Liverpool travelled to the fortress that is Stamford Bridge on Sunday.  A stadium where Chelsea have not lost for 86 games, since 2004.  However, by the time Liverpool left Chelsea they had put down a clear statement of intent to the rest of their title challengers and the Premier League as a whole, that this season Liverpool do have clear title ambitions.  It doesn’t look like Liverpool will be out of the running come Christmas this year, as has been so often the case in recent years.

This seems to be a different Liverpool, with a deeper resolve and a team that can finally win ugly, win when they wouldn’t have in recent recent.  But this wasn’t ugly.  Liverpool were the better team, created more chances and but for a fantastic save by Cech and Alonso hitting the post from an excellent free-kick, this victory would have been more comprehensive.  Reina in the Liverpool goal, on the other hand, had one easy catch from a Lampard header to make, otherwise he would have expended more energy getting back on the team coach than during the game.  He was a virtual spectator.  A sign as to how good Benetiz got his tactics right. Not many teams go to Stamford Bridge and do not allow Chelsea one serious attempt on target for 90 minutes.

It was Xabi Alonso that scored the only goal of the game after 10 minutes when the Spanish midfielder’s shot deflected off Jose Bosingwa and slightly wrong-footed Petr Cech.

Though there may have been an element of luck about the Reds’ winner, Rafa Benitez’s side were full value for the points after keeping Chelsea at arm’s length for much of the match.

Alonso almost grabbed a second when his free-kick struck the base of the post, while Ashley Cole sliced his shot wide from Chelsea’s best chance of the game.

After the game Benitez very much wanted to put the message out that Liverpool must remain calm and keep on winning. Without that beating Chelsea will mean nothing. Click the following link to here what Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez said after Liverpool beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Meanwhile over in North London, as reported earlier on The Soccer Blog, Tottenham had sacked their manager Juande Ramos late on Saturday night, but it clearly had no negative effect on morale after a 2-0 success over Bolton at White Hart Lane.

With Ramos’ replacement Harry Redknapp spending most of the game in the dug-out, Spurs secured a welcome win as Roman Pavlyuchenko scored his first Premier League goal.

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Spurs made the breakthrough on 17 minutes when David Bentley swung in a cross from the right and Pavlyuchenko guided his header inside the upright.

Bolton’s prospects of getting back into the game were dealt a blow on 56 minutes when Gavin McCann was sent off for a second booking after the midfielder fouled Tom Huddlestone.

And the Trotters contributed further to their own demise on 76 minutes when Jussi Jaaskelainen’s clumsy challenge on Darren Bent allowed the striker to score from the penalty spot.

I wonder what poor old Ramos is thinking?  Would Spurs have won this game if he had still been in charge? Of course we will never know.  Although a dream start for Harry Redknapp, one thing he will know, is that there is still a hell of a lot of work to be done at White Hart Lane and he has got a massive job on.  However, come Christmas, I think you’ll see a different team at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Arsenal continue to keep pace with the leaders after striking twice in the final 15 minutes at West Ham United as Portsmouth were held 1-1 at home by Fulham. Emmanuel Adebayor had a decisive impact from the bench as Arsenal won 2-0 at West Ham, who finished the match with 10 men.  Carlton Cole was sent off.  The Hammers striker looked to be harshly dismissed by referee Phil Dowd for a foul on Alexandre Song.  A certain booking but very harsh red.

The introduction of the Togo striker Adebayor was a turning point in the game. Up until then West Ham had been quite comfortable.  Shortly after the West Ham defender Faubert made a absolute howler to put the ball past his own goalkeeper, Green, who up until that point had looked like he couldn’t be beaten, at least not by an Arsenal player.

Then in the first minute of stoppage time, a truly brilliant pass from Nicklas Bendtner sent Adebayor clear and he rounded the onrushing Robert Green before steering the ball into an unguarded net.

Portsmouth started life without Harry Redknapp by being held to a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park by Fulham.  Redknapp’s former assistants Tony Adams and Joe Jordan sent out a Pompey team which took a 61st minute lead through Peter Crouch’s finish after he was set up by strike partner Jermain Defoe.

However, Fulham snatched a point three minutes from time when Clint Dempsey steered home unmarked from fellow substitute Erik Nevland’s cross.

Brazilian sensation Robinho struck a hat-trick as Manchester City proved too strong for Stoke City, while Aston Villa were in formidable form in crushing Wigan Athletic away from home.Manchester City moved back into the top half of the table after a Robinho-driven 3-0 win over promoted Stoke.

Record signing Robinho put City ahead on 14 minutes with a low finish inside Thomas Sorensen’s near post following a clever pass by Ched Evans.

The young striker was replaced by Daniel Sturridge just before half-time and the substitute played a key role in City’s second goal two minutes after the break as his run and cross teed up Robinho for his second of the match.

Robinho completed his hat-trick on 72 minutes when he passed the ball into the net from the edge of the area after being intelligently played in by Sturridge following a quick City break.

Aston Villa followed up victory over Ajax in the Uefa Cup on Thursday with an emphatic 4-0 triumph at struggling Wigan.

Villa were in front midway through the first half when Gareth Barry tucked away a perfect penalty after Titus Bramble had brought down Gabriel Agbonlahor.

There was a spot of fortune about Villa’s second on 57 minutes when John Carew’s header ricocheted in off Agbonlahor, who knew little about the decisive touch.

Just five minutes later, Villa had made it 3-0 following good work down the left by Agbonlahor and his cross was headed home from close range by the towering Carew.

Substitute Steve Sidwell marked his Premier League debut for Villa with a fourth goal in injury-time as he smashed a fierce shot into the top corner after James Milner’s flicked pass inside.

Cheers

Rik

Well, I suppose you have to say this doesn’t really come as a huge surprise, Ramos being sacked by Spurs, yet at the same time when I saw the news I was actually a little shocked.  Hard to explain, to put my finger on it, I just thought, even though they are in desperate straights, they would have given him a little bit more time.  I do feel a little sorry for Ramos, on the other hand I don’t feel sorry for the other bloke to get fired, the so-called Director of Football, Damien Comolli!  ”Comolli”, sounds like a clown, Charlie Comolli.  (British readers of a certain age will, I’m sure, get the clown reference.)

Anyway, with Ramos gone, Tottenham have confirmed that Harry Redknapp has agreed to become their new manager.  I suppsoe you could say that speculation has been rife as to who would be named as the Spaniard’s successor, although I’m not sure I work have put too much money on Redknapp being the successor, maybe that’s what I was a little surprised at!

The veteran coach, who has previously worked with Tottenham’s London rivals West Ham, will now take the reins at White Hart Lane.  The ex Spurs player, Clive Allen will remain in caretaker charge of the club for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Bolton, although Redknapp is expected to speak with his new squad before the game.

Of course there is no escaping the fact that Spurs are bottom of the table, with just a measly two points from their eight fixtures so far.  Wish I’d put a bet on that a the beginning of the season, in fact a double bet with Hull being 3rd.  I could probably retire by now!

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Well, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy admitted the current season has not unfolded as everyone connected with Spurs would have wanted.  There’s a master of the understatement at work for you.  However he believes Redknapp is the ideal candidate to take the side forward.  Although you have to say he probably thought that when he hired Ramos, at least you hope he did.

Levy has said the following in a statement on the club’s official website:

“In appointing Harry Redknapp as our new manager, we are delighted to have secured the services of someone we have long since admired and whose track record and knowledge of all levels of football, including importantly the Premier League, is outstanding.

“I know Harry is relishing the opportunity of managing a club he knows well, not least from his son Jamie’s time here as a player and captain, and of re-invigorating and restoring confidence to a squad of highly talented international players.

“With his great knowledge of the game and his excellent motivational skills, Harry has inspired his teams to consistently over-perform, whilst his preferred attacking style of playing the game sits comfortably with our club’s history, heritage and the type of entertaining football our fans want and expect to see.

“In Harry, we are also accepting with his appointment that now is the right time for us to move back to a more traditional style of football management at our club. One which we believe will be capable of initiating our climb back up the Premiership table and to maintaining our challenge in the Uefa, Carling and FA Cup competitions.

“However, I should stress that we are not in this current position because of any single factor or any one individual. Human nature often dictates the need to find someone or something to blame, but in these circumstances we need all our energies to be directed instead to supporting the team and improving our League position. Nothing else matters at this time.

“We have all been subjected to much criticism - myself, the board, coaching staff and players - having now made what I considered to be necessary, sweeping changes to our football management team, we must re-assert ourselves, regain our focus, and answer our critics in the best way possible - by winning games again.”

Good luck ‘arry!

Cheers

Rik

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Manchester United dropped more points in the title race at Everton in the early lunchtime kick-off, then it the afternoon it was finally derby day delight at home for Sunderland over Newcastle and Hull City’s fairy tale start to the season continued a pace  with a 3 - 0 victory at West Brom.

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You will have to say that Man United will no doubt rue several first half chances at Everton.  It was a first half they totally dominated and could have raced away to a very comfortable half-time lead.  However, it was Marouane Fellaini’s second half header that cancelled out Darren Fletcher’s opener from the first period. United have of course been flying lately and they travelled to Goodison Park chasing a seventh successive win in all competitions. 

Like I said United were excellent if the first half and if it hadn’t have been for Tim Howard in the Everton goal the contest would have been over at half-time as Vidic, Ronaldo and Giggs all threatened to add to Fletcher’s opener.

But as is so often the case, it was a game of two halves and the team in blue that emerged in the second half was completely different to the one that played the first. In deed the same can be said of the team in red.  For as much as they were brilliant in the first half, they were terrible in the second, with many individual mistakes and Man Utd were in fact lucky to leave Goodison Park with 1 point.  If it hadn’t been for a good save by van der Saar, Everton would have won this game.

If you have seen the game and you can tell me what Ronaldo was up to, rolling around on the ground, after the “tackle” by Phil Neville, I’d to hear from you.  What a disgrace!  Can he really think he’s fooling anyone?  Does he not realise what an idiot he looks like rolling around on the floor like that.  It beggars belief, it really does!  For me, the bottom line is he obviously no longer wants to be playing for United, they should cut their “losses” and get rid quite frankly.  If you don’t believe me, take a look at his goal “celebration” against West Brom last week.  He couldn’t have been more disinterested if he’d tried!

Anyway, as awful as that display by Ronaldo was, the free-kick by Kieran Richardson for Sunderland against Newcastle from the edge of the box gave Sunderland their first win on home soil against their neighbours since a 1-0 victory at Roker Park back in April 1980, was brilliant.  Had to believe that statistic, isn’t it?  Not beaten their closest rivals at home for 28 years, amazing!

Roy Keane’s team really got stuck into their visitors from the kick-off.  It was ex Liverpool Djibril Cisse who  broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, when his outstretched leg diverted Steed Malbranque’s screwed shot beyond Shay Given.  You could see from his celebration what it meant and that he is happy playing for his team!

Joe Kinnear has since his arrival at least instilled greater fight and steel to Newcastle Utd and a travelling Toon Army were rewarded for their, as ever, wonderful support, Ameobi leveled the score after half an hour.

But it was Richardson’s fantastic free-kick, hit with such power, from just outside the penalty area that settled the derby.  It was past given before he twitched a muscle and it resulted in wild scenes of celebration from the Sunderland faithful.  In fact, it would appear they got a little too excited, maybe not surprising having to wait 28 years, but apparently the Police have been involved after the fans invaded the pitch and a full enquiry is to take place.

What can you say about Hull City?  It is truly unbelievable, isn’t it?  And fair play to them.  You have to say they are were they are, 3rd, because they deserve it.   It was an excellent game At The Hawthorns and quite frnakly if West Brom had ended up winning the game, nobody would have thought it strange.  They had some great chances in the first half and could easily have been 2 - 0 ahead at half-time. But in this contest between two promoted clubs, Hull came out better in the second half and ended up taking the spoils, finally winning 3-0.  

As I said, West Brom played some enterprising football of their own but were again undone by a familiar Achilles heel, they can’t seem to score goals. Their manager said after the game that if they could just get their defence and attack working together, they would be fine.  And you can’t argue with that, they do play some attractive football, but if you can’t get the ball into the net, you are going to struggle no matter how pretty the football is.

In the final game of the day, the later kick-off at Ewood Park, there was a very late and dramatic injury time header from Benni McCarthy that saved Blackburn from defeat by Middlesbrough. 

Although Blackburn dominated possession for much of the game, not surprising as the home team, but Boro were always their equal and were always in wit a chance to take something away from the game.  Middlesbrough may even feel as though they could have taken all 3 points if a good goal by Tuncay hadn’t been ruled out for an offside that replays show wasn’t!  Both sides also struck the woodwork in the first half.

The Teessiders then looked as if they had snatched victory as Afonso Alves lashed an excellent finish home from the edge of the box.  But with the game into the fourth minute of into injury time and unmarked McCarthy rose to head home and seal a share of the spoils for Rovers.

Cheers

Rik

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Every day, late in the afternoon, I receive an email.  I look forward to receiving this email every day.  Why?  Because it always puts a smile on my face.  It has a very British, irreverant sense of humour.  The latest to arrive into my inbox was no different, it contained the following, which I thought I’d share with you.

The Designated Player Rule in Major League Soccer allows every franchise to sign one player whose personal terms are not affected by the league’s salary cap regulations. Allowing clubs to compete for the very best talent in the international game, it is known colloquially as the Beckham Rule, and shatters the myth that Americans don’t do irony.

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Possibly fed up with being a figure of fun across a whole continent [Europe], Beckham has seemingly decided to leave LA Galaxy and join AC Mil… oh dear.

Will you look at the state of their squad! The spine of the team - club captain Paolo Maldini, star striker Gianni Rivera and Brazilian goalkeeper Moacyr Barbosa - are all getting on a bit. Defensive midfielder Emerson is, according to Wikipedia, 70 years old (
http://guardian.chtah.com/a/tBI-0vMAY30QpAe9jDF$Pk9T82h/fvr22 ). And Andriy Shevchenko, 53, hasn’t scored a competitive goal since 1999 (the same year, coincidentally, lynchpin defender Philippe
Senderos is last thought to have closed his mouth).

And now they’re adding Becks to a heady mix that also includes the silky talents of Ronaldinho, when he can be bothered to use them, which is not often, bordering on never. “Beckham wants to train and play for Milan,” announced Adriano Galliani, the club’s vice-president. “Football today is about full stadiums and sponsors and superstars like Beckham fill them up,” Galliani went on to explain as part of a lecture entitled “Why Football Is Not Worth Bothering About Any More”.

Of course this move, to be effected on January 1, doesn’t mean Beckham is no longer an object of extreme irony. For Milan is known as the style capital of the world, and will therefore be an interesting home for a man sporting a tattoo which looks like someone has gaffer-taped a house brick to the back of his neck.

My sincere thanks to The Fiver for another excellent “tongue-in-check” exposé!

Cheers
Rik
The Soccer Blogger

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Manchester Utd won their European clash with Glasgow Celtic last night in the Champions League’s version of The Battle of Britain at Old Trafford.

United were grateful to a brace from their new striker Dimitar Berbatov and a second-half shot from player of the moment Wayne Rooney as they comfortably conquered SPL side Celtic 3 - 0 to move to inside touching distance of the last 16 of the competition. However, by contrast Gordon Strachan’s team now face an uphill struggle if they are to make it through the latter knock-out stages.

It was a busy evening of Champions League football but it was Man Utd’s clash with Celtic, who are still without an away win in the Champions League, which was the top game and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men ran out deserved winners to remain at the summit of Group E.

United, the current Champions League holders, enjoyed the better of a lively first half at Old Trafford, with Celtic giving the ball away, and found themselves in the lead after 30 minutes in a controversial manner.

Following on from his summer transfer on deadline day from Spurs, Dimitar Berbatov is starting to show he has now found his feet in his new surroundings, as he scored the first goal.

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Berbatov survived Celtic’s shouts for offside to apply the slightest of glances and stabbed the ball past the keeper after John O’Shea had flicked on from a corner.

And it was the Bulgarian striker, again from a possible offside position, who scored United’s second as he followed up a powerful Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick, which the goalkeeper could only palm and to knock in on 51 minutes.

Rooney, who it appears cannot help but score at the moment, then added the icing to United’s cake as he demonstrated all of his recent confidence and form to take a touch on the edge of the penalty area, swivel, and curl it past the goalkeeper with a little under 15 mins remaining.

Good job done at Old Trafford and qualification for the knock-out stages as the group’s winner is looking ever likely for Man Utd, in stark contract to Celtic, who face an almost impossible task now to make it through at the expense of Villareal.

Cheers
Rik
The Soccer Blogger

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