The race for the English Premier League title is still very much on as the sides involved prepare for a string of vital matches on New Year’s Day, and beyond.
Manchester United currently sit at the top, level on points with their great rivals Manchester City, but ahead on goal difference and with games in hand. They face a trip to West Brom on Saturday, meanwhile City host Blackpool.
Arsenal suffered another blow to their hopes in the 2 – 2 draw at Wigan, and will have to try to overcome Birmingham at St Andrew’s on New Year’s Day – the team which held United to a 1 – 1 draw there only last week.
Tottenham remain on the fringes of the battle, and will be hoping to keep themselves within sight of the leading pack by beating struggling Fulham at White Hart Lane.
Chelsea finally won 1 - 0 against Bolton at Stamford Bridge to end their poor form and, although they are four points behind, are still considered the main challengers for the League crown. They must wait until Sunday to play Aston Villa.
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Friday 31 December 2010
Wednesday 29 December 2010
England retain the Ashes
England have retained the Ashes for the first time in 24 years after thrashing Australia in the fourth test match at the MCG to take a 2 – 1 series lead, which means, as they cannot now lose the series, that Australia cannot win the urn back this time.
They sealed the achievement by bowling Australia out before lunch on the fourth day, thereby wrapping up the victory by a massive innings and 157 runs having completely outplayed their hosts again.
There is one more match remaining, in Sydney, and England will hope to maintain their form and concentration to take it and claim their first series win in Australia since 1986/87.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
They sealed the achievement by bowling Australia out before lunch on the fourth day, thereby wrapping up the victory by a massive innings and 157 runs having completely outplayed their hosts again.
There is one more match remaining, in Sydney, and England will hope to maintain their form and concentration to take it and claim their first series win in Australia since 1986/87.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
United suffer Bowyer chill
Manchester United faced the tricky journey to play Birmingham in the Premier League on Tuesday night, although they did have the comfort of knowing that a draw would put them back in first place in the Premier League table.
The first half proved fairly unproductive – both sides started slowly and there was little action in front of goal, so they went in scoreless at the break.
It was not long after the restart that Dimitar Berbatov hit a fine effort, continuing his rich recent form, which gave United the lead. Birmingham then had to try to find a way to equalise but seemed unable, as the visitors looked to be comfortable in defence.
However, in the final minutes, a cross resulted in confusion in the United box and Lee Bowyer found himself able to poke in to make it a dramatic 1 – 1 draw, which still puts Sir Alex Ferguson’s men back in first position on goal difference, with two games in hand.
Earlier in the day, Manchester City had temporarily gone top after a heavy 4 - 0 win over Aston Villa, with Mario Balotelli bagging a hat-trick. Tottenham also kept up their good form by beating Newcastle 2 – 0.
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The first half proved fairly unproductive – both sides started slowly and there was little action in front of goal, so they went in scoreless at the break.
It was not long after the restart that Dimitar Berbatov hit a fine effort, continuing his rich recent form, which gave United the lead. Birmingham then had to try to find a way to equalise but seemed unable, as the visitors looked to be comfortable in defence.
However, in the final minutes, a cross resulted in confusion in the United box and Lee Bowyer found himself able to poke in to make it a dramatic 1 – 1 draw, which still puts Sir Alex Ferguson’s men back in first position on goal difference, with two games in hand.
Earlier in the day, Manchester City had temporarily gone top after a heavy 4 - 0 win over Aston Villa, with Mario Balotelli bagging a hat-trick. Tottenham also kept up their good form by beating Newcastle 2 – 0.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
Tuesday 28 December 2010
Arsenal leave Chelsea in the cold
Arsenal hosted Chelsea at the Emirates on Monday night. Both teams were desperate for the points as they looked to pursue Manchester United, who increased their lead at the top of the Premier League with a Boxing Day victory over Sunderland.
The hosts had much the better of the first half, playing with an enthusiasm and hunger that their opponents did not seem interested in trying to match. For a while it appeared that their effort might go unrewarded, as nothing materialised in front of goal, but on the stroke of half-time Bacary Sagna struck to give them a 1 – 0 advantage.
The Gunners started even more brightly in the second half, extending their lead first through Cesc Fabregas, and then Theo Walcott. Chelsea immediately pulled one back as Branislav Ivanovic headed in. The visitors continued to press for more but had no luck, meaning Arsenal deservedly took all three points, 3 – 1.
The win leaves them two points behind United having played a game more, while Chelsea remain in fourth, with serious doubts over the future of their manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
The hosts had much the better of the first half, playing with an enthusiasm and hunger that their opponents did not seem interested in trying to match. For a while it appeared that their effort might go unrewarded, as nothing materialised in front of goal, but on the stroke of half-time Bacary Sagna struck to give them a 1 – 0 advantage.
The Gunners started even more brightly in the second half, extending their lead first through Cesc Fabregas, and then Theo Walcott. Chelsea immediately pulled one back as Branislav Ivanovic headed in. The visitors continued to press for more but had no luck, meaning Arsenal deservedly took all three points, 3 – 1.
The win leaves them two points behind United having played a game more, while Chelsea remain in fourth, with serious doubts over the future of their manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
Monday 27 December 2010
England dominate fourth test
England built on their commanding position as they batted throughout the second day at the MCG. At stumps they were 444 - 5, holding a massive lead of 346.
Jonathan Trott and Matt Prior did the most damage for the visitors, Trott finishing the day unbeaten on 141, with Prior 75 not out. They took the side from 286 – 5 through to stumps.
England are now in total control of the match, having bowled the Australians out for only 98 on the first day, despite the pitch supposedly being slow and flat.
They are now fully-expected to win the test which would give them a 2 – 1 lead in the series with one match remaining, meaning that they retain the Ashes.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
Jonathan Trott and Matt Prior did the most damage for the visitors, Trott finishing the day unbeaten on 141, with Prior 75 not out. They took the side from 286 – 5 through to stumps.
England are now in total control of the match, having bowled the Australians out for only 98 on the first day, despite the pitch supposedly being slow and flat.
They are now fully-expected to win the test which would give them a 2 – 1 lead in the series with one match remaining, meaning that they retain the Ashes.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
Berbatov provides Boxing Day punch
Manchester United entertained Sunderland on Boxing Day in the Premier League with most matches surviving the weather, although Liverpool’s trip to Blackpool and Everton’s fixture at home to Birmingham were both postponed.
The league leaders scored the opener after a few minutes at Old Trafford, when Dimitar Berbatov headed in a Wayne Rooney cross. Berbatov grabbed a second after the break, and although they created many more chances the score remained at 2 – 0 till the finish, thereby seeing United extend their advantage at the top, with rivals Arsenal and Chelsea clashing on Monday.
Elsewhere, Manchester City eased to a 1 - 3 win at Newcastle; West Ham emerged 1 – 3 victors at Fulham to put Cottagers boss Mark Hughes under severe pressure; and Aston Villa were beaten 1 – 2 by visiting Tottenham in the evening match.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
The league leaders scored the opener after a few minutes at Old Trafford, when Dimitar Berbatov headed in a Wayne Rooney cross. Berbatov grabbed a second after the break, and although they created many more chances the score remained at 2 – 0 till the finish, thereby seeing United extend their advantage at the top, with rivals Arsenal and Chelsea clashing on Monday.
Elsewhere, Manchester City eased to a 1 - 3 win at Newcastle; West Ham emerged 1 – 3 victors at Fulham to put Cottagers boss Mark Hughes under severe pressure; and Aston Villa were beaten 1 – 2 by visiting Tottenham in the evening match.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
Thursday 23 December 2010
Fallout continues over Cable’s comments
The coalition government seems in some disarray after Vince Cable was caught making ill-advised remarks to undercover Telegraph reporters, with new reaction and opinion coming in by the hour.
Cable himself has criticised the paper for the sting, claiming that the episode has damaged relations between politicians and the media.
The main controversy though was about his comments regarding the legal case involving News Corp’s bid to take total control of BskyB, with the business secretary saying he had “declared war” on Rupert Murdoch.
That has now compromised the entire legal process, as the company is claiming that there could be bias present in the final decision.
Other Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs have had to provide smart answers to questions raised over the togetherness of the government, and many of its policies.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=639477
Cable himself has criticised the paper for the sting, claiming that the episode has damaged relations between politicians and the media.
The main controversy though was about his comments regarding the legal case involving News Corp’s bid to take total control of BskyB, with the business secretary saying he had “declared war” on Rupert Murdoch.
That has now compromised the entire legal process, as the company is claiming that there could be bias present in the final decision.
Other Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs have had to provide smart answers to questions raised over the togetherness of the government, and many of its policies.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=639477
Tuesday 21 December 2010
No Christmas number one for City
Mancester City’s game against Everton went ahead at Eastlands on Monday night, despite the cold weather in the north. A win would see Mancini’s men take first position in the Premier League, with no more matches to be played before Boxing Day.
The Toffees have a good recent record at City and took the lead within minutes, Tim Cahill finding himself alone to head into the net. They then scored again when Leighton Baines finished a wonderful team move, allowing them to go in at half-time in a commanding 2 – 0 position.
The hosts pressurised heavily in the second period, and reduced the deficit when Phil Jagielka diverted the ball past his own ‘keeper, but Everton held strong to claim an impressive 1 – 2 win which surprised many.
Everton climb to fourteenth, whereas City remain in third position in the table.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
The Toffees have a good recent record at City and took the lead within minutes, Tim Cahill finding himself alone to head into the net. They then scored again when Leighton Baines finished a wonderful team move, allowing them to go in at half-time in a commanding 2 – 0 position.
The hosts pressurised heavily in the second period, and reduced the deficit when Phil Jagielka diverted the ball past his own ‘keeper, but Everton held strong to claim an impressive 1 – 2 win which surprised many.
Everton climb to fourteenth, whereas City remain in third position in the table.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
Sunday 19 December 2010
Football frozen out
The huge clash scheduled at Stamford Bridge on Sunday between Chelsea and Manchester United was one of many fixtures to be postponed as the English football league was disrupted by the cold weather.
The only two matches played this weekend saw Sunderland beat Bolton 1 – 0 at the Stadium of Light, thanks to a header from the impressive Danny Wellbeck, and West Ham secure a late 1 – 1 draw at Blackburn.
Fans now have to wait until Boxing Day for the next set of games, with those not played this weekend having to be rescheduled next year.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
The only two matches played this weekend saw Sunderland beat Bolton 1 – 0 at the Stadium of Light, thanks to a header from the impressive Danny Wellbeck, and West Ham secure a late 1 – 1 draw at Blackburn.
Fans now have to wait until Boxing Day for the next set of games, with those not played this weekend having to be rescheduled next year.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
Australia hit back to level
Australia beat England heavily in the third Ashes test in Perth to level the series 1 – 1.
England enjoyed a good first day where they bowled Australia out, prompting some to suggest the series was already over.
That proved unwise as the Aussie bowlers performed with a previously-unseen hunger to tear through the English line-up.
They then piled on more runs in the second innings to give England a target of 391 and bowled them out for only 123, earning a 267-run win.
The series is now even with two tests remaining, and Australia’s stunning fight back has made it impossible to predict who might emerge superior and take the urn.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
England enjoyed a good first day where they bowled Australia out, prompting some to suggest the series was already over.
That proved unwise as the Aussie bowlers performed with a previously-unseen hunger to tear through the English line-up.
They then piled on more runs in the second innings to give England a target of 391 and bowled them out for only 123, earning a 267-run win.
The series is now even with two tests remaining, and Australia’s stunning fight back has made it impossible to predict who might emerge superior and take the urn.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
Tuesday 14 December 2010
United top with win
Manchester United hosted Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Monday night looking to claim back the top place in the league, whereas Arsenal were hoping to extend their advantage as leaders.
The game started fairly evenly, with both teams having the ball but not creating much. There was a mild penalty shout for United but it was not until a few minutes before half-time that they took the lead, as Ji-Sung Park headed Nani’s deflected cross in off the post.
The second half continued in a similarly open way with good chances missed by both sides. The biggest opportunity for United came when they were awarded a penalty for handball. Wayne Rooney took responsibility and promptly blazed his kick way over the bar. Despite that, Arsenal were unable to find an equaliser and United regained first position, still with a game in hand.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
The game started fairly evenly, with both teams having the ball but not creating much. There was a mild penalty shout for United but it was not until a few minutes before half-time that they took the lead, as Ji-Sung Park headed Nani’s deflected cross in off the post.
The second half continued in a similarly open way with good chances missed by both sides. The biggest opportunity for United came when they were awarded a penalty for handball. Wayne Rooney took responsibility and promptly blazed his kick way over the bar. Despite that, Arsenal were unable to find an equaliser and United regained first position, still with a game in hand.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
Tuesday 7 December 2010
England take Ashes lead
England took a 1 – 0 lead in the Ashes series after thrashing Australia in the second test in Adelaide by an innings and 71 runs.
The hosts failed to recover from a disastrous first day where they lost three wickets within the first few overs. Their bowlers then failed to control the English batting, with both Alistair Cook and Kevin Pietersen contributing towards the massive 620 – 5 declared.
Australia resumed on 238 – 4 on the final day, hoping to survive and save the match, but the bowling of James Anderson and Graeme Swann was too incisive, and the victory was completed before lunch.
With three tests still to play the momentum is fully with England, but Australia surely cannot be written off quite yet.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
The hosts failed to recover from a disastrous first day where they lost three wickets within the first few overs. Their bowlers then failed to control the English batting, with both Alistair Cook and Kevin Pietersen contributing towards the massive 620 – 5 declared.
Australia resumed on 238 – 4 on the final day, hoping to survive and save the match, but the bowling of James Anderson and Graeme Swann was too incisive, and the victory was completed before lunch.
With three tests still to play the momentum is fully with England, but Australia surely cannot be written off quite yet.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
Monday 6 December 2010
Liverpool crush returning Houllier
Liverpool and Aston Villa were both looking for wins to boost their faltering seasons as they met at Anfield on Monday night in the Premier League. The absence of Fernando Torres added to the woe of the hosts already missing Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. There was also the return of former Reds boss Gerrard Houllier to consider.
The team was able to cope without them though, as David Ngog gave them the lead in the first half, and it was immediately doubled by Ryan Babel, making it 2 – 0 at the interval.
Maxi Rodrigues added a third shortly after the restart, with Liverpool threatening to overwhelm their struggling opponents. They could not build on their lead though and the match finished 3 – 0.
The result sees Liverpool now only one point off sixth place, while Aston Villa are starting to look troubled down in sixteenth, two points above the relegation spots.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=254732
The team was able to cope without them though, as David Ngog gave them the lead in the first half, and it was immediately doubled by Ryan Babel, making it 2 – 0 at the interval.
Maxi Rodrigues added a third shortly after the restart, with Liverpool threatening to overwhelm their struggling opponents. They could not build on their lead though and the match finished 3 – 0.
The result sees Liverpool now only one point off sixth place, while Aston Villa are starting to look troubled down in sixteenth, two points above the relegation spots.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=254732
Sunday 5 December 2010
Arsenal top as Chelsea struggle
Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday evening after Chelsea continued their dismal run. Manchester United play on Sunday.
The Gunners grasped first position thanks to a 2 – 1 win over Fulham at the Emirates. Samir Nasri earned most of the praise for his two classy goals.
Chelsea once again disappointed as they drew 1 – 1 with Everton at Stamford Bridge. A penalty from Didier Drogba looked to have given them the points, but Jermaine Beckford nodded in a late equaliser.
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a similar fate at Birmingham, where Sebastien Bassong’s goal put them in control, only for Craig Gardner to earn a point for the hosts near the end in a 1 – 1 draw.
Manchester City did manage to close some ground up though, beating Bolton 1 – 0 at Eastlands - Carlos Tevez’s early strike giving his team a valuable victory.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
The Gunners grasped first position thanks to a 2 – 1 win over Fulham at the Emirates. Samir Nasri earned most of the praise for his two classy goals.
Chelsea once again disappointed as they drew 1 – 1 with Everton at Stamford Bridge. A penalty from Didier Drogba looked to have given them the points, but Jermaine Beckford nodded in a late equaliser.
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a similar fate at Birmingham, where Sebastien Bassong’s goal put them in control, only for Craig Gardner to earn a point for the hosts near the end in a 1 – 1 draw.
Manchester City did manage to close some ground up though, beating Bolton 1 – 0 at Eastlands - Carlos Tevez’s early strike giving his team a valuable victory.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=596914
Saturday 4 December 2010
Australia under pressure in Adelaide
Another superb batting display by Alistair Cook put England in a very strong position at stumps on day two of the second Ashes test.
Resuming at 1 – 0, they lost captain Andrew Strauss early on, but Jonathan Trott (78) and Kevin Pietersen (85 not out) partnered Cook towards an unbeaten 136, to add to his huge total in the previous match.
England’s dominance during the second day was hardly any greater than in the first, when the bowlers reduced Australia to a very disappointing 245 all out, including a terrible start for the hosts, where three wickets fell within the first few overs.
Already holding a healthy lead, and with three more days of play remaining, England look in a very commanding position to take the lead in the series.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
Resuming at 1 – 0, they lost captain Andrew Strauss early on, but Jonathan Trott (78) and Kevin Pietersen (85 not out) partnered Cook towards an unbeaten 136, to add to his huge total in the previous match.
England’s dominance during the second day was hardly any greater than in the first, when the bowlers reduced Australia to a very disappointing 245 all out, including a terrible start for the hosts, where three wickets fell within the first few overs.
Already holding a healthy lead, and with three more days of play remaining, England look in a very commanding position to take the lead in the series.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=577016
Controversy over 2018 decision
England’s troubled bid for the 2018 world cup proved unsuccessful after the voters on Thursday chose the bid from Russia.
Many in England were still hopeful of landing the tournament, despite the campaign being plagued by controversy, arguments, and allegations of corruption aimed at FIFA members.
Russia’s victory came as somewhat of a surprise, beating the joint-bids from Spain and Portugal, and Belgium and the Netherlands. The location for 2022 was even more of a shock, as middle-eastern country Qatar will host the competition.
These decisions prompted some accusations from England and other (defeated) campaign teams that the voting process may not have been completely honest.
So it is Russia that has the honour of hosting the world cup in seven years’ time, with England’s loss meaning that football will have to wait still longer to “come home”.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=558976
Many in England were still hopeful of landing the tournament, despite the campaign being plagued by controversy, arguments, and allegations of corruption aimed at FIFA members.
Russia’s victory came as somewhat of a surprise, beating the joint-bids from Spain and Portugal, and Belgium and the Netherlands. The location for 2022 was even more of a shock, as middle-eastern country Qatar will host the competition.
These decisions prompted some accusations from England and other (defeated) campaign teams that the voting process may not have been completely honest.
So it is Russia that has the honour of hosting the world cup in seven years’ time, with England’s loss meaning that football will have to wait still longer to “come home”.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=558976
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Arsenal through – United Hammered
Manchester United crashed to their first defeat of the season is spectacular fashion as they went down heavily at Upton Park in the Carling Cup on Tuesday evening.
Their hopes of progressing towards a third-consecutive title faded quickly, with Jonathan Spector scoring his first two goals in English football to give the hosts the lead at half-time.
United, who did not field a particularly weak side, were expected to react, but it was rather Carlton Cole who netted twice to give West Ham a shock 4 – 0 win against the league leaders.
In the other match of the evening, Arsenal cruised past Wigan at the Emirates. They benefitted firstly from an own-goal, then from a sliding finish from Nicolas Bendtner which allowed them to qualify for the next round of the competition with a 2 – 0 win, and they now seem to be strong favourites to lift the trophy.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=587100
Their hopes of progressing towards a third-consecutive title faded quickly, with Jonathan Spector scoring his first two goals in English football to give the hosts the lead at half-time.
United, who did not field a particularly weak side, were expected to react, but it was rather Carlton Cole who netted twice to give West Ham a shock 4 – 0 win against the league leaders.
In the other match of the evening, Arsenal cruised past Wigan at the Emirates. They benefitted firstly from an own-goal, then from a sliding finish from Nicolas Bendtner which allowed them to qualify for the next round of the competition with a 2 – 0 win, and they now seem to be strong favourites to lift the trophy.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=587100
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