Thursday 25 November 2010

The worst misses of the season so far

Nigeria's Yakubu Aiyegbeni misses a goal against South Korea during a 2010 World Cup Group B soccer match at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban June 22, 2010. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)


Featuring our very own Yakubu, someone who somehow kneed the ball over from six inches out and possibly the worst miss of all time by a Qatari international....


Wednesday 24 November 2010

Beware early Premier League contenders - the same teams will be there at the end

MOSCOW, RUSSIA. OCTOBER 19, 2010. Chelsea FC manager Carlo Ancelotti watches a UEFA Champions League game Spartak Moscow vs. Chelsea. (Photo ITAR-TASS / Alexei Filippov) Photo via Newscom


In a league that is proving close, tight and unpredictable, journalists have been falling over themselves in recent weeks to declare new sides in the title race.

After last weekend’s games Man City, Spurs and Bolton were the latest names to be bandied about as positive results for all three lifted them into the top five.

Chelsea’s little slip up at the top has also got people excited again, given the league was all but sewn up a few weeks ago.

However, despite all the hysteria it is important to remember, without risking to sound like a football manager, there is still a long way to go (ok I did but bear with me).

Mourinho up to his old tricks again

You gotta love him.

Jose Mourinho has played the system again and despite the angry blustering reaction of the commentators, there is nothing anyone can do about it.

For those who didn't see it Real players Xavi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were shown second yellow cards for timewasting in the dying minutes of their 4-0 Champions League win over Ajax.

The result is that they will miss the now meaningless final group game with Marseille but in have a clean slate for when the knock out stages begin.

The link below shows several secret discussions between Mourinho, his backroom staff and several players, presumably hatching the crafty plan.

Is there much UEFA can do? Not really, they can't prove it was done deliberately and no rules were broken.

I suppose it is slightly against the spirit of the game but as Mourinho fan I say fair play to him. He has played the system and got away with it.

Have look below to see for yourself:





The real players/staff discussion the crafty scheme can be seen here.

Tuesday 23 November 2010

What a difference a year makes

Jan 26, 2010 - Bolton, United Kingdom - Premier League: Bolton Wanderers 1 v 0 Burnley.Bolton's Owen Coyle delighted with KEVIN DAVIES and the win.


Twelve months ago Bolton lost at home to local rivals Blackburn to slip into the bottom three. They had conceded 17 goals in six games, lost four on the bounce and boss Gary Megson, deeply unpopular with the fans, stood on the brink.

Do Gunners lack the fight needed to win Premier League?

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur , Premier League 20/11/2010 Arsenal Manager /Head Coach, Arsene Wenger reacts as his team loses 2-3  Photo Marc Atkins Fotosports International 07783 913 777 Photo via Newscom


The sight of Arsene Wenger slamming a bottle of water to the ground in frustration (giving Pat Rice a soaking in the process) is perhaps one of the images of the weekend.

It was also the only sign of passion or fight emanating from the Arsenal camp in a game against Spurs they should never have lost.

After two battling away wins at Wolves and Everton – results that caused many to tip the Gunners for the title – old flaws were once again exposed at home to their bitter rivals.

West Ham on the brink

A Dejected Avram Grant Manager West Ham United 2010/11 Aston Villa V West Ham United (3-0) 14/08/10 The Premier League Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom


The rapidly emptying seats in the away section at Anfield on Saturday said it all.

A section of West Ham’s beleaguered supporters voted with their feet as their side slipped to another disappointing loss against Liverpool.

The Hammers were 3-0 down within 38 minutes and the fans who did stick around to watch the rest of the game chose to voice their anger and frustration at what has been a nightmare season for the London club so far.

Monday 22 November 2010

New boys enter title race - can they last the pace?

Fulham v Manchester City , Premier League 21/11/2010 Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City celebrates scoring the second goal 0-2 Photo Marc Atkins Fotosports International 07783 913 777 Photo via Newscom


In a Premier League season that is proving as unpredictable as ever it also seems the title race is just as open.

The ‘big four’s’ monopoly on the top four positions may have been broken last season but many still saw the Premier League title as an honour bestowed on a select few clubs – namely Man United and Chelsea
in recent years.


Are Spurs genuine title contenders?

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur , Premier League 20/11/2010 Younes Kaboul of Tottenham celebrates scoring the winning goal with team mates 2-3  Photo Marc Atkins Fotosports International 07783 913 777 Photo via Newscom



In a refreshingly honest and positive post match press conference (perhaps helped by the feel good factor a first away win over Arsenal in 17 years brings) Harry Redknapp declared his Spurs side as genuine
title contenders and capable of ‘beating anybody’.

PMP 2.0

Goodison Park Everton v Arsenal (1-2) Premier League 14/11/2010 Tim Cahill (Everton) Photo: Roger Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom


After an enforced absence PMP is being ressurected and hopefully will be as informative and witty (ahem) as ever....