Round up on the season

The English Premier League

Where to start? This season has been really action packed, the victor declared only after the last game of the season. There had been a fight at the bottom of the table as well.

The season started in September with the Community Shield: Chelsea vs Manchester United. After a dramatic display, Man Utd. won on penalties. But this would be their worst start to their season as they first lost to rivals City and kept their bad form going on throughout September.

Arsenal, who had lost Henry to Barcelona, had signed Eduardo over for a $15 million deal. Arsenal took control of the season, seizing the top of the table in the first few weeks. Chelsea and Liverpool (who brought Athletico Madrid Fernando Torres) had moderate starts to their season.

But the Red Devils recovered and started battling with Arsenal. The first encounter between the BIG 4 was Arsenal vs Liverpool where Gerrard scored early before Gunner hero Fabregas scored to give Arsenal a draw. A big match Arsenal vs Man Utd. was on the cards. This battle between the top two was dramatic as a Gallas own goal before half time gave Reds the lead, before Fabregas levelled. But the champs were hungry and took the lead again through an Evra pass, beating goalkeeper Almunia to Ronaldo who knocked the ball into the net. If this wasn’t enough, Gallas made amends by heading the ball into the net in injury time when Van Der Sar leapt to stop it, only to fall in to the goal as the match was drawn 2-2.

Man Utd’s bad form continued as they lost to Bolton 1-0 through a brilliant Anelka goal before getting knocked out of the Carling Cup with a loss to lowly Coventry. Arsenal kept winning, which kept them in the lead, Man utd on their heels.

December saw another clash between the big four, as Arsenal defeated Chelsea dramatically 1-0 and Man utd beat Pool by the same margin.

Arsenal seemed unstoppable as their strikers Eduardo and Adebayor scored goals with ease. Manchester too had its player Cristiano Ronaldo who got into devastating form at around this time. Torres too scored goals as the above strikers ran amok.

The transfer window opened in February. Jermaine Defoe was sold to Pompey, Nicholas Anelka came to Chelsea and Woodgate to Tottenham.

Now started the turn of events. Arsenal lost to Tottenham at White Hart Lane in the Carling Cup 5-1, which turned favourable for their opponents. Arsenal then won only one of their next six matches (in the UEFA Champions league against AC Milan 2-0), surrendering to Manchester United. Many believe (me included) the horrendous Eduardo injury put them in shock as they drew 5 continuous matches.
They then played Manchester in the FA Cup and lost to them 4-0. Arsenal’s dip in form was copied by Liverpool who lost to Barnsley in the FA Cup, 2-1. Arsenal then lost to Chelsea 2-1 through a Drogba double.

Their reason for losing so humiliatingly was the bad refereeing. They conceded penalties which weren’t so, they were given yellow cards for no reason, and offside goals were scored against them. The quality of refereeing which had been good in the first half of the season had turned so bad the “it now stank like a pig sty”.

Liverpool then lost again to Man Utd 0-3 and they were cemented in first spot. Arsenal conceded the second spot to Chelsea.

Then came a turning point again. Manchester United drew with Blackburn and Chelsea won their game, putting them a few points below the red devils. Chelsea played United and won 2-1(thanks to Michael Ballack) and Chelsea were tied in first spot with Man U with only 3 games to go.

But by now, 8 managers had been replaced. Kevin Keegan’s side had come out of relegation, putting Birmingham, Bolton and Reading along with Fulham in the relegation danger. Derby had already been relegated. The fight came down to the wire as on the last day of the EPL, Fulham won heroically as they escaped relegation. Reading and Birmingham, though equal on points, were relegated due to inferior goal difference.

Meanwhile, Manchester United played Wigan in their bid for their second EPL title at the same time Chelsea hosted Bolton.

Manchester United got the lead through Ronaldo and eased to victory after Giggs, who broke Sir Charlton’s 758th match record, scored. Chelsea meanwhile drew with Bolton after a late injury time goal kept them 2 points behind Manchester United. Arsenal limped to 3rd after a dismal second half of the season. Liverpool completed the quartet after they fought with Everton for fourth place.

Ah well!! The inexperienced Gunners reached third this time. Manchester United were the deserving winners at the end.

Best of luck Gunners, and Gooners!!!!!!!

Manchester United win the EPL!!!

A thrilling day is in progress. It is the last day of the English Premier League. It is the day which decides who wins the title, and who is relegated. And the results are out!! Man United has won!!

The match between Manchester United and Wigan was a decider as Wigan took control in the first few minutes. But Manchester United came back with a bang as they missed the post barely, followed by oohs and aahs of the crowd at the JJB Stadium. But the first goal was not far away.

Park crossed from the left side of the box, only for it to be headed away. But the ball entered the box through a stupid loss by the defender to Rooney, who was then fouled before he made the final kick. This resulted in a penalty, which was taken by Ronaldo. He put it into the back of the net to register a 1-0 lead over Athletic, scoring his 41st goal of the season.

But a kick by Heskey seemed to have hit Ferdinand’s hand, but Wigan was denied a penalty. Scholes too had to be sent off but was given a second chance. The league title was decided fittingly as in the 81st minute, a Rooney pass to clear Giggs saw the veteran finish things off for Manchester United as he scored his 4th goal. One could see the entire team celebrating as though they had won the title. And they did, 9 minutes later. Manchester United won as Chelsea drew with Bolton, to take the pole postion with 87 points.

In other matches, Arsenal defeated Sunderland with 1-0 lead to finish third with 83 points, Walcott putting away the winner. Chelsea drew even after Shevchenko scored when Taylor scored in the 93rd minute through Cech’s legs.

Reading and Birmingham were relegated even though they won 4-0 and 2-1 respectively as Fulham won a thriller versus Portsmouth to survive yet again. Liverpool too won against Tottenham 2-0 as Voronin and Torres scored for the Merseyside team. But the game of the day was Middlesbrough vs Manchester City as the underrated team defeated Manchester United neighbours 8-1. Sven Erikkson bade farewell to the team in tears.

We Will be Back with the Transfer Results.

LONG LIVE ARSENAL!!!!!!!!!!

Videos compiled by blizzard!

Man Utd 2-0 Wigan

Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham

Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham

Birmingham 4-1 Blackburn

Derby 0-4 Reading

Manchester City 1-8 Middlesbrough

Everton 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 2-2

Chelsea 1-1 Bolton

Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland

We can't wait for next season!!!

We'll definitely bring you guys the latest coverage on the transfer market, FA Cup Final, 

Champion's League Final and Euro 2008!!!!

Bendtner books 1-0 win for Arsenal, but their hopes of EPL glory are dashed...

Nicklas Bendtner scored a powerful header to keep Arsenal's chances of finishing second alive.

Arsenal are just a point behind Chelsea, and they would come second only if they win against Sunderland and Chelsea get only a point from their remaining two matches, which is highly unlikely.

Everton, who needed full three points to capture the UEFA Cup spot, were seen begging as they couldn't get past a rather resilient Arsenal defence.

Arsene Wenger started the match without Fabregas and Flamini, while giving a chance to Nicklas Bendtner and Gilberto Silva.

Arsenal were the better team in the first half, with Theo Walcott in supreme form, dashing at every opportunity, and linking very well with Adebayor and Bendtner.

The second half started with Everton in firm control, but they couldn't sneak past the Arsenal defence. Johnson kept pushing the ball forward, but he never received support from fellow Everton players.

The decisive moment came 14 minutes from time, when Nicklas Bendtner passed the ball to Traore at the left wing, who went ahead and produced a beautiful cross for Bendtner to power it past Howard.

Here are the highlights, courtesy ابو السيم

Enjoy!!

Go GUNNERS!!!

Arsenal drub Derby 6-2

It was the perfect location, at Pride Park, where Derby were playing for pride after being relegated and Arsenal were playing for their bleak chance of finishing top in the Premier League.

Derby started the night firmly in control, quite determined and all, but it was Arsenal who opened the account in the 25th minute.

Darren Moore was the culprit as he mindlessly passed the ball behind to Bendtner, who calmly took the ball, exchanged passes with Van Persie, and drove the ball past Carroll into the bottom left corner.

Nicklas Bendtner, 25th minute, 1-0

Van Persie missed an easy chance in the 27th minute when Theo Walcott slid the ball to him, leaving just the goalkeeper in front of him. But he failed to convert the chance as he drove the ball wide to the left of the post.

Van Persie easy chance, 27th minute

Derby got a freekick in the 31st minute, which was taken by Savage. McEveley attacked Savage's freekick, resulting in the ball landing right in front of him. He quickly reacted by stubbing the ball past Fabianski, to cancel out Bendtner's opening goal and put Derby on level terms.

McEveley, 31st minute, 1-1

But that was short lived. Van Persie brought Arsenal ahead for the second time in the match, after he took Toure's pass on his chest and whacked it with his right foot straight into the net.

Van Persie, 39th minute, 2-1

The first half had many missed chances, with Arsenal having the first one when Toure sent a shot over the crossbar after Bendtner's cross, in the first 5 minutes of the game.

Emmanuel Villa scuffed a shot across goal from Tyrone Mears's low cross before Mile Sterjovski saw an effort which deflected wide of the post by Alexandre Song.

Many other chances missed in the first half, especially a few really easy ones by Arsenal.

Van Persie had a nagging hamstring problem, and was substituted by Adebayor, which was a very good decision.

Just before the hour mark, Adebayor pushed the ball into the net past Carroll after Eboue helped onto a Walcott pass from the right wing.

Adebayor, 59th minute, 3-1

A two goal cushion emerged, but it cut down to one as Derby substitute Earnshaw neatly finished of a pass by Andy Todd, which had sliced open the Arsenal defence. He did a little acrobatic stunt like thing after that( a dance maybe:P), which must have taken him the whole season to practice:P

Earnshaw, 77th minute, 3-2

But Derby's chances of an unlikely comeback were shortlived as two minutes later, Walcott bent a beautiful shot past Carroll to restore Arsenal's 2 goal cushion.

Walcott, 79th minute, 4-2

Arsenal extended their lead via yet another Adebayor goal, as he claimed his second goal with a close range finish from Clichy's left wing cross. Eboue and Adebayor celebrated with a little funny dance:D

Adebayor, 81st minute, 5-2

But the match was not over. Adebayor came back to score once more! He raced ahead of the Derby defence, rounded the ball away from Carroll, and slid the ball nicely into the net.

He came back to do the dance again, with Eboue, which was really funny:D

Adebayor, 90+1 minute, 6-2

Overall a very good match, but I didn't expect Arsenal would give away 2 goals. All the six goals were nice, and my favourites were the Walcott and the third Adebayor goal. Adebayor was the show-stopper, totally the player of the match.

The videos were courtesy ابو السيم

The EPL is open once again!!!!!!

Oh Man!! This year the EPL has been a roller coaster ride, first the then stars Arsenal moving out of the competition, then Manchester United coming front, and at last Chelsea coming from nowhere to throttle Manchester once again.

The Star Saturday this week had the last competitive EPL game on the cards, the Red Devils vs Chelsea! Manchester United, after a near loss to Barcelona, was not too keen to face their London rivals at Stamford Bridge. But Avram Grant had a point to prove, to cement his manager post.

While seeing the final line up for the match, I felt that for Chelsea, this match meant a lot, whereas Sir Alex was taking the game too lightly. Ronaldo and Tevez were missing from the line up, as Nani was given a start along with Giggs and Rooney. Grant came up with his best squad, Drogba and Kalou along with Joe Cole up front and a solid Ballack, Essien and Mikel behind. Chelsea and English star Frank Lampard missed the match due to the demise of his mother Pat Lampard.

Chelsea kicked off and immediately put pressure on the Man Utd Defence, as Essien missed a good chance within the first minute. Manchester United looked very weary and tired as Chelsea put the pressure at the right places. They had most of the possession, and made use of it.

In the 8th minute, while Drogba received and Essien pass, his knee hit Nemanja Vidic’s jaw, resulting in bleeding and eventually saw him carried off the field in a stretcher. He was substituted by Owen Hargreaves, the Manchester hero in the match versus Arsenal. Chelsea continued their attacking football and Manchester United kept on losing the ball to their rivals, or causing a huge number of off sides. But in the end, Chelsea were not to be denied. Drogba did well to get some space near the penalty box and crossed to the unmarked Ballack who headed it across the diving Van Der Sar into the net, a goal which caused the stands to erupt as Ballack ran off, removing his shirt (causing him a yellow card) and holding a shirt written on which “Pat Lampard, No 8, RIP” as an invigorated Chelsea headed to half time.

The break saw no change in the match as Chelsea continued their dominating football, that is, until the 58th minute. A free kick was awarded to Chelsea in their own half and Ashley Cole passed to team mate Ricardo Carvalho who carelessly passed it behind to Terry, getting Rooney instead. The 22 year old English international made most of his chance and sprinted forward, kicking the ball pat Cech’s defence as Manchester levelled at last.

But Chelsea remained undeterred. Grant brought in Shevchenko and Anelka, providing them with more attacking options. As the match entered the final 20 minutes, it seemed that this clash would result in a draw, but it was not to be.

In the 85th minute Essien ran in through the right wing and crossed, only to hit Carrick’s hand in the box, moments after Brown too had handled the ball in the same area. Chelsea was given a penalty, which of course Ballack converted, and Chelsea went one up again!!

But Manchester had had enough. They started attacking at last but the Chelsea defence was more than a match for them. A Ronaldo kick past Cech saw Ashley Cole clear the ball on the line and a Ferdinand back flip to open goal was met with groans as Shevchenko came from nowhere to clear the ball to safety. Chelsea kept their winning streak at home to 82 matches, as they too are now contenders for the title. They are now tied with the Red Devils with 81 points apiece with Manchester ahead on goal difference. But this win saw the end of the Gunners’ hopes to come second as they are on 74 points with 3 games to go. With the pressure back on Manchester, will they hold their nerve to snatch a second title in as many years????

Go Gunners, again!!!!!

Here are the highlights!!! Courtesy TVGOLO!!

Manchester United Vs Chelsea a decisive clash in the EPL

This EPL race has been a roller coaster race. With Arsenal on top in February, the EPL title race has been turned on its heels as a Man Utd. Vs Chelsea clash is inevitable. This match may just bring Chelsea on top.

This decisive blow was struck this Saturday with vital games for the top four. Arsenal entertained Reading and got better easily as they ousted the Reading team in the 30th minute as Adebayor scored his 27th goal of the season with a clever move, circumventing the defence to coolly put it past Hannhemann and then Gilberto scored through a deflection from a defender as Arsenal won easily 2-0 even though Van Persie nearly scored and Walcott missed an easy goal. This loss may just put Reading into relegation zone if Birmingham win on Sunday.

Liverpool travelled to Craven Cottage with a less strong team, leaving out Torres and Gerrard and Fulham needing a win to move out of relegation. But a Lucas pass saw Pennant smash the ball into the netting, followed by a Crouch kick which saw him score his 4th EPL goal. Fulham was criticised for showing absolutely no interest in trying to stop themselves from losing.

Fulham now face a blow as relegation zoners Bolton Wanderers bested Middlesbrough in a very tight match as they won 1-0. Now the stragglers at the bottom half of the table have to look out and win more games!

But the title race was made more competitive in the match between Manchester United and Blackburn. Blackburn had new English star David Bentley and United had, as you all know, their most ruthless goal scoring team out.

The champions took it easy until they were rudely awakened as Roque Santa Cruz took advantage of slack defending as his kick saw the back of the net. Then United awoke and started playing their free football, but to no avail, United trailing in the half time break.

Fergie kept his team in for a long time, and when the United players came out, we could see the fear in Blackburn’s faces. Still, they defended very well, frustrating the Manchester fans eagerly waiting for a Manchester victory.

United kept on putting pressure in the right places, but it seemed that their only barrier was Friedel, the goalkeeper. US second choice stopped chances on chances as he seemed to fly to stop Rooney, Tevez, Nani and Ronaldo form scoring. He kept out umpteen chances on goal. I can still remember the O’Shea chance stop as he moved his hands in the way at the correct time, or the Tevez stop as he stopped the ball merely a centimetre away from the line!!

But United were not to be denied, as a Scholes header saw Tevez score, thus leading to a draw. But Fergie was worried when English talent Rooney limped off the pitch. United fans should hope their hero is fit for a clash versus Barcelona for the UEFA league! This shows that even the big temas need to toil to win or draw. No tema can be taken for granted. Individuals may be good on their own,but if they do not form a team, they WILL lose. At the same time it shows us why MANU are the champs! Now, the clash between Chelsea and the champs will decide who wins, or loses, with Chelsea on 78 and Manchester on 81!

GO ARSENAL!!!!!!!!

Man Utd virtually kill off Arsenal's hopes of silverware

It wasn't a pretty sight for Arsenal fans as Man Utd killed Arsenal's chances of silverware after beating them 2-1. Arsenal dominated most of the game, but Man Utd eventually ran away winners.

The first half was full of adrenalin, with the Arsenal midfielders making quick passes with supreme agility to confuse the Man Utd defence. A host of chances were missed by Arsenal, including a very easy Adebayor chance when Hleb set him up one on one with Van Der Sar, which he failed to convert.

As the first half ended 0-0, I knew that I would be in for a thrilling match. And what a finish it was!! It was disappointing, but what a match!!!

Arsenal took a deserved lead in the second half via a suspicious "hand" by Adebayor, who had latched on to an amazing Fabregas free kick.

Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out Adebayor's first goal from the spot kick after the ball weirdly found its way through Gallas's hand.

And approximately 17 minutes from time, the overrated Owen Hargreaves whacked a wonderful free kick past Lehmann to give the hosts the lead.

It was raining yellow cards for Arsenal as Lehmann, Adebayor, Gallas, Van Persie, Hleb and Hoyte all got yellow cards.

Man Utd dominated towards the end of the match, not allowing Arsenal any chances.

Arsene Wenger admitted in an interview that Arsenal's chance were over and he's looking forward to winning a title next season.

Well, there's always next season!! Hopefully we'll get a really good experienced player into our side!:D

Here are the highlights, courtesy TVGOLO!!!



GO GUNNERS!!! RULE THEM ALL NEXT SEASON!!!

Arsenal title hopes nearly over as cheating ensues

Arsenal’s title hopes suffered their biggest dent till date as they nearly lost to rivals Liverpool here at Emirates Stadium. Fresh after their clash at the same stadium 72 hours before, the two teams met again for a league match.

At their UEFA clash, Arsenal drew 1-1 despite a Hleb penalty chance and a Fabregas kick on goal only to be blocked by compatriot Bendtner in face of goal. Unlucky, huh??

After their clash, the managers Benitez and Wenger fielded second choice squads as Liverpool left Voronin, Kuyt, Babel, skipper Gerrard and main striker Torres on the bench as Peter Crouch played a lone match as their main striker after a long time. Wenger meanwhile left out Van Persie and kept Adebayor, Hleb on the bench as a lesser known team tried to defend Arsenal’s home record.

Liverpool played dominantly from the start as they passed amazingly well. A third minute effort on goal from Crouch was stopped by a diving Almunia. But the Reds were not to be denied, as they attacked constantly through Benayoun, Pennant and Riise.

Arsenal’s chance came in the 34th minute as Fabregas splayed a worthy chance. Bendtner missed the only first half chance as his touch was too weak to defeat Spanish Reina after Walcott was pushed by Riise. Another chance was dropped as an Eboue pass could not be converted as Flamini was pushed by Carragher.

Liverpool scored in the 42nd minute after a beautiful Riise pass saw Crouch dodge the defence in a funny wiggly kick passed Almunia’s defence. The Gunners entered half time one down.

What happened during half time, God only knows, as the second half saw Liverpool struggling as Arsenal reigned supreme. They scored through a beautiful Fabregas freekick as Bendtner headed it home. Arsenal passed and passed, only to find Carragher and Carragher again and again. Many substitutions were made as Adebayor and Hleb for Arsenal and Voronin, Torres and Gerrard were brought in, but to no avail. The match ended in a thrilling tie.

Arsenal’s match was marred with fouls as refereeing was very poor AGAIN! Walcott was slapped inside the box, Fabregas was pulled by the cuff inside the box and Walcott had to confront a 3 on 1 attack on him. I know Liverpool wanted to draw, but they should not have used such cowardly methods in the game. Kudos to them for the fist half, though!!
This draw keeps Arsenal at third after Chelsea won against Manchester City 2-0, a comfortable victory, three ahead of Arsenal. While the Manchester United and Chelsea fans can scream with joy at Arsenal’s virtual demise, the Gooners can only hope for a miracle for the Gunners to win the title.

Go Arsenal!!!!!!

Here are the videos courtesy TVGOLO!!!

Peter Crouch, 42nd minute, 0-1

Nicklas Bendtner, 54th minute, 1-1

Arsenal win, but remain in third position

After losing to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal had fallen back to third, a point behind Chelsea. This week, Chelsea had to play Middlesbrough at home, and the Gunners visited Reebok stadium against relegation zoners Bolton Wanderers.

Wenger brought in a slightly weak squad, after Sagna got injured playing against Chelsea and Adebayor was on the bench. Eboue to missed the match as a penalty for successive yellow cards.

Arsenal started the half weakly, losing the ball and passing badly. Their football was depressing to watch and it made me yearn to throw a brick at them!! But in the first 30 minutes, a Bolton defender threw the ball from outside to their midfielder who sauntered a crossed the ball, much to the surprise of the Gunner defenders. Taylor saw his chance and headed the ball, as it passed Almunia at his feet into goal.

If this was bad, see what happened next. Clichy somehow gained possession during a Bolton attack and passed it to Flamini. Who lost the ball due to pushing to Taylor. Taylor kicked the ball to the goal. If it had gone straight, it would have reached the hands of Almunia. But it deflected off Gallas into the goal. At half time, Arsenal were two down.

But straight after half time, Adebayor was brought in, whose presence acted as a catalyst to the team. Barely minutes after the half had started, Fabregas kicked the ball during the corner above all the players, only to find Gallas lurking on the right side who saw his chance and scooped it into goal.

Few minutes later, an Adebayor pass to Flamini went in vain, only for Hleb to be fouled within the penalty box. Robin Van Persie took the penalty, which saw the back of the net.

In extra time, Fabregas put an end to the match as his touch saw a deflection into the goal, amidst tears and applause. Arsenal may have won, but they have no chance to win the EPL as Manchester United crushed Aston Villa and Chelsea won versus Middlesbrough. Let's just hope that they do!!

Here are the videos courtesy TVGOLO

First half highlights




Second half highlights






BEST OF LUCK, GUNNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arsenal lose!!!! NOOOOOO!!!!!!

It was a bizarre, yet scintillating match at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal were totally at their best, as they kept pressing for a goal. Adebayor didn't look too good, Van Persie threw a lot of shots wide of the post. While the midfield was solid. In short- there were hardly any proper and genuine shots on goal for Arsenal. Chelsea looked uneasy in the first 20 minutes of the game, as whenever they took the ball to Almunia, Arsenal would counter attack. Fabregas showed glimpses of his genius touch when he made a few crazy flicks to Hleb and Flamini in the match.

Tons of chances went down the drain for both teams, a lot of chances absolutely wasted, and some tough tackles and yellow cards marked the first half of the game. The most notable person in the first half was Eboue, who was really hyper and in high spirits as he took every opportunity to bad-mouth the Chelsea players and the referee!

The second half started with Arsenal firmly in control, snapping passes here and there. The first breakthrough for either team came for Arsenal when the unlikely scorer Barca Sagna latched onto a corner from Fabregas in the 58th minute. Wenger had said that he didn't want to concede the first goal, and that didn't happen. But matters became worse later for Arsenal. Avram Grant pulled off Ballack, who was really playing well, and brought out Nicklas Anelka, while Makelele was replaced by Belletti. Wenger pulled off Van Persie and tried to inject some pace into the game by bringing in Walcott, and Sagna was replace by Bendtner.

Chelsea pulled one back in the 73rd minute via Drogba, who untidily flicked the ball past Almunia.

Chelsea got another one 8 minutes later, with Anelka setting up the ball for Drogba by heading it to him. Drogba finished it off to get Chelsea into the lead and this was the final result: 2-1. I felt that this goal was a clean offside, which shows that the referee's have gone against Arsenal once again!!

Chelsea have pushed Arsenal down to number 3, and are real contenders for Man Utd's title.

Disappointing game for the Gunners and the Gooners, as Arsenal's title chances have faced the biggest possible dent.

Here are the highlights of the second half, in which all the goals were scored.........

Go Gunners!:S

Why YOU REFEREEEE!!!!!

Alliadere's goal was offside, Adebayor's early strike was incorrectly called offside, and moreover, the referee blew the final whistle when Arsenal were about to take a corner kick after Mido was red-carded for slashing his boot on Clichy's head, which required him to get treatment.

These were the worst decisions in the match, made by none other than- Mark Halsey!

Arsenal totally outplayed Middlesbrough, Alliadere's goal was like the biggest offside of a lifetime, and Adebayor's effort called offside... WHAT??? ARE YOU BLIND !@#$% REFEREE????

Thank God there was Toure, who headed in the ball off a Fabregas corner kick, with Flamini blocking the goalies view! Looked like he was doing the funky chicken:P

This match has seriously dented Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League, with them losing 8 points in the last four. Manchester United scrapped past Derby, and so did Liverpool and Chelsea against their respective opponents.

The standard of referees has really gone down, with them being the major reason why we lost 8 points in four games in the first place!!!

Here are the highlights of this totally forgettable encounter..


Alliadere's offiside goal, 24th minute, 0-1



Toure's header, 85th minute, 1-1



Go Gunners!!!

Frustrating day for Wenger and Arsenal as pitch plays spoilsport.

Didn't get to see this dead rubber, unlucky for Arsenal!!!

We should just pray that Manchester United lose!

Here are the first half highlights... courtesy TVGOLO

Bendtner spares Arsenal's blushes

Arsenal looked to be about to relinquish top spot in the Premier League after Swiss central defender Philippe Senderos turned Gabriel Agbonlahor's cross from the left into his own net after 27 minutes.

But the young Danish substitute stroked home from close range with virtually the last kick of the match to keep the Gunners a point ahead of Manchester United.

Martin O'Neill's side were happy to hit the Gunners on the break and had signalled their intent after 13 minutes when Agbonlahor was sent clean through on goal only for William Gallas to makes a captain's tackle to save his team just as the young striker was about to pull the trigger.

The same pair were involved for the goal when Agbonlahor took on the French defender down the left channel and his centre hit the unfortunate Senderos and nestled in the net leaving Almunia with no chance.

Almunia also had to make a vital save to push Shaun Maloney's 20-yard piledriver onto the crossbar just before the break as the visitors threatened to extend their lead.

They had been thankful to Scott Carson who made a fine early save to deny Theo Walcott. The England keeper dived full length to his right to palm away a 15-yard drive after Curtis Davies was easily turned on the edge of the penalty area.

Senderos and Cesc Fabregas had also spurned decent first-half chances as they failed to hit the target from close range and, despite the loss of Davies and Nigel Reo-Coker with early injuries, Villa were largely composed.

Within 25 seconds of the restart, Walcott stung Carson's palms with a fierce shot from the right channel.

The disappointing Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini failed to hit the target with long-range efforts before the hosts were almost hit on the break again as Ashley Young's stinging drive, which was destined for the bottom corner, was pushed around the post by Almunia.

Clichy and Hleb had tested Carson while Bendtner and Adebayor had headed over but Villa were looking good value for the victory which would have boosted their own Champions League ambitions.

Sub Marlon Harewood was posing real problems and Almunia had save a fierce drive with his knee after Senderos was turned by the sub before Flamini and Adebayor again failed to test Carson when well placed.

However in the fourth minute of injury time, Clichy's deep cross was headed back across goal by Adebayor and the young Dane was left unmarked five yards out to stroke home a vital equaliser.

-Lee Walker / Eurosport


I couldn't write my own review as my boards start tomorrow, so wish me luck!!!

Best of luck to all the 10th and 12th graders out there writing their Board exams!!

Here are the videos, courtesy Arsenalist.


Senderos Own goal, 27th minute, 0-1



Nicklas Bendtner goal, 90th minute, 1-1



Go Gunners! Let's shoot down Milan!!

Cheating and injury plagues Arsenal versus Birmingham

The Gunners match against Birmingham proved to be tragic as bad refereeing and tackles saw the Gunners a draw.

Wenger fielded a strong squad to start, with Adebayor and Eduardo as strikers, Fabregas and Hleb assisting them and a solid defence. Birmingham were too looking to gain some points to come out of the relegation zone.

Arsenal started off well, passing and dominating the game, until THE TACKLE. 3 minutes into the game, a bad tackle by Martin Taylor saw Eduardo sidelined with a leg injury, after writhing in pain for 8 minutes on field, Taylor getting a straight Red. Shocked at this turn of events, the Gunners looked out of sorts, not dominating and losing the ball.

But bad refereeing saw a good Flamini tackle turn into a freekick as McFadden converted it into a goal. Flamini was left arguing with the referee as the fans could only watch in horror.

But Arsenal came back in the second half, after a Fabregas corner was not cleared by Mark Taylor as Walcott flicked it into the net to level the match. Fabregas struck the post with a shot inside the area as Liam Ridgewell did not intercept the Spaniard’s long pass.

His miscontrol presented the ball to Walcott and the young Englishman dispatched it into the bottom corner of the goal. Arsenal appeared home but they were pegged by controversy at the death.

With the match entering the forth minute of stoppage time, Gael Clichy seemed to have fouled Stuart Parnaby though replays showed that he kicked the ball rather than caused a foul. It took no time for Mcfadden to score the penalty as Birmingham held Arsenal for the second time in the season.

But Arsenal is blameless. Bad refereeing and Eduardo’s injury shocked them so much that they could not concentrate on the game.

In the 3rd minute, Martin Taylor lunged at Eduardo’s knee at him him squarely with studded shoes, right below the knee. This saw paramedics infuse morphine into him to calm the Croatian just two days before his b’day. At this sight, Flamini literally fought with the referee as Fabregas shielded his eyes, unable to see his team mate’s condition as Adebayor screamed for help. Now Eduardo can’t play for the rest of the season.

Good Luck, Eduardo.

Go Gunners!!!!!

McFadden, 28th minute, Flamini "foul"+goal, 0-1



Walcott, 49th minute, 1-1



Walcott, 55th minute, 2-1



McFadden, 90th minute, goal+Clichy "foul", 2-2



Martin Taylor’s horror tackle on Eduardo who breaks his leg, 2nd minute



Bad tackle on Hleb



Adebayor fouled, no penalty



Videos courtesy Arsenalist

Red Devils crash on historical day

The fateful day in Zurich where many Manchester United players as well as a Man City former player was remembered in Old Trafford stadium here on Super Sunday. A one minute silence along with Manchester United wearing the olden 1958 jersey was done to remember those who perished in the crash.
Manchester United, after dropping points versus Tottenham Hotspurs last week with a 1-1 draw, had to do something magical to compete with leaders Arsenal for the EPL title. Manchester United had started the season in September with a loss against their city rivals, Manchester City. Today, the conditions were different as they were playing in Old Trafford and had the crowd support.
Sir Alex Ferguson chose a very strong squad, complete with Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. Manchester City, after a close loss to Arsenal last week was very spirited and challenging.
Manchester United started the day dominantly, passing the ball well but Manchester City asserted them by the time they took the lead through Darius Vasell, who scored with a second chance after GK Edwin Van Der Sar blocked his first one.
But Tevez nearly equalised to slam a volley from the edge of the box, only for Hart to make a fine save. It was City who scored the next goal, Petrov collecting the ball after Manchester United failed to clear a corner, and passed to Mwaruwari (transferred from Portsmouth) (in 45’) to glance it into goal for 2-0.
Manchester United’s passing was poor, they made too many mistakes and they missed suspended Rooney. At last Manchester United scored at stoppage time with Michael Carrick’s well kicked goal through Hart’s defence. But was there any time for an equaliser??? Fortunately no, as the Red Devils lost 1-2.
City, with skipper Richard Dunne outstanding in defence and Stephen Ireland and Martin Petrov battling it out with Manchester United’s midfield, well deserved the win that has seriously hit United’s hopes of retaining their title.
Arsenal, who defeated Blackburn Rovers, have 63 points from 26 matches and they are 5 points clear of Manchester United, who have 58 from 26.
GO GUNNERS!!!!!!!!

Adebayor scores again as Arsenal are five clear at top!

Arsenal have the EPL in their hands as they finished off Blackburn Rover 2-0 at home.
As Man Utd had lost their match against Man City, Arsenal are at the top with a rather convincing margin- 5 POINTS!!!

Arsenal were on attack mode right from the first whistle and they were rewarded with a corner in the 4th minute, which was taken by the elegant Fabregas. Senderos headed the beautiful corner right into the goal.

This put Blackburn on the defensive, and they put Arsenal on the backfoot. Adebayor, who didn't look really good during the match, had his shots blocked by Friedel on many occasions, and even though he didn't really perform well in the match, he got a goal added against his name after whacking a pass from Fabregas into the goal. This was his 12th goal in 9 matches, and he's really giving Ronaldo a run for his BOOTS! The goal came in the 90th minute which ensured Arsenal the match even though their performance was slightly lacklustre.

But a WIN IS A WIN!!!

Blackburn too had many chances, but the best chance they had was 7 minutes before the break, when David Bentley flicked the ball to Brett Emerton, who whipped a cross, but in vain.

Blackburn really took grip of the match after Arsenal's first goal, but that didn't help them win the match as their shots did not convert into goals.

And last but not the least, the highlights!! Thanks Arsenalist!!!


Senderos, 4th minute, Arsenal 1-0 Blackburn



Adebayor, 90th minute, Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn



Hail Arsenal!!!

Manchester United head to lacklustre draw against spirited Spurs

Yep, you are absolutely right! We've even started blogging about the crucial losses or draws that have helped Arsenal in some way or the other!
We are even going to write about the losses of Manchester United and Chelsea as they are our closest rivals right now...

Bless Tottenham!! The same team which defeated Arsenal in the Carling Cup, have now granted them the lead by not allowing Manchester United to grab 3 points.


Dimitar Berbatov, in supreme form, scored for the Spurs in the 21st minute as Tottenham drew first blood. Berbatov nicked the ball into the goal after Aaron Lennon's cross was pushed away by Van Der Sar.

Tottenham played some very attacking football, and so did Manchester United, both teams missing an array of chances. Robbie Keane missed a sure-shot goal as he poorly shot the ball straight to Van Der Sar.

Michael Dawson and Alan Hutton looked very dangerous as Man Utd rarely looked to score anytime in the game.

Man utd scrapped a late equalizer via Tevez. The Argentine hit the corner from substitute Nani right into the goal, to break the hearts of the Spurs, who produced one of their best performances in years.

With this draw, Arsenal take the lead in the EPL with 60 points, while Man Utd have 58 points.

Here are the highlights!! Thanks TVGOLO!! (the first 5 seconds might be blank, be patient!:D)

Arsenal push aside Manchester City 3-1

Arsenal went into the match against Manchester City needing a win to remain in the EPL title race. Arsene Wenger fielded his strongest squad with Fabregas, Adebayor, Hleb and Eduardo.

Manchester City kicked off and in the starting minutes, Ireland missed needing a touch over Jens Lehmann. Arsenal awoke, dominating the first half with their attacking football as a Sagna pass in the 8^th minute was hit with ease by Adebayor, just deflecting off goalkeeper Hart for Arsenal’s first goal. In the 26^th minute, Arsenal doubled the lead as a Clichy cross was headed by Adebayor to Eduardo as he used an overhead bicycle kick to get the goal. But Manchester City hit back just 2 minutes later after a Clichy error at the corner saw a pass to Fernandes for a goal.

With a perilous one goal lead, Fabregas and Hleb failed to capitalise on big chances as the end drew near, Manchester City looking to draw after playing really well. But Arsenal hit back in the 88^th minute as Hleb, on a one-two with Fabregas, ended up being horribly fouled only for Adebayor to score into the open goal.

This win puts Arsenal closer to a title win after Manchester United drew with Tottenham Hotspurs.

GO GUNNERS!!

Here are the stats:

Arsenal -----------------------------------------Manchester City
61.9%--------------Possession----------------------38.1%
16----------------Shots---------------------------5
4----------------Shots on Target-----------------2
0----------------Saves---------------------------1
9----------------Corners-------------------------1
8----------------Fouls----------------------------7
5----------------Offsides-------------------------2
0----------------Yellow Cards--------------------2
0----------------Red Cards-----------------------0
20----------------Tackles--------------------------34
510----------------Accurate Passes-----------------262
65----------------Bad Passes----------------------44

And last, the videos!!! THANKS ARSENALIST!!!

ENJOY!!!

8th minute, Adebayor, 1-0



26th minute, Eduardo, 2-0



28th minute, Fernandes, 2-1



88th minute, Adebayor, 3-1

Arsenal defeat Newcastle again!!

Guess who's back, back again!!

Arsenal crushed Newcastle again by the same margin as in the FA Cup.

A flurry of misses, some exquisite defending, supreme class shown by the midfield buoyed by 3 amazing goals ensured that Arsenal take top spot in the English Premier League.

The Arsenal squad, bolstered by the return of Flamini and Almunia, played the same type of game which won them the FA Cup match against Newcastle.

Arsenal started off in style, firing all guns at Newcastle and had many misses in the first half hour.
The first goal came of the match came in the 40th minute when Flamini stretched his legs and ran towards the right wing of the field, and passed it to Adebayor, who headed in yet another header for yet another goal!



Adebayor flicked the ball high from the right wing to the left wing, and Abou Diaby just stopped the ball and passed it to Fabregas, who passed it onto Flamini. Flamini hit a stunner from easily 25 yards away into the top-right post in the 73rd minute. A well deserved goal for Flamini, who has been really good in the field.



Arsenal made sure they had 3 points in their pockets as a third goal was scored in the 80th minute, by the amazing Fabregas. Arsenal was given a freekick in their own half, which they took as the ball went high into the air. It went straight to Bendtner, who quickly flicked the ball to Fabregas and Fabregas smashed the ball into the goal.



What an amazing match!! Arsenal are looking good right now, and hopefully they'll be in good form when they face Manchester United on 16th Feb.
Thanks for the videos Arsenalist!!!

Hail Arsenal!!!

Arsenal ease to victory vs Fulham

Arsenal vs Fulham was an important one for the Gunners, vying for the top spot against Man Utd.
Arsene Wenger took no chances, and fielded his strongest team with the likes of Fabregas, Hleb, and Adebayor.

A Fulham kick in the early minutes got the Gunners awakened as it missed Almunia's left post. The Gunners decided to go for the kill. Their positive football awarded them an early lead as Flamini, looking for space, passed to Frenchman Clichy(one of the best defender's in EPL) on the left flank who provided an enticing cross to the 186 cm Adebayor who headed it into the goal with ease.

Arsenal doubled the lead in the 38th minute as the Belarus player of the year Alexander Hleb snapped the ball to Adebayor who again cleverly headed it into the goal against only the Fulham goalkeeper.

Passes were pinged around Craven Cottage at will as Arsenal got a third goal in the dying minutes as Eduardo passed to a flying Rosicky into the goal.

This was a welcome return to form as Arsenal regain their swagger after a surprising draw against Birmingham. Arsenal are still second only by goal difference after Man Utd won a hard fought 2-0 against Reading. Now Adebayor's tally of goals is 15, only behind C. Ronaldo who is 17.

HAIL GUNNERS!!!

Here are the highlights of the match:

A special thanks to Arsenal List for providing us the videos!!


Adebayor's goal, 18th minute, Arsenal 1-0 Fulham





Adebayor's goal, 38th minute, Arsenal 2-0 Fulham




Rosicky's goal, 81st minute, Arsenal 3-0 Fulham