Barclay Premier League Results Saturday 24/09/11

Manchester City – Everton    2-0

Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Nasri (Savic 83), Barry, Yaya Toure, Silva, Dzeko (Balotelli 60), Aguero (Milner 78).
Subs not used: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Tevez.
Yellow cards: Yaya Toure.
Scorers: Balotelli 68,Milner 89.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Neville (Drenthe 73), Fellaini, Rodwell, Osman, Coleman (Vellios 81), Cahill (Saha 66).
Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Bilyaletdinov, Stracqualursi.
Yellow cards: Rodwell, Neville, Osman, Cahill, Jagielka.
Attendance: 47,293.
Referee: Howard Webb.




Arsenal – Bolton     3-0

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta (Rosicky 81), Song, Ramsey, Gervinho (Arshavin 78), van Persie (Chamakh 85), Walcott.
Subs: Fabianski, Andre Santos, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Frimpong.
Scorers: Van Persie 46, 71, Song 89.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Wheater, Robinson, Knight, Steinsson, Eagles (M Davies 71), Reo-Coker, Muamba (Boyata 56), Pratley, Petrov, Ngog (K Davies 20).
Subs: Bogdan, Sanli, Gardner, Kakuta.
Yellow card: Steinsson
Red card: Wheater.
Attendance: 59,727
Referee: Mark Clattenburg.




Liverpool – Wolverhampton     2-1

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Jose Enrique, Henderson (Kuyt 71), Lucas, Adam, Downing, Carroll, Suarez (Gerrard 81).
Subs not used: Doni, Coates, Spearing, Flanagan, Bellamy.
Yellow cards: Kelly, Carroll.
Scorers: Johnson (og) 11, Suarez 39.
Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Stearman (Doherty 46), Johnson, Berra, Ward, Henry, Hunt (Guedioura 81), Edwards (Fletcher 46), O'Hara, Jarvis, Doyle.
Subs not used: De Vries, Elokobi, Hammill, Milijas.
Yellow cards: Ward, Henry, Hunt, O'Hara.
Scorer: Fletcher 49.
Attendance: 44,922.
Referee: Kevin Friend.



Chelsea – Swansea     4-1

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Mata (Malouda 59 mins), Meireles (McEachran 83), Ramires, Torres, Anelka (Drogba 79).
Subs not used: Turnbull, Luiz, Lampard, Kalou.
Yellow cards: Cole, Mikel, Mata.
Red card: Torres.
Scorers: Torres (26), Ramires (36, 76), Drogba (90+4)
Swansea: Vorm, Rangel, Monk, Williams, Taylor, Britton (Routledge 46), Gower, Allen, Dyer (Dobbie 71), Lita (Graham 59), Sinclair.
Subs not used: Tremmel, Moore, Bessone, Richards.
Booked: Taylor, Monk, Dyer.
Scorer: Williams 86.
Referee: Mike Dean.



Newcastle – Blackburn         3-1

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Ryan Taylor, Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez (Marveaux 84), Ba (Ben Arfa 74), Best.
Subs Not Used: Harper, Guthrie, Lovenkrands, Perch, Sammy Ameobi.
Scorer: Ba 27, 30, 54.
Blackburn: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Givet, Dann (Rochina 63), Hoilett, Lowe, Nzonzi, Olsson, Formica (Roberts 63), Yakubu (Grella 79).
Subs Not Used: Bunn, Petrovic, Vukcevic, Hanley.
Yellow card: Olsson, Lowe, Nzonzi, Salgado.
Red card: Olsson (69).
Scorer: Hoilett 37.
Att: 46,236.
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).



Wigan – Tottenham     1-2

Wigan: Al Habsi, Gohouri, Caldwell, Figueroa, Van Aanholt, Diame, Watson (McArthur 73), McCarthy, Moses, Di Santo (Sammon 73), Gomez (Stam 46).
Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Crusat, Maloney, Jones.
Yellow cards: Gohouri, McCarthy, Sammon.
Red card: Gohouri (62).
Goals: Diame 50.
Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto, Modric, Parker, Sandro (Livermore 90), Bale, Van der Vaart (Giovani 78), Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Bassong, Corluka, Townsend, Carroll.
Yellow card: Adebayor.
Scorers: Van der Vaart 3, Bale 23.
Attendance: 18,78.
Ref: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire).



West Brom – Fulham     0-0

West Brom: Foster, Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Shorey, Dorrans (Morrison 78), Mulumbu, Brunt, Odemwingie, Long, Thomas (Tchoyi 82).
Subs not used: Fulop, Dawson, Jones, Cox, Scharner.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Grygera, Hangeland, John Arne Riise, Kasami (Ruiz 74), Sidwell, Murphy (Etuhu 88), Dempsey, Dembele, Orlando Sa.
Subs not used: Etheridge, Kelly, Senderos, Gecov, Briggs.
Booked: Hangeland, Baird, Grygera.
Attendance: 23,835.
Referee: Stuart Attwell.



Stoke City – Manchester United        1-1

Stoke: Begovic; Wilkinson (Huth 83 mins), Shawcross, Woodgate, Wilson; Pennant (Jerome 90+2), Delap (Whitehead 85), Whelan, Etherington; Walters, Crouch.
Subs not used: Sorensen, Upson, Shotton, Palacios.
Yellow card: Whelan.
Scorer: Crouch 52.
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Ferdinand, Jones, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Young (Giggs 70); Hernandez (Owen 11), Berbatov (Welbeck 70).
Subs not used: Lindegaard, Fabio, Park, Macheda.
Scorer: Nani 27.

Preview of Barclays Premier League matches on Saturday 24. September:

Manchester City - Everton (12.45)     Home (3-1)
Manchester City disappointed away to Fulham last round. After leading the game 2-0 they gave away the match and drew 2-2 at Craven cottage. Of course it’s a difficult place to travel to but I think some of the reason for the draw was that Manchester City was tired after the champions league match in the midweek. Everton struggled at home to Wigan in the last match, but ended up winning 3-1 with two late goals. Everton have historical good statistic away to Manchester City. But I have a feeling that Manchester City wants to bounce back from the disappointing result away to Fulham.


Arsenal - Bolton (15.00)        Home (3-2)
Arsenal played an interesting game away to Blackburn last weekend. The Gunners were the strongest team, but threw away all 3 points on bad defending on set pieces. They could and should have won the game easily but let Everton trash them on set pieces and counter attack. Bolton have been a huge disappointment this season and it got worse in the last game when they lost to newcomers Norwich at Reebok stadium. This game could go anywhere in my opinion. But I will give Arsene Wenger the benefit of the doubt.

Chelsea – Swansea    Home (2-0)
Chelsea played a good game away to Manchester United in my opinion and where trashed bye the referees who gave United two offside goals. But I guess all teams have to expect such low level refereeing at Old Trafford? Back to Chelsea I felt Torres looked very sharp and it will be interesting to see if he can produce the same effort this weekend. Swansea played a strong home match last weekend and trashed West Brom 3-0. They have played many good games so far this season and I don’t think they will get hammered by Chelsea. But I think the blues will win this without a doubt.

Liverpool – Wolverhampton    Home (2-1)
Liverpool has looked very weak in the last two games and it’s time for the new players to shine. Too many of the new players have been performing at a high level so far. A big boost for the whole club is that their talisman and world class player Steven Gerrard played in the cup in midweek and is reported ready for duty. Wolverhampton got a flying start to the season and where like Liverpool unbeaten in the last three matches, but like the Anfield club they got two disappointing matches in the last weeks. Liverpool should win this game, but I’m not 100% sure they will.

Newcastle – Blackburn        Draw (2-2)
Newcastle is still unbeaten after 5 matches and has impressed me so far this season when it comes to results. I have watched most of their matches so far and they haven’t played that good, but still gotten point out of every game so far. That being said all honour to Pardew and his men for a strong opening to the season. Blackburn has had a tough start to the season and many supporters want both manager Steve Kean and the owners out of the club. Some of the critics might have given them a second chance now after the strong win at home to Arsenal last weekend. Newcastle should win a game like this at home, but I have a feeling that Blackburn might get something from the game.

West Bromwich – Fulham    Draw (0-0)
Roy Hodgsons men have for me looked to be one of the biggest disappointments so far this season. With only a win away to Norwich in 5 matches, they are dead last in the premiership. If one adds that the victory against Norwich was a lucky win they are looking even worse. I would say that if West Brom loses this game to a poor travelling Fulham team they are going down in my opinion. Fulham have like West Brom only 3 points in 5 matches so far. Only difference is that Fulham have still to win this season. The Cottagers are the only team left not to win a premiership game so far. Both teams have disappointed big so far, and none of them can afford to lose this game. If we get a loser here I’m sure that the losing team will be struggling to survive this season. I predict a draw in this game, most likely little or no goals.

Wigan – Tottenham        Home (2-1)
Wigan has had an easy start to the season so far, but only stands with 5 points so far. If they are to stay up I think they need to take points at home to teams like Tottenham. They lost a close game away to Everton last weekend and I think they will be looking to get something out of this game. Tottenham had a tough start to the season but have beaten both Wolves and Liverpool in the last two games. Adebayor looks like a good signing and happy Harry is looking to climb the table in the weeks to come. It’s typical Tottenham to play some good games and when people expect them to get a result they disappoint. This is a game that Tottenham should win, and I think they might be flying high after crushing a Liverpool team with only 9 men.

Stoke - Manchester United (17.30)        Draw (2-2)
Stoke have been looking strong so far and have already taken a top scalp at home to Liverpool. I don’t think any team in the premiership is looking forward to play at Britannia stadium. All managers and teams know the type of play they will meet at Stoke. The problem is that most teams can’t cope with their set pieces and I don’t think Manchester United and David De Gea are looking forward to this game. That being said, United have looked impressive so far this season. They have 15 points in 5 games and 17+ in goal difference so far. I won’t be surprised to see United winning this game, but I have a feeling that Stoke will get something out of a tight and close game.

Manchester United to much respect

After 5 matches Manchester United have looked impressing and stand with full pot and a positive 17 goals in goal difference.  I have seen all their matches this season and in most of the games they have been way better then the opponents, and looked superior all over the pitch. It’s easy for supporters to call out United as champions already. But for me it’s too early even though I predicted them to win before the season started.

My first reason is that we are only 5 games into the new season and even though they have beaten teams like Tottenham, Arsenal and now Chelsea it still a lot of games to play. And one must remember that all the games were played at home to the top opponents. Tottenham and Arsenal were trashed, but Chelsea actually played a good match and could have gotten a result from the game. First of all one could say that the referees gave United two offside goals and secondly Torres should have scored at least one more goal.

My second reason is that United will play in all the competitions and will be vulnerable to injuries. Even though they got a big squad they are still in need of players like Rooney, Young and Nani to stay fit for the top games if they are to come out of it on top. When Rooney played a poor match against Benfica, then of course United lost their only 2 points so far this season.

My third reason is my main reason. If the teams could learn to show less respect for the United and give a real effort in trying to win the game instead of playing defensively, they could actually win some points against them. Most teams that face last year’s champions have lost the game before it has started. This is not to take away the good attacking play that Untied have shown so far, because they have been brilliant so far this season. My point is that when Chelsea actually pressured United, one could see them lacking experience in defence. When both Vidic and Ferdinand are out and Ferguson decides to use De Gea in goal I don’t see United coping with real pressure in the games. But when you watch the games most teams focus on defence out of respect for United. And of course you need to respect a strong side like United, but when you have lost the game before you enter the pitch, it’s just pathetic.

I hope some teams can show a little less respect and a bit more attacking force against last year’s champions. Yes United have been impressing and yes they are one of the strongest teams in the world at the moment. But I still feel that most of the games that they have played so far have been too easy for Manchester United. United look very strong in the attacking part of the game, but the central line; going from goalkeeper, central defence and central midfield aren’t frightening. I hope to see a Stoke team this weekend that shows the power in the play that one know they can, and give it a real go in trying to win the game. If they can play at their strengths they should give the United defence something to chew on at Britannia stadium.

Liverpool's shaky defence

Kenny Dalglish

Dalglish must have a major headache after the previous two league games and it won’t get any better it seems. First it looks like Jamie Carragher’s time at top level is starting to run out. The defender has shown time and time again that he doesn’t have the pace that is needed at the top of the league. And Dalglish needs wake up and realize that Carragher can’t compensate the lack of pace with experience and smartness. The problem might be that without their talisman and captain Steven Gerrard he has lacked leaders in the side and therefore can’t bench Carragher? In my opinion Daglish needs to think further then just this season and start planning Liverpool without a Carragher. That being said I have the deepest respect for what Carragher have done for the club. He is a type of player that shows the dedication and effort that all the managers, supporters and clubs dream of. It’s like The Kop sings “We all dream of a team of Carraghers”.



Carragher is not the only problem in the Liverpool defence. Daniel Agger is a world class defender when he is fit. He is a playing defender that got the technique and skill run with the ball and support the midfield with threw balls. The problem with Agger is that he plays 10 or top 15 games in a season. Some might say he is unlucky but one starts to wonder if you look at the long list of injuries during his time at Anfield. But I guess Liverpool is stuck with Agger even if they wanted to sell him, because who would buy a player that is injuried 60-70% of the season? Latest news is two broken ribs after a fall against Tottenham in the last match.



Sebastian Coates looked like a good signing after winning Copa America with Uruguay. Some experts questioned his pace tough and wondering if the young defender could adapt from the slow play South-America to the fast playing style in England. I will be careful to slaughter him after the performance against Tottenham. Because to be fair to the young lad the team was poor and defending with 1 or 2 less players than the opponents are impossible. So I will give him more time, but to me he looked like some said, very slow. And if you don’t have pace you won’t be able to perform at a top team in Europe in my opinion. Then you at least need to have a fast companion besides you, and at the current time Liverpool don’t have a central defender with pace. But as I said, I will give the young talent more time to show what he is capable to do.


Now that was Liverpool’s problem in the central defence. Looking at their right back position the things aren’t looking much better. Both Glenn Johnson and Martin Kelly have been out with injuries. And even though they are both named in the national side when they are fit, it’s still a huge problem for Liverpool when they are injuried all the time. They have like Daniel Agger whey to many injuries during a whole season. This have left Daglish to experience on the right side after young John Flanagan lost 2 points to the club in the opening match against Sunderland it doesn’t look like Daglish have enough faith in him. This has left the manager with Martin Skrtel at right back which is ridicules at this level. Skrtel looked like a little boy against Tottenham. He didn’t know what to do or where to go, and rounded it up with getting a red card with an awful challenge on Bale.


Only thing that is looking good for Daglish at this time is that Enrique has looked very strong and Reina is still the best goalkeeper in the league in my opinion. But I think Dalglish is having a rollercoaster feeling ending up with a huge headache when it comes to his current Liverpool defence.

Premier League Results Sunday 18/09/11

Manchester United – Chelsea   3-1

Man Utd: De Gea,Smalling (Valencia 62), Jones, Evans, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Anderson (Carrick 62),Young,Rooney, Hernandez (Berbatov 79). Subs Not Used: Lindegaard, Giggs, Park, Fabio Da Silva. Booked: Valencia,Fletcher. Goals: Smalling 8,Nani 37,Rooney 45. Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Meireles (Mikel 79), Lampard (Anelka 46),Sturridge (Lukaku 68), Torres, Mata. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Luiz, Romeu, Malouda. Booked: Ramires,Terry,Cole. Goals: Torres 46. Att: 75,455 Ref: Phil

Tottenham – Liverpool     4-0

Tottenham (4-4-2): Friedel 6; Walker 7, Kaboul 7, King 8 (Bassong 83min), Assou-Ekotto 7; Kranjcar 6 (Van der Vaart 46, 6), Parker 8, Modric 8, Bale 7; Defoe 7 (Giovani 83), Adebayor 8. Subs (not used): Cudicini, Pavlyuchenko, Livermore, Corluka. Booked: Adebayor. Scorers: Modric 6, Defoe 65, Adebayor 67, 90+4. Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina 5; Skrtel 4, Carragher 5, Agger 4 (Coates 25, 5), Enrique 5; Henderson 5, Lucas 6, Adam 4, Downing 5 (Spearing 70, 4); Carroll 4, Suarez 5 (Bellamy 70, 4). Subs (not used): Doni, Maxi, Kuyt, Robinson. Booked: Coates, Suarez. Sent off: Adam, Skrtel. Man of the match: Luka Modric. Referee: Mike Jones 5. Attendance: 36,129

Fulham – Manchester City  2-2

Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Baird, Hangeland, John Arne Riise, Duff (Kasami 61), Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey, Zamora, Dembele (Ruiz 88). Subs not used: Etheridge, Orlando Sa, Senderos, Gecov, Grygera. Goals: Zamora, Murphy Booked: Sidwell Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Barry, Toure Yaya, Nasri (Johnson 81), Aguero (Tevez 82), Silva (Zabaleta 69), Dzeko. Subs not used: Pantilimon, Kolarov, Toure, Balotelli. Goals: Aguero 2 Booked: Barry Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 24,750

Sunderland – Stoke   3-0

Sunderland: Mignolet, O'Shea, Bramble, Brown, Richardson, Elmohamady, Gardner, Vaughan, Larsson (Colback 63), Sessegnon (Ji 81), Bendtner (Wickham 85). Subs not used: Westwood, Turner, Cattermole, McClean. Booked: Larsson Scorers: Bramble 5, Woodgate (og) 11, Gardner 28, Larsson 58 Stoke: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Woodgate, Wilson, Jerome (Jones 61), Delap (Palacios 71), Whitehead, Etherington (Pennant 65), Walters, Crouch. Subs not used: Sorensen, Whelan, Upson, Wilkinson. Booked: Huth, Crouch Referee: Kevin Friend

Preview of the English premiership matches on Sunday 18.september

Tottenham – Liverpool                Home (2-1)

Tottenham played a European match in Greece midweek. It was clear that manager Redknapp had the upcoming Liverpool game in his mind when he played with only 1 player named for a premiership match so far this season. Redknapp knows that they can’t afford to lose this match to Liverpool if they are to get into a champions league spot at the end of the season. So even though Tottenham have played in Europe midweek and have some major injuries they are looking to win this match at white hart lane. Liverpool have had an okay start to the season, but got their first defeat away to Stoke in the last match and need to get something out of this game if they want to be in top flight.

Fulham – Manchester City          Draw (2-2)

Fulham has been a disappointment so far this season and his in the bottom of the table before this match starts. They are always strong at home, but have yet to win a game and are desperate to get their first 3 points of the season. But I can’t see them winning this match against a strong going Manchester City team. Mancinis men have looked as strong as any team so far and I bet they are looking to bounce back from the poor results in the champion’s league in the midweek. The question is have the European play will affect the City players when they come back to play premiership football some days after.

Sunderland – Stoke       Home (1-0)

Sunderland has been one of the biggest disappointments this season in my opinion. Manager Steve Bruce has spent a lot of money during the summer as always, but has gotten little or nothing so far. I think Bruce is starting to feel some pressure from fans and the board now and is in desperate need of 3 points. Stoke have started the premiership brilliantly and beat Liverpool at home in the last match. They have also been out in European match midweek and it will be interesting to see how the club handles it going back to premiership football.

Manchester United – Chelsea   Draw(1-1)

It’s a quite an interesting Sunday in the premiership today. But this is the game that we all will be waiting for today. The two biggest teams in the premiership for the last season go up head to head in an early match this season. Who will be the team that goes out of the game with a positive result? Both team played in Europe midweek so they both stand on equal ground on that part. Manchester United has looked the strongest so far in both result and game play. But these matches live their own game. And sadly most of the top games that one looks forward to become a disappointment when the game start. Both teams know that this means more than just a win draw or lose. If the game gets a winner the team will get a boost going into the next 4-5 matches and will define a lot of the future. That’s why I believe that the game will disappoint and end up in a game with few or no goals and a draw, which means that both teams can go on without getting a blow to their belief or a new premiership title.

Premier League Results Saturday 17/09/11

Blackburn Rovers    4 – 3    Arsenal

Match Facts Blackburn: Robinson, Salgado (Petrovic,18), Samba, Dann, Givet, Hoilett, Lowe, Nzonzi, Rochina (Olsson,56), Formica (Vukcevic,65), Yakubu. Subs: Bunn, Grella, Roberts, Hanley. Booked: Dann, Olsson Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, (Djourou 53), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Andre Santos, Song (Chamakh 76), Arteta, Ramsey, Gervinho, van Persie, Arshavin (Walcott 64). Subs: Fabianski, Gibbs, Benayoun, Coquelin. Booked: Djourou Referee: Andre Marriner  England Attendance: 22,637

Aston Vila        1 - 1       Newcastle United   

Match Facts Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Bannan (Albrighton 67), Petrov (Ireland 68), Delph, N'Zogbia, Bent (Delfouneso 85), Agbonlahor. Subs not used: Guzan, Herd, Lowry, Gardner. Scorer: Agbonlahor (13). Booked: Collins. Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Ryan Taylor, Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez (Sa Ameobi 85), Best (Sh Ameobi 69), Ba (Marveaux 80). Subs not used: Elliot, Guthrie, Lovenkrands, Perch, Sammy Ameobi. Scorer: Best (57). Booked: Best. Attendance: 34,248 Referee: Neil Swarbrick.

Bolton Wanderers    1 – 2    Norwich City   

Match Facts Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Boyata, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, Tuncay (Eagles 46), Pratley (Mark Davies 74), Reo-Coker, Petrov, Kevin Davies (Ngog 46), Klasnic. Subs not used: Bogdan, Muamba, Kakuta, Wheater. Yellow card: Jaaskelainen, Reo-Coker Red card: Klasnic. Scorer: Petrov pen 64 Norwich: Ruddy, Naughton, Russell Martin, Barnett, Tierney, Bennett, Fox, Bradley Johnson, Pilkington (Vaughan 77), Hoolahan (Crofts 87), Morison (Holt 76). Subs not used: Rudd, Surman, Chris Martin, De Laet. Scorers: Pilkington 37, Johnson 42. Referee: Howard Webb. Attendance: 21, 223

Everton            3 – 1    Wigan Athletic   

Match Facts Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman (Vellios 66), Fellaini, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov (Drenthe 58), Osman, Cahill (Stracqualursi 83). Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Neville, Barkley. Yellow cards: Fellaini, Vellios. Scorers: Jagielka 33, Vellios 84, Drenthe 90+8. Wigan: Al Habsi, Van Aanholt, Caldwell, Lopez, Figueroa, Gomez (Jones 71), Watson, McCarthy, Moses, Di Santo, Rodallega (Maloney 90+2). Subs not used: Pollitt, Thomas, Crusat, McArthur, Sammon. Yellow card: Caldwell. Scorer: Di Santo 31. Attendance: 31,576. Referee: Peter Walton.

Swansea City        3 – 0    West Bromwich

Match Facts Swansea: Vorm, Rangel, Williams, Monk, Taylor (Bessone 85), Dyer (Routledge 71), Britton, Allen, Gower, Sinclair, Lita (Moore 71). Subs not used: Tremmel, Dobbie, Richards, Lucas. Yellow card: Lita. Scorers: Sinclair (pen) 14, Lita 24, Dyer 49. West Brom: Foster, Reid, Olsson, Mulumbu (Dorrans 46), Shorey, Morrison, Dawson, Scharner (Dorrans 67), Thomas (Brunt 46), Long, Odemwingie. Subs not used: Fulop, McAuley, Jones, Fortune. Yellow card: Brunt, Odemwingie Referee: Martin Atkinson.

Wolverhampton    0 – 3    Queens Park Rangers

Match Facts Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Stearman, Johnson, Berra, Elokobi (Vokes, 46), Kightly (Guedioura, 46), Henry, O'Hara, Jarvis (Hunt, 73), Ward, Doyle. Subs not used: De Vries, Hammill, Milijas, Foley. QPR: Kenny, Young, Gabbidon (Hall, 83), Ferdinand, Traore, Barton, Derry, Faurlin, Wright-Phillips, Bothroyd (Campbell, 73), Taarabt. Subs not used: Murphy, Buzsaky, Connolly, Smith, Puncheon. Scorers: Barton 8, Faurlin 10, Campbell 87. Referee: Anthony Taylor. Attendance: 24,189

Yakubu celebrates with Steve Kean

Saturday matches had a lot of surprising results. Blackburn bounced back from all the critic and beat a poor Arsenal 4-3 at home. Arsenal controlled the game but gave it all away with two own goals and poor defending. Everton showed character and got 3 important points. Norwich and Swansea got their first win of the season and climbed the table. While Bolton and West Brom where big disappointments.


QPR trashed Wolves and many of the new signings show that they have come to make an impact straight away. Everton got a solid win in the end but struggled for a long period against Wigan, but in the end they got the 3 points and have started the season stronger then in many years. Aston Villa and Newcastle drew at Villa Park and both teams are still unbeaten for the season.

Preview of the English premiership matches on Saturday 17.september

Blackburn – Arsenal        Away (1-2)

Blackburn is a major disappointment so far this season, and even though they have played better in the last matches, they still only have 1 point in 4 matches. The fans have had enough of Steven Kean and the owners. They have decided to make a protest before and during the game today. I can’t see this not affecting both the players and manager. This will give Arsenal an edge for this game I feel. That being said, Arsenal have not impressed so far this season. Won the last game against at home with only 1-0, after a huge mistake from Swanseas goalkeeper. Both Song and Gervinho are back for this match and should give the team a boost.



Aston Villa – Newcastle    Home (3-1)

Aston Villa has impressed me so far this season and stands unbeaten after 4 matches. Picking up a point away to both Fulham and Everton are strong results. Bent and Agbonlahor are looking strong in front and should produce enough in this game to give the home side new 3 points. Newcastle is standing unbeaten as well so far this season. But they haven’t looked that strong to me, and they were lucky to get a point in last game against QPR. Newcastle is strong enough to take all points from Villa on a good day, but to me they don’t look sharp enough now.


Bolton – Norwich    Home (3-0)

Bolton has had a tough start to the season. After trashing newcomers QPR in the first game they have been up against Liverpool and both Manchester teams, and gotten nothing out of the games. Looked strong against Manchester City, but were nowhere near points against Manchester United and Liverpool. Now it’s time for a match they need to win if they are to stay clear of the relegation battle. Home game to Norwich should be 3 points for Owen Coyles men. Norwich have played a lot of good matches, but been unlucky or should one say lacking quality in both ends of the pitch. They should have gotten more points out of the first 4 matches, but all one can say is welcome to the hard reality called Premier League. In my opinion de Laet should not be included in the squad for some matches after costing the club a lot of points on easy mistakes.  Norwich could of course get something out of this game if their luck changes some, but for me this looks like a home win.


Everton – Wigan    Home (2-1)

Everton is still looking strong even after selling their playmaker Arteta to Arsenal. The only problem for the club is that they are slow starters and have usually given away easy matches at home. They threw away both home matches against QPR and Aston Villa. And now it’s yet again time for a game which they should easily win at home. Wigan has had an easy start to the season so one should not let the impressive 5 points in 4 matches fool you. Playing against all 3 newcomers should have given more than 5 points and the club is for sure going to fight yet again to stay up in the premiership. For me this is an open game because Everton is still Everton and give away way to many easy games. That being said I can’t call for a Wigan win.


Swansea – West Brom        Home (2-0)

Swansea has been unlucky and still has yet to score a goal in the premiership. That being said they have played good football and I think it’s time for their first goal and first win in this match against a poor travelling West Brom side. West Brom has had a tough start to the season meeting both Manchester United and Chelsea in the first 4 matches. They have 3 points so far which came in a lucky win away to Norwich. I can’t see them being lucky in two away matches in a row.


Wolverhampton – Queens Park Rangers                Home (2-0)

Wolves have impressed so far this season even though they lost last game at home to Tottenham. They have 7 points in 4 matches which is brilliant for a team which almost got relegated last season. Mick McCarthys men are playing attacking and good football nowdays and I think they will collect another 3 points to newcomers QPR in this game. QPR have were unlucky in the last game against Newcastle. The game ended in a draw but they should have gotten more out of the game. They played a good away game to Everton some weeks ago and could of course get something out of this game. But I have a feeling that Wolves will nick this one.

So long Steve Kean

Steve Kean

One of my predictions this season was Steve Kean to be the first manager to get axed. That prediction is looking to cash in very soon. Blackburn fans didn’t understand much of the sacking of manager Sam Allardyce last season. And the poor results under the unknown Steve Kean were nothing less than disappointing last season.




Fans were hoping that the new owners would throw some money to Kean which would give them some hope of results at the start of the new season. So I bet the frustration for the Blackburn fans was complete when the club failed to sign any player who looked to strengthen the squad during the transfer window. And when the team is have collected one point out of 4 games so far, the situation goes from being frustration to complete lack of faith in the manager and owners capability to take the team in the right direction.

Blackburn Rovers

This have now resulted in the supporters planning a 1,000-strong march on Saturday to ask for the removal of Steve Kean as manager. The stats says it all, with only 23 points out of 33 games since Kean came into the manager position. I really respect the Blackburn fans for taking responsibility for their clubs situation. Like I said in my predictions for the season, Steve Kean is not good enough for a club like Blackburn. And I hope the club can get new owners in the future that actually give a damn about the club.



I hope for the sake of the club that more Blackburn fans show up and make the statement clear how they feel about the situation in the club. Blackburn deserves a lot more then what they are getting in Steve Kean and their owners. My deepest respect and support goes out to the Blackburn supporters.

Match day 4 Saturday, 10 September 2011

My predictions of the game week

Arsenal  Swansea, 15:00            Home

This should be one of the most secure matches this weekend. Arsenal has strengthened with a lot of class players. The question is if Wenger new signings will make an impact straight away. Swansea have played good and gotten a lot of positive feedback on their premiership debut. But the Wales side needs to start picking points soon. Why not start to take a point away to a struggling and unsecure Gunners side? I think Arsenal will win this, but I won’t be shocked if Swansea nicks a point.

Everton v Aston Villa, 15:00       Draw

Most difficult game of the week to predict. Everton always open poorly, and it seems I made a poor decision to predict them to get into Europe this season. The loss of Arteta to Arsenal is big and it will be interesting to see if the Toffees can cope with the loss of their playmaker. Aston Villa has had a good start to the season. I thought they would struggle this season but it seems I might be wrong about Villa as well.

I would predict a draw in this match, but this could end with all outcomes.

Man City v Wigan, 15:00              Home

Most secure bet of the day. Manchester City is looking strong this season and a poor travelling Wigan don’t stand a chance what so ever, and they all know it. Think this will be a big win to City and a handicap bet would be a nice pick for the punters.

Stoke v Liverpool, 15:00              Away

Stoke have made a lot of good signings on the final day of the transfer and it will be interesting to see if they signings make an impact against in form team Liverpool. Britannia stadium is always a difficult place to travel and I’m not sure that Liverpool will win this, but I have a feeling they might win this. I will not be surprised to see this ending in a draw either.

Sunderland v Chelsea, 15:00     away

Sunderland have had a bad start to the season and I don’t see them getting anything for free out of this match either. The opening game away to Liverpool was good, but in the rest of the matches they haven’t looked especially good. Chelsea hasn’t played well yet, but still they have 7 out of 9 points and that’s why I believe they will be improving their form and wins this match.

Wolverhampton v Tottenham, 15:00             Home

 I predicted Wolves to have a good season this year, and they have had a strong start to the season so far. Tottenham on the other side have started poorly and are in desperate need of some points after getting trashed against both Manchester sides. Wolves are looking strong to me and I think they will win this. Tottenham is lucky if they are to get more than a point from this game.

Bolton v Man Utd, 17:30              Away

Bolton has had a difficult start to the season after crushing QPR in the first match. After losing to Manchester City and Liverpool they are facing yet another title contender in Manchester United. Bolton is a difficult place to travel to, but last year champions are looking strong and I feel that Bolton need to go all out and even more to get something from this match.

Sunday, 11 September 2011

Norwich v West Brom, 13:30      Draw

An interesting game for Norwich fans. The canaries need to win this type of games if they are going to stay up this season. West Bromwich has played some good football this year against teams like Manchester United and Chelsea. But now they are facing a team they should be able to take points from and the question is if they are up for the task. I feel that Norwich isn’t strong enough to win this and West Brom might not be good enough to take 3 points.

Fulham v Blackburn, 16:00                       Home

Fulham is looking like Fulham this season as well. Strong at home and weak away. This is a match Fulham wins 7/10 times in my opinion. Blackburn is looking just as weak as I predicted this season and will need a small miracle to take points away to Fulham.

Monday, 12 September 2011                    Home

QPR v Newcastle, 20:00

Very interesting game. Joey Barton will face former club Newcastle and the question is how both he and the Newcastle players will react to it. QPR made a lot of interesting signings and I bet manager Warnock will be hoping to see some immediate impact from the newcomers. Newcastle has impressed me so far this year and my predictions of the magpies are looking to be wrong. This match is difficult to predict, but I think QPR should win this since it’s at home. Will not be surprised to see a draw or even a Newcastle win here though.