Mondat Night Football Game Week 15

Swansea City 1 v 1 Hull City Graham (9), Chico (65)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Graham scores against his former club with a left footed volley at the far post from close range. Pozuelo fires over the bar from the edge of the box.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Chico levels for Swansea after a Shelvey cross hits him and goes in from close range. Sagbo has a long range driven shot well saved by the keeper. Michu has a shot saved.
Full Time: 1-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Shelvey. Swansea fought back well from a tough position to take a point from the game. Hull looked the more likely to win the game but were unable to hold on during the second half. It was good to see Graham score against his old club too.

Best Goal: Graham

Super Sunday Game Week 15

Arsenal 1 v 1 Everton Ozil (80), Deulofeu (84)
First Half: Mirallas fires a shot very wide of goal. Giroud has an effort blocked by Howard. Ramsay has an effort saved by Howard.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Cazorla has a header saved. Pienaar has a long range driven shot saved. Ramsay has a volley parried past the post. Barkley has a driven shot from the edge of the box punched away. Flaimini drags a low shot wide of the far post. Mirallas fires a strike just wide of the post. Goal! 1-0, Ozil puts Arsenal in front after firing into the roof of the net from Walcott's headed pass. Goal! 1-1, Everton strike straight back as Deulofeu fires a strike into the far corner. Lukaku fires an effort over the bar. Giroud unleashes a long range wonder volley that crashes back off the bar.
Full Time: 1-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Barkley. Everton hold Arsenal at the Emirates. Arsenal deserved a point but to win would have been cruel on Everton. It seemed as though Ozil had scored a late winner only for Everton to reply in quick succession. Giroud nearly produced a goal of the season strike at the death but amazingly the ball bounced back off the bar. Everton were very impressive and deserved at least a point. They controlled much of the match and outplayed Arsenal at times. Very promising signs for the Evertonian fans.

Fulham 2 v 0 Aston Villa Sidwell (21), Berbatov (30pen)
First Half: Berbatov has a header parried onto the post. Benteke heads wide of the post. Benteke has a low shot parried away. Kacaniklic has an effort cleared off the line. Goal! 1-0 Fulham take the lead after Sidwell chips the ball over the keeper from an acute close range angle. Penalty! Bacuna fouls Kacaniklic inside the box. Goal! 2-0, Berbatov calmly rolls the ball into the bottom corner. Delph fires a strike wide across goal. Berbatov has a shot saved.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Karagounis fires just over the bar from long range. Reither hits the post with a header. Benteke has a shot tipped over the bar.
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Berbatov. Fulham grab a vital victory over Villa. Fulham put in a much stronger performance and were good value for their win. Villa were very lacklustre and didn't get themselves into the game. A very disappointing game for Villa who want to forget that one quickly. 

Best Goal: Deulofeu

Soccer Saturday Game Week 15

Stoke City 3 v 2 Chelsea Schurrle (9, 53), Crouch (42), Ireland (50), Assaidi (90)
First Half: Ramires fires over the bar from close range. Goal! 0-1, Chelsea take the lead after Schurrle fires in from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Ramires blasts over from the edge of the box. Ramires has a shot easily saved. Goal! 1-1, Stoke are level just before half time as Crouch slots a low shot past Cech following a corner. 
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Goal! 2-1, Stoke take the lead as Ireland curls into the far bottom corner from the edge of the box. Goal! 2-2, Chelsea level back after Schurrle rifles a shot past the keeper from the edge of the box. Schurrle hits the crossbar from the edge of the box. Ireland wastes a great chance by blazing over the bar. Eto'o strikes a low shot just wide of the post. Goal! 3-2, Stoke score a late winner as Assaidi produces a wonder strike from the edge of the box that beats Cech.
Full Time: 3-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Ireland. A real shock result as Stoke score three times to beat Chelsea. A great win for Stoke who took their chances really well and pulled off a great upset. Chelsea actually played quite well and scored two decent goals through Schurrle but they were just dumbstruck by some brilliant goals from Stoke.

Manchester United 0 v 1 Newcastle United Cabaye (61)
First Half: Debuchy has a close range shot well saved by De Gea.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Hernandez has a close range low shot saved at the near post. Januzaj has a volley saved. Evra heads onto the post. Goal! 0-1, Newcastle take the lead as Cabaye strikes from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Van Persie has a goal ruled out for offside. Van Persie hits a free kick that just goes wide of the far post.
Full Time: 0-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Tiote. Another shock result as Newcastle stun Old Trafford. United were very poor and lacked a creative spark all game. A poor performance and poor result puts the pressure on Moyes to achieve better results. Newcastle put in a real shift and their plan worked out. They kept themselves in the game and took their chance to score really well. Deserved win for Newcastle.

Liverpool 4 v 1 West Ham United Demel OG (42), Sakho (47), Skrtel OG (66), Suarez (81), O'Brien OG (84)
First Half: Henderson fires an effort over at the far post. Maiga has a header well saved. Goal! 1-0, Liverpool take the lead as Demel converts into his own goal from Suarez's parried shot. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Sakho doubles Liverpool's lead from close range following a free kick. Goal! 2-1, West Ham grab a goal back as Skrtel turns the ball into his own net from Jarvis' cross. Maiga puts an effort just wide of the far post. Goal! 3-1, Suarez scores with a header at the far post. Nolan is sent off for a straight red card offence. Goal! 4-1, Suarez strikes from the edge of the box but his effort deflects off O'Brien past the keeper.
Full Time: 4-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Suarez. A routine win for Liverpool. Liverpool put plenty of pressure on the Hammers defence and it paid off well for them as they churned out a deserved win. West Ham coped well up until Suarez put Liverpool 3-1 up. Nolan got frustrated and was rightly sent off for a nasty stamp. That left the Hammers open and they conceded again after. 

Southampton 1 v 1 Manchester City Aguero (10), Osvaldo (42)
First Half: Davies drags a volley wide. Goal! 0-1, Aguero puts City ahead with a low shot inside the far post from a Kolarov cross. Cork has a long range shot saved. Aguero blazes an effort over the bar. Chambers heads just wide at the far post. Goal! 1-1, Osvaldo equalises for Saints with a special goal after cutting inside and curling an effort into the far top corner from the edge of the box. Nasri blazes an effort over the bar.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Aguero has a volley parried away. Toure fires a shot just wide. Osvaldo blazes well over the bar. Osvaldo fires a low shot wide across goal.
Full Time: 1-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Osvaldo. Southampton hold Man City to a draw. It was a very good performance from the Saints and they even dominated the second half. Man City opened the scoring but were in a real battle from then after. After how they game went, City should be pleased to have come away with a point.

Sunderland 1 v 2 Tottenham Hotspur Johnson (37), Paulinho (43), O'Shea OG (50)
First Half: Colback fires over the bar. Goal! 1-0, Johnson puts Sunderland ahead after smashing into the far top corner from close range. Goal! 1-1, Paulinho levels for Spurs just before half time after prodding in from close range Chadli's pass. 
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Goal! 1-2, Spurs go ahead as O'Shea converts into his own goal from Dembele's cross. Defoe heads onto the near post. Defoe fires just wide of the far post. Defoe hits the near post with a cheeky flick.
Full Time: 1-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Paulinho. Spurs grind out tough away win. Sunderland were very much in the game but just couldn't find that second goal to take away a point. Tottenham deserved to win the match in the end after coming from behind to do so. Defoe was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet after striking the post twice but a good result nevertheless for Spurs.

West Bromich Albion 0 v 2 Norwich City Hooper (13), Fer (89)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Norwich take the lead after Hooper drills a low shot into the far bottom corner. Mulumbu has a low shot saved. Anichebe has an effort tipped over the bar. 
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Sessegnon has a shot blocked on the line. Sessegnon places a shot just wide of the post. Howson curls a long range shot just over the bar. Sessegnon has a shot saved. Mulumbu fires an effort wide of the post. Long has a header well saved. Goal! 0-2, Fer scores with a low shot inside of the near post.
Full Time: 0-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Hooper. Norwich pull off important away win. West Brom had plenty of chances but it was just one of those days when it wouldn't go in for the Baggies. Norwich were good value for their win and took their chances well. 

Crystal Palace 2 v 0 Cardiff City Jerome (6), Chamakh (57)
First Half: Campbell has a header brilliantly saved. Goal! 1-0, Palace go in front after Jerome heads in from close range. Bannan curls an effort wide of the post. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Jerome fires a long range low shot just wide of the post. Goal! 2-0, Chamakh strikes a low shot into the far bottom corner to double Palace's lead. Odemwingie heads just wide of the post. Jerome has a shot that deflects wide. Jerome has an effort that is saved right on the line. Jerome puts an effort wide.
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Jerome. Palace strikers both fire past Cardiff. Palace proved themselves to be the better team today and deservedly took all three points. Jerome has a made a big impact on Palace and could easily have scored a few more. Cardiff were not at their best and failed to create any real opportunities.

Best Goal: Assaidi, Schurrle, Osvaldo. Winner: Assaidi

Ashes Series Australia v England - Second Test (Day 5) Adelaide

Australia win the second test match

Australia 570-9 declared and 132-3 declared beat England 172 and 312 by 218 runs (Australia lead Series 2-0)

It took Australia just over an hour to bowl England out for 312 and take a 2-0 series lead. Broad put on a show for a crowd entertaining 29 off 26 balls but soon fell to Siddle. Swann lasted 14 balls before edging behind to the slips as England were reduced to 293-8. Prior played well and took England over the 300 run mark but was soon dismissed by Siddle for 69. Panesar offered little resistance and seven balls later was dismissed by Harris as England were bowled out for 312, losing by 218 runs to Australia. Australia now lead the series 2-0 after two tests.

My Opinion:
Well I can't say I'm surprised as England didn't have a chance but it was all over rather quickly. Broad decided to hit out and it worked for a short spell before getting caught. Swann didn't look up to it and returned back to the pavilion after 14 balls. It was good to see Prior get some much needed runs for the team and himself but when he fell to Siddle the writing was on the wall. Australia didn't have to wait very long to take the final wicket as Panesar was gone after seven balls. Overall, it was a better batting effort in general by England during their second innings and they will need to find some big scores from somewhere during the third test. Australia look in fine form and have nothing to worry about. Warner and Johnson are very dangerous players to face right now and England will need to find ways of stopping them from being so destructive. 



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Morning Session:
0016: 255-7, Broad 29 (26), 3 fours and 1 six, caught Lyon, Siddle.
0037: 282-7, 50 for Prior.
0054: 293-8, Swann 6 (14), caught Clarke, Harris.
0056: 301-8, Prior 69*, Anderson 2*.
0057: 301-9, Prior 69 (102), 12 fours, caught Harris, Siddle.
0110: 312 all out, Panesar 0 (7), caught Rogers, Harris. Anderson 13*(14), 2 fours.
Australia win by 218 runs and lead the series 2-0.

Batsman of the Innings: Root 87 (194)
Bowler of the Innings: Siddle 4-57

Batsman of the Test: Clarke 148 (344)
Bowler of the Test: Johnson with 8 wickets

Ashes Series Australia v England - Second Test (Day 4) Adelaide

Australia on the brink of victory

Australia 570-9 declared and 132-3 declared lead England 172 and 247-6 by 283 runs (Australia lead Series 1-0)

Australia only require four more wickets on the final day to win the second test match. Clarke decided to declare on 132-3 just before the start of play which left the Australian bowlers two days to bowl England out. It was not the start England were hoping for as they were reduced to 65-2 by lunch, with Cook and Carberry both being dismissed. Root and Pietersen offered some resistance with a 100 run partnership but Siddle bowled Pietersen out to leave England struggling on 131-3. Bell only lasted 19 balls before being sent back to the pavilion as England fought their way to 143-4 at Tea. Two more wickets fell during the evening session as Australia closed in on victory. Lyon managed to take the important wicket of Root, who fell on 87 before Stokes edged behind as England finished the day on 247-6 and 283 runs behind.

My Opinion:
Australia are inevitably going to wrap things up tomorrow and I fully expect it to be before lunch is taken. A bold decision by Clarke at the start of the day to declare but it gave his bowlers two full days to bowl England out. It was disappointing to see both openers dismissed cheaply and early on as it set a bad tone for the rest of the order. Root and Pietersen tried their best and looked as though they could offer some resistance but as soon as Pietersen was dismissed it was the beginning of the end for England. Bell quickly followed as England were down four wickets by Tea. Losing Root was disastrous for England and marked the point where all England's hopes had gone. Stokes put in a shift but England needed so much more. It would be naive to hope England can score another 283 runs or even bat out the whole fifth day so expect Australia to take a 2-0 series lead tomorrow.



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Morning Session:
23.59: 132-3 declared, Warner 83*(117), 9 fours and 1 six, Smith 23*(34), 2 fours.

Batsman of the Innings: Warner 83*(117)
Bowler of the Innings: Anderson 2-19

England Second Innings:
0011: 1-1, Cook 1 (7), caught Harris, Johnson.
0053: 20-2, Carberry 14 (39), 2 fours, caught Lyon, Siddle.
0151: 56-2, Root 26*, Pietersen 12*.
0215: 65-2, Root 29*, Pietersen 18*, Lunch.

Afternoon Session:
0303: 70-2, 50 partnership between Root 32* and Pietersen 20*.
0329: 102-2, Root 49*, Pietersen 35*.
0337: 104-2, 50 for Root.
0353: 128-2, 100 partnership between Root 59* and 50 for Pietersen.
0414: 131-3, Pietersen 53 (99), 2 fours and 3 sixes, bowled by Siddle.
0444: 143-4, Bell 6 (19), 1 four, caught Johnson, Smith.
0449: 143-4, Root 66*, Stokes 0*, Tea.

Evening Session:
0509: 151-4, Root 74*, Stokes 0*.
0548: 171-5, Root 87 (194), 9 fours, caught Haddin, Lyon.
0643: 200-5, Stokes 20*, Prior 16*.
0704: 210-6, Stokes 28 (90), 5 fours, caught Clarke, Harris.
0736: 247-6, Prior 31*, Broad 22*, Close of play. England trail by 283 runs.

Batsman of the Day: Root 87 (194)
Bowler of the Day: Siddle 2-21

Player of the Day: Joe Root

Ashes Series Australia v England - Second Test (Day 3) Adelaide

Johnson rips England apart

Australia 570-9 declared and 132-3 lead England 172 by 530 runs (Australia lead Series 1-0)

Mitchell Johnson took seven wickets as England crumbled to 172 all out. England's top order failed to grasp a stable stance as the tourists were reduced to 116-4 at lunch as Carberry, Pietersen and Root all fell. Things didn't get much better for England during the afternoon session they lost a further six wickets as Johnson stormed through the order to reduce England to 172 all out by Tea. Australia put themselves firmly on top by the close of play as Warner scored a rapid 83* to help the hosts to 132-3. Australia lead England by 530 runs going into day four of the second Test.

My Opinion:
An awful day for England as they were embarrassingly bowled out for 172. Johnson was bowling the spells of his life and amazingly took seven wickets as the English batsman looked scared to face another ball from the guy. Carberry and Bell are exempt of my annoyance as they put some graft in and scored fifties. However, Prior, Broad and Anderson all contributed nothing to the total and that just isn't good enough. A disastrous first innings has left England with an extremely tough task to get a draw from this match. To rub salt into the English wounds, Warner managed to blast his was to 83* in the evening session as Australia piled on the misery. With two days left to go it is going to take a monumental effort from England to bat out for a draw. 



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Morning Session:
0031: 52-1, Carberry 31*, Root 15*.
0038: 57-2, Root 15 (80), 1 four, caught Rogers, Lyon.
0059: 66-3, Pietersen 4 (12), caught Bailey, Siddle.
0117: 96-3, 50 for Carberry.
0119: 104-3, Carberry 58*, Bell 20*.
0158: 111-4, Carberry 60 (144), 10 fours, caught Warner, Watson.
0202: 116-4, Bell 29*, Stokes 0*, Lunch.

Afternoon Session:
0252: 117-5, Stokes 1 (12), lbw Johnson.
0256: 117-6, Prior 0 (4), caught Haddin, Johnson.
0303: 117-7, Broad 0 (1), bowled by Johnson.
0322: 135-8, Swann 7 (7), caught Clarke, Johnson (5 wicket haul).
0324: 135-9, Anderson 0 (1), bowled by Johnson.
0351: 159-9, 50 for Bell.
0425: 172 all out, Panesar 2 (35), bowled by Johnson. Bell 72*(106). Tea.

Batsman of the Innings: Bell 72*(106)
Bowler of the Innings: Johnson 7-40

Evening Session:

Australia Second Innings:
0456: 4-1, Rogers 2 (10), caught Prior, Anderson.
0459: 4-2, Watson 0 (2), caught Carberry, Anderson.
0559: 51-2, Warner 32*, Clarke 17*.
0610: 61-2, 50 partnership between Warner 38* and Clarke 20*.
0618: 65-3, Clarke 22 (51), 2 fours, bowled by Panesar.
0635: 86-3, 50 for Warner.
0701: 107-3, Warner 69*, Smith 13*.
0710: 117-3, 50 partnership between Warner 74* and Smith 18*.
0733: 132-3, Warner 83*, Smith 23*. Close of play. Australia lead by 530 runs.

Batsman of the Day: Warner 83*
Bowler of the Day: Johnson 7-40

Player of the Day: Mitchell Johnson

Ashes Series Australia v England - Second Test (Day 2) Adelaide

Clarke and Haddin score centuries

Australia 570-9 declared lead England 35-1 by 535 runs (Australia lead Series 1-0)

Clarke and Haddin both scored centuries as Australia put themselves firmly in control of the second Test match. It was a great start to the day for the home side as Clarke and Haddin put on a 150 run strong partnership to lift Australia from 278-5 to 457-6. England struggled throughout the day but their hard work paid off as they claimed a further four wickets for just over 100 runs with Stokes dismissing both Clarke and Siddle. Early in the evening session, Clarke opted to declare on 570-9 in order to have a bowl at England for the final hour of play. This turned out to be a great decision for Clarke as Johnson bowled Cook out for 3 as England struggled to 35-1 at the close of play on day two.

My Opinion:
Really disappointed with England's bowling performance today. Australia should have been limited to under 400 but they managed to take full control of the game, scoring 570-9. England have no hope of winning the match from here and need to secure a draw from this position. Clarke and Haddin batted extremely well and deserved their centuries but even Harris managed to pass fifty. It was really gutting to see Cook go so early during England's short spell at the crease during the latter stages of the evening session but the rest of the order will need to stand up and be counted if they want any hope of claiming a draw.



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Morning Session:
0010: 278-5, 50 for Clarke.
0031: 302-5, Clarke 71*, Haddin 13*.
0040: 312-5, 50 partnership between Clarke 76* and Haddin 18*.
0115: 355-5, Clarke 91*, Haddin 46*.
0125: 361-5, 100 partnership between Clarke 96* and Haddin 47*.
0130: 367-5, 50 for Haddin.
0143: 373-5, 100 for Clarke.
0207: 389-5, Clarke 109*, Haddin 57*. Lunch.

Afternoon Session:
0305: 402-5, Clarke 120*, Haddin 57*.
0314: 409-5, 150 partnership between Clarke 125* and Haddin 61*.
0350: 457-5, Clarke 148*, Haddin 86*.
0352: 457-6, Clarke 148 (245), 17 fours, caught Anderson, Stokes. 
0406: 474-7, Johnson 5 (13), 1 four, caught Broad, Swann.
0410: 479-7, 100 for Haddin.
0418: 483-8, Siddle 2 (9), caught Prior, Stokes.
0439: 508-8, Haddin 106*, Harris 23*.
0448: 516-8, Haddin 108*, Harris 29*. Tea.

Evening Session:
0515: 529-9, Haddin 118 (177), 11 fours and 5 sixes, caught Prior, Broad.
0539: 551-9, Harris 48*, Lyon 5*.
0543: 570-9 declared, Harris 55*, Lyon 17*.

Batsman of the Innings: Clarke 148 (245)
Bowler of the Innings: Broad 3 wickets

England First Innings:
0610: 9-1, Cook 3 (11), bowled by Johnson.
0728: 35-1, Carberry 20*, Root 9*. Close of Play.

Batsman of the Day: Haddin 118 (177)
Bowler of the Day: Stokes 2 wickets.

Player of the Day: Brad Haddin

Ashes Series Australia v England - Second Test (Day 1) Adelaide

Rogers puts Australia on top in Adelaide

Australia 273-5 (Australia lead Series 1-0)

Australia finished day one of the second Test on 273-5 as Rogers scored 72. The hosts started well but lost Warner for 29 as the opener edged behind off the bowling of Broad. However, the rain began to fall and forced the game into an early lunch. During the afternoon the rain cleared allowing Rogers and Watson to put on a 100 run second wicket stand. England fought back towards the end of the afternoon session, taking three wickets for 31 runs as Rogers, Watson and Smith all fell before Tea. Clarke and Bailey put on a fifty run partnership before Broad dismissed Bailey in the evening session as Clarke and Haddin took Australia to 273-5 at the close of play. 

My Opinion:
It was a good toss to win for Australia as they took advantage of a decent batting pitch. Rogers, Watson and Bailey all passed fifty but were unable to convert their scores into hundreds which may come back to haunt them. However, it looks as though Australia will pass 300 and look to push themselves up to 400. England grabbed wickets at important times and enjoyed their best spell just before Tea. If England can reduce Australia to around 350 all out then they will stand a chance of surpassing that score in their first innings and claim control of the Test. 



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Australia win the toss and elect to bat.

Morning Session:

Australia First Innings
00.47: 34-1, Warner 29 (32), 4 fours, caught Carberry, Broad.
0131: 46-1, Rain stops play.
0144: 46-1, Lunch taken, Rogers 7*, Watson 10*.

Afternoon Session:

0223: 50-1, Rogers 11*, Watson 10*.
0315: 85-1, 50 partnership between Rogers 27* and Watson 29*.
0341: 105-1, Rogers 36*, Watson 40*.
0410: 128-1, 50 for Rogers.
0417: 135-1, 100 partnership between Rogers 55* and Watson 48*.
0429: 143-1, 50 for Watson.
0442: 155-2, Watson 51 (119), 6 fours and 1 six, caught and bowled by Anderson.
0448: 158-3, Rogers 72 (167), 11 fours, caught Prior, Swann.
0512: 174-4, Smith 6 (17), 1 four, bowled by Panesar. Tea Taken.

Evening Session:

0606: 202-4, Clarke 16*, Bailey 14*.
0643: 225-4, 50 partnership between Clarke 30* and Bailey 30*.
0710: 256-4, 50 for Bailey.
0728: 257-5, Bailey 53 (93), 4 fours and 3 sixes, caught Swann, Broad.
0746: 273-5, Clarke 48*, Haddin 7*. Close of Play.

Batsman of the Day: Rogers 72 (167)
Bowler of the Day: Broad 2-63

Player of the Day: Chris Rogers

Midweek Football Game Week 14

Sunderland 3 v 4 Chelsea Altidore (14), Lampard (17), Hazard (36, 62), O'Shea (54), Bardsley (84 OG, 86)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Altidore puts Sunderland ahead after turning and smashing a shot into the near side. Goal! 1-1, Lampard equalises by heading in from close range Hazard's cross. Goal! 1-2, Hazard puts Chelsea in front after cutting inside and scoring with a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner. Hazard has a shot parried behind. 
Half Time: 1-2.
Second Half: Goal! 2-2, O'Shea levels for Sunderland with after converting from a corner set play at the centre of goal. Goal! 2-3, Hazard puts Chelsea back in front with a shot from the centre of the box into the far side of the goal. Goal! 2-4, Bardsley scores an own goal after sliding and tapping in Ba's dangerous cross. Goal! 3-4, Bardsley scores at the right end from close range following a corner.
Full Time: 3-4.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Hazard. Sunderland put up a really strong fight but it just wasn't enough. At 2-2, Sunderland needed to hold on but failed to do so and from then on Chelsea were never likely to crumble. Chelsea made plenty of defensive errors but it really was the Hazard show at times as the Belgium star scored two great goals as Chelsea fought out a tough away win.

Manchester United 0 v 1 Everton Oviedo (86)
First Half: Mirallas has a long range drive punched away by De Gea. Rooney has a shot well saved at the near post. Giggs heads just wide across the far post. Rooney has a shot that deflects onto the post. Lukaku has a shot saved at the near post. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Evra has a long range drive tipped over the bar. Deulofeu has a shot saved at the near post. Januzaj has a long range shot tipped over the bar. Evra has a header parried before Welbeck heads onto the bar. Mirallas hits the post with a free kick. Goal! 0-1, Oviedo puts Everton ahead with a low close range shot into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 0-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Oviedo. Really disappointed with this result. United had plenty of chances but the ball just refused to go in all game. It was an even game but it just felt if United had converted one of their many chances it would have turned out so differently. On the other hand, Everton will be delighted to have taken all three points from Old Trafford. They kept themselves in the game and deserved to win in the end.

Liverpool 5 v 1 Norwich City Suarez (15, 25, 29, 74), Johnson (83), Sterling (89)
First Half:  Henderson drags a shot wide of the far post. Goal! 1-0, Suarez puts Liverpool ahead with a long range volley that flies over the keeper and into the back of the net. Goal! 2-0, Suarez doubles Liverpool's lead with a close range effort at the centre of goal following a corner. Goal! 3-0, Suarez completes his hat-trick with a special strike from the edge of the box into the far corner. 
Half Time: 3-0.
Second Half: Sterling has a shot that deflects wide of the post. Allen has a long range driven shot tipped over the bar. Suarez has a low shot parried across goal. Goal! 4-0, Suarez scores again but this time with a free kick that flies into the near top corner. Goal! 4-1, Norwich pull one back as Johnson heads into the far top corner. Gerrard hits the post. Goal! 5-1, Sterling scores with a strike into the near top corner. 
Full Time: 5-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Suarez. Liverpool dominated the match and have Suarez to thank for an inspired performance today. Four very special goals from a very special player meant that Liverpool strolled to victory today. Norwich can be forgiven for their efforts today as they were simply outplayed by some outstanding goals from Suarez.

Southampton 2 v 3 Aston Villa Agbonlahor (15), Rodriguez (48), Kozak (64), Osvaldo (69), Delph (80)
First Half: Lallana hits a cross that bounces off the bar. Rodriguez has a long range strike that is parried onto the post. Goal! 0-1, Villa take the lead as Agbonlahor breaks through on goal and finishes low from close range. Rodriguez has a header well saved.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Rodriguez levels for the Saints after heading into the bottom corner following a corner. Goal! 1-2, Kozak puts Villa back in front by heading inside the near post from close range. Goal! 2-2, Osvaldo levels for the Saints by heading in from close range. Goal! 2-3, Villa take the lead for the third time as Delph fires in from long range to find the near top corner.
Full Time: 2-3.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Agbonlahor. Southampton fought back to level the match twice but it was not enough as some poor defensive mistakes eventually cost them anything from the game. Villa picked up three huge points after playing well on the counter attack. A brilliant strike from Delph was a fitting winning goal.

West Bromich Albion 2 v 3 Manchester City Aguero (9), Toure (24, 74pen), Pantillimon OG (86), Anichebe (90)
First Half: Aguero fires a shot wide of the far post. Goal! 0-1, Aguero puts City ahead after firing into the near top corner from Zabaleta's pass. Berahino fires a long range dipping shot wide of the near post. Goal! 0-2, Toure doubles City's lead after slotting low into the far bottom corner from Kolarov's cross. Aguero strikes just wide of the far post. 
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Penalty! Yacob fouls Kolarov inside the box. Goal! 0-3, Toure slots low into the bottom corner from the spot. Goal! 1-3, West Brom grab a goal back as a close range shot deflects in off Pantillimon. Goal! 2-3, Anichebe grabs a late goal after striking low into the bottom near corner.
Full Time: 2-3.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Toure. West Brom were largely outplayed for most of the match but showed some fighting spirit towards the end with two late goals. Man City put in a much stronger away performance but there will still be questions asked as they conceded two late goals that on another day could have cost them more than a clean sheet.

Arsenal 2 v 0 Hull City Bendtner (2), Ozil (47)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Bendtner puts Arsenal ahead after two minutes by heading in at the far post from Jenkinson's cross. Koscielny has a header saved. Ozil has a shot parried. Ramsay has a long range shot parried past the post. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! Ozil doubles Arsenal's lead by slotting home at the near post from Ramsay's pass. Livermore strikes a shot straight at the keeper.
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Ozil. Arsenal cruised to a routine home victory. Ozil and Ramsay controlled the midfield and made it a very easy game for Arsenal to win. Hull couldn't improve their confidence from last weeks victory over Liverpool as they were outclassed by a very strong Arsenal side.

Fulham 1 v 2 Tottenham Hotspur Dejagah (56), Chiriches (73), Holtby (82)
First Half: Berbatov has a close range shot well saved. Paulinho blazes over from close range. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Dejagah puts Fulham in front with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Walker has a misdirected cross saved. Goal! 1-1, Chiriches equalises for Spurs with a long range low drilled strike into the near bottom corner. Berbatov has a shot well saved at the near post. Goal! 1-2, Holtby puts Spurs ahead with a long range screamer into the near top corner. Paulinho has a header well saved. Ruiz has a shot saved before Kasami hits the post.
Full Time: 1-2.

My Opinion: 
My man of the match was Holtby. Fulham showed more fighting spirit but were unable to hold on for a point. Spurs had to fight back strongly to claim all three points and they were able to do that. Two great strikes enabled Spurs to take three important points away from Craven Cottage.

Swansea City 3 v 0 Newcastle United Dyer (45), Debuchy OG (67), Shelvey (81)
First Half: Remy has a header well saved. Goal! 1-0, Dyer puts Swansea ahead after converting at the far post. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Remy has a shot blocked. Goal! 2-0, Shelvey is through on goal but his effort deflects in off Debuchy. Shelvey has a shot tipped over the bar. Goal! 3-0, Shelvey scores with a long range curling effort into the far top corner.
Full Time: 3-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Shelvey. Swansea put in a much better performance that was vitally needed. Shelvey ran the show for the majority of the game and deservedly came out of the game with a goal. Newcastle were very disappointing tonight and many would not have predicted such a result. It would be fair to say that the decisions did not go in Newcastle's favour for much of the game but it does not overlook the fact that it was still a lacklustre performance.

Stoke City 0 v 0 Cardiff City 
First Half: Mutch has a header saved at the near post. Cameron has a goal ruled out for offside.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: John has a long range driven shot parried away.
Full Time: 0-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Begovic. This was certainly not a game to write home about. Not much happened during the game but both teams come away with an important point. Stoke were fortunate that Adam stayed on the pitch after an altercation could easily have seen him sent off. Cardiff didn't create much and will just be happy to have come away from the game with a point.

Crystal Palace 1 v 0 West Ham United Chamakh (40)
First Half: Diame heads just over the bar. Goal! 1-0, Chamakh puts Palace ahead after heading into the bottom corner.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Puncheon has a shot parried onto the post. Jerome has a shot saved. Kebe fires a shot over the bar.
Full Time: 1-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Chamakh. A really huge win for Palace who will look to build upon such a vital victory. West Ham put in a poor performance that the team will want to forget quickly.

Best Goal: Hazard, Suarez, Delph, Holtby, Shelvey. Winner: Suarez

Super Sunday Game Week 13

Tottenham Hotspur 2 v 2 Manchester United Walker (18), Rooney (32, 57pen), Sandro (54)
First Half: Lennon has a low shot from the edge of the box saved. Goal! 1-0, Walker puts Spurs in front by blasting a low free kick under the wall and past De Gea. Soldado blasts an effort high and wide. Lennon has a close range shot saved. Goal! 1-1, Rooney equalises for United after capitalising on a mistake from Walker to strike into the near top corner. Jones drags a low shot wide from long range. 
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Goal! 2-1, Sandro puts Spurs back in front with a long range screamer that arrows into the far top corner from long range. Penalty! Lloris rushes out and brings down Welbeck. Goal! 2-2, Rooney equalises for United again after scoring straight down the middle from the spot.
Full Time: 2-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. Tottenham have been criticized lately but they put in a much better performance today. Spurs were largely dominant in the first half and deservedly took the lead through Walker. A poor mistake from Walker cost them the lead but Sandro scored a magical goal to put them back in front. However, they failed to hold onto the lead again. A much needed point from a big game for Spurs. I was disappointed by United's slow start. Thankfully, Rooney was in fine form and dug United out of a hole twice to salvage a point from what turned out to be a tough match. 

Hull City 3 v 1 Liverpool Livermore (20), Gerrard (27), Myler (72), Skrtel OG (87)
First Half: Davies heads wide of the far post. Goal! 1-0, Livermore puts Hull in front after his long range strike deflects past Mignolet. Goal! 1-1, Gerrard levels for Liverpool with a curling free kick that finds the far corner. 
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Moses has a close range effort well saved. Goal! 2-1, Myler puts Hull back in front with a low close range shot that finds the far bottom corner. Suarez hits a long range free kick just wide of the post. Sagbo has a tame effort saved. Goal! 3-1, Huddlestone's shot deflects off Skrtel and into the back of the net. El Mohammady drags a low shot wide across goal.
Full Time: 3-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Livermore. What a great win for Hull. Didn't see that coming and didn't expect Hull to win the second half. A great performance which will give their confidence a huge boost. Liverpool put in a poor display. Lacklustre, unexpected and deserved for Liverpool. A real off day meant they head home with nothing. At half time I thought that Liverpool would grind out a 2-1 win but they were outplayed by Hull during the second half and got what they deserved.

Manchester City 3 v 0 Swansea City Negredo (8), Nasri (58, 77)
First Half: Aguero has a tame effort saved. Goal! 1-0, Negredo puts City ahead with a free kick that finds the far top corner. Shelvey has a long range shot saved. Shelvey has a long range strike parried behind. Aguero has a close range shot saved at the near post. Demichelis heads onto the bar. De Guzman scuppers a great chance by blazing over the bar. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Aguero fires a shot into the side netting. Goal! 2-0, Nasri latches onto Toure's pass and slots low into the near bottom corner. Aguero slices and effort over the bar. Goal! 3-0, Nasri finds Zabaleta's pass and slots low into the near bottom corner. Kolarov fires over the bar. Nasri curls wide of the far post.
Full Time: 3-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Nasri. Man City put in another strong performance at home. The result was inevitable but never the less it was still impressive from City. Swansea were in the game during the first half but failed to take their chances, most notably with De Guzman.

Chelsea 3 v 1 Southampton Rodriguez (1), Cahill (55), Terry (62), Ba (90)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Rodriguez puts the Saints ahead in the first minute after latching onto Essien's back pass and slotting home. Oscar has a header saved. Torres is denied scoring a header by a great save. 
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Lampard has a free kick tipped over the bar. Goal! 1-1, Cahill equalises by heading in from close range Ramires' rebounded effort off the post. Goal! 2-1, Terry puts Chelsea in front by heading into the top corner from Mata's cross. Ba drags a shot wide across goal. Osvaldo chips an effort over the bar. Goal! 3-1, Ba stretches and converts low into the near bottom corner.
Full Time: 3-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Ramires. Chelsea were thrown off their game in the first half after a poor mistake from Essien cost them a goal. However, Chelsea came out very strongly in the second half and turned the game around. Ramires played a pivotal role in the comeback but it was an important result for the home side. Southampton got off to the perfect start and played really well during the first half. Unfortunately, the second half saw the Saints blown off the park by Chelsea. Encouraging signs for Saints but they will need to improve.

Best Goal: Sandro, Gerrard, Negredo. Winner: Sandro 

Soccer Saturday Game Week 13

Cardiff City 0 v 3 Arsenal Ramsay (29, 90), Flamini (80)
First Half: Wilshere hits the bar from the edge of the box. Campbell heads wide of the far post. Goal! 0-1, Ramsay heads into the far top corner from an Ozil cross. Ramsay blazes a shot high and wide. 
Half Time 0-1.
Second Half: Giroud has a shot blocked off the line. Campbell has a header really well saved. Cazorla has a tame shot saved. Goal! 0-2, Flamini fires into the near top corner from an Ozil pass. Goal! 0-3, Ramsay fires into the roof of the net after a fast break and Walcott's layoff. 
Full Time: 0-3.

My Opinion: 
My man of the match was Ramsay. Cardiff were largely outplayed today by a strong Arsenal side. Campbell had the better chances for the home team but failed to convert. Arsenal will be really pleased to come away with three points and a strong performance. The keeper made a string of top saves to keep them in the game but Ramsay led a dominating Arsenal midfield. 

Everton 4 v 0 Stoke City Deulofeu (45), Coleman (49), Oviedo (58), Lukaku (79)
First Half: Deulofeu has a free kick parried away. Deulofeu has a shot saved at the near post. McCarthy curls a shot wide from the edge of the box wide of the near post. Walters hits a shot straight at Howard. Goal! 1-0, Deulofeu converts over the keeper from close range at the near post. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Coleman slices a shot into the far corner from close range. Deulofeu has a shot block saved after a fast break. Goal! 3-0, Oviedo scores with a long range low strike that goes in via the inside of the near post. Crouch has a close range shot saved. Goal! 4-0, Lukaku taps in from close range at the centre of the goal from Deulofeu's cross. Jelavic is put through on goal but hits a shot straight at the keeper.
Full Time: 4-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Deulofeu. Everton were dominant and deadly. The two goals either side of half time killed Stoke off but from then on it was all Everton. Deulofeu starred for the home side and looks a real prospect for the future. Stoke suffered a very poor away day and will want to forget this one quickly. 

West Ham 3 v 0 Fulham Diame (47), Carlton Cole (82), Joe Cole (88)
First Half: Maiga heads onto the near post following a free kick. Collins heads just wide of the far post. Downing has a long range strike well saved. Nolan has a scissor kick saved. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Diame puts the Hammers ahead with a long range strike that deflects past the keeper. Maiga has a long range strike parried away before Downing blazes the rebound over. Kasami strikes a long range effort just wide of the near post. Downing hits the bar with a mishit cross. Morrison strikes wide of the near post. Goal! 2-0, Carlton Cole taps in from close range Downing's cross. Goal! 3-0, Joe Cole strikes low into the near bottom corner.
Full Time: 3-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Downing. West Ham were the much better team on the pitch and deserved to take all three points. They created plenty of chances and took the lead early in the second half. Both Carlton and Joe Cole finished the game off late on as West Ham claimed a much needed victory. Fulham put in another poor showing and need to change things around soon otherwise they will go down in this form.

Newcastle 2 v 1 West Brom Gouffran (36), Brunt (53), Sissokho (57)
First Half: Cabaye drags a shot wide from long range. Remy has a header deflected wide of the post. Goal! 1-0, Gouffran heads in from close range following a corner to give Newcastle the lead. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Brunt equalises after smashing home into the roof of the net at the far post. Goal! 2-1, Sissokho puts Newcastle back in front with a long range screamer into the top corner. Cabaye has a shot saved. Anichebe heads wide of the post. 
Full Time: 2-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Sissokho. Newcastle showed some tough fighting spirit to claim victory today. They took the lead twice and it was a fitting winning goal from Sissokho who scored quite simply a wonder goal to win the match. West Brom were fully involved during the game but were cruelly denied a point due to a wonder goal.

Norwich City 1 v 0 Crystal Palace Hooper (30)
First Half: Fer overhead kick hits the crossbar. Redmond has a shot at the near post parried behind. Goal! 1-0, Hooper slots low into the bottom corner to put Norwich ahead. Puncheon has a shot parried before Bannan's rebounded shot is headed onto the bar. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Delaney heads over the bar from close range. Kebe hits a shot from the edge of the box just wide of the near post. Jerome has a tame shot saved. 
Full Time: 1-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Hooper. Norwich held on for victory really well today. Hooper took the goal well and from then on they managed to keep a vital clean sheet. Palace just had one of those days where it just wouldn't go in. Unlucky not to get a point from this one but Palace will certainly have better days. 

Aston Villa 0 v 0 Sunderland 
First Half: Agbonlahor has a long range low curling shot saved. Benteke curls a shot over the bar from close range. Gardner has a goal ruled out for offside. Giaccherini puts an effort over from very close range. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Agbonlahor has a shot parried round the near post. Borini heads onto the bar. 
Full Time: 0-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Guzan. Aston Villa had a few decent chances but failed to find the back of the net. Perhaps they have Guzan to thank for their point as the Villa keeper put in a strong performance to keep a clean sheet. Sunderland had the better chances but an awful miss from Giaccherini summed up Sunderland's day. The black cats were more likely to open the scoring but a draw was a fair result.

Best Goal: Flamini, Oviedo and Sissokho. Winner: Sissokho

Ashes Series Australia v England - First Test (Day 4) Brisbane

Australia win the First Test

Australia 295 and 401-7 declared beat England 136 and 179 by 381 runs (Australia lead Series 1-0)

Mitchell Johnson took five wickets as Australia bowled England out for 179 on the fourth day's play in Brisbane to win the First Test match by 381 runs. Cook and Pietersen put on a fifty partnership during the morning session but Johnson dismissed Pietersen before lunch to reduce England to 72-3. Bell came in and provided another fifty partnership with Cook before edging behind on 32. The rain stopped play during the afternoon session with England 142-4 but it was not enough to stop the Australians rampaging their way to victory. Six wickets fell in the space of two hours as England collapsed yet again from 142-4 to 179 all out. Johnson was the star player of the Test as Australia lead the Series 1-0.

My Opinion:
Another shocking batting effort from the English middle order. The result was inevitable but it was still a woeful effort from some of the English players. Cook, Pietersen, Bell and Root are exempt from my criticism as they at least put up a fight but the rest of the team need to show a lot more guts than they did. To lose the last five wickets for 37 runs is embarrassing whilst to not pass 200 runs in either innings is tough to take. Australia deserved to win this Test as they batted and bowled really well throughout but it was handed to them on plate. 
Australia will be going into the next Test really confident after such a huge win whilst Johnson looks a completely different player to past years.
England bowled reasonably well with Broad deserving of praise but the batting was atrocious at times. Really poor result for the team but there is still plenty of cricket to play and I really hope they get their act together next time round and level the Series.



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Morning Session:
0037: 50-2, Cook 18*, Pietersen 22*.
0053: 63-2, 50 partnership between Cook 29* and Pietersen 24*.
0107: 72-3, Pietersen 26 (52), 2 fours, caught Sub, Johnson.
0202: 98-3, Lunch, Cook 40*, Bell 20*.

Afternoon Session:
0244: 103-3, Cook 43*, Bell 22*.
0259: 114-3, Cook reaches 50*.
0312: 123-3, 50 partnership between Cook 57* and Bell 27*.
0329: 130-4, Bell 32 (70), 3 fours, caught Haddin, Siddle.
0400: 142-2, Rain stops play.
0442: 142-4, Tea, Cook 65*, Root 5*.

Evening Session:
0531: Play Resumes after the rain delay.
0533: 142-5, Cook 65 (195), 3 fours, caught Haddin, Lyon.
0543: 146-6, Prior 4 (8), 1 four, caught Warner, Lyon.
0545: 150-6, Root 6*, Broad 4*.
0549: 151-7, Broad 4 (3), 1 four, caught Haddin, Johnson.
0551: 151-8, Swann 0 (2), caught Smith, Johnson.
0722: 172-9, Tremlett 7 (41), 1 four, caught Bailey, Harris.
0743: 179 all out, Anderson 2 (8), caught and bowled by Johnson (5 wicket haul), Root 26*(86), 4 fours. Australia win by 381 runs and lead Ashes Series 1-0.

Batsman of Innings: Cook 65 (195)
Bowler of Innings: Johnson 5-42

Batsman of Test: Warner scored 173 runs
Bowler of Test: Johnson took 9 wickets

Batsman of the Day: Cook scored 65 runs
Bowler of the Day: Johnson took 5-42

Player of the Day: Mitchell Johnson