retired_tnovo

Saturday 18th November 2006

premierleague.com

Fulham 0 Manchester United 1

Substitutions do make a difference. Manchester United chalked up their fifth straight Premiership victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage this afternoon. Substitute Louis Saha's opportunistic strike proved the difference between the sides here. The victory keeps United top of the Premiership table, with champions Chelsea in hot pursuit. It was a pretty even and very tight match in West London but it was Antti Niemi who made a costly error to gift Faiz Khan's men the three points. Khan was forced into three changes from the side that beat Everton in the Carling Cup with injured trio Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo making way for Mikael Silvestre, Wes Brown and Park Ji-Sung. Because of the injury crisis at Old Trafford, unknown youth midfielder Daniel Rose was named among the United substitutes. Fulham boss Chris Coleman made two alterations from the victory over Tottenham a fortnight ago with Liam Rosenior and Carlos Bocanegra coming in for injury victim Franck Queudrue and Ian Pearce.

On a rainy Saturday afternoon in West London, referee Mark Clattenburg got the match underway. It took a while for the match to get going and the first opportunity was created by the visitors on 10 minutes. Silvestre played a nice ball into Wayne Rooney who took the ball past Bocanegra before striking across Niemi and the ball struck the far post and was cleared to safety. Fulham were slowly getting into their stride and on 18 minutes, they came close to taking the lead. Wes Brown was booked for a foul on Luis Boa Morte and Jimmy Bullard stepped up from 25 yards out but his effort just skimmed the top of the bar with Edwin van der Sar beaten. United were quickly settled in possession and created a decent chance just before the halfhour. Rooney played a freekick into a crowded penalty area and Alan Smith got his head to the ball which forced Niemi to touch the looping header over the crossbar. After 34 minutes, Fulham had a great opportunity to open the scoring. Rosenior threw the ball to Papa Bouba Diop who picked out Michael Brown in the box but with just van der Sar to beat, he curled his shot just over the crossbar. Four minutes before the break, Fulham almost broke the deadlock. Claus Jensen strode forward without any challenges and played the ball to Bjorn Runstrom who unleashed a vicious strike from 30 yards out which produced a brilliant reaction stop from van der Sar. Just before the break, Fulham were applying the pressure severely. Diop exchanged passes with Jensen before teeing up Michael Brown who struck a shot similar to that of Runstrom which van der Sar pushed away well to safety. On the counter attack, United almost landed a sucker punch. Michael Carrick's pass intended for Rooney deflected its way through for Smith but Niemi was out quickly to block the striker's shot. The whistle went for the interval shortly after at Craven Cottage with the score at Fulham 0 Manchester United 0.

Khan said to his side at the interval that they can win this game if they up their game in the 2nd half. The second half was underway to a very excited Craven Cottage crowd. The visitors almost broke the deadlock after 51 minutes. Carrick swung in corner from the left and Wes Brown's back post header was blocked on the line by his namesake Michael and Boa Morte stepped in to clear away to safety. Three minutes later, a lovely one touch passing move involving Jensen, Diop and Bullard set up Michael Brown from 30 yards but his effort sailed high and wide. Fulham were really starting to find their rhythm again after a slow start to the half and they went close with another long range effort, this time Jensen trying his luck from 35 yards but the shot flew just inches wide of the far corner. Midway through the second half, United were very lucky not to fall behind. Brown's backpass to van der Sar was miskicked by the Dutchman and to his relief, the ball went past the post for a Fulham corner. From the corner, Jensen played the ball to the near post where Runstrom headed straight at van der Sar. Khan made a change to his side, with the unimpressive Rooney replaced by Saha. And the Frenchman made an impact after 75 minutes. Fletcher played a long ball to send Saha running after it and when Niemi came out to clear, he missed the ball and Saha was left with an open net from the edge of the area which he could'nt miss. Three minutes later, United could have finished the match off. Carrick played a ball into the area where the ball rebounded off Rosenior for Saha but he swept his shot well over the crossbar. The United goal seemed to have taken the sting out of Fulham's attacking and United almost caught them out on the break. Saha stole the ball from substitute Moritz Volz and ran through on goal but the striker went too wide of the Fulham goal and his cross-cum-shot was well stopped by Niemi. Into injury time and the hosts should have equalised. Volz played a perfect freekick into the area where an unmarked Zat Knight headed over from 6 yards. There was still time for Rio Ferdinand to receive his 5th yellow card this term, ruling him out of the big showdown with Arsenal at Old Trafford next weekend. That was pretty much the last action of the match and the final whistle went shortly after. The final score from Craven Cottage was Fulham 0 Manchester United 1.

Match Verdict - decent contest between the two side this afternoon was decided by a huge slick of luck for United and Saha. Fulham will no doubt take heart from their display this afternoon but United keep on winning.

Fulham - Niemi 6, Modesto 6 (Volz 74, 6), Rosenior 7, Knight 7, Bocanegra 7, Diop 7, Bullard 7, Jensen 7 (Pearce 78, 6), Brown 6, Boa Morte 7 (inj 82), Runstrom 7 (Radzinski 74, 6).

Injured - Boa Morte (82)

Man Utd - van der Sar 7, G Neville 7, Silvestre 7 (Solskjaer 75, 6), Ferdinand 7, Brown 7, Park Ji-Sung 7, Richardson 8, Carrick 7, Scholes 7 (Fletcher 67, 7), Smith 7, Rooney 6 (Saha 67, 7).

Goals - Saha (75)

Booked - Silvestre, Ferdinand, Brown & Park Ji-Sung

Man of the Match - Kieran Richardson - he has been fairly consistent in Giggs' place and he showed it once again this afternoon with his silky skills and intelligent passing causing Fulham problems. Slotted in pretty well at left-back too.


Other Premiership Results

Arsenal 3 Everton 0
Aston Villa 3 Portsmouth 0
Blackburn 3 Reading 3
Bolton 0 Middlesbrough 0
Charlton 5 Sheff Utd 0
Liverpool 3 Tottenham 0
Man City 1 Chelsea 2
Newcastle 3 West Ham 0
Watford 2 Wigan 2

retired_tnovo

Tuesday 21st November 2006

uefa.com

Manchester United 3 Bordeaux 1

This team have forgotten how to lose. Manchester United kept up their 100% record in the Champions League with victory over Bordeaux at Old Trafford tonight. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took advantage of a rare start in a United shirt by claiming a well taken hat-trick. The hosts had to come from behind against the French outfit after Marouane Chamakh gave Bordeaux the lead. The final score may have flattered United but they did have the edge in terms of shots on goal and possession. This result more or less put Bordeaux out of the Champions League for this season. Because of the injury crisis engulfing Old Trafford at the moment, Faiz Khan could only leave certain names on the bench including Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar. Nemanja Vidic returned to the bench after his brief injury layoff. Bordeaux coach Ricardo Gomes made just one change from the side that won at Nice by bringing in Alejandro Alonso to replace Edixon Perea.

On a fairly dry and mild evening in Manchester, referee Ali Uluyol got the proceedings up and running. Early on in the match, Park Ji-Sung snuck in behind the Bordeaux but just when he was about to pull the trigger, Henrique pulled off a superb last ditch tackle which took the ball away for a throw. That saving tackle was vital as the visitors took the lead after 14 minutes. Ulrich Rame's long kick found its way to Jean-Claude Darcheville who teed up Chamakh and the Morocco international unleashed a fearsome strike that flashed past Tomasz Kuszczak into the roof of the net. United almost responded immediately when Park crossed for Gary Neville at the far post but the England international's volley was cleared off the line by Johan Micoud. But the hosts did'nt have to wait much longer to level the match. Some neat one touch passing involving Darren Fletcher, Alan Smith and Louis Saha ended with the Frenchman sending Solskjaer clear on goal and the cult United hero placed his shot into the far corner from the edge of the area - his 1st goal of a very quiet season so far! It was an even match so far and Bordeaux came close after 27 minutes. Marc Planus played a short freekick to Micoud who took one touch before firing his long range effort just inches wide of the far corner. Just after the halfhour, United came even closer to taking the lead for the first time. Michael Carrick spotted a super pass into the path of Saha who unleashed a first time shot on goal only for Rame to beat the ball away superbly. On 40 minutes, Smith played a freekick out to Kieran Richardson with space to run into and his shot drifted just wide of the far corner. This late first half pressure paid off for United as they took the lead in stoppage time. Saha latched onto Park's clearance and played in Solskjaer on goal and the striker showed his customary composure by slipping the ball through Rame's legs. That was virtually the last kick of the first half as the whistle went for the interval. The halftime scoreline from Old Trafford read Manchester United 2 Bordeaux 1.

Manager Khan was pleased with his side for reacting to going behind by taking the lead here. The second half was underway with the two managers sharing a joke as they walked back to their respective dugouts. Straight from the restart, Bordeaux attacked United's goal with intent, with Darcheville's deflected shot forcing a wonderful fingertip stop from Kuszczak. United were slow to get going after the break but when they created their first opportunity after 57 minutes, they took it. Fletcher spread the ball out to Park on the right and his deflected cross to the near post was headed into the roof of the net by Solskjaer - a hat-trick for a cult hero at this club! The visitors were quite deflated by the third goal and it took them ten minutes before starting to play their stuff again. Carrick was dispossessed on the halfway line by Darcheville and he strode towards the penalty area before his firm effort was smothered by Kuszczak. While their attacking was bright, Bordeaux's defending was not so as they almost conceded a fourth goal on 75 minutes. Substitute Gerald Cid gave the ball away to Saha and the strike sprinted away on goal but Rame was brilliant, coming out to block Saha's fierce strike. A minute later, David Jemmali teed up Rio Mavuba from 30 yards out but his shot went sailing wide of the far corner. As the match was heading towards stoppage time, Bordeaux should have pulled a goal back. Darcheville ran towards the byline before pulling the ball back for substitute Julien Faubert and when his shot was saved by Kuszczak, Darcheville smashed the ball well wide from almost on the line. That was the final piece of action as the final whistle went to a packed Old Trafford. The final score on the scoreboard read Manchester United 3 Bordeaux 1.

Match Verdict - very bright game at Old Trafford was decided by Solskjaer's cool hat-trick. Bordeaux definitely gave United things to ponder ahead of the knockout stages - United can be got at by the bigger sides.

Man Utd - Kuszczak 8, G Neville 7, Richardson 8, Ferdinand 7 (Vidic 73, 6), Brown 8, Fletcher 7, Park Ji-Sung 7, Smith 8, Carrick 7 (Rose 77, 6), Saha 8, Solskjaer 9 (Rooney 73, 6).

Goals - Solskjaer (19, 45, 57)

Bordeaux - Rame 7, Jemmali 7, Kleber 7, Planus 7, Henrique 7 (Faubert 45, 7), Fernando 7, Mavuba 7 (Jurietti 79, 6), Alonso 7 (Cid 44, 6), Micoud 7, Darcheville 7, Chamakh 7.

Goals - Darcheville (14)

Booked - Henrique

Man of the Match - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - it just could not be anyone could it? The Norweigan legend rolled back the years with three expertly taken goals tonight. His movement was simply too clever for Bordeaux to pick him up.


Other Champions League Group Results

Benfica 2 Barcelona 2
Shakhtar 1 Roma 0
Celtic 2 Inter Milan 2
Werder Bremen 3 Galatasaray 1
Ajax 3 Anderlecht 2
Chelsea 2 Valencia 0
Steaua Bucharest 1 AEK Athens 1
Bayern Munich 0 Sporting Lisbon 0
Fenerbahce 1 Liverpool 1
AC Milan 4 Lille 0
Slovan Liberec 1 Porto 2
Chievo 2 CSKA Moscow 0
Real Madrid 2 PSV Eindhoven 1
Lyon 2 Arsenal 2
Standard Liege 1 Olympiakos 5

retired_tnovo

Sunday 26th November 2006

premierleague.com

Manchester United 3 Arsenal 0

Efficiency is the key my friend. Manchester United overcame rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford this afternoon. Two stunning strikes from Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick set United on their way and Wayne Rooney sealed the points midway through the second half. It was an enthralling and even match in Manchester but it was the hosts' cooler heads in front of goal that made the difference. It was also some inspired goalkeeping from Edwin van der Sar that helped United back to the top of the Premiership table. Manager Faiz Khan brought his big guns back from the victory over Bordeaux with Nemanja Vidic making his return to the starting XI from injury. Arsenal gaffer Arsene Wenger made two changes from the side that drew with Lyon in France with Emmanuel Eboue and Theo Walcott coming in to replace Justin Hoyte and Francesc Fabregas.

On a very cold late November afternoon at Old Trafford, referee Peter Walton got this big Premiership encounter underway. The hosts went close to taking an early lead inside two minutes. Rooney stepped up with a freekick from 25 yards out only to see his fierce effort produce an outstanding save from Jens Lehmann. After 10 minutes, Carrick played the ball to Park Ji-Sung who went on a devastating run through the Arsenal defence before Gilberto Silva tracked back to pull off a great saving tackle. The visitors were slow to find their rhythm although they did go close after 18 minutes. William Gallas spread the ball out to Thierry Henry on the left wing and he pulled the ball back for Gilberto who struck the ball first time just inches over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Henry played a wonderful pass through for Emmaunel Adebayor and just as he was about to surely score, Wes Brown denied him with a similar tackle to Gilberto's earlier on. Just after the halfhour, Carrick was fouled by Gilberto and Rooney stepped up from 30 yards out but his shot was easily smothered by Lehmann. Five minutes later, Rooney had another go from 30 yards out but his shot was deflected just inches wide of the far corner with Lehmann flatfooted and not getting there. United capped off their good spell with a fantastic goal. Park and Carrick combined superbly to tee up Scholes from 30 yards out and the former England man unleashed a ferocious left footer that swerved brilliantly into the far corner. That goal caused the final few minutes of the half to just settle down. The whistle went for the break at Old Trafford with the score reading Manchester United 1 Arsenal 0.

Khan was satisfied with the display from his players and was happy to get the added bonus of a goal before the interval. He warned his side however that the match was far from over. The second half was underway from a raucous Old Trafford. United started the half very brightly and should have extended the lead inside the first two minutes. Brown's long freekick was flicked on by Kieran Richardson into the path of Rooney who could only stab the ball into Lehmann's hands from 6 yards. But the hosts were soon two goals to the good with another breathtaking goal. Richardson's ball into the area was knocked back by Park into the path of Carrick who swept a first time shot from 30 yards out into the far corner past a helpless Lehmann. Arsenal almost hit back immediately. Aliaksandr Hleb played a ball down the line for Adebayor who crossed low for Henry but his smart sweeping shot was superbly kept out by van der Sar's fingertips. Four minutes later, Miakel Silvestre gave the ball away to Eboue whose cross was deflected into the path of Henry whose shot for the far corner was stopped by van der Sar's outstretched left foot. On 65 minutes, Arsenal were starting to apply some pressure and they should have pulled a goal back. Substitute Tomas Rosicky played a nice corner in from the left and Eboue rose unchallenged to head it well over the crossbar. And that missed opportunity proved costly as from the next attack, United conjured up a third goal. Scholes played the ball into the feet of Rooney who span past Gilberto, in between Kolo Toure and Gallas and slotted his shot past Lehmann into the far corner. After this, Arsenal started passing the ball the only way we they can and they fashioned out a decent opportunity after 74 minutes. Julio Baptista, unusually quiet, exchanged passes with Gilberto before teeing up substitute Jeremie Aliadiere from the edge of the area but the young Frenchman sent his shot into the sidenetting. The game really petered out after that with United just teasing their opponents with their retention of the ball. Arsenal did have one last chance to register a consolation two minutes from time. Henry went on a great run past two United players before playing in Aliadiere on goal only for him to drag his effort well wide of the mark. The final whistle went soon after at Old Trafford with the final score reading Manchester United 3 Arsenal 0.

Match Verdict - fascinating match was very even, especially in the second half but United showed more composure with their chances and ran home somewhat comfortable winners in the end.

Man Utd - van der Sar 8, G Neville 7, Silvestre 7 (Solskjaer 80, 6), Brown 7, Vidic 8, Park Ji-Sung 7, Richardson 8, Carrick 8, Scholes 8 (Fletcher 70, 6), Smith 7, Rooney 8 (Saha 70, 6).

Goals - Scholes (44), Carrick (51), Rooney (66)

Booked - Brown

Arsenal - Lehmann 6, Eboue 7 (Aliadiere 65, 7), Gallas 7, Toure 7, Senderos 7, Hleb 7, Henry 6, Baptista 7, Gilberto 7, Walcott 7 (Clichy 44, 7), Adebayor 6 (Rosicky 45, 7).

Booked - Gallas

Man of the Match - Edwin van der Sar - some crucial stops from Henry when the score was 2-0. If it had not been for those super saves, Arsenal would have been back in the game. But the big Dutchman stood tall.


Other Premiership Results

Blackburn 1 Newcastle 1
Chelsea 3 Bolton 2
Everton 0 Liverpool 2
Portsmouth 1 Watford 1
Reading 1 Charlton 1
Sheff Utd 2 Aston Villa 1
Tottenham 1 Man City 0
Wigan 0 Fulham 0

retired_tnovo

Monday 27th November 2006

premierleague.com

After his impressive overall performance against Arsenal yesterday afternoon, Michael Carrick was named in the Premiership Team of the Week. Here is the team in full:

Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough)

Stephen Carr (Newcastle)
Paul Konchesky (West Ham)
Sami Hyypia (Liverpool)
Craig Moore (Newcastle)

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Arjen Robben (Chelsea)
Michael Carrick (Man Utd)
Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)

Andriy Shevchenko (Chelsea)
Marlon Harewood (West Ham)

Premiership Results (22nd November)

Everton 1 Fulham 0
Middlesbrough 2 Man City 1
Portsmouth 0 Charlton 1
Reading 3 Sheff Utd 1
West Ham 3 Bolton 0

retired_tnovo

Tuesday 28th November 2006

Gillette Soccer Special

Ahead of tomorrow night's Premiership showdown between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has started the mind-games of the match. He has told Man Utd gaffer Faiz Khan that his players were very confident of beating United and hurting their title challenge this season. He also stated that the unique Anfield atmosphere would be too much for the visitors to handle tomorrow night.

Unsurprisingly, Khan responded a very negative matter. Khan was certainly riled about the comments coming out of the Liverpool camp and told Benitez that the morale in the United camp was as high as ever and they fear nobody. He also told Benitez not to try anymore mind games as it will have little or no effect on the mindset of his players.

retired_tnovo

Wednesday 29th November 2006

premierleague.com

Liverpool 4 Manchester United 1

The title race is wide open now. Liverpool laid down their title challenge with a convincing victory over arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield tonight. Mohamed Sissoko gave the hosts the lead from the kick off and second half goals from Craig Bellamy, Steven Gerrard and substitute Dirk Kuyt secured a fantastic result for Rafa Benitez's side. Substitute Louis Saha grabbed a consolation for United in the second half. The visitors also ended the game with 10-men as Alan Smith was dismissed early on for a swipe at John Arne Riise. Maybe the scoreline had not reflected the balance of play but Liverpool thoroughly to take the three points away here tonight. Faiz Khan made just one change from the side that beat Arsenal on Sunday with Rio Ferdinand returning from his suspension to replace Wes Brown. Liverpool boss Benitez named an unchanged team from the victory in the Merseyside derby at Everton.

On a very cold and wet evening in Liverpool, referee Andre Marriner got this explosive Premiership clash underway. From the kickoff, Liverpool made an already excited Anfield even more excited by taking the lead. Jamie Carragher's long ball sent Bellamy away on goal and when his deflected effort was palmed out by Edwin van der Sar, Sissoko had followed the play very well to tuck home the rebound - his 1st goal for the club and what a way to start the match! United almost hit back two minutes later. Kieran Richardson went scampering down the left wing and his low cross to the near post was turned into the side-netting by Paul Scholes. After 15 minutes, Liverpool threatened to take a two-goal lead. Gerrard slipped a perfect ball for Bellamy to run onto but not only was Bellamy denied by van der Sar once but the big Dutchman stood tall twice to brilliantly deny Bellamy. Five minutes later came the moment of stupidity that left Khan looking both furious and confused. What looked like a regular jump from Riise onto Smith resulted in the England man swiping Riise off his feet - the referee certainly did not miss the incident and promptly showed Smith the tunnel. But this setback did not prevent United attacking with their usual intent and they were unlucky not to equalise after 27 minutes. Sissoko tripped Rooney and Rooney picked himself up to send a wonderful freekick crashing against the crossbar and the Liverpool defence cleared with a bit of panic. Just after the halfhour, United were slow to react to a quick freekick from Xabi Alonso and Sissoko failed to punish the away defence by not getting a good connection on his shot and it went harmlessly wide. A minute later, United had a good opportunity to level matters. Nemanja Vidic's long ball set Rooney on goal and his angled shot was superbly beaten away by Jose Reina. On 39 minutes, Richardson threw the ball to Park Ji-Sung who turned inside and with a lot of space to test Reina, the South Korean could not strike the ball hard enough and Reina smothered easily. A minute later, United really should have levelled the scores. Mikael Silvestre sent a great ball down the line for Richardson who hit an instant cross onto the head of Rooney 6 yards out, but Rooney sent his header wide of the post with Reina exposed by a deep Liverpool backline. The halftime whistle came at a good time for Liverpool as United had started to really pressure the hosts' goal despite them going down to 10 men. The score from Anfield read Liverpool 1 Manchester United 0.

Khan was delighted with the way his players responded to Smith's careless red card early on. He encouraged his players that if they continued this, they will have a chance of getting something here tonight. The second half was up and running with both sets of fans enjoying some light banner against each other. Early on in the second half, Liverpool had a great opportunity to extend the lead. Riise's long ball intended for Gerrard was diverted by Vidic into Bellamy's path but the Wales striker struck his effort well over the crossbar with just van der Sar to beat. A minute later though, Bellamy made amends by extending his side's lead, albeit fortunately. Riise's ball should have been cleared up by van der Sar but he kicked the ball straight to Bellamy who could'nt miss from the edge of the area. And the match was seemingly over after 57 minutes. Daniel Agger's great pass sent Bellamy away on goal and when van der Sar made a good save, Gerrard was on hand at the back post to knock in the rebound. Khan had to do something to stem the tide here and he brought on Saha, as well as Darren Fletcher. After the hour, United found a goal back and mere hope. Richardson played a clever pass through for Saha and although Reina made a great block initially, Saha smashed in the rebound off Sami Hyypia on the line. Five minutes later, Liverpool almost added a fourth goal. Alonso spread the ball out to Riise on the left flank and his low cross found substitute Kuyt but his angled low shot went inches wide of the far corner. On 76 minutes, Kuyt had another good opportunity when Luis Garcia took advantage of some slack defending but the Holland striker's low shot was well saved by van der Sar and the ball was cleared to safety. But two minutes later, there was no stopping Kuyt and co. Substitute Jermaine Pennant sent a wonderful pass through the middle for Kuyt to run onto and this time showed great composure by clipping the ball over van der Sar and into the top corner. Three minutes later, Kuyt almost grabbed his second and Liverpool's fifth. Superb passing involving Riise, Garcia and Alonso sent Kuyt away but his firm effort flew just inches wide of the post. United had been totally run over in this second half and their afternoon was capped off when Park, through on goal, miscued his effort horribly and Reina watched it sail over the crossbar. The final whistle went to a roaring Anfield crowd with the final score reading Liverpool 4 Manchester United 1.

Match Verdict - absolutely fantastic match here at Anfield saw Liverpool take full advantage of their one man advantage by running riot in the second half. The battlelines for the title race have been well and truly drawn.

Liverpool - Reina 8, Carragher 8, Riise 8, Agger 6 (Finnan 73, 7), Hyypia 8, Alonso 9, Sissoko 7, Gerrard 8 (Pennant 73, 7), Garcia 8, Gonzalez 8, Bellamy 8 (Kuyt 64, 7).

Goals - Sissoko (1), Bellamy (49), Gerrard (57), Kuyt (78).

Booked - Carragher

Man Utd - van der Sar 6, G Neville 6, Silvestre 6, Ferdinand 6 (Solskjaer 70, 6), Vidic 6, Park Ji-Sung 7, Richardson 7, Carrick 6 (Fletcher 58, 7), Scholes 7, Smith 5, Rooney 6 (Saha 58, 7).

Goals - Saha (64)

Sent Off - Smith (20)

Man of the Match - Xabi Alonso - a brilliant lesson in the art of passing the ball from the cultured midfielder was vital to Liverpool dictating play in the second half. Thoroughly deserved man of the match here.


Other Premiership Results

Arsenal 1 Wigan 0
Aston Villa 1 Charlton 1
Bolton 2 Tottenham 1
Fulham 0 Portsmouth 0
Man City 2 Everton 1
West Ham 1 Reading 1
Watford 1 Sheff Utd 0

retired_tnovo

Friday 1st December 2006

premierleague.com

The Premiership Player of the Month was Liverpool's cultured midfielder Xabi Alonso as he dictated most of Liverpool's attacking play last month. His form helped Liverpool get back into the title race.

The Premiership Young Player of the Month was West Ham's central defender Anton Ferdinand after his solid performances at the back for the Hammers last month. His displays earned him two man of the match awards and also a goal to his credit.

The Premiership Manager of the Month was Liverpool's Rafa Benitez after guiding his players to an unbeaten month with his side winning three out of their four league matches last month. This form has pulled Liverpool into the title race.

The Premiership Goal of the Month was Michael Carrick's stunner against Arsenal towards the end of last month. After some neat build play, Carrick struck the ball past Jens Lehmann from fully 30 yards to set United on their way to victory at Old Trafford.

http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?im...visionnrg2.jpg

retired_tnovo

Saturday 2nd December 2006

premierleague.com

Manchester United 1 Manchester City 0

That was certainly a game of two halves. Manchester United returned to winning ways after labouring to an unconvincing victory against local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford this afternoon. Wayne Rooney's strike just before halftime was the difference between the two sides. It was a scoreline that was harsh on the visitors as they had done more than enough to gain a point at Old Trafford but they found Edwin van der Sar in imperious form and also wasted some glorious chances. United manager Faiz Khan made just one change from the side that lost at Liverpool with Louis Saha coming in for the suspended Alan Smith. City boss Stuart Pearce made two alterations from the victory at home to Everton with Joey Barton and Ousmane Dabo replacing Darius Vassell and Bernardo Corradi.

On a very bright and warm December lunchtime in Manchester, referee Alan Wiley got this Manchester derby up and running. City were on the offensive early on and almost took the lead inside five minutes. DaMarcus Beasley sent a perfect cross into the area for Giorgos Samaras but his header was tipped over by van der Sar. City had started really well and tested van der Sar on 10 minutes. Some sharp passing involving Samaras, Barton and Hatem Trabelsi teed up Dietmar Hamann from 30 yards out and his thunderous shot was superbly beaten away by van der Sar. The visitors were all over United from the start and they should have taken the lead two minutes later. Michael Carrick was dispossessed by Barton and he sent Samaras through on goal only for van der Sar to rush out quickly to block the Greeks' effort. Midway through the 1st half, Samaras had another great opportunity to open the scoring. Beasley sent a freekick into the crowded area where an unmarked Samaras headed well wide of the post. Two minutes later, Dabo exchanged passes with Hamann and the Frenchman tried his luck with a curling effort from 25 yards out which was palmed away by van der Sar. In the next attack, Samaras ran down the right wing and crossed to the far post for Micah Richards to send his towering header just inches over the crossbar. The hosts were nowhere near their local rivals and after the halfhour, van der Sar came to their rescue once more. Barton sent a long ball over the top onto the head of Samaras but van der Sar produced a wonderful fingertip to deny the striker. From the resulting corner, Richards headed Beasley's inswinger well over the crossbar. On 36 minutes, United finally started playing and they should have landed a sucker punch on City. Carrick picked out Saha from a freekick but his header was well saved by Andreas Isaksson and the ball was cleared to safety. But from the resulting corner, the hosts did make City pay for all their missed chances. Carrick played the ball to Nemanja Vidic and although his deflected effort was remarkably saved by Isaksson, he could do nothing to stop Rooney pouncing on the rebound - his 10th goal of the season and a priceless goal given the circumstances! This goal took a little sting out of the City attack as the whistle went for the interval after two minutes of injury time. The score from Old Trafford was Manchester United 1 Manchester City 0.

Khan blasted his players after their lifeless first half display, saying the goal was totally against the run of play. He warned that if they continued to play like this, there was no chance of a United win today. The second half was underway as the atmosphere inside Old Trafford got louder than ever before this season. And the home fans were almost celebrating a second United goal. Gary Neville's long ball was headed back by Kieran Richardson into the path of Paul Scholes and his vicious drive struck the crossbar and away. A minute later, Richardson curled a freekick towards the near post where Saha's glancing was brilliantly tipped wide by Isaksson. Two minutes later, United continued their improvement from the first half when they created a decent opportunity. van der Sar's clearance released Carrick down the right wing but instead of passing across for either Saha or substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he sent his ambitious effort well wide of the far corner. United had finally found their stride in this match and they went close after the hour. Richardson was fouled by Barton 20 yards from goal and Richardson's cleanly struck freekick was superbly held by Isaksson. The match then went into a physical phase as both sets of players were'nt shy about going into snapping tackles left, right and centre. Luckily for both sides, referee Wiley was in a lenient mood and understood the derby feel to this game. On 77 minutes, City created their first opening since the break and should have taken it. Richard Dunne picked Beasley out unmarked and the American connected perfectly with a low volley which van der Sar did very well to turn aside for a corner. United players were getting a little sloppy in their possession as the minutes ticked away slowly in their case. And they had van der Sar to thank once again two minutes from time. Substitute Danny Mills caught United napping with a freekick to an unmarked Trabelsi but his header was tipped over by van der Sar. Into injury time and City gave their rivals one last scare. Barton sent a freekick heading for the top corner before van der Sar clawed it out and Beasley was flagged offside to prevent him from scoring. The final whistle went to a very relived Old Trafford as they earned the bragging rights for the city until next April when they meet at the City of Manchester Stadium. The final score from Old Trafford read Manchester United 1 Manchester City 0.

Match Verdict - fascinating derby match was a tale of two halves and there was a sense of irony when United snuck their goal in City's dominant half. This was a timely victory for the red half of Manchester.

Man Utd - van der Sar 9, G Neville 7, Silvestre 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Park Ji-Sung 7, Richardson 7 (Fletcher 69, 6), Carrick 7, Scholes 7 (O'Shea 69, 7), Saha 7, Rooney 7 (Solskjaer 45, 6).

Goals - Rooney (38)

Man City - Isaksson 7, Trabelsi 7, Atouba 7, Dunne 7, Distin 7, Richards 7, Barton 7, Beasley 6, Hamann 7 (Mills 76, 7), Dabo 7 (Sinclair 65, 6), Samaras 7 (Corradi 68, 7).

Man of the Match - Edwin van der Sar - arguably his best performance of the season so far as he kept City at bay time and time again, especially in the first half. Made crucial saves towards the end as well to preserve United's lead.


Other Premiership Results

Charlton 1 Watford 3
Chelsea 0 Blackburn 1
Everton 1 Bolton 1
Middlesbrough 2 West Ham 1
Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 2
Reading 0 Aston Villa 2
Sheff Utd 3 Fulham 2
Tottenham 4 Newcastle 1
Wigan 1 Liverpool 1

retired_tnovo

Monday 4th December 2006

TheFA.com

The third round draw for the most famous domestic cup competition was made this afternoon at the FA Headquarters in Soho Square. Manchester United will begin their hunt for a record 12th FA Cup with a tricky trip to the Reebok Stadium to face Premiership side Bolton Wanderers. The undoubted tie of the round will take place at Anfield as holders Liverpool will entertain Premiership champions Chelsea. Potential giant-killings include League Two outfit Rochdale playing host to Premiership side Middlesbrough and League Two side Wrexham's trip to Craven Cottage to battle Fulham. Here is the draw in full:

Fulham v Wrexham
Everton v Portsmouth
Hull v Birmingham
Southend v Tranmere
Wolves v Crystal Palace
Aston Villa v Carlisle
West Ham v Sheff Utd
Wycombe or Swindon v Derby
Northampton v Wigan
Watford v Oldham
Ipswich v Kidderminster
Norwich v Cheltenham
Millwall v Port Vale
Charlton v Leeds
Bolton v Man Utd
Leicester v Notts Forest or Hartlepool
Plymouth v Newcastle
Southampton v Tottenham
Luton v Oxford or Swansea
Man City v Q.P.R.
Reading v Arsenal
S'Thorpe v Blackburn
Burnley v Mansfield or Boston Utd
Notts County v Preston
Rochdale v Middlesbrough
Sunderland v West Ham
Stoke v Cardiff
Brentford v Leyton Orient
Liverpool v Chelsea
Doncaster v Bournemouth or Rotherham
Barnsley v Colchester
Coventry v Sheff Wed

retired_tnovo

Wednesday 5th December 2006

uefa.com

Anderlecht 2 Manchester United 1

Well, we did not expect that. Anderlecht secured 2nd place in Group G after a surprise victory over Manchester United in Brussels tonight. Nicolas Frutos' superb diving header late in the second half gave the Belgian outfit the spoils. Anthony Vanden Borre's cracker just before the interval cancelled out Kieran Richardson's early opener before Frutos' heroics. The result was all the more surprising as the visitors had the better of the match, especially in the first half but Anderlecht rode their luck and took advantage of an under-strength United side to secure victory. United gaffer Faiz Khan made quite a few changes to the side that sneaked past Man City with Gabriel Heinze, John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher being given starts among others. Anderlecht coach Franky Vercauteren made just one change from the XI that were narrowly beaten in Amsterdam a fortnight ago with Olivier Deschacht making way for Nicolas Pareja.

On a freezing and very wet evening in Brussels, referee Ali Uluyol got this final group encounter underway. From the kickoff, O'Shea exchanged passes with Fletcher before driving his long range shot well over the crossbar. United were into their stride quickly here and they took an early lead. Heinze sent a long ball through for Louis Saha to chase and when Davy Schollen cleared straight to Richardson, the winger steadied himself before sending a 35-yard chip sailing over Schollen and bouncing into the empty net - his 1st goal of the season and how well taken it was! On 7 minutes, United created an opportunity that should have taken. Fletcher's pass was flicked on by Alan Smith into the path of Saha but the France striker blasted his shot well over the crossbar with just Schollen to beat. Five minutes later, Smith flicked on a Wes Brown freekick for Saha and this time he hit the target only for Schollen to superbly tip his effort over the crossbar. After 18 minutes, Brown played the ball towards Park Ji-Sung and the Korea international took on Jelle Van Damme before blasting his effort way wide of the far corner. Anderlecht were very slow out of the blocks but they should have levelled matters after 27 minutes. Lucas Biglia played a freekick into the penalty area and an unmarked Mbo Mpenza headed the ball over the crossbar from 6 yards out. On the halfhour, Heinze sent a decent ball down the left side for Smith to run onto but his shot on the turn did not trouble Schollen, going over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Frutos flicked a Vanden Borre into the sidenetting with Tomasz Kuszczak well beaten. The visitors were keeping the ball very nicely and not letting their opponents have any time on the ball when it was given away. On 38 minutes, Park went on a mazy run past two Anderlecht defenders and his cross was swept home by Smith only for the offside flag to rightly go up. Into first half stoppage time and the hosts were back on level terms. Bart Goor waited and waited until teeing up Vanden Borre from 25 yards out and the highly rated youngster struck a sweet as you like rocket into the top corner leaving Kuszczak totally helpless. United almost retook the lead a minute after the equaliser but Richardson sent his freekick curling over the crossbar. The whistle went for the break in Brussels with the score reading Anderlecht 1 Manchester United 1.

Khan had stated to his side that they were somewhat unfortunate not to be leading at the break but also criticised his players for losing concentration before the interval. The second half was up and running with the mexican wave in full effect throughout the stadium. Early on in the second half, United should have retaken the lead. O'Shea's long ball was flicked on by Smith to send Saha through on goal but he took the ball too wide of Schollen and dragged his shot well wide of the far corner. On 57 minutes, United came so close to scoring. Brown sent a deep cross into the crowded penalty area where Park sprung to head against the crossbar with Schollen beaten all ends up. On the hour, United missed their easiest opportunity of the match. Fletcher's freekick was deflected into the path of O'Shea 6 yards out but he shot tamely into Schollen's arms. Anderlecht were being dominated but they almost landed a sucker punch on their more illustrious opponents on 66 minutes. Mbark Boussoufa played a great freekick into the area where Van Damme's towering downward header was kept out by a great reaction stop from Kuszczak. But after 72 minutes, the giant Pole could not prevent Anderlecht taking the lead. Van Damme found Serhat on the left and he cut inside before sending over a cross which Frutos flung his whole body at to send his diving header into the far corner - his 5th goal of the season and a famous goal at that! That goal seemed to bring extra energy to the hosts as they set about ruining United's rhythm and it worked. The visitors were struggling to create any kind of opportunity and they almost conceded a third goal six minutes from time. Substitute Jonathan Legear swung in a freekick from the left and Frutos' powerful header was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Kuszczak. From then on, United sensed that time was running out and began pumping long balls into the crowded Anderlecht area but the hosts were seeing off every danger, with Van Damme particularly in defiant mood. The final whistle rang around Brussels as Anderlecht held on for a famous victory with final score of Anderlecht 2 Manchester United 1.

Match Verdict - even though both sides were already through, this match was still a great one to watch as the hosts performed a huge turnaround to seal a famous victory. The knockout stages beckon for both sides.

Anderlecht - Schollen 7, Vanden Borre 7, Goor 7 (Deschacht 69, 6), Van Damme 8, Pareja 7, Biglia 7 (inj 85), Vanderhaeghe 7, Serhat 7, Boussoufa 7 (Mputu 72, 6), Mpenza 7 (Legear 69, 7), Frutos 8.

Goals - Vanden Borre (45), Frutos (72)

Booked - Van Damme

Injured - Biglia

Man Utd - Kuszczak 8, Brown 7, Heinze 7, Vidic 7, Silvestre 7, Park Ji-Sung 8, Richardson 8 (Jones 45, 7), O'Shea 7 (inj 74), Fletcher 7, Smith 6 (Carrick 70, 7), Saha 7 (Solskjaer 70, 7).

Goals - Richardson (4)

Booked - Vidic

Injured - O'Shea (74)

Man of the Match - Nicolas Frutos - the man from Argentina was a threat throughout and he made his mark on the match by grabbing a super winner. Won headers all night long against Vidic and that is some feat given Vidic's form this season.


Other Champions League Group Results

Liverpool 1 Bayern Munich 0
Sporting Lisbon 4 Fenerbahce 0
Lille 4 Slovan Liberec 0
Porto 1 AC Milan 0
CSKA Moscow 1 Real Madrid 1
PSV Eindhoven 0 Chievo 0
Arsenal 3 Standard Liege 0
Olympiakos 3 Lyon 2
Barcelona 1 Shakhtar 1
Roma 1 Benfica 0
Galatasaray 1 Celtic 0
Inter Milan 1 Werder Bremen 0
Bordeaux 3 Ajax 1
AEK Athens 0 Chelsea 0
Valencia 1 Steaua Bucharest 0

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