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galacticos on City held at Wigan, Blackburn beat Burnley

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:24:33 +0000

Big-spending Manchester City missed the chance to move into the Premier League top four when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

Martin PetrovÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s equaliser one minute into the second half earned City a point but their hopes of pushing for a win were hampered by the sending-off of Argentine right back Pablo Zabaleta for a second yellow card. City remained in fifth spot with 17 points from eight matches, five behind champions Manchester United who top the table having played one more game. Fierce local rivals Blackburn Rovers and Burnley squared up in the top flight of English football for the first time in 43 years at Ewood Park and Rovers edged a gripping Lancashire derby 3-2. First-half goals by David Dunn, Franco Di Santo and Pascal Chimbonda cancelled out Robbie BlakeÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s stunning early opener for Burnley before Chris Eagles pulled one back for the visitors in the closing stages.

galacticos on I'll celebrate against United - Tevez

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:45:57 +0000

The souring of Carlos Tevez's relationship with Manchester United has been underlined by the Argentinian's revelation that he will enthusiastically celebrate any goals he scores against them in the future.

Now at Manchester City, Tevez won widespread praise for his discreet acknowledgements of his two goals in Monday night's 3-1 win over West Ham, the club that brought him to England. Tevez was given a warm reception by the travelling Hammers fans, who remember him fondly for his role in keeping the east London club in the Premier League in 2006-07. United's fans also took Tevez to their hearts during his time at Old Trafford but he was dismayed by the hostile reaction he received from them on his return for the Manchester derby earlier this month. "I decided not to celebrate my goals out of respect to West Ham," Tevez said. "They were my first club in England and, in my heart, part of me will always be a Hammer. "The professional part of me was really pleased with my first City goals at home but, personally, I would have preferred to beat another club. "In the derby against United I had also decided not to celebrate our goals but, after the bad treatment I received from the supporters that day, I have changed my stance on that. If I score in the next derby then I am sure that I will celebrate."

galacticos on Villa hammer desperate Pompey

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:30:11 +0000

Aston Villa heaped more misery on Portsmouth on Saturday as their 2-0 victory inflicted a sixth Premier League defeat of the season on the 2008 FA Cup winners.

Goals by former England Under-21 captain James Milner and England international striker Gabriel Agbonlahor were enough to see off a poor Portsmouth side, who have seen several of their stars leave for other clubs. Villa were firmly in control at half-time after Milner and Agbonlahor had scored. Milner made no mistake from the penalty spot after Stiliyan Petrov was felled in the area by Nadir Belhadj and then Agbonlahor, who has recently taken up doing more work in the gym to work on his body, rifled in a superb goal with a 20-metre shot. Portsmouth must have rued the fact that they had sent one-cap England wonder David Nugent to Premier League rivals Burnley - for whom he scored a double on Saturday in their 3-1 victory over Sunderland. Villa's own preparations had been disrupted by a training-ground dispute between manager Marton O'Neill and talented midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, who was aggrieved at being substituted in last weekend's Birmingham derby.

Imad on Burnley's fairytale claims Everton scalp

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:39:20 +0000

Burnley's fairytale start to life in the Premier League continued on Sunday as Wade Elliott's goal earned a 1-0 victory over Everton.

Owen Coyle's team marked their first home match in the English top-flight for 33 years by beating reigning champions Manchester United 1-0 in midweek and Everton suffered the same fate in front of another vociferous full house at Turf Moor. The Clarets, promoted via the Championship play-offs last season, took the lead through Elliott's first half strike and wrapped up their second win in three matches after Everton striker Louis Saha missed a second half penalty. Saha's blunder left Everton without a single point from their first two league matches, while Burnley are flying high in seventh place. Everton captain Phil Neville once again deputised for Joleon Lescott at centre-half as the England defender's transfer to Manchester City edged closer. After shocking United on Wednesday, Burnley started full of confidence and almost got off the perfect start after just 40 seconds. Chris McCann found space on the left to swing over a cross and goalkeeper Tim Howard could only stand and watch as Martin Paterson's header rebounded off the crossbar. The rebound dropped to Steven Fletcher, but Howard was equal to his low shot. The Clarets threatened again two minutes later when Elliott's right-wing cross found Paterson, but he failed to test Howard. Everton were struggling to contain the hosts and a flowing move involving Stephen Jordan, Robbie Blake and McCann saw the latter cross to the far post but again Burnley's finishing was poor as Fletcher scuffed well wide. David Moyes's team had arrived at Turf Moor on the back of a 4-0 midweek win in Europe, but they seemed drained by their efforts against Sigma Olomouc. Only a Jack Rodwell header from Leighton Baines's corner brought Burnley keeper Brian Jensen into action. It came as no surprise when Burnley took the lead in the 34th minute. Elliott and Paterson missed Blake's right-wing cross but Fletcher turned the ball back to Elliott and he had time to pick his spot just inside Howard's right-hand post. Everton midfielder Tim Cahill dropped deeper in the second half but the first time the Australian drove forward he looked dangerous and had a shot deflected for a corner. Burnley were still creating the majority of the chances and when Graham Alexander's half-hit shot looped up to McCann in the penalty area his overhead kick was tipped over by a stretching Howard in the 63rd minute. But Everton were gifted a lifeline in the 75th minute when referee Phil Dowd awarded a penalty against McCann despite television replays showing Tony Hibbert had gone down without a touch in the area. Justice was done however as Saha pulled his spot-kick wide of Jensen's left-hand post.

Imad on United back on track, Arsenal hit four

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:47:17 +0000

Manchester United made amends for their humbling by Burnley as Wayne Rooney's double and Michael Owen's first goal for the Premier League champions inspired a 5-0 win at Wigan on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to Wednesday's shock 1-0 loss at newly-promoted Burnley by making seven changes and the United manager was rewarded with a superb second half display. It took the revamped United line-up a while to find their rhythm but, after a goalless first half, Rooney struck in the 56th minute when he met a cross from former Wigan winger Antonio Valenica with a perfect header. That was Rooney's 100th goal for United and it opened the floodgates. Dimitar Berbatov put United in complete control in the 58th minute. The Bulgarian finished a flowing move by chipping over Chris Kirkland and shooting into an empty net. Rooney ended any doubts about the result in the 65th minute when his shot deflected off Mario Melchiot and flashed past the wrong-footed Kirkland. Owen, signed from Newcastle in the close-season, came off the bench to score for the first time since Janaury with a sublime clipped finish. Nani, who set up Owen's goal, got on the scoresheet himself in the 90th minute. "You have to react to a defeat, that's always the challenge," Ferguson said. "We got a reaction, I thought our performance was really good. "It's great for Wayne to get 100 goals. He's only a young lad and there are players who have been here longer who have got nowhere near that total. "I'm pleased for Michael as well. He needed a goal, but he's one of the best finishers our country has had." Arsenal maintained their impressive start to the season with a 4-1 victory over struggling Portsmouth at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners had confounded critics who wrote off their title hopes by thrashing Everton 6-1 last weekend, then winning at Celtic in the Champions League in midweek. Wenger still made four changes to the side that beat Celtic, but it proved a successful move as French midfielder Abou Diaby, brought into the team for his 100th Arsenal appearance, opened the scoring in the 18th minute from Eduardo's pass. Diaby converted Emmanuel Eboue's cross for his second goal three minutes later but Portsmouth reduced the deficit when Younes Kaboul, out-jumping keeper Manuel Almunia, headed home in the 37th minute. Any hopes of a fightback from Paul Hart's team were ended in the 51st minute through William Gallas's scrambled effort. Aaron Ramsey confirmed Portsmouth's third successive defeat in the 68th minute with his first league goal for Wenger's team. Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor repaid another slice of his 25 million pounds transfer fee as the Togo star's cool finish sealed a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton at Eastlands. City handed Carlos Tevez his full debut and the former Manchester United forward's cushioned 17th-minute pass picked out Adebayor, who drove in his second goal in two games since joining City from Arsenal. Trinidad and Tobago forward Kenwyne Jones fired Sunderland to a 2-1 victory over Blackburn. Sam Allardyce's Rovers, without defender Stephen Warnock as rumours of a move to Aston Villa gathered momentum, took the lead in the 21st minute when French defender Gael Givet smashed a long-range effort past Marton Fulop. But Sunderland equalised after 32 minutes as Jones took advantage of a slip by Christopher Samba to slot home. Jones wasn't finished there. In the 53rd minute he met Lee Cattermole's cross with a bullet header to seal the points for Steve Bruce's team. Hull won the first time in 13 league matches as Algeria striker Kamel Ghilas's first goal for the club earned a 1-0 victory over Bolton at the KC Stadium. Ghilas was making his first start for the Tigers after signing from Spanish club Celta Vigo earlier this month. He marked the occasion in the 61st minute with a blistering volley from Jozy Altidore's pass. Stoke recovered from their midweek thrashing by Liverpool by grinding out a 0-0 draw at Birmingham. Tony Pulis's side went down 4-0 at Anfield but they were far more resilient in a scrappy encounter against newly-promoted City.

Imad on Adebayor repays City with another strike

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:09:13 +0000

Emmanuel Adebayor repaid another slice of his huge transfer fee as the Manchester City striker's goal clinched a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton on Saturday.

City boss Mark Hughes raised eyebrows when he paid Ã‚Â£25 million to sign Adebayor from Arsenal in the close-season, but the Togo international has made an impressive start with his new club. He marked his debut with the opening goal in last weekend's victory at Blackburn and smashed in his second of the campaign to kill off last season's Championship winners at Eastlands. Hughes is still keen to sign England defender Joleon Lescott from Everton to bolster his back-four, but City are certain to produce plenty of goals judging by the contributions of Adebayor, Robinho and Carlos Tevez, who made his first start following his switch from Manchester United. Adebayor scored the only goal of the game in the 17th minute when Wayne Bridge's cross was deflected by Jody Craddock into Tevez's path. The Argentina forward cushioned a perfect pass to Adebayor, who set his sights and lashed a perfect finish past Wayne Hennessey. City kept up the pressure and Robinho had two decent chances, only to fire straight at Hennessey on both occasions. Wolves had a rare opportunity when Matthew Jarvis gave central defensive duo Kolo Toure and Richard Dunne the slip, but Shay Given leapt superbly to claw away a shot that was heading for the top right corner. Stephen Ireland should have increased City's lead after half-time but the midfielder inexplicably pushed his shot wide after taking Robinho's return pass. It was City who always looked more likely to score again. But Adebayor's first touch was too heavy, forcing him to go wide and fire into the side-netting, then Robinho drifted offside before tapping home Shaun Wright-Phillips' low cross to the far post. Mick McCarthy's visitors mounted a late charge and Andrew Keogh was the central figure. He was unlucky not to score when Toure touched Hennessey's long punt downfield into his path. His ferocious shot looked certain to find the back of the net but instead it came crashing back off the crossbar with Given well beaten.

Imad on Hammers' Davenport, mother stabbed

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:41:00 +0000

West Ham defender Calum Davenport and his mother have been stabbed in an attack at their home, with the player suffering "serious" injuries, police and the club said on Saturday.

The 26-year-old required surgery on both legs after the incident at his family home in Bedford, southern England, late Friday. The English Premier League club released a statement which read: "West Ham United can confirm that Calum Davenport was being treated in hospital on Saturday afternoon after an incident late on Friday night. "The 26-year-old defender and his mum both suffered stab wounds at home in Bedford. "His mum is recovering while Calum underwent surgery this morning and his injuries were described as serious by doctors. "The club's medical team are in contact with hospital staff." Davenport is a former England Under-21 international, who cost the Hammers Ã‚Â£3 million when he joined from Tottenham in 2007. He did not play in West Ham's first game of the season, at Wolves last week. Bedford-born Davenport spent a spell on loan at Premier League rivals Sunderland last season and has also been loaned out to Watford. The centre-back started his career at Coventry and has also played on loan at Southampton and Norwich.

Imad on Wigan win at uninspired Villa

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:23:34 +0000

A stunning strike from Hugo Rodallega helped Wigan Athletic to a 2-0 win at Aston Villa to open their new Premier League campaign with three points.

Welsh midfielder Jason Koumas doubled the Latics' lead in the second half seal the club's first opening day win in the Premier League. Rodallega had looked lively from the outset as Wigan gradually began to take hold of the match, and his ensured the first goal for a Roberto Martinez side in the Premier League was one to remember. On the half-hour mark, Villa full-back Nicky Shorey's attempt to head a long ball clear succeeded only in directing it towards the Colombian, who had time to steady himself before firing a wonderful dipping half-volley right into the far top corner of Brad Friedel's goal. The visitor's sealed the win against an uninspired Villa on 55 minutes when Charles N'Zogbia was allowed to run from his own half before finding Koumas inside the area, and the Welshman fired a low strike that beat Friedel at the near post. The match began in tentative fashion, with both sides easing their way into the new season. Wigan played the more enterprising football, characteristic of their new manager, and slowly began to take the initiative. Honduran midfielder Hendry Thomas was unfortunate not to open the scoring on 17 minutes when he drills shot from distance beat Friedel but struck the post and rebounded clear. Villa hit straight back via James Milner, who impressed on his England debut in Amsterdam in midweek, when the midfielder's long-range shot was beaten away two-handed by Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland. Kirkland was called into action again in the closing stages of the half, when he pulled off an excellent save at full stretch to tip Ashley Young's curling free-kick over the bar. Just before Koumas's goal 10 minutes into the second half, Villa came close after confusion in the Wigan box saw the ball run loose, only for Titus Bramble to hack the ball clear. Bramble again came to Wigan's rescue in the 89th minute, atoning for the error that allowed Emile Heskey to beat Kirkland to the ball and pass back to Young by recovering in time to block the shot when the England winger looked certain to score.

Imad on West Ham down worthy Wolves

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:16:43 +0000

Wolves' return to the Premier League after a five-year absence ended in a 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon. Mark Noble and Matthew Upson were on target for the Hammers.

Noble's arcing shot in the 22nd minute put the Hammers in front after a bright start from Mick McCarthy's side, before some poor marking at a corner allowed Upson to double Gianfranco Zola's team's lead in the 68th. Wolves tried and almost succeeded in pulling a goal back at numerous points in the second half, debutant Nenad Milijas going close several times, but for all their effort the hosts were unable to beat the impressive Rob Green. The last time the sides had met in the top flight was in 1984, but neither showed any signs of nerves on the big stage as an action-packed start heralded what was to be a lively first half. Barely three minutes had passed when Wayne Hennessey was forced to save Jack Collison's scuffed shot after Carlton Cole had made a nuisance of himself, the England international filling a lone berth up front. Julien Faubert caused a few scares with some low drilled balls across the face of Hennessey's goal while Herita Ilunga completed what was a productive wing-based assault on the left side, before the hosts finally replied with some offensive forays of their own. Andy Keogh mis-timed a volley when meeting a Greg Halford knockdown and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, the man on whom Wolves are set to rely for goals this season, headed over from close range. Keogh again saw potential glory when digging the ball out of his feet on the edge of the area, but fired high and wide. It was at this stage that Wolves were settling into their style when Noble's goal struck the blow for the Hammers. Cole fed the midfielder inside, and spotting Hennessey a little advanced off his line Noble curled a delightful effort into the top-left corner from 20 yards. Wolves regrouped and Keogh manufactured an opening for Matthew Jarvis with a run, but an off-target shot on the angle saw immediate redemption go begging. West Ham almost doubled their advantage shortly after when Noble's shot was saved on the line, and Kieron Dyer - in his 200th career Premier League appearance - watched his rebound cleared off the line by Jody Craddock. From the resulting corner Ilunga's header was tipped over by Hennessey. Wolves knew they needed to launch themselves into the second half to get themselves back into the game immediately, and the did so with vigour. Milijas had a deflected and dipping shot tipped over by Green, and then drew a good save from the West Ham keeper, but the Hammers almost doubled their lead when Craddock's error in judgement allowed Collison in. The West Ham man rounded Hennessey but Kevin Foley was on the line to save his team-mate. Milijas tickled the top of West Ham's crossbar with a 25-yard effort and the Serb then played a magnificent through ball that set Ebanks-Blake one-on-one with Green. The keeper came out on top however as he added to his string of superb saves, this one with his legs. Green's efforts paid off when his side doubled their advantage with just over 20 minutes remaining, as Noble turned goal provider for Upson with a corner. His inswinging delivery was met by the centre-back amid a static home defence to make it 2-0. Substitute Richard Stearman almost notched a consolation effort right at the death, but Green again stood impenetrable to claw away a header.

Imad on Adebayor ignites City charge

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:05:25 +0000

Emmanuel Adebayor scored less than three minutes into his debut to help Manchester City to a 2-0 Premier League win away to Blackburn Rovers.

The Togolese striker gave City the perfect start to the 2009/10 season, ramming home the opening goal to finish a move he started. Midfielder Stephen Ireland put the result beyond doubt in second half stoppage time, slotting the ball coolly past the stranded Paul Robinson, Although Blackburn dominated the game, with many more goal attempts than the visitors, they lacked the clinical edge provided by City's summer signing from Arsenal. Adebayor took just 150 seconds to show why City shelled out Ã‚Â£25 million for his services. He played a diagonal ball to Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right flank and continued his run into the box, where he received the winger's return pass and sidefooted powerfully past Robinson into the right corner. It was the ninth time he has beaten Robinson in the Premier League - five more than the next goalkeeper, Adebayor's new team-mate Shay Given. The goal showcased the kind of powerful, energetic play Arsenal fans saw too little of last season; Adebayor put more effort into his enthusiastic celebration than he did into some of his final games for the Gunners. City's fast start took the heat off manager Mark Hughes, who surprisingly selected Craig Bellamy to partner Adebayor up front and left Carlos Tevez on the bench. The Argentine managed a smile despite crossing town from Manchester United to secure more frequent first-team football. Too many more Saturdays as a spectator could test Tevez's patience. The 25-year-old replaced Robinho with just over 20 minutes to go but made little impact, save a shot from the edge of the box that Robinson parried to safety. Bellamy played the full game, which could call into further scrutiny the manner in which City pulled him out of Wales's midweek friendly against Montenegro. Blackburn responded to the early setback well, attacking in the direct, physical style characteristic of Sam Allardyce-managed sides. Morten Gamst Pedersen's long throws caused particular problems for Given, who looked unusually shaky. However the Irishman more than redeemed himself on 28 minutes when Chris Samba headed a corner towards the bottom-left corner and Given produced an excellent diving save to deny him. Rovers could not capitalise on their dominance as Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy both shot over from close range, then Keith Andrews struck a shot into a wall of bodies; the penalty claim for handball against Richard Dunne was rightly rejected. Adebayor should have picked up at least a yellow card just before the break, when the ball got away from him and he lunged after it. In so doing he stamped his studs into the ankle of El-Hadji Diouf and the Senegalese winger was fortunate not to suffer more serious damage. After the break, the sun gave way to mist and rain, while Rovers' strikers remained under the weather. Lars Jacobsen presented Roberts with a golden opportunity, clipping the ball back from the right byline, but the header lacked power and Given saved easily. Then McCarthy blazed a free-kick over when a little more finesse might have produced a better result. Ireland ensured City ended with a flourish in the 91st minute. He ran on to a Wright-Phillips through-ball, executed a feint that left Robinson on his backside, and eventually shot into the bottom-right corner. Hughes fell over as he went to shake Allardyce's hand, but as long as City can keep their slips off the pitch, their manager will be a happy man.

Imad on Tevez joins City, criticises Ferguson

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:54:08 +0000

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez signed for Manchester City on Tuesday and used his first news conference at the big-spending Premier League club to criticise Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

The 25-year-old, who spent two years at Old Trafford under a lease agreement, said Ferguson had not done enough to persuade him to stay at the champions. City paid a reported Ã‚Â£25.5 million for Tevez whose "economic rights" were owned by agent Kia Joorabchian. "Alex never called me or sent me any text messages," Tevez, who signed a five-year contract, said. "The only time he spoke to me was after the match against Roma because we had to discuss me playing for Argentina. "I don't think that is the way to treat a player who has been two years at the club." Ferguson said on Monday that he had personally tried to contact Tevez in January about extending his stay at United but that the striker had ignored his calls. Tevez was the third major pre-season signing for City who are owned by Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour after midfielder Gareth Barry and striker Roque Santa Cruz. City manager Mark Hughes confirmed that the club had also opened talks with Arsenal about buying Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor. "There's been contact and there is a deal to be done possibly but it's not been concluded as we speak here," Hughes said. GOOD PROPOSAL Tevez was a firm favourite at Old Trafford, scoring 34 goals in 98 appearances but often had to make do with a place on the bench. He was among the substitutes for the Champions League final defeat by Barcelona in May. He said City's potential was a major factor in him moving across the city. "Both the technical department and the ownership came with a very good proposal for me and this showed that they have the ambition to become one of the biggest clubs in the world," he said. "Money was not a factor for me." With Paraguay international Santa Cruz and possibly Adebayor in the squad next season, Tevez may have to fight for his place. "In every team you have to win the respect of your team mates and sweat the shirt," he said. "I would not be happy if I was assured a first-team place." City have been linked with Chelsea captain John Terry but Hughes would not be drawn on the speculation surrounding the England defender. "I have fantastic respect for John Terry, as a great player and as an outstanding captain. But he is a Chelsea player at this moment in time so we have to respect that," he said.

Imad on Manchester City heap pressure on Rovers

Sat, 02 May 2009 21:23:44 +0000

Manchester City swept aside Blackburn Rovers 3-1 at Eastlands to leave Sam Allardyce's team still very much embroiled in the Premier League relegation scrap.

Felipe Caicedo tapped home from close range to put City ahead on 26 minutes, and Robinho doubled their advantage with a sumptuous finish from 18 yards soon after. Elano made it 3-0 from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time, but substitute Keith Andrews grabbed a consolation for Rovers on 66 minutes - hooking in the rebound after El-Hadji Diouf had a penalty saved by Shay Given. The defeat leaves Blackburn just six points clear of the relegation zone - and 18th-placed Newcastle have a game in hand to potentially cut that gap to three. City, meanwhile, climbed above Fulham and into eighth - just a point off West Ham in the final qualifying position for the Europa League. The match got off to a scrappy start, with both sides intent on dominating a packed midfield and plenty of bite in the tackle. The first chance of the afternoon fell to Blackburn just three minutes in. Diouf was the creator, making space on the left and teeing up Ryan Nelsen, but the Rovers skipper saw his shot blocked from five yards. Allardyce's team looked for the fight and determined to attack at every opportunity. On 21 minutes Rovers appealed for a penalty, when a prone Nigel de Jong blocked Benni McCarthy's shot, but the referee ruled against a handball decision. City, meanwhile, enjoyed plenty of possession in the early exchanges, but failed to create a genuine chance before Caicedo put them ahead midway through the first half. The goal arrived after Elano's right-wing corner created havoc in the Rovers penalty area. De Jong was among those involved, but it was Caicedo was controlled and poked past Paul Robinson to put City ahead. Mark Hughes's men doubled their lead on 33 minutes, and once again Blackburn were punished for their inability to clear their lines. This time it was Robinho who profited, curling a low shot home from just inside the box after Elano's cross was only half cleared. City made it 3-0 in first-half injury time, after Gael Givet was adjudged to have handled Stephen Ireland's return pass to Robinho. Elano stepped up and calmly sent Robinson the wrong way, but Rovers were so incensed at the award of the penalty that Vince Grella, Andre Ooijer and Nelsen all earned themselves yellow cards for protesting the decision to Mike Dean. The second half began with Rovers in defiant mood, but for all their tireless work, the visitors lacked quality in the final third and struggled to create chances. But Rovers were handed an opportunity to pull a goal back when Nedum Onuoha was penalised for a tug on Morten Gamst Pederson on 66 minutes. Diouf took the spot-kick, but Given guessed right and made a fine save. Diouf was first to the rebound, and although Given saved again, substitute Andrews had the simple task of turning the ball in for what was his first touch of the match. But the goal failed to impact the match at all, and City played out the remaining 25 minutes in relative comfort. There was still time for Robinson to make a fine save to deny Robinho, but Rovers' inspiration was not forthcoming.

Imad on Spurs put West Brom on brink

Sat, 02 May 2009 21:21:43 +0000

West Brom's hopes of Premier League survival were almost completely wiped out following a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur courtesy of a goal from Jermaine Jenas.

The defeat at White Hart Lane now leaves them six points from safety, with fellow strugglers Newcastle United and Hull City both playing on Sunday. Jenas's goal puts Spurs level on points with Fulham and Manchester City, who are all now chasing seventh-placed West Ham for that final Europa League place. The Hammers are one point ahead all three clubs with 48. After a slow start by the home side a five-minute barrage on the West Brom goal was rewarded when Vedran Corluka found Jenas in enough space to side foot a low curling shot past Carson for his fourth goal of the season. Just prior to that goal, Luka Modric and Roman Pavlyuchenko both had shots blocked by Baggies defenders and Aaron Lennon had one effort deflected behind and drew a good save from keeper Scott Carson with another. West Brom played with the type of neat, expansive football that manager Tony Mowbray has insisted upon all season, but a combination of poor fortune and lack of quality was as telling in the clash in North London as it has been for most of the campaign. Too often their excellent approach play was spoiled by a poor final ball, and their only real chance in the first-half came from a corner, when Jonas Olsson's header was palmed away by Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes. Tottenham's Russian striker Pavlyuchenko, starting in place of the injured Darren Bent and preferred to Jermain Defoe, scooped one shot high and wide after being released by an excellent Modric through pass and then saw a low drilled shot on the turn go just wide. Following the break Mowbray periodically sent on Jay Simpson, Juan Carlos Menseguez and Felipe Teixeira throughout the half, but it was striker Marc-Antoine Fortune who almost gave his side hope when his shot deflected off the boot of Corluka and on to the near post, only for the rebound to find none of his team-mates. Jermaine Defoe got a big ovation from the home crowd when replaced Pavlyuchenko, and his first contribution was to block Shelton Martis's header from a corner on the goal line, with Gomes scrambling the rebound clear. Gomes pulled off another impressive save from Robert Koren's 20-yard strike, and from that save Spurs mounted a swift break that ended with Defoe slotting past Scott Carson into the net, but the fourth official harshly judged the striker to have been offside when Modric played the ball into his path. West Brom could not find a way through the Spurs back line as the clock ticked down and, when Lennon's shot crashed off the near post with just moments remaining, hopes of them salvaging a potentially precious point evaporated.

Imad on Spurs open to Beckham deal

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:14:38 +0000

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has admitted he could be interested in bringing local boy David Beckham back home in the run-up to next year's World Cup in South Africa.

The 33-year-old is on track to make Fabio Capello's squad for the finals and will need somewhere to remain match sharp during Major League Soccer's off season between December and March.

Beckham is spending the second half of this season at Milan, who are believed to be keen to repeat the loan deal for part of the 2009-10 season, but Redknapp has indicated that Tottenham could also be an option.

"I have not thought about David Beckham, but it would be disrespectful of me to say I would not be interested in him, were he to become available," Redknapp said.

"David Beckham is a fantastic player, but he is also a terrific role model and a terrific professional. If the opportunity was there to sign him, any club would have to think about it. He would still be a terrific player."

Tottenham may be an attractive option for Beckham as the club is based close to his English home north of London, as well as being the closest Premier League club to where he grew up.