retired_kotikaka

February



Yes, another game against Blackburn but this time at Anfield and in the league not the cup. It was a good performance this time unlike the cup game where Liverpool had more leaks in defence than ever before. The game started well with Aquliani scoring against Blaburn for the second game running to take them into half time leading. In the second half Andy Todd scored an own goal after a scramble in the box from a corner. Late on in the game Gonzalo Higuain scored to make it 3-0 and get 3 points for Liverpool.


Blackburn came to Anfield 4 days later and did not fair any better. Liverpool drafted Dirk Kuyt back into the team for this game. It went well for him as he set up Stevie Gerrard after ten minutes to score the opener with Dirk Kuyt scoring the second int he 24th minute. Liverpool then enjoyed alot of posession before the interval. In the second half Eddie Johnson came on for Higuain and helped set Dirk Kuyt up for the third goal of the game. Liverpool then reverted to a 451 formation to make sure there were no late goals. Kuyt broke away on the counter attack and scored his hatrick and won the game which finished 4-0.


Hmm what to say about the trip to Villa park. It was shambolic to say the least. It started well with Riise scoring to make it 1-0 but then it went 1-1 with Carew scoring then 1-2 with Carew scoring again and then 1-3 with Carew scoring again....Later on in the game Momo sissoko scored to make it 2-3 and give Liverpool a glimmer of hope but no it was not to be. Downing scored then Pennant scored and then Carew got his fourth of the game. Luke Moore came on to add to Liverpool's woes and scored a further two goals. 8 fooking 2, Liverpool lost.


Well it was the cup again and we faced Chelsea at Anfield. Another sheeite performance from Liverpool whoch the fans did not like and let the team know it by sending boo's around the stadium right after Frank Lampard scored to put Chelsea ahead. Kuyt scored with a nice finish just before half time but chelsea felt hard done by to be going in at half time onl drawing after having so many chances. In the second half chelsea came out and took their chances with Drogba scoring and then Jamie Carragher putting the ball in his own net near the end of the gamewith Liverpool disgracefully going out the cup !


So a trip to Lyon was next and I really was not looking forward to this as Liverpools form has been so bad of late and you guessed it, we lost yet again. sidney Govoi scored the opener early on and Fred doubled the lead after just 16 minutes. Liverpool pressed on but failed to produce. Are Liverpool going bust. Is Pettigrew falling to peices.. .. .. only time will tell.


Relagation battlers Charlton came to visit Anfield which was only half full as most of the fans were outside protesting against Pettigrew as he is taring the team to pieces and not winning games, I guess with no pressure as the fans were not there the players felt at ease and Liverpools Eddie Johnson scored the first of the match straight away and 5 minutes later Dirk Kuyt doubbled the lead to Pettigrew's disbelief.Just before the second half Time Borowski made it 3-0 with a curling free kick. The second half came and went pretty fast with neither team quite playing to their best but eddie Johnson was not finished and made it 4-0 with minutes to spare. WOW we won again !!!

Pettigrew was sent by the Liverpool board on a break due to stress and will report back once he feels able to handle the pressure of this job !

retired_pdostie

Cagliari (H) Serie A

2-0

Another game at home and another expected win for Roma. It took just 5 minutes for Roma to take the lead when Ambrosini a summer signing from AC Milan got into space in the area to head in a Wilhelmsson free kick. Ambrosini made it 2 just before half time to seal victory. There was more to come from Roma who notched up there 5th straight league win.

Marseille (A) Euro cup 2nd knockout round 2nd leg

1-1

Roma take a 3 goals advantage into this game which should see them through into the next round of the cup. Roma started brightly and had the better of the chances with Van Nistelrooy having a goal in either half disallowed for offside. It was Marseille who took the lead when Cisse chased a lost cause ball into the corner, crossed to find Ribery there to finish from inside the area. Van Nistelrooy then put the game away when he headed in the vital away goal and put Roma through to the next round and I tie against Spanish side Espanyol

Lazio (A) Serie A

2-1

Away from home for Roma next and a clash against rivals Lazio in there shared Olimpico Stadium. Lazio started by far the better team and took the lead when Padev got the ball took on the defender and slotted home to make it 1-0. Roma then got an undeserved equalizer when and miss- kick by the defender left Van Nistelrooy free in the area and he made no mistake. Mexes then gave away a silly penalty and Rocchi finished from the spot to give Lazio a deserved win and put a big dent in Roma’s Title challenge.

Milan (H) Serie A

2-1

A clash again with fellow Human Manager Rouch as Roma host Milan. Roma wasted no time in taking the lead when Van Nistelrooy opened the scoring on 3 minutes. Okaka doubled there advantage soon after and the game looked as good as over. Milan was awarded a penalty in the second half but Roma held on to put a dent in Milan’s Title hopes and stopped Inter from extending there lead at the top.


Espanyol (H) Euro Qtr final 1st leg

2-2

This wasn’t going to be an easy game but one that Roma would hope to win at home if they are to go into the second leg with hope of progression. It was the away team though that took the lead when a Chica cross found Raul Tamudo in the box to head home the opener. Okaka then got the equaliser when he tapped in the rebound off a Nistelrooy shot. Roma then took the leas when Wilhelmsson put a lovely free kick into the front post and Perrotta tapped in from close. Raul Tamudo then became provider as he was played through and his cross found Peixoto to get a deserved equaliser.

Parma (H)

2-1

A slow game where neither team could get a firm hold on proceedings. Finally Roma did take holed and finished the game in 5 minutes just before the break. Twice Van Nistelrooy was played through and twice he unselfishly squared the ball to Trezeguet to tap into the empty net. Parma did get a goal back when Ferrari turned the ball into his own net. This was another deserved 3 points won by Roma.

Espanyol (A) Euro Qtr final 2nd leg

1-2

This was a game where Roma needed to score first and they did when Inzaghi’s shot was parried by the keeper and Okaka put the ball away from close. Roma made it two when Perrotta crossed in and Taddei finished on his return from injury. Raul Tamudo got a consolation goal late on but it wasn’t enough to stop Roma progressing through to the Semi finals of the Euro cup and a tie against another Spanish team Villarreal.

Messina (H) Serie A

2-0

De Rossi opened the scoring on 8 minutes with his first of the season to give Roma an early lead. Van Nistelrooy then made it two with a quality volley from inside the area to get all 3 points to the Rome team.

retired_abubaker

I would host as a last resort as I also have stuff going on but would do it as we need to keep playing the game.

I think Steff should host in fairness as he and Rob ran this game. :thup:

retired_pjscott64

The Rossoneri Review

That old c word is coming up again for rouchie as he surveys his teams achievements this season so far, in the Italian Cup final, in the Champions League semis, but 5th in Serie A, ”Consistency” is obviously a problem yet again! Can Milan gain a semblance of that holy grail in the last few games of the season?


Milan Vs Ascoli – Sunday 15th April 2007

Milans poor league form was exemplified in the way that they struggled to win this game despit Ascoli doing everything to gift the game to the Rossoneri! Zanetti was sent off midway through the first half but Milan took until the second half to score the only goal of the game, Oliveira netting within seconds of coming on as a sub! Milan struggle to the win expected of them

Final Score : Milan 1 Ascoli 0
Milan Scorers : Oliveira (64)
Attendance : 54322
Man Of The Match: Ricardo Oliveira (Milan)


Lazio Vs Milan Wednesday 18th April 2007 – Italian Cup Final 1st Leg

The first “proper” final for a clan manager this season was when Dave lost to Chelsea in the League cup, this is the second of the season, albeit over 2 legs, the Italian Cup! First Leg at the Olimpico and Milan started positively, Oliveira put the Rossineri ahead just before the half hour mark with Gattuso netting just 5 minutes later! Gillardino slotted home shortly after the start of the second hald to give the away side a thumping 3-0 lead. Lazio compounded their own misery when a sliced clearance from Siviglia flew into their own net to give Milan a 4-0 lead to take back to the San SIro,

Final Score : Lazio 0 Milan 4
Milan Scorers : Oliveira (28) Gattuso (33) Gilardino (48) Siviglia (OG 71)
Attendance : 81180
Man Of The Match: Alberto Gillardino (Milan)


Milan Vs Inter –Sunday 22nd April 2007

Another shot at the top team but Milan are not as well placed as when they defeated Inter earlier in the season, nethertheless, Milan were still fired up for this derby game! Ibrahimovic put a dampener on the derby atmosphere though with a strike in just the 4th minute to put the league leaders ahead! Ricardo Oliveira levelled for the home side just after the quarter hour mark. Ivan Cordoba was dismissed for violent conduct on 34 minutes and Yoann Gourcuff put the Rossineri ahead with 10 minutes of the first half left only to see Maxwell level it up with just seconds to go! That was how the game remained and a share of the points was all that Milan got from 10 man Inter on a disappointing derby day

Final Score : Milan 2 Inter 2
Inter Scorers : Ibrahimovic (4) Maxwell (45)
Milan Scorers : Oliveira (17) Gourcuff (35)
Attendance : 82928
Man Of The Match: Yoann Gourcuff (Milan)


Milan Vs Barcelona – Wednesday 25th April 2007 – Champions League Semi Final Leg 1

So the semi finals of the Champions League against Steff Browning aka Esteban, Milan kick off to a fantastic start with Oliveira netting with only minutes on the clock! Unfortunately the sublime Fernando Torres netted a couple of wonderful goals to secure a healthy advantage for Barca in the return leg

Final Score : Milan 1 Barcelona 2
Barcelona Scorers : Torres (17, 51)
Milan Scorers : Oliveira (4)
Attendance : 82831
Man Of The Match: Lionel Messi (Barca)


Chievo Vs Milan – Sunday 29th April 2007

A game where Milan had a real opportunity to move up the table, playing the 5th placed team in the league but a goal less game ensured both teams stagnated, and a man of the match performance from Sicignano, the Chievo keeper, kept Milan in 6th place in Serie A :thdn:

Final Score : Chievo 0 Milan 0
Attendance : 33038
Man Of The Match: Vincenzo Sicignano (Chievo)


Barcelona Vs Milan – Wednesday 2nd May 2007 – Champions Semi Final Leg 2

Ok, this was not in the script! Losing in the Champions League semi finals to fellow clan manager Steff Browning once was careless, but twice was downright shoddy! Read below for detail as I can not be arsed

Milan Scorers : Seedorf (29)
Barcelona Scorers : Eto’o (24) Saviola (65)
Attendance : 97973
Man Of The Match: Alessandro Nesta (Milan)

Milan Vs Fiorentina – Sunday 6th May 2007

A fine performance from the Rossoneri as they eased past Fiorentina with a reassuringly comfortable win Two from Gillardino and one from Bonera were enough for Milan to win this tie easily

Milan Scorers : Gillardino (20, 82) Bonera (51)
Attendance : 97973
Man Of The Match: Alessandro Nesta (Milan)

So finally out of the champions league at the semi final stage, and still indifferent in the league an Italian Cup Final win is the best route in to Europe at this stage. Fortunately a 4-0 lead n the first leg augers well for the Rossineri! 5th in he league and still some hope of securing a champions league slot via that route

retired_lilylovesyou10

The Emirates Update

With some other commitments at hand Johnston had to leave his assistant Pat Rice in charge for a few weeks, lets have a look at how he did.

Premiership

Watford 2 - 1 Arsenal

With Arsenal poor away foor it was anyones guess how this would go, but with Watford stuck in a relegation battle you would have expected more from the Gunners. And with Alonso grabbing the opener early on it looked like Arsenal just might do it, but it wasn't to be. With a penalty just before half time and the winner early in the second, Arsenal drop another 3 points.

Watford Scorers: Smith (pen 37), Kabba (57)
Arsenal scorers: Alonso (18)
Attendance: 19452
MotM: Shittu

Premiership

Arsenal 3 - 0 West Ham

Next up was another relegation battle in West Ham but this time it was at home. Another early goal for the Gunners, but this time a clean sheet and 2 second half goals were enough to give us the 3 points.

Arsenal Scorers: Baptista (12), Fabregas (50), Henry (56)
Attendance: 60391
MotM: Henry

Premiership

Liverpool 2 - 2 Arsenal

Another tricky away tie against the challengers for the title. Baptista gets Arsenal off to a terrific start. But a penalty just before half time and a goal for Kuyt bang on the whistle looked to put Liverpool in control. But top scorer Henry stepped up to grab the equaliser in the second half.

Liverpool Scorers: Bellamy (pen 42), Kuyt (45)
Arsenal scorers: Baptista (1), Henry (66)
Attendance: 45349
MotM: Carragher

Premiership

Arsenal 3 - 2 Chelsea

A huge game against Chelsea now to wrap up a run of tricky games. With Cole grabbing the opener early on and Senderos seeing red before half time, it looked to be game over. But with Henry in the team it is never over. First he makes it 1-1, before Drogba makes it 2-1. A goal after 80 minutes levels the game and a last second winner gives Arsenal the all important 3 points.

Arsenal Scorers: Henry (44, 80, 90)
Chelsea scorers: Cole (19), Drogba (66)
Attendance: 60412
MotM: Henry

Premiership

Man City 2 - 1 Arsenal

The final game in charge for Pat Rice and it was a disgrace. 2 for Vassell put City in charge and only a late consolation for Reyes made the scoreline look a little more flattering for the Gunners.

Man City Scorers: Vassell (29, 61)
Arsenal scorers: Reyes (84)
Attendance: 47945
MotM: Kleber

Premiership

Arsenal 5 - 0 Tottenham

After my trip to the FM tactics training course it was a perfect time to come back and try out what I learned against arch rivals Spurs. And the changes made were just what the Gunners needed, an absolutely outstanding performance in both halfs saw Arsenal run out 5-0 winners.

Arsenal Scorers: Henry (24), Alonso (33), Hleb (45), Gallas (84), Rosicky (90)
Attendance: 60409
MotM: Hleb

An outstanding win there, and we are now sitting 3 points clear at the top of the league with only 3 games remaining. The only bad news however is that Reyes picked up a hip injur and will be sent to a specialist for 2 months.

Premiership

Bolton 1 - 4 Arsenal

Another huge game now, with Chelsea, Man U and Liverpool all chasing the title an away win is just what we needed. And an impressive performance too. 4 goals in the first half were enough to see off Bolton.

Bolton Scorers: Barazite (12), Alonso (17), Hleb (25), Senderos (44)
Arsenal scorers: Pederson (51)
Attendance: 28402
MotM: Henry

Premiership

Arsenal 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

A chance to unofficially win the league here, a win would force Chelsea to need a huge win in the final game to win on goal difference with the Gunners currently 12 goals better off. But it starts off bad with Henry then his replacement Baptista stretchered off injured. The first half then ended at 0-0.
In the second half on-loan Porritt is shown red for Boro. And it ends at 0-0. But it doesn't matter, Chelsea lose 2-0 at Watford and Arsenal now only have to worry about an unlikely win for Liverpool in the final game with a difference of 23 goals.

Attendance: 55786
MotM: Woodgate

So there we have it, it was an up and down season but we have stumbled over the finish line and come up with the English Premier league trophy. With 1 game left the Gunners sit 3 points clear of Liverpool but 23 goals better off means that Liverpool need to come up with something special.


Its down to the final game of the season and it looks like any points will win Arsenal the trophy out right, but even a loss will probably do it.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Arsenal | | 37 | 23 | 7 | 7 | 85 | 35 | +50 | 76 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Liverpool | | 37 | 22 | 7 | 8 | 71 | 44 | +27 | 73 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Chelsea | | 37 | 21 | 9 | 7 | 66 | 30 | +36 | 72 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Man Utd | | 37 | 21 | 8 | 8 | 60 | 34 | +26 | 71 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Man City | | 37 | 17 | 11 | 9 | 44 | 31 | +13 | 62 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Aston Villa | | 37 | 17 | 6 | 14 | 61 | 48 | +13 | 57 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Everton | | 37 | 16 | 8 | 13 | 46 | 44 | +2 | 56 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Tottenham | | 37 | 13 | 16 | 8 | 45 | 39 | +6 | 55 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Reading | | 37 | 14 | 9 | 14 | 57 | 62 | -5 | 51 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Wigan | | 37 | 15 | 5 | 17 | 42 | 59 | -17 | 50 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Bolton | | 37 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 41 | 47 | -6 | 47 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Middlesbrough | | 37 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 36 | 45 | -9 | 43 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Newcastle | | 37 | 11 | 9 | 17 | 46 | 61 | -15 | 42 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Sheff Utd | | 37 | 7 | 19 | 11 | 35 | 41 | -6 | 40 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | West Ham | | 37 | 12 | 4 | 21 | 40 | 59 | -19 | 40 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Fulham | | 37 | 8 | 14 | 15 | 37 | 43 | -6 | 38 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Portsmouth | | 37 | 10 | 8 | 19 | 33 | 52 | -19 | 38 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Charlton | | 37 | 11 | 5 | 21 | 33 | 59 | -26 | 38 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Watford | | 37 | 10 | 6 | 21 | 36 | 62 | -26 | 36 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | R | Blackburn | | 37 | 8 | 9 | 20 | 39 | 58 | -19 | 33 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

The final league table will come soon, but for now here is how it stands with one game to go.

retired_kotikaka

I can still win the league !!!

come on liverpool !

retired_kotikaka

While Pettigrew was away on "football business"

Everton (A) 0-2
Lyon (H) 1-1
Sheff Utd (A) 1-2
Fulham (H) 1-0
Man Utd (A) 0-2
Arsenal (H) 2-2
Wigan (A) 1-2
Reading (H) 3-1

Pettigrew returned after his short period out in April and his first game in charge was against Newcastle which was a good game where Stevie G took the lead for the Liverpudlians and then Aquliani made it 2-0 just before half time.In the second half it was a close affair and the only goal came from and corner where Momo sissoko put the ball in his own net.

Watford were visitors at Anfield now and it was Liverpool back to their rubbish performances and it started off with Danny scoring for Watford and that was the only action of the first half. In the second half Liverpool's midfield came through and set up Kuty then Johnson to put them ahead but in the dieing seconds smith stole the league from Liverpool and ruined all the dreams basically giving the title to Arsenal.

Penultimate game of the season was West Ham away and Liverpool won this game fairly comfortably with goals from Borowski and sissoko and Tevez got a consolation penalty for West Ham. Next up was Pompey and its the last game of the season.

In other news, Liverpool have announced the sensational signing of Michael Owen returning to Liverpool from Newcastle for a fee of 15 million pounds !!!

retired_calliecan

If you lot are gonna be around over the weekend we can get this season finished if you so wish?

retired_kotikaka

Steff incase you didnt get my message on MSN, Do NOT accept the Real Madrid job under any circumstances !!!!

retired_pdostie

did we end up playing any of the game over weekend? i couldnt get online yesterday went out sorry. if we did play on how did i do in the euro cup?