Giroud stars, Arteta misses a penalty, Arsenal 3-3 Fulham

"Cazorla is second on the list [of penalty takers], the No 1 is Arteta. It is frustrating, we had chances to win the game. You cannot blame Arteta for that [penalty], it is part of the game" these were the comments made by Arsene Wenger when asked about Arteta's penalty in the last minutes of the extra time. Giroud opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 11th minute from a Theo Walcott corner and doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Lucas Podolski helped the ball go past Mark Schwarzer. 

Fulham then came right back into the game with goals from Berbatov and Kacaniklic which made when level with Arsenal who made it a habit of giving their lead away this season.

Premier League, 10th Nov 2012

Fulham        3       Bervatov 29, 67, Kacaniklic 40

Arsenal        3       Giroud 11, 69, Podolski 23

Fulham were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute which was converted by the former United striker Dimitar Berbatov for his 5th goal of the season. Fulham were unable to maintain their lead over Arsenal as Giroud scored his second in the next few minutes from a cross from Walcott.

Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the stoppage time and Arteta was not able to convert, this was eventually the last kick of the match where Arsenal were made to settle for a draw all thanks to the Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer.

Arsenal are now 7th in the table with 16 points from 11 matches.

posted on 10 Nov, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Hernandez scores twice as United beat Villa 3-2

The match at Villa Park this Saturday made it clear that United has the best strike force in Europe. United were a goal down at the end of the first half and were two down just minutes after the start of the second half. Sir Alex then took off the former Villa winger, Ahsley Young and on came Chicharito, who kept his cool and guided the ball into the net from a wonderful threw ball from Paul Scholes, in was the first in United's comeback. A deflection of a shot from Chicharito ended up in the goal which made United level with Villa in the 63rd minute.

Premier League, 10th Nov 2012

Aston Villa                   2            Weimann 45+1, 50

Manchester United      3          Hernandez 58, 87, Vlaar(og) 63

Van Persie took a free kick in the 87th minute which was headed over by Chicharito into the bottom corner which was the fourth of the season for the Mexican. 

Hernandez said "I dont care if they don't give me the 2nd goal, for me I score a hattrick to my teammates to win the game. The matchball is coming home!"

"The way Chicharito has started this season - he'll get 20 plus goals." Sir Alex Ferguson.

The match was not 'all well' for United as Evans was injured which made way for Smalling who had his problems marking Benteke and Agbonlahor. Scholes unbelievably was not able to move the ball around with Ireland right on his toes. Even the strikers had a bad day with Van Persie hitting the frame of the goal twice and Rooney with his long range attempts many of which were not on target.

United are now 4 points clear at the top with Chelsea and City with their matches on Sunday.

posted on 10 Nov, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Sir Alex 26 years of Excellence

On this very day Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed manager of Manchester United at Old Trafford on 6 November 1986.

His reign at United has been for 26 years. 1,461 games. 871 wins. 330 draws. 260 defeats. 37 trophies and still counting.

During his tenure at Old Trafford he saw 8 Liverpool managers, 17 Chelsea managers and 18 City managers were changed.

Sir Alex said "In my 26 years at Manchester United, my biggest regret is selling Park Ji Sung".                 

Ferguson was named the manager of the month for October. One man who saw everything, tropies, wins, big players, defeat, life only better as a footballing manager. "Sir Alex Ferguson"

posted on 6 Nov, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Suarez saves the day for Liverpool as they draw their match against Newcastle

It was yet another frustrating day for the Anfield crowd as they saw their side manage only a single point. All thanks to Luis Suarez who rescued Liverpool to secure a point in their match against Newcastle this Sunday.

Premier League, 4th Nov 2012

Liverpool                1   Suárez 67  

Newcastle United   1   Cabaye 43

Newcastle were boosted up with the return of their top scorer Demba Ba, who with his physical presence made it tough for the Liverpool defenders. Liverpool had an unchanged squad from their draw to Everton last week. The two youngsters Sterling and Suso were on the wings and both had a good game. Liverpool are at the bottom half of the table with 11 points from 10 matches so far. Suarez has been the only striker for the reds who has been scoring goals and for Liverpool to move into the top half of the table goals should come even from the mid-field. Brendon Rogers should find means and ways to make something out of this Liverpool side who now are struggling to find 3 points even at home.

posted on 4 Nov, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Chelsea and Man City both held for a draw

Chelsea after losing to Manchester United last weekend drew their match against Swansea 1-1 at the Liberty Stadium this Saturday. Chelsea are now second in the table behind United. Victor Moses flick helped Chelsea to take the lead in the second half, this was the first goal by Moses in Chelsea colors.

Swansea came from behind and leveled with a fabulous goal from Pablo Hernandez who was their record signing from Valencia. 

Juan Mata had an injury which made way for Victor Moses, who started the game. Chelsea were made to sit back by the Swansea strike force which eventually resulted in a equalizer in the last minutes of the game.

 Man City also had their chance to move to the top of the table on Saturday but were held by a 0-0 draw away to West Ham. Man City started off the match with three strikers up front with  tBalotelli Dzeko and Tevez all playing. There was no creativity in the mid-field with Nasri, Barry and Toure in the center.

West Ham had a very good game with Carroll causing all the problems for City in their defense. West Ham produced many chances and even had a goal which was ruled out off-side.

With very tough matches ahead City have to show up the Champions stuff of football.

 

posted on 3 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Manchester United 2 - 1 Arsenal, Van Persie scores against his old club

It just took only 3 minutes from kick off for Van Persie to score against his old club at Old Trafford. This makes him the top scorer in the league with 10 goals from 10 matches. The match started off with the huge cheers from the Old Traffoed crowd marking the 8 - 2 win for United last season over their rivals Arsenal. Sloppy defending by Andre Santos led Rafael run forward and cross the ball to Van Persie who guided the ball into the bottom right corner.

Van Persie deceided not to celebrate his goal against his old club.

United played a 4-4-2 with Young and Valencia in the wings, Carrick and Cleverley in the mid-field. Arsenal were on to their 4-2-3-1 formation as usual with Wilshere and Ramsey along with Cazola, Arteta, Podolski and Giroud, the lone man in the front.

It remained 1-0 in the first half and Evra converted from a Rooney cross which marked United 2nd goal of the match in the 67th minute. This was Evra's second goal of the season so far all of which came from the corner.

The match saw Jack Wilshere walk out with a second yellow card for his tackle over Evra. Many of the players were booked for their slides and tackles.

Cazola managed a goal for Arsenal in the extra time of the second half which was eventually the last kick of the match.

United could be 4 goals up, a penalty miss by Rooney in the first half and an offside shown for Anderson in the second half made them settle for a 2 goals to 1 victory over Arsenal.

United move on to the top of the league table with Manchester City and Chelsea playing late on Saturday.

posted on 3 Nov, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Van Persie's Big Match against Arsenal

Manchester United face Arsenal this weekend, this will be their first meeting after the much hyped transfered of the star stiker Robin Van Persie. Van Persie continued his good form with already 10 goals from 10 matches in the league.

These were the comments by United team mates on Van Persie ahead of their match against Arsenal.

Valencia said "Robin has been 100% professional. Facing Arsenal is a very special match for him. I'm convinced he is heading for a big day."

Ferdinand said "Robin is a really nice guy. The best way you can settle in at a new club is to get on with the other lads & he’s done that."

also added  "Robin has done really well. He's has come in with no airs & graces about him & that’s the first thing you notice."

Sir Alex said "Robin was only 16 or 17 at the time. We sent Jim Ryan (scout) over to Feyenoord and he was sent off in the game"

He also added "Jim said Robin was a fantastic talent but felt that he was a little immature. We didn’t progress it and he went to Arsenal."

Arsene Wenger said "I hope Robin gets a respectful reception because he has played for us for eight years, he has done very well for us."

Last season United won both their home and away matches against Arsenal including the 8 - 2 win at Old Trafford last September.

posted on 3 Nov, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Man Utd lose to Chelsea in the League Cup, Ferguson blames Nani

The Capital One League Cup match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night marked a 5 - 4 victory for Chelsea as they pull off the winner in the extra time. United had the ball and were winning it in the last 90 minutes, then Nani couldn't keep the ball and which eventually resulted a penalty for Chelsea. The match was United veteran Ryan Giggs play for 120 minutes with two goals to his name as Chicharito and Nani scored one each. For Chelsea it was Liuz, Cahill, Hazard, Sturridge and Ramires scoring one each to overcome the loss to United in the weekend.

Sir Alex said “All we needed to do was keep the ball & Nani decided to try & beat a player, that resulted in a penalty. He should've kept the ball.”

These comments by Ferguson are making waves around that the winger could be leaving Old Trafford as early as in January.

posted on 31 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Chelsea vs Manchester United Preview

Manchester United now run into the league leaders Chelsea for the first time this season. With impressive comebacks and strikers in full force United have every chance of winning the game this weekend.The last win for United at the Bridge was in April 2002 and United will look to cut that long stretch this Sunday.

Chelsea on the other hand were very good in the league so far, with strike force of Hazard, Mata, Oscar and Torres the blues are sitting pretty on the top of the table. With 7 wins out of 8 games Chelsea was the only side to be unbeaten in the league.

John Terry out with suspension may be a cause of worry but a game against Man Utd, in a place they have been winning for years is not a concern for Chelsea.

Frank Lampard being used to the life on the bench at Chelsea made way for Oscar and Victor Moses who add the pace and skill into the game. Di Matteo believes in his young guns and they have always delivered this season. The losses to Chelsea this season were to Atletico Madrid and in the Champions league this mid week apart from that Chelsea were good in their campaign.

The 8 matches which they faced so far may not be competitive but the win over Spurs last weekend marked, Chelsea have a good squad and thier challenge for the title this season is not to be over looked.

Sir Alex also admits the fear from Hazard, Mata and Oscar along with Torres. With Rooney and Van Persie both doing well up front United will once again look on to their strikers to deliver. This match marks the first biggest clash of the season where the first meets the second as in the league table at this very moment.

Statistics Chelsea vs Manchester United

- David Luiz scored in both of his appearances for Chelsea against United at Stamford Bridge since his arrival.

- Robin van Persie scored five Premier League goals at Chelsea, the joint-most of any visiting player. 8 goals from 8 matches so far this season.

posted on 26 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Does Arsenal have Marouane Chamakh

Marouane Chamakh was signed two years ago on a free  transfer from Bordeaux, he started 10 matches for Arsenal that very season and scored 6 goals. Later Van Persie returned from injury and he was left on the bench along side Nicklas Bendtner. When Van Persie left this summer, everyone taught that this lad would be given a chance to start but was overlooked by Arsene Wenger who preferred the new signing Olivier Giroud instead.

He scored 12 goals in total for about 40 appearances for Arsenal.

With players like Santi Cazola, Lukas Podolski, Mikel Arteta, Abou Diaby, Gervinho in the side Chamakh will feel better and perform consistently. Giroud started in almost every match this season and was not successful in front of goal. The kind of football Arsenal is playing right now suits Chamakh well and he being a tall and physical striker will make it difficult for the defenders and will have his impact on the match.

Arsene Wenger should look at Chamakh for the possible replacement for Giroud and at least try him out in some of the League Cup matches. He already has Arshavin, who lost his touch and class but yet believes him, then why not Chamakh who doesn’t even have a handful of chances at Arsenal.

Play Chamakh or let him go this January.

posted on 23 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Manchester United will play in Diamond Formation

Sir Alex wants to put an end to all his formation worries by adapting a diamond formation. He said "If it turns out we play the diamond consistently it would be revolutionary because it is going against our history." He believes that his squad can adapt to any kind of formation, be it playing wide with wingers or close with a diamond or even a 4-3-3.

Sir Alex added "Teams will have to think if we are going to use two out wide or the diamond because we have players capable of doing both things. Kagawa & Cleverley can play well in the type of game that a diamond offers, while Nani, Young & Valencia are good wide players."

 

United next take on Chelsea for the League Cup and CFR Cluj for the Champions league with both Rooney and Van Persie in form, United have the most powerful attacking force in Europe.

So far United's 26 goals in all competitions this season have been scored by 15 different players.

A probable diamond formation for United would be

                                                                De Gea/Lindagard


Rafael                               Vidic/Evans                      Ferdinand/Evans                           Evra




                                                                 Carrick/Fletcher



                              Scholes/Giggs                                                    Cleverley/Anderson



                                                                  Kagawa/Rooney



                      Rooney/Welback                                                         Van Persie/Hernandez

posted on 22 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Arsenal lose to Norwich

Arsene Wenger who was celebrating his birthday today had a very dull weekend where his side lost to Norwich where Holt scored the only goal. The worries continue for Wenger as he was his side lose for the second time this season. Arsenal always had losses with much lower sides in the league almost every season. It started off with Hull City four years ago and loss to Swansea last season. Ever since he sold Van Persie, he was criticized for his strategy and approach to win big titles. He believed, the sale of van Persie, the squad would be made stronger and make them better than they were last season. His words seemed to pay off until they were undefeated when they met Chelsea a couple of weeks ago.

Santi Cazola, Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud were some of the high profile players brought in by Wenger this summer after the departure of Van Persie. Cazola was a sure success at Arsenal and already made a name for himself in the Premier League this season. With many talented players like Mikel Arteta,  Abou Diaby, Gervinho alongside youngsters like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Wallcott, Arsenal have every chance to fight for the title this season.They also let goals flow with their lose backline and were always regarded as kids on the football ground.

 Arsene Wenge said " My heart is tied to this club. Arsenal is my life”

 

posted on 21 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Rooney reaches another Milestone as United beat Stoke 4 - 2

Just after their match against Stoke at Old Trafford, Rooney said "It was my first own goal but thankfully we came back from that & managed to go in at the break in the lead, that was great for us."

Rooney scored twice, which also marked his 200th club goal as Manchester United beat Stoke 4 - 2 at Old Trafford on Saturday. Van Persie and Welback scored one each as Ryan Shawcross and Kightly scored for Stoke.

Stoke took the lead when the ball came off Wayne Rooney from a Ryan Shawcross header. Stoke were as expected physical in their approach and Tony Pullis was very happy with his side initially, then Van Persie delivered a cross from the left which Rooney guided on with his head for the equalizer. It was again their partnership which was very good to look at. Van Persie had a great finish to the ball from Valencia, which marked the first half at 2 -1 for Man Utd. The second half was equally good for United with a goal each from Rooney and Welback.

Both Van Persie and Wayne Rooney were delighted with their partnership on the field. Rooney said

"This is the first game we have started together up front and we have both scored. I am sure it will get better & better."

Van Persie scored his 8th goal for United in as many matches and he said "Things are going well and our understanding is getting better all the time." he also added "Everyone could see from day one that we were working well together. We like to play together & we help each other."

Rooney on his 200th club goal said  "I didn’t know I’d reached 200 club goals until after the game. I’m obviously delighted with that."

Man Utd manager Sir Alex said "Our attacking play has been the strongest part of our game. But we’re letting in goals at home & that’s disappointing."

Man Utd do to again with their impressive strike force but have to keep a watch on the clean sheets at home which will be crucial for the title race, for which last season they lost to City on goal difference.

posted on 21 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Its AVB against Chelsea this week at White Hart Lane

World Cup Qualifiers have been amazing with all top teams doing their best and now its back to business in the league. To start it off, Chelsea vs Tottenham this Saturday at White Hart Lane is the most anticipated match as the London rivals take on each other with one man in picture, Andre Villas Boas. AVB took charge of Chelsea last summer after his unbeatable run with Porto the previous year, AVB was not successful with the Blues last season which followed his sacking, later Chelsea went on to win both the Champions League and the FA Cup. After a let out from Chelsea AVB was away from football for a while and returned back into the Premier League with the Spurs side.

Everything went on as he wanted, Spurs brought in players who he wanted, cleaning off the bench and adding value and strength to his squad. Spurs ended a 23 year drought, beating Manchester United at Old Trafford which made them announce their arrival for the title challenge along with other big sides like Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea. Villas Boas faces his old side this week and wants to show them what they lost and what he found at his new club. Spurs are on a very good run with 4 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss from their 7 matches. They want to continue their winning run with players like Defoe, Bale and Dembele enjoying the football under their new boss.

This match will also feature the fight of the managers, Villas Boas and Roberto di Matteo who worked together at Chelsea last season.

 

posted on 18 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Cantona on David Beckham

David Beckham may not be playing for Manchester United now, but he was regarded as the trend setter and brand ambassador for the famous number 7 jersey at Man Utd. When Eric Cantona left United, Beckham was given the honour of the number 7 jersey and from there on he made it the symbol of every footballer's status. Today number 7 is as popular as number 10. Adding to the trends brought in by Beckham, Cantona was also one of his admirers when Becks was young. Cantona had all praises for Beckham saying

Cantona: "I think Beckham was one of the best interpreters of the modern game & that he was a worthy heir of my shirt."

 

posted on 18 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Joe Hart, the only player from England in Eurosports World XI

 Eurosport global network of editorial staff  voted for the  World XI for the season 2011-12, Joe Hart was officially named as the world's best keeper beating the lights of Spain's Iker Casillas who got three votes and Italy's Gianluigi Buffon, Germany's Manuel Neuer who got one vote each. Joe Hart had five people who voted in favour of him making him the official number one keeper in the world 2011-12.

Three City players made it to the top eleven, another three from Barcelona, two from PSG and one each from the other top clubs of Europe.

The participating countries were: UK & Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Arabia.

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the only players to a nod from all of 10 voters.

posted on 15 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Spurs Go for the Kill this Season

Tottenham Hotspur lost Luka Modric' to Real Madrid, a sacked manager who still needs to prove his worth in English football, Ledley King announcing his retirement, insufficient strike force and lot of scrap bench strength, These are some of the very few hurdles Spurs have to go past all of these at the start of the season Now they've played 7 won 4 drawn 2 and lost 1. All was not well when Spurs took off at the start of the season, lost one and drew two. And then started their winning streak along with their wins over Manchester United and Aston Villa last weekend.

With most of the bench cleared this summer Spurs brought in able midfielders like Dempsey, Dembele and Sigurdsson. Adebayor provides the striking option who was quite a success last season when he was on loan. Spurs turn up as one of the most physical sides in the league with vital striking options and steady midfield.

Defoe started off the season with his good form and Dembele was amazing in his last two matches. More to be delivered from the ever reliable Bale and Lennon, with Parker due to come from injury Tottenham look very good on paper as well as on the ground.

The manger knew about the English style of football with Chelsea last season and he intended not to repeat the same with spurs this season. With a perfect muscular side on board and Scott Parker set to return, Tottenham have all the right reasons to fight for the tittle this season along with favorites Manchester United, Chelsea and defending champions Manchester City. 

posted on 9 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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Man Utd going front 2012-13

With players like Van Persie and Kagawa bought in this summer, Manchester United fans have all the right reasons to expect a lot more from their club this season. Sir Alex will have problems with the playing eleven and the formations there on.

Expecting the best strike force with Rooney, Van Persie, Kagawa all playing, settling the mid field and defence is quite a problem. Man Utd always comes up with a 4-4-2 formation and have already played with that formation for a couple of matches this season with Welback on the left. But the best type of play while playing a 4-4-2 is to play wingers on either ends.

Kagawa had an amazing season with Borussia Dortmund last year and a playmaker like him having signed in for Manchester United have to play in the starting eleven. Now United have the problem of selecting a formation which enables Rooney, Van Persie and even Kagawa to play together. Having a player like Kagawa in the middle means you have to lose the wing force which United usually have with a 4-4-2 formation.

A better formation with Kagawa playing should be a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rooney just behind the front man probably Van Persie or Hernandez. This formation allows the wingers to play their part as in usual

4-4-2 kind of formation.

With wingers mostly injured and not so performing well, United can look for another kind of a formation say 4-3-2-1 'a Christmas Tree formation'. The full backs usually tend to come front and they can easily adapt to this kind of play. Barcelona makes a lot out of their full backs and with impressive full backs like Evra and Rafael, United can always opt for this formation.

Sir Alex this summer got his catch with regard to signing pretty good players in the window. United in their opening matches played a conventional 4-4-2 with Welback on the left wing. Welback was always playing ahead of the left wing and towards the center just behind the striker and this made Evra to come forward and they had problems in the defence hence they conceded many goals. Welback should not play on the left, a winger or even a midfielder can be preferred. Sir Alex needs to figure all of this early in the season and a couple of loses to Everton and Spurs should help them and with Fergie there you can always expect the best to happen to this squad.

posted on 9 Oct, 2012 by John Paul Komaravalli

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