SachDan Posted November 11, 2008 Author Share Posted November 11, 2008 Spurs win again. Man City taken care of:yay: Spurs on a roll !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 Premier League Preview: Arsenal - Aston Villa What: Barclays Premier League Who: Arsenal (3rd, 23 pts) v Aston Villa (5th, 20 pts) When: Saturday, 15 November, Kick-off: 1500 GMT Where: Emirates Stadium, Ashburton Grove, London N5 Arsenal, on the rack little more than a week ago, their Premier League title chances apparently hanging by a thread, are buoyant again after two well-received victories. In contrast, Aston Villa, who had been poised to displace the Gunners in the top four, unexpectedly lost their last two Premier League games. So while third-placed Arsenal are seeking a third straight win in all competitions,. Villa will be anxious to avoid a third successive League defeat. The games that revived Arsenal's fortunes and helped restored manager Arsene Wenger's reputation were last Saturday's pulsating 2-1 victory over defending champions Manchester United, and Tuesday's impressive 3-0 demolition of a full-strength Wigan side by a team of Arsenal's precociously talented youngsters in the Carling Cup. Villa, who had been knocking on the door of the Big Four after some excellent results and performances, stumbled to a 2-0 defeat at struggling Newcastle and a shock home loss at the hands of Villa old boy Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough. Those set-backs came either side of an encouraging 1-0 away win against Slavia Prague in the Uefa Cup. Arsenal's win against Manchester United was achieved with a depleted side shorn of first-choice strikers Emmanuel Adebayor (injured against Stoke) and Robin van Persie (suspended after being dismissed in the same game). The Gunners' aim now has to be to attain consistency and close the six-point gap on second-placed Liverpool and leaders Chelsea. Past Games, Late Goals Villa, having slipped to fifth in the table, would need to beat the Gunners by a five-goal margin to overtake them. But if that seems unlikely, the Gunners have been held to 1-1 home draws on both previous occasions that Villa have visited the Emirates. In fact Martin O'Neill's Villa tenure began with one of those 1-1 draws in August 2006. On the other hand, Villa have not beaten Arsenal, home or away, in 19 attempts. The last time they won on Arsenal's turf was in early November 1993. The Gunners have not lost a home Premier League game against a club from the Midlands since Wenger became manager. And Villa have won only one of their last 26 league games in London, a sequence spanning more than four years. Arsenal's third goal against Wigan on Wednesday was their 50th of the season and came in the their 20th match so far. They've scored in each of their last 10 Premier League games and there has been a last-minute goal in each of their last six League matches – though not always in their favour. In the corresponding fixture last season, too, Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner equalised against Villa with virtually the last kick of the game. That deprived Villa of a long overdue win against the Gunners, but maintained the Villans' fairly dismal record of just one win against the 'Big Four' clubs in 35 attempts since April 2004. That solitary win was a 2-0 triumph against Chelsea at Villa Park in September 2007, the latter throes of Jose Mourinho's reign. Their last away win against any of that elite quartet was back in May 2002 at Stamford Bridge, when they won 3-1. Overall, the two clubs have met 158 times in League contests, with Arsenal claiming 64 wins, Villa 58, and 36 games being drawn. In the Premier League the record reads Arsenal 16 wins, Villa five, and 11 draws. In League games on Arsenal territory only, the Gunners have won 42 times, Villa 20, and there have been 17 draws. In 16 Premier League meetings at Arsenal, the Gunners have been victorious on nine occasions, and Villa just twice, with five games ending all-square - including both of the last two. How The Managers See It Assessing his opponents ahead of Saturday's game, Wenger told journalists this week: "They are physically strong and technically efficient. They have a lot of pace and can adjust their style. They can play in the air and on the ground. "It's a very, very open Premier League now. It's tougher this year and more interesting, and it looks like anyone can drop points, which is good for us. It's a massive game - a big, big test after the United game. We've built up belief and this game will give us a big answer." His Villa counterpart O'Neill commented: "On their own patch they are a very fine footballing side. "It will be an interesting game because they now think they are back on track for the title. It was a big game for them against Manchester United last weekend - it was a game they had to win and they did it. Now it's up to us because we have to try to win a game to put ourselves back on track." FORM GUIDE Arsenal 11 Nov (Carling Cup) v Wigan (H) WON 3-0 08 Nov (Premier League) v Man Utd (H) WON 2-1 05 Nov (Champions League) v Fenerbahce (H) DREW 0-0 01 Nov (Premier League) v Stoke (A) LOST 1-2 29 Oct (Premier League) v Tottenham (H) DREW 4-4 Aston Villa 09 Nov (Premier League) v Middlesbrough (H) LOST 1-2 06 Nov (Uefa Cup) v Slavia Prague (A) WON 1-0 03 Nov (Premier League) v Newcastle (A) LOST 0-2 29 Oct (Premier League) v Blackburn (H) WON 3-2 26 Oct (Premier League) v Wigan (A) WON 4-0 TEAM NEWS Arsenal Wenger could have Emmanuel Adebayor and Manuel Almunia back from injury, but will definitely be without Robin van Persie, who is suspended, and Emmanuel Eboue, who has an injured knee. Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky are also ruled out still. Squad: Almunia, Fabianski, Diaby, Sagna, Fabregas, Toure, Nasri, Gallas, Vela, Walcott, Denilson, Ramsey, Song, Silvestre, Wilshere, Gibbs, Djourou, Clichy, Bendtner, Adebayor. Last Starting XI: Fabianski, Hoyte, Song Billong, Djourou, Gibbs, Wilshere (Bischoff 76), Randall, Ramsey, Merida, Simpson (Lansbury 76), Vela (Fonte 84). Subs Not Used: Mannone, Coquelin, Ogogo, Frimpong. Last Starting XI in Premier League: Almunia (Fabianski 78), Sagna, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Walcott (Song Billong 77), Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Diaby (Toure 86), Bendtner. Subs Not Used: Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Djourou. Booked: Gallas, Sagna, Clichy. Aston Villa Stilliyan Petrov and Luke Young could return after injury for O'Neill. James Milner is again likely to partner Gabriel Agbonlahor in the Villa attack if striker John Carew fails to recover in time from an injured hip. Squad: Friedel, Guzan, Luke Young, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, Shorey,Milner, Sidwell, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Harewood, Gardner, Routledge, Salifou, Knight, Delfouneso. Last Starting XI: Friedel, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, Shorey (Harewood 70), Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Barry, Milner, Agbonlahor, Ashley Young. Subs Not Used: Guzan, Routledge, Salifou, Knight, Delfouneso, Gardner. PLAYERS TO WATCH Arsenal Given Villa's pace on the wings, the game is likely to be an interesting challenge for left-back Gael Clichy. The Frenchman who took over o smoothly from Ashley Cole for the Gunners has been their most consistent defender for the last couple of seasons, showing good awareness and positional sense and sharp turn of speed, and offering vital width to Arsenal's attacks. He recently scored his first-ever goal for the club, and has also made a vital goal-line clearance - as well as a slip that cost a goal against Spurs. Samir Nasri scored two fine goals against Manchester United last weekend and will be looking to maintain that form and momentum, cutting in dangerously from the flanks. Another of Wenger's French contingent, he is proving to be an astute summer purchase - and will be keen to add to his five-goal haul for the season so far. Aston Villa In his Blackburn days, American goalkeeper Brad Friedel was regularly inspired against the Gunners, and he will be looking to make life as hard as possible for the Arsenal forwards again on Saturday. Remarkably, it will be Friedel's 165th consecutive Premier League appearance, a sequence that began with Rovers at the start of the 2004-05 season, and means he needs just one more game to equal the run of David James, who made 166 consecutive appearances for Manchester City and Portsmouth between 17 January 2004 and 27 April 2008. Further forward, Steve Sidwell will hope to start, or at least be involved, for two reasons. Firstly, he will be eager to erase the memory of his errant back-pass that gifted Tuncay Sanli the winning goal for Middlesbrough last weekend, taking the gloss off his own first goal for Villa in the same match. Secondly, having begun his career with the Gunners - and won two FA Youth Cups in Arsenal colours in 2000 and 2001. Having moved in 2003 to Reading, and then in 2007 to Chelsea before joining Villa in summer 2008, Sidwell would love to impress on his return to the club where he was unable to break into the first-team. PREDICTION This game is delicately and intriguing poised. Villa are certainly better than their last two League results, while Arsenal need to build on their two wins of the last eight days and prove that they have the composure, consistency and character to silence the doubters. Martin O'Neill will be desperate for his side to regain the winning touch and get their bid for a Champions League place back up and running. Wenger knows his team cannot afford many if any more slip-ups, especially at home. Both managers will stretch the other's tactical ingenuity and responsiveness, but ultimately it is the players who must deliver. There will be plenty of top class ones out on the pitch, all with high stakes to play for. But the Gunners have an excellent recent record against Villa, will be determined to maintain the momentum of their victory over United, and should have the self-belief to try and control the game. In Villa's previous two visits they scored early on and forced the Gunners to chase the game; if Arsenal can start at a high tempo, impose themselves and be first to break the deadlock, they are capable of going on to win the game. Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 Saturday 15th November 2008 Bolton 0 - 1 Liverpool Reebok Stadium 12:45 60 th min Blackburn vs Sunderland Ewood Park 15:00 Arsenal vs Aston Villa Emirates Stadium 15:00 Man Utd vs Stoke Old Trafford 15:00 Newcastle vs Wigan St James' Park 15:00 West Ham vs Portsmouth Upton Park 15:00 Fulham vs Tottenham Craven Cottage 15:00 West Brom vs Chelsea The Hawthorns 17:30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 :sick::sick: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SachDan Posted November 15, 2008 Author Share Posted November 15, 2008 :sick::sick: Shane,told you this Arsenal Team is not a league winning material :haha: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SachDan Posted November 15, 2008 Author Share Posted November 15, 2008 ManU back on track as they thrashed Stoke City 5- 0 !! Ronaldo scored his 100th goal for ManU :hatsoff: and even more heartening was 17 year old Welbeck scoring a superb goal after coming in as a subsitute :two_thumbs_up: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SachDan Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 Carlos Tavez to join Real Madrid next season http://www.espnstar.com/football/primera-liga/news/detail/item155729/Tevez-joining-Madrid-next-season/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 Carlos Tavez to join Real Madrid next season http://www.espnstar.com/football/primera-liga/news/detail/item155729/Tevez-joining-Madrid-next-season/ More than him loosing his place, i think its the dodgy transfer with MSI (Media Sports Investment) and West Ham which has prompted his transfer. I read somewhere that United will have to play on the lines of 30mil pounds to gain his services on a permanent basis !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SachDan Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 At this pace relegation zone is not too far away for the Gunners :hysterical::hysterical: lost to Man City 3-0 !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SachDan Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 A day that saw Chelsea being held to a nil-nil draw by Newcstle and Fulham doing the same with Liverpool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SachDan Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 ManU struggling to score in the 1st half at Villa Park Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kartikey Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 Séamus John James Given - U amazing legend :hatsoff::hatsoff::hatsoff::hatsoff: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sooda Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 ^ Off to spurs in Jan. Just you watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kartikey Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 ^ Off to spurs in Jan. Just you watch. Err.....no Given is at the club he loves. He could have left years ago if he wanted to. He's been through times like this at St James when gullit was in charge and when he was dropped for Harper in late 00/early 01 but he chose to stay. The man is one of the few players who have some loyalty. And he's said he doesnt want to leave, he wants to spend the rest of his career at the Toon. And lets be honest he's not gonna leave us for frigging Spuds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kartikey Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Hahahahahha, the dirty Mackems lost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Alas something for me in the week to look and smile about, 2-1 We were lucky with the first goal, but deserve to win as Chelsea were off the boil in the second half !!! Gunners Rule !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Was it a spike or a smash ??? Career Options for CRon !!! 2zBslIJlmvQ Volleyball ??? :cantstop: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kartikey Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Keane will leave the mackems very soon to walk his dog 24/7. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Premier League Preview: Arsenal - Wigan Athletic What: Barclays Premier League Who: Arsenal (4th, 26pts) v Wigan Athletic (11th, 19 pts) When: Saturday, 6 December Kick-off: 1500 GMT Where: Emirates Stadium, Ashburton Grove, London N5 The Quest For Consistency Steve Bruce's Wigan Athletic travel to the Emirates unbeaten in five Premier League games, meaning that it is hosts Arsenal who are currently saddled with the curse of inconsistency. The Gunners pulled out of a mini-slump of two consecutive defeats by beating Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League and then coming from behind to win 2-1 at Stamford Bridge last Sunday. But in midweek they were eliminated from the Carling Cup when Championship high-fliers Burnley out-witted them 2-0 at Turf Moor. Of course, the team that lost to the Clarets was entirely different from the one that beat Chelsea; it was the much-heralded young Gunners who had performed so impressively in the earlier rounds of the Carling Cup but came up against a Burnley side who asked questions to which the youngsters struggled to find the answers. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will no doubt reinstate his seniors for the visit of Wigan, which ironically may suit Bruce and his players - because the Latics were comprehensively out-played by the young Gunners at the Emirates last month in the Carling Cup. In contrast, Wenger's seniors have too often struggled to break down lower-placed sides who arrive at Ashburton Grove with a game-plan backed by organisation and hard work, and Bruce will be hoping they can throw their hosts out of their elegant stride on Saturday. However, the Arsenal camp must surely know they are fast running out of second chances; indeed, they've managed only two League wins in six attempts - though those were against last year's champions and runners-up, Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively. And having impressively won at Stamford Bridge last week to haul themselves firmly back into the Barclays Premier League title race, they really do have to press on and start winning - consistently - the games which, on paper at least, they are expected to win. And Wigan at home is certainly one of those. If they do beat the Latics they could make up further ground on their three main title rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. If they don't, they will merely have devalued their victory over Chelsea - which is what happened after they beat Manchester United then lost to Aston Villa (home) and Manchester City (away). Remarkably, the Gunners - eight points adrift of current leaders Liverpool - will be aiming to win two successive Premier League matches for only the third time this season, underlining their erratic form. But with the captaincy issue now resolved there should be nothing to distract them from being fully focused on the job in hand against rejuvenated Wigan, who have just achieved back-to-back victories over West Bromwich Albion and Everton. Those wins saw the Latics climb to 11th in the table, and were gained without the services of top scorer Amr Zaki. But a third straight win would also be their first success in 26 attempts against one of the Big Four. Wigan boast the longest current unbeaten sequence in the Premier League, though they have conceded 10 goals in their seven away games this season, and in fact have conceded 99 goals away from the JJB Stadium in their Premier League history. Arsenal will be looking to ensure the century mark is passed this weekend, given that they have already scored 27 Premier League goals this season - a figure which only Chelsea (33) and Manchester City (29) can better. They should be buoyed by the fact that they are unbeaten by Wigan in league meetings (five wins, one draw), and hold a perfect home record against the Latics of three wins out of three. On the other hand, Arsenal haven't celebrated back-to-back victories in seven Premier League matches, since beating Everton (3-1 at home) and West Ham (2-0 away) in mid-October. And they have collected 11 fewer points this season than at the same stage last term, when they were top of the table as opposed to fourth. In contrast, Wigan are up by 10 points on this same stage last season - but six points down on their best-ever performance after 15 Premier League fixtures. The tightness of this season's Premier League competition is underlined by the fact that Wigan, who are currently 11th, could climb as high as 7th or fall as low as 14th this weekend, depending on their own and others' results. How The Bosses See It Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said ahead of the game: "Many eyes will be turned on Arsenal to see how we respond to our defeat in the Carling Cup on Tuesday. "Let's believe in this team - and I say that to the fans as well - let's get behind them because they want to do well. I believe we have the quality, we have the desire, the talent and the spirit, so that should make us go into the game on Saturday with a strong belief." Wenger's Wigan counterpart, Steve Bruce, commented: "What we must have is belief because teams like Arsenal do not lose many games. "This is the enjoyable part of the Premier League, wondering if we can go and give a good performance against a top side. We have done it before but we will need to play to our maximum if we are to take anything out of the game." Head-To-Head When Wigan frustrated Arsenal in a goalless draw at the JJB Stadium on 9 March this year, it was the only time the Latics have taken as much as a point off the Gunners. And already this season Arsenal have got back to winning ways against Wigan, running out 3-0 victors in the Carling Cup fourth round tie. Teenagers Jay Simpson (two) and Carlos Vela scored the goals on 11 November. However, the two clubs also met in the Carling Cup in the 2005-06 season. It was at the semi-final stage, and Paul Jewell's side took a one-goal lead to Highbury for the second leg of the semi-final. The Latics lost 2-1 but reached the final on away goals after extra time. Last season in the Premier League at the Emirates, Arsenal won 2-0, with goals in the last seven minutes from William Gallas (83) and Tomas Rosicky (85). All League Matches (home and away): Arsenal 5 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 1 League Matches At Arsenal Only: Arsenal 3 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0 FORM GUIDE Arsenal 02 Dec (Carling Cup) v Burnley (A) LOST 0-2 30 Nov (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) WON 2-1 25 Nov (Champions League) v Dynamo Kiev (H) WON 1-0 22 Nov (Premier League) v Man City (A) LOST 0-3 15 Nov (Premier League) v Aston Villa (H) LOST 0-2 Wigan 29 Nov (Premier League) v West Brom (H) WON 2-1 24 Nov (Premier League) v Everton (H) WON 1-0 15 Nov (Premier League) v Newcastle (A) DREW 2-2 11 Nov (Carling Cup) v Arsenal (A) LOST 0-3 08 Nov (Premier League) v Stoke (H) DREW 0-0 TEAM NEWS Arsenal Long-term injury victims Eduardo (broken leg), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Theo Walcott (shoulder) are still sidelined, while William Gallas suffered a calf problem at Stamford Bridge and will be missing. But Kolo Toure (calf) is likely to be available again, along with Emmanuel Eboue (knee). But Johan Djourou (hip) and Abou Diaby (abdominal) are unlikely to be fit to return. Squad: Almunia, Clichy, Toure, Silvestre, Sagna, Nasri, Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Adebayor, Van Persie, Fabianski, Ramsey, Wilshere, Djourou, Vela, Bendtner, Eboue. Last Starting XI (v Burnley): Fabianski, Hoyte, Silvestre, Ramsey, Gibbs, Rodgers (Lansbury 46), Randall (Bischoff 72), Merida, Wilshere (Simpson 63), Bendtner, Vela. Subs Not Used: Mannone, Coquelin, Steer, Frimpong. Wigan Top scorer Amr Zaki has been struggling with a hamstring problem, but could return after missing the last three matches. Defender Paul Scharner could also be back after a groin problem saw him miss the West Brom game last weekend. But long-term injury victim Erik Edman is not expected to return to action before Christmas. The Swedish defender has been out for eight months with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and Bruce is not planning to rush him back. The Wigan boss said this week: "Erik has been training for the best part of three or four weeks and played in two reserve games. It was a bad injury he had and I don't think we'll be seeing the best of him for another couple of months yet." Squad: Kirkland, Taylor, Boyce, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Brown, Koumas, Palacios, Camara, Zaki, Heskey, Melchiot, Kilbane, Pollitt, Kingson, De Ridder, Cywka. Last Starting XI (v West Brom): Kirkland, Taylor (Melchiot 70), Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa (Kilbane 81), Valencia, Brown (Koumas 60), Cattermole, Palacios, Heskey, Camara. Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Kingson, De Ridder, Cywka. PLAYERS TO WATCH Arsenal Striker Robin van Persie was Arsenal's match-winner last weekend with a brace against Chelsea, and if he starts, as he's expected to, against Wigan, the former Feyenoord Dutch international will be making his 100th Premier League appearance for the club. Those two goals against the Blues also took his total for the Gunners to 52 in all competitions. Wigan Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has been in outstanding form recently, and the ex-Liverpool shot-stopper could the man to frustrate the Gunners on Saturday. He was in top form when the Latics met Arsenal in the Carling Cup last month, and couldn't be blamed for the three goals the young Gunners netted. Another inspired performance could spread anxiety through the players and fans of the North London club. PREDICTION Arsene Wenger will be looking to his players to shake off their recent frailties and inconsistencies and really start asserting themselves in the Premier League. They meet a Wigan side on a good run, and Steve Bruce will be keen to cause an upset and derail the Gunners' title hopes once more - while strengthening the Latics' claims to a place in the top half of the table. But surely Arsenal will not allow themselves to slip up again. Arsenal 2-1 Wigan Athletic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kartikey Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Kartikey's Predictions Fulham v Man City = 2-1 Arsenal v Wigan = 2-1 Blackburn v Liverpool = 0-2 Bolton v Chelsea = 2-2 Hull v Boro = 1-0 Newcastle v Delap's Throw = Gonna be dirty but 2-0 Man U v The Dirty Mackems = 3-0 (Gordon Strachan's the man for S'land but then why would he leave Celtic) West Brom v Pompy = 1-1 Everton v Villa = 1-2 West Ham v Spuds = 2-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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