Saturday, November 27, 2010

Berba hits five as United go top

In one of the biggest victories in Premier League history Manchester United destroyed Blackburn 7-1. Dimitar Berbatov scored five goals and was in sensational form the entire match. Manchester United now move top of the league for the first time this season with Chelsea playing tomorrow. Here are some pictures of the game:



Thursday, November 25, 2010

Qatar's 2022 World Cup Bid



Some amazing pictures of Qatar's stadiums in their bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Champions League Review (Nov 23)



Results

Spartak Moscow vs Marseille (0-3)
Ajax vs Real Madrid (0-4)
Auxerre vs AC Milan (0-2)
Basle vs CFR Cluj-Napoca (1-0)
Braga vs Arsenal (2-0)
Chelsea vs MSK Zilina (2-1)
Partizan Belgrade vs Shakhtar Donetsk (0-3)
Roma vs Bayern Munich (3-2)

Review


Real Madrid thrashed Ajax in Holland by 4 goals to knock them out of the Champions League. Real have been in incredible form lately and scoring goals hasn't been a problem for Mourinho's players. The match did end with 9 players on Madrid's side as both Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were given their marching orders after two bookable offences.

Arsenal could not shake off their weekend defeat in the Premier League and continued their disappointing form by losing to Braga. Arsenal now have to win their next game at the Emirates against Partizan or risk being knocked in the group stages.

Roma put up quite a comeback to win 3-2 against Bayern Munich after they were trailing the German Champions 2-0. Captain Francesco Totti hit the winner from the penalty spot after De Rossi leveled the scoreline. For Bayern Munich a defeat does not make that much of a difference as they were already confirmed as group leaders and going on the next round.

Monday, November 22, 2010

More honors for Mourinho




Jose Mourinho last night was inducted into the League Managers Hall of Fame after his successes in England. Mourinho was extremely proud upon receiving the award felt like he was back home.

Mourinho said: "I am very proud of this because I am not British and I spent just over three years in the Barclays Premier League - which is not a significant time to create a big history.

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: "This event was unique, bringing together football managers past and present, celebrating their achievements in one of the game's most famous cup competitions...and Jose Mourinho added to a truly memorable evening."

As a fan of Mourinho and the Premier League I hope he returns to England because he really is a "Special One".

(Quotes taken from The Independent)

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Eto'o takes a page from Zidane's book

Inter Milan lost to Cheivo in the Serie A but it could have been a lot worse had Eto'o been sent off after headbutting a Cheivo defender.



He'll probably get suspended after Italian officials take a look at the replay of the incident. So Rafa Benitez (Inter coach) might be without his star striker with a squad hit by injuries.

Thanks Martin



Martin Broughton stepped down as chairman of Liverpool and his last game was watching the Reds beat West Ham 3-0. Thanks to him and his team we got rid of Tom Hicks and George Gillett after a few court cases and behind the scenes drama. Broughton will still remain the chairman of British Airways.

Broughton said: "This evening's game is my last home fixture as Chairman.

"It was always my stated intention to stand down once the sale was completed and I am happy that the club is now in good hands.

"This has been one of the most memorable experiences of my working life and would like to wish Liverpool and its supporters every success for the future.

"Everybody associated with the club can now look forward to an exciting future with the right owners and the club on a secure financial footing.

"I am proud to have been chairman during this turbulent time and would like to thank you all for the support you gave me, Christian Purslow, Ian Ayre and all the staff."

Thanks again Martin.

Wilkins sacked - but why?


Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins was sacked by the board around 2 weeks ago. As of now, no one has a clear idea of why he got fired and who's decision it actually was. Some are suggesting that Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich made the decision but no one really knows why. Wilkins calls it as "unfair dismissal" and that he might take legal action against the club. In his place Chelsea have appointed Michael Emenalo who has no coaching experience but instead was the opposition head scout. Surely this wasn't Chelsea coach Ancelloti's coach and when asked about Emenalo, Ancelloti says that they have worked together for a year and half. Well that really doesn't say much, in fact no one knows if Emenalo was Ancelloti's choice as his assistant. Wilkins is a very respected figure in football having spells with Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan in a successful playing career and he probably deserved better from a team which he gave his all for.

Big wins in La Liga


There were big wins for Barcelona and Real Madrid this weekend with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi scoring hat tricks. Barcelona destroyed Almeria 8-0, I stopped watching when they were 5-0 up in the 37th minute!
Jose Mourinho's (Real's manager) players beat Athletic Bilbao 5-1 at home and maintained a one point lead over Barcelona in first place.

The two sides meet on November 29th at Madrid and it will definitely be a great game to watch!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The next Drogba?

Romelu Lakuka is being tracked by all the major teams in Europe. At just 16 he established himself as a regular in the Belgium national team and at 6ft3 and strong physical build, it comes to no surprise he is being regarded as the next Didier Drogba. Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid's manager, has publicly expressed his interest in the player but it seems that there is a host of clubs vying for his signature. Lakuka could be a major star in the near future.



Thoughts?

Premier League review (Nov 20 -21)





Game of the Week: Arsenal vs. Tottenham (2-3)


Arsenal lost the chance to go first after a disappointing loss to bitter rivals Tottenham. With the Gunners leading 2-0 at one stage it was a massive climb for Spurs but they responded with 3 goals and to pull off a great comeback at the Emirates. Although the home side controlled the game in the first half, a superb Van der Vaart inspired Harry Redknapp's men to victory.
Chelsea
are still in first place but only on goal difference and the blues have slipped up in recent weeks. Although Chelsea dominated the game versus Birmingham they failed to beat Ben Foster who was in excellent form against the blues. Even more misery was added to Ancelloti's men when Lee Bowyer stuck the only goal of the game which meant a third defeat in the last four games for Chelsea.
Man utd comfortably beat struggling Wigan 2-0 with Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez scoring the goals. Wayne Rooney also marked his comeback after troubles with the media and fitness. This win puts Man Utd in joint first place although they have an inferior goal difference.
Liverpool tore West Ham apart in the first half by scoring 3 goals to ensure a comfortable victory. Even though Steven Gerrard and Lucas were missing, the Reds managed to go ahead with goals from the returning Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez. The win gives Roy Hodgson's men a much needed win and they find themselves not too far from the top 4.
Bolton's fine run continued after a 5-1 win over Newcastle. A brace from Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies ensured they were on their way to great win. Owen Coyle's men have been very impressive this season and find themselves in 4th spot.