The Sports Corner

The ‘phoney weekend’ marks rare occasion

English Premier League

This weekend’s dose of football will be remembered as a ‘phoney weekend’ in the 2008/09 season. The lack of goals is a striking theme amongst the top clubs as none of the supposed ‘big four’ could muster a single goal, however this weekend has shown just how tense and exhilerating the climax of the season has the potential to be, as no one side has yet to take the initiative in this Premier League season.  

Chelsea fans may have been feeling quietly confident as struggling Newcastle rolled into the capital. The Magpies have had a dismal record at Stamford Bridge, having been without a win in 22 years and at arguably their toughest period in a Premier League season, the visit to Chelsea could not have come at a worst time. The Blues created many opportunities throughout the game with Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack all going close but it was the tough resistance of the Newcastle defence and the brilliance of shotstopper Shay Given that resulted in a goalless draw and a rare moment of optimism for Newcastle fans.

With Chelsea only managing a point, it was a chance for Liverpool to re-establish themselves as the king of the crop by hosting Fulham. Again a common pattern this weekend with some no nonsense defending and superb goalkeeping, Fulham held the title chasing Liverpool to a goalless draw. Dirk Kuyt and the returning Fernando Torres came close for the Reds but it was Robbie Keane who spurned the best chance by failing to convert from inside the box due to the reflexes of keeper Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal mouth. 

Manchester United were looking to pounce and gain ground on Liverpool and Chelsea, who both showed impotence in front of goal with a visit to Villa Park to face in form Aston Villa. The game was a fascinating encounter with flowing football, clever interchange and bursting passion from both teams. Although ample opportunities for a breakthrough, the goal never came and the game finished as another goalless draw. Wayne Rooney had the best chance of the match, smashing over from 8 yards in a game that frustrated the Champions.  

Arsenal have all but been written off regarding the title chase this season and the visit to Manchester City proved to be the final curtain for hopeful Gunners fans with a 3-0 win. Two teams that are massively underachieving and probably fancied playing one another in these times of trouble but it was City fans who were laughing all the way home after a convincing victory. Stephen Ireland set the tone right before the brink of half time with the first goal. Arsenal never recovered from the psychological blow and conceded two further goals in a disappointing display that has left the North Londoners scrapping for a top four place. Robinho and local lad Daniel Sturridge scored the other goals for Manchester City in a much needed win that can hopefully bolster a revival for the Eastlands club who are currently in 11th place.

In a weekend of hesitancy not even 6th place Hull City could gain from the top 5 teams failing to win. However, Hull fans will not be thinking of the game with Portsmouth as two points lost but as a point gained in the 2-2 draw away at Fratton Park. Tony Adams will finally be pleased after a sluggish start to his managerial reign and spirits were lifted higher when Peter Crouch gave Pompey the lead after 20 minutes. It took until the second half for Hull City to respond through unsung hero Michael Turner after 54 minutes. Glen Johnson quickly dampened the Hull resistance nine minutes later by making it 2-1 Portsmouth. Hull snatched a point in the 89th minute when Noe Pamarot inadvertently beat his own keeper to send the travelling Hull fans into raptures after securing yet another crucial point.

Middlesbrough have been in very decent form of late but their pride took a battering at the hands of Bolton this weekend with a 3-1 home defeat. Gary Megson’s men were quick to pounce on Boro’s defensive frailties as Gretar Steinsson scored after 8 minutes. Two minutes later Matthew Taylor increased Bolton advantage to send the Teeside crowd into silence. Emmanuel Pogatetz offered a glimmer of hope in the 77th minute reducing the deficit to one goal, but just a minute later Johan Elmander wrapped up a superb victory for the Trotters to make it 3-1.

Gianfranco Zola’s spell as a player was a sheer delight to watch with Chelsea but his managerial spell with West Ham has been less pleasing on the eye. The Hammers boss was going into the Sunderland game without a win in eight but finally managed to score that elusive victory with a 1-0 win away from home. Valon Behrami will always hold a special place in Zola’s heart for it was his goal that secured the win and alleviated the pressure on the Italian, his goal in the 20th minute proved enough to overcome a poor Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light.

Whilst Hull have taken the majority of plaudits for the promoted clubs and rightly so, Stoke City have quietly gone about their business and accumulated another precious three points at home to fellow promoted team West Brom with a 1-0 win. Mamady Sidibe’s goal in the 84th minute condemned West Brom who are currently rock bottom of the Premier League, on the other hand Stoke moved up to 14th and are easing themselves into life in the Premier League.

Harry Redknapp will be a happy man as Tottenham continue to construct their transformation with a 1-0 win over struggling Blackburn. Roman Pavyluchenko’s 3rd goal of the season in the 9th minute proved decisive for Spurs who moved up to 15th. Paul Ince is facing his first tough spell in the Premier League, as a result of the defeat Rovers slipped to 19th place and will be without Swedish defender Martin Olsson temporarily, who was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Wigan will host Everton in Monday’s fixture of the Premier League.

La Liga

Barcelona remain top of La Liga but will be disappointed that they could only produce a draw at home to Getafe. The visitors took the lead after 19 minutes with Manu to stun the Nou Camp. Barca had to wait until the 72nd minute before Seydou Keita levelled the match. The game finished 1-1 and Barcelona as a result maintain a 3 point lead over Real Madrid who moved into 2nd place.

Real Madrid will be hoping for more consistency after securing a 1-0 win over Recreativo Huelva to move behind Barcelona in the table. Wesley Sneijder’s 39th minute effort was enough for the Madrid giants who have backed manager Bernd Schuster after some disappointing performances.

Villareal’s unbeaten 17 match streak was destroyed in emphatic circumstances at home to Valladolid who scored a 3-0 victory. Jonathan Gonzalez Sesma scored twice in the 25th and 44th minute to set up a comfortbale win for Valladolid before Luis Prieto concluded the win with Valladolid’s 3rd in the 45th minute in an explosive first half display.

Serie A

All of Italy was focused on the match between Inter and Juventus as the giants clashed in Milan. Before the game, a war of words between former Chelsea managers Jose Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri added extra spice to an already tasty affair. Mourinho was the celebrating manager after Sulley Muntari’s 72nd minute effort proved decisive for victory in an important game in deciding the Serie A title.

With Inter in 1st and Juventus in 3rd playing one another, Milan had a great opportunity to either close the gap on the leaders or distance themselves from the chasing pack. Away to Torino, Milan were held 2-2 on a frustrating afternoon for the Milan giants. Roberto Stellone gave the home side a surprise lead in the 25th minute. Milan hit back after conceding equalizing through Alexandre Pato 4 minutes later, then compatriot Ronaldinho netted to give Milan a 2-1 lead in the 34th minute. Victory was to be denied however by Alessandro Rosina, who converted a 78th minute much to the displeasure of travelling Milan fans.