Wednesday 29 January 2014

Tomorrow we pick up the rest of the reactions of last night match together with tonight intriguing matches
Chlesea vs West Ham i have to go with PAUL MERSON'S prediction of 2-0 win for the blues.  Man City vs Tottenham will be an epic clash.I don't think there will be repeat of the  a 6-0 drubbing but still City still have plentyb of fire power for the Tottenham defense so Tim Sherwood' fielding will be crucial especially in mid field. Paulinho is still injured and they will miss him against the two midfield power houses of Yaya and Fernandinho. 4-2 win for the Citizens will be respectable for Tottenham.
Goodbye guys i have to go to class lets do it all over again tommorow.
Next up was the battle between Michael Laudrup's side and Rene Meulensteen side at the Liberty stadium. After suffering defeats in there last three premier league matches and  going through their worst form since 2008-2009 season Swansea needed to turn their fortunes around. After a 0-0 1st half with both teams wasting their chances, second proved different as Swansea broke the deadlock with a deflected 25yards screamer from the former Liverpool player to take the lead. A glancing header from the Spanish center half  Chico Flores ensured three crucial points for Walsh side while Fulham continued with their poor form by loosing three out three matches in the league.

wansea City beat Fulham to earn their first win in eight Premier League games

Last Updated: 29/01/14 12:15am
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Jonjo Shelvey: Deflected strike made it 1-0
Jonjo Shelvey: Deflected strike made it 1-0
Two second-half goals helped Swansea to a 2-0 win over Fulham, their first victory in nine Premier League games.
Second-half efforts from Jonjo Shelvey and Chico Flores gave Swansea a valuable three points at the Liberty Stadium.

Best of the match:

  • Man of the match: Chico takes it for his clinching goal, as well as a imperious defensive performance
  • Goal of the match: Hard to choose when both owed a fair bit to deflections!
  • Turning point: Hangeland missed a golden opportunity to put Fulham 1-0 up when they were dominating
  • Talking point: Are Fulham doomed? And are Swansea now safe?
After hitting the crossbar during a goalless first half, Shelvey fired the Swans into the lead on 61 minutes after his 25-yard strike took a wicked deflection off Brede Hangeland, leaving goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg with no chance.
Michael Laudrup's side doubled their lead 15 minutes from time thanks to centre-back Chico, whose glancing header from a Jonathan De Guzman free-kick flew into the Cottagers' net, via a nick off Dimitar Berbatov.
Both sides had opportunities in the first-half to take the lead, with Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah and Clint Dempsey spurning decent chances.
However, Rene Meulensteen's side were left rueing their missed opportunities as the Swans capitalised on their second-half pressure, winning their first game in the Premier League since early December.
Laudrup had warned his team they may have to suffer in order to end their worrying winless run, their worst run of league form since the 2008-09 season, and so it proved.
Michael Laudrup admitted his Swansea side needed a victory after their 2-0 win at home to Fulham.
There was plenty of anxiety among the home support during a tight first hour, but the Welsh club have opened up some valuable breathing space ahead of the weekend trip to West Ham.
Given both sides' poor recent form and precarious position in the table, it was little surprise that the opening exchanges were decidedly cagey.
Swansea had plenty of the ball but Fulham had little difficulty in sitting deep and soaking up the pressure.
It took 12 minutes for there to be a genuine effort on goal, with Bony's looping header dropping on the roof of the net from Ben Davies' cross.
Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen admitted their away loss to Swansea was a missed opportunity.
A couple of minutes later Shelvey fired well over after nice interplay between Pablo Hernandez and Angel Rangel had teed him up on the edge of the area.
Fulham weathered that flurry and carved out the two best chances of the half.
Keiran Richardson's superb set-piece delivery picked out captain Hangeland near the penalty spot, but the Norwegian headed well over.
Alexander Kacaniklic's surging run created another headed opportunity, but Dejageh failed to test Gerhard Tremmel as his effort was straight at the Swansea keeper.
Tremmel then pushed away a deflected Clint Dempsey strike and the tension among the home support was palpable.
Swansea rallied, with Shelvey's fierce drive rattling the crossbar from Hernandez's lay-off.
It sparked a strong start to the second period for the hosts, with Stekelenburg making a superb save to keep Flores' header out of the far corner from Jonathan de Guzman's set-piece delivery.
De Guzman and Shelvey tried their luck from distance, and it was the latter who broke the deadlock just past the hour mark.
Substitute Nathan Dyer set up Shelvey after nice work from Bony and his strike from the edge of the box took a couple of deflections, the second - and most notable - off Hangeland to beat Stekelenburg and nestle in the bottom of the net.
Fulham had to come out in search of an equaliser, and De Guzman almost picked them off with a driving run and left-footed shot that Stekelenburg leapt high to his right to keep out.
The points were sealed with 15 minutes to go. De Guzman's free-kick was flicked goalwards by Flores and hit Berbatov on its way win, leaving Fulham with no way back.

Such a fine evening its shaping to be of what has been a very sunny hot day at the coastal city of Mombasa
Welcome to our today's reactions of yesterdays matches in the Barclay s Premier league.we begin our discussion with the 0-0 draw between Norwich City and Newcastle united. A big point for Chris Hughton side in what turned out to be tempered match with two sending off. for me despite Loic Remy being a constant threat for Newcastle, Norwich defended well and deserve a draw for thier efforts. Newcastle might feel a grieved not to get maximum points but they have ruin their wasted chances and lack of lady luck.

Premier League: Norwich hold Newcastle to goalless draw as two are sent off

By Tim Oscroft.   Last Updated: 29/01/14 12:13am
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Loic Remy and Bradley Johnson both saw red after this altercation late in the game
Loic Remy and Bradley Johnson both saw red after this altercation late in the game
Norwich and Newcastle fought out a goalless draw in a game where both teams were reduced to 10 men.
Norwich's Bradley Johnson and Newcastle's Loic Remy were dismissed with 10 minutes remaining following a clash where the Magpies striker had appeared to aim a head-butt at Johnson after a clash between the pair.

Best of the game

  • Man of the match: Hatem Ben Arfa gets the nod, although Louic Remy was a good bet until his moment of madness late on - more of which later. Ben Arfa was lively and industrious and at the heart of a dominant Newcastle display.
  • Save of the match: Tim Krul kept his concentration until the key moment late on, when he was alert enough to deflect a diving Robert Snodgrass header around his post after making ground across his six-yard box.
  • Talking point: Loic Remy and Bradley Johnson engaged in a tussle but Remy upped the ante by leaning into Johnson, who then hit the deck very quickly and too easily. Neither player came out the incident with any credit and will serve three-match bans that neither side can afford.
Newcastle dominated the first half, hitting the woodwork twice when a rebound off Johnson struck the left upright while Remy's curling effort beat goalkeeper John Ruddy but hit the other post.
Norwich were clinging on when Hatem Ben Arfa mis-hit a good opportunity into the ground and over the bar, with only a Gary Hooper effort that forced Tim Krul into action their solitary moment of note before the break.
The hosts were kept on the back foot afterwards, with Remy hitting the bar again but Hooper did likewise prior to a lively end to proceedings.
Remy and Johnson's shoving match escalated when the Newcastle striker leaned into the Norwich midfielder with his head. Referee Chris Foy sent the Frenchman off, and after consulting with his assistant Johnson also received his marching orders.
Norwich came close to claiming three points just into stoppage time when Robert Snodgrass's low header was deflected wide by Krul's left leg.
Earlier, Newcastle made a bright start in terrible conditions as the rain lashed down at Carrow Road.
Remy was fouled by Snodgrass on the left side of the penalty area, but Davide Santon's free-kick was straight into the wall.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was pleased with his side's performance but will miss Loic Remy who was sent off for his clash with Bradley Johnson.
Norwich finally came to life when a clever turn from Hooper saw the ball fed back to Leroy Fer and the Dutchman's 20-yard drive was deflected behind.
Newcastle almost swept ahead on 18 minutes when full-back Martin Olsson gave the ball away in midfield and Moussa Sissoko darted away down the right channel before cutting a ball back across the six-yard box. Remy arrived on cue, but his snapshot was saved a point-blank range by England goalkeeper Ruddy.
The Norwich goal continued to lead a charmed life as a left-wing cross from Remy was knocked against the base of the post by Canaries midfielder Johnson. A couple of minutes later Remy broke down the left flank before curling a lovely strike goalwards, which struck the outside of the other upright.

Norwich manager Chris Hughton says his players did enough in the second half to earn a draw against Newcastle.
Ruddy then had to be alert to beat away a 20-yard effort from Ben Arfa which deflected off Sebastien Bassong and Newcastle cut Norwich apart down the left again just before half-time, but Ben Arfa sent a lovely cross from Sammy Ameobi over the bar.
Finally Krul had something to do as he got down to save a low 20-yard effort from Hooper, which was touched behind before Anthony Pilkington could get to the rebound.
Frustrations boiled over as Scotland winger Snodgrass was involved in a heated exchange with home supporters in the City Stand after another poor corner before Hughton's men were booed off at half-time.
Newcastle were soon back on the offensive and the woodwork saved Norwich again on the hour when Remy whipped a free-kick up over the wall, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar.
Norwich then almost snatched the lead when substitute Nathan Redmond's cross from the left was turned goalwards by Hooper, but Krul was equal to it and pushed the ball up onto the crossbar.
The match turned ugly on 82 minutes when Remy and Johnson exchanged pushes before squaring up head-to-head on the nearside touchline. A melee ensued, before when order was restored the referee correctly showed both men a red card.
Snodgrass could have finished the hero in the final minute but somehow Krul made a crucial save.

Thursday 23 January 2014

Hallo guys welcome to our today's review of the news making headlines in the football world. We ve got plenty to talk about starting with Manchester United exit from the Capital one cup at the Hands of an incredible Sunderland side as described by the their Manager Mr Gustavo up to the 37Million pound signing of  Juan Mata by Man United.
37 Million pounds and not Euros is the much Man U are due to cough subject to Mata passing the fitness test of which we all expect him to do. Desperate situations call for some desperate measures and 37 million pounds is the extent of how dire the situation is at United. Lets hold that thought and get back to what happened yesterday night at The Theatre of Screams(Old Trample-ford).
Out of the Premiership race, FA Cup and Capital One Cup, it would be sheer madness to consider Man United still in the running for the UEFA Champions League Title. But for the sake of credibility they still have a chance on landing some silverware at the end of the season if they remain in the competition come May. Am not sure they will last until March so my small advice would be lets things going for next season with a serious push for the fourth spot in the Title race a position Man U would gladly receive with open arms if it offered to them now.
Is Man United season over? I guess hell NO! The title race is all gone but fourth title spot is still very much alive. So they better turn the corner as fast as they can before the games run dry. Remember a famous quote “United don't lose they just run out of time
‘ Games are fast running out and am not sure the former United smiling assassin will be happy taking on his former club at such a time especially with both  Rooney and Robin returning with the icing of Mata on top. I  fancy a 3-1win for United unless the arrival of Mata doesn't help lift the gloom within the reigning champions dressing room.
I don't mean to sound disrespectful of Cardiff City and Ole Gunner Solsjkaer the timing of the fixtures against the top sides have not been fair for Ole to get his house in order, lasts weekend 4-2 defeat at the hands of the true title contenders had some positives and I only  would hope for a good showing from Cardiff but i still think United will have too much for Cardiff to stomach.
I have been Juan Mata's fan and i still remain and i hope he gets the Ozil factor as he begins his United Career.
Then the question will beg is 37 million pounds money well spent? my Obvious answer would be a resounding Yes! echoed by the shift in transfers policies in today's modern game. I still feel there’s  need to have some checks as how a player’s quality is evaluated and matched with the correct financial valuation of the player.
Last time Chelsea did business with Manchester United was way back during the sale of Juan Sebastian Veron to Chelsea. Coincidentally  another Juan is involved but this time its a return trip to United. Good bye Mata am happy we don't get to meet until next season. Chelsea fans will always love you even more so if you can help take care of both our two noisy neighbors(Arsenal and Man City), that would be fantastic! Lets ends our today’s debate by posing the question on everyone’s lips, who’s winning this years title?


Thursday 16 January 2014


 Record breaking switch from a player to a manager!  Will the gamble pay for the Rossoneri? His got no managerial experience but his got the intangibles so they say. Only time will tell for the Dutch legend.
All the best MR SEEDORF but please pick some lesson or two Andres Villas Boas.

Clarence Seedorf arrived in Italy on Wednesday evening to a hero's welcome ahead of his official unveiling as AC Milan's new coach.

Serie A
GettyImagesSeedorf was mobbed by fans on his return to the San Siro.
Marcotti: Born ready?
Vickery: Opportunity knocks
Paul: A leap into the unknown
The Rossoneri were leading Spezia 3-0 when the biggest applause of the night was reserved for the new boss. The Dutchman made his return to the San Siro following a transatlantic flight which saw him not only cross several time zones, but also make the transition from footballer to coach.
He arrived in Milan's Linate airport to be immediately surrounded by hordes of fans and reporters, pronouncing his first words as new Milan boss.
"I'm very emotional and feel a sense of duty," the 37-year-old told reporters. "I left Milan in May 2012, closing a cycle. My job now is to reopen another one."
Milan are languishing in 11th place in Serie A, 10 points adrift of the top five and a place in Europe next season. He could therefore have a lot to thank caretaker Mauro Tassotti for with the Coppa Italia perhaps offering the easiest route into Europe next season -- Wednesday night's 3-1 win set up a quarterfinal tie with Udinese.
Tassotti kept the bench warm for just the one game following Massimiliano Allegri's dismissal on Monday. Seedorf will take his place against Hellas Verona on Sunday night.
"We've got a lot of hard work ahead to take Milan back to the top again," Seedorf said. "I'm delighted. Two years ago, president [Silvio] Berlusconi predicted everything. It can't be said that I've come back because I never truly left. To see all of this enthusiasm is crucial for me."
He was given a warm embrace by the club's general manager, Adriano Galliani, on his arrival at the San Siro, as the pair resumed their working relationship after little over 18 months of separation. Their paths had crossed only a few weeks ago in Brazil for what Galliani claimed was just a casual meeting.
There, the first foundations were laid for Seedorf to become Milan coach in the summer. A 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo on Sunday night meant Milan could no longer wait that long to make a change.
"We can aim to do great things for the fans," Seedorf said to Milan Channel at the San Siro. "I've got to give 100 percent to rebuild the squad and to give them enthusiasm and self-belief."
Apart from climbing Serie A during the second half of the season, Seedorf will also be looking to take the Rossoneri as far as they can in the Champions League, a competition he won twice for them as a player. Italy's only remaining club in that competition face Atletico Madrid in the last 16.

Wednesday 15 January 2014

The Winter transfer season is on and surprisingly there ain't much activity apart from Namaja Matic the Serbian returning to Chelsea and Aiden McGeady the talented winger  making the switch to the Goodison park from Spartak Moscow. Both buys are very good for the two teams and am not surprised both  players have been handed lengthy contracts of five and half and four and  half years respectively. Jermain Defoe's switch to Toronto FC must have shocked not only to  his fans but the entire football world. At 31yrs the diminutive  striker has got plenty to offer but i don't see him maintaining his high standards as good as his done over the years. The timing doesn't look good enough especially with Roy Hodson yet to name his dancers for the upcoming Rio Bonanza in June.His last goal in the colors of Tortenham might do him some good but i don't see the England manager making the trips up North to check on his welfare. We can do nothing despite the letdown but wish him well.

CR 7

Hallo guys, i have been away from my blog but you bet i been very much alive  to the headlines that have been rocking our screens and causing drama in the soccer world. For me the highlight of all the news has to been the end of Ronaldo's four year chase of the Fifa Ballon D' or trophy. For me deservedly Ronaldo has won it and he better enjoy the moment while it lasts before the owner comes calling again.Lionel Messi coming a close second despite an injury layden year is true testament of the quality that little Argentinian posses.Am sure the LEGENDARY PELE afetr emotional and finally receiving the coveted Trophy(Honorary) will  be kind enough to appreciate that if he were paying in today's Messi era he too would have  a had a rough time as Cristiano Ranaldo knows too well!
Needless to conclude that Messi will be taking back his trophy come next year if manages to stay free of injuries.