Whether or not it's a good thing will be decided later. I just wanted a reason to post this picture stolen from Sarah's blog. Easily one of my top football photos of all time.
The inevitable Mike-Riley-should-never-ref-a-big-match-again post [EPL Talk]
Colaship player shown how to take a throw-in by an opposing fan [Off The Post]
Crazy fan, foreign language [Dirty Tackle]
For a slight change, here is your Graham-Poll-says-Mike-Riley-should-never-ref-a-big-game-again post. [Guardian]
Harry Redknapp interview with aid of Harry Redknapp interview flowchart. Scary stuff [Off The Post]
(English) Football's Top 10 trouble makers [Daily Soccer]
*sigh* Becks shows off his package some more. Consider this payment, Sarah, for stealing the Arshavin pic [Sports Crackle Pop]
Finally:
We hope Drew Carey is better as a part-owner than he is kicking a ball [The Offside Rules]
Monday, February 2, 2009
Monday Backpasses: It's going to happen
A Snowy End to the Silly Season
The transfer deadline open thread turned into a bit of an impromptu liveblog in the comments. So we'd like to thank everyone who participated as we waited to see primarily if Robbie Keane would go back to White Hart Lane and, given the twists and turns, if Andrei Arshavin would turn out to be Kaiser Soze.
It seems to be well enough reported now that both are done deals (with the latter only waiting to be signed off on by the Premier League).
The Gunners ultimately get their man, but is it what they needed? Central defense and defensive midfield are still the areas of greatest need, but after a lackluster home draw to West Ham over the weekend, it's hard to argue with adding some creative attacking to the side.
There will be a lot of ambivalence among the Gooners over Wenger finally flashing cash for this guy, but I think for simply avoiding embarrassment there is at least relief that the Russian will be suiting up at the Emirates.
As for their "rivals" at Tottenham, Harry seems busy reassembling the team that finished in 11th place last season. That's good managing. With Jermain Defoe now out 10 weeks with a broken foot, Keane's return certainly addresses an immediate need. It's a bit puzzling though, not from a Spurs standpoint, but from Liverpool's.
The Reds paid £19M for the striker in the summer. Now they ship him back for a fee reported to be around £12M (with escalators). Did they not keep the receipt? Why take a loss on a player especially when Spurs had to have been desperate to get him back (was this Rafa basically saying "Up yours" to Rick Parry?).
It actually seemed like a brilliant move when rumors started swirling that David Villa would be coming in to Anfield (click-drag the image into your browser's address bar to get a better view of the highlighted bits of the wikipedia screengrab—and hat tip to commenter Mike Georger for the heads up). Valencia are going broke, so they need money. If Liverpool could unload Keane and get Villa to pair with Fernando Torres (even with a modest net loss), then Liverpool instantly look like an immediate threat to fight United for the league title. As it is, no Villa, and suddenly Liverpool's chances hinge on El Niño's tender hammy because after that it's Babel, Ngog, and Kuyt.
All in all it was relatively quiet closing with other moves of note including:
Ricardo Quaresma in at Chelsea
Henri Camara in at Stoke
Jo in at Everton
Oliver Dacourt in at Fulham
Angelos Basinas in at Portsmouth
Charles N'Zogbia in at Wigan
Tal Ben Haim in at Sunderland
Youssouf Mulumbu in at WBA
Oh, and Norwich brought in Rangers man Alan Gow as well as Cody McDonald (Dratford) and Adrian Leijer (Fulham).
Ten bucks says that, at season's end, everyone agrees that Moyes made the best move bringing in an out of favor Jo. Of course if you're Jo there's small consolation in knowing that at season's end you'll still be in the Premier League and Mark Hughes won't.
UF Quick Throw: Breaking News at the Emirates
No, nothing on that on-again/off-again front. But the weather in London has officially postponed the Arsenal-Cardiff FA Cup replay that was supposed to be played tomorrow.
Yeah, just having some fun here as we await news on the Arshavin transfer marathon.
Transfer Deadline Day Open Thread -- Updated!
Just hours to go now (and by the time you see this, maybe moments) until the January window slams shut. As always, there remain a host of possible moves. Keane back to Spurs? Arshavin to Arsenal? Veloso to SF Bolton?? Anyone and Everyone to Citeh? We'll keep count, with your aid and peerless commentary, right here.
Summary of the [more-or-less] confirmed Prem deals after the jump.
IN:
Everton-- Jo (Man City)
Fulham-- Olivier Dacourt (Inter loan), Gray (Coventry loan extended)
Newcastle-- Ryan Taylor (Wigan)
Portsmouth-- Angelos Basinas (AEK loan)
Stoke-- Henri Camara (Wigan loan)
Tottenham-- Robbie Keane (Liverpool)
West Brom-- Youssouf Mulumbu (PSG loan), JC Menseguez (San Lorenzo loan)
Wigan-- Charles N'Zogbia (Newcastle)
Chelsea-- Ricardo Quaresma (Inter loan)
The Continuing Saga of Ebbsfleet United
We've previously discussed the Ebbsfleet United experiment on here, due in part to the fact that several of us are owners in the club. Ebbsfleet have been struggling a bit off the pitch lately, so let's take the time to revisit things.
Although the club had 30,000 owners in Year 1, allowing them to make some significant progress, eventually winning the F.A. Trophy, things are not as rosy now. So far only 3,000 members have renewed for Year 2 and the club may begin to experience some financial difficulties. Recently the club made a move to secure some future financing, selling John Akinde to Bristol City for £150,000. At the close of the transfer season Ebbsfleet also signed Darius Charles for £25,000 from Brentford, in a historic moment for fan-driven football.
While those two moves represent a good influx of money, it is clear that for this experiment to be successful more fans will need to sign up for Year 2 membership. The club was recently spotlighted on CNN, and they have done quite a bit lately to attract more members. This past weekend the club provided free admission to all club members for their F.A. Trophy match against Swindon Supermarine (which is an absolutely awesome name). They also streamed the match online for their international members, which meant that I was able to watch my club in their 2-0 victory (although I didn't watch live, since the Arsenal match was on at that time). That win means that they are in the quarterfinals of the F.A. Trophy competition, and the dream of defending their championship is still alive.
The only question is whether the dream of survival as a club is also still viable.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
He Calls This Move 'The Flying Unibrow'
Through some Hollywood connections, UF has obtained Jose Bosingwa's audition tape for Kung Fu Panda 2: The Paw Strikes Back. (Video may be gone soon thanks to the EPL Gestapo.)
We've been fans of the Unibrow since his early work on the Simpsons. Amazingly, the Blues' defender wasn't carded for his choreography in Chelsea's 0-2 loss to Liverpool on Sunday and, even more unblievably, Sr. Bosingwa won't be facing discipline from the FA. The linesman said he saw the incident, which means the FA can't review it.
Still, we give high marks to Benayoun's pole dancing technique. Although, Mrs. Benayoun (is there a Mrs. Benayoun?) is probably going to wonder about the scratch marks on her husband's back tonight.
Ligue 1 Weekend Review
This weekend saw some scoring from the usual suspects, but some clubs at the top of the table slipped a bit in their bid to catch Ligue 1-leading Lyon. The result of the week goes to AS Saint-Etienne, who held Lyon to a 1-1 draw and moved out of the drop zone.
Saturday, January 31st:
Auxerre 0-0 Lorient - Niculae put the first shot of the match directly at Lorient GK Cappone, and the rest of the match provided relatively little excitement. A shot from Abriel brought out a save from Auxerre GK Sorin, and then Chafni shot straight at Cappone for the only other shot of the half. The second half started the same way, with Chafni saved by Cappone in the 60th minute. 4 minutes later it was back to Sorin to make the save on Gameiro, and the match ended with only 6 total shots on goal by both clubs combined.
Le Havre 2-3 Nancy - In a match that had a little bit of everything, Le Havre started and ended the match strong but it was Nancy who secured the 3 points at the death. Nancy opened the match early with Dia having his shot deflected onto the crossbar by a defender in the 2nd minute. Hadji then tried to lob Le Havre GK Revault but hit the crossbar as well. But it was Le Havre who broke through in the 12th minute when Ait ben Idir sent a well-weighted ball to Alassane for the clean finish. Nancy responded in the 16th minute when Feret volleyed home a shot off a pass from Dia. The latter was involved again in the 30th minute when he sent in a cross to be finished by Brison. In the next few minutes Hadji hit the post and shot wide twice, and Le Havre equalized in the 93rd minute when Alassane finished off a free-kick from Alla. N'Guemo became the hero just 1 minute later when he poked a ball home after a scramble in the goal-mouth and secured the 3 points for Nancy. Also of note, Nancy GK Bracigliano picked up a yellow card as he attempts to establish a record for GKs to get carded in a season.
Le Mans 0-2 Nantes - Despite a return from injury for Le Mans captain Thomas, it was Nantes who controlled the action on the pitch, sending in 9 corner kicks (to 0 for La Mans). Although there were numerous chances in the first half, it was not until the 53rd minute that Poulard sent home a cross from Capoue to open the scoring. The next goal came just 10 minutes later when Da Rocha sent in a low hard shot (and earned himself the "Goal-scorer to get carded" award in the 70th minute). Le Mans had 2 good chances to score, but Maiga (67th minute) and Lamah (89th minute) were both stopped by Nantes GK Alonzo.
Monaco 1-0 Grenoble - Monaco ended a 5-match winless streak with a win against a Grenoble club that has only 1 win since October despite the latter club dominating the first half. In the 8th minute Batlles took a 30-yard free-kick that was well-saved by Monaco GK Ruffier. In the 15th minute Batlles sent a pass by Ruffier, but Akrour failed to find the back of the net. Just 3 minutes later Toure hit the post, and he was denied again in the 33rd minute by Ruffier. The Monaco GK was busy again in the second half, saving a shot from Barcelona target Feghouli in the 60th minute. Monaco broke through in the 68th minute when Mollo played half-time substitute Licata through for the finish and the only goal of the match. Freddy Adu watch: On the bench, which is an improvement, but still no time on the pitch.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Caen - It was all-Hoarau, all the time as PSG dominated Caen to move up the table. In the 17th minute Hoarau played a pass through to Luyindula who shot over the crossbar. In the 30th minute Hoarau sent a header wide, and he was stopped by Caen GK Plante a few minutes later. Just after the restart Caen got their first shot on goal when Deroin was stopped by PSG GK Landreau. In the 49th minute the Caen defense failed to clear the ball and Clement sent in a shot which Plante was only able to push to Hoarau, who slotted home the easy finish. 10 minutes later Sessegnon sent a pass to Haorau whose shot was pushed by Plante to Luyindula, who volleyed home the rebound. Caen only managed 1 more shot, with Toudic stopped by Landreau in the 70th minute.
Valenciennes 1-0 Nice - Despite sub-zero temperatures Valenciennes proceeded with the match, as they are already 1 match behind due to a weather-related postponement. In the 6th minute a well-struck free-kick from Hellebuyck elicited an even better save from Valenciennes GK Penneteau. In the 11th minute Audel threatened the Nice goal, but put his header wide of the post. Just 5 minutes later Audel sent in another header which was saved by Nice GK Ospina. There was no more action until the second half, when Bamogo sent in a volley that was saved by Penneteau. In the 74th minute Pujol was stopped by Ospina, but in the 78th minute he bettered the Nice GK when he volleyed home a cross from Darcheville.
Rennes 0-0 Toulouse - Although they had 61% of the possession, Rennes only had 2 shots on goal (compared to 6 for Toulouse) and could only manage the draw. Both clubs have been challenging for the top of the table, but lost ground thanks to only taking 1 point from this match. Pagis was dangerous for Rennes early, forcing Toulouse GK Carrasso into a save early and then putting a shot wide. Ligue 1-leading scorer Gignac then forced a save from Rennes GK Douchez on either side of the half. Rennes had one last chance in the 60th minute, but Briand was stopped by Carrasso.
Sunday, February 1st:
Bordeaux 2-2 Lille - Bordeaux have been unbeaten since November but needed a late equalizer to take 1 point from this match. In the first 10 minutes of the match Cavenaghi missed wide and then shot straight at Lille GK Malicki. Bordeaux got the first goal just minutes later as Bellion stole the ball from defender Rami and sent in an easy finish in the 17th minute. Bordeaux should have been even further ahead, but Cavenaghi sent 2 more chances wide before the half. Lille equalized in the 49th minute when Obraniak volleyed home a poor clearance from the Bordeaux defense. In the 57th minute Rami made up for his gaffe by lashing home a 25-yard strike to give Lille the 2-1 lead. But in the 65th minute Gourcuff headed home a Wendel free-kick for the equalizer. Lille probably should have won the match, but Fauvergue hit Bordeaux GK Rame directly in the legs with his shot.
Sochaux 1-0 Marseille - Marseille, who had been unbeaten away from home, was dealt a blow to their title chase with a loss at lowly Sochaux. Despite being outshot 5-19, Sochaux had the only shot that mattered when Erdinq lobbed Marseille GK Mandanda in the 24th minute. Marseille exerted a great deal of pressure, holding 57% of the possession and winning 9 corner kicks, but were unable to equalize. Rodriguez hit the crossbar early in the second half, and was denied by Sochaux GK Richert in stoppage time as L'OM went home empty-handed.
Lyon 1-1 Saint-Etienne - Saint-Etienne, who have not beaten their geographic derby rivals since 1994, moved out of the relegation zone with a draw in this match, and Lyon regained 1st place. Each club had only 1 good chance in the first half, with Mirallas shooting over the bar in the 2nd minute and Benzama forcing a great save from Saint-Etienne GK Janot in the 44th minute. The start of the second half saw an intense 5-minute stretch of action. In the 49th minute Mirallas put Saint-Etienne ahead after the ball deflected off his teammate Payet and he slotted home the finish. Lyon equalized through a Juninho free-kick in the 53rd minute, and 1 minute later they were down to 10 men as Piquionne received his 2nd yellow card for a poor tackle on Dabo. Despite the 1-man advantage Saint-Etienne were unable to capitalize and the match ended in a draw.
So, after Matchday 22 the top of the table looks like this: (1) Lyon, with 43 points on a 12-7-3 record and a +13 goal differential; (2) Bordeaux, with 42 points on a 12-6-4 record and a +17 goal differential; (3) Paris Saint-Germain, with 39 points on a 12-3-7 record and a +6 goal differential; and (4) Marseille, with 38 points on a 10-8-4 record and a +12 goal differential.
UF Liveblog: Liverpool v. Chelsea
It's handbags at Anfield as 3rd-place Liverpool FC attempt to climb back atop 2nd-place Chelsea FC, who currently lead on goal differential. Who will emerge victorious (if anyone) to pressure Manchester United at the top of the table? Will this blog's authors survive this match? Join me after the jump as I liveblog the festivities. Big Phil has chosen to go with:
This is not a picture of Autoglass.
Cech, Terry, Alex, Cole, Bosingwa, Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, Anelka, Kalou.
Sitting on the bench: Ferreira, Stoch, Drogba, Mancienne, Ivanovic, Hilario, and Deco.
So brace-scorer Kalou gets the nod over Drogba, who seems increasingly marginalized.
This may or may not be Sven - none of us have ever actually seen him.
Rafa has consulted his Magic 8-Ball, which has suggested:
Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Arbeloa, Alonso, Mascherano, Torres, Gerrard, Riera, Kuyt.
On the bench are: Agger, Ngog, Dossena, Lucas, Diego, Babel, and Benayoun.
I would venture to guess that Keane's complete lack of inclusion in the squad means that he is off to whence he came by tomorrow.
Your referee for the affair is Mike Riley - good luck!
00:00 - And we're off!
(Ed Note: Umm, how am I supposed to liveblog when the Inter-Torino match isn't over yet?)
00:00 - Oh Snap! Chelsea and Liverpool are referred to as "2 pretenders to the crown"
00:30 - Cole draws a free-kick for Spartak London, and Fat Frank puts it into the defense
01:20 - throw-in for Liverppol goes all the way back to the defense to rebuild. Alonso winds up with it and switches fields, eventually earning another throw.
02:20 - Sloth fouls Ballack, and Cech takes the kick in what appears to be some significant snow flurries
03:10 - Bosingwa goes down on a foul from Riera, and while he's down Gerrard left-foots a shot into his gut. The resulting free-kick winds up safely in Reina's hands.
Ed Note: Why do I have the feeling that I'm talking to myself here?
04:50 - Gerrard boots EBJT in the hand on a dangerously high kick and is called for the foul. Stevie appears determined to earn a card today.
06:15 - Liverpool with the better run of play in the midfield, but the Chelsea defense has stiffened up. Mascherano is fouled for a free-kick, and the resulting ball is sent in by Stevie G across the endline. Oops.
07:40 - And ad pops up next to the FSC logo for the "Chelsea Megastore USA." Umm, is Liverpool going to get equal time?
08:14 - Kalou dribbles through the midfield, dreaming of glory, but Skrtel disposses him. And the announcers mention investigation of Kalou's goal celebration. Perhaps they read UF.
09:39 - Kalou is caught offside, and on the counter Alonso forces a fingertip save from Cech. The resulting corner is punched straight up and then caught by Cech.
12:50 - Ballack is disposessed by Torres, so he decides to foul him. Gerrard sends the ball directly into Terry, and the ball is pushed back to midfield.
13:45 - A deflected ball winds up to Kuyt, but instead of playing it across to Gerrard he takes a shot that curls over and the bar.
14:40 - Malouda puts in some good work to get the ball to Kalou, but it is forced back out to Mikel. Chelsea have the better of the pitch for the moment.
16:00 - Wasted balls from both clubs now, as things are getting a little sloppy.
16:55 - Mascherano and Ballack get involved in a little bit of handbags after Masch fouls Mikel.
18:20 - Shot from Mascherano is spilled by Cech, but no one is following and he has all the time in the world to pick up the ball as it rolls to the top of the area. Poor pressure from the Red Scouse there.
19:30 - Mascherano fouls Mikel again, and Mike Riley has had enough. Masch gets the yellow card as Torres and Gerrard try to convince him otherwise.
20:48 - Crowd shot of Hicks and Gillet sitting quite a bit aways from each other.
21:48 - And Riley produces a card for Bosingwa after he facepalms Kuyt, who would have been around him.
24:10 - Chelsea with much more pressure for the moment, but Ballack sends a poor ball across for Anelka to no result.
25:00 - Malouda fouls Mascherano and Liverpool are allowed to play the advantage. Gerrard gets off a weak shot and Cech pounces on it.
26:00 - More pressue from Chelsea, but Kuyt is able to head the ball back to Reina.
27:10 - Kuyt comes down on the counterattack but botches the ball, and Ballack is the victim of a foul, killing the attack.
27:40 - Shot of Keane in the crowd, looking slightly non-plussed.
28:32 - Torres does some excellent work in the thick of the Chelsea defense, and the ball comes out to Alonso who showboats a little. Kuyt eventually goes down in the area, but no call is made.
30:00 - Pass back to Cech almost results in a howler as he dribbles rather than boot the ball to safety. He has to slide at the edge of the box to put the ball out.
31:00 - After a turnover the ball comes in to Torres in the box, but his shot is blocked by the defense.
32:09 - The Kop is in full throat as Aurelio gives up a corner. Boos rain down as Fat Frank takes the kick and Terry puts the header over the bar.
33:17 - Riera gets some pressure in a 1-on-3 situation, but is eventually stripped of the ball. Both clubs looking dangerous now.
Ed Note: Florent Malouda appears to have pubes on his chin.
34:26 - Another Liverpool ball which was almost wasted, but Riera pressures Bosingwa into putting it out for a throw.
35:20 - Another Chelsea free-kick wasted, and the ball comes out to Riera. For the 4th time in the last 5 minutes the announcers discuss the fact that his first touch is utter shite.
36:48 - Alonso with more pressure, but things are cleaned up by Terry. The ball only comes out as far as Arbeloa but eventually goes all the way back to Reina.
38:15 - On a high bounce Anelka almost leapfrogs Carragher. The ball hits Skrtel's elbow off a shot, but there is no PK there as he had no chance to avoid the ball.
39:10 - The announcers opine on the wonderful play of John Obi Mikel Obi John. Blech - one of the most horrific tacklers in the EPL (suck it, Barclay's!)
40:47 - A weakly-lofted ball flies directly into Cech's hands. Ian Rush in the stands looking like he is extremely cold and disdainful.
41:30 - Scramble in the area as Cech parries a shot. It's cleared by Cole as it was rolling into the goal.
42:18 - A short corner is played out by Bosingwa for another corner. The second attempt is into the box to be punched out by Cech.
43:26 - Bosingwa plays a poor ball through, demostrating why he is not effective as an attacking defender. Torres fouls Mikel, who turns around and takes a few steps before rethinking things.
44:46 - Terry takes his eye off the ball and it rolls out for a Liverpool throw. The last good pressure of the half results in a ball into the box that is easily cleared.
45:20 - Incorrect, as Liverpool get one more chance. Gerrard sends the ball into Riera who, instead of turning for the shot, attempts to play it back for Gerrard and Chelsea clear.
46:39 - Chelsea get a free-kick which is headed out at the whistle for the half.
Your half-time score is 0-0, and neither club will do themselves any favors if this is how it ends up. SAF is licking his lips in anticipation. Both clubs have had spurts of pressure, but Cech has been the busier goalkeeper. Your half-time entertainment is: Mitch Hedburg!
Ed Note: This is apparently the least-attended liveblog in the history of the internets. I feel so lonely. That will teach me to go up against the 17-hour Super Bowl pregame show which apparently just featured an expose on Kurt Warner's gloves.
Ed Note: Apparently, I like the word "apparently."
45:00 - The second half begins with unknown changes, since FSC cut back to the match after it had already started. Thanks fellas!
45:40 - Alonso gets yellow-carded for trying to de-cleat Kalou. That's Alonso's 5th yellow, so he's out of action for the next match. And the announcers give us the update - no changes at the half.
47:17 - Drogba is warming up on the touchline, but it's possible that the Ivorian is just cold.
48:15 - I know it's due to his massive head injury, but I will never not find Cech in his "special kids" headgear funny.
49:10 - Riera flicks the ball onto Gerrard, and the ball is played wide to Kuyt. Chelsea step up and dispossess Riera.
50:22 - Kuyt receives the ball racing down the right side, but his cross is terrible. Fortunately for them, Bosingwa chests the ball out for a corner. The ball comes in from Gerrard and is misplayed by Alex. Kuyt puts the shot wide.
51:58 - Mikel unsurprisingly picks up a card for scything down Arbeloa from behind. Seriously, Mikel is one dirty bastard.
52:40 - The ball bounces around in the box after a header from Gerrard and Torres lashes a strike that is blocked (again) by Alex.
Ed Note: As the entire screen is taken up by Mike Riley by dog looks up and begins barking at him. Apparently she prefers Bennett.
54:58 - A Liverpool foul turns into some comedy for Chelsea as the ball played back to the defense is almost played out.
55:51 - As Arbeloa puts the ball into the box, Kuyt goes flying over Terry's foot as the ball is cleared. No PK because Kuyt is a poor actor.
57:00 - Gerrard loses the ball and then slides into Kalou to retrieve it with his studs up. Mike Riley is not amused, but no card is given. 29 fouls so far.
Ed. Note: I really want to cockpunch Ashley Cole. What a useless little twat.
58:40 A long ball from Cech winds up in Reina's hands. Keeper wars!
59:50 - RED CARD for Fat Frank! He comes in studs up and very late on Alonso, who is probably equally guilty. Terry picks up a yellow card for arguing, which is his 5th, meaning he will miss the next game as well. Has Mike Riley just sunk Chelsea?
Ed. Note - Rask almost goads me into making a "Hoc-key?" joke.
62:33 - Riera bowls over Bosingwa for a foul, and things are getting very chippy out there.
63:30 - Handball on Mikel as his arm was well above his head. The resulting free-kick is taken by Gerrard into the wall. The ball winds up with Carragher, who sends it into Mascherano, who puts the ball over the bar.
Ed. Note: I burned my lunch. See what I sacrifice for you people!
66:10 - Ball into the box results in Ballack running into Reina, with no call. On the other end Gerrard goes down in the box as he is squeezed between two defenders. Liverpool send the ball back into the area and Bosingwa saves Cech's bacon. The resulting corner is put onto goal by Alonso, and a deflection sends the ball onto the bar. The next corner is put out for yet another corner. Chelsea finally manage to clear.
68:21 - Drogba and Deco on for Anelka and Malouda (Big Phil hates the French!).
69:34 - Gerrard goes down in a horrible dive at the edge of the box, and rightly receives a yellow card.
70:45 - The announcers just made an "SAF is licking his lips" reference. They are reading UF!
72:00 - Liverpool are denied the breakthrough when Torres puts a shot on goal and it skips off Mikel. The corner is played out for another corner. The next ball is better, but Torres commits a foul.
73:10 - Benayoun on for Riera. Can the member of the Tribe score again for the Reds?
74:25 - Deco plays the ball through for Kalou, but Reina easily takes control of the shot (his first real action of the match).
75:10 - Torres goes down in the box, claiming he had been pushed, but there was nothing there.
76:34 - Arbeloa fouls Kalou, although it was admittedly a soft call. Chelsea play the ball around the edge of the box but the Liverpool defense regain control.
77:55 - Bosingwa is forced to clear yet another ball into the area. The ball is played around after the throw, and Torres attempts a quasi-bicycle kick which Cech picks up.
79:21 - Benayoun puts a great shot onto goal which brings out an equally impressive save from Cech. The Gerrard corner bounces around after several passes but Chelsea manage to clear. Ballack makes a horrible pass but Torres' shot is deflected and Chelsea clear again.
82:10 - Liverpool moving in Chelsea's third of the pitch. The ball is played out by Terry and Benayoun's well-struck volley flies over.
82:41 - Babel on for Mascherano.
83:30 - Ballack sends in a cheeky shot/pass which Reina takes easily. The ball should have gone to Drogba, who is unhappy.
84:11 - Stoch on for Kalou.
84:53 - Shot from Bable goes wide of the goal. Cech takes his time setting up for the goal kick.
86:00 - Free-kick for Liverpool, and they play the ball backwards to establish some support. A long ball in from Babel is sent over by Kuyt.
87:58 - GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea. After some excellent play on the left flank, the ball is played in low and hard, which Torres heads into the net. Outstanding goal.
89:43 - More pressure results in a Gerrard shot which Cech is forced to tip over the bar. The resulting corner is handled poorly, played short near the flag. Bosingwa comes in and literally boots Benayoun in the arse. He doesn't receive a card even though that was a potential red card.
91:29 - Terry called for a foul in the box, and he is clearly very unhappy about it. Now it's Liverpool who are in no hurry to restart play.
92:44 - A long-range shot from Bosingwa goes well wide and the crowd lets him hear about it.
93:30 - GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea. Cole misplays the ball and Benayoun jumps on it, pushing it to Torres for the brace.
94:30 - N'Gog on for Torres, and the latter gets a nice ovation.
95:30 - FULL TIME. Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea.
So, after vaulting Liverpool to take 2nd place Chelsea immediately cough it back up. To make things worse for them, they will be missing 3 significant players in their next match. Perhaps the freefall has begun.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday open thread
Guess its a late start today. Wigan are at Villa right now on FSC, while later Everton travel to Man U. Other 10 am games include Arsenal hosting West Ham, Bolton hosting Spurs, Fulham against Pompey at Craven Cottage, West Brom at Hull, and Boro hosting Big Sam's boys. Discuss amongst yourselves...
Friday, January 30, 2009
Quick Throw: My Expensive New Toy Is Broken.
Oh what a last few days of the transfer window we are all in for. The excitement may kill me. Tottenham's new/old plaything Jermain Defoe has crocked himself in training. Spurs reckon he will be back in 3 weeks, contrary to early reports. I smell a conspiracy. A long term injury to Defoe will jack the price up on every striker within 1000 miles of White Hart Lane as Spurs search for a replacement to help save them from the fizzy league. They have already been sniffing around Robbie Keane in an attempt to lure the unhappy old Spur back to the good old days. Defore's injury is surely karma for all of 'Arry's January tap action. First there was Defoe, then Downing, then Palacios, then Fred and now Keane. Arry's tapped more people than Duke's Lacrosse team has tapped kegs. Meanwhile, Rafa's rage is mounting as he sticks a few numbers onto the end of Keane's want-a-way slip. You know he's going back to Spurs for more than they sold him for in the summer right. It'll all go down at 11.59 next Monday evening. Karma's a bitch eh Arry? An expensive one.
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