Arsenal's Champions League dream is well and truely over after they crashed out the competition suffering a 3-1 defeat against Barcelona at the Nou Camp this evening. Despite a stern defensive display from Arsenal the hosts atypically controlled proceedings throughout the tie and eventually took the lead on half-time when Lionel Messi latched onto a Cesc Fabregas error and provided a neat finish flicking the ball over Arsenal Keeper Fabianski and volleying home from close-range. … [Read more...]
Barcelona v Arsenal Preview
Barcelona will be looking to avenge their 2-1 defeat at the Emirates a fortnight ago as they host Arsenal in the second leg of this all-important last 16 Champions League clash Tuesday evening. Arsenal triumphed in the first leg of this tie just two weeks ago thanks to goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin. Barcelona originally took the lead early through a David Villa strike but Arsene Wenger's men battled back valiantly to claim a 2-1 victory. With injury worries, League Cup heartache and an unconvincing performance against Sunderland last weekend Arsenal will certainly have … [Read more...]
Blackpool v Chelsea Preview
Blackpool will be looking for a result to help their Premier League survival bid as they take on current title holders Chelsea at Bloomfield Road this evening. The last time these two sides met in September Chelsea were resounding 4-0 winners at Stamford Bridge but the Seasiders can still remain optimisitc having claimed notable victories over other Premier League titans including Liverpool and Spurs. Ian Holloway's men will have to make do without the services of Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell (both suspended) whilst new Brazilian defender David Luiz looks unlikely to make an appearance … [Read more...]
Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United
Dirk Kuyt was the hero for Liverpool as he bagged a stunning hat-trick in a momentus 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Anfield today. United suffered their third defeat of the season and with less than ten games still to play, the title race has well and truely been blown wide open. In a game between two fierce rivals, Liverpool made their presence known from the very start and in the 34th minute they were rewarded for their persistence when new signing Luis Suarez glided past three United defenders and tee'd up Kuyt to score into an empty net. United midfielder Nani produced some … [Read more...]
Bolton Wanderers 3-2 Aston Villa
A late Ivan Klasnic goal sealed victory in a thrilling encounter between Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa at the Reebok Stadium this afternoon. The visitors Villa originally took the lead when £24 million-rated striker Darren Bent was put through on goal by Ashley Young and the centre forward made no mistake with the finish when he poked home his third Villa goal of the season past the reach of Jussi Jaaskelainen. It was ex-Villa defender Gary Cahill who came back to haunt his side however when he headed an equaliser right on the stroke of half-time against his old club to put Bolton … [Read more...]