Bolton 0 vs. 4 Chelsea

Chelsea have won every game at the Reebok in the League for the past seven seasons, doing so without conceding a goal. Before todays match both teams paid tribute to Bolton legend Nat Lofthouse, who scored an impressive 30 goals in 33 matches for England.

Chelsea opened their account after Steinsson had given the ball away as Malouda tackled, Drogba pounced on the loose ball and drove towards goal unleashing a thunderbolt from over 30 yards out that flew over Jaaskelainen.

The second came after the ball fell nicely for Malouda who was in space at the back post to see his shot blocked, before composing himself to slot it home.

Bolton were punished for leaving themselves short at the back when Essien drilled in a cross towards the front post when Zat Knight tackled Drogba well, only to see Anelka capitilize and fire it low into the bottom corner.

Essien got down the left hand side again as his cross found Anelka, who's shot was blocked and again the ball fell kindly for a Chelsea player, this time for Ramires to hammer it in.


Bolton started the better of the two sides, Holden mis-hit shot not troubling Cech but he had to be alert to save a header from Kevin Davies. They have players who are dangerous in the air but Taylor isn't regarded as one of them, it was he who had the best attempt on goal bringing the best out of Cech who dived low towards his left post to save. Bolton weren't able to break down the Chelsea defence all game but looked dangerous after Mark Davies had come on linking up well with Elmander.

Drogba and Steinsson were comparing their abs during the second half as the Ivorian pulled his shirt up after a high foot from Taylor. If it weren't for Jaaskelainens few saves at the end it could've been five. Could've also been five if Foy had spotted a clear penalty when Robinson smashed Anelka inside the box. Chelsea got themselves a 3pt cushion from Spurs in 5th, but are still 7pts behind Man Utd.

Wolves 0 vs. 3 Liverpool

Before today's early kick-off, Liverpool fans would've realised that this game was Dalglish's best chance to get his first win after returning to Anfield. 

Two goals from under-performing Fernando Torres and a volley from Raul Meireles sealed all three points for the Merseyside club as Wolves' poor run continues, losing five on the bounce now.

The first goal came in the 35th minute as Poulsen played a fantastic ball into the path of Meireles down the right wing who then cut across to play it square to Torres to slot it into an empty net. Zubar was argubly to blame for the goal as he didn't keep the line in the Wolves defence, keeping Meireles onside.

Liverpool were on the back foot as Wolves came out in the second half peppering the Liverpool box. But it shows it's the taking of chances that could cost Wolves dear as when the ball dropped to Meireles on the edge of the area he cooly volleyed it as the ball dipped wickedly over Hennessey and into the back of the net.

The final goal came in injury time as Kuyt drove into the Wolves box when Stearman tackled, before the ball trickled across the box to fall kindly to Torres to smash home.

The match began at a high pace with both teams pouring men forward. They both seemed desperate to get the first goal. The first real chance went to Liverpool inside ten minutes when Johnson played a one-two with Torres before he spotted the run of Lucas who then in turn played it across to Poulsen to drill it at Berra who blocked well.

Wolves bombarded the Liverpool box everytime they got the ball, which turned out to be their downfall as they only created two clear cut chances. The first of which was when the ball fell to Milijas at the back post who got the ball stuck under his feet before Reina shut him down. The second real chance they had was when Fletcher squared it to Hammill just outside the six yard box as he scuffed his shot, they were 2-0 down at the time in the 75th minute so they could've mounted a comeback.

The match was entertaining in the sense that both teams were going for it. Torres played well and seemed fired up after a scuffle with Stearman, nicknamed 'Sternsy' because of ex-teammate Nigel Quashie's misunderstanding of his original nickname 'Stearsy'. The Spaniard linked up well creating chances for others. Liverpool missed Gerrard as their ball retention at times was poor, although Wolves did pressurise well like a pack of hyenas around a fresh piece of meat.

Overall it was the cutting edge and diverse play that Wolves lack, whereas Liverpool look to go upwards and onwards after todays confidence boosting victory.

Cesc Fabregas

Anyone who watches Arsenal play will know how much of a quality player this guy is. He made his debut in October 2003, the season that went on to be considered one of the greatest title wins in the history of the top English Division. Known as 'The Invincibles' for going the entire season unbeaten in the league, it was the Arsenal squad that contained a solid defence, an all-round, brilliant midfield as well as a classy attack force. Players like Martin Keown, Sol Campbell, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp were an integral part of the championship winning side. So for a sixteen year-old youngster trying to make a name for himself, it couldn't have been easy. 

When Wenger gave Fabregas an opportunity in the League Cup vs. Rotherham, he ensured he put in a good performance, getting on the scoresheet in the process as Arsenal ran out 5-1 victors - he was the youngest ever player to score for Arsenal, a record that still stands today. He wasn't to play a part in the League in that memorable season which meant he wasn't able to receive a winner’s medal.

Fabregas in action in 2005/2006

During his second season the young Spaniard was lucky enough to have been given four league appearances in a row, due to an injury to Vieira. He was given heaps of praise during these games as well as scoring his first League goal in a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. He went on to start twenty four Premier League games during the 04/05 season, winning the F.A Cup. As Vieira had left Highbury for Juventus at the close of the season, Fabregas' Arsenal career had begun to take off.

In the 05/06 season it was he and Gilberto Silva who filled the centre of midfield with Gilberto playing a holding role, allowing Fabregas the freedom to get forward and create play, as we have come to know his style of play. Arsenal reached the Champions League Final, losing out to Cesc's former club, Barcelona. At the end of the season his performances hadn't gone unnoticed by Luis Aragones, who decided to call him up to the Spanish national squad for a friendly vs. Switzerland - Fabregas became the youngest player to represent Spain for seventy years.

Celebrating a goal

Despite being only nineteen years of age, Fabregas was beginning his fourth season at Arsenal. He signed an eight year contract and stated that he'd like to play his best years at the North London club. Arsenal had moved to the Emirates Stadium by now and were looking to revolutionise the team by moving on players. Reyes, Pires, Campbell, Lauren and Cole had all left Arsenal as Rosicky and Gallas were introduced to the squad. Arsenal finished 4th in the League for the second successive season.

All-time goalscorer, Thierry Henry had left at the beginning of the 07/08 season. This was a blow to the side, but many had suggested that Henry was too big an ego within the dressing room, and that it was time for the youngsters to stand up and be counted. Fabregas did just that scoring an impressive thirteen goals for the season, one of which was a memorable strike in the Champions League vs. AC Milan to ensure a Quarter-Final spot.

Winning PFA Young Player of the Year in 2008

In 2008, influential players were sold. Flamini, Gilberto and Hleb being the most noticable. Nasri, Ramsey and Vela had joined, these players were considered potential stars for the future and were hoping to stop the recent dominance of their massive rivals, Manchester United. Fabregas had replaced William Gallas as club captain in November and as Arsenal's season looked to be on the up, he was injured during a big match with Liverpool, where he was sidelined for four months. He only made twenty two appearances that season and his side were unable to prevent United from winning a third successive Premier League trophy.

The beginning of last season saw vital players exit, goal-getter Adebayor and key defender Kolo Toure both left for Manchester City, who were on a mission of their own after being taken over. Fabregas made twenty six starts, scoring fifteen goals. He was a part of the Spanish squad who lifted the ultimate, World Cup trophy in July of last year.

Cesc fulfulling a boyhood dream

 

After the jubilant celebrations had come to an end and players returned to their clubs, there was serious talk of Fabregas returning to his homeland. 

A €35M offer from former club Barcelona had been rejected from Arsenal but the rumours hadn't settled down. Fabregas himself had stated he'd like to fulfil his boyhood dream and play for Barcelona, and who could blame him with the star-studded team they currently have. Josep Guardiola already has to make tough decisions in regards to making line-up selections, Busquets, Mascherano and Keita can all play the holding role well. Whereas Iniesta and Xavi is a partnership that is second to none. Villa, Pedro and world-class Messi often make up the rest of the attacking force. 

Ex team-mate Gilberto Silva said it was a matter of time before he'd join Barca. Messi stated he was confident that Cesc would be playing alongside him. They were both wrong. Fabregas has reiterated his passion for the club, when many others had questioned his desire to stay at Arsenal in an attempt to win trophies that fans have yearned, for so long.

With the transfer window now open again, speculation will continue, renewed interest coming from Jose Mourinho's, Real Madrid. But Fabregas has ruled himself out of a move at all anytime soon by saying in recent weeks, “I love this club so much, I want to give everything”. To me that doesn't sound like a man who wants to leave his beloved club. Arsenal fans would have very much appreciated these comments, as they know how important he has become over the years. 

The Arsenal captain enjoying his football

 

Arsenal's current style of play is easy on the eye; they often enjoy most of the possession in games and look to cut open defences with fantastic intricate football. Attacking prowess such as; Van Persie, Arshavin, Nasri, Walcott and Wilshere show just how dangerous they can be. Their defence is the main topic of discussion, with top pundits suggesting that they need to bolster their back four in order to be considered a serious title threat. Their goalkeeping situation has also been debated.

One thing that doesn't need debating is the fact that Fabregas wants to lead his beloved side towards trophies.

Stevenage Story Uncovered

After the Stevenage/Newcastle third round F.A Cup tie on Satruday, Scott Laird, Stevenage's full-back had been floored by a clean hook that was caught on live TV.

It turns out Rob Fitzgerald was the offender who had embarrassingly shown up at his local police station on Monday to confess. Fitzgerald's current lover (Jade Coles) had a relationship with Scott Laird in recent years and it's thought that yob had been drinking before knocking Laird down. "Rob was at the game celebrating on the pitch. He saw Scott and just lost his temper. He was being protective." Jade stated.

He is to appear before Stevenage Magistrates on January 26th.

By the way Stevenage won 3-1.

Ancelotti's Agony

Top Premier League managers have put themselves under immense pressure in recent times, with Roy Hodgson, Avram Grant and Gerard Houllier's results being closely inspected. But more noticeably than others is Carlo Ancelotti. Reason being is that he'd guided his Chelsea side to Premier League success just eight months ago, setting records for putting so many goals past their opposition. At the end of last season he allowed Ballack, Carvalho, Deco and Joe Cole to leave Stamford Bridge.

 

Many had viewed these players as being 'past it' and that the first team squad were strong anyway. There were also those who viewed the squad as being 'aged' with Terry, Lampard and Drogba all in their thirties. There is no doubt that the strength of Chelsea's first team squad is fantastic, but are their current lot of back-up players up to the task of replacing key members of the team?

People will be quick to blame the departure of Ray Wilkins as the reason of the poor recent form, but it proves that injuries to key players at Chelsea have cost them dear. Ramires seems to be a hard working player who suits their style of play, although he has shown that he is too slow on the ball and isn't able to handle the fast paced English football. Benayoun may have been unlucky in regards with his injuries, whereas Zhirkov has played almost twice as many games as the talismanic Lampard has done this season, with his only memorable contribution coming in the Champions League. Maybe this is where Ancelotti wants success - after all Chelsea have yet to win the coveted tournament in their history. 

Fact of the matter is they currently lie 5th in the table, 9pts behind Man Utd who hold top spot. Both Manchester clubs, United and City as well as Spurs have quality back up players to call upon when required. United have International players on the bench, City are able to spend an infinte amount of money and Spurs have players such as Bentley, Jenas and Keane battling for a first team place. Chelsea's fringe players include Kakuta, McEachran, Borini and Bruma.

Chelsea have to act fast. They need their top players to remain fit as well as end their bad run of form. Failing this they have to delve into the transfer market to bring in two or three new faces, which seems improbable during this transfer window. 

Can Ancelotti's depleted squad turn their fortunes around?

Is Carlo up to the job?

Beckham Return?

Over the past few days the media have been going barmy at a possible return to the Premiership for the worldwide icon. Not surprisingly, fourteen clubs are said to be interested in getting a hold of his signature. It seems ridiculous to have so much speculation and talk for a player to join a side for only a three month loan period. Nevertheless he has always been talked about, whether it's been his family, fashion, football or hairstyles.

On previous occasions Beckham has been loaned out to AC Milan, at the end of the MLS season in the winter of 2008 and 2009. His latest loan spell ended in disaster as he was injured and forced to miss the World Cup. His last appearance came for LA Galaxy in November. 

It is his current club that are rarely talked about although his services are paid for by them. There may be such high interest in him but do the Galaxy want to let him go? If he is such a good player, why don't they do all they can to get him to stay? Perhaps his manager at Galaxy, Bruce Arena has suggested that he stays put and remains with the squad for pre-season that is likely to begin over the next month. So that he is ready for the start of the MLS season that is due to start in March.

As long as he joins a team that has a target man for him to deliver his signature crosses, I have no doubt he'll do well if it turns out he does return.

Arsenal 0 vs. 0 Manchester City

A disappointing game for the neutrals, as a high scoring game was anticipated with quality players such as Nasri, Fabregas, Tevez and Milner on show. Arsenal started off brilliantly with Wilshere having a couple of good chances, one of which was a comfortable save for Hart, whereas on the second instance he rolled it across the face of the goal as Van Persie came inches from making contact to knock it in.
There were only eight minutes on the clock by the time Van Persie had hit the post. The Dutch International created himself enough space to strike fiercly with his left foot. Walcott saw plenty of the ball and was brought down in the penalty area by Jo. No real appeals by the Arsenal players, more importantly Walcott got up and carried on, presuming the honest-natured youngster realised he'd gone down easily.
Man City had a free kick on the far right where Barry was able to deliver an in-swinging cross to evade the Arsenal defence as Tevez was alone at the back post to disappointingly, scuff his volley.
Fabregas struck the post after some quality possession from the Gunners. Nasri played it across for Fabregas to shoot towards the near post as the rebound fired back out for Walcott to then smash the opposite post, albeit in an offside position.

On numerous occasons throughout the match Tevez was having to protect the ball as he held it up to bring others into play. David Silva was a noticable absentee as they lacked any real imagination going forward, four shots on goal with neither of them hitting the target.

Arsenal begun the second half the way they begun the first, by playing their typical intricate style of football. They continued to dominate up until the hour mark where Van Persie managed to force a brilliant save out of Hart. From around twenty five yards out he blasted the ball towards the top left corner as Hart flung himself across the goal to stop it from going in.

The last half an hour of play had become scrappy, although Wenger's side were having the better of the ball, neither team created a clear cut chance. De Jong played well protecting his back four, where Kompany and Kolo Toure also had good games. The Ivory Coast International intercepted a good ball in from Walcott as Van Persie was behind him ready to pounce. De Jong cut out a number of Arsenal attacks, frustrating them more and more as the game wore on. Fouls were being conceded by both teams and in the eighty eighth minute a tangle of legs between Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna led to a clash of heads where Sagna appeared to be the more aggressive. Referee sent both players off although Zabaleta didn't do an awful lot to even receive a booking.

Ultimately Arsenal were unable to break through the tough Man City defence. Mancini's team were happy to sit back and absorb the pressure, hoping to pinch a goal on the counter attack.

Fulham 3 vs. 0 West Bromwich Albion

Fulham score three goals but more importantly, earn three points as they climb out of the relegation zone to go thirteenth in the table. Prior to todays fixture they'd only scored eleven goals in their ten home games in the Premier League. Goals courtesy of Simon Davies, Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland earned the Cottagers a well-deserved victory.

1-0
West Brom had been defending well before their hard work had been thrown away on the stroke of half time as Mulumbu was dispossessed on the edge of area by Etuhu, who then passed to Davies to fire his shot through the hands of Carson. The shot was powerful and moved in the air but the Baggies keeper would've been annoyed at himself for not keeping the effort out.

2-0
The second goal came in the 55th minute as Simon Davies was involved again, this time he swung in a corner that was met by the head of Clint Dempsey.


3-0
West Brom hadn't learned their lesson as Davies took another in-swinging corner into a similar area, but on this occasion Brede Hangeland powered it into the back of the net after arriving late at the back post.


West Brom were forced to play four full backs to form their defence. Debutant James Hurst, the Dutch Zuiverloon, Chilean International, Gonzalo Jara and the Slovakian Marek Cech were the players asked to shut out the Fulham attack.

They defended reasonably well but only had themselves to blame for the consistent Fulham pressure as every time they snatched the ball from them, they failed to clear their lines, allowing another attack from Fulham. They're going to need key players such as Olsson and Scharner to return if they're to stop their freefall down the table as they have Blackburn, Blackpool and Wigan to play over the next four weeks. They've lost eight of their last eleven league games, so it doesn't look promising.
The Midlands club were lacking any real firepower as Odemwingie played as a lone striker. Miller, Fortuné and Cox were all on the bench but Di Matteo didn't bring Fortuné on until after Fulham had scored their second goal.


Mark Hughes will be happy with his teams performance as they defended well whilst keeping the ball and playing patiently. Stockdale looked solid as he replaced Schwarzer who jetted off for the Asia Cup. Hughes will also be relieved seeing as it was their first home win in five matches. With Wigan, Stoke, Liverpool and Villa all to play by the end of February, Hughes will want his side to carry tonights form into his upcoming games so they can sustain a reasonable league position.

Getafe 2 vs. 3 Real Madrid

A Ronaldo brace ensured his Real Madrid side took all three points from this local derby, as he takes his personal scoring tally to 46 goals in 46 games since joining the European giants.


0-1: The game started with the Galacticos dominating possession and having numerous attempts on goal inside the first 10 minutes. A penalty shout as well as an overhead kick from Ronaldo was an early warning to the Getafe defence as to what they had in store for them. The persistence paid off when Di Maria drove at Getafe's full back Mané inside the box who in turn brought him down. Ronaldo's penalty was well placed in the bottom left corner, regardless of the placement it had far too much power for Codina. Couldn't help noticing the fact that the Getafe goalkeeper was wearing pink gloves along with his pink top - interesting!


0-2: Two Getafe players pick up a yellow card, one of which goes to hard working Derek Boateng who has played reasonably well helping to cut out Madrid attacks. Ronaldo had a couple of free kicks, one of which whizzes over the bar and the second pummels into the wall. Di Maria was involved in a number of dangerous looking moves in this game and one of which resulted in a goal when he cut in from the right wing to play it to Ozil who cooly dribbled it around the keeper to slot it into an empty net.


1-2: The first 25 minutes were hectic and Real Madrid slowed the pace of the game down. Promising youngster and ex-Madrid player Daniel Parejo skipped past two defenders and fired from outside the area past Casillas' near post. Some more Getafe pressure followed Gavilan and Manu combine well on the left wing, followed by a poor effort by centre forward Miku. Getafe's pressure continued up until half time.


HT: Good to see Gaizka Mendieta doing punditry for the game. We British will remember him for his four year stint at Middlesbrough, although he spent almost ten years in his native Spain, at Valencia where he scored this fantastic strike! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVRru7CGqQI


1-3: Getafe came out in the second half dominating play again with Gavilan having two shots in quick succession, both comfortably saved by Casillas. Their dominance wasn't to last a slow pass between the defenders was picked up by Benzema, who rolled it across to Ronaldo inside the box who then slot it into the bottom corner.


2-3: Arbeloa got sent off in the 81st minute for a second bookable offence after he deliberatly handled the ball as he shut down Mané's deep cross attempt. Just three minutes later and a poor clearance from Marcelo allowed Juan Angel Albin to score from close range. Mourinho didn't waste any time to adjust the team and brought on Garay for Ozil to fill the vacated right back position. Getafe left it too late as Ronaldo managed to relieve pressure from the Madrid defence by winning his team a free kick far up the pitch. Four minutes were added on but Madrid hung on to claim victory and go just two points behind arch rivals - Barcelona.


Madrids Attack: Regarded as one of the best players in the world, Kaka hasn't appeared for Madrid in the past eight months due to injury, meaning this was to be his first match under the current manager Jose Mourinho. He came on in the 75th minute to replace Benzema. The Brazilian had a good run out playing simple passes and having an attempt on goal. Karim Benzema has been the topic of discussion himself and could be on his way out of the Bernabeu. It is said that Benzema doesn't fit in with the Madrid style of play and after seeing him tonight I can understand, as when Ozil created himself some space and drilled the ball across to the space at the near post, Benzema didn't seem interested was still being tightly marked. With Higuan out for the season, Mourinho will be in need of an additional striker and interestingly commentators mentioned Emmanuel Adebayor.

Huddersfield 1 vs. 0 Sheffield Wednesday 03/01/11

A sensational Anthony Pilkington goal gives Huddersfield a well-deserved win in a Yorkshire derby between 5th and 6th in the League One table, bearing in mind only one point separated Huddersfield in 6th and Southampton in 2nd place before this early-afternoon, televised match. This was Sheffield Wednesday's first game for sixteen days having been on the recieving end of a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Exeter City on 18th December. 

Their lack of matches in recent weeks wasn't at fault for their loss, as between the opponents sticks stood Alex Smithies who showed a fantastic display of goalkeeping skills. A number of saves including a Tommy Miller freekick as well as a double save from Neil Mellor and Darren Purse ought to have been enough for the youngster to have earned a man of the match performance. The man of the match was in fact the goalscorer who's goal came in the 27th minute, courtesy of a wonderful Pilkington strike. He cut in from the right-hand side onto his left foot to unleash a thumping effort that dipped over the helpless Weaver.

A penalty shout for Huddersfield within a minute was waved away by the referee, replays show it was handball although you could argue it was ball to hand by Clinton Morrison defending in his own box. Marc Beevers hammered the post from a header. Both keepers played well as veteran Weaver frustrated the Huddersfield attack. Michael Oliver appeared to have made a blunder as he booked Huddersfield centre half Anthony Kay for a foul on Morrison in the first half, as well as booking him with ten minutes to go for kicking the ball away, and failing to send him off. Himself and Mellor were involved in a second half incident in which Mellor was shoved into the advertising boards by Kay. A few players from either side came together as the derby heated up.

Veteran midfielder Kevin Kilbane nicknamed 'Zinedine Kilbane' by Huddersfield fans deserves a mention for his wide range of passing skills. The 33 year-old had a great game as too did Alex Smithies, thirteen years his junior, a mixture of young talent and vast experience winning the game for Huddersfield as the intensity calmed down.