The Sports Corner

Big Sam is back with a bang

English Premier League

Sam Allardyce had the perfect return to management with his Blackburn Rovers side after the 3-0 win at home to Stoke City. 

The former Bolton and Newcastle manager was installed by Rovers last week to rescue a season that has had echoes of relegation ringing throughout Ewood Park.  

It took just 9 minutes before Allardyce endeared himself to the Blackburn faithful when Benni McCarthy slotted home a coolly taken penalty. The day got better and better for Allardyce who saw Jason Roberts double Rovers lead in the 18th minute. In the 27th minute, Rovers were on cloud nine as McCarthy added a third to wrap up an overdue victory for the Lancashire side. ‘Big Sam’ may evolve to ‘Saint Sam’ if he can continue to produce fantastic results in a so far wretched season for Blackburn Rovers.

In the most eagerly anticipated match of the weekend, Arsenal and Liverpool shared a point after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Robin Van Persie scored in the 24th minute to give the Gunners the lead but under pressure Robbie Keane equalised with a stunning half volley in the 42nd minute. Liverpool remained top whilst Arsenal dropped to 5th and will have to face the next match without talismanic figure Emmanuel Adebayor who was sent off for an alleged elbow on Alvaro Arbeloa in the 62nd minute.

The big winners of the weekend were Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa who leapfrogged into 3rd place following a 1-0 win over West Ham United. An own goal by Hammers full back Lucas Neill proved to be decisive for Villa who are beginning to mount a serious challenge for Champions League football. West Ham are currently hovering above the relegation zone in 17th place.

Hull City’s Premier League honeymoon hit its first domestic with a 4-1 defeat at home to revitalised Sunderland. The manager-less Black Cats recorded their second successive win courtesy of goals from Steed Malbranque, a Kamil Zayatte own goal, Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse. Nick Barmby scored for Hull who remain in 6th place, while Sunderland move to 13th.

Fulham dispatched Middlesbrough 3-0 to continue their recent encouraging form. Goals from Jimmy Bullard, Danny Murphy and American Clint Dempsey secured a fabulous victory for the Cottagers who are positioned in 8th place. Middlesbrough are continuing their slide down the table as they find themselves in 14th place.

Bolton are set for a Merry Christmas after defeating Portsmouth 2-1 at the Reebok Stadium. The Trotters started the match with all guns blazing, quickly taking a 2-0 lead after 4 minutes thanks to goals from Matthew Taylor and Riccardo Gardner. Peter Crouch restored Pompey pride with a goal in the 20th minute but the equalizer remained elusive for the South coast side. Bolton move to 9th place just ahead of Portsmouth in 10th.

Damien Duff restored some much needed Christmas cheer on Tyneside with a 90th minute to give Newcastle a 2-1 win over Tottenham. Charles N’Zogbia opened the scoring for the much improved Newcastle under Joe Kinnear in the 12th minute. Luka Modric settled the scores in the 29th minute, but Duff’s last minute winner extended Newcastle’s unbeaten run. The Magpies move to 12th place where as Tottenham slide to 16th.

Hope is the outcome for West Brom fans after a 2-1 win at home to fellow strugglers Manchester City. Goals from Luke Moore and Roman Bednar were enough for rock bottom West Brom who also conceded an own goal through keeper Scott Carson. The Baggies remain in the relegation zone but drag Manchester City with them, Mark Hughes’ side are now in 18th place heading into the Boxing Day schedule.

La Liga

Barcelona extended the gap at the top of La Liga to 10 points following a 2-1 win away to rivals Villareal. Free scoring Barcelona conceded first when Cani scored in the 48th minute, however the Catalan giants turned the game around thanks to Seydou Keita and Thierry Henry to record an invaluable win and perhaps a defining moment in the La Liga season.

Sevilla have now emerged as Barcelona’s closest rivals after the recent loss in form of Villareal and Real Madrid. They were held to a goalless draw away to Real Mallorca but remain in second place 10 points adrift of the leaders.

Atletico Madrid have now established themselves as third in the league after a 3-2 victory away to Espanyol. Two goals from Maxi Rodriguez and a Sergio Aguero goal was enough for the Madrid side who will be pleased to enter Christmas Day ahead of their Madrid counterparts. Sergio Sanchez and Valdo scored for Espanyol

Serie A

Inter continued their ruthless winning streak away to Siena winning 2-1. A brace from Brazilian star Maicon was enough for Jose Mourinho who have a six point lead over closest rivals Juventus. Houssine Kharja scored for the home side.

Juventus maintained the pressure on Inter after overcoming Atlanta 3-1 away from home. Juventus had a half time lead of 2-0 following goals from Alessandro Del Piero and Nicola Legrottagile. Former Juve striker Christian Vieri reduced the deficit before Amauri sealed the points for the Turin side.

Milan fans may not happy about being third but a 5-1 emphatic home win is enough to put a smile on any football fans faces. The Milan rout was completed with contributions from Clarence Seedorf, two from Kaka and two from Alexandre Pato. The Udinese solitary response was scored by Antonio Di Natale.