Back to the Premiership
After an interminable WC qualifying break, we're finally back to the Premiership schedule this Saturday. And it's serving us up some tantalizing fixtures. It all starts in a few minutes with Blackburn vs. Spurs. At 10 a.m. we've got Arsenal vs. Citeh and, my pick, Newcastle hosting Chelski. Oh, and if that's not enough, there's Fulham trying to do United a favor against Liverpool. If you're not a numpty, you'll join me for all the action.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:34 AM
402 Comments:
Nice clear stream of Sky Sports 1 on LiveVSS. I'll be on that one all morning. It should pick up Soccer Saturday at 10.
Spurs get us started at Ewood Park.
Long throw from Pedersen, punched out by Gomez.
A slow start from the travelers. You can definitely tell which side needs the points more. For the first time this season, Spurs are feeling comfortable. Might help Blackburn.
David Bentley is showing larking about on the bench. If I were he I'd be wondering if I'm ever going to get back into this Spurs side with Aaron Lennon fit again. Maybe a move out of White Hart Lane in the summer?
Composed play from Ledley King, shutting down Spitty Diouf.
Mokoena gives up a free kick in a dangerous area for Spurs...
Fifteen minutes in and there's still a lot of jockeying in midfield without product. Spurs are certainly a lot more solid a side than they were in the early part of the season. Woodgate and King are a decent central pairing and Gomez has grown in stature through the season.
Nice ball through from Lennon to Darren Bent who hits it first time, well saved by his former teammate Robbo. First good chance of the match.
Jason Roberts nearly in there. Corner over from Diouf. And away.
Diouf hits one from a long throw but it's blocked by Corluca.
Pedersen's got a problem now and he may have to come off. David Dunn is warming up and looks to come on.
Modric finds Lennon out wide right, he beats a couple but then his shot is woeful. He really needs to work on that area of his game.
Corluka joining the attack now, charging down the right and cutting inside for a shot. Should have shot across the keeper there.
Looks like a gorgeous day in the UK today; not so nice here in western New York.
Penalty to Spurs!
Lennon looked to cross and it hit Givet's arm in the area. Looked more ball to hand than the other. Very harsh.
Robbie Keane steps up take....
Spurs 0-1 up!
Great penalty there down low to Robbo's right in the corner. It will hearten some hearts in Geordieland.
With that goal, Spurs hit the magical 40 point safety mark. But Blackburn are right back in it down to 31 points.
Andy Gray is giving the referee Peter Walton holy hell over that penalty decision. And it's true - he made the decision without consulting his assistant. It could cost Blackburn a precious point.
110 goals for Spurs for Robbie Keane now.
Luca Modric was nearly in there for Tottenham's second. Blackburn really reeling now.
Blackburn really need a goal before half time. About ten minutes left now.
Modric pulls one back for Palacios to hit but it's blocked out for a corner.
It's not a good sign that Diouf is spending more time trying to shut down Aaron Lennon than going forward.
Into stoppage time in the first half.
Half-time. Blackburn are a bit unfortunate to go in one-nil down but they'll have to play better in order to get anything out of this one. They've had plenty of industry but little inspiration - typical of a Sam Allardyce side.
Blackburn kick off in one of the most important halves of footie they'll play all season. They desperately need a point at least here.
I have gotten up!
I just put on Veetle but read you comment and have changed it to Sky coverage
Glad to see Spurs winning... well Rovers losing
Spurs are unbelievably in 7th place now after a rotten season. They've got an outside chance of playing in the inaugural season of the Europa League.
Hey, Gator B, I'm in the back of a car driving from Louisville to Cincy for my fantasy bball draft. I need to do some research for that, but will pop on from time to time to check on developments. Who do Leeds have today?
Morning, sleepyhead! Good to have you board. We've got a real corker here.
Morning, WHR! Hope you're driving to Cincy for pleasure rather than business but I suspect that you're working today.
Leeds have got Colchester away today. We've been in a good form, so I'm hopeful.
I'm almost sure that Fat Sam will have some choice words about the standard of refereeing after the match. Particularly if his side end up losing 0-1.
Bent nearly beat the offside trap there. Actually, he did! More harsh words from Andy Gray for the officiating.
Robbie Keane still giving Christopher Samba a torrid time this afternoon.
Having a bit of trouble with the stream for the first time this morning. You, Dave?
My VSS link froze.
I am back on Veetle
Good morning John
I hope you do a darn sight better than I did with my draft last week! MY TEAM IS HOPELESS!! I have also lost two players to the DL already and the season hasn't even started!
My VSS link froze.
I am back on Veetle
Good morning John
I hope you do a darn sight better than I did with my draft last week! MY TEAM IS HOPELESS!! I have also lost two players to the DL already and the season hasn't even started!
Good day of footer on the TV. I will miss the first half of the first game because Jon has a game. I will be back for Toon's 2-1 win and Fulham's 1-0 win
I have a friend coming over to watch United's 4-1 win tomorrow!
I'm on Veetle now. Good stream there. It's the first one on the MyP2P link. Unfortunately it's Setanta rather than Sky.
Looks like Tugay is about to come on.
That guy should have been off!
That was a shocking tackle by Mokoena. Could be retroactive action for that. Mokoena has gone off replaced by Tugay.
I'm back on VSS. I love the Sky coverage; I'm spoiled.
Twenty minutes left for Blackburn to get something out of this match.
Surging run from Modric who's had a really good game. Not sure about the hair band though.
Blackburn fans not looking like they're enjoying their Saturday afternoon out.
I'm loving it - this has got to be one of the best Saturdays of the season.
Diouf puts over a great ball and McCarthy finally beat his marker. His diving header is well wide and he's up complaining about some contact. I don't see it.
Time for Blackburn to throw everything at this match. Just over ten minutes left plus change.
Dave's obviously off enjoying a great British fry-up. How is the pork crackin'?
Palacios goes into the book for a catalog of fouls.
Palacios dives in again only moments after picking up his yellow and he's off!
That'll make the last ten minutes extra interesting!
But Blackburn will need better free kicks than that one from Dunn. Big Sam shaking his head in disgust.
All hands to the pump for Spurs now!
Corner to come for Blackburn.
I am back after getting ready to go to Jon's game
Tom just told me someone is off!
Bugger. Rovers have tied it up!
Was he offside?
He was on side
GOAL! Benni McCarthy looks to be offside but he's pulled it back for Blackburn!
1-1!
Yeah, Palacios got sent off for two quick fouls, two yellows.
Can Spurs hang on now?
Rovers may win this!
Samba's now playing as a center forward! Acrobatic effort from the central defender and Gomez saves at the near post.
Typical Premiership stuff now - end to end with a lot of long balls pumped forward. This is what the punters love about the British game.
Free kick chance for Spurs
Corluka wins a free kick on the edge of the box.
Modric floats one in but it's claimed by Robbo.
Comes to nothing
Nice save by Gomez
Warnock hits one! Brilliantly saved by Gomez going the wrong way!
WHAT A SCRAPPY WINNER!!!
This is horrible news for Newcastle, Stoke, Pompey, Sunderland and Hull
Bugger
GOAL! Oijer has won it for Rovers! Corner over and Gomez makes a hash of it and Oijer just had to stab home from two yards.
2-1 Blackburn!
Yes, indeed. Blackburn now up to 34 points and well out of trouble. Spurs down to 38. Rovers fans going potty!
Big Sam will take all the credit for this!
Well, I definitely didn't see Blackburn getting three points here. I thought maybe a point. But it really puts pressure on Newcastle to beat Chelski. Sorry, Chelskilad but you're lads must roll over today.
Get it in the box!
Yeah, unfortunately we'll have to live with Fat Sam in the Premiership again next season. Shame about that.
Only seconds now for Spurs to pump one back into the box. Come on!
The CIA may be reading in and not commenting. Beware!
It'll be Blackburn's fourth win of the season! Wow!
Come on CIA - get on the blog for the big match this afternoon, eh?
It's all over
Big win for Rovers!!
I am off to Jon's game
I will be back for the second half of Toon Chelsea
It's all over but Spitty Diouf is getting into it with Gomez now. What's he on about. Woody's going over to sort it out but Diouf has whipped his shirt to throw it at Gomez. Extraordinary scenes at Ewood.
Excellent! FSC are setting up the Newcastle-Chelski. If I can just get a good link for SS I'll be a happy chappy.
Good luck to Jon today. See you back here at half time, eh?
Newcastle start with Owen and Martins up front. That's a mistake. I reckon that this is a match in which Newcastle need to keep it tight. If Newcastle play an open game, they'll lose this one.
And we're off at St. James's Park.
Leeds kick off at Colchester. Beckford's been irresistable in recent weeks and I hope he can add to his tally of 24 goals in the league.
Come on, you Whites!
As predicted, Newcastle are giving it a go right from the start. I think that's tactically naive. If they could snatch a point today, it would probably be enough. If they go out trying to win three points in every match, they'll definitely go down.
Ricardo Fuller gives Stoke the lead at West Brom as he sends a weak effort under the body of Scott Carson from the edge of the box. That is a big boost to the Potters' hopes of staying up.
Kevin Davies turns home Ricardo Gardner's cross to give Bolton the lead at home to Middlesbrough.
Nasty one from Guittierez on Cashley. Chance for Lamps to swing a free kick over now. Struck into Row M.
Some feisty challenges going in straight away.
Manuel Almunia does well to gather Nigel de Jong's low effort at his right hand post as Citeh make a bright start at Arsenal.
The return of Adebayor and Fabregas pays dividends for the Arse as they take the lead. Cross in from Fabregas and headed home by Ade.
Hartlepool 2-1 up against Hereford already.
Gazza's in the VIP section, looking very much the spiv, fake tan, bling, shirt open a couple of buttons and a very shiny suit on.
Oh, good save from Harper from a header from Kalou. Chelski are getting some space now.
Beckford goes near with his first effort on goal. Come on, Jermaine!
Oh, Alex first the cross coming in and it came a bit quickly to Martins who merely kneed it wide of goal. Good chance there.
Morning chaps! I overslept but am happy to see that we're up already.
Bugger - Millwall have taken the lead against Wallsall.
Morning, Gooner! Davey's off to see Jon's game this morning but will be back at half-time. Our favorite Hammer's fan is on his way to Cincy for some reason but is checking in. Good to have you on board.
The Veetle link through MyP2P seems to be working well for the Arse match.
Whoooo, that was unexpected from Kolo. A real chance, dummies the first guy, and drops a shoulder to lose another. Given bats it away in the end.
Ashley Cole is getting a lot of room down the left and just about picked out a ball for Kalou there. Chelski starting to turn the screws here.
You lot are playing well.
It's really clear tbf. I just wish I'd had more success this time showing Dad this computer streaming, but it just didn't work well enough.
Another couple of opportunities. We're playing very well at this point. It's all right sided at the moment however.
And look, the left side just collapsed to give Richards that chance. Good save from Almunia.
Newcastle are playing far too high and Anelka was in there.
YESSS! Luciano Becchio sticks in an opening goal for us at Colchester and we're suddenly up to fourth leapfrogging the Dons.
Jesus, Ferdandez was so open. We're lucky that two clear city chances have not been capitalized upon.
And more good news for us. Walsall have equalized and we're now two points behind Millwall.
What's the Becchio chant?
I heard a great one for Theo this week.
Woaah=o, Theo Walcott, Theo Walcott, he's the Englishman at Arse-nallll to the tune of Englishman in NY.
Bollocks, that challenge looks like it might be the end of Theo's day.
Robinho turns a simple foul into a booking for Kolo with his antics. Wanker
Kompany goes off, Elano comes on for City's second sub in the first half. Mind, I'd have Elano on the pitch from the start.
The one I heard in the Millwall match was the old:
Luciano, Luciano - ole ole ole. Not very inventive, to be fair.
Carlisle have taken the lead against league leaders Leicester. Very interesting.
Looks like Leuvenkranz is hobbling off for Newcastle. Damien Duff to take his place.
Theo in another challenge with Zabaleta and more stress on his knee. I'd be surprised if he starts the second half.
Bugger, Peterboro are 0-1 up at Oldham. That takes them 10 points clear of us in 2nd.
Elano with a shot that wouldn't have beat Almunia, followed up from a save just in front of Bellamy's feet.
Lewis Boa Morte does superbly to find Junior Stanislas and the West Ham youngster fires home to give the Hammers a 1-0 lead against Sunderland.
Johnno will be happy in Cincy!
The best player-oriented one I heard recently was for Gary Neville:
Gary Neville is a Red doo dah doo dah
Gary Neville is a Red
He hates Scousers!
(To the tune of Camptown Races)
Michael Owen complains that JT was pulling him back but the referee is not impressed.
Very good. Zabaleta gets the card that might keep him from continuing to try to break Theo in half.
The free kick cleared but Arshavin gets on to the ball and tries to place it when I'd have belted it.
Mixed blessings at the end of the half. Oldham have equalized but Millwall have taken the lead. And the Dons have as well. We're back down to fifth.
Half time at St. James's - 0-0.
The other Arsenal one was for Jack Wilshere.
Hit the net Jack, cuz you've got the knack, Wilshere, Wilshere, Wilshere, Wilshere to the tune of Hit the Road, Jack.
Right, off to make the coffee. Back at the start of the second half.
With Boro and Sunderland losing and Newcastle drawing at half time, all three big Northeast clubs are perilously close to the relegation zone. If West Brom had any chance, it could be a sad year for the Geordies.
Nice one, for Jack.
Hello Guys .
CIA here . I've been reading and luckily for you there have been no bad comments about Chelski .
Hope everyone is well . I'll try to join in a bit in the second half .
I am back
I haven't read all the comments yet but how is everything going?
Have you found SS yet?
Chelski suck!!
There's the first negative comment for you CIA!!!
Leeds are winning. Who scored?
Trust my little brother to start things off .
Welcome CIA! and welcome back Dave! Yes, I've got SS up on the main VSS channel. It's lovely. I had Arsenal vs. Citeh up as well on Veetle but my laptop couldn't handle all of it. It kept crashing.
Second half underway at SJP
Becchio scored for us.
Newcastle have kicked off in the second half desperate for a win. With Blackburn winning and Stoke leading, they need three points more than ever.
You're welcome!!
Come on TOON
I'm now going to get abusive emails!
Just kidding Tony
Oh dear, Wednesday have scored at Carrow Road. Norwich look like they're going down.
I can't connect to Vss
James Beattie has scored a second for Stoke - WBA have one foot in the Championship now.
Really? I'm having no probs with it. Keep trying. It's glorious.
WHat about Southampton
They could go out of business. It can't happen
Chelski nearly take the lead there. Off the post with Harper a statue.
I just tried the sky link on atdhe and it is the Grand National!
Fabregas with another fab ball to Ade who scores his second for the Arse. It's 2-0 there.
Hiya Davey,
Adebayor scored for us from a set piece taken by Fabregas. We're looking good going forward and especially on the right. The left periodically as well. Arshavin had a great chance.
City have been dangerous at times through Fernandez, Elano, and SWP. Micah Richards had a great chance too.
West Ham now 2-0 up against Sunderland.
Good to have Fab back.
They will only be seven points behind United after today
Aah, that was lovely to watch. Great pass from Cesc, and then Ade takes it down well and dances around Given who did go to ground pretty quickly.
Stoke are two up at WBA
Bloody hell - Millwall are now 3-1 up.
Anelka should have done better
So should Martins
Could Arsenal catch Chelski?
Why not?
5 points up right now
4 if Chelsea lose
Top three straight into the CL
GOAL! Lamps sticks the knife into Newcastle hearts.
0-1 Chelski!
Chelsea just scored!!
Very scrappy
Grand National gets started but it is a false start!! Luckily they get the horses stopped so the race won't be bust like a few years ago
What was Collochini playing at there?
Song goes close from that corner. I wonder if he works at that, he could develop his headers. He's got size, but not enough quality when he gets the chance.
Ade gets in too. He must be happy to have Fabregas back. That would have been Ade's 3rd goal from Fabregas service.
YES !!!!!!
Is Ruud running in the Grand National?
Another false start again from Aintree
This is hopeless!
Still can't find a SS
Yes, Ruud is winning by a nose
Leicester have equalized against Carlisle.
Have you ever seen a game from Colluchini either when he was at Fiorentina(?), or N'castle, or for the Argies when you thought he was anything but a huge liability?
I haven't and keep wondering when he'll disappear simply for being really 4th rate.
The starter is hopeless for the GN
Still no start and they're off finally
Big cheer goes up
Ruud by the length of his whole bonce more like.
2 down at the first
I know this is annoying you footer fans so of course I am going to keep it going
Here comes Beecher's Brook
all safely over... much easier fence than in the past
You really can't see Newcastle getting back into this. Their best chance was to try to nick a 0-0 off Chelski. That's not possible now. If anything, I could see Chelski getting a second.
It's always a bad sign for a side when Ian Dowie shows up. Has he ever helped a side escape relegation?
Describe the hats in the crowd Davey.
Almunia well placed to collect Zabaleta's shot. Coming in through the streaks of sunshine might have been a harder take than it looked.
Half an hour left for Newcastle to rescue a point.
That's Royal Ascot!!!
Zabaleta now goes to work on Sagna. He's a tough customer that Argie.
One down at the Chair
Is Scholesy still on Ruud's back or has the big Dutchman thrown his rider?
Who is your money on Chelskilad for the National
two nil to Chelsea
Newcastle are going to FIVE points from safety!
YIKES!
2 - 0
Southampton really pulling together after all that happened this week.
THEY ARE LOSING AT HOME TO CHARLTON!!
GOAL! Long ball from Cech and Malouda sticks in Chelski's second.
Are you romantics still confident that Newcastle can stay up?
Beecher's Brook took down a couple second time around
Ian Dowie as a manager, no. As a Sammy Lee-like cheerleader, cone-man? It remains to be seen.
Unbelievable refereeing here from Webb. Well after he'd let the challenge go unstopped, he waits until Ade plays himself into space before stopping play. Webb not covering himself in glory tbf.
Favorite, Butler's Cabin, still in it
Scholes pulled up Ruud at the Canal Turn... shame
I'm in a sweep but can't remember what the name is . It is bound to be the one with three legs .
Lampard nearly bags Chelski's third - good save Harper.
Anelka's coming off to stay fresh for the CL in midweek. Guus Hiddink obviously thinks it's game over.
Let us know if you win
Two fences to go... lots of horses in the lead pack
One to go... all over
Now the run in...
To be fair, Dowie is only head coach at Newcastle, appointed this week by Shearer. So you've got a manager without his badges and a coach who's a relegation specialist. It's enough to make the Magpies weep in their brown ale.
#15 Mon Mome
100 to 1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tony, did you have it!!!!!
I don't see how Newcastle win enough points in their remaining games. You pointed out that their season is back-loaded with a difficult run-in. They needed to be in a better position before now to survive the very difficult final games they have to play.
But, it might be a good way to cull off the guys who haven't kept them safe so far. Martins-gone, Owen-gone, Colluchini-sent to Blackpool to entertain the Summer tourists-gone.
They should be looking through the squad to find the guys who can stick it out through a season in the Championship and get them back quickly.
Twenty minutes left for us at Colchester. We're still leading through that Becchio goal. I'd love a second assurance goal.
Cashley cleared one off the line! Owen thought he'd scored but the referee didn't. I think it was in. Cruel luck for Newcastle.
Leeds have to be safely in the playoffs.
They are 7 points clear with a game in hand on Southend
Wee Mikey should have that one count.
Bloody Cashley
Alright, they just switched the Grand National coverage to SS
Sotton are now 3-1 down
Poor Steve Hill. He must not be happy
The other problem that Newcastle have is that Shearer's been brought in for the rescue plan and has already announced that he'll leave in the summer. So they'll start the summer looking for a new manager instead of having someone in place to start the rebuilding process. They're sure to sell off some players but I can't see them coming straight back up.
Tony, did you have the 100-1 winner!!!
Yeah, and Le Tiss is really down in the mouth.
No, Tony definitely had his money on Dragonfly.
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