings between the sides and with Arsenal enduring another crisis they will have nothing to fear when they turn up at the Emirates on Sunday lunchtime. Arsenal have the Premier League’s leading goal scorer Robin Van Persie in their ranks but apart from that Spurs will feel like they have nothing to fear from Wenger’s troops.  With match winners such as Van Der Vaart, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in their side they should heap more misery on their North London adversaries by claiming a devastating victory on Sunday. Howemost Prediction Arsenal 2-4 Spurs

Manchester City host Blackburn Rovers in a Northwest derby at the Etihad Stadium. City face Rovers who currently lie in 17th position. Citizens chief Roberto Mancini will warn his side not to be complacent though as we saw Rovers secure a shocking 3-2 win at Old Trafford back in December. After a lengthy absence out of the side due to another suspension I expect Italian rebel Mario Balotelli to start in attack for the home side. Blackburn are delighted to have top scorer Yakubu back from a suspension himself and the City defence marshaled by skipper Vincent Kompnay must keep a close eye on the prolific Nigerian. Steve Kean’s side have had no problems finding the back of the net this season but they have also conceded a hat full of goals so we could have a high scoring encounter on our hands here. This game may shock a few fans and turn out to be the match of the weekend as City fight to retain top spot and Blackburn battle to maintain their top flight status. With all the firepower and skill that the Sky blues possess I struggle to see anything other than a home triumph in this Saturday tea time kick off. Howemost Prediction Manchester City 4-2 Blackburn

Champions Manchester United travel to Norfolk to face an in form Norwich City side. United sit just two points off the top and know that if they are to keep hot on the heels of the leaders then a win at Carrow Road is imperative. The Canaries are singing at the moment as their terriffic run of results has seen them rise to 8th spot in the table and they are almost guaranteed to survive the drop back to the Championship. City do play a very open style of football which has so far proved fruitful for them but playing in that manner against a team with the class of United could be very risky. The Red Devils hope to have Wayne Rooney back in the starting line up after he missed their Europa League clash with Ajax due to illness. Norwich will look to their industrious front pairing of Grant Holt and Steve Morison to cause a United back line minus Nemanja Vidic a torrid afternoon. I anticipate a thrilling match this Sunday and one which I expect United to emerge from with a narrow victory. Howemost Prediction Norwich City 1-2 Man United.

Chelsea host Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge, The Blues are in an abysmal run of form at the moment and so a home game against 19th place Bolton is just what the doctor ordered. Wanderers looked to be going through a resurgence at the start of the new year but their disappointing home loss to bottom club Wigan two weeks ago has set them back again. Andre Villas-Boas must reconcile his differences with senior player such as Frank Lampard and Michael Essien otherwise the Blues are in danger of finishing outside the top four for the first time in over 10 years. Bolton’ defence is atrotious and that will give strkers  Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge hope that they can score goals on Saturday. Owen Coyle will look to midfield dynamo Mark Davies to provide a lot of the Trotters creativity and will hope that loanne Ryo Miyachi from Arsenal can deliver the goods in front of goal for the second week running. As poor as Chelsea have been I think the idea of them dropping points at home to the worst defence in the league is unfathomable and so I’m predicting a scrappy win for Chelsea and their heavily scrutinized boss Villas-Boas. Howemost Prediction Chelsea 2-1 Bolton.

Petit says Wenger sacking would be a big mistake

Ex Gunners star Emmanuelle Petit  says that sacking Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger would not help the club. Arsenal have capitulated at the business end of the season yet again and the two defeats to Sunderland and AC Milan last week have ended any hope of the North Londoners winning their first silverware in seven years. However despite all this Petit has come to the curious conclusion that his stubborn French compatriot must remain as chief at the Emirates. Petit said: ”This is the worst moment of Arsene’s career with Arsenal, I think that will probably be the biggest mistake at Arsenal if Arsene has to leave they need to find a big manager to settle down and that would be very difficult for the next manager. Arsene’s still the solution.”

 While Petit’s backing of Wenger is very cute it is destructive for passionate fans of the club who are watching their team go from one of the big European powers to a thoroughly average top flight team. Petit was part of Arsenal’s double winning side in 1998, a team full of the kind of character and quality that this modern day team just doesn’t possess.

Weekend Premiership Review (11tth Feb)

Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1 to go back to the top of the Premier League. The game started in controversial fashion as Liverpool striker Luis Suarez refused to shake the hand of United’s Patrice Evra the man who accused him of racial abuse. The first half was a little dull as defences were on top in the game and the one stand out moment came when Rio Ferdinand looked to have clipped Luis Suarez who was in on goal but replays showed that Ferdinand did get the ball before Suarez fell over

The game heated up in the second half as Wayne Rooney scored a beautiful first time volley shortly after the restart. Rooney notched his 17th league goal of the campaign just a couple of minutes later as Danny Welbeck played him in to score with a composed finish past Pepe Reina. Liverpool were shocked but had no time to feel sorry for themselves if they were going to attempt to rescue a point. Kenny Dalglish threw on veteran striker Craig Bellamy and his pace and energy  did seem to have a positive affect on the away side. Liverpool got a goal back in the dying stages and wouldn’t you have guessed that the pantomime villian Suarez scored it. Liverpool pushed for a vital point and thought they’d come close when Suarez missed an easy header from 5 yards out but much too the Uruguayans’s relief it wouldn’t have counted anyway as the linesman had his flag up for offside. So United go 1 point clear at the top and City play their game in hand on Sunday at Aston Villa. Liverpool are still just four points off 4th place and shouldn’t feel too disheartened after this performance.

Arsenal won 2-1 at Sunderland to go in to 4th place. The Gunners controlled a tedious first half coming closest with a strike from Robin Van Persie which was comfortably saved by Simon Mignolet in the Black Cats goal. Sunderland began to look livelier in the second half and almost scored through a trademark long range effort from Craig Gardner but it was well stopped by Wojech Scezceny. Sunderland’s pressure finally paid off on 71 minutes when they capitalised on a Per Mertesacker stumble and their Northern Irish winger James Mclean enhanced his reputation with another fine strike to give the Wearsiders a fortuitous lead. Mertesacker was consequently carried off injured and the Gunners were incredibly frustrated at the bad luck of conceding that goal. Substitute Aaron Ramsey came on the pitch with a point to prove and he did it almost instantly as his 20 yard drive hit both pots and then nestled in Mignolet’s net to give the Arsenal a well deserved equaliser. It was all Arsenal after that and the difference maker was the substitutes as the impressive Andriy Arshavin’s superb cross was met by Gunners heroine Thierry Henry who finished expertly with the slightest of touches in injury time. It was Henry’s last Premier League game for Arsenal and what a way for the Frenchman to sign off as his side go back in to 4th place on goal difference. It was a terrific victory for Arsenal as they showed spirit and class to rescue the game in the dying embers. It’s Sunderland’s first defeat at home since Martin O’Neill took over but knowing Martin’s sides they’ll pick themselves up from this disappointment and go again.

Chelsea lost 2-0 at Everton. Everton started brightly and went 1-0 ahead after just five minutes when Steven Pienaar scored an excellent goal on his second home debut for the Toffees. The Londoners were all over the place and the bizarre decision to drop Gary Cahill to the bench didn’t seem to be paying off as David Luiz and Ivanovic proved once again that they struggle to form a strong defensive partnership. Everton had recently beaten Manchester City on Merseyside and you could feel the confidence exuding from their passionate players all over the pitch. Fernando Torres had another awful day at the office and his abysmal run in front of goal continues. Everton’s second goal through Argentine striker Denis Stacquilarsi effectively sealed the points for David Moyes’s men. Andre Villas-Boas tried to make a difference with his second half substitutes but they failed to get the Blues back in to the contest. Everton are on a great run of form and stay in 10th spot. Chelsea re now 5th after Arsenal’s late win at Sunderland and Villas-Boas;s future at Stamford Bridge looks to be hanging by a thread.

Manchester City won 1-0 at Aston Villa to return to the top of the League. City controlled possession throughout the game but just lacked that cutting edge in the final third. Villa were defending well but offered nothing in an attacking sense. Sergio Aguero looked dangerous in the first half but just couldn’t put the finishing touches to some good work. City finally found a break through on 63 minutes when  well worked corner ended up being headed in to the net by boyhood Villa fan Joleon Lescott. The goal did shake the Villains into life a bit and the closest they came was a Darren Bent shot which was fantastically saved by the cat like reflexes of  Joe Hart in the dying seconds.  City held on and grounded out another crucial three points and return to the summit retaining their two point advantage over rivals Manchester United. Another poor result and performance from Alec Mcleish’s men and despite what many critics say I do not blame the Villa fans for getting on the managers back.  They are not doing the best with the quality of player they have available to them and now sit 15th in the table.

In Other results: Wolves 1-5 West Brom, Tottenham 5-0 Newcastle, Fulham 2-1 Stoke, Swansea 2-3 Norwich, Blackburn 3-2 QPR, Bolton 1–2 Wigan

Wolves Sack McCarthy After Deby Day Humiliation

Wolves have sacked manager Mick McCarthy after a the 5-1 home drubbing in Sunday’s Black country derby with West Brom. Wolves had been in a poor run of form until last weekend when they battled back from a goal down to win a relegation six pointer against QPR. However, despite that result Wolves suffered an embarassing thrashing at the hands of West Brom and the board have decided to act swiftly in a bid to maintain their Premier League status. A statement on the club’s website says:” The board took the difficult decision to terminate Mick’s contract after a run of form which has seen Wolves pick up only 1 4 points in the last 22 League games. This comes  after a promising Start to the season, culminating in the 5-1 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion.”

 Mick McCarthy took charge at Molineux back in the summer of 2006 and guided them back to the top flight in 2009. Terry Connor will take charge of first team duties whilst the board look to appoint a successor to McCarthy and Neil Warnock who was recently dismissed by QPR has emerged as the bookies favourite.

Fergie Slams Suarez

Sir Alex Ferguson has branded Liverpool striker Luis Suarez as a ”Disgrace” after his refusal to shake Patrice Evra’s hand before Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United on Saturday afternoon. Evra extended his hand to Suarez in the traditional pre-match handshake but Suarez who was found guilty of racially abusing the Frenchman back in October ignored Evra’s gesture. Sir Alex said that The Uruguyan striker has besmirched the good name of Liverpool Football club and believes that Liverpool are better off without him. United ended up winning this emotionally charged clash 2-1 and went back to the top of the Premier League despite a late goal from the pantomime villain, Suarez.

Arsenal legend to make his second exit

Thierry Henry will leave the North London club for the second time on the 16th of February after a six week loan spell. The  34 year-old French striker does have the chance though to impact on two vital matches before he departs as the Gunners travel to Sunderland on Saturday in the Premier League and then venture to Italy to play AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League second round clash. Henry has netted twice for the Gooners since his arrival from the MLS side New York Red Bulls and the one that everyone will remember is the winning goal in the FA Cup tie against Leeds at the Emirates on his second debut for the club.

Weekend Premiership Preview

Leaders Manchester City travel to the West Midlands to face Aston Villa. City went two points clear of second place Man United last weekend with a comfortable defeat of Fulham. Villa succumbed to another poor result as they lost 2-1 at Newcastle. City will have Machiavellian Italian Mario Balotelli back from suspension on Sunday but he is unlikely to start at the expense of Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko. The Villains will look to top scorer Darren Bent and loanee striker Robbie Keane to get the goals that would secure Villa an improbable victory. In the corresponding fixture last season Darren Bent marked his Villa debut with the solitary goal in a 1-0 win. I do believe that the Midlands club do have the ability in their ranks to trouble the title favourites but manager Alec Mcleish must be adventurous and brave with his tactics. City’s little magician David Silva may prove to be the key in the outcome of this contest as if he can get his foot on the ball and dominate proceedings then that would probably give City maximum points. I am predicting that the Billionaires do drop more points in the title race which will allow their bitter adversaries from Salford to cut the gap at the top. Howemost Prediction Aston Villa 2-2 Man City.

Manchester United play host to Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Red Devils will be keen to get their revenge for the FA cup defeat at Anfield last month whilst the Merseysiders know that despite the difficulty of this fixture they must emerge with a positive result in their quest for a top four spot. United can go back to the top this weekend if they beat their old arch enemies and that is great incentive for Sir Alex’s boys. Liverpool are 4 points off a Champions League place following yet another home draw against Spurs on Monday night but their best league form has come away from home in this campaign. United hope to have Chris Smalling and Nani back from injury and Liverpool are likely to start with Luis Suarez despite the fact he will be lining up against the victim of the race row, Patrice Evra. I think that Kenny Dalglish must start top scorer Craig Bellamy on Saturday as he has shown in recent years that he is a big game player. Everybody was hailing Wayne Rooney for his two penalties last weekend but lets see if England’s hero can score in open play against the team he grew up despising as a boyhood Everton fan. I predict a tight and enthralling match here that it is likley to end with a crucial triumph for the reigning champions. Howemost Prediction Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool.

Chelsea venture north to face Everton at Goodison Park. Chelsea are still reeling from a pulsating game with Manchester United last Sunday in which they managed to squander a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3. The Toffees are in a good vein of form and if Chelsea think they will turn up on Merseyside and stroll to victory than just ask Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City about Everton’s quality and resolve. Everton are hovering around mid table but if they can put a run together in the last three months of the season then they could land themselves a European spot come May. Chelsea are now just 1 point clear in fourth and if they keep dropping points than eventually one of the clubs chasing them will capitalise. Juan Mata remains the biggest danger for the West Londoners with Fernando Torres still firing blanks and many other going missing in demanding away games. Everton will hope that new striker Nikica Jelavic can mark his home debut with his first Everton goal and if not the blues have super sub Victor Anichebe who has proven his worth with vital goals in the past 6 weeks. I envisage another close battle that I believe will finish in a score draw. Everton 1-1 Chelsea.

Arsenal travel to the North East to take on in form Sunderland. The Black Cats are currently top of the form table after earning 22 points in ten game since the arrival of the miraculous Martin O’Neill. The Gunners were going through a terrible run before last Saturday when they secured their first victory of the year in emphatic style, beating Blackburn 7-1 at the Emirates. Stephane Sessegon and James Mclean have been  going through a purple patch which has been a major reason for Sunderland’s revival and they should cause the Arsenal defence a lot of diificulti with their skill and endeavour. It goes without saying that Sunderland must be most wary of Premier League top scorer Robin Van Persie. The Dutchman’s hat trick last Saturday proved once againthat he is one of the hottest properties in European football right now. You expect their to be a raucous atmosphere inside the Stadium of Light which will cuase the confident Wearsiders to compete at a high intensity.Recent away games have shown that Arsenal simply cannot cope in these  kind of away trips and so I am predicting another prosperous win for Martin O’Neill and his troops. Howemost Prediction Sunderland 2-1 Arsenal.

Weekend Premiership Review

Manchester United drew 3-3 at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea in what was a thrilling encounter. The Red devils were the better side in the first 45 minutes but went 1-0 behind on the stroke of halftime courtesy of some good work from Daniel Sturridge that lead to a Jonny Evans own goal. It got much worse for United as they found themselves 2-0 down shortly after the break thanks to a stunning first time volley from the Spaniard Juan Mata. The blues went 3-0 in front after a well struck Mata free kick found the afro of David Luiz whose deflected headers ailed in to the top corner. Stamford Bridge was rocking and the home side were in sheer delirium but this match was far from over. Wayne Rooney got a goal back with a fiercely struck penalty. Just a few minutes later The England striker scored again after the referee Howard Webb awarded the away side what looked like a dubious penalty. The atmosphere was tense in the stadium as Chelsea attempted to hold on to a now narrow advantage. Past master Ryan Giggs showed his never dying class with a pin point cross on 83 minutes for goal poacher Javier Hernandez whose excellent header proved too much for goalkeeper Petr Cech. Andre Villas-Boas’s side will be kicking themselves after squandering such a good lead, as for United they show their amazing resilience once again but drop two points and are 2 points off leaders Man City now.

Arsenal hammered Blackburn Rovers 7-1 at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners went ahead after just one minute when the speedy Theo Walcott crossed for the incomparable Robin Van Persie to tap home his 20th league goal of an astonishing season. Arsenal’s Achilles heel came back to haunt them though as they gave a sloppy free-kick away on the edge of the box and conceded an equaliser to a fantastic Morten Gamst Pedersen strike. Arsenal refused to drop more points in the race for fourth and went on a goal scoring spree. 18 year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showed incredible composure and maturity to breeze through the Rovers defence and round the goalkeeper to net his first ever Premier League goal. Robin Van Persie made it 3-1 before half time with another clinical finish as Rovers went down to ten men after a horrific two footed tackle from their french centre half Gael Givet. The Gunners ran riot at the start of the second half scoring three goals in quick succession. First it was Mikel Arteta firing in a deflected shot which nestled in the bottom corner. Theo Walcott made a trademark springheeled run and set up Chamberlain for a tremendous close range finish. Van Persie got his second hat trick of the campaign after an expert finish from Francis Coquelins cross. The legendary Thierry Henry came off the bench to put the icing on the cake as he stroked home Arsenal’s 7th in injury time. A victory which should galvanise an Arsenal team low on confidence and as for Blackburn they are two points from safety and I don’t see where they go after this thrashing.

Liverpool drew 0-0 with Spurs at Anfield. It was a dull contest in which Spurs seemed happy to defend a point and Liverpool once again lacked that cutting edge in their search for a goal.  Welsh winger Gareth Bale had a great chance for Tottenham late on but he fluffed his lines as he ran in on goal. Spurs showed the vast improvement they’ve made this season with another outstanding defensive display. A point is by no means a disaster for either side but Tottenham will be happier as Liverpool draw at Anfield yet again and remain four points behind 4th placed Chelsea.

Manchester City defeated Fulham 3-0 in the pouring snow of the Etihad. The game was tough for both teams as they Had to cope with very testing conditions. Adam Johnson started very brightly for City and  won them a penalty with his surging run which brought a foul from the Cottagers defender. Sergio Aguero took the spot kick and his assured finish put City into a deserved lead. Johnson was the architect behind the Citizens second as well as his run and cross caused a deflection off the hapless Chris Baird giving the home side the cushion of a 2-0 lead. There were delays to play in the second half as the ground staff cleared the snow and the game was disrupted making it a bit of a poor spectacle. Bosnian Edin Dzeko sealed the points  with a cool finish from ten yards out after he was set up by the endeavour and skill of Aguero. City are now 2 points clear of United with a superior goal difference and for Fulham its best they just forget this game and move on to the next.

In other results:

Newcastle 2-1 Aston Villa, West Brom 1-2 Swansea, Norwich 2-0 Bolton, Wigan 1-1 Everton, QPR 1-2 Wolves, Stoke 0-1 Sunderland.

Weekend Premiership Preview

Arsenal host Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners finally got a point on the board away at Bolton after three consecutive defeats. Blackburn’s great new year form has since evaporated as was seen with their 2-0 home loss to Newcastle in mid week. The Gunners are way too reliant on Robin Van Persie as if he is having an off day none of the players in the side seem to be able to step up to the plate and get on the score sheet. Rovers enjoyed a 4-3 win over Arsenal back in September and they will believe they can exploit the Londoners back line again although with the return of Bacary Sagna at left back it does look a little stronger. I think Arsene Wenger must contemplate starting Henry because despite being 34 and lacking the pace he once had he still knows where the back of the net is and can take that huge pressure off the skipper Van Persie’s shoulders. Rovers will look to Junior Hoilett on the wing to cause problems for Arsenal and a returning Yakubu up front haunted the Gunners with his brace of goals back at Ewood Park in September. I anticipate a low scoring game here and one that will end in a good point for Blackburn but another poor result for the under fire Arsene Wenger. Howemost Prediction Arsenal 1-1 Blackburn Rovers.

Manchester United travel to West London to face Chelsea. United are now level on points with top of the table City after a comfortable 2-0 defeat of Stoke in mid week. It was a typical result for Chelsea as they dropped more points in a 1-1 draw at Swansea but still remain in the driving seat to nail down fourth spot. Chelsea beat United 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season but that side looked more solid than the current one at Chelsea and with the pace of Nani and Antonio Valencia I feel the red devils can really hurt the Blues.

Chelsea will be without veteran left back Ashley Cole who is suspended for being sent off in South Wales on Tuesday. One of Chelsea’s biggest problems in recent weeks has been finding the back of the net with 50 million pound Fernando Torres unbelievably abysmal run in front of goal continuing and the returning Daniel Sturridge failing to recapture his early season form. United will hope to have Wayne Rooney back in the side the man who has been the scourge of Chelsea on a few occasions. I expect this game to end in a score draw which I suppose would not be a disastrous result for either club. Howemost Prediction Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United.

Spurs travel to Anfield to face a resurgent Liverpool side. Liverpool are flying right now after reaching the League Cup final, knocking out Man United in the FA cup and a 3-0 win away at Wolves on Tuesday night. Spurs are going well themselves and were boosted by Man City dropping points at Everton which allowed them to move back to 5 points behind the leaders. Spurs won this fixture last year as Luka Modric and Gareth Bale proved too much for the reds defence to handle. Liverpool will hope that striker Craig Bellamy is fit enough to start the match as in many ways he has been Liverpool’s most productive player this season. Emmanuelle Adebayor has hit another sticky patch in front of goal but with Bale, Van Der Vaart and so many other match winners they may not need their giant Togolese striker to be on top of his game. The reds hope to have captain Steven Gerrard back in the starting line up and we know what a difference a player of his calibre can make in a game of this magnitude. Liverpool have the chance to close in on 4th spot this weekend and Tottenham still have title aspirations but I am predicting yet another draw which would not be the best outcome for either side. Howemost Prediction Liverpool 1 -1 Spurs

Title favourites Manchester City play Fulham at the Etihad Stadium. City will be reeling from their loss at Everton on Tuesday night which in my mind highlighted the fact that their squad is not quite as fantastic as everyone says it is. The Cottagers will be disappointed to have let a home lead slip to West Brom on Wednesday night but they showed in the 2-2 draw with City earlier in the season that they can compete with the big boys of this league. City seem to miss the presence of the powerful Yaya Toure in the centre of the midfield and with Mario Balotelli suspended, Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero misfiring in recent games they don’t see to have the same goal threat as they possessed at the start of the campaign. Fulham have the in form Clint Dempsey who is revelling in the best goal scoring form of his career but they may need Bryan Ruiz to step up to the plate after the departure of striker Bobby Zamora who was sold to QPR on deadline day. I envisage this being a tight and intriguing contest but I believe that with City’s incredible home record they will outdo the Londoners and maintain their grip on top spot. Howemost Prediction Man City 2-0 Fulham.

Transfer Deadline Day News

Queens Park Rangers were the most active club on transfer deadline day as they sealed the deals for two strikers both at around 4 million pounds each. Rangers signed veteran striker Bobby Zamora from West London neighbours Fulham and French forward Djibril Cisse from Italian giants Lazio. Tottenham made a surprise late move for Everton’s Louis Saha and the 33 year-old has signed at White Hart Lane on a 6 month contract. The signature of Saha has enabled Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko to get his switch back to Russia where he will play for Lokomotiv Moscow. the League leaders Manchester City have acquired the services of Chilean midfielder David Pizzaro from Roma.

West Brom made two deadline day swoops with the captures of Liam Ridgewell from Midlands rivals Birmingham for 2.5 million pounds and Irish international Keith Andrews from Blackburn Rovers. Sunderland have brought in experienced left back Wayne Bridge from Man City on a loan deal until the end of the season. Everton were one of the other big movers on deadline day as they spent 5.5 million pounds on so me much needed fire power in the shape of Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic from Glasgow Rangers as well as bringing Steven Pienaar back to Goodison Park from Spurs on a loan deal until the end of the campaign.

Chelsea Sign De Bruyne

Rednapp Courts Taxing Worry

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has been in court today for the first day of his trial in to Tax evasion. The 64 year-old is charged with failing to declare nearly £ 200,000 paid to him by Portsmouth’s former Serbian chairman Milan Mandaric. Redknapp allegedly received this money whilst he was in charge of the South Coast club and the court heard today that Mr. Redknapp had the money paid in to a Monaco bank account in the name of his dog Rosie. These transactions between Mandaric and Redknapp are alleged to have taken place between 2002 and 2007 and Jurors say that Redknapp profited on the sale of England striker Peter Crouch. Prosecutors claim that The reason for these payments being made in to an offshore account was to avoid paying Tax and National Insurance contributions. Both men deny the charges brought against them but the overwhelming evidence suggests to me that they would be fortunate to escape punishment from the judicial system..

QPR Appoint New Manager

Queens Park Rangers have sacked manager Neil Warnock. Mark Hughes has been appointed as the new manager of Queens Park Rangers on a Two and a half year contract. The 48 year-old Welshman has been out of work since leaving QPR’s West London neighbours Fulham back in June 2011 and is considered by most to be a good replacement for ex QPR boss Neil Warnock who was sacked last Sunday. The Loftus Road club have big ambitions under new owner Tony Fernandes and if Hughes doesn’t deliver what they consider to be the goods then he will find himself in the unemployment line once again.

Thierry Henry Signs Two Month Contract

Everton Defender Takes A Back Seat

Everton defender Phil Jagielka is facing six weeks on the sidelines after sustaining medial ligament damage in the mid week defeat to Bolton. The 29 year-old England International will be a huge miss for Toffees boss David Moyes and may force his hand in the transfer window but he will need the backing of the club’s frugal chairman Bill Kenwright.