retired_kotikaka

September

Middlesborough 2 - 3 Liverpool - English Premier League

A fantastic game which the goals just kept coming with Yakubu scoring the opener with a strike from the edge of the box after just 5minutes but Boro's lead did not last long with Craig Bellamy opening his account for the season. The teams went in 1-1 at half time and Southgate was relieved to be holding on to a draw. In the second half Dirk Kuyt came out all guns blazing and struck a beautiful shot into the top corner to put Liverpool in the driving seat but young Lee Cattermole came on and changed the game and got himself a scrappy goal from a corner to make it 2-2. Kuyt yet again popped up late in the game with a header from a Bellamy cross to take the 3 points back to Anfield and back to top of the league.

Liverpool 1 - 0 Aston Villa - English Premier League

Martin O'Neil brough his Aston Villa team to Anfield high on confidence as John Carew and Ashley Young have started playing well for him. Dirk Kuyt captained the Liverpool team again as Steven Gerrard still has not featured this season. New signing Gonzalo Higuain has just announced that he loves Liverpool and wants to win many trophies with this club. He was the man to win this game for Liverpool after a fantastic strike after 15 minutes. There were not many chances in this game with neither side creating much and the ball in the middle of the park for most of the game.

Liverpoool 2 - 0 Ajax - European Champions League

Another great win for Liverpool and Pettigrew's team with the Kop fans going mental in the process. The dreams of winning the champions league are flying high at Anfield after Dirk Kuyt opened up the Ajx defence with a powerful run forward through Hentinga and placed the ball in the bottom corner. In the second half Tim Borowski was moved into the centre of midfield and Mark Gonzalez made a rare appearance on the wing. Borowski was a revalation and scored a goal to top it off and finish the Netherland team off. Liverpool are now sitting top of their group.

Blackburn 2 - 2 Liverpool - English Premier League

Blackburn started the game off well and looked the far more dangerous side with Morten Gampst Pedersen looking dangerous but they could not score. Liverpool opened the scoring from a corner with Dan Agger putting the header away to make it one nil and then 4 minutes later Gonzalo Higuain took a free kick and scored to make it 2-0. Liverpool were still not playing well and this continued into the second half. Jason roberts came on and changed the game and scored to give blackburn some hope. In the 93rd minute Blackburn got a penalty and Pedersen steped up and scored to make it level.

retired_abubaker

The Manchester Mail - Life is tough at the top!!!

Hepburn is now two months into his job as Utd manager and he is finding life tough as his Utd side struggle to get going. September started off well but ended with a run of three straight defeats and Utd are already well behind in the title race. Fans are calling for Hepburn's head already which is quite frankly crazy but then again they were used to so much success under Alex Ferguson. Here is how the month went for Utd...........


Premiership

Man Utd v Fulham - (H) Sat 9th September 2006

It was back to Old Trafford as Utd welcomed Fulham and destroyed them in emphatic fashion with a superb 3-0 win. Hepburn must have had them on the training pitch for extra shooting practice during the week as they were a lot more clinical in front of goal. Henrik Larsson grabbed a superb double and Paul Scholes got the other for Utd who dominated the game and played some superb football. Lets hope this kind of form continues.

Final Score - Man Utd 3 v 0 Fulham
Goals - Man Utd - Larsson (4,49), Scholes (49)
Att - 72798
MOTM - Henrik Larsson (Man Utd)


Champions League Group D

Man Utd v Shakhtar - (H) Wed 13th September 2006

Utd opened their champions league account at home to Shakhtar and looking for three points to get them up and running. Utd started where they left off against Fulham, attacking at will with Neville and Evra getting forward at any opportunity. The opening goal came just after the half hour through Wayne Rooney who scored his first of a double. Shakhtar to their credit found a way back into the game only six minutes later after some terrible defending from Utd. It stayed that way till half time. In the second half it was more Utd dominance with no end product until Rooney stepped up and put Utd back ahead. After the goal Utd became sloppy and let Shakhtar back into the game again and the equaliser soon followed. Hepburn just stood stoned faced as the full time whistle went and knew his team had made the worst possible start to their champions league bid.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 2 Shakhtar
Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (33,76)
Goals - Shakhtar - Marica (Shakhtar)
Att - 71963
MOTM - Ciprian Andrei Marica (Shakhtar)


Premiership

Man Utd v Portsmouth - (H) Sat 16th September 2006

Utd produced a fantastic performance at home against Portsmouth to make up for the disappointment of the champions league game in midweek. Their football at times was superb at Pompey were chasing shadows. Henrik Larsson opened the scoring early in the first half but for all their dominance they could not increase their lead. Utd continued their dominance in the second half and soon got number two through Wayne Rooney and that was soon followed by number three through De Jong, scoring his first goal for Utd. Rooney made it four from the penalty spot as Utd coasted to victory.

Final Score - Man Utd 4 v 0 Portsmouth
Goals - Man Utd - Larsson (17), Rooney (50,pen,70), de Jong (55)
Att - 72799
MOTM - Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)


Premiership

Arsenal v Man Utd - (A) Sat 23rd September 2006

Utd went into this game in good form but Rio Ferdinand had a personal nightmare and gifted the Gunners goal after goal to put paid to any hopes of a Utd win. Henry had Ferdinand in knots as he was all over the place. It was an outstanding performance from Henry but Ferdinand should have done a lot better for one of the best defenders in the world. Fabregas also scored a superb goal to add to Hepburn's misery. Rooney grabbed a double for Utd with two superb goals but it was never going to be enough. A woeful performance from Utd and left Davd Johnson with the bragging rights come full time.

Final Score - Arsenal 5 v 2 Man Utd
Goals - Arsenal - Henry (4,18,78,pen,90), Fabregas (31)
Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (61,84)
Att - 60423
MOTM - Thierry Henry (Arsenal)


Champions League Group D

CSKA Moscow v Man Utd - (A) Wed 27th September 2006

A dire game of football this as Utd travelled to the Russian capital and came away with nothing. A game of few chances but Utd's need for an out and out goal scorer became more apparent as they were just not clinical enough in front of goal. Jo got the winner for CSKA and suddenly qualification for the knockout stages became a whole lot tougher for Utd.

Final Score - CSKA Moscow 1 v 0 Man Utd
Goals - CKSA Moscow - Jo (50)
Att - 36424
MOTM - Elvir Rahmic (CSKA Moscow)


Premiership

Man Utd v Wigan - (H) Sat 30th September 2006

A game in which Man Utd were in complete control turned out to be a shock win for Wigan come the full time whistle. Utd were dominating the game and should have been more than 1-0 up by half time but yet again they seem uncapable of finsihing teams off at the moment. Paul Scholes had them in front after twenty minutes but it could have been three or four by then such was Utd's domination. Hepburn went for the jugular after half time and it turned pear shaped for Utd. Ferdinand continued his poor run of form by gifting Wigan an equaliser and then Baszczynski won it for Wigan in injury time. Hepburn just held his head in his hands and could hardly belive what he was witnessing. This was getting worse for Utd and would Hepburn be the man to get them out of it????

Final Score - Man Utd 1 v 2 Wigan
Goals - Man Utd - Scholes (20)
Goals - Wigan - Ferdinand (og,47), Baszczynski (90)
Att - 72788
MOTM - Emmerson Boyce (Wigan)

So a really poor run of form towards the end of the month has cost Utd dearly as they are well behind in the race for the title already and the lack of a top class finisher is hurting Utd badly at the moment with their constant failure to put the ball in the back of the net. lets hope October proves more fruitful for Utd.

retired_pjscott64

Paul Rouch is back in the saddle after his recent err … “break” and is suitably refreshed and raring to go! Looking to move the Rossoneri up from the 10th place they currently hold and onwards in the cups!

Inter Vs Milan – Sunday 19th November 2006

A tough first game back for the Milan Manager facing arch-rivals Inter away! Gillardiono was wide awake though and sent the red and black side of Milan in to raptures with a very early strike that nearly burst the net! With in 10 minutes of the game starting Gillardino was making the game look like an exhibition showcase for his finishing skills with another typically wonderful strike to double the Rossoneri advantage! Inter pulled themselves back in the game when the man mountain that is Ibrahimovich netted just before the half hour, but Francesco Totti restored the 2 goal advantage within 5 minutes and that was how the scores stayed until the break! The second half was action packed as Inter tried to force their way back into the game and Maxi Rodriguez did just that with just over 20 minutes to go with a cheeky chip to pull the deficit back to one again. Milan were galvanised back in to action though and seemed intent on leaving with all here points and rubbing the league leader’s nose in it in their own back yard! Totti finally grabbed the goal which sealed the win and affirmed Milan’s domination in this game with just a minute left on the clock! A fine welcome back for the Manager

Final Score : Inter 2 Milan 4
Inter Scorers : Ibrahimovich (28) Rodriguez (69)
Milan Scorers : Gillardino (2, 10) Totti (33, 89)
Attendance : 82398
Man Of The Match: Francesco Totti (Milan)

Milan Vs Bordeaux – Wednesday 22nd November 2006 - Champions League Group Game

Despite Bordeaux taking an early lead when the impressive Cavenaghi struck home a thunderous strike Milan never really looked in danger in this one sided encounter. The only surprises were that Bordeaux went ahead and that it took an own goal from Jurietti to get the home side level! After that it was the Ronaldo show with 3 goals in 10 minutes securing a wonderful first half hatrick spoiled only by the French pulling one back just before the break. It was more of the same in the second half though with Totti chipping to make it 5-2 and Ronaldo sealing a spectacular performance with his 4th goal and Milan’s 6th on 82 minutes. The visitors’ frustration spilled over when Julien Faubert was sent off in injury time for a needless and niggly challenge. The fans went berserk at the final whistle as this game effectively meant the side were through to the knockout stages of the champions league. :thup:

Final Score : Milan 6 Bordeaux 2
Milan Scorers : Jurietti (OG 24) Ronaldo (30, 37, 40, 82) Totti (63)
Bordeaux Scorers : Cavenaghi (10) Chamakh (44)
Attendance : 59223
Man Of The Match: Ronaldo (Milan)

Milan Vs Reggina – Sunday 26th November 2006

If Ronaldo thought 4 goals in his last outing would guarantee a starting place for this game, he was in for a shock, he was demoted to the subs bench for this Serie A clash, or as the Manager Paul Rouch preferred to say, “rested”. Alberto Gillardino then went on to prove he was more than capable of filling big Rons boots and promptly went on to match Ronaldo’s achievements by scoring 4 in this game, one in the first minute and another in the last with 2 in between and picking up a well deserved Man of the Match award. Reggina could only muster a solitary response immediately after the break and had to play with 10 men for the last 10 minutes after Roland Juhasz was dismissed :cool:

Final Score : Milan 4 Reggina 1
Milan Scorers : Gillardino (1, 14, 32, 90)
Reggina Scorers : Foggia (46)
Attendance : 55484
Man Of The Match: Alberto Gillardino (Milan)

Modena Vs Milan – Wednesday 29th October 2006

And exceptionally dull game which Milan edged thanks to a penalty early in the first half calmly despatched by Oddo :eek:

Final Score : Modena 0 Milan 1
Milan Scorers : Oddo (Pen 13)
Attendance : 19985
Man Of The Match: Clarence Seedorf (Milan)

Ascoli Vs Milan – Sunday 3rd December 2006

Milan were calm and untroubled in a game that they dominated from start to finish and could have won by a cricket score but for some inspired defending! As it was Clarence Seedorf managed to breach the defences in the first half and Alberto Gillardino netted the second after the interval to seal a very satisfying win for the Rossoneri :thup:

Final Score : Ascoli 0 Milan 2
Milan Scorers : Seedorf (22) Gillardino (64)
Attendance : 28351
Man Of The Match: Ronaldo (Milan)


Milan Vs Chievo – Sunday 10th December 2006

Another comfortable win for Milan with 2 rare goals from Massimo Oddo, admittedly one from the spot, and the other from Francesco Totti to give the Rossoneri a well deserved 3-0 win :cool: n

Final Score : Milan 3 Chievo 0
Milan Scorers : Oddo (9, Pen 67) Totti (45)
Attendance : 82923
Man Of The Match: Massimo Oddo (Milan)

The return of the manager seems to have galvanised the team in to action and the results are speaking for themselves at the moment as Milan climb the table. More news soon!

Curvature

19th November 2006

Real Madrid 1 Espanyol 1
Attendance 67297
David Beckham recieved a red card after 2 yellows with only 37mins gone and Espanyol took full advantage of the 10men, they came forward but Casillas wasnt about to concede, everything was going well until former Barcelona man Ivan dela Pena slotted home from a corner on 84mins to put the away side ahead, 2mins of injury time was to be played at Real fans mustve thought they where going home with no points until Jarque pulled down Robinho in the box on 92mins up stepped Ramos and cooly slotted it past Kameni to earn the draw.
MOM de la Pena 9

24th November 2006

Champions League Group B Game 5

Real Madrid 2 Standard Liege 1
Attendance 69070
Real Madrid who where already through put out a weakened team for this one and it showed the quality of passing was not like Real at all David Trezeguet put Real 1-0 up on 25mins and then Cannavaro with a rare goal made it 2-0, Orlans pulled one back for the visitors on 81mins but it wasnt enough and Real march on.
MOM David Trezeguet 8

26th November 2006

Levante 0 Real Madrid 2
Attendance 25321
Real Madrid back to full strength for this one and boy did it show outshooting Levante by 19-2, Robinho opened on 41mins and then scored his 2nd and Reals final on 43mins.
MOM Ryan Babel 8

3rd December 2006

Real Madrid 4 Real Sociedad 1
Attendance 67279
Ryan Babel showing again in this one why Real Madrid signed him he grabbed the first goal on 13mins and then Alonso would pull one back after 20mins, then Babel would set up Delgado on 83mins to make it 2-1, Robinho added no3 on 88mins and in injury time up popped Alonso this time scoring a own goal to make it 4-1 to Real Madrid.
MOM Ryan Babel 8

6th December 2006

Champions League Group B Game 6

PSV 2 Real Madrid 1
Attendance 32966
Real Madrid travelled to PSV again with a weakened side this time due to international call ups but knowing they where through it didnt really matter what the end result was Tardelli put PSV up 1-0 on 13mins and Delgado would make it 1-1 on 33mins but that didnt last long as within a minute Culina ran the length of the field and slotted home past Casilla in the Real goal to make it 2-1, PSV would then have Alcides sent off for a poor tackle on Babel but it would end with the home side victorius.
MOM Diego Tardelli 8

10th December 2006

Real Madrid 1 Getafe 1
Attendance 68708
Real where clear favourites for this one with the bookies but Getafe had other ideas as they tried to upset the form book, Babel opened with only 2mins on the clock and Real fans mustve thought they was in for a lot of goals but Guiza had other ideas as he slotted home 2mins later and no more goals would be scored in this one, Chairman Calderon was furious after the game he told the press him and Perry would be meeting at some point after this game to discuss the efforts of the players.
MOM Ryan Babel 8

Perry met with the chairman after the game and he told the chairman that he was gonna need more money to buy some better players as it seemed some just werent up to the task and would be sold, David Trezeguet who was only signed this season is the first to be offered out and Roma came back with a offer Real couldnt refuse, Mancini the very good AMRL would join in July in a swap deal for Trezeguet after he told a french newspaper he wasnt happy at Real.

17th December 2006

Osasuna 0 Real Madrid 3
Attendance 19680
So with news of Trezeguet leaving the club many fans wondered if he would still give his all for the club, after 18mins he would answer them same fans by making it 1-0 Robinho made it 2-0 on 21mins and Gago sealed the win from the spot on 55mins after Lopez pulled down Raul.
MOM Raul 8

Team News
Chairman Calderon had a meeting with the rest of the board to discuss money to be given to Perry for players its been finalised that he would recieve a good amount after doing well commercially since November.
Fundage

January Transfers So Far
Marcelo joins from Fluminese for 6m
Michel Salgado is sold to Bordeaux for 900k
Renato Augusto and Gabriel Obertan join Wolfsburg (feeder club) on loan for the rest of the season.

Stay tuned for more as it unfolds at the Santiago Bernabeu

retired_abubaker

The Manchester Mail - Hepburn getting in the groove!!!!

After what was a poor September for Utd gaffer Andrew Hepburn his team have turned things around and are now getting into their rythmn at last. Some great football and a few goals and Hepburn is starting to enjoy life as Manchester Utd manager. Their champions league form is still woeful but in fairness they have been unlucky in the games they have played. Here is how the month of October went for Utd..............................


Champions League Group D

Lyon v Man Utd - (A) Wed 18th October 2006

A game that could have went either way as both teams went at each other as both were looking for a vital win. Lyon keeper Coupet walked away with the man of the match award come full time which tells the whole story about he really kept Lyon in this game at time with some superb saves to dent Utd. It was end to end stuff in the first half and Lyon got the opener right on half time through Tiago and that goal proved to be the winner in the end. Utd dominated the second half but Coupet proved just how good he is and kept them out to earn Lyon all three points and Utd's champions league hopes were lying in tatters.

Final Score - Lyon 1 v 0 Man Utd
Goals - Lyon - Tiago (45)
Att - 41006
MOTM - Gregory Coupet (Lyon)


Premiership

Man Utd v Newcastle - (H) Sat 21st October 2006

An easy win here for Utd as they brushed a poor NEwcastle side aside with some brilliant football to put the misery of Lyon behind them. Vidic got the opner for Utd on fourteen minutes but they had to wait until the eighty second minute when Ji-Sung Park slotted home a penalty. The game should have been over long before but Shay Given as always has superb games against Utd and this was no different. Hepburn was happy with the win as they really need to start winning games to get them back up the table.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 0 Newcastle
Goals - Man Utd - Vidic (14), Park (pen,82)
Att - 76210
MOTM - Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd)


Carling Cup 3rd Round

Barnsley v Man Utd - (A) Wed 25th October 2006

Utd sent a full strength team to Barnsley but they really struggled to get going against a Barnsley side with nothing to lose. The Utd fans expected a barrel load of goals considering the team and Hepburn had put out and the opposition they were facing but Barnsely played superbly well to cope with Utd and earned a standing ovation as they left hte pitch at full time. Wayne Rooney grabbed the winner for Utd in the first half but it was a poor performance by Utd.

Final Score - Barnsley 0 v 1 Man Utd
Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (27)
Att - 23107
MOTM - Kieran Richardson (Man Utd)


Premiership

Watford v Man Utd - (A) Sat 28th October 2006

A superb display from Utd as they thrashed newly promoted Watford in what was described by Hepburn as the best Utd performance of the season so far. Utd were on fire after two first half goals from Scholes and Rooney and the football they were playing was delightful. Everything was coming off and Hepburn just sat admiring his team's play. Two more goals in the second half from Richardson and Saha capped off a brilliant display with Watford's only reply coming from Marlon King, fives minutes from time. Superb performance to end the month from Utd here.

Final Score - Watford 1 v 4 Man Utd
Goals - Watford - King (85)
Goals - Man Utd - Scholes (23), Rooney (29), Richardson (82), Saha (90)
Att - 19467
MOTM - Louis Saha (Man Utd)


A great end to the month and Utd have been steadily improving with every game. They need to keep winning to try and catch up with Arsenal and Liverpool in the title race but they are a long way behind already. Their hopes in europe are all but over in what has been a poor champions league campaign so far from Utd. Lets hope they can sneak into the UEFA Cup at least.

retired_abubaker

The Manchester Mail - Hepburn struck down with mystery illness!!!!!

Just when Utd were starting to put a run together Utd manager Andrew Hepburn has been struck down with a mystery illness. Some reports are suggesting he was delibrately poisoned on an away trip at Anfield but these are only rumours and Sandy Pettigrew has denied all allegations that nor him or anyone connected with Liverpool football would do such a thing. So Utd were without their manager for the latter part of November as a result but here is how the Red Devils got on during November..............................


Champions League Group D

Man Utd v Lyon - (H) Wed 1st November 2006

Another cracking game between these two sides but Hepburn was furious with his players at full time as they let a two goal lead slip and this result has effectively put them out of europe for this season. It had all started so well for Utd and they dominated the first half and were tow goals ahead through Park and Scholes. Sloppy defending cost them dearly in the second half as Lyon came back and could have won the game in the end. Hepburn was livid at full time and rightly so with his team and made it clear to them that it was unaccpetable.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 2 Lyon
Goals - Man Utd - Park (14), Scholes (25)
Goals - Lyon - Pernambucano (46), Malouda (74)
Att - 76097
MOTM - Tiago (Lyon)


Premiership

Man Utd v West Ham - (H) Sat 4th November 2006

Utd bounced back from their disappointment mid week by beating West Ham quite easily as they kept up this wee run of form going in the Premiership. Two goals in the space of five minutes before half time saw Utd turn their domination into goals as Park and then de Jong, scoring his first goal for the club made it 2-0 at half time and cruising. The fans however were still not sure what to expect having witnessed their team crumble to Lyon despite a two goal lead. Utd continued to dominate but were unable to increase their lead due to some terrific goalkeeping from Robert Green. The fans became more nervous when Carlos Tevez pulled a goal back for West Ham and thought the worst but Utd kept their composure and went on to win this game quite easily.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 1 West Ham
Goals - Man Utd - Park (41), de Jong (45)
Goals - West Ham - Tevez (65)
Att - 76194
MOTM - Robert Green (West Ham)


Carling Cup 4th Round

Man Utd v Southampton - (H) Wed 8th November 2006

Another cup game and yet another major struggle for Utd as they only managed to overcome a resiliant Southampton side in extra time. Southampton came to Old Trafford with nothing to lose and went at Utd and were dominating in the early stages of the game. Utd could not get going and on the stroke of half time fell behind to a Saganowski goal for Southampton. Old Trafford was stunned and Hepburn was happy to hear the half time whistle. Utd came out in the second half a different team and went about trying to find an equaliser. It was Wayne Rooney who got that equaliser and the fans were hoping Utd would go on and win the game quite easily. Again it didn't turn out that way as Southampton forced extra time where Ji-Sung Park finally managed a goal but in truth they were poor and really not ideal preparation going inot a massive game against Liverpool at Anfield on the Saturday.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 1 Southampton (aet)
Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (72), Park (111)
Goals - Southampton - Saganowski (45)
Att - 53796
MOTM - Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd)


Premiership

Liverpool v Man Utd - (A) Sat 11th November 2006

A huge game for both teams as both Hepburn and Pettigrew were sampling this derby for the first time. It was a game of two halves as Liverpool had the upper hand in the first half and Utd dominated the second half but unfortunately for Utd Liverpool took their chances and were 2-0 up. Larsoon pulled a goal back for Utd just before half time to give them some hope. They had their chances after half time but they were unable to get the equaliser and Liverpool got the points. It was after the game that had everyone talking as Hepburn left in an ambulance, unconscious and suddenly football was the last thing on anyone's mind.

Final Score - Liverpool 2 v 1 Man Utd
Goals - Liverpool - Kuyt (13), Higuain (41)
Goals - Man Utd - Larsson (41)
Att - 45341
MOTM - Mohamed Sissoko (Liverpool)


Hepburn remained in hospital for the rest of November as the doctors were still unsure of just how Hepburn fell unconscious in the first place. Sandy Pettigrew denied all allegations that were made against him that he plied Hepburn with cheap Lithuanian vodka and beer. So Hepburn's number two Carlos Quieroz took over and did fairly well. Here is how he got on..................................

Man Utd v Chelsea - (H) Sat 18th November 2006
Final Score - Man Utd 0 v 0 Chelsea

Shakhtar v Man Utd - (A) Wed 22nd November 2006
Final Score - Shakhtar 3 v 1 Man Utd

Man City v Man Utd - (A) Sat 25th November 2006
Final Score - Shakhtar 3 v 1 Man Utd


So Hepburn has been struck down with an illness and Quieroz has taken temporary charge to help try and maintain Utd's good form. What next for Utd and gaffer Hepburn in what has already been a rollcoaster ride.

retired_lilylovesyou10

The Emirates Evening News

A long update now since the game is flying through and there is a lot of excitment surrounding the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal's current form.

Premiership

Arsenal 5 - 5 Reading

This game will probably have to go down as the strangest ever. With Arsenal's fire power up front high-flying Reading were barely able to handle it. But it seemed that Arsenal's away defensive record was coming back to the Emirates to say hello.

Reading got off the mark first with a goal after 11 minutes. But it was the flurry of activity as the first half drew to a close that really surprised. Henry grabbed the equaliser on 42 minutes but Kitson looked to restore Reading's lead before half time. But it was Henry again and Baptista scoring in first half injury time that gave Arsenal a 3-2 lead at the break.
Reading were again the first to find the back of the net in the second half with Doyle making it 3-3. Within 10 minutes however Arsenal looked to seal the win with Reyes scoring and then Henry completing the hattrick to make it 5-3. But again a late flurry of activity saw 2 go in for Reading with Doyle also completing his hattrick.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (42, 45, 72), Baptista (47), Reyes (66)
Reading Scorers: Doyle (11, 60, 85), Kitson (44), Jestrovic (88)
Attendance: 56299
MotM: Henry

A real goal fest there but it just goes to show that we really have to work on our defense if we are to have any chance of winning anything this year.

League Cup 3rd Round

Arsenal 10 - 0 Chester

A lot of people asked why I put out a full first team against a team like Chester and its quite simple, my players are fit enough and they like to play in all games even if they are easy. And we certainyl showed that this was easy with a 3-0 half time lead followed by a 7 goal second half to give us a nice 10-0 win.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (11, 20, 53, 60), Fabregas (13, 47, 88), Adebayor (50, 59), Hleb (64)
Attendance: 33165
MotM: Henry

Despite the lower league opposition it was nice to see the team really dominating the game and showing some real class. Also a second Hattrick in a row from Henry is a good sign. Fabregas is also performing exceptionally well at the moment. After that win we have been handed an away tie in the next round against Nottingham Forest.

Premiership

Newcastle 2 - 1 Arsenal

Well after that wonderful performance against Chester it was back on the road and some poor defensive play allowed Newcastle to come back in the second half and nick the 2-1 win.

Newcastle scorers: Parker (51), Ljubijanik (60)
Arsenal scorers: Adebayor (11)
Attendance: 52287
MotM: Taylor

At the end of that month there wasn't much in the way of awards heading to Emirates. But Reyes and Fabregas were rewarded for their goals by coming first and second respiectively in the goal of the month tournament.

Champions League Group Stage

Werder Bremen 3 - 2 Arsenal

Another away game and another poor performance. Despite trailing 2-0 at half time we came back into the game in the second half and made it 2-2. But Klose was on hand to score the winner with 15 minutes to go.

Bremen scorers: Klose (30, 74), Klasnic (36)
Arsenal scorers: Baptista (56), Henry (73)
Attendance: 42434
MotM: Klose

Another dissapointing away defeat that may put our qualification chances in doubt. But wins in our next 2 games should be enough to get through.

Premiership

Arsenal 4 - 0 Watford

Back home and again we showed our true class by hammering Watford. Only 1 goal in the first half though. 3 in the second though were enough to secure the comfortable win.

Arsenal scorers: Adebayor (30), Hleb (62), Henry (80, 88)
Attendance: 55232
MotM: Henry

Another 2 goals and man of the match award for Henry and he is looking good for the player of the year award already.

League Cup 4th Round

Nottingham Forrest 0 - 1 Arsenal

Our poor away performances continued again today with a narrow 1-0 win against lower opposition in Nottingham Forrest. Gallas got his goal scoring underway with a header from a corner.

Arsenal scorers: Gallas (36)
Attendance:
MotM: Silva

Despite the poor performance I am still pleased to have advanced into the quarter finals of the league cup with Newcastle at home standing between us and a place in the semis.

Premiership

West Ham 0 - 3 Arsenal

A sharp improvement in our away form here with a comfortable win over rivals West Ham. Henry added to his impressive tally by firing home with only 19 seconds on the clock. Gilberto Silva and Baptista made it 3-0 before Mejia was sent off for the Hammers. Despite the man advantage the score stayed at 3-0. But that is good enough for me.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (1), Silva (13), Baptista (25)
Sent Off Mejia (39)
Attendance: 35476
MotM: Silva

Premiership

Arsenal 3 - 2 Liverpool

The second time another human manager makes the trip to Emirates and again Arsenal see them off with some nice football. Liverpool were on form coming into the game and the bookies had them as 4-5 favourites. But they forgot to take into account Arsenal's dominance at home. Baptista gave Arsenal the lead with 8 minutes on the clock. But Kuyt brought it back 5 minutes later. Liverpool were perhaps the better side in the first half, but with 11 shots on goal and 52% possession Arsenal weren't to be written off just yet. An own goal by Eboue early in the second half looked to give the pool the lead they 'deserved'. But William Gallas got his head on the end of 2 corners and gave Arsenal the win after a wonderful second half performance. 23 shots in total for Arsenal with 52% of the possession for the home side too.

Arsenal scorers: Baptista (8), Gallas (66, 86)
Liverpool scorers: Kuyt (14), Eboue (o.g. 56)
Attendance: 60407
MotM: Gallas

Always nice to beat Sandy and even nicer when the winning goals come from your centre half with the exact same set piece .

Champions League Group Stage

Arsenal 5 - 0 Celtic

With 2 defeats already in the champions league qualification was at risk. But all that is required is 2 wins since Celtic and Bremen have still to play each other again. So with that in mind we went into this game with a win firmly in mind. Another outstanding display later and we are 3 points the better with only Debrecen away standing between us and the next stage.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (17, 50), Fabregas (29), Baptista (80, 86)
Attendance: 57656
MotM: Henry

Premiership

Chelsea 4 - 1 Arsenal

So far we have been getting away with our poor away form, but not today. A poor performance all round capped off by an injury to Henry and a missed penalty by Hleb.

Chelsea scorers: Robben (4, 47), Drogba (44, 45)
Arsenal scorers: Toure (41)
Attendance: 42345
MotM: Robben

Premiership

Arsenal 1 - 0 Man City

Clearly shaken by the humiliating defeat at Chelsea the team weren't quite right for this game at home to Citeh. And a stunning performance from their keeper kept our goal machines at bay for the majority of the match. But with 5 minutes to go up steps Henry to seal the win.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (84)
Attendance:
MotM: Weaver

Premiership

Tottenham 0 - 2 Arsenal

Time for another away derby day and this time its spurs. But a much better performance this time around sees us take all 3 points home.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (17), Van Persie (61)
Attendance: 36242
MotM: Toure

Champions League Group Stage

Debrecen 0 - 8 Arsenal

Basically a must win game today. With Celtic taking on Bremen someone has to drop points which means 3 points here would guarentee a playe in the next round, behind the winner between Celtic and Bremen. Not much to say about the game except that Henry is a god. A hattrick within the first half hour was enough to pretty much ensure the win. And with Debrecen being reduced to 9 men in the second half it was like a training day for the Gunners. 2 more for Henry, 2 for Baptista and 1 for Rosicky sealed the win.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (9, 23, 30, 72, 89), Rosicky (81), Baptista (83, 90)
Sent Off: Barabas (66), Feher (79)
Attendance: 10188
MotM: Henry

A fantastic performance takes us into the next round behind Bremen who beat Celtic.

Premiership

Arsenal 2 - 0 Bolton

Coming off that impressive win in Hungary the boys were thirsty for more and dominated the game today against Bolton with Baptista grabbing both goals.

Arsenal scorers: Baptista (10, 79)
Attendance: 55197
MotM: Baptista

Some nice performances behind us now and its good to see the boys playing well together. On the financial side of things its good news as we sign an agreement that sees Chicago Fire in America become our feeder club. This should ensure a large interest in our team from across the pond.

The draw was also made for the champions league knock-out stage and the Gunners will face PSV with the first leg at Emirates.

premiership

Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Arsenal

I guess its back to our poor old away form. Despite dominating the game with 55% possession we just didn't seem to be able to break down their defence and get the shots on and the game ended 1-1 with Henry grabbing the equaliser with 20 minutes to go in the second half.

Middlesbrough scorers: Dong-Gook (19)
Arsenal scorers: Henry (69)
Attendance: 34941
MotM: Henry

League Cup Quarter Final

Arsenal 5 - 0 Newcastle

I guess there really is something wrong with our away tactics as we got revenge on Newcastle today for their 2-1 win in the league at St. James'. 4 first half goals pretty much ended the game, but just to make sure Henry put in a fifth in the second half.

Arsenal scorers: Baptista (12), Hleb (28), Henry (32, 61), Adebayor (42)
Attendance: 59433
MotM: Henry

Into the semis now and it will be Andy's job to try and stop us reaching the finaly as his underperforming United are drawn against the mighty Gooners.

Premiership

Arsenal 4 - 0 Aston Villa

Yet another top notch performance to destroy Villa at Emirates. The goal machines are in full power mode now as Henry adds another 2 and Hleb and Fabregas add to their impressive tallies too.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (6, 75), Hleb (45), Fabregas (46)
Attendance: 57024
MotM: Henry

Arsenal 6 - 0 Blackburn

Straight into the next league match at home and this time it is Blackburn to be humiliated. A first half hattrick and 1 from Gallas put the game beyond doubt. But a late sending off for Khizanishvili gave Arsenal even more freedom to run all over them and Walcott and Henry added another 2.

Arsenal scorers: Gallas (11), Henry (22,33,43,86), Walcott (80)
Sent Off: Khizanishvili (70)
Attendance: 54838
MotM: Henry

That game brings the year to an end and a farily good first half of the season for Arsenal. In particular Henry, who is just banging home the goals. As recognition for his performances he was awarded with the World Footballer of the Year title. Totally derservedly too.

In terms of the monthly awards it is a total mystery how I didn't get manager of the month. But instead I came second. Fabregas also came only second in the young player of the month awards. But Henry was awarded with the player of the month.

So to wrap up the year so far: we are currently sitting first in the premiership with a 1 point and 1 game advantage over Liverpool. Also waiting to play Manchester United over 2 legs in the League Cup semi final. And Crept into the knockout stages of the champions league with PSV the team with the task of preventing us making it even further.

Premiership

Arsenal 4 - 2 Charlton

Another home game looked to be sealed before the half time whistle was even blown. A goal from youngster Theo Walcott got the game underway and Moreno gave Charlton a tough task after being sent off with only 28 minutes gone. A goal from Fabregas and first ever goal for Alonos in an Arsenal shirt gave us a 3-0 half time lead. But Charlton staged a comback in the second half with 2 goals from Bent. But Walcott sealed the win with his second of the day.

Arsenal scorers: Walcott (19, 54), Fabregas (30), Alsono (32)
Charlton scorers: Bent (48, 82)
Sent Off: Moreno (28)
Attendance: 60405
MotM: Walcott

So there you have it, a monster update there to set us up for the next session as we look to continue our domination in the world of football.

retired_pdostie

Milan (A) Serie A

1-1

This was a boring braw which saw both teams score in the first 10 mins, first a goal from Ronaldo gave Milan a short lead before Van Nistelrooy equalised. With both manager ‘away’ and the assistants in charge this was probably the best result either side could have hoped for in the circumstances.

Atalanta (H) Serie A

1-0

This was a game that everyone expected Roma to dominate and although they were by far the better team they only managed a 1-0 victory courtesy of another Van Nistelrooy penalty. The down side to the victory was three players limped off injured all of which it was later found out would be missing for approximately 2 months each.

Barcelona (H) Champions League

1-3

A must win game if Roma are to progress but this is not easy game against the Spanish Giants. It was the Spanish giants who took the game on as if they needed to win and had a goal disallowed after only a few mins. It wasn’t long before they did take the lead, Ronaldinho found Saviola in the box who turned in a crowd of players and fired the ball past the helpless Curci. Barcelona’s second came minutes later when Belletti picked out Torres in the area and he made no mistake with the header from close range. Deco then put the game out of reach and Roma out of the Champions League on 39 mins. For Roma things went from bad to worse as Inzaghi was taken off after losing Willhelmson earlier and having no subs left Roma was forced to play the last 10 mins with 10 men and finally managed a consolation goal when Perrotta struck one from 20 yards beating Jorquera on 88 minutes.


Parma (A) Serie A

0-1

Roma started this game in super mood and it was only the superb reactions of Parma Keeper Vilar that kept them from taking the lead. Roma did finally take the lead when a Carvalho Free kick clipped the edge of the wall and squeezed its way past the Parma Keeper into the far corner. Roma continued to pile on the pressure but was unable to beat Vilar. Parma had there own good spell in the least 20 mins bringing fine saves from Roma keeper Curci who has been in great form at the start of the season.

Rimini (A) Italian Cup 1st round 2nd Leg

0-2

Roma started well and took the lead on 12 minutes. The goal came when Bale crossed in from the corner and found Vucinic at the front post to nod in from close range. Vucinic then became provider as a long ball into him from De Rossi brought out a good save form the keeper who ended along way out and was helpless when the rebound found its way to Perrotta to score from 20 yards.

Messina (H) Serie A

3-1

A bright start from Roma but it was a superb individual goal from Bakayoko for the visitors to take the lead as he picked the ball up 40 yards out took on 4 defenders before placing the ball past the Keeper. They held the lead until Perrotta got the ball near the by-line squared it back and Tavano was there to put the ball inside the near post from the edge of the area. Then it was Carvalho who stepped up and showed why Jenkinson had paid £5million the first of his two goals came from a expertly executed free kick from 20 yard which dipped into the bottom corner. For his second goal he picked the ball up outside the area, made a great run towards the left before releasing a great strike which the keeper could only parry into his own net.


Fenerbahce (A) Champions League

3-1

With no chance of progressing through to the knockout stages of the Champions League Roma need to avoid defeat to book them a place in the Uefa Cup. They didn’t do them selves any favours in this first half and went 1 down just before the break when a shot hit the bar and landed at Appiah’s feet and he finished from just inside the box. They held the lead till Faty shot from 25 yards and a deflection wrong footed the keeper and found it was in. Inzaghi made it 2-1 on 87 minutes and Van Nistelrooy scored again just before the final whistle to help Roma to 3rd place finish in the Champions League group stage.


Torino (A) Serie A

2-1

This was a game where Roma could show there true form on TV after there horrible Champions League run. Things started well for them and they took the lead on 23 minutes when Van Nistelrooy turned the last defender and his shot was saved by the keeper only for the ball to find its way to Taddei to place into the open net. After the goal Torino was a different team and dominated and finally got there reward on 60- minutes when after a lot of pressure a header by Conan from a corner found its way into the net through the crowd. They then took a well deserved lead 5 minutes later from the spot after Ferrari fouled in the box and Muzzi put the penalty home.

Palermo (A) Serie A

0-2

This was a game in which both team looked good for spells and was only decided by a bit of luck and good timing. Roma took the lead when a fierce shot across the goals was only parried out as far as Tavano to tap in at the back post. Wilhelmsson then made it 2 on 40 minute when he was put through the middle by Vunic and he slotted past the keeper. There was chances for both teams in the second half but neither team could put the ball in the net and when Palermo was denied a penalty it was never going to be there day.

Sampdoria (H) Serie A

1-1

This was a game that everyone had down as a definite win for Roma. Sampdoria though didn’t come to lose without a fight and got an early goal courtesy of a wonderful free-kick from Volpi form 20 yards out. Roma then piled on the pressure before finally getting the equaliser when Perrotta put the ball through to Van Nistelrooy who put the ball into the top corner from inside the box. Roma tried everything to get the second goal but it just didn’t come and a lack of goals seems to be a real problem for the Rome giants this season.

retired_abubaker

The Manchester Mail - Hepburn returns from illness!!!!!!

During December Utd gaffer Andrew Hepburn returned to managerial duties after a month off due to a poisoning scare. At the centre of the storm surrounding the poisoning is none other than arch rival Sandy Pettigrew, manager of Liverpool. He of course denies all knowledge as do everyone connected with Liverpool so the mystery surrounding this situation continues. On the football front Utd seemed to be lacking real firepower in the matches Carlos Queiroz took control of. They have slipped further behind in the title race and third or fourth place is looking more realistic for Utd this season. Here is how December went for the Red Devils...........


Bolton v Man Utd - (A) Sat 2nd December 2006
Final Score - Bolton 1 v 1 Man Utd

Man Utd v CSKA Moscow - (H) Wed 6th December 2006
Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 2 CSKA Moscow

Man Utd v Middlesboro - (H) Sat 9th December 2006
Final Score - Man Utd 1 v 1 Middlesboro

So it was time for Hepburn to return and inject some real firepower and a cutting edge as they had stuttered to draws while Hepburn was away.


Premiership

Aston Villa v Man Utd - (A) Sat 16th December 2006

An awful return for Hepburn as he saw his side well beaten by Aston Villa. It was a poor poor show from Utd and Hepburn looked horrified at what he was witnessing. Of all people it was John Carew who tore them apart and this guy has not scored a goal in years!!!! It was terrible and Hepburn was absolutely livid.

Final Score - Aston Villa 4 v 1 Man Utd
Goals - Aston Villa - Carew (1,54,57), Barry (68)
Goals - Man Utd - Saha (23)
Att - 42511
MOTM - John Carew (Aston Villa)


Carling Cup Quarter Final

Man Utd v Tottenham - (H) Wed 20th December 2006

Hepburn had his team in all week for extra training such was the nature of the performance against Villa. There was no fight or passion and Hepburn was getting this drilled into the players ready for the visit of Tottenham who could cause Utd more problems if they did not play well. Hepburn's harsh words and tactics seemed to pay off as Utd did not stop running until the final whsitle and they were rewarded with a superb 2-0 win. Both goals came in the first half through Park from the penalty spot early on and then Rooney, five minutes from half time. Paul Robinson pulled off a couple of great saves to deny Utd from more goals but it was back to winning ways from Hepburn and Utd.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 0 Tottenham
Goals - Man Utd - Park (pen,8), Rooney (40)
Att - 74081
MOTM - Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd)


Premiership

Man Utd v Blackburn - (H) Sat 23rd December 2006

Hepburn was looking for another win against Blackburn but he knew it would not be easy and so it proved to be with superman Brad Friedel in goal for them. Utd threw everything at him for eighty eight minutes and he was equal to it all. Utd then brought on supersub Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and with one swift right foot shot from the great Norwegian and it was 1-0 to Utd. He has made his name as thee greatest sub ever I think and he proved it again today. Utd more than deserved their win but they left it very late and a masterstroke from Hepburn ensured another three points for Utd.

Final Score - Man Utd 1 v 0 Blackburn
Goals - Man Utd - Solskjaer (88)
Att - 76199
MOTM - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Man Utd)


Premiership

Man Utd v Sheffield Utd - (H) Tues 26th December 2006

An easy win here for Utd as they strolled past a hapless Sheffield Utd side. Utd dominated throughout and could have scored a few goals during this game. A goal in either half was enough for Utd with park grabbing the opener and yet another goal for this lad who is in the form of his life at the moment. Then eight minutes from time Alan Smith scored his first goal of the season after coming back from a very serious leg break last season.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 0 Sheffield Utd
Goals - Man Utd - Park (31), Smith (82)
Att - 71557
MOTM - Patrice Evra (Man Utd)


A great end to the year for Utd with a run of three straights and they are looking better all the time. lets hope they can take this form into the new year and try and push for honours next year.

retired_pjscott64

David, talk about high scoring eh! great reports from you, Gaz Rob and Andy, just need Sandy & "Esteban" to catch up now! :p