2011 has already been a shaky year for the Steven Reid, but the former Ireland international is optimistic going into West Brom's final 8 games of the season.
Three months can be gone in a flash in modern football, but when a serious injury is set to leave you sidelined for 6 weeks, three months can be a long slow battle for fitness and a starting spot.
This is the situation West Brom's Steven Reid found himself in after damaging the cartilage in his knee during a new years day clash with Manchester United.
Reid has had a number of injuries throughout his career, including a numerous problems with the knee in question, and 6 weeks off the field could have seen the Irish defender relegated to the subs bench or even left out of match days altogether.
However after scans reviled the damage to the knee to be less severe than first expected, Reid missed just 4 fixtures for the Baggies, returning as a substitute on February 1st in a 2-2 draw with Wigan and then featuring in the starting line-up following week against Manchester City.
Losing his starting spot for 2 more fixtures in early March, the hard working veteran was able to claw his way back into the first XI and after opening the scoring with a powerful header from Chris Brunt's corner managed to complete his turn around to the years opening months, picking up man of the match in the Baggie's 2-2 battle against title chasers Arsenal.
“I'm grateful every time I step over the white line,
said the 31 year old, commenting on the rocky start to 2011, adding
“Any game could be your last and thats how I see it now, the last few years have been a little bit of a nightmare with my injury so every time I go out there now I just give it my all and I'm just delighted to do that.”
But Reid was quick to bring the focus back to the future and not dwell on the past.
“Im delighted to get the goal but it'll mean nothing if we don't get the 40-41 points we need at the end of the season.”
Reid was left out of Hodgson's starting line up for the manager's first two games in charge at the Hawthorns, but having featured in the last 3 starting XI's the last 8 games of the season look an inviting period for the midfielder turned fullback despite the Baggies precarious position in the Premierships relegation battle.
“Im enjoying the little run in the team, I've played the last 3 games now, and I'm hoping to stay fit between now and the end of the season and play every game
“Its a tense time, it always is when your at the bottom end of the table, but at the same time you've gotta enjoy playing in the premier league every week.”
21 Mar 2011
Gunners Fire Late to Deny Baggies Win
A battling West Brom almost pulled off the unthinkable after taking a 2 goal lead against Asen Wengers' Arsenal
But after sitting off the Londoners for most of the game Arsenal struck late to tear 3 points from the hands of Hodgson's men.
Just 4 minutes in retired Ireland international Steven Reid met Chris Brunt's corner with a powerful header that sailed past Almunia in the Arsenal goal to give his side a shock early lead.
But having taken the lead the Midlanders sat back and let Arsenal take the game to them. Luckily for them, Arsenal struggled to create and managed to trouble Scott Carson's goal just once throughout the opening 45.
That chance fell first to Robin van Persie, when his header sailed onto the crossbar of the Baggies goal, the resulting rebound falling to Ramsey who, unchallenged, fired straight at Carson's flailing body denying Arsenal their equaliser.
Arsenal looked poor, and West Brom defended in numbers keeping 10 men behind the ball as Arsenal tried to probe their way through any cracks they could find. Arshavin continued his inconsistent form and was kept at bay by Reid on the Arseanl left, while Nasri and van Persie played little part on or off the ball.
The half time break did little to change the tie, as Arsenal continued to become frustrated with the Baggies defence, while the home side looked to hit on the break.
Chris Brunt could have doubled the lead 5 minutes into the half after Cech broke down the left flank and found his Captain at full stretch at the back post, but Brunts effort went the wrong side of the post and into the side netting
Arsenal's pushed forward more and more and eventually a goal came. Youssouf Mulumbu's long ball forward reached Odemwingie as West Brom hit Arsenal on the break. With only Squillaci to pressure the striker, Almunia got caught in no mans land trying to assist the troubled defender as Odemwingie controlled, carried the ball left of the stranded keeper and slotted home to double West Brom's advantage.
Arsenal refused to admit defeat and as the Baggies continued to sit back inside their own half Arsenal accepted the invite to attack.
Andre Arshavin linked with Chamank, brought on for a struggling Denilson, and lashed a strike from just inside the area. Carson was routed to the spot he watched watched the Russians strike fly into the far top corner.
Still West Brom sat back, and after 78 minutes the defences caved for a second time. Arshavins deep cross was met by substitute Nicky Bendtner who directed the ball back across the 6 yard box. Meite couldn't clear as the ball bobbled at his feet and Robin van Persie poked the equaliser past a helpless Carson.
Arsenal could and should have taken all three points as they piled on the pressure but West Brom's last ditch defending was enough to keep Bendtner, Chamank and van Persie from stealing a late winner.
Hodgson would have taken a point before the game but will feel frustrated his side couldn't hold on for the win. His Baggies still sit in 16th but results elsewhere have added to the tension surrounding the bottom half of the table.
But after sitting off the Londoners for most of the game Arsenal struck late to tear 3 points from the hands of Hodgson's men.
Just 4 minutes in retired Ireland international Steven Reid met Chris Brunt's corner with a powerful header that sailed past Almunia in the Arsenal goal to give his side a shock early lead.
But having taken the lead the Midlanders sat back and let Arsenal take the game to them. Luckily for them, Arsenal struggled to create and managed to trouble Scott Carson's goal just once throughout the opening 45.
That chance fell first to Robin van Persie, when his header sailed onto the crossbar of the Baggies goal, the resulting rebound falling to Ramsey who, unchallenged, fired straight at Carson's flailing body denying Arsenal their equaliser.
Arsenal looked poor, and West Brom defended in numbers keeping 10 men behind the ball as Arsenal tried to probe their way through any cracks they could find. Arshavin continued his inconsistent form and was kept at bay by Reid on the Arseanl left, while Nasri and van Persie played little part on or off the ball.
The half time break did little to change the tie, as Arsenal continued to become frustrated with the Baggies defence, while the home side looked to hit on the break.
Chris Brunt could have doubled the lead 5 minutes into the half after Cech broke down the left flank and found his Captain at full stretch at the back post, but Brunts effort went the wrong side of the post and into the side netting
Arsenal's pushed forward more and more and eventually a goal came. Youssouf Mulumbu's long ball forward reached Odemwingie as West Brom hit Arsenal on the break. With only Squillaci to pressure the striker, Almunia got caught in no mans land trying to assist the troubled defender as Odemwingie controlled, carried the ball left of the stranded keeper and slotted home to double West Brom's advantage.
Arsenal refused to admit defeat and as the Baggies continued to sit back inside their own half Arsenal accepted the invite to attack.
Andre Arshavin linked with Chamank, brought on for a struggling Denilson, and lashed a strike from just inside the area. Carson was routed to the spot he watched watched the Russians strike fly into the far top corner.
Still West Brom sat back, and after 78 minutes the defences caved for a second time. Arshavins deep cross was met by substitute Nicky Bendtner who directed the ball back across the 6 yard box. Meite couldn't clear as the ball bobbled at his feet and Robin van Persie poked the equaliser past a helpless Carson.
Arsenal could and should have taken all three points as they piled on the pressure but West Brom's last ditch defending was enough to keep Bendtner, Chamank and van Persie from stealing a late winner.
Hodgson would have taken a point before the game but will feel frustrated his side couldn't hold on for the win. His Baggies still sit in 16th but results elsewhere have added to the tension surrounding the bottom half of the table.
Hodgson Staying in the Present as Baggies Survival Fight Continues
Roy Hodgson was quick to play down the past as his West Brom side prepare for their fixture against Arsenal Saturday
The Baggies managed to grab a win at the Emirates early on in the season but the former Liverpool and Fulham manager seemed eager to play down the possibility of his side achieving a historic double over the Gunners this year.
“It's in the past, I don't involve myself in the past and I certainly don't believe what you've done in that past helps what you do in the future
“This is a new game, a fresh group of players and I don't even know how our team tomorrow will compare to the team that beat Arsenal.”
The West Brom manager understands the task ahead on saturday and hopes the break his side have had will have helped them prepare for the visit of the Premier League's elite.
“We've had a free weekend when one can go and watch a game rather then prepare a game for yourself. It is useful at this stage to have a couple of weeks to do a bit more training, to do a bit more work with the players.”
But he also added that the break could potentially break the run of form the Baggies have found themselves in since his arrival at the club.
“Some times when your on a good run of results you want to keep playing as quickly as possible and not have long breaks between games so, I guess our performance will show wether it was and advantage or disadvantageous.”
Arsenal come to the Hawthorns coming off the back of important losses to Manchester United and Barcelona, but Hodgson will be without some key players for the fixture, with Graham Dorrans still out injured, Carlos Vela unable to play against his parent club and captain Chris Brunt another possible late blow for Hodgson after he was sent home from training with a fever on friday afternoon.
The Baggies managed to grab a win at the Emirates early on in the season but the former Liverpool and Fulham manager seemed eager to play down the possibility of his side achieving a historic double over the Gunners this year.
“It's in the past, I don't involve myself in the past and I certainly don't believe what you've done in that past helps what you do in the future
“This is a new game, a fresh group of players and I don't even know how our team tomorrow will compare to the team that beat Arsenal.”
The West Brom manager understands the task ahead on saturday and hopes the break his side have had will have helped them prepare for the visit of the Premier League's elite.
“We've had a free weekend when one can go and watch a game rather then prepare a game for yourself. It is useful at this stage to have a couple of weeks to do a bit more training, to do a bit more work with the players.”
But he also added that the break could potentially break the run of form the Baggies have found themselves in since his arrival at the club.
“Some times when your on a good run of results you want to keep playing as quickly as possible and not have long breaks between games so, I guess our performance will show wether it was and advantage or disadvantageous.”
Arsenal come to the Hawthorns coming off the back of important losses to Manchester United and Barcelona, but Hodgson will be without some key players for the fixture, with Graham Dorrans still out injured, Carlos Vela unable to play against his parent club and captain Chris Brunt another possible late blow for Hodgson after he was sent home from training with a fever on friday afternoon.
17 Mar 2011
Brunt Boosted by Boss Hodgson
Roy Hodgson has given his skipper a vote of confidence ahead of the Baggies' clash with Arsenal Saturday.
Many were expecting the former Liverpool manager to pass the Captain's armband back to keeper Scott Carson after Hodgson replaced Boaz Myhill with the for skipper.
But Hodgson has no immediate intention of restoring Carson's captaincy, putting his full faith in Brunts ability to lead the side through the final 9 games of the season.
"But I don't feel the need, with Carson having been out of the team and coming back in, to suddenly switch the armband back over.
"But I don't want that to be interpreted as not caring who the captain is, because I do think it is very important.
"I prefer an outfield player rather than a goalkeeper.
"I don't know why but I suppose it's conventional and conservative because most of my captains down the years have been midfielders or defenders.
"I think that is a good area from which to motivate the others.
"But certainly Chris Brunt has done well since he's been captain.
"I am happy to have him as captain, but had the captaincy been Olsson's or Carson's I would have been quite happy to accept that as well."
The Northern Ireland 26 year old has offered to step down from the role for Carson but Hodgson sees no reason to change anything yet, saying that the respect Brunt has from his team mates makes him an idea fit for the role.
"He is happy to relinquish it and he said if I wanted to give the captaincy back he would be happy with that.
"But I see no reason to do that.
"I think your captain has to be one of your better players and someone who has got the club and the team at heart, which is definitely the case with Brunt because he has been here for quite a long time.
"But also, it's got to be someone the other people respect in terms of playing ability.
"If he's got the personality to be a leader as well that's a bonus."
Many were expecting the former Liverpool manager to pass the Captain's armband back to keeper Scott Carson after Hodgson replaced Boaz Myhill with the for skipper.
But Hodgson has no immediate intention of restoring Carson's captaincy, putting his full faith in Brunts ability to lead the side through the final 9 games of the season.
"But I don't feel the need, with Carson having been out of the team and coming back in, to suddenly switch the armband back over.
"But I don't want that to be interpreted as not caring who the captain is, because I do think it is very important.
"I prefer an outfield player rather than a goalkeeper.
"I don't know why but I suppose it's conventional and conservative because most of my captains down the years have been midfielders or defenders.
"I think that is a good area from which to motivate the others.
"But certainly Chris Brunt has done well since he's been captain.
"I am happy to have him as captain, but had the captaincy been Olsson's or Carson's I would have been quite happy to accept that as well."
The Northern Ireland 26 year old has offered to step down from the role for Carson but Hodgson sees no reason to change anything yet, saying that the respect Brunt has from his team mates makes him an idea fit for the role.
"He is happy to relinquish it and he said if I wanted to give the captaincy back he would be happy with that.
"But I see no reason to do that.
"I think your captain has to be one of your better players and someone who has got the club and the team at heart, which is definitely the case with Brunt because he has been here for quite a long time.
"But also, it's got to be someone the other people respect in terms of playing ability.
"If he's got the personality to be a leader as well that's a bonus."
16 Mar 2011
Doyle Wary As Wolves Get Close To Crunch Time
Wolves head to Villa Park on saturday afternoon to try and keep momentum going in their push for survival.
With only 7 points separating 12th to 20th in the Premiership table Wolves sit 19th just 2 points from safety.
But their Midland rivals wont be looking to do McCarthy's men any favours this weekend as Villa look to try and move clear of the chaotic bottom third of the table.
Wolves striker Kevin Doyle understands the challenge ahead this Saturday and believes Wolves will have to be on top form to get anything from a inconsistent Aston Villa side.
“As the manager says we all need to be eights or nines out of ten.
“If many of us are at sixes or sevens then we will lose the game. We need to all be on form, that's really got to be the case.
“We know if we are to beat Villa then everyone has to play well on the day, and if they play their best it could be very difficult for us to get anything.”
With only 7 points separating 12th to 20th in the Premiership table Wolves sit 19th just 2 points from safety.
But their Midland rivals wont be looking to do McCarthy's men any favours this weekend as Villa look to try and move clear of the chaotic bottom third of the table.
Wolves striker Kevin Doyle understands the challenge ahead this Saturday and believes Wolves will have to be on top form to get anything from a inconsistent Aston Villa side.
“As the manager says we all need to be eights or nines out of ten.
“If many of us are at sixes or sevens then we will lose the game. We need to all be on form, that's really got to be the case.
“We know if we are to beat Villa then everyone has to play well on the day, and if they play their best it could be very difficult for us to get anything.”
A SImple Solution
The recent outcry against referees that has taken place this season has one very simple solution. So simple in fact that the FA doesn't need to splash money at a new campaign to promote the ideals of football. The solution has been screamed from the terraces, sofas and dugouts of the UK for years.
Consistency and accountability.
Disciplining referees publicly when they make poor decisions consistently is all managers are really asking for, and considering we have arguably the best league in the world, why then cant we have the best officiating in the world too.
When a referee through the course of the season continues to make poor decisions, miss major incidents and fail to implement the rules of the game consistently they should be dropped from controlling top flight football.
A simple grading system could be put in place. 24 hours after a game a manager submits a grade to the FA of how well they feel the referee has done (the 24 hours gives them a chance to review incidents and see if the decisions they disagree with were wrong). Should a referee receive two or three extremely poor ratings then the FA will look at the incidents in question and discuss with the referee in question what they did wrong. If the poor performances continue then they will de dropped from to flight football and a new referee will be given his place.
This will not only allow managers a easy simple method of airing their grievances with match official, it will give officials a higher level off accountability for the decisions they make on the pitch while also giving them a chance to improve as officials before a punishment is placed upon them.
In no way do I condone the actions of players and managers who repeatedly abuse referees in the media and on the field, but to stop these sort of actions taking place the FA must take some level of responsibility for the poor standard of officiating that has crept into the UK's top leagues, and thus make a plan to battle the problem.
Consistency and accountability.
Disciplining referees publicly when they make poor decisions consistently is all managers are really asking for, and considering we have arguably the best league in the world, why then cant we have the best officiating in the world too.
When a referee through the course of the season continues to make poor decisions, miss major incidents and fail to implement the rules of the game consistently they should be dropped from controlling top flight football.
A simple grading system could be put in place. 24 hours after a game a manager submits a grade to the FA of how well they feel the referee has done (the 24 hours gives them a chance to review incidents and see if the decisions they disagree with were wrong). Should a referee receive two or three extremely poor ratings then the FA will look at the incidents in question and discuss with the referee in question what they did wrong. If the poor performances continue then they will de dropped from to flight football and a new referee will be given his place.
This will not only allow managers a easy simple method of airing their grievances with match official, it will give officials a higher level off accountability for the decisions they make on the pitch while also giving them a chance to improve as officials before a punishment is placed upon them.
In no way do I condone the actions of players and managers who repeatedly abuse referees in the media and on the field, but to stop these sort of actions taking place the FA must take some level of responsibility for the poor standard of officiating that has crept into the UK's top leagues, and thus make a plan to battle the problem.
Respect. Will It Ever Work
The £30,000 fine and 5 match ban of Alex Ferguson seemingly shows that the FA wont let managers get away with the overly harsh public criticism of referees in the media. But does this mean that the Football Association will be taking a firmer stance on the guidelines outlined in their Respect campaign.
Im sorry but the answer is no.
The Respect campaign is designed to prevent the unruly aggressive and sometimes yobish behaviour that we sometimes see in topflight football, from tickling down and souring the youth game. The guidelines for the campaign are in detail at http://www.thefa.com/Leagues/Respect/NewsAndFeatures/2009/RespectGuidesSep09 and fall into 5 categories including guidelines for referees, players and managers.
The idea is one that in principle could turn around the attitude of many “villains” of the game. The referees hand book states:
Respect is designed to support this skill, and to support the referee’s key role in controlling a match.
As mentioned above, referees should continue to talk to individual players as necessary. However when harassment, abuse or challenging behaviour is exhibited referees are asked to use their powers under Law 12 (Law 12 states the actions and situations that warrant either yellow or red cards and can be found online at http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/LawsofFootball/0,,10794~507515,00.html)
It continues discuss team captains and their roles on the field as the voice of their players on the pitch:
1. Only the captain can openly ask for
clarification of a referee’s decision.
This includes the period before,
during and after a match.
2. If any other player challenges the
referee, asks questions or harasses
the referee about decisions made,
they should first be given a public
warning. This is providing a player
has not committed an offence
which clearly falls under Law 12.
3. If a player, including the captain,
openly harasses or challenges the
referee, they should be cautioned
and shown a yellow card.
4. If a player, including the captain,
continues to harass or question
decisions made by the referee,
then a second yellow card should
be shown and the player sent from
the field of play.
5. The referee records the names
of all players receiving a caution
or being sent off, as per usual.
All such incidents are reported
to the appropriate authorities
on conclusion of the match.
Most importantly of all the handbook outlines, in detail, unwanted behaviour that should be cautioned by the referees in regard to players actions towards referees:
Harassment:
• Running towards the referee in an
aggressive manner.
• Players surrounding the referee to
protest a decision.
• Repeatedly asking questions about
decisions in an attempt to influence
the referee or undermine his/her
responsibilities.
Challenging:
• Passing comment to other players
about a referee’s decision-making.
• Repeatedly moaning at the referee
about decisions.
• Gestures that obviously are made
in a derogatory manner, such as a
shaking of the head or waving of
the hand.
Under these guidelines Chris Foy could have booked half the players at Old Trafford last Saturday. In fact most matches, if played under these guidelines, could end up with 11 or 12 cautions. But would players, managers and fans sit silently..... No and I have no doubt that a referee that ran a match under these guidelines would be dropped from to flight football.
So the FA must choose. They can either continue to watch managers and players swamping and criticising officials on and off the pitch and thus watch this behaviour trickle down to youth football, or they can ask referees to be strong, and manage the game how they want it to be managed and deal with the initial outcry from those involved and passionate about the sport, hoping that over time these drastic changes will bring respect and authority back to the man in black.
The choice is simple, stay the course. The Respect campaign is a long run project that may (if at all) will be implemented gradually. To try and change the game so drastically, even for a positive outcome, would be too drastic and too wild to implement properly. The FA wont want to deal with that many cautions and bans, and referees wont be strong enough to deal with angry players and managers (if they were they would already have begun to implement such guidelines)
Its a good idea, Respect, but it wont be implemented fully (ironically due to the total lack of respect that many have for the guidelines of the campaign). It should be kept as an idea, or as a private agenda of the FA to be brought into the game over time, otherwise it will just be a meaningless concept, a beacon of false hope for better behaviour from players and managers.
Im sorry but the answer is no.
The Respect campaign is designed to prevent the unruly aggressive and sometimes yobish behaviour that we sometimes see in topflight football, from tickling down and souring the youth game. The guidelines for the campaign are in detail at http://www.thefa.com/Leagues/Respect/NewsAndFeatures/2009/RespectGuidesSep09 and fall into 5 categories including guidelines for referees, players and managers.
The idea is one that in principle could turn around the attitude of many “villains” of the game. The referees hand book states:
Respect is designed to support this skill, and to support the referee’s key role in controlling a match.
As mentioned above, referees should continue to talk to individual players as necessary. However when harassment, abuse or challenging behaviour is exhibited referees are asked to use their powers under Law 12 (Law 12 states the actions and situations that warrant either yellow or red cards and can be found online at http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/LawsofFootball/0,,10794~507515,00.html)
It continues discuss team captains and their roles on the field as the voice of their players on the pitch:
1. Only the captain can openly ask for
clarification of a referee’s decision.
This includes the period before,
during and after a match.
2. If any other player challenges the
referee, asks questions or harasses
the referee about decisions made,
they should first be given a public
warning. This is providing a player
has not committed an offence
which clearly falls under Law 12.
3. If a player, including the captain,
openly harasses or challenges the
referee, they should be cautioned
and shown a yellow card.
4. If a player, including the captain,
continues to harass or question
decisions made by the referee,
then a second yellow card should
be shown and the player sent from
the field of play.
5. The referee records the names
of all players receiving a caution
or being sent off, as per usual.
All such incidents are reported
to the appropriate authorities
on conclusion of the match.
Most importantly of all the handbook outlines, in detail, unwanted behaviour that should be cautioned by the referees in regard to players actions towards referees:
Harassment:
• Running towards the referee in an
aggressive manner.
• Players surrounding the referee to
protest a decision.
• Repeatedly asking questions about
decisions in an attempt to influence
the referee or undermine his/her
responsibilities.
Challenging:
• Passing comment to other players
about a referee’s decision-making.
• Repeatedly moaning at the referee
about decisions.
• Gestures that obviously are made
in a derogatory manner, such as a
shaking of the head or waving of
the hand.
Under these guidelines Chris Foy could have booked half the players at Old Trafford last Saturday. In fact most matches, if played under these guidelines, could end up with 11 or 12 cautions. But would players, managers and fans sit silently..... No and I have no doubt that a referee that ran a match under these guidelines would be dropped from to flight football.
So the FA must choose. They can either continue to watch managers and players swamping and criticising officials on and off the pitch and thus watch this behaviour trickle down to youth football, or they can ask referees to be strong, and manage the game how they want it to be managed and deal with the initial outcry from those involved and passionate about the sport, hoping that over time these drastic changes will bring respect and authority back to the man in black.
The choice is simple, stay the course. The Respect campaign is a long run project that may (if at all) will be implemented gradually. To try and change the game so drastically, even for a positive outcome, would be too drastic and too wild to implement properly. The FA wont want to deal with that many cautions and bans, and referees wont be strong enough to deal with angry players and managers (if they were they would already have begun to implement such guidelines)
Its a good idea, Respect, but it wont be implemented fully (ironically due to the total lack of respect that many have for the guidelines of the campaign). It should be kept as an idea, or as a private agenda of the FA to be brought into the game over time, otherwise it will just be a meaningless concept, a beacon of false hope for better behaviour from players and managers.
13 Mar 2011
Richards Bullet Shoots City To Wembley
A powerful header from Micah Richards was enough to see Manchester City into the semi-finals of the FA Cup as a spirited Reading were over powered at Eastlands on Sunday evening.
Reading were the stronger of the two sides in the opening 10 minutes keeping the ball well and closing down their Premier League opponents before they could create space or chances.
But City eventually eventually found a rhythm and although the Championship side still threatened and pressed on occasion, it was City that created the better chances in the opening 45.
David Silva was the spark City needed and his passing and movement created City's biggest threats. After Shaun Wright-Phillips fired from an angle straight at Reading keeper Alex, Silva pounced on the lose ball but his effort from close range was fired straight into the face of the helpless keeper and bounced wide for a corner.
Yaya Toure and Silva both saw efforts fly straight at Alex and City were eventually forced to start firing from long range as Ian Harte and the rest of the Reading defence stood firm.
Reading threatened on occasion creating momentary periods of pressure. Captain McAnuff and fellow winger Jimmy Kebe both threatened to produce chances but solid defending from Kompany and Richards prevented Reading from turning their pressure into efforts on goal.
Kebe continued to trouble City after the break and it was his break and through ball that gave Hunt an opportunity from a tight angle, but the Irish man's sliced shot was well wide of Joe Harts goal. Despite an encouraging opening 5 minutes City began to take control of the game as the half continued.
Silva was joined by Tevez who finally sparked into life after the break and the two of them created more testing opportunities for Reading's defence.
Silva found the Argentinian with a low cross but his flicked close range effort was again straight at Alex and was cleared away. The Reading keeper continually called into action as City continued to press, but the majority of chances created were straight at the man between the posts, with only Micah Richards' header from a corner forcing an athletic finger tip save to tip the looping ball over.
Finally, after 74 minutes, the banana waving City fans were given their goal. David Silva's corner was met by Richards' head once again but this time the City right back saw his effort power through the right hand of Alex and rattle the back of the net.
City's chances dried up after that despite their possession and obvious quality over the visitors, and Reading pushed in a slightly nervy final 10 minutes in search of a equaliser. But the Blues back 4 stood strong only Bryn Gunnarsson's glanced header wide causing a moments panic for Hart in goal.
Reading will leave Manchester beaten but proud after a good performance that on another day, might have caused more problems for City. City will now head to Wembley for a FA Cup semi-final date with their cross town rivals, Manchester United.
Reading were the stronger of the two sides in the opening 10 minutes keeping the ball well and closing down their Premier League opponents before they could create space or chances.
But City eventually eventually found a rhythm and although the Championship side still threatened and pressed on occasion, it was City that created the better chances in the opening 45.
David Silva was the spark City needed and his passing and movement created City's biggest threats. After Shaun Wright-Phillips fired from an angle straight at Reading keeper Alex, Silva pounced on the lose ball but his effort from close range was fired straight into the face of the helpless keeper and bounced wide for a corner.
Yaya Toure and Silva both saw efforts fly straight at Alex and City were eventually forced to start firing from long range as Ian Harte and the rest of the Reading defence stood firm.
Reading threatened on occasion creating momentary periods of pressure. Captain McAnuff and fellow winger Jimmy Kebe both threatened to produce chances but solid defending from Kompany and Richards prevented Reading from turning their pressure into efforts on goal.
Kebe continued to trouble City after the break and it was his break and through ball that gave Hunt an opportunity from a tight angle, but the Irish man's sliced shot was well wide of Joe Harts goal. Despite an encouraging opening 5 minutes City began to take control of the game as the half continued.
Silva was joined by Tevez who finally sparked into life after the break and the two of them created more testing opportunities for Reading's defence.
Silva found the Argentinian with a low cross but his flicked close range effort was again straight at Alex and was cleared away. The Reading keeper continually called into action as City continued to press, but the majority of chances created were straight at the man between the posts, with only Micah Richards' header from a corner forcing an athletic finger tip save to tip the looping ball over.
Finally, after 74 minutes, the banana waving City fans were given their goal. David Silva's corner was met by Richards' head once again but this time the City right back saw his effort power through the right hand of Alex and rattle the back of the net.
City's chances dried up after that despite their possession and obvious quality over the visitors, and Reading pushed in a slightly nervy final 10 minutes in search of a equaliser. But the Blues back 4 stood strong only Bryn Gunnarsson's glanced header wide causing a moments panic for Hart in goal.
Reading will leave Manchester beaten but proud after a good performance that on another day, might have caused more problems for City. City will now head to Wembley for a FA Cup semi-final date with their cross town rivals, Manchester United.
7 Mar 2011
Birmingham 1 – 3 West Brom
Tired Blues fall to Battling Baggies.
Birmingham were brought back to Earth and back into the relegation fight as West Brom took another leap towards safety at St Andrews.
The celebrations of their Carling Cup success the previous week were brought to an immediate halt as Alex McLeish's side suffered crushing blow at the hands of their local rivals and now find themselves in the thick of a wide open battle for Premiership survival.
Making 5 changes to the side that upset Arsenal at Wembley, McLeish claimed that the Cup victory had taken a lot out of his players and that rest was the only way to ensure his squad was ready and able to mount their fight against relegation as the season draws to a close.
"Wembley was a factor in the performance today and ultimately the result
"There were five enforced changes and it wasn't the same team that played last week.
"It's not easy to turn out an almost completely different team the next week and expect to have a scintillating performance.
"There were some tired legs as well and although we slotted one or two players in to try and get a positive result we never really got enough inspiration in the areas I was expecting.
Neither side was able to make an impact in a drab first half, but two minutes after the restart West Brom took the lead through striker Mulumbu.
An immediate reply from Jean Beausejour pulled the Blues level, the Chilean winger stabbing away Bowyers low cross just 90 seconds after going behind
But Birmingham couldn't move onwards and upwards and when James Morrison stepped past Davies and let fly, the midfielders thunderous strike flew past Foster in the Birmingham goal and edged the Baggies a step closer to a vital away win.
The 3 points were sealed on 72 minutes when Scharner headed past Foster from a tight angle after meeting Morrison's cross at the far post.
With the win Hodgson finally has his first win as the Baggies Manager while McLeash now has the worry of being in the heart of the relegation fight.
"It's a bad loss but nothing is decided yet," he said.
"We know we're in a battle and we knew we were in a battle before.
"I don't know who will be back for Everton but whoever plays will have to do a lot better than we did today and defend a lot better but I still back this team and this squad to come back from this."
West Ham 3 - 0 Stoke
Stoke Hammerd
West Ham finally escaped the bottom three after smashing Stoke 3-0 at Upton Park Saturday.
The visitors started out as the more positive side and came close to opening the scoring when Irishman Rory Delap fired in a low cross that found Walters, but Robert Green managed to reach out a hand to tip the Stoke strikers effort safely over.
Despite the early pressure it was West Ham that fired first after Bergovic and Wilson had a mix up dealing with Mark Nobel's through ball. As the two collided West Ham striker Ba was able to poke the ball into the empty net.
West Ham suddenly had the edge, and 8 minutes later they were able to double their lead. After Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross pulled down Scott Parker Thomas Hitzlsperger swung the resulting free-kick to the far post where Da Costa waited to head home the Hammers second.
Stoke found themselves second best to a dominating West Ham side that could have had a third before the break, Piquionne firing into the side-netting after a deflected strike fell at his feet and Hitzlsperger seeing his volley tipper over by Begovic as half-time drew near.
West Ham continued after the break striking Stoke on the counter-attack, Carlton Cole seeing one effort fly just wide, one shave the post, Begovic was called on again to deal with the Hammers striker's third attempt at finishing off any chance of a Stoke comeback.
Those duties were left to Hitzlsperger who, with seven minutes to go, smashed home a blocked strike of Piquionne's and wrap up another vital win for the club which 2 months ago looked dead and burried.
Speaking after the game Tony Pulis reflected on a frustrating afternoon in London
“It was a bad day at the office for us,
“I thought we were in control of the game for the first 20 minutes, but then it all went wrong.
“I didn't think we played that badly, particularly in certain patches, and it definitely wasn't a 3-0 defeat because we created the chance to get back into the game.
Stoke hover 4 points above the relegation battle, but with no point away from home in 5 games and a difficult run in to the end of the season Pulis' men are not guaranteed Premiership football in 2011/12 just yet.
West Ham finally escaped the bottom three after smashing Stoke 3-0 at Upton Park Saturday.
The visitors started out as the more positive side and came close to opening the scoring when Irishman Rory Delap fired in a low cross that found Walters, but Robert Green managed to reach out a hand to tip the Stoke strikers effort safely over.
Despite the early pressure it was West Ham that fired first after Bergovic and Wilson had a mix up dealing with Mark Nobel's through ball. As the two collided West Ham striker Ba was able to poke the ball into the empty net.
West Ham suddenly had the edge, and 8 minutes later they were able to double their lead. After Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross pulled down Scott Parker Thomas Hitzlsperger swung the resulting free-kick to the far post where Da Costa waited to head home the Hammers second.
Stoke found themselves second best to a dominating West Ham side that could have had a third before the break, Piquionne firing into the side-netting after a deflected strike fell at his feet and Hitzlsperger seeing his volley tipper over by Begovic as half-time drew near.
West Ham continued after the break striking Stoke on the counter-attack, Carlton Cole seeing one effort fly just wide, one shave the post, Begovic was called on again to deal with the Hammers striker's third attempt at finishing off any chance of a Stoke comeback.
Those duties were left to Hitzlsperger who, with seven minutes to go, smashed home a blocked strike of Piquionne's and wrap up another vital win for the club which 2 months ago looked dead and burried.
Speaking after the game Tony Pulis reflected on a frustrating afternoon in London
“It was a bad day at the office for us,
“I thought we were in control of the game for the first 20 minutes, but then it all went wrong.
“I didn't think we played that badly, particularly in certain patches, and it definitely wasn't a 3-0 defeat because we created the chance to get back into the game.
Stoke hover 4 points above the relegation battle, but with no point away from home in 5 games and a difficult run in to the end of the season Pulis' men are not guaranteed Premiership football in 2011/12 just yet.
Bolton 3 – 2 Aston Villa
5/3/2011
Bolton Battle Back to Break Villa Hearts.
Ivan Klasnic's late winner left Villa rueing missed chances and sucked the claret and blue back into the relegation battle once again.
Darren Bents early strike gave the Villa the lead as the visitors looked to carry on from their impressive league performance against Blackburn a week ago, and after receiving a great deal of criticism for fielding a weakened side midweek against Man City, Manager Gerrard Houllier looked vindicated for the changes to his starting eleven as his side took the game to a unimposing Bolton performance.
But Bolton refused to give in and on the stroke of half time former Villa defender Gary Cahill headed home from a corner to level the sides on the stroke of half-time.
Villa continued to pile on the pressure after the break, with Bent, Young, Downing and Albrighton continuing to link well going forward and create openings for the midlanders.
On 64 minutes, after Bent had seen a number of efforts blocked or saved by Jaaskelainen, Marc Albrighton restored Villa's advantage bouncing a volley over the Bolton goalkeeper after Downing's cross picked him out at the far post. Ashley Young had a chance to seal 3 points for the away side 5 minutes later when Wheater pulled down the England international in the box. But Young's spot kick was saved by Jaaskelainen, keeping Villas advantage to a minimum.
The miss proved to be costly as just minutes later Cahill fired home his secondoff a rebound from his own header to pull Bolton level 10 minutes before time. But more was still to come as 3 minutes from time Klasnic fired into Friedels bottom left corner to complete a thrilling Bolton comeback.
Defender Ciaran Clark didn't want to dwell on the result after the game and instead looked forward to Villa's clash with Wolves in two weeks time.
“But it wasn’t just the penalty miss that was crucial because we had other chances as well.
“It just wasn’t our day in front of goal but we have got to get on with it now
“We have got a game in two weeks and we’ll concentrate on that now
Clark who recently pick up his first cap for Ireland received his tenth yellow card of the year and will miss Villa's next two games.
Villa now 13th sit just 3 points above the dreaded drop zone.
Bolton Battle Back to Break Villa Hearts.
Ivan Klasnic's late winner left Villa rueing missed chances and sucked the claret and blue back into the relegation battle once again.
Darren Bents early strike gave the Villa the lead as the visitors looked to carry on from their impressive league performance against Blackburn a week ago, and after receiving a great deal of criticism for fielding a weakened side midweek against Man City, Manager Gerrard Houllier looked vindicated for the changes to his starting eleven as his side took the game to a unimposing Bolton performance.
But Bolton refused to give in and on the stroke of half time former Villa defender Gary Cahill headed home from a corner to level the sides on the stroke of half-time.
Villa continued to pile on the pressure after the break, with Bent, Young, Downing and Albrighton continuing to link well going forward and create openings for the midlanders.
On 64 minutes, after Bent had seen a number of efforts blocked or saved by Jaaskelainen, Marc Albrighton restored Villa's advantage bouncing a volley over the Bolton goalkeeper after Downing's cross picked him out at the far post. Ashley Young had a chance to seal 3 points for the away side 5 minutes later when Wheater pulled down the England international in the box. But Young's spot kick was saved by Jaaskelainen, keeping Villas advantage to a minimum.
The miss proved to be costly as just minutes later Cahill fired home his secondoff a rebound from his own header to pull Bolton level 10 minutes before time. But more was still to come as 3 minutes from time Klasnic fired into Friedels bottom left corner to complete a thrilling Bolton comeback.
Defender Ciaran Clark didn't want to dwell on the result after the game and instead looked forward to Villa's clash with Wolves in two weeks time.
“But it wasn’t just the penalty miss that was crucial because we had other chances as well.
“It just wasn’t our day in front of goal but we have got to get on with it now
“We have got a game in two weeks and we’ll concentrate on that now
Clark who recently pick up his first cap for Ireland received his tenth yellow card of the year and will miss Villa's next two games.
Villa now 13th sit just 3 points above the dreaded drop zone.
Swindon 0-0 Walsall
Walsall held of a determined Swindon to escape the County Ground with a share of the points.
Despite striking the bar twice Swindon were unable to find a breakthrough as Walsall kept their 4th clean sheet in 5 games and in turn, were able to grab a vital point to keep them 3 points clear of the drop zone.
Swindon boss Paul Hart was hoping to secure all three points in his first game in charge at the club but Walsall keeper Jimmy Walker was on hand to hold the Swindon attack at the final hurdle.
Saddlers boss Dean Smith was pleased to have another clean sheet, but also new his side could have been better going forward.
“We were very resolute and worked hard”. “That's three clean sheets on the spin, which is pleasing.
“We came here with a game plan; the onus was on them to come at us, but we did what we had to do. The only disappointment was that we didn't pass the ball as well as I know we can.
Despite striking the bar twice Swindon were unable to find a breakthrough as Walsall kept their 4th clean sheet in 5 games and in turn, were able to grab a vital point to keep them 3 points clear of the drop zone.
Swindon boss Paul Hart was hoping to secure all three points in his first game in charge at the club but Walsall keeper Jimmy Walker was on hand to hold the Swindon attack at the final hurdle.
Saddlers boss Dean Smith was pleased to have another clean sheet, but also new his side could have been better going forward.
“We were very resolute and worked hard”. “That's three clean sheets on the spin, which is pleasing.
“We came here with a game plan; the onus was on them to come at us, but we did what we had to do. The only disappointment was that we didn't pass the ball as well as I know we can.
Its Not Back..... But It Could Be
Why the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest Didn't Quite Steal the Show.
Its been a few weeks now since the NBA All-Star weekend, and there is something still tickling me about what took place on the Saturday night.
The NBA Slam Dunk contest is the feature event of the Saturday and one which I personally look forward to right from the start of the new NBA season. Watching highlights of Vince Carter in 2000, Mason vs Richardson in 2003 and the pure creativity of Josh Smith and Amare in 2005 can really get your spine tingling and blood pumping on the right evening.
2011 was built up to be the contest that would challenge to be the best of all time with each dunker having a personal “dunk trainer” to help spark their creativity and nail a routine that would take them to glory. But instead the show came across as average despite JaVale McGee and and Serge Ibaka making two of the toughest dunks of all time.
Here is a list of some of the problems and solutions to the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest.
1. The robbery of Serge Ibaka – The Congolese giant jumped from behind the free throw line, further then Dr J or Jordan and didn't receive a perfect score. If you make history, you should get a 50.
2. The first round killed the show – 2000 Carter makes every dunk first time bar one. 2008 Howard retried two but took less then 4 attempts each time and in 2003 Richardson used just 6 total attempts to nail 4 dunk while Mason used just 5 total attempts to hit his 4 . Yet too many of the first round dunks took 5 or 6 attempts. If you've seen the dunk attempted that many times theres no supprise and no pop when they make it. It took the crowd out of the show and the atmosphere and feel of the contest suffered for it.
3. Blake Griffin promised too much – Only one of Griffins dunks went through the way he wanted. His first was initially a 360 two-handed windmill, that eventually turned into a 360 while holding the ball way behind his head. Impressive but not the dunk that got the crowd on their feet initially. His second was initially a off the side of the glass 180 or 360 dunk that eventually turned into a off the side of the glass windmill. We saw Gerald Green do it on 2007 and he did it better back then. His final dunk of the night was over hyped. Not only did Griffin jump over the shortest part of the car making more of an annoyance then a challenge, but he added nothing too it. He had to make the dunk first time because of choir the hype and the show he was putting on. It turned the dunk into a mediocre finish to what could and should have been an explosive night for the young rookie.
4. The over hype of the whole show – We may have seen some things we had never seen before but for the first time the dunk contest became too much of a show. You don't need props every dunk. Toy monkeys, choirs, cars, signs with the name of your dunk, flag girls, hype men. You need to just show that you, with your skill height and power, are better then anyone else that night. The props are just gimmicks that draw attention away from the feats that are taking place. The superman cape of Howard was a subtle touch that helped highlight his dominance height and power, but it wasn't either a gimmick to create attention or a prop that either got in the way or what the dunk was based around. Leave the equipment and create with the ball.
5. Have Kenny Smith commentate. Kenny was a great hype man for Griffin, but you don't want a dunker to win based on the hype created by someone else's mouth. It means Griffin didn't do it on his own. It take the shine of his win. TNT didn't have a commentator to hype up the viewing audience at home, instead they had the Reggie Miller,who's “are you kidding me” line gets tedious after the 20th time in 10 minutes, Charles Barkley ,who although funny and entertaining, doesn't get out of his chair or crazy about the dunks on show, Kevin Harlan, who is like a diet Kenny Smith, and Dwight Howard, who on the court is a charismatic funny personality but on the mic seemed quiet and almost nervous. Kenny, Quit the coaching and come back to the announcers table.
So what should change?
1. No coaches – If a dunker wants help let him get the help but don't advertise it or have the coaches there on the mic building it up. One man and his moment is what it should be.
2. Remove the 2 minute time limit – Instead have on do-over each round. If they haven't prepared enough to be able to throw down first time, they don't deserve to win.
3. Less props – The car, the choir, the toy, the flags, the signs, all wasted. Show me difficulty and skill with the ball, and if your going to use a prop use it to highlight the dunk, not define it.
4. Don't have a fan voted final round – The judges are usually some of the best dunkers in NBA history, they know what makes a dunk great. It also provides a little controversy to the night which keeps it entertaining. I know the fan vote may make money for the NBA and creates audience participation but if one player goes into the contest as a fan favorite already it makes the final potentially biased in his favour. Instead........
5. Let the fans have a say in who should compete – Four dunkers, 2 selected by the NBA, two by the fans selected from a list of players who want to compete in the contest. Fans want to see a show and they know the players that should be able to put one on, that way the fans still feel involved in the contest but they cant dictate the outcome.
The 2011 contest was head and shoulders above the 2010 effort in Dallas, but with some changes and a demand for perfection/consistency 2012 could finally bring, in the words of Magic, “the dunk contest back”.
Its been a few weeks now since the NBA All-Star weekend, and there is something still tickling me about what took place on the Saturday night.
The NBA Slam Dunk contest is the feature event of the Saturday and one which I personally look forward to right from the start of the new NBA season. Watching highlights of Vince Carter in 2000, Mason vs Richardson in 2003 and the pure creativity of Josh Smith and Amare in 2005 can really get your spine tingling and blood pumping on the right evening.
2011 was built up to be the contest that would challenge to be the best of all time with each dunker having a personal “dunk trainer” to help spark their creativity and nail a routine that would take them to glory. But instead the show came across as average despite JaVale McGee and and Serge Ibaka making two of the toughest dunks of all time.
Here is a list of some of the problems and solutions to the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest.
1. The robbery of Serge Ibaka – The Congolese giant jumped from behind the free throw line, further then Dr J or Jordan and didn't receive a perfect score. If you make history, you should get a 50.
2. The first round killed the show – 2000 Carter makes every dunk first time bar one. 2008 Howard retried two but took less then 4 attempts each time and in 2003 Richardson used just 6 total attempts to nail 4 dunk while Mason used just 5 total attempts to hit his 4 . Yet too many of the first round dunks took 5 or 6 attempts. If you've seen the dunk attempted that many times theres no supprise and no pop when they make it. It took the crowd out of the show and the atmosphere and feel of the contest suffered for it.
3. Blake Griffin promised too much – Only one of Griffins dunks went through the way he wanted. His first was initially a 360 two-handed windmill, that eventually turned into a 360 while holding the ball way behind his head. Impressive but not the dunk that got the crowd on their feet initially. His second was initially a off the side of the glass 180 or 360 dunk that eventually turned into a off the side of the glass windmill. We saw Gerald Green do it on 2007 and he did it better back then. His final dunk of the night was over hyped. Not only did Griffin jump over the shortest part of the car making more of an annoyance then a challenge, but he added nothing too it. He had to make the dunk first time because of choir the hype and the show he was putting on. It turned the dunk into a mediocre finish to what could and should have been an explosive night for the young rookie.
4. The over hype of the whole show – We may have seen some things we had never seen before but for the first time the dunk contest became too much of a show. You don't need props every dunk. Toy monkeys, choirs, cars, signs with the name of your dunk, flag girls, hype men. You need to just show that you, with your skill height and power, are better then anyone else that night. The props are just gimmicks that draw attention away from the feats that are taking place. The superman cape of Howard was a subtle touch that helped highlight his dominance height and power, but it wasn't either a gimmick to create attention or a prop that either got in the way or what the dunk was based around. Leave the equipment and create with the ball.
5. Have Kenny Smith commentate. Kenny was a great hype man for Griffin, but you don't want a dunker to win based on the hype created by someone else's mouth. It means Griffin didn't do it on his own. It take the shine of his win. TNT didn't have a commentator to hype up the viewing audience at home, instead they had the Reggie Miller,who's “are you kidding me” line gets tedious after the 20th time in 10 minutes, Charles Barkley ,who although funny and entertaining, doesn't get out of his chair or crazy about the dunks on show, Kevin Harlan, who is like a diet Kenny Smith, and Dwight Howard, who on the court is a charismatic funny personality but on the mic seemed quiet and almost nervous. Kenny, Quit the coaching and come back to the announcers table.
So what should change?
1. No coaches – If a dunker wants help let him get the help but don't advertise it or have the coaches there on the mic building it up. One man and his moment is what it should be.
2. Remove the 2 minute time limit – Instead have on do-over each round. If they haven't prepared enough to be able to throw down first time, they don't deserve to win.
3. Less props – The car, the choir, the toy, the flags, the signs, all wasted. Show me difficulty and skill with the ball, and if your going to use a prop use it to highlight the dunk, not define it.
4. Don't have a fan voted final round – The judges are usually some of the best dunkers in NBA history, they know what makes a dunk great. It also provides a little controversy to the night which keeps it entertaining. I know the fan vote may make money for the NBA and creates audience participation but if one player goes into the contest as a fan favorite already it makes the final potentially biased in his favour. Instead........
5. Let the fans have a say in who should compete – Four dunkers, 2 selected by the NBA, two by the fans selected from a list of players who want to compete in the contest. Fans want to see a show and they know the players that should be able to put one on, that way the fans still feel involved in the contest but they cant dictate the outcome.
The 2011 contest was head and shoulders above the 2010 effort in Dallas, but with some changes and a demand for perfection/consistency 2012 could finally bring, in the words of Magic, “the dunk contest back”.
Alive and Kicking: Unrelenting Duff Driving Fulham Forward.
It took almost 7 months for him to net his first goal of the season, but one month after grabbing the winner against Newcastle at Craven Cottage Cottage, Damien Duff has continued to be a driving force behind Fulham's fight for Premiership survival.
His performances in the early part of 2011 were solid, taking on the role of creator for his Fulham team mates, and he slotted in nicely with Dempsey, Dembele and Johnson into what look a well oiled Fulham attack. But in front of goal the Ireland international still lacked that killer instinct and ability to snap up the rare opportunities that came his way.
He was getting closer every week and his confidence to strike on goal was seemingly growing each week. After rattling the crossbar against Stoke, the wingers first strike of the season was surely coming sooner rather then later.
Danny Murphy's exquisite ball over the top of the Newcastle back four left Duff one on one with Harper on a chilly february afternoon in the nations capital. Duff fired the ball home and since that moment, the creative spark, quick feet and intelligent passing play that he's shown all year, has been joined by a real goal scoring threat.
His lightning run off the ball gave him half a yard against a off balance and flat footed Manchester City defence to allow him to tuck home his second of the year and steal a well deserved point from Eastlands Stadium a week ago, and on Saturday Duff doubled his season goal tally grabbing another 2 against Blackburn in a topsy turvy encounter that eventually saw the visitors leave with nothing and Fulham take another big step (and 3 points) toward safety.
The confidence in his finishing is clear to all in his play. He's having more efforts on goal and striking the ball with more conviction then some of his previous efforts from earlier on in the year and he's definitely become a key link in keeping Fulham's run of form going. Dembele and others may have gone off the boil recently and Bobby Zamora may take a while to get going having been out so long so Duff is now a player many are looking to to push the side on in the coming weeks, and so far he's rising the challenge. If Fulham stay up this year, as they should do, there's a little Irishman who may be in need of one or two pats on the back from his manager and chairman.
His performances in the early part of 2011 were solid, taking on the role of creator for his Fulham team mates, and he slotted in nicely with Dempsey, Dembele and Johnson into what look a well oiled Fulham attack. But in front of goal the Ireland international still lacked that killer instinct and ability to snap up the rare opportunities that came his way.
He was getting closer every week and his confidence to strike on goal was seemingly growing each week. After rattling the crossbar against Stoke, the wingers first strike of the season was surely coming sooner rather then later.
Danny Murphy's exquisite ball over the top of the Newcastle back four left Duff one on one with Harper on a chilly february afternoon in the nations capital. Duff fired the ball home and since that moment, the creative spark, quick feet and intelligent passing play that he's shown all year, has been joined by a real goal scoring threat.
His lightning run off the ball gave him half a yard against a off balance and flat footed Manchester City defence to allow him to tuck home his second of the year and steal a well deserved point from Eastlands Stadium a week ago, and on Saturday Duff doubled his season goal tally grabbing another 2 against Blackburn in a topsy turvy encounter that eventually saw the visitors leave with nothing and Fulham take another big step (and 3 points) toward safety.
The confidence in his finishing is clear to all in his play. He's having more efforts on goal and striking the ball with more conviction then some of his previous efforts from earlier on in the year and he's definitely become a key link in keeping Fulham's run of form going. Dembele and others may have gone off the boil recently and Bobby Zamora may take a while to get going having been out so long so Duff is now a player many are looking to to push the side on in the coming weeks, and so far he's rising the challenge. If Fulham stay up this year, as they should do, there's a little Irishman who may be in need of one or two pats on the back from his manager and chairman.
Aston Villa 4 - 1 Blackburn
26/2/2011
Aston Villa v Blackburn
Villa Park
Premiership
Trio Shine as Villa net Four.
Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Marc Albrighton took apart a lackluster Blackburn in a dominating second half performance, that optimised the phrase “a game of two halfs”
Villa, although not dominating in possession, had looked the better side in the opening 45, creating a handful of chances in the half's closing 10 minutes. Neither goalie had faced a real test until Robinson was called upon to deal with strikes from Walker and Pires and then bravely slapping the ball away from Bent's attempt to pounce on a lose ball.
The momentum Villa created at the end of the first half continued after the break, and early into the second period the home side got their reward. After losing the ball in his own area Ireland International Keith Andrews bundled down Ashley Young giving Mark Atkinson no option to point to the spot. Young stepped up and slotted home to the delight of the home fans.
Villa continued to pressures and after Blackburn failed remove the Claret and Blue side from their half, Marc Albrighton's low cross was turned in off the knee of Grant Hanley to double Villa's advantage.
A third came just minutes later when Young set Stuart Downing free down the right flank. Unchallenged the England midfielder drifted inside and cooly slotted past Robinson to lock up the three points for the Midlanders.
Villa's pressure was unrelenting as Albrighton, Young and Downing caused havoc down the channels with only poor finishing and a lack of service preventing them from pulling even further away.
Nikola Kalinic gave Blackburn hope with 10 minutes to go after his long range effort deflected off Dunne sending the ball over a helpless Friedel, but the visitors joy was short lived as Stuart Downing passed inside to a waiting Ashley Young who fired home to grab his second of the afternoon and restore Villa's sides three goal advantage.
Blackburn's afternoon finished in disaster as Ryan Nelson received a second yellow for pulling down Young on the edge of the box, and as the final whistle blew many of the visitors run to get down the tunnel and put this one behind them.
Villa leapfrog Blackburn in the table and move three points closer to securing safety, while Blackburn go to Fulham next week in another must win game.
Aston Villa v Blackburn
Villa Park
Premiership
Trio Shine as Villa net Four.
Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Marc Albrighton took apart a lackluster Blackburn in a dominating second half performance, that optimised the phrase “a game of two halfs”
Villa, although not dominating in possession, had looked the better side in the opening 45, creating a handful of chances in the half's closing 10 minutes. Neither goalie had faced a real test until Robinson was called upon to deal with strikes from Walker and Pires and then bravely slapping the ball away from Bent's attempt to pounce on a lose ball.
The momentum Villa created at the end of the first half continued after the break, and early into the second period the home side got their reward. After losing the ball in his own area Ireland International Keith Andrews bundled down Ashley Young giving Mark Atkinson no option to point to the spot. Young stepped up and slotted home to the delight of the home fans.
Villa continued to pressures and after Blackburn failed remove the Claret and Blue side from their half, Marc Albrighton's low cross was turned in off the knee of Grant Hanley to double Villa's advantage.
A third came just minutes later when Young set Stuart Downing free down the right flank. Unchallenged the England midfielder drifted inside and cooly slotted past Robinson to lock up the three points for the Midlanders.
Villa's pressure was unrelenting as Albrighton, Young and Downing caused havoc down the channels with only poor finishing and a lack of service preventing them from pulling even further away.
Nikola Kalinic gave Blackburn hope with 10 minutes to go after his long range effort deflected off Dunne sending the ball over a helpless Friedel, but the visitors joy was short lived as Stuart Downing passed inside to a waiting Ashley Young who fired home to grab his second of the afternoon and restore Villa's sides three goal advantage.
Blackburn's afternoon finished in disaster as Ryan Nelson received a second yellow for pulling down Young on the edge of the box, and as the final whistle blew many of the visitors run to get down the tunnel and put this one behind them.
Villa leapfrog Blackburn in the table and move three points closer to securing safety, while Blackburn go to Fulham next week in another must win game.
West Brom v Stoke Preview
Preparation Preparation Preparation
Speculation was the last thing on Roy Hodgson's mind Friday as he spoke to the press ahead of West Brom's Monday Night clash against Stoke.
“Its a little bit dangerous to start playing fantasy football and working out where you will get your points and other teams will drop their points. For me the only thing we can do is take every game as it comes
“Traditionally we all think at the start of the season that 40 points will be enough, but theres no guarantee of that, that 40 points will keep you in the league, and there is in unwritten rule that says you must get exactly 40 points to stay up. When Fulham stayed up we had either 35 or 36 points...so I try not to get too carried with that sort of thing.
“For me the only thing we can do is take every game as it comes and try to be as well prepared to get a good result in that game.
Preparation for his opponents is something Hodgson sees as being vital to West Brom's survival fight but the new manager also wants to make sure the Baggies stick to their own game plan.
“Every week you play a team which has a slightly different focus to its play and normally when you start the week you tend to prepare your work around that focus
“its still important for us to do a load of things rights as far as we're concerned, that we don't change our game totally for the opposition, that we have a game of our own and a game plan of our own
With the club still on a psychological high after Carlos Vella's dramatic equaliser against Wolves and a squad with no injuries Hodgson goes into Monday night knowing that he can grab a vital three points and try to pull away form the other contenders in the fight for survival.
Speculation was the last thing on Roy Hodgson's mind Friday as he spoke to the press ahead of West Brom's Monday Night clash against Stoke.
“Its a little bit dangerous to start playing fantasy football and working out where you will get your points and other teams will drop their points. For me the only thing we can do is take every game as it comes
“Traditionally we all think at the start of the season that 40 points will be enough, but theres no guarantee of that, that 40 points will keep you in the league, and there is in unwritten rule that says you must get exactly 40 points to stay up. When Fulham stayed up we had either 35 or 36 points...so I try not to get too carried with that sort of thing.
“For me the only thing we can do is take every game as it comes and try to be as well prepared to get a good result in that game.
Preparation for his opponents is something Hodgson sees as being vital to West Brom's survival fight but the new manager also wants to make sure the Baggies stick to their own game plan.
“Every week you play a team which has a slightly different focus to its play and normally when you start the week you tend to prepare your work around that focus
“its still important for us to do a load of things rights as far as we're concerned, that we don't change our game totally for the opposition, that we have a game of our own and a game plan of our own
With the club still on a psychological high after Carlos Vella's dramatic equaliser against Wolves and a squad with no injuries Hodgson goes into Monday night knowing that he can grab a vital three points and try to pull away form the other contenders in the fight for survival.
McCarthy West Brom Friday Press Conference
McCarthy Aware Ahead of Massive Midlands Derby
Mick McCarthy was well aware of whats at stake for both Wolves and their fans this weekend when Wanderers meet their old rivals West Brom for the first ever time in Premier League history.
Speaking after training on friday Mick told the waiting press that he understands whats at stake on Sunday.
'[I'm] fully aware of it and I've highlighted it [to the players], where ever your from, whoever your team is, this is this clubs big game, this is important at any stage.
'If this was a cup tie and there were 3 divisions between us it would still be a big game. The fact that we're both in the same league, the fact that we're both vying to stay in the Premiership, both desperately need points, it couldn't be made any bigger.
McCarthy didn't want to play down the hype behind sundays encounter and continued to refer to the weekends derby as a massive game.
'Can we make this any bigger. I would try to embrace any game in the Premiership but the reality is we both want to beat each other, it's a huge derby game.
The Wolves manager has played and managed in a number of big derbies throughout his career and knows what it means to both fans and players alike.
'I understand the bragging rights, the local feuding between both teams and accept it.
'I've played in a few, I've managed in a few and I loved them as a player and embrace them because there's a little more spice involved.
His opposite number Roy Hodgson takes control of West Brom for the first time, but McCarthy wasn't too worried by the prospect of the managers first game inspiring a West Brom performance.
'I'm not sure wether he could stamp his style on them, the way he plays and I do know the way his teams play because I've played against them. Would it be too much to ask in one week to just flip everything on its head, change it, and start doing something completely different, or would it be good for them?
Either way Mick will be hoping his players use the intensity of the occasion to bring out a performance while expecting them to maintain cool heads amidst the drama.
'I've stressed the importance of it and how big it is...It's local derby stuff and I think referees are aware of the size of the game.....nobody wants games to get out of hand [with] needless bookings, because effectively it ruins the game if anyone gets sent off, especially if its one of ours.
If Wolves can take all three points away from the Hawthorns West Brom will drop into the bottom three, while Wolves will leave the drop zone or just the second time since October.
Mick McCarthy was well aware of whats at stake for both Wolves and their fans this weekend when Wanderers meet their old rivals West Brom for the first ever time in Premier League history.
Speaking after training on friday Mick told the waiting press that he understands whats at stake on Sunday.
'[I'm] fully aware of it and I've highlighted it [to the players], where ever your from, whoever your team is, this is this clubs big game, this is important at any stage.
'If this was a cup tie and there were 3 divisions between us it would still be a big game. The fact that we're both in the same league, the fact that we're both vying to stay in the Premiership, both desperately need points, it couldn't be made any bigger.
McCarthy didn't want to play down the hype behind sundays encounter and continued to refer to the weekends derby as a massive game.
'Can we make this any bigger. I would try to embrace any game in the Premiership but the reality is we both want to beat each other, it's a huge derby game.
The Wolves manager has played and managed in a number of big derbies throughout his career and knows what it means to both fans and players alike.
'I understand the bragging rights, the local feuding between both teams and accept it.
'I've played in a few, I've managed in a few and I loved them as a player and embrace them because there's a little more spice involved.
His opposite number Roy Hodgson takes control of West Brom for the first time, but McCarthy wasn't too worried by the prospect of the managers first game inspiring a West Brom performance.
'I'm not sure wether he could stamp his style on them, the way he plays and I do know the way his teams play because I've played against them. Would it be too much to ask in one week to just flip everything on its head, change it, and start doing something completely different, or would it be good for them?
Either way Mick will be hoping his players use the intensity of the occasion to bring out a performance while expecting them to maintain cool heads amidst the drama.
'I've stressed the importance of it and how big it is...It's local derby stuff and I think referees are aware of the size of the game.....nobody wants games to get out of hand [with] needless bookings, because effectively it ruins the game if anyone gets sent off, especially if its one of ours.
If Wolves can take all three points away from the Hawthorns West Brom will drop into the bottom three, while Wolves will leave the drop zone or just the second time since October.
West Brom v Wolves Preview
Doyle Upbeat for Baggies Clash.
The first ever West Brom Wolves clash in Premier League History has added emphasis this Sunday, as both sides are desperate for a win to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
Wolves striker Kevin Doyle will be meeting West Brom for the first time in a Wolves shirt and understands just how important this game is for the fans and for survival.
“Its a massive derby, I've never played in a West Brom Wolves derby so I'm looking forward to that.
“It is a proper 6 pointer, we're right beside each other in the league so its a big game for us.
Wolves have had a tough couple of fixtures in recent weeks, but with just 3 points separating the two sides, Doyle and Co are relishing the opportunity to grab all 3 points from their rivals at the Hawthorns.
“ [We're] looking forward to it, we've had such a tough run with Man U, and Arsenal last week, its nice to play someone around us.
Wolves are sat at the bottom of the Premiership but a win this weekend and losses for Wigan and West Ham could move Wanderers out of the bottom three for only the second time since last October.
The first ever West Brom Wolves clash in Premier League History has added emphasis this Sunday, as both sides are desperate for a win to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
Wolves striker Kevin Doyle will be meeting West Brom for the first time in a Wolves shirt and understands just how important this game is for the fans and for survival.
“Its a massive derby, I've never played in a West Brom Wolves derby so I'm looking forward to that.
“It is a proper 6 pointer, we're right beside each other in the league so its a big game for us.
Wolves have had a tough couple of fixtures in recent weeks, but with just 3 points separating the two sides, Doyle and Co are relishing the opportunity to grab all 3 points from their rivals at the Hawthorns.
“ [We're] looking forward to it, we've had such a tough run with Man U, and Arsenal last week, its nice to play someone around us.
Wolves are sat at the bottom of the Premiership but a win this weekend and losses for Wigan and West Ham could move Wanderers out of the bottom three for only the second time since last October.
Birmingham v Sheffield Wednesday FA Cup
FA Cup 5th Round
Birmingham City v Sheffield Wednesday
St Andrews
19/2/2011
Blues Wembley Bound Again?
3 was the magic number as Birmingham disposed of visitors Sheffield Wednesday and head for the FA Cup quarter final.
It took just 6 minutes for Birmingham to dampen the traveling Yorkshire fans mood at St Andrews, as Jean Beausejour, unmarked at the back post, turned in Lee Bowyer's pulled back cross.
10 minutes later the Blues added a second, Obafemi Martins opening his account for the club after Alexander Hleb released the Nigerian international half way up the pitch before avoiding Michael Morrison's challenge and slotting home past a helpless Weaver.
The third and final blow came just after the break when Bowyer did just enough to prevent Weaver from collecting what should have been a routine corner, the lose ball being fired home by a waiting David Murphy
Birmingham swithched into curse control as the visitors pushed on in a vain attempt to bring themselves back from the brink. Neil Mellor had chances blocked either side of the break and sub Liam Palmer managed to fire one straight down the throat of Colin Doyle but this would be the most the Birmingham number 2 goalie would be called upon until the final touch of the game when Clinton Morrison's header flew past his left hand post.
The Blues could have finished the first half with three or four but Nicky Weaver in the Wednesday goal kept the Yorkshire men in the tie thanks to his save from Ireland international Keith Fahey's freekick, while Cameron Jerome continued his goal drought missing from 4 yards out after Lee Bowyer was ale to fire a low cross to the near post.
Birmingham didn't dominate the League One side, and a stronger opponent might have made them pay considering the amount of possession Wednesday had after Birmingham got their third, but the Blues will be pleased with this win that sees them ease into next round of the FA Cup.
Birmingham City v Sheffield Wednesday
St Andrews
19/2/2011
Blues Wembley Bound Again?
3 was the magic number as Birmingham disposed of visitors Sheffield Wednesday and head for the FA Cup quarter final.
It took just 6 minutes for Birmingham to dampen the traveling Yorkshire fans mood at St Andrews, as Jean Beausejour, unmarked at the back post, turned in Lee Bowyer's pulled back cross.
10 minutes later the Blues added a second, Obafemi Martins opening his account for the club after Alexander Hleb released the Nigerian international half way up the pitch before avoiding Michael Morrison's challenge and slotting home past a helpless Weaver.
The third and final blow came just after the break when Bowyer did just enough to prevent Weaver from collecting what should have been a routine corner, the lose ball being fired home by a waiting David Murphy
Birmingham swithched into curse control as the visitors pushed on in a vain attempt to bring themselves back from the brink. Neil Mellor had chances blocked either side of the break and sub Liam Palmer managed to fire one straight down the throat of Colin Doyle but this would be the most the Birmingham number 2 goalie would be called upon until the final touch of the game when Clinton Morrison's header flew past his left hand post.
The Blues could have finished the first half with three or four but Nicky Weaver in the Wednesday goal kept the Yorkshire men in the tie thanks to his save from Ireland international Keith Fahey's freekick, while Cameron Jerome continued his goal drought missing from 4 yards out after Lee Bowyer was ale to fire a low cross to the near post.
Birmingham didn't dominate the League One side, and a stronger opponent might have made them pay considering the amount of possession Wednesday had after Birmingham got their third, but the Blues will be pleased with this win that sees them ease into next round of the FA Cup.
Walsall v Dagenham and Redbridge
Super Sub Grigg gives Walsall needed win.
Will Grigg late strike hands Walsall a much needed win of fellow relegation candidates Dagenham and Redbridge
It took 80 minutes for Walsall to break the deadlock on a wet and cold night at the Bescot stadium, but when Mathew Gill fed in Jon Macken, the experienced striker was able to turn and find a waiting Grigg (on as a sub for Alex Nicholls), who fired home to grab a deserved 3 points.
Macken had plenty of chances to open Walsalls account and when the aging striker was unable to beat Tony Roberts one-on-one it looked like the visitors were going to hold onto a scrappy share of the points
Walsall should have had 4 or 5, while Dagenham couldn't force a single shot on target giving Walsall keeper James Walker an easy night between the sticks as Walsall move to one win away from the drop zone. The Daggers will have to hope that there remaining 3 games in hand will bring them the points needed to avoid the slip down to League two
Will Grigg late strike hands Walsall a much needed win of fellow relegation candidates Dagenham and Redbridge
It took 80 minutes for Walsall to break the deadlock on a wet and cold night at the Bescot stadium, but when Mathew Gill fed in Jon Macken, the experienced striker was able to turn and find a waiting Grigg (on as a sub for Alex Nicholls), who fired home to grab a deserved 3 points.
Macken had plenty of chances to open Walsalls account and when the aging striker was unable to beat Tony Roberts one-on-one it looked like the visitors were going to hold onto a scrappy share of the points
Walsall should have had 4 or 5, while Dagenham couldn't force a single shot on target giving Walsall keeper James Walker an easy night between the sticks as Walsall move to one win away from the drop zone. The Daggers will have to hope that there remaining 3 games in hand will bring them the points needed to avoid the slip down to League two
Interview With Kevin Doyle
Kevin Doyle remained upbeat after Wolves loss at The Emirates, as the Premiership heads into its final stretch.
Despite being handed a 2-0 defeat from dominating Arsenal side, the Ireland international remained positive about his clubs chances of avoiding the drop as Wolves head into their final 12 games of the season.
“Hopefully we can go on a run like we did at this stage last year and stay up
Doyle, who grabbed the winner against Manchester United the previous week, had a tough afternoon at the Emirates. Playing on his own up front, Wolves were unable to create a single shot on goal while Arsenal attacked at will, forcing a number of impressive saves from keeper Wayne Hennessey.
But the Wolves forward understood that a result against any of the title challengers is always difficult especially away from home.
“Its frustrating to play against Arsenal, they keep the ball so well, they make you frustrated, they make you angry, its not nice.
“I've never got a good result here [the Emirates]” “We've never particularly played too well here as a team with either Reading or Wolves”
Arsenal showed the difference in class between the top 4 and the bottom 3 and the title challengers were in full force as they broke through Wolves' defences time and time again. Wolves were competent on the ball but the Gunners never allowed them to keep possession for very long, pressing and hurrying McCarthy's side forcing them into mistakes and to look for the long ball.
Robin van Persie's two goals were enough to send the Midlanders back to the bottom of the Premiership, but with the first ever Premiership tie between Wolves and West Brom next weekend, the Black and Gold wont have time to wallow in defeat ahead of Sundays 6 pointer.
Despite being handed a 2-0 defeat from dominating Arsenal side, the Ireland international remained positive about his clubs chances of avoiding the drop as Wolves head into their final 12 games of the season.
“Hopefully we can go on a run like we did at this stage last year and stay up
Doyle, who grabbed the winner against Manchester United the previous week, had a tough afternoon at the Emirates. Playing on his own up front, Wolves were unable to create a single shot on goal while Arsenal attacked at will, forcing a number of impressive saves from keeper Wayne Hennessey.
But the Wolves forward understood that a result against any of the title challengers is always difficult especially away from home.
“Its frustrating to play against Arsenal, they keep the ball so well, they make you frustrated, they make you angry, its not nice.
“I've never got a good result here [the Emirates]” “We've never particularly played too well here as a team with either Reading or Wolves”
Arsenal showed the difference in class between the top 4 and the bottom 3 and the title challengers were in full force as they broke through Wolves' defences time and time again. Wolves were competent on the ball but the Gunners never allowed them to keep possession for very long, pressing and hurrying McCarthy's side forcing them into mistakes and to look for the long ball.
Robin van Persie's two goals were enough to send the Midlanders back to the bottom of the Premiership, but with the first ever Premiership tie between Wolves and West Brom next weekend, the Black and Gold wont have time to wallow in defeat ahead of Sundays 6 pointer.
Arsenal v Wolves
12/2/2011
Arsenal v Wolves
Van the Man, as Wolves fail to inspire.
Arsenal dominated a battling Wolves side that failed to produce a single shot on target.
The visitors failed to create, as Mick McCarthy's 4-5-1 formation looked to slow down what became a relentless Arsenal attack. With the middle of the park shut down it was left to Walcott and Arshavin to get down the channels and cause havoc for the Wolverhampton back four.
An Arsenal breakthrough was inevitable and it came after 16 minutes. Fabregas found himself in space on the edge of the box and clipped the ball into a waiting Van Persie, who fired a right foot volley that the left hand of Hennessey could reach, but not stop.
Hennessey was given plenty to do, as the Wolves number keeper tried to keep his side within touching distance of the Gunners. The chances rained down on the Welshman's goal but Hennessey's efforts kept a scoreline civil in a game that could have been a cricket score.
Arsenal's pressure continued after the break, and when Theo Walcott played in Van Persie one on one, Hennessey was unable to prevent the inform Dutch striker grabbing his second of the day.
Wolves were unable to shut down Arsenal's flow and even the introduction of Ebanks-Blake and Foley midway through the second half were not enough to force Wojciech Szczesny into making any sort of save.
With Doyle up front on his own, the hero from last week received neither service from his team mates nor time by the Arsenal back four, and the Irish man failed to make an impact for the 80 minutes that he was on the pitch. Foley's addition just added a new pair of fresh legs to be tired out by the Gunners quality.
A disappointing day all round for Wolves who were out classed and out played. McCarthy will look to put this one very much behind him as his side prepare for the big derby at the Hawthorns next Sunday.
Arsenal v Wolves
Van the Man, as Wolves fail to inspire.
Arsenal dominated a battling Wolves side that failed to produce a single shot on target.
The visitors failed to create, as Mick McCarthy's 4-5-1 formation looked to slow down what became a relentless Arsenal attack. With the middle of the park shut down it was left to Walcott and Arshavin to get down the channels and cause havoc for the Wolverhampton back four.
An Arsenal breakthrough was inevitable and it came after 16 minutes. Fabregas found himself in space on the edge of the box and clipped the ball into a waiting Van Persie, who fired a right foot volley that the left hand of Hennessey could reach, but not stop.
Hennessey was given plenty to do, as the Wolves number keeper tried to keep his side within touching distance of the Gunners. The chances rained down on the Welshman's goal but Hennessey's efforts kept a scoreline civil in a game that could have been a cricket score.
Arsenal's pressure continued after the break, and when Theo Walcott played in Van Persie one on one, Hennessey was unable to prevent the inform Dutch striker grabbing his second of the day.
Wolves were unable to shut down Arsenal's flow and even the introduction of Ebanks-Blake and Foley midway through the second half were not enough to force Wojciech Szczesny into making any sort of save.
With Doyle up front on his own, the hero from last week received neither service from his team mates nor time by the Arsenal back four, and the Irish man failed to make an impact for the 80 minutes that he was on the pitch. Foley's addition just added a new pair of fresh legs to be tired out by the Gunners quality.
A disappointing day all round for Wolves who were out classed and out played. McCarthy will look to put this one very much behind him as his side prepare for the big derby at the Hawthorns next Sunday.
5/2/2011
Tottenham v Bolton
Super Sub Seal win for Spurs
Niko Kranjcar fired home a late winner for Tottenham to steal a victory against an unlucky Bolton
Spurs couldn't have asked for a better opening start as Rafaelf van der Vaart gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot, after Corluka's stab was blocked by the hand of Kevin Davies. Moments later van der Vaart made a return trip to the spot when Arron Lennon's run was ended by the clumsy challenge from Rickets. The spurs number 11 slotted home from the spot, only to be forced to retake after Palacios was deemed to have encroached. van der Vaart's second attempt flew wide past the Bolton post to keep Spurs lead to a single goal.
The rest of the half saw White Hart Lane watched an entertaining match that swung from end to end, both teams having periods of possession in each others half, pressing but rarely creating a threatening challenge for either keeper.
After the break both sides continued to press but with little effect until, on 54 minutes, Bolton drew level, Mark Davies playing in Daniel Sturridge and the Bolton new boy, in his first start for the club, curled his strike underneath Gomes in the Spurs goal. Bolton too might feel they might have had a penalty of their own, when Garry Cahill was tripped by Pienaar just inside the Spurs penalty area, but referee Mark Clattenburg booked the Bolton man for diving.
Jenas came closest to providing Spurs with second as his curled freekick hit the outside of Jaaskelainen's goal frame. Bolton came forward late and looked like they might find a winner but with no final ball, their efforts went to waste. Spurs continued to counter attack into the dying minutes, and just when it looked like the points would be shared, substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko played in fellow sub Niko Kranjcar, who fired from 20 yards, into the top right hand corner.
Spurs will feel lucky to have all 3 points and now will look to see what happens in tomorrows big match at Stanford Bridge.
Tottenham v Bolton
Super Sub Seal win for Spurs
Niko Kranjcar fired home a late winner for Tottenham to steal a victory against an unlucky Bolton
Spurs couldn't have asked for a better opening start as Rafaelf van der Vaart gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot, after Corluka's stab was blocked by the hand of Kevin Davies. Moments later van der Vaart made a return trip to the spot when Arron Lennon's run was ended by the clumsy challenge from Rickets. The spurs number 11 slotted home from the spot, only to be forced to retake after Palacios was deemed to have encroached. van der Vaart's second attempt flew wide past the Bolton post to keep Spurs lead to a single goal.
The rest of the half saw White Hart Lane watched an entertaining match that swung from end to end, both teams having periods of possession in each others half, pressing but rarely creating a threatening challenge for either keeper.
After the break both sides continued to press but with little effect until, on 54 minutes, Bolton drew level, Mark Davies playing in Daniel Sturridge and the Bolton new boy, in his first start for the club, curled his strike underneath Gomes in the Spurs goal. Bolton too might feel they might have had a penalty of their own, when Garry Cahill was tripped by Pienaar just inside the Spurs penalty area, but referee Mark Clattenburg booked the Bolton man for diving.
Jenas came closest to providing Spurs with second as his curled freekick hit the outside of Jaaskelainen's goal frame. Bolton came forward late and looked like they might find a winner but with no final ball, their efforts went to waste. Spurs continued to counter attack into the dying minutes, and just when it looked like the points would be shared, substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko played in fellow sub Niko Kranjcar, who fired from 20 yards, into the top right hand corner.
Spurs will feel lucky to have all 3 points and now will look to see what happens in tomorrows big match at Stanford Bridge.
5 Mar 2011
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Driving home from Villa Park last saturday I listened, for the first time in around 2 years, to BBC Radio 5 Live's evening football debate show 606. Presenter Mark Chapman was joined by regular co-host Robbie Savage as fans phone the show to try to spark debate or give there 2 cents on the days football.
Over the years a number of “famous faces” have presented the show including David Mellor and DJ Spoony, but I have never heard of a current player (Savage still earns a living at Derby County FC) hosting or co-hosting the show. After 50 minutes I switched off my radio, horrified with what I was listening to.
The topic of debate had turned to the subject of respecting referees, one which many of the callers questioned Savage about, asking the Derby man if he thought his abusive behaviour and aggressive confrontations with referees week in week out was setting a good example for kids playing on sunday mornings across the country. Savage, rather then accepting any responsibility or showing any remorse for his actions and how destructive they are to the way the game is played through all levels tried to instead, bully his way out of the awkward series of questions, eventually becoming so aggressive in his pleads of innocence that many callers gave up trying to get a real answer from the man.
When a father sees his son emulating the aggressive attitude that players up and down the professional game take towards referees must be heartbreaking. Young players are now seeing so many stars (not just Savage) act with such little respect towards the man in black that they see it as appropriate to do so in their matches. Responsibility must fall on the heads of the professionals who sometimes turned the beautiful game, into a very ugly one.
But players have no reason to accept responsibility because there is no one holding them accountable to their actions. Last week saw Wayne Rooney blatantly elbow a fellow player in the face but still there have been no repercussions for his action. Ashley Cole took a air gun into training and accidentally shot a 21 year old work experience student. In any job around the world that sort of action would get you fired and possibly arrested, instead Chelsea are handling the matter internally and have so far find Cole just two weeks wages.
Even managers are out of control. The Scenes after the Celtic Rangers match on thursday night were embarrassing to watch. Seeing a two managers unable to shake hands and walk away after a match and instead try and have a bar room style brawl in the middle of the pitch is embarrassing and show total disrespect to the game. Yet no action has been taken against either of the protagonists.
The FA says it tries to promote respect, tries to portray the game in a light that fans both young and old can be proud to look up to. But with these sorts misdemeanours going unpunished young players cant be reprimanded for thinking that this sort of action is ok. Players and managers are getting out of control something has to be done to ensure they respect the officials, one another and the game itself, before the game we love is lost in a sea of childish behaviour.
Over the years a number of “famous faces” have presented the show including David Mellor and DJ Spoony, but I have never heard of a current player (Savage still earns a living at Derby County FC) hosting or co-hosting the show. After 50 minutes I switched off my radio, horrified with what I was listening to.
The topic of debate had turned to the subject of respecting referees, one which many of the callers questioned Savage about, asking the Derby man if he thought his abusive behaviour and aggressive confrontations with referees week in week out was setting a good example for kids playing on sunday mornings across the country. Savage, rather then accepting any responsibility or showing any remorse for his actions and how destructive they are to the way the game is played through all levels tried to instead, bully his way out of the awkward series of questions, eventually becoming so aggressive in his pleads of innocence that many callers gave up trying to get a real answer from the man.
When a father sees his son emulating the aggressive attitude that players up and down the professional game take towards referees must be heartbreaking. Young players are now seeing so many stars (not just Savage) act with such little respect towards the man in black that they see it as appropriate to do so in their matches. Responsibility must fall on the heads of the professionals who sometimes turned the beautiful game, into a very ugly one.
But players have no reason to accept responsibility because there is no one holding them accountable to their actions. Last week saw Wayne Rooney blatantly elbow a fellow player in the face but still there have been no repercussions for his action. Ashley Cole took a air gun into training and accidentally shot a 21 year old work experience student. In any job around the world that sort of action would get you fired and possibly arrested, instead Chelsea are handling the matter internally and have so far find Cole just two weeks wages.
Even managers are out of control. The Scenes after the Celtic Rangers match on thursday night were embarrassing to watch. Seeing a two managers unable to shake hands and walk away after a match and instead try and have a bar room style brawl in the middle of the pitch is embarrassing and show total disrespect to the game. Yet no action has been taken against either of the protagonists.
The FA says it tries to promote respect, tries to portray the game in a light that fans both young and old can be proud to look up to. But with these sorts misdemeanours going unpunished young players cant be reprimanded for thinking that this sort of action is ok. Players and managers are getting out of control something has to be done to ensure they respect the officials, one another and the game itself, before the game we love is lost in a sea of childish behaviour.
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