Arsenal 1 - 2 Chelsea Match Report

 

 

Goals

20' Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

42' Gervinho (Arsenal)

53' Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Goals from both Spanish internationals gave Chelsea an important win thus extending their lead at the top of the Premier League Table against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Fernando Torres Attacking

When the match begun, Chelsea started off very strong limiting Arsenal to only 40% possession in the opening 15 minutes of the game. But as the match progressed, Arsenal posed more of an attack threat with Diaby testing Petr Cech from distance.

With 20 minutes into the game, Chelsea struck first with a goal from Fernando Torres who volleyed past Arsenal keeper, Vito Mannone. A superb free kick cross from Juan Mata with poor marking by Koscielny allowed an easy goal for Torres to give Chelsea the lead.

Minutes after, it seemed Chelsea were robbed from a penalty chance after Torres was on the verge of scoring until Koscielny brought him down but the referee did not blow the whistle allowing Arsenal to get lucky.

Gervinho celebrating his goal

As it seemed Chelsea were dominating the match, Arsenal scored in the 42' minute following a low cross from Alex Oxlade - Chamberlain which was collected and smashed in by Gervinho. There were at least 4 Chelsea defenders standing in the penalty box that could of prevented the shot but was all ball watching allowing a easy goal for Arsenal going into the break

Juan Mata running

In the second half, it seemed that goal from Gervinho improved Arsenal's play. Their passing and movement were a lot more quicker and active. The momentum seemed to be swinging on Arsenal's favor.

However they were stunned in the 53 minute by a swinging free kick by Juan Mata that was slightly deflected by Koscienly before being drive into the bottom left hand corner of the net.


As Arsenal tried to push on and fight for at least a draw, they effort was not good enough as Chelsea walked away with the victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Remembering EURO 2012

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German's Celebrate a goal

 The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2012, was the 14th European Championship for national football teams organized by UEFA. The final tournament was hosted for the first time by Poland and Ukraine, between 8 June and 1 July 2012. The final tournament featured 16 nations, the last championship to do so as from Euro 2016 onward, there will be 24 finalists. Defending champions Spain were marked as heavy favorites to create history by winning three consecutive major tournaments. The opening match featured Poland draw 1-1 with Euro 2004 champions Greece, with this match being the only highlight for the host, failing to qualify for the knock out stages.  Czech Republic and Greece go through. Group B featured the ‘group of death’, consisting of Germany, Portugal, Netherlands and Denmark. Germany got a maximum 9 points, 100% record topping the group with Portugal in second, the Dutch finishing off an awful campaign falling bottom of the group with no wins. A team many expecting to challenge for the championship.

Mario Balotelli of Italy

Spain and Italy topped Group C, playing out an exciting 1-1 draw in their first opening game. Croatia and Republic of Ireland gave some resistance but couldn’t keep up with the European powerhouse’s. Group D showcased the nations of England, France, Ukraine and Sweden, with the first two names qualifying to the quarterfinals. England showed some signs of a team that could potentially be under the radar. The quarterfinals came rolling around, with four mouth-watering games. Portugal downed Czech Republic 1-0, could this finally be the Portuguese’s time? France played well in patches and at times looked to gain some advantage, but the Spanish in the end were too strong coming away with a 2-0 win. Germany demolished Greece 4-2, while Italy and England played out a 0-0 draw. Once again the England curse of penalty kicks came back to haunt them, losing 4-2 sending the Azzuri to the semi finals and England on the next flight. Portugal and Spain faced off in the first semi final, once again falling to penalties. 

EURO 2012 Champions

Spain won 4-2 keeping their history in the making record still alive. Italy had welcomed Germany, a rivalry going back many years, with the Germans history showing they struggle against the Italians. Mario Balotelli bagged two superb goals, giving Italy a 2-0 win, sending them to the final to face Spain. Spain 4 Italy 0. The scoreline that took place in the Euro 2012 final. The Spanish have created football history to win three major consecutive tournaments, something to many which seems impossible to replicate. Italy looked tired and fatigued, but in no way does the scoreline reflect on Italy’s tournament. Cesare Prandelli has given new life to Italian football and told the world they are a force to be dealt with in future tournaments. Andres Iniesta walked away with the ‘best player’ of the tournament award. Spain are now dominating the world, with their golden era currently taking place. We all ask how long will it continue to last, with the champions showing no signs of slowing down.

Manchester City 1 - 1 Arsenal Match Report

Goals: 

40^’ Joleon Lescott – Manchester City

82’ Laurent Koscielny – Arsenal 

Goals from both defenders of each team allowed both to come away with 1 match point each. Premier league champions, Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw with Arsenal. 

Following their thriller loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, Manchester City was hoping to win in front of their home fans at the Etihad stadium in Manchester.  They also had a roster boost following a return of striker Sergio Aguero who was injured in their match against Southampton earlier this month. 

While Arsenal had some confidence coming in after winning against Montpellier 2-1 on Thursday.  Arsene Wenger would have hoped that striker duo Poldoski and Gervinho would continue their duo combination against the Premier League Champions Manchester City. 

Sergio Aguero

Manchester City started of dominating the ball with early strikes from Aguero to test the young Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone. Ball movements from Man City kept Arsenal in their territory early but later on as the match progressed, Arsenal was able to control the ball. 

Good work by Carl Jenkinson on the right byline saw the full-back outmuscle Lescott and cut the ball back for Lukas Podolski but the German could only sky wildly over the bar.

 

40` Lescott Goal

In the 40^th minute, a powerful heading goal from Lescott gave Manchester City the lead from a corner which the young keeper Vito Mannone completely mistimed allowing an easy goal. 

As the first half drew to a close Mannone went close to making amends by tipping Edin Dzeko's fierce drive over the bar as City came close to doubling their lead

In the second half, it seemed Manchester City would have received a penalty after Aguero was collided by Koscielny in the box but continued to play on. 

82` Koscielny celebrating his goal

While it seemed Arsenal was struggling to find a goal, in the 82th minute, Koscielny gave his team a goal by some sloppy defending from the Manchester City defenders who struggled to kick the ball clear out of danger. 

As the final whistle blew, it seemed that both teams deserve to come away with a point each.

Liverpool Vs Manchester United - Recap

Liverpool: Pepe Reina, Martin Kelly, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel (Jamie Carragher 80'), Glen Johnson; Joe Allen, Steven Gerrard, Jonjo Shelvey; Fabio Borini (Suso 46'), Raheem Sterling (Jordan Henderson 66'), Luis Suarez.

Subs: Brad Jones, Jose Enrique, Nuri Sahin, Oussama Assaidi, Jordan Henderson, Jamie Carragher, Suso

Manchester United: Anders Lindegaard, Rafael (Danny Welbeck 89'), Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra; Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia, Shinji Kagawa, Nani (Paul Scholes 46'); Robin Van Persie. 

Subs: David De Gea, Anderson, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, Paul Scholes, Tom Cleverley, Alexander Buttner

Goals: Steven Gerrard (LIV) 46', Rafael (MU) 51', Robin van Persie (MU) 81' (pen.)

Red card: Jonjo Shelvey (LIV) 39'

Liverpool's bad luck streak continues after their 2-1 loss to EPL giants Manchester United, marking the clubs third loss this season. 44 000 + watched on as Manchester United netted their first win at Liverpool's home stadium Anfield in over 5 years.

Liverpool held possession untill referee Hasley penalized Jonjo Shelvey with a redcard for a risky studs up tackle, shaving Liverpool down to 10 men. Liverpool pushed on when captain Steven Gerrard answered wishes when United failed to clear a left wing cross from substitute Suso and the Liverpool captain capitalised to chest and volley into the bottom corner. The celebration was short lived when only 5 minutes later Rafael was to curl an exquisite left-foot shot in off the far post. 

Liverpool continued to hold position with 10 men until the 81^st minute when a decision from referee Hasley saw Robin Van Persie stepping up to the penalty box. The goal was scored that sealed Liverpools fate, still unhappy without a win this season.

Serie A - Weekend Recap

Andrea Pirlo of Juventus

This weekend the Serie A competition continued, following the mid week European leagues which featured a number of Italian clubs. Juventus hosted Chievo, full of confidence after an amazing turn around against Chelsea, down 2-0 to recover 2-2. Juventus were too strong for the small club, continuing their unbeaten run which has lasted more then 12 months. Fabio Quagliarella, after scoring againest Cheslea maintaining his dream week, scoring two superb goals to give Juventus a 2-0 win, and keep them on top of the standings. Juventus just seem to keep getting stronger and stronger, with a number of Italian national team representatives, including Pirlo and Buffon, leading this team to regain it's former glory. Fiorentina after starting the season strongly, gave up a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 with Parma.

Napoli v Catania

Napoli had an 100% win record heading into this round, traveling to Sicily to face bogey team Catania. Napoli with the loss of Lavezzi to PSG during the summer, still had a number of star players including Hamsik, Maggio and Cavani, but failed to capatalise on an enorumous amount of chances, drawing 0-0. Sampdoria, another team which has started extrmley brightly, follwing their promotion from Serie B, grabbed a last minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with fellow newcomers Torino.  Lazio lost 1-0 to Genoa, and Palermo continue their poor start with no points losing to Atlanta 1-0.
 

Cassano on the attack

Inter were stunned 2-0 at home to bottom placed Siena. The Italian giants were easily expected to get the three points, but struggled to put away their chances. Inter's consistenty this season has something has been questioned a number of times, and with young manager Andrea Stamaccioni having never experienced football at the highest level until now, their is no doubt people's attention will begin to increase. Inter have spent quite big in the transfer market this season, and with still having their superstars such as Sniejder and Militio, expectation is at it's highest. Match of the round saw Udinese face AC Milan, with Milan coming off one of it's worse season starts in its history. Udinese took the lead early, with Milan fighting back to drag it to 1-1, before a Antonio Di Natalie penalty sank Milan hopes and continued their awful run.

UEFA Champions League round up - Week 1

This week saw the introduction of the UEFA champions

Edin Dzeko opening the scoring

league competition for the 2012/13 season, showcasing 8 groups consisting of 4 teams in each, ranging from all over Europe. Manchester City v Read Madrid was one that no doubt created excitement when the draw was released, with the game certainty living up to expectation. Manchester City traveled to Spain, following a 1-1 draw at the hands of Stoke City in the EPL, but the main focus was getting their European campaign off to a good start. Opposite end Real Madrid has started their domestic competition in a slow fashion, but usually thrive in Europe. After 90 minutes, Real Madrid stole the victory in the 90th minute thanks to a Christiano Ronlado strike , winning 3-2. A great spectacle for a football fan.

PSG's newest signing Ibrahimovic

AC Milan continue to struggle this season, with a poor 0-0 draw with Anderlecht. The lack of depth in the milan club is worrying signs for the remainder of the year, the departure of key players and with no real big signings, things could get alot worse for the once powerhouse of European football. PSG welcomed European football with a bang, 4-1 victors Dynamo Kyiv, with high expectations on the club following a spending spree in the off season, welcoming the likes of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Elsewhere german side Bayern Munch welcomed Valencia, and sealed a 2-1 side over the spanish side, continuing their unbeaten start in all games this season.

Chelsea's European glory

Arsenal and Manchester United both came away with wins, while Barcelona came away with a come from behind victory over Spartak Moscow 3-2. Current European champions Chelsea welcomed Italian champions Juventus to Stamford bridge, getting off to a wonderful start leading 2-0 thanks to Brazilian Oscar, but the Italian giants were never out of it, pushing on and fighting it out for a 2-2 draw. The first matchday has given us a number of goals, brilliance and what to expect for the remainder of the competition.

Real Madrid 3 -2 Manchester City Match Report

Real Madrid 3 - 2 Manchester City Result 

Goals:

69th Minute Edin Dzeko 

76th Minute Marcelo

85th Minute Aleksandar Kolarov

87th Minute Karim Benzema

90th Minute Cristiano Ronaldo

Match Highlights: Real Madrid vs Manchester City Highlights

Match Report

They save "better late than never". The last minute thriller goal from Cristiano Ronaldo gave Real Madrid a deserving win after fighting back and forth with Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

From the beginning of the match, the coach of Real Madrid - Jose Mourinho, planned on attacking and putting pressure against the Manchester City defence and goal keeper Joe Hart and they certainly did.  Early shot from Cristiano Ronaldo really tested Joe Hart and one that should have gone in after an amazing skill to beat defender and captain of Man City, Vincent Kompany. 

The 1^st half was clearly dominated by Real Madrid where they had most of the possession on the ball while Manchester City was mostly trying to get out of their own half. Most chances came from Madrid where Higuain and Khedira missed golden opportunities 

Yaya Toure

In the 2^nd half, Manchester City started to play more efficiently, controlled the ball and looked very dangerous especially from their big Ivory Coast player, Yaya Toure. Quickly from defence to attack, Manchester City lead by an incredible run from Yaya Toure assisted the goal to Edin Dzeko to score the first goal in this match. 

Obviously not happy, Mourinho changed his line up by introducing play makers Ozil, Modric and striker Benzema. When the fans seemed to think this match was over, the left fullback Marcelo kicked an amazing shot deflecting from javi Garcia into the back of the net making it 1-1. 

Karim Benzema

The Madrid fans started to roar until a surprising free kick from Kolarov in the 85th minute shocked the Bernabeu. Xabi Alonso was supposed to block the free kick but miss time the speed of the ball and blocked the vision of his fellow Madrid teammate, goal keeper iker casillas. 

When the Madrid fans thought all hope was lost, an amazing turn from striker Benzema who scored with a low and powerful shot in the 87^th minute brought the crowd back into the game. 

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating the Game Winner

With the fans back into the game, all eyes were on Madrid who started to look more alive thinking they could win this game. Then in the 90^th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo fooled Maicon by cutting inside like he did the whole game managed to dip the ball past Kompany and Joe Hart to score the match winning goal for Real Madrid. 

A deserving win from the Real Madrid Players.  Hopefully this victory can turn their season around, while Manchester City felt like they could have stole this game but didnt needs to pick themselves up because they have a tough game on the weekend in the Epl against Arsenal.