Another Big Premiership Weekend
Come Sunday, these two will be on the same side of the pitch as El Nino lines up for Chelski against his old club. Meanwhile, we've got a load of great matches to watch today. We start slowly with Stoke hosting Sunderland in a few minutes. Then there are the usual 10 am kick-offs highlighted by Arsenal's visit to Carroll-less Newcastle. Finally, United travel to Molineux for the late match. Join me, won't you?
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:17 AM
840 Comments:
No scary deer-hunting on ESPN this morning, thank goodness. Just a Stuporbowl preview.
Here are the sides for the early one:
Stoke (4-4-2): Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Higginbotham; Pennant, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington; Jones, Carew. Subs: Sorensen, Collins, Whelan, Wilson, Pugh, Walters, Shotton.
Sunderland (5-4-1): Gordon; Onuoha, Mensah, Ferdinand, Bramble, Bardsley; Henderson, Muntari, Sessegnon, Richardson; Gyan. Subs: Mignolet, Zenden, Malbranque, Angeleri, Riveros, Colback, Elmohamady.
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).
In the Championship, QPR won last night and are now on 59 points, over the hills and far away. The big match is tomorrow between the leak-eaters Cardiff and Swansea. Leeds host Coventry, while Norwich are at Burnley and Forest host Watford.
Morning Bob,
I won't be able to join Bruce today. I am going to a Mouth Counts competition in the morning. I have to leave in about 10 minutes
I put a comment on the Bruce game
Last United defeat at Molinuex... January of '04... I remember it well... bloody Kenny Miller
The ESPN2 coverage is starting with some nice views of Stoke-on-Trent, including the Potteries and the Sir Stanley Matthews statue.
Morning, Dave! Math before footie? For shame, mate. For shame.
I'll look for your "Bruce" comment.
I know, I know, I know
I am ashamed of myself!
As you should be, mate. Love the Minnie Riperton, btw. Nice one!
Thank you!
Of course it has to be sung right!!
Niall Quinn has done a controversial interview this week in which he says that he despises football fans who watch matches in the pub or at home. Sorry, mate - it's a bit of a long trip for us. Deal with it!
I am off
Best of luck today for Leeds... an easy home win against Coventry would be SUPER on this Super Bowl weekend
TTFN
I'll tune up my falsetto....
The weather looks horrible in Staffordshire today. Rain pelting down. That will suit Stoke.
Cheers, mate. I hope Leeds can do just that.
Stoke get us underway as UWS heads out for the Math Nerdbowl. What a shocker!
Big John Carew is up front for Stoke today - he hasn't scored yet this season for either Villa or Stoke.
Stoke begin the match stuck in mid-table. Sunderland are a bit better, just behind Liverpool in 7th.
GOAL! Now they're even better. Kieran Richardson latches onto a loose ball in the Stoke area and lashes it home with his left peg.
Sunderland are 0-1 up!
That early goal will certainly liven up the match and warm up the crowd. Rory Delap takes the towel for the first of what should be many long throws today.
Sunderland are now in 6th just ahead of Liverpool. Wow!
Stoke have a free kick opportunity now....
More chaos in the Stoke defense there.
Macca reckons that Shawcross is a future England international. Hope not!
Oh - Robert Huth nearly equalizes. Unfortunately, a delicate chip was beyond his footballing ability. Still, are there any defenders on the pitch today?
The match has settled down a bit after that ultra-frenetic start.
Bardley tries a pop but Begovic holds well.
The ball boy with the towel seems to be the hardest working person on the Stoke City staff today.
Halfway into this first half and Sunderland are looking more and more comfortable with their lead.
Sulley Muntari picks up a debut yellow card for Sunderland there, hacking down Matthew Etherington in full flight.
GOAL! Would you believe it! It's John Carew with an easy poke-in for his debut goal and first goal of the season. Typical Stoke scrambly goal from a set piece.
1-1 Game on!
Badly sliced shot there from Muntari, who's having a torrid debut for Sunderland.
Only just coming up on half-time and both sides look completely knackered after the furious pace of the first half. There will have to be a bit extra in the half-time orange slices.
Sunderland are still 6th but Stoke are up into 9th on the strength of that equalizing goal.
We reach the interval on level terms here at the Britannia. Nicely poised for the second half. I'm off to wash some dishes.
Teams back out at the Britannia and Sunderland get us underway in the second half. They were looking quite good until that scrambly Carew equalizer. Under pressure now.
GOAL! Sunderland back in front with another early goal. Gyan slaps home a low shot into the left corner after out-muscling Robert Huth.
1-2!
For some reason, ESPN2 cameras cut away from Gyan as he was beginning his celebratory jig to show Brucie leaping off the bench. WTF?!
Stoke on the back foot again as they were in the first half. Which probably means that we're a couple of minutes away from another bobbly goal. Sunderland are clearly the superior side here despite the big home advantage Stoke usually have at the Britannia.
Could Sunderland get into Europe via the Europa League? I wouldn't put it past them, honestly. I'd certainly prefer to see them there to Bolton. They're not a half-bad side under Steve Bruce.
Attacking move from Tony Pulis. Defender Wilkinson off for attacker Jon Walters, who's just moved from Ipswich.
Oh - the typical Stoke scramble in the box from a corner. That could have gone anywhere but is finally cleared by Gordon.
Halfway through the second half. You wouldn't bet against Stoke getting another horrible goal back but I would love to see the Black Cats score a third and put this one away.
Gordon collapses on another loose ball in the Sunderland box. It's all hands to the pump time now with just over ten minutes to play.
Good morning BD and UWS . I am a lazy bones this morning.
Stoke is pressing hard for the equalizer as new signing, Carew , is fouled.
Morning, MUR! UWS has already buggered off to a math tourney, but I'm here for the usual Saturday morning LOB banter. I'm quite enjoying this early one. Sunderland are a decent side.
GOAL! Bloody hell, that's what I feared. A free kick into the danger area and it's bundled in by someone...maybe Huth?
2-2!
GOAL!! CAREW SCORES HIS FIRST STOKE GOAL AS HE HEADS IN THE FREE KICK FROM PENNANT OR DID IT COME OFF OF HUTH.
Shame about that. Sunderland were good value for three points away today. The only thing Stoke have got is a long ball into the six yard box and hope that someone nudges it over the line.
The PA system announces Carew as the scorer. I don't think he got a touch on it, honestly.
Now Etherington wins a corner as Stoke go for the winner.
Actually, Carew scored his first for Stoke in the first half. A similar goal with a definite hint of off-side. This one was either an own goal or off Huth.
If Stoke win this, the footie gods have something to answer for.
Sunderland get a reprieve as the ref blows for a foul.
Under five minutes to go plus maybe three minutes of stoppage time probably.
Stoke seem desperate to win a set piece of some sort.
Looks like Brucie is throwing on Bodo Zendon on for the last few minutes. Not sure about that idea.
That's their Plan A and I'm not sure that they have a Plan B in their locker.
I am enjoying a three day weekend as we had a freezing precipitation day yesterday. Harlingen was iced over yesterday. It was colder in Harlingen than it was in England the past three days. The girls are enjoying a four day weekend for the same reason.
Muntari trots off - good debut performance.
Wow - that sounds like crazy weather in Texas. Enjoy your time off, eh?
Zeneden for Munatri seems curious as he won't make much of an impact in five minutes. Perhaps ten years ago.
John Mensah gives away a silly free kick. Stoke licking their chops over this one. Another ball launched into the danger zone by Pennant, methinks.
That was a bizarre clearance by Begovic, who has been excellent for Stoke this season.
I've liked the look of Sunderland's new boy Sesegnon.
What nationality is Begovic - do you know?
I finally was able to sleep in late and decided to do the same today. Our area was an icy winter wonderland and the roads were iced over. It is supposed to get up to sixty today and 70 tomorrow.
Two minutes into stoppage now and here comes another Pennant ball in....
GOAL! Another great ball in and it's stuck over the line again. Maybe Huth again!
3-2!
You have to fault Gordon for that one, I think. He should have come to punch that one.
GOAL AS HUTH SCORES OFF OF ANOTHER PENNANT FREE KICK.THEY HAVE BEEN A LETHAL COMBINATION THE PAST HEW MINUTES.
Yeah - we're in the midst of a thawing out. I've got to make sure that I don't get any flooding in the basement area where I've got my laundry machines and some stored items.
I agree with you about Gordon.That is uncharacteristic of him. Stoke win 3-2 as they come from behind.
Full-time: Sunderland were robbed there, IMHO. Tony Pulis will claim tactical genius but Stoke merely played the way that they always do and nicked three goals off hopeful balls into the box. Shame.
Will you have to bring everything upstairs? I wish you the best as I have been thinking that there will be spring flooding up north.
Here's a good Veetle link for Soccer Saturday, if you're interested:
http://www.veetle.com/index.php/channel/view#4d45330a57f86
Right now, it's dry but I might move a box or two of books up if I spot some water leeching through the floor. I've got them up on pallets right now.
Begovic is Bosnian.
Aha - thanks.
Next is Newcastle vs Arsenal on FSC , post Andy Carroll as Liversox sold Torres and signed Carroll and Suarez. It has been a busy week for the Sox.
How was your week. It has been a crazy week as we had our accreditation visit on Tuesday, then the unusual weather was the focus on Wednesday and Thursday. We are wondering if and when we will have a weather make up day. Everything should be back to normal on Monday. How was your week?
Actually a really good week. It's settled down after a frenetic first week of the semester the week before. I started a new research project with some friends from Buff State on Thursday evening. Sent off an article for publication on Friday. It's all good.
Funny piece on Kenny Miller's transfer to Bursaspor there. They mentioned that translators are teaching English to Kenny's teammates so that they can understand him. I'm not exactly sure that will help - I can't understand him!
No Dzeko in the starting line-up for Citeh today. Tev starts up front alone. I'd like to see a hat-trick from him today.
Strong looking attacking format for Simon Grayson today with Becchio, Somma and Gradel all starting up front. Snoddy, Johnson and Howson behind. I want goals but I also would like a clean sheet. About to get started at Elland Road.
Arsenal about to get us started at Newcastle on FSC.
GOAL! Bloody hell, that didn't take long! Theo beats the offside trap and pokes home at 45 seconds.
0-1 Arse!
Wow !!! Steve's team scores an early goal as Theo puts the Gunners 0-1 up.The goal was timed at 40 seconds.
GOAL! 0-2 Arsenal - they're running riot here at St. James'! The first was characteristic Arse but the second was a rare Stoke-like goal for them. Free kick in from Arshavin and Djourou nods home.
Now 0-2 Bloody Hell as Djourou heads in a free kick from Arshavin as they are 0-2 up with only three minutes played. What a fast start!
Forest are in front against Watford in the big match in the Championship. They're up into second place on that one.
Steve must be going bonkers. I am sure that Bruce would like a Leeds victory against Coventry.
Penalty to Spurs at Shite Fart!
Cahill hammered a ball straight into his teammate Kevin Davies' arm.
VDV to take...and Spurs are 1-0 up!
Darren Bent has the ball in the net for Villa but is ruled offside.
Yeah - a win today and losses for Watford, Leicester and Millwall would take us six points clear of the racing pack.
A lot of early goals as Middlesbrough lead 0-1 at Preston. And Hull lead 0-1 at Sunthorpe in the Humberside Derby.
A crazy day in the Premiership, with a second penalty for Spurs and a second goal for VDV.
2-0!
No, the penalty has had to be retaken and VDV has missed the second attempt. Spurs still 1-0 up.
Scunny look destined to drop back down to L1 where they belong.
Now Spurs lead 2-0 and my apologies as calamity James' team took the lead at Preston, not Boro.
0-3 Arsenal!!!!!
RVP finishes off a lovely Arsenal move with Theo crossing.
I can't believe it as RVP makes it 0-3 in less than ten minutes with an easy finish as Theo made a great run for a great assist. The match must be over as the Gunners make it look so easy.
Toon fans look shellshocked. I wouldn't be surprised if they left for an early brown ale at half-time.
It was such an easy goal for RVP. They are looking like the Gunners of old. Not good news for United fans.
Villa are 1-0 up and continuing their resurgence against Fulham.
Newcastle are having difficulty recovering from the loss of Carroll IMHO.
A surprise in League as struggling Bristol Rovers have taken the lead against the table topping Gus team.
Not a lot happening at Elland Road as yet.
A great run by Arshavin, who looks in the mood, but a poor cross as that could have been poor.
I believe Rovers lost to bottom team , Walsall last week.
Bugger - Leicester are 1-0 up at the Walker's.
Citeh have a penalty. Hope Tevez will take it....
I will supplement Bruce's comment by stating that the Toon have not recovered from the loss of Chris Hughton, IMHO. He must be having a laugh about this and recent events.
YES! Carlito knocks home the penalty. Citeh 1-0 up. Tev's 18th of the season.
That makes sense. Hughton's sacking was a nonsense.
Leeds have been "much the better side" according to the SS reporter. I'll take a goal then, please.
Bruce must be delighted as that will help Bruce's position in the standings.
Cambridge United are losing at home to the other Northamptonshire team.
Did Bruce watch that BBC link from Dave ? It was hilarious as there was a great impersonation of The Special One.
Yeah - I love those bits on Jose and co. A good laugh.
Newcastle show some signs of life,but not quality. as they head a corner well wide.
Diaby tries a pop from distance and I wouldn't have been surprised if it had sailed in for a fourth goal.
The Gunners are doing everything possible to get a fourth.
Oh - another great link-up between Wilshere and Fab and nearly 0-4 again. Arse are rampant.
Citeh 2-0 up and Tevez scores again! Fantastic - if he keeps scoring, I may get a bump up on the PPP standings.
Harper makes a stop from Cesc as there have been several recent goals.
Everton lead Blackpool 1-0
Blackburn have taken the lead at Wigan, and Citeh now lead the Baggies 2-0.
Becchio has missed a sitter from six yards. Knocking on the doorstep.
Berbatov on 19 goals and Tevez on 17 goals now.
GOAL! It's RVP again with a bullet header from about six yards out and Toon fans beginning to desert them.
Morning chaps, i normally watch Arsenal in peace and quiet with no distractions but there are no distractions today as its only Newcastle. Lets close this goal difference.
Come on Blackpool, it will be tragic if they go down.
Defoe has the ball in the net but it's ruled offside. Spurs definitely on top but only 1-0 up.
GOAL 0-4 Gunners as RVP heads in a cross from Sagna. Morning Simon. You must be delighted.
Ipswich are 1-0 up. They're really benefiting from that Bullard loan move.
The Gunners concede a corner as the nearly pulled back a goal.
Morning, Simon. I agree with you on Blackpool. They're my favorite Premiership side this season. Always good value.
Just read through the posts above, can I confirm Spurs are only 1-0 up?? Delighted here. Newcastle are at least getting forward but if I were Ashley, I'd move house tonight.
Arsenal away fans enjoying a good day out today, even in the slashing rain at St. James'.
Pardew should be sacked for being bloody useless as he should have made some changes by now.
Who is paying Bullard wages I wonder? THey're benefitting from no Keane and their rugby tactics :) Kidding.
THIS JUST IN: Fergie concedes title to Arsenal.
Yes, indeed. Only 1-0 Spurs after VDV's second pen was retaken and Defoe's effort was disallowed.
Wednesday are now losing 0-2 to Milton Keynes as their season threatens to implode ad Cambridge United now trail Rushden & Diamonds 0-2.
At 4-0 he should have made changes. They should have played Ranger, I know he has a dreadful shot but he can bully people and got Koscielny sent off this season (rightfully so).
Collocini shoots well wide with a bicycle kick as they have no attacking threat post Carroll.
Despite this scoreline, Arsenal will need some help from United's opponents in the run-in. I don't expect it from Wolves today, to be fair. I'm just about ready to concede the title to United at this point. I can't really see the chasing pack making up the points. Strange, as United haven't really been that good but Rio and Vidic don't give up many goals.
Bob I read the match report on Stoke, apparently it was wash, rinse repeat with 2 dubious goals for them but still an exciting game. I take back my laughter.
Should we consider the Toon a relegation candidate as they have no attacking threat.
I'd like to see Ranger, too. He's loads of fun to watch.
Palace have taken the lead in the Championship relegation dog-fight with Boro. I'm really surprised with Boro this season.
I agree Bob. The Gunners have some points to make up in order to catch us. I do not expect a repeat of'04 as we are a much better team now.
Blackpool are level - fantastic!
Fergie conceding the title can be classified as LOL.
It was an absorbing match earlier this morning, Simon, although I was really unhappy to see Tony Pulis' mob get a win at the death. Sunderland were robbed.
Becchio has missed another sitter! Dead center of goal and he's headed wide. Come on, El Torrero!
Good for Blackpool, they need a point today, anything to stop the rot. This is the worst united team in recent memory but they have a never give up attitude. Chelsea twice and Liverpool and Arsenal to come. Plenty of chances to drop points and if he takes Wolves lightly it could be a draw as Wolves are a mixed bag.
In truth I expect United to win it but I hope not :)
Wigan have levelled the match against Blackburn.
Palace have taken the lead against Middlesbrough, Burnley have taken the lead against Norwich, and Derby County have taken the lead at Pompey.
YES! Tevez has completed his hat-trick with a second penalty. He's now a goal behind Drac. Keep scoring, mate.
3-0 Citeh.
Simon, as a United fan I agree with your assessment about our team. That is an accurate statement. I also agree with you about Ipswich. Good riddance to Roy as I expect Ipswich to move up the table.
Gus Poyet's boys are level again. 1-1 Bristol Rovers v. Brighton.
Ipswich will finish in mid-table IMHO.
Somehow I've missed that Wigan and Blackburn are 1-1. Neither side are favorites of mine. The league could lose both of them without suffering.
Leicester are 2-0 up and two points behind us now. I don't like it.
Brave Dundee lead 0-1 at Queen of the South as they were given a ridiculous 25 point deduction,. It should have been much less, IMHO.
I think Blackburn should be a mid table team this season. At least we are minus Fat Sam.
Nearly half-time at St. James'. I'm not quite sure what Alan Pardew can say to his side in the dressing room. What would you say?
Way hay - Burnley are 1-0 up against Norwich. Lovely.
I cannot state that on LOB. It would be all profanity and I might throw some objects as well, LOL.
Yellows will not be pleased about that score.
Diaby fouled Barton and the Toon have a chance with a free kick in a decent position.The free kick from Barton is deflected for a corner.
Half-time at Elland Road - lots of chances but no goals as of yet.
The Gunners lead 0-4 at halftime on what must be a fantastic trip to the Northeast,despite the rainy conditions.
I'm not sure that rattling the teacups would do any good. If it were on offer, I'm sure that Pardew and co. would skip the second half and just move on to the next match.
I'd love to hear from Yellows on the LOB one of these weekends.
That make sense LOB. I am puzzled about Pardew's appointment. With the exception of two good seasons with the Hammers, he has a poor track record.
Chelski vs Liversox should be a cracker tomorrow and the Hammers will be looking for revenge against Brum in the early match for that Carling Cup semi defeat.
Histon lead 0-1 at Tam worth. A win would take them off the foot of the table, but they would be four points from safety.
They fight, and bite, they fight and bite and fight.... fight, fight, fight...bite, bite, bite... the Carroll and Saurez shooooooooooow!
Looking forward to that match tomorrow too.
Arsenal 4-0 at the half. Wish it were 5 with Robin having completed his hat-trick so we could bring on Chamakh and wrap RVP back up in cotton wool.
Second halves starting and Everton are 2-1 up. Luis Saha with his second. Could have had a hat-trick.
The second half kicks off from St. James' Park as Louis Saha has given Everton a 2-1 lead against Blackpool.
Morning, Gooner. Make sure to have a listen to the Tuesday Club from this week. They're take on Nic Bendtner cupping his ear after his deflected goal last weekend was priceless. Good songs and all too.
Could be more ,Steve, unless the Gunners show the Toon some mercy.
Somma shoots just wide! Still 0-0 at ER.
Wenger has history with pardew so I hope he rubs it in after :)
Gotta try and not get kicked to death this half. Djorou already crocked here.. :(
Djourou is limping off now, biting his shirt as if he knows he's crocked big-time. Squillaci on in his stead.
Djourou limps off injured and is replaced by Squillachi. It's a good thing the Gunners are 0-4 up.
Tuesday Club this week was hilarious. Really good micky take of Redknapp too.
That's right - didn't Wenger and Pardew have a bit of a shoving match in the technical area when he was still at West Ham?
That's right. I remember they got into a fight when the Hammers beat the Gunners 1-0. Wenger must be loving this. Will they shake hands at the end of the match?
Handbags at St. James'!!! And Diaby's been sent off. Like Arsene, I missed the incident. Oh, there it is, Diaby's gone bonkers after a strong challenge from Barton and pushed Barton over and Nolan as well.
Stupidity from Diaby, I reckon. Soft red card but did he have to risk it when his side is bloody 0-4 up?
Diaby was really stupid . Phil dowd had no choice , but to send him off. His team are 0-4 up. All they have top do is see out the match. Now they are a man down and Diaby will be suspended for the next three matches.
initial tackle from Barton was poor and his tackle on Arshavin earlier was poor too.
Still thats a red. 4-0 should be enough :)
Having just seen the slowmo of BArton I can see why Diaby wanted him dead. Very poor.
Wigan are 2-1 up and I've missed the goal again. It's as if they're playing in a different, crap universe. It's Hugo Rodallega with the strike.
And AJ has equalized for Fulham at Villa Park.
And the Gooners really are laughing now. It's a super clanger from Gomes that's put Bolton back in it.
Lots of goals. Fulham tie it up at Villa Park. Wigan take the lead against Blackburn. Ipswich now lead the Blades 2-0.The Foxes now lead Barnsley 2-1.
YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!
Davide Somma with his 11th goal of the season. Cross over from Gradel, knock back by the skipper Jonny Howson and Somma finished it off.
1-0 Whites!
Nice one White machine! :) Peter Drury coined it...
Praying Spurs blow it and I can enjoy their game on MOTD tonight. Gomes is an odd one.
I am pleased for Bruce. A deserved lead for the Whites! Wigan now extend their lead against Blackburn to 3-1.
Barton is a real mixed bag. He's a villain at heart both off and on the pitch. But when he settles down, he's quite a decent footballer. He was responsible for most of Andy Carroll's goals this season.
The Toon nearly pulled a goal back as Czesny saved well from Danny Simpson.
Charlie Nicholas is yelling again and Blackpool have leveled it again at Goodison. 2-2!
It seems like an unexpected classic from the DW as Blackburn pull it back to 3-2. The Foxes now lead 3-1, and Hull City now lead 1-2 at Scunny in the Humberside Derby.
Leeds btw have leapfrogged Cardiff at least temporarily into fifth place.
Incredible stuff at Goodison. Charlie Adam has put Blackpool 2-3 up!
Post a Comment
<< Home