retired_lilylovesyou10

The Emirates Update

After a mixed first season in charge Johnston will be looking to improve on his first season Premiership win and collect some more silverware from the season to come. The first announcement to come in the pre-season is that the board have decided they should expand the stadium. An idea that was met with delight from the fans and staff alike, that was until they announced the expansion would involve adding a meagre 1650 seats. Ah well, with the prices we charge for tickets that could still mean an extra 100k per home game .

As for the transfer budget for the coming season the board have again failed to impress anyone. After stating that Johnston's lavish spending yielded no return in his first season, the board have limited the funds for this season to £4.9M. This has very much limited Johnston's plans to bring in a huge name star (Inter Milan's Adriano was one player on his shortlist, but with a price tag of around 50mil its not looking likely).

After winning the premiership last year, this year will be more about spreading the name of Arsenal around the rest of the world, and last year's dissapointing exit from the Champions League at the hands of PSV will be put behind us this year, and we will be looking for a much better result. But having said that the media have set a target of 2nd place in the league for this season. And I would be happy enough to take that, with my efforts being more concentrated on the Champions League.

Transfer News

With only £4.9M to spend this year we had to look at offloading some fringe players, and with Senderos being the preferred backup centre half the first name to go was Djourou who left to join Gaz's Roma for a fee of £5M.

This wasn't the great business deal it was intended to be, with a lack of backup defenders at the club now, Johnston used pretty much the entire transfer fee to bring in a promising young Spanish centre half from Villareal. 21 year old Cesar Arzo has joined for a fee of £3.7M.

It was widely reported that after last seasons numerous goal droughts, Johnstons main target for this season would be a new striker to replace the likes of Adebayor and Van persie who left last year. But due to the limited funds, the big names were out of reach. With Miroslav Klose signing for Liverpool during the pre-season, Mr. Pettigrew decided to offload his out-of-favour striker in the form of Djibril Cisse. For a mere £2.5M Johnston snapped him up with a backup role in mind, knowing the player is capable of banging in a few goals at the top level.

Friendly Results

Aschaffenburg 0 - 5 Arsenal (Reyes, Alonso, Baptista 2, Diaby)
Leipzig 1 - 7 Arsenal (Bendtner 2, Reyes 4, o.g.)
Dortmund 0 - 2 Arsenal (Hleb, o.g.)
Boreham Wood 0 - 5 Arsenal (Lupoli 3, Vela 2)
Shelbourne 0 - 8 Arsenal (Henry 3, Fabregas, Cisse 3, Baptista)

Only 1 goal conceded and a sackfull scored in those games, a fairly encouraging start. Most importantly to me was the various sources of goals. With 9 of the goals coming from midfield, 7 of the goals coming from the youth strikeforce (Bendtner, Lupoli, Vela) and a hattrick for newboy Cisse in his only pre-season game. But the feet must remain on the ground, as the games were against mickey mouse teams in friendlies. The real test will come soon as we face Man United in the Community Shield, a chance to steal Sandy's plastic trophy.

Some more interesting information before the season gets underway, Arsenal have announced a link with Japanese team Okayama FC in a hope to improve the clubs financial situation.

The media have placed our odds of retaining the premiership at 7-4, the favourites.

And Thierry Henry has been rewarded for his performances last season by being handed the European Striker of the year award.

retired_lilylovesyou10

The Emirates Update

Time for the season to get underway, and first up its the mickey mouse cup that formed Sandy's only silverware last season

Community Shield

Arsenal 4 - 0 Manchester United

FA cup winners last year, United looked to get their season off to a better start this year, but with star player Ronaldo out injured again, things did not look good. 2 goals in either half gave Arsenal the win that they deserved, and their first trophy of the season.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (30, 66, 92), Cisse (42)
Attendance: 89981
MotM: Henry

So trophy number 1 goes to Johnston, and a nice little hattrick for Henry to continue where he left off last year. Also a debut goal for Cisse just to make the win a bit more sweeter.

Premiership

Arsenal 3 - 0 Everton

Next up was the opening day of the league campaign and it was Everton who had the misfortune of travelling to the Emirates to get the gunner's title defence underway. A first half hattrick for Henry was marred by a rediculous sending off of Xabi Alonso, but Everton werer never able to capitalise on the extra man and Arsenal coasted to the win.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (6, 15, 42)
Sent off: Alonso (36)
Attendance: 60501
MotM: Henry

Yet another hattrick for Henry, and the man is looking for a second season of dominance.

West Ham 3 - 2 Arsenal

Our first London derby of the season and it couldn't have gone any worse. After we struggled with our away form last season it looked to have been brought under control, but obviously not. The performance today was diabolical and West Ham deservedly took the lead into the half time break. The second half was much the same as both teams matched each other with 2 goals a piece, but West Ham's first half goal was enough for the win.

West Ham scorers: Chun-Soo (8), Bednar (51), Ljunberg (57)
Arsenal scorers: Henry (54), Baptista (80)
Attendance: 35479
MotM: Upson

So the first defeat of the season and it came fairly early on, not a good sign, but lets hope it won't happen too often.

Champions League Groups

The group stage for the champions league has been drawn and one familiar name comes up for the Gunners.

Arsenal
Celtic
Olympiakos
Paris Saint-Germain

So another battle of Britain as Celtic will have to face the Gunners again. And this time they start with the trip to London.

Champions League

Arsenal 3 - 0 Celtic

Celtic had no chance of ever winning this game as they didn't get one single shot on goal (and that includes the off target shots). Arsenal on the other hand took all the chances they needed, and Henry was even able to miss a penalty but still get a goal. The referee must have felt sorry for him as he awarded him the second penalty only 5 minutes after missing the first.

Arsenal scorers: Senderos (16) Reyes (55)Henry (pen 68)
Attendance: 61157
MotM: Senderos

Premiership

Bolton 0 - 3 Arsenal

After slamming the referee for his rediculous sending off of Alonso in the opening game against Everton, Johnston was issued a touchline ban for this game. After giving Pat Rice some instructions for the game it was off to the stands to watch from the expensive seats. Pat Rice did his job well as he followed Johnston's instruction to the letter. 3 first half goals were enough to see off Bolton.

Arsenal scorers: Baptista (2), Walcott (19, 45)
Sent Off: Anelka (80)
Attendance: 28394
MotM: Arzo

A magnificent performance from the young DC Arzo there, and perhaps a chance at a prolonged run in the first team.

This years league cup will see the gunners host the toon army in the first round proper.

Premiership

Arsenal 1 - 1 Manchester United

Another game against the mighty reds so early in the season, and this time at Emirates. Going into the game looking for another convincing win, but it wasn't to be, as Man U really played as the better team for the majority of the game. The goal for the gunners on the half hour mark was really their only shot on target. And Rooney grabbed a deserved point for the Red Devils with an hour on the clock.

Arsenal scorers: Baptista (34)
Man U scorers: Rooney (59)
Attendance: 62050
MotM: León

Champions League

Olympiakos 0 - 4 Arsenal

Back to the CL and didn't I say we would concentrate more on winning this trophy than the league this season. Theo Walcott has shown some promise already this season and today he just proved he was ready. A goal after only 30 seconds got the ball rolling and 1 either side of half time gave him his first hattrick. henry grabbed the 4th.

Arsenal scorers: Walcott (1, 10, 53)Henry (14)
Attendance: 33281
MotM: Walcott

Premiership

Fulham 2 - 3 Arsenal

Another tricky little away London Derby, but this time the 3-2 scoreline was in the gunners favour. Coming from behind twice, Fulham looked to have done enough for a point but Xabi Alonso popped up in the 86th minute to give Arsenal a deserved win.

Fulham scorers: Pacheco (9), John (73)
Arsenal scorers: Henry (4, 51), Alonso (86)
Attendance: 24497
MotM: Henry

A less than convincing win their but its still 3 points, and thats all that matters.

Arsenal 2 - 0 Sheffield United

A very comfortable win today against a poor Sheffield United team. An early penalty converted by Henry was enough to put United on the back foot for the rest of the game and a second goal shortly before half time for henry was enough to ensure a comfortable second half for Arsenal.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (pen 8, 38)
Attendance: 61797
MotM: Henry

Champions League

PSG 1 - 4 Arsenal

The second of the 3 away ties in the champions league and another walkover. With 9 points out of 9, qualification top of the group is looking like a certainty already. Henry showed some more of his class in this game with yet another hattrick. Cisse added to his tally too and PSG's only goal was more of a consolation after having a man sent off.

PSG scorers: Rozehnal (67)
Arsenal scorers: Henry (34, 45, 73), Cisse (88)
Sent-off: Rothen (56)
Attendance: 48504
MotM: Henry

So what can we say about that start to the season. First off, its good to see that Henry is not going to let us down, already on an impressive tally of 16 goals in all competitions. With 5 goals for the young Theo Walcott the future is also looking bright. On the down side the loss at West Ham was very dissapointing and the home draw with Man United too. Although there is still a long way to go and I think we can be very encouraged by the performances both home and away so far, especially in the CL.

retired_pjscott64

The rouchie Rossoneri Review


Season 2 is ready to kick off and the Rossoneri are aiming high, the board are insisting on the Serie A title as a minimum this season, after just picking up the Italian Cup last season, how will they fare? Read the rouchie Rossoneri Review over the coming months to get full coverage of this make or break season for our English man in Milan :thup:


Galatasaray Vs Milan – Wednesday 7th August 2007- Champions League Qualifying Round 3 Leg 1

The first competitive match of the season is one of the biggest in financial terms! A qualifying match for the big money stages of the Champions League. Milan play at a steady pace while the players ease their selves back in to the competitive fray, slowly exerting their control over the game, the steady pressure paid off just after the half hour when Andrea Pirlo put the Rossoneri ahead. Milan played out the remainder of the half protecting the precious away lead! The second half saw Nesta dismissed for a poor challenge and a few anxious glances were exchanged by the players left onfield :eek: Kakha Kaladze settled the nerves though with a finely taken strike, which Milan protected without conceding to the end and gave Milan a healthy advantage to take home for the second leg
Nesta off 54

Final Score : Galatasaray 0 Milan 2
Milan Scorers : Pirlo (34) Kaladze (79)
Attendance : 24939
Man Of The Match: Kakha Kaladze (Milan)


Milan Vs Galatasaray - Wednesday 22nd August 2007 - - Champions League Qualifying Round 3 Leg 2

The return leg was fairly predictable, with Gala trailing by 2 in the first leg they could do nothing but attack, and Milan did what comes naturally to Italian sides, they locked the shop and threw away the keys. This time with all 11 men remaining on the pitch, Gala were unable to penetrate and Milan were through to the big money rounds of the Champions League :cool:

Final Score : Milan 0 Galatasaray 0
Attendance : 52745
Man Of The Match: Cetin Servet (Galatasaray)


Inter V Milan – Saturday 25th August 2007- Super Cup Final

The Italian Charity Shield Inter were determined to put one over their rivals. A penalty in the first half for Inter which Materazzi duly converted was all that separated the two teams before the second half. Ibrahimovic doubled the advantage in the second, but 5 minutes later Milan sparked in to life and pulled one back when Andrea Pirlo slotted home. Unfortunately that was as far as Milan’s revival stretched and Inter took the honours in the seasons curtain raiser

Final Score : Inter 2 Milan 1
Inter Scorers : Materazzi (Pen 32) Ibrahimovic (63)
Milan Scorers : Pirlo (68)
Attendance : 82403
Man Of The Match: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter)


Milan Vs Dinamo Bucharest – Wednesday 5th September 2007 – Champions League Group G

A thumping game at the San Siro as Milan run rampant. Goals in the first half from Gattusso and Gilardino set the scene, Milan new boy Issiar Dia continued the scoring in the second half, and Totti added a brace to leave a bewildered Dinamo wondering what hit them as they slumped to a heavy defeat! :thup:

Final Score : Milan 5 Dinamo Bucharest 0
Milan Scorers : Gattusso (16) Gilardino (42) Dia (65) Totti (72, 84)
Attendance : 56845
Man Of The Match: Francesco Totti (Milan)


Milan Vs Parma – Sunday 16th September 2007 – Serie A

So the Serie A league finally kicks off, and with aq 5-0 win fresh in the mind, goals were expected! Unfortunately neither side read the script as they played an adventurous but ultimately scoreless game. Not the start the Rossoneri were looking for

Final Score : Milan 0 Parma 0
Attendance : 82917
Man Of The Match: Carlos Idriss Kameni (Milan)


Empoli Vs Milan – Wednesday 19th September 2007 – Serie A

After the goalless game at the San Siro, Milan took no time at all to get off the mark at Empoli with Andrea Pirlo scoring in the first 3 minutes! Totti doubled the advantage half an hour later but Empoi struck back quickly with a goal from Sapara narrowing the gap to one goal before the break. Gilardino re-established the two goal advantage in the second half only for Pozzi to peg Empoli back within a goal again. Ronaldo sealed the game for Milan late on to give the Rossoneri their first win of the season

Final Score : Empoli 2 Milan 4
Empoli Scorers : Sapara (38) Pozzi (76)
Milan Scorers : Pirlo (3) Totti (34) Gilardino (66) Ronaldo (90)
Attendance : 19811
Man Of The Match: Fabricio Coloccini (Milan)

Milan Vs Genoa – Sunday 23rd September 2007 – Serie A

Another early goal for Milan, this time netted by Fat Ron, Oliveira earned his Man of the match award grabbing his brace with goals either side of the half time whistle. A game where the Milan defence and keeper were rarely troubled as they racked up another 3 points in the league

Final Score : Milan 3 Genoa 0
Milan Scorers : Ronaldo(5) Oliveira (39, 55)
Attendance : 82943
Man Of The Match: Ricardo Oliveira (Milan)


CSKA Mosco Vs Milan – Wednesday 26th September 2007 – Champions League Group G

An astoundingly poor start in this Champions League match, 2 down with in 7 minutes of the start and unable to respond before the break! :eek: Rouch obviously had some harsh words for the players at the break because the level of their performance was significantly improved in the second half. Totti pulled one back within 10 minutes of the restart and Milan camped out in the CSKA half, but had to wait until 4 minutes in to extra time when Kameni came forward for a corner, and caused enough confusion for Colocinni to slot home and earn a valuable point away from home

Final Score : CSKA Moscow 2 Milan 2
CSKA Scorers : Rahimic (3) Gusev (Pen 7)
Milan Scorers : Totti (54) Coloccini (90)
Attendance : 36487
Man Of The Match: Fabricio Coloccini (Milan)


Lazio Vs Milan – Sunday 30th September 2007 – Serie A

Milan seem to be hitting a run of from early on this season, and Lazio were the next team to face the juggernaut 2 minutes midway through the first half decided the outcome of this match with both Gilardino and Totti scoring in that period, and Lazio unable to respond in kind, as Milan strolled to another victory :cool:

Final Score : Lazio 0 Milan 2
Milan Scorers : Gilardino(18) Totti (20)
Attendance : 78483
Man Of The Match: Fabricio Coloccini (Milan)


Milan Vs Torino – Wednesday 10th October 2007 – Serie A

Milan started poorly and Torino took advantage converting a clumsily conceded penalty on the quarter hour to take the lead! Milan levelled through Pirlo 10 minutes before the interval though and showed enough signs of their good form to suggest that Torino would not be holding any points for long in this game! Massimo Oddo got forward in the second half and scored a rare goal mid way through the half to give Milan the lead, and Issiar Dia tied the points up for Milan with their 3rd 7 minutes before the whistle and Milan March on at the top of Serie A for the first time under Rouch

Final Score : Milan 3 Torino 1
Milan Scorers : Pirlo (35) Oddo (73) Dia (83)
Torino Scorers : Rosina (Pen 15)
Attendance : 82943
Man Of The Match: Andrea Pirlo (Milan)


Milan Vs Bayern Munich – Wednesday 10th October 2007 – Champions League Group G

A fantastic European night at the San Siro as Milan lay waste to top level opposition, Bayern Munich were swept aside as Ronaldo bagged a glorious hatrick in the first half without reply. Gilardino continued the rout 1 minute in to the second, then Podolski was dismissed on 48, amd Bayern seemed to organise them selves better, or perhaps Milan eased the foot off of the pedal as no more goals were forthcoming as the Rossoneri romped home 4-0 winners :cool:

Final Score : Milan 4 Bayern Munich 0
Milan Scorers : Ronaldo (20, 29, 39) Gilardino(46)
Attendance : 68184
Man Of The Match: Ronaldo (Milan)

At the end of this session Milan sit top of Serie A, and have taken 7 points from 9 in the champions league, things are looking good for the rossoneri

retired_pdostie

Pre Season results


Leverkusen 3-0 Won
Monaco 1-0 Won
Triestina 3-0 Won
Castel di Sangro 4-0 Won
Ajax 2-0 Won
Cisco Roma 3-0 Won

Pre Season Transfer’s

In

Vucinic 7m
Pizzaro 250k
Agger 12m
Djourou 5m
Raul 5m
Guarin 3m

Out

D’Ambrosio Free
Julio Sergio Free
Cassetti Free
Pizzaro 2.5m

Barcelona (N) Euro Super Cup

3-0

With an unbeaten pre-season without conceding a goal behind then Roma went into the game full of confidence which wasn’t to be against the Catalan giants and yet again Esteban Browning Barcelona was comfortable winner. Eto’o grabbing two goals and Torres also getting in on the action.


Athletico (A) Champions Cup

1-2

Another game against Spanish opponents and this time Roma had enough quality to win and run out 2-1 winner in the absence of there intoxicated manager as well as getting both strikers off the mark in the second competitive game of the campaign. Van Nistelrooy put Roma in an early lead before Okaka made it 2 on 35 minutes. Etxeberria got a goal for Athletico just before half time but that was all the goals the game would see.

Messina (A) Serie A

1-1

Jenkinson was back in charge and hoping his team ability to see off the lesser challenges this season will lead to the capture of the Serie A title. Roma Started brightly but same as last season they just couldn’t get the goals. Substitute Trezeguet did open the scoring when new boy Guarin played him through and with only the keeper to beat made no mistake. But Roma failed to get a second and when Montiel equalised it looks as though Roma’s inability to finish weaker opponents off could be a problem again this season.

Sampdoria (H) Serie A

1-0

Roma’s first chance to show the home fans what they should be expecting from the season. A very open and entertaining game in which the Roma fans for value for there money but wont be at all satisfied with there team even though they got the important 3 points. It was a game in which Sampdoria had nothing to lose and look the most likely to score in the first half but it was a good free kick from De Rossi that got the lead for Roma. Roma looked better in the second half but still couldn’t find a second and just about did enough to get the 3 points after a shaky last 10 minutes.

Palermo (H) Serie A

2-1

A after scraping a result in the last game Roma would surely not be so forgiving this time. Guess again that’s exactly what happened they never gain control of the game and only score as a result of a penalty to take the lead before D’Alessandro got between the new defence partnership to head the fist before Diana hit a glorious strike from 25 yards to seal victory for Palermo.

Dinamo Kiev (H) Champions Cup

3-1

Second game in the group stage and with two tough games versus Liverpool to come this is a must win for Roma if they are to go one better than last season and qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions cup. Roma set out well and got the breakthrough early when a mistake by Correa sent the ball past his own keeper to gift Roma the lead. Chivu then put the game beyond doubt from the spot. Milevskiy did get a consolidation goal near the end but a good all-round performance from Roma see them maintain the 100% record in the group stages so far.


Juventus (A) Serie A

1-3

This is a tough away game and newly promoted Juventus are a team which after the recent problems shouldn’t be taken lightly and anything less than a top performance and Roma will leave losers. Roma took a deserved lead in the game on 25 minutes when Taddei shot from 30 yards was only fumbled and Trezeguet was there to finish past his former team. Carvalho put the ball into his own goal from a Del Piero cross soon after before 2 goals in 3 minutes from Van Nistelrooy and Ambrosini put Roma in front again and lead them to a well deserved 3 points.


Inter (H) Serie A

1-1

Another tough game as Roma play hosts to double league winner Inter Milan. Roma started the game slightly better and took the lead when a bad clearance by the defender gifted Trezeguet a goal. Roma did well to hold out until Adriano got onto the end of an Ibrahimovic cross to level the score and set up a tense last 10 minutes in which both teams went close but couldn’t convert their chances.

Liverpool (A) Champions Cup

1-1

To have any chance of winning the group Roma must get at least a draw against fellow human manager side Sandy’s Liverpool. Liverpool missed too many chances through out the game and Roma took lead against the run of play through Taddei who got onto the end of a cross by Carvalho. Carvalho then fouled inside the area and Gerrard scored from the spot. Liverpool went on to have more chances in the game but without being able to take advantage and a draw mean that both sides are strong favourites to progress through to the next stage.


Piacenza (A) Serie A

1-2

Another away game but one that Roma will be expected to win. With leading goal scorer Trezeguet out injured there will be a chance for one of the other strikers to get a chance to prove there worth to the team. Roma got off to the worse start when Cacia scored after just 7 minutes. Roma looked the better team and joined level when Van Nistelrooy got onto a good forward header form Agger to equalise. Brosseli got Piacenza back in front right after the break and Roma couldn’t find any way through there defence.

Chievo (H) Serie A

3-1

After a disappointing start to the season Jenkinson played about with the tactics and hope that this home game can be the turning point of Roma season. Roma did start the game well and took the lead on 12 minutes when Chivu’s cross found Carvalho who headed home from inside the area. Bogdani got an equaliser on 23 minutes which was short lived as another Chivu cross found Vucinic who tapped in unmarked. Roma sealed the victory late on when Guarin chipped the ball back from the by-line and De Rossi applied the finish.


Catania (A) Serie A

3-1

Another game in which Roma should win but you can never be sure which Roma team will make the away trips and how they will perform. Roma started the game well but feel behind when Taddei fouled in the area and Vargas scored from the spot to give Catania a shock lead on 56 minutes. Roma continues to look the better team and when Okaka got onto the end of Cerci cross there looked to be only one winner. Roma did then take the lead when Cerci himself struck the ball from 30 yards into the top corner to score his first goal of the season before Van Nistelrooy made it 3 in injury time.


Liverpool (H) Champions Cup

2-3

A tough match that could see both team progress through to the knockout stages. Roma got off to a brilliant start when Cerci took a corner and found Mexes making a run into the area and heading home after just 9 minutes. Kuyt levelled straight after when bad defending let the ball drop to Kuyt who made no mistake from inside the area. Bad clearance by Liverpool keeper Reina left De Rossi a chance from 30 yards and he made no mistake leaving the keeper stranded.

Parma (H)

2-0

After a cruel blow against Liverpool Roma had chance to give the home fans a win. Roma took the lead early on when Trezeguet intercepted a poor back pass to open the scoring. Roma continued to dominate possession and finally got a second when Chivu again crossed and Van Nistelrooy finished from close range.

Verona (H) Italian Cup 1st round 1st Leg

3-0

The cup competition gave Roma manager Jenkinson a chance to try out some of the fringe players and who look to push for a starting position. Roma dominated the game from the beginning and took the lead on 29 minutes when Guarin played the ball through for Vucinic and he slotted home. Raul then put a cross into the back post and Perrotta headed home there second of the match. Bale then crossed in for Raul to get his first goal for Roma on 56 minutes and put the game beyond Verona.

Athletic (H) Champions Cup

3-2

With Roma needing to just avoid defeat to book there place in the knockout stages of the Champion’s cup it was on the cards for a very tight game. Roma got off to a dream start when De Rossi scored after just 2 minutes. Athletic equalised just on half time when Danobeitia’s cross found Murillo to finish. Roma regained the lead when Bale crossed in and Trezeguet made no mistake from 12 yards out. Agger then missed a head which let in Aduriz to slot home past the keeper. Bale was then the provider when his cross found Okaka on the edge of the area and he skipped past the last defender before finishing past the keeper.

retired_pjscott64

The rouchie Rossoneri Review

With Milan scoring goals for fun at the moment, topping Serie A, and the Champions League group, Rouch would be looking for a continuation of the good form that they find themselves and to strengthen their grip on the top slots.



Palermo Vs Milan – Sunday 21st October 2007- Serie A

Palermo were not intimidated by the fantastic form of this Milan side and went about this game in an aggressive and attacking manner and were rewarded 24 minutes in when the impressive Amauri nodded home to take the lead. The pocket dynamo that is Shaun Wright-Phillips equalised for Milan just 5 minutes later, but Di Michele ensured Palermo went in to the break with the advantage when he scored with seconds of injury time remaining! The second half saw a revitalised Milan emerge and they took the game to Palermo in search of another equaliser and their positive play paid off when Francesco Totti netted just before the hour mark. The remainder of the game was fiercely contested but neither side could break the deadlock and had to be content with a share of the points

Final Score : Palermo 2 Milan 2
Palermo Scorers : Amauri (24) Di Michele (45)
Milan Scorers : Wright-Phillips (29) Totti (57)
Attendance : 24939
Man Of The Match: Carlos Idriss Kameni (Milan)



Udinese Vs Milan - Wednesday 24th October 2007 – Serie A

The perfect start in this match for Milan as Fabricio Coloccini scores wihin the first 60 seconds and leaves Udinese plans in disarray! Then another 60 seconds of defensive frailty midway through the half put the game beyond Udi, with Ronaldo and Francesco Totti both scoring in the aforementioned minute! The second half was more like an exhibition match with Milan keeping possession and taunting their opponents with the ball, and a further Totti strike adding a deserved gloss to the scoreline, 4-0 winners

Final Score : Udinese 0 Milan 4
Milan Scorers : Coloccini (1) Ronaldo (23) Totti (24, 65)
Attendance : 37818
Man Of The Match: Fabricio Coloccini (Milan)



Milan Vs Fiorentina – Sunday 28th October 2007- Serie A

Milan rode their luck in this fiercely contested match, Kaladze injured after just 11 minutes prompted a defensive reshuffle and a change in formation. 18 minutes in to the game Fat Ron added another goal to the seasons collection to give the Rossoneri the lead. Totti limped off in the second half and then another defensive shuffle was required when Nesta was dismissed leaving 10 men to defend the slender lead! The resulting penalty was saved by Kameni, earning him his man of the match award, and Milan hung on to extend the league unbeaten run :cool:

Final Score : Milan 1 Fiorentina 0
Milan Scorers : Ronaldo (18)
Attendance : 82005
Man Of The Match: Carlos Idriss Kameni (Milan)



FC Bayern Munich Vs Milan – Wednesday 31st October 2007 – Champions League Group G

A game in which Milan dominated, evidenced by the 7th minute goal from Oliveira, and looked to swing even further Milans way in the Allianz Arena when Schweinsteiger was dismissed on 14 minutes! The game then turned in the German teams favour when Craig Bellamy won and then converted a penalty 2 minutes after the red card incident to put Bayern level. One time Milan target Carlos Tevez then pushed the boundaries of improbability aside and put the Germans ahead with a well taken volley from outside the box 10 minutes before the break. Milan pushed forward but some heroic man of he match saves from Michael Rensing kept the Rossoneri at bay and earned an unlikely win for Bayern :thdn:

Final Score : Bayern 2 Milan 1
Bayern Scorers : Bellamy (Pen 16) Carlos Tevez (34)
Milan Scorers : Oliveira (7)
Attendance : 56845
Man Of The Match: Michael Rensing (Bayern )



Siena Vs Milan Vs Parma – Sunday 4th November 2007 – Serie A

Back to Serie A and normal service is resumed as Siena are swept aside. 2 first half strikes from Kaka gave Milan a considerable buffer and despite Siena pulling one back when Ceccon scored, Milan never looked in danger of not winning. Pirlo wrapped up the game 10 minutes from time making it 3-1 and extending Milans unbeaten run in Serie A

Final Score : Siena 1 Milan 3
Siena Scorers : Ceccon (61)
Milan Scorers : Kaka (11, 38) Pirlo (79)
Attendance : 15624
Man Of The Match: Ronaldo (Milan)


Milan Vs Atalanta – Wednesday 7th November 2007 – Coppa Italia 1st Round Leg 1

The first leg of this cup tie played at the San SIro was a typically cagey affair and decided by a solitary strike from Fat Ron giving Milan a slender advantage to take in to the second leg :eek:

Final Score : Milan 1 Atalanta 0
Milan Scorers : Ronaldo (76)
Attendance : 80986
Man Of The Match: Carl Medjani (Atalanta)

Dinamo Bucharest Vs Milan – Wedneday 14th November 2007 – Champions League Group G

This is total football, one of those performances where every player on your team is in the zone, the beautiful game at its best as Milan tore apart Dinamo Bucharest! Ronaldo and Gilardino combining to devastating effect to net 7 goals between them and send a message to the clubs in the Champions League that this was a side that can score goals a plenty :thup:

Final Score : Dinamo Bucharest 0 Milan 7
Milan Scorers : Gilardino (6, 21, 56) Ronaldo(15, 28, 47, 67)
Attendance : 15196
Man Of The Match: Ronaldo (Milan)

So at the end of the session Milan are still top of Serie A, 4 points clear and of the Champions League group with one game to play and scoring goals for fun. How long will this fantastic run of form continue? Reading the rouchie Rossoneri Review to find out ……

retired_abubaker

The Manchester Mail - The season is up and running!!!!

Utd have hit the ground running with an expolisve start to the season that has seen then get two wins out of two in the Premiership along with qualification for the Champions League after an easy demolition of Zilina. The only downer of the season so far was a humiliating 4-0 thumping at the hands of Dave Johnston's Arsenal, the league champions. They have bounced back well and have started the season in good form. Here is the latest from Old Trafford................


Champions League 3rd Round Qualifying 1st Leg

Man Utd v Zilina - (H) Wed 8th August 2007

An early start to the season for Utd after a poor season saw them have to qualify for the Champions League. They faced Zilina at Old Trafford and won with ease. It was an unlikey hero who hit the headlines in Chris Eagles, who was brought in due to injuries and he repaid the manager's faith by scoring a double in the first half. Wayne Rooney added number three early in the second half as Utd are all but through to the Champions League. Utd played some delightful football but Zilina were awful and it could have been a lot more.

Final Score - Man Utd 3 v 0 Zilina
Goals - Man Utd - Eagles (7,34), Rooney (55)
Att - 67462
MOTM - Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)


Community Shield

Arsenal v Man Utd - (N) Sun 12th August 2007

A dismal match as Thierry Henry destroyed Utd with some awesome finishing. Utd were poor and it could have been a lot worse for them had it not been for some poor Arsenal finishing and Van Der Sar making a few saves. Hepburn was not happy with his team and let them know about it at full time.

Final Score - Arsenal 4 v 0 Man Utd
Goals - Arsenal - Henry (30,pen,66,90), Cisse (43)
Att - 89981
MOTM - Thierry Henry


Premiership

Man Utd v Charlton - (H) Sat 18th August 2007

It was onto the season opener in the Premiership for Utd and it was Charlton who faced Utd at Old Trafford in what turned out to be a closer game than it should have been. Utd battered the Charlton goal for most of the first half but Scott Carson was in unstoppable form and kept Utd out. It was more of the same in the second half until Darrne Fletcher finally gave Utd a deserved lead. They stayed ahead until the eighty second minute when Darren Bent scored the equaliser much to the amazment of Utd. Charlton then tried to hold onto the draw but up stepped 19 year old Paraguan sensation Acuna to rifle home a shot to give Utd the win with three minutes to go. A deserved win but it could have and should have been a lot easier.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 1 Charlton
Goals - Man Utd - Fletcher (64), Acuna (87)
Goals - Charlton - Bent (82)
Att - 70095
MOTM - Carlos Javier Acuna (Man Utd)


Champions League 3rd Round Qualifying 2nd Leg

Zilina v Man Utd - (A) Wed 22nd August 2007

This was a mere formality and Utd did another professional job and were rewarded with a comfortable 3-0 win for their efforts. Zilina just could not cope with the pace and power of Ronney and Acuna who tore their defence apart at will with some brilliant play. Rooney helped himself to a double and Acuna got the other. They coasted through this match and saved their legs for more pressing matters like the game at Middlesborough in the Premiership.

Final Score - Zilian 0 v 3 Man Utd
Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (20,53), Acuna (43)
Att - 6556
MOTM - Rio Ferdinand


Premiership

Middlesborough v Man Utd - (A) Wed 29th August 2007

A tough game for Utd, who lost here last season pretty easily so Hepburn had a score to settle. It was a scrappy affair with Utd trying to play football but Boro sitting with men behind the ball trying to get a point made for some boring stuff. Utd kept plugging away and Rooney grabbed the vital opener and what proved to be the winner in the end. Pedro Leon had an eventful debut as he was actually playing pretty well but got himself sent off for a professional foul as Yakubu was bearing down on goal. The Utd fans clapped him off the pitch as they knew he had just prevented a certain equaliser!!!! Utd held on and made it two wins out of two in the Premiership.

Final Score - Middlesborough 0 v 1 Man Utd
Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (30)
Sent Off - Pedro Leon (Man Utd)
Att - 35001
MOTM - Rio Ferdinand


So a promising start to the season for Utd who go into September full of confidence that will see them start their Champions League campaign in the group stages where they will be looking for a massive improvement after last years disaster. With Acuna and Rooney up front they have a hatful of goals in them and the team seem to be playing a lot better already this season.

retired_abubaker

The Manchester Mail - Into September and Utd hit top spot!!!!!

September proved to be a great month for Utd as they sit top of the Premiership for the first time in two seasons. They have made a superb start in the Champions League in what is being labelled the group of death as they have been placed with Valencia and Lazio in their group!!! They are playing some great football and Old Trafford is starting to become a happy place again with all this winning going on. Here is the latest from Old Trafford.................


Champions League Group

Man Utd v Red Star - (H) Wed 5th September 2007

After a dismal campaign last season, Utd were looking to at least win a game this year and then take it from there. Red Star came to Old Trafford looking to deny Hepburn a Champions League victory but it was not to be. Rooney and Acuna were missing for this game due to slight injuries so up stepped Louis Saha and Rossi and they provided the goods for Hepburn and Utd. A goal in either half plus complete domination of the game saw Utd secure their first win the Champions League under new gaffer Andrew Hepburn. Saha scored the opener and Rossi sealed the win with two minutes to go. Red Star offered nothing and will likely lose all their matches judging by this performance. Great start to the month for Utd.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 0 Red Star
Goals - Man Utd - Saha (9), Rossi (88)
Att - 67119
MOTM - Louis Saha (Man Utd)


Premiership

Man Utd v Everton - (H) Sat 15th September 2007

Utd dropped points against Everton at home last season and for most of this game it looked like it would happen again. Utd threw everything at ex Utd goalkeeper Tim Howard and he was equal to it. It looked like it was just not going to be Utd's day even with Everton down to nine men. Utd even had a goal disallowed in the closing stages but they never gave up. Hepburn threw three up front in the hope of a winner and finally it came from an unlikely source in Gabrielle Heinze but no one cared as he met Leon's cross with his head to send the Utd fans crazy!!!! It was superb stuff and deserved as they never gave up and kept playing their football.

Final Score - Man Utd 1 v 0 Everton
Goals - Man Utd - Heinze (90)
Sent Off - Tim Cahill, Tony Hibbert (Everton)
Att - 70082
MOTM - Gabrielle Heinze (Man Utd)


Premiership

Arsenal v Man Utd - (A) Sat 22nd September 2007

It was off to the Emirates next for Utd to take on Arsenal, with fresh memories of the 4-0 thrashing they gave Utd in the Community Shield. It was really a game of two halves with Arsenal playing superbly in the first half and taking the lead, only for Utd to come out in the second half and dominate proceedings and equalise through Wayen Rooney. Utd could have snatched victory as they had a couple of other great chances but were unable to take them. A huge improvement from Utd and this unbeaten run continued.

Final Score - Arsenal 1 v 1 Man Utd
Goals - Arsenal - Baptista (35)
Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (60)
Att - 62050
MOTM - Pedro Leon (Man Utd)


Champions League Group

Valencia v Man Utd - (A) Wed 26th September 2007

This game was a huge sign as to just how well Utd have started this season as they went to Spain to take on Valencia who do not lose often at home and defeat them after being behind. Utd started badly and Valencia were dominating them and Joaquin opened the scoring after only sixteen minutes. Hepburn feared the worse in this caldron of noise but Utd fought back well after a few tactical changes from Hepburn. Utd came out in the seocnd half and took the game by the scruff of the neck and played Valenica off the pitch in the second half. All of sudden Valencia could not cope with Utd at all and Pedro Leon, on his return to Spain scored the equaliser that gave Utd belief they could win this. Utd went ahead in the clsoing stages through Acuna but were immediately pegged back courtesy of a Albiol header from a corner. Utd went straight back on the attack and showed real courage to attack so late in the game. It paid off though as Acuna scored his second and Utd's third and that proved to be enough to give Utd a superb victory.

Final Score - Valencia 2 v 3 Man Utd
Goals - Valencia - Joaquin (16), Albiol (85)
Goals - Man Utd - Leon (52), Acuna (81,87)
Att - 54914
MOTM - Carlos Javier Acuna (Man Utd)


Premiership

Man Utd v Bolton - (H) Sat 29th September 2007

The feel good factor following that superb win in Valencia continued as they destroyed Bolton in what was another super performance from Utd. Utd had to thank Rooney and Acuna whose partnership up front is hotting up game by game. Acuna grabbed a double, Rooney scored once and a Nick Hunt own goal gave Utd a super win. They ended the month on a real high and could not wait until the next game.

Final Score - Man Utd 4 v 0 Bolton
Goals - Man Utd - Acuna (4,64), Rooney (40), Hunt (og,84)
Att - 92188
MOTM - Gary Neville (Man Utd)


Another great month for Utd, whose confidence is building game by game and they are in brilliant form at the moment. Lets hope October proves to be jsut as good for Utd.

retired_kotikaka

RIP

retired_calliecan

Announcement

Horrific crash game won't reload, sad day for all, I blame Sandy

In all seriousness though, the game closed suddenly and wouldn't reload, with the problems I've been having since I took over hosting duties from Rob with the game seizing up randomly and people needing to disconnect to get it moving again, I won't be hosting another one, this crash was the final straw atm.

I have enjoyed the game immensely since I first started playing with most of you in EFB 05 and I have no doubt that our paths will cross again in the online world at some point in future

retired_utyorc

Sorry to hear that guys, you lot wrote the most interesting reports (apart from Sandy ) and they gave me something to read when I was bored at work. I hope you be back in some form in FM08 or sooner :thup: