Stoke City 3 Birmingham City 2: Dean Whitehead's late show gives Tony Pulis reason to smile

By NEIL MOXLEY

Decider: Dean Whitehead wheels away in delight after scrambling home Stoke's winner late on


Tony Pulis has bemoaned his luck with referees in recent weeks but the Stoke manager had just cause to toast Mark Clattenburg on Tuesday night.

Pulis has been on the wrong end of several decisions this season but Tyneside official Clattenburg went some way to redress the balance on a night of vastly contrasting emotions.

Alex McLeish's Birmingham side had looked down and out as they chased a two-goal deficit going into the final quarter of the game, only for strikes by substitute Keith Fahey and Cameron Jerome to put them within sight of an unlikely point.

But then Dean Whitehead burst forward to fire a controversial winning goal. The midfielder clearly handled the ball, as he chased Ricardo Fuller's knock-down and Birmingham's defenders dithered as they appealed for the infringement.

Whitehead continued his run and lifted the ball over Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster after it had bounced into his path off Scott Dann, ending Stoke's four-match run of defeats.


Stunner: Ricardo Fuller curls in a brilliant effort to put Stoke 2-0 up early in the second half


Pulis promoted relegation for poor officials in the build-up. But he failed to spot any problem with the winning goal.

'I didn't see it,' he said. 'Not at all. I'm being serious. I have to say that I thought Mark was very good. If he didn't see that, then we are very pleased.'

Stoke had bossed the first half and Birmingham had not looked comfortable as the home side showed no hint of nervousness despite their lowly league position.

It was only a combination of desperate last-gasp defending and two superb stops from Foster that had kept the visitors in it.

However, Foster could do little with the opening goal. Fuller's shot was halfblocked by Barry Ferguson and defender Robert Huth drilled home.


Volley good: Moments after Fuller's goal, Keith Fahey produces another fantastic strike to get Birmingham back in the game


Incredibly, Huth saw another header blocked on the goal-line by Fuller and Foster also pulled off a superb block to deny Rory Delap. Pulis's frustration was clear as he threw his water bottle on to the floor.

Birmingham had been desperately poor in the opening half but it was a different story after the break. Moments before Fuller added a second, Danny Higginbotham hacked the ball wildly against his own post.

But from a Birmingham corner, Stoke broke superbly. Fuller was chased by Ferguson as he collected the ball on the right. He cut inside before curling a superb shot into the corner.


Level pegging: Cameron Jerome celebrates after scoring Birmingham's second goal to bring the scores level


That appeared to be that. Not so. McLeish threw on Keith Fahey for the ineffective Jean Beausejour and the Ireland international responded by firing a superb shot into the bottom corner of Asmir Begovic's net.


Three minutes later, Birmingham were level. Seb Larsson's cross was deftly glanced past Begovic and the Britannia Stadium, which had been jumping five minutes earlier, was suddenly nervous.

Craig Gardner burst forward and forced Begovic to tip the ball over the bar but the good fortune that Pulis had been seeking arrived when the ball arrived at Whitehead's feet.

McLeish said: 'It was a bittersweet evening. We never really got going in the first half. They unnerved us. Our passing was all over the place.

'Then, after about 60 minutes we looked a different team. But we are where we are because we are giving away too many goals. We have had some decisions not go for us and we are giving away sloppy goals.

'We got away with it last season but we aren't going to go anywhere unless we cut out the silliness at the back.'


One up: Robert Huth raises his arms aloft after giving Stoke a first half lead


source: dailymail

Liverpool 2 Chelsea 0: Fernando Torres gives Blues double trouble as Reds' revival continues

By Matt Lawton

Cool finish: Torres keeps his head to slot home the opener for Liverpool as Terry closes in


What a remarkable transformation. In Fernando Torres, in Liverpool, even in Roy Hodgson.

It was only 21 days earlier, after all, that Hodgson watched his side stutter to an utterly demoralising defeat at Everton.

He sat in the press conference that followed, the manager of a Liverpool team seemingly drowning in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League, and tried to defend a display so abject that a watching John W Henry must have wondered exactly what £300million had just bought New England Sports Ventures.
At Anfield, Henry and his colleagues must have been feeling rather more pleased with their purchase. They do have some players capable of matching their considerable ambition. Not least in the form of a striker who, only a week ago, looked like a poor imitation of one of the world's finest.

From Bolton to here, the change in Torres was extraordinary. At the Reebok he was wretched. At Anfield he was awesome, scoring two quite brilliant goals to condemn Chelsea to only their second League defeat of the season and propel Liverpool to ninth in the table.


In the execution of both his firsthalf strikes there were flashes of the player we have grown to admire; the same player who followed a brilliant first season at Liverpool with the winning goal in the final of Euro 2008; who was then voted among the top three footballers on the planet.

If there remain concerns about his pace, and whether those knee and groin problems have robbed him of the ability to accelerate in the same fashion, he has certainly rediscovered much that is good about his game.

The predatory instincts were back, as was the intelligent movement and the touch of a genius. It was best demonstrated in the first goal, even if the finish for the second was more spectacular.

For Hodgson, it was obviously a relief to mark Henry's first League game at Anfield with such a memorable victory.

'Until this, my most enjoyable day at the club was when I arrived in the summer,' he said as he celebrated his first ever win against Chelsea.
'And it's been downhill ever since.'

The difference in his team was obvious. Confidence. The confidence that was missing for the first two-and-a-half months of the season but began to return with that defeat of Blackburn and now appears to be back in abundance.


Kop idol: Anfield salutes striker Torres as he celebrates by the corner flag with Reds midfielder Meireles


Four straight wins is some run for a team who were on thier knees at Goodison and you sense they can now build on this, despite the fact that a shortage of top-level players will undermine their chances of seriously challenging for honours.

Even Henry must realise that. Even Henry, with his limited knowledge of his new sport, must have recognised that yesterday they beat a Chelsea team weakened significantly by the absence of key individuals.

Didier Drogba's entrance was delayed until half-time - Carlo Ancelotti said he was suffering with a fever on the eve of the match - but it was in midfield that the game was lost. With no Michael Essien or Frank Lampard, Chelsea lacked their usual strength and power, and Liverpool benefited enormously as a result. Lucas, too often a lightweight at this level, actually looked quite dominant at times.


Over the top: Chelsea captain Terry (top) and midfielder Obi work together as they attempt to stop Torres


There were a number of good Liverpool performances. While Dirk Kuyt was outstanding for a player just back from injury, Raul Meireles had one of his best games for the club, as did young Martin Kelly as emergency cover for Glen Johnson at full back.

It was Kuyt, though, who provided the ball for that opening goal from Torres in the 11th minute with a delightful diagonal ball that the Spaniard anticipated brilliantly.

First came the touch to bring it under control, then the combination of speed and strength to escape the clutches of John Terry and finally the finish, lifted over the advancing Petr Cech. Chelsea finished the game having enjoyed 60 per cent possession, mainly because Liverpool struggled to retain the ball after the break.

But they offered little in response and paid for a lack of urgency and finesse with the goal Torres then produced just before the interval.

What started with Ashley Cole losing the ball to Meireles continued when the Portuguese midfielder delivered an excellent pass into the path of Torres, who took two or three strides before unleashing a curling right-footed shot that squeezed through blue shirts and between a flat-footed Cech and his left-hand post. It was the Spaniard's 44th goal in 47 League appearances at Anfield, further proof that Henry must do all he can to keep him at the club.

With the arrival of Drogba came an improvement in Chelsea's football and with it the need for some fine defending, not least from Pepe Reina, who excelled in denying Florent Malouda from close range in the 66th minute.


Get in: Torres watches his effort find the net as the Spaniard doubles Liverpool's advantage
In fairness to Liverpool, Cech had to produce a similar save to stop Kuyt from increasing Liverpool's advantage eight minutes after that.


But when Nicolas Anelka then saw a shot bounce off Reina and strike the underside of the crossbar, only the rapid reactions of Jamie Carragher prevented Drogba from reducing the deficit.

Understandably, Hodgson was as delighted as Ancelotti was disappointed to see his side's lead at the top of the Premier League cut to two points.

Hodgson has been under enormous pressure since Henry and his business partners bought this football club and even on Friday, when the American held court with a selection of reporters in London, he could not give the former Fulham manager many guarantees.

This, and indeed the three straight wins that came before it, will have bought Hodgson some time, and a quick glance down the fixture list would suggest they can climb higher still over the next fortnight. After trips to Wigan and Stoke they will host West Ham.

'I'll enjoy ninth for a little while,' said Hodgson with a smile.

It's not the kind of statement a Liverpool manager would usually make, but it's a measure of just how desperate a situation Liverpool were in as recently as three weeks ago.



source: dailymail

Liverpool 3 Napoli 1: Captain Fantastic Steven Gerrard hits 15-minute hat-trick to save Roy's blushes again

By JOHN EDWARDS


Silencing the critics: Steven Gerrard's 15-minute hat-trick handed Liverpool a major European boost


He has not been credited with much since taking over at Anfield, but Roy Hodgson deserves the gratitude of every Liverpool fol lower for persuading Steven Gerrard to stay during the summer.

The Liverpool skipper may have turned 30 shortly before that crucial meeting with the newly-appointed Hodgson, but no one had the slightest doubt that he remained pivotal to hopes of an overdue revival at Anfield. If they had, they do not any more.


Not after he came off the bench at the end of an alarmingly sub-standard performance in the first half and single-handedly rescued Hodgson’s unbeaten record in Europe. He was on for only one half but there were no half measures as he hammered a stunning 14-minute hat-trick to turn this Europa League game on its head and leave Liverpool on the verge of a place in the knock-out stages.

If Anfield patrons had cause for welcoming Gerrard’s loyalty during the summer, Hodgson may reflect on it with barely-disguised relief after his inspirational midfielder spared him more discomfort in a brief reign that has hardly been plain sailing.

A weakened Liverpool line-up were distinctly second-best in a first half dominated by Napoli, with attacking midfielder Ezequiel Lavezzi calling the shots and threatening to take the game beyond the reach of Hodgson’s labouring side.

Lavezzi, a Carlos Tevez lookalike with his darting runs and sky blue kit, laid on openings for Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani before taking over shooting duties himself — to devastating effect.

Jonjo Shelvey almost paid for a misdirected pass in the 24th minute as Lavezzi advanced on goal from the halfway line and unleashed a drive that swerved narrowly wide of the far post, with Pepe Reina struggling to reach it. There were no reprieves four minutes later as Levazzi latched on to Cavani’s headed through ball and slid an unerring finish past the advancing Reina.


Capitalise: Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi handed his side a deserved first-half lead


Liverpool had mustered little in response and needed drastic action to raise their game enough to wrest the initiative from a Napoli team bearing little resemblance to the misfiring, toothless outfit that stumbled to a 0-0 stalemate in Italy a fortnight ago.

It looked a lost cause until Gerrard stepped forward with a timely reminder that nothing is evidently beyond his powers, particularly on European nights at Anfield.

The Europa League may be a poor substitute for UEFA’s premier club competition, the one in which Gerrard longs to test himself on an annual basis, but it hardly seemed to matter. He was far more concerned with proving he is no poor substitute, as he went on in place of Milan Jovanovic and began the task of hauling his side back from the brink.

The mere sight of him warming up during the interval was enough to draw the biggest cheer of the night thus far but there was no hint of the drama to come as Liverpool squandered two glaring chances in quick succession in the 52nd minute, with Gerrard to blame for the second miss.

David Ngog fired straight at goalkeeper Morgan de Sanctis from point blank range, after being set up by Raul Meireles, and Gerrard, to his dismay, blazed the rebound yards over from an equally inviting position. Shelvey miscued a header hopelessly on the hour, and the tale of woe continued in the 65th minute when Ngog turned inside the area and Meireles stepped in to drill a shot wide with the goal gaping.


Game changer: Gerrard instantly upped the tempo and his team-mates soon followed


As the television cameras panned round to the directors’ box, they caught new owner John Henry shaking his head. It was almost imperceptible, but a shake of the head, nonetheless.

Down below him, Hodgson continued to pace anxiously round the technical area, mindful that a first defeat in Europe after five wins and two draws could undo all the progress made with much-needed victories against Blackburn and Bolton in the Barclays Premier League.


Spot on: After Glen Johnson was tripped, Gerrard notched his second from 12yards


He need not have worried. Not with Gerrard in the mood to snatch the initiative back Liverpool’s way, a mission that began to unfold in the 75th minute following an error by the hapless Andrea Dossena. The former Liverpool left-back, derided throughout his 18 months on Merseyside, at last found a way of endearing himself to an unforgiving Liverpool public with an underhit back pass that triggered a race for possession between Gerrard and De Sanctis.

There was only ever going to be one winner, and Gerrard duly got there first with an outstretched boot that forced the ball past the onrushing keeper and into the net.


Chipping in: The captain completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion


The Anfield skipper said: ‘When you’re in that position against a giant of a goalkeeper you’ve just got to go in and hope for the best. There was no class involved, just determination and desire. I don’t think the keeper fancied it.’

An ugly foul by Salvatore Aronica on Glen Johnson gave Gerrard the chance to fire Liverpool in front from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.

The England midfielder’s fourth hat-trick was complete in the 89th minute after he surged clear and lifted a clever finish over the stranded De Sanctis after the ball had broken to him following a midfield tackle by Lucas.






source: dailymail

AC Milan 2 Real Madrid 2: Jose has last laugh after Pedro's last-gasp equaliser

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER

Goal poacher: Filippo Inzaghi heads Milan level


Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho returned to the San Siro to a cacophony of insults after holding three fingers up to AC Milan fans but he left with Champions League last-16 qualification after a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.

Pedro Leon struck the all-important equaliser for the visitors deep into stoppage time after fellow substitute Filippo Inzaghi had netted two trademark poacher's goals to turn the game following Gonzalo Higuain's effort on halftime.

'It was a goal that gave us great satisfaction, it was good for Pedro Leon but great for the team because we still haven't lost and we are through,' said Mourinho.

The charismatic Portuguese led Inter Milan - who share the San Siro as a ground with AC Milan - to the European Cup and an unprecedented Italian treble last term and was determined to remind rival Milan supporters as he made the provocative fingered gesture on the bus arriving for the Group G game.

His first return to the famous stadium since leaving Inter in May started with an enormous explosion of whistles from the 75,000 Milan fans when his name was read out over the speakers.

His appearance from the tunnel sparked a volley of obscene chants but the livid Rossoneri faithful were soon silenced as classy Real took charge and went ahead when Higuain found a vast hole in the Milan's defence to finish off Angel Di Maria's pass.


White hot: Gonzalo Higuain scores for Real Madrid


Milan, who meekly lost 2-0 at the Bernabeu two weeks ago, were thoroughly second best but the introduction of 37-year-old Inzaghi completely changed the game.

The evergreen striker, little used these days, nodded in after Iker Casillas flapped at Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cross on 68 minutes and he prodded in his second 10 minutes later although Mourinho was adamant he was offside.

'Inzaghi is important because at 37 he always has enthusiasm and he encourages the young players,' Milan coach Massimilano Allegri said.

Real have never won at the San Siro but it almost felt like a win to them when Pedro Leon appeared from nowhere to score.

Mourinho had the last laugh over the Milan fans as he waved his arms about in delight and stuck his tongue out before remembering the game was not yet over and quickly grabbing substitute Raul Albiol to tell him to go on with seconds left.



Trademark celebration: Jose Mourinho ran down the touchline and punched the air after Pedro Leon's last-gasp equaliser


Auxerre's win over Ajax in the other group game meant the draw was enough to seal Real's passage into February's first knockout round, where they have lost for the last six seasons.

Their chances of progressing beyond that stage this term look high given Mourinho's immense skill and pedigree and the fact he desperately wants to become the first coach to win the European Cup with three different teams - he also triumphed with Porto in 2004 - as early as possible.

Second-placed Milan's future under novice former Cagliari coach Allegri is less clear but a trip to Auxerre and a final home game against Ajax should herald qualification despite striker Alexandre Pato's woeful form.

Ibrahimovic's inability to make a major impression in the big matches also continues to undermine his enormous talent.

Real's Cristiano Ronaldo was also not at his best and went down theatrically clutching his face after a minor tangle with Ignazio Abate, prompting more anger from Milan fans.







source :dailymail

Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Arsenal 1: Old-boy Eduardo's sweet finish leaves Arsene Wenger sweating

By SIMON CASS

No celebration: Eduardo (right) refuses to acknowledge his winning goal against his old side


For a brief period it looked like being a case of 'anything you can do' for Arsenal.
Having seen Tottenham produce a stunning performance to see off Inter Milan, Arsenal appeared to be making smooth progress out of the group stages of the Champions League for the 11th successive season.

And even if Theo Walcott was not going to receive the rave reviews of his former Southampton teammate, Gareth Bale, then at least his early strike looked like further enhancing his reputation as much more than just a speed merchant.

But as Wenger had said, Shakhtar Donetsk, while not in Inter's class, are a better side than the score-line from the Emirates a fortnight ago would suggest.
So when the side from the coal mining town dug deep, Arsenal's progression to the knockout phase was put on hold.

Even so, it looked like Arsenal's comprehensive 5-1 win over the Ukrainian champions was enough to convince Wenger no unnecessary risks were needed in the Donbass Arena.

Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Denilson and Andrey Arshavin were not risked and Craig Eastmond was handed a Champions League debut alongside fellow youngster Jack Wilshere in central midfield.

But impressive stadiums filled with 50,000 fanatical Ukrainians are the kind of venues that will test the mettle of young and old and too many times in a pulsating game Arsenal were swamped. And when a calming influence from the likes of Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky was required, the wiser heads left much to be desired.

Wenger's decision not to risk his talented quartet looked all the more brave considering Arsenal's last four visits to Ukraine had resulted in three losses and one draw. But that looked like being rectified inside 10 minutes thanks to a superb early counter attack.

Sebastien Squillaci mopped up a Shakhtar corner and as the ball reached Wilshere, the 18-year-old had the presence of mind to pick out Walcott already on the gallop.
Wenger had described the lightning fast England player as a Formula One type and as he sprinted away from Razvan Rat and Dario Srna, the Shakhtar full backs were made to look like the Ladas that still fill the streets of Donetsk, before a cool finish was applied.


Match-winner: Eduardo (second right) slots home Shakhtar Donetsk's second goal


But if Wenger hoped that great start would settle the nerves, he was sadly mistaken. Jadson twice came close to getting his team back on terms while only a stunning save from Lukasz Fabianski prevented Dmytro Chygrynskiy's thunderbolt from crossing the line.

The waves of orange and black could not be held back forever, but the equaliser was controversial. After a studs-up challenge from Wilshere in the first meeting, Tomas Hubschman's apparent revenge attack left the Arsenal midfielder in a crumpled heap.

Swiss referee Massimo Busacca chose not to halt play with Arsenal in possession, to the annoyance of Wenger, who was even more incensed when Emmanuel Eboue was booked moments later for a challenge on Willian.


Fine finish: Theo Walcott slots an early shot into the net from 20 yards to give the Gunners the lead



In came the resulting free-kick from Jadson for Chygrynskiy, although his header took a crucial deflection off Eastmond.


Arsenal briefly steadied the ship and Walcott should have done better than to allow Srna take the ball off his toe 12 yards out.

And on the stroke of half time, Srna proved equally adept at nicking the ball at the other end of the pitch. Clichy was the ditherer.

When Srna found his Croatia team-mate Eduardo in space there was only going to be one outcome, although he kept the celebrations to a minimum out of respect to his old club.

It was more balanced after the break and Arsenal were not without chances. Wilshere came close when Willian lost possession 20 yards out but his strike did not have the curl to trouble Pyatov. Squillaci then spurned a great chance by firing a header straight at the Shakhtar keeper.

Walcott at least made Pyatov work a little harder with a shot on the turn while substitute Marcelo Moreno forced one more super stop from Fabianski in added time.

So it is off to Sporting Braga in three weeks' time to complete the job. At least Arsenal fans may regain bragging rights from Spurs via the north London derby before they head to Portugal.





source: dailymail

Bursaspor 0 Manchester United 3: Turkish delight for United as Darren Fletcher strike sets up Champions League stroll

By IAN LADYMAN

Opener: Darren Fletcher puts United ahead in Turkey


This has not been Manchester United’s most glamorous or eventful Champions League campaign but Sir Alex Ferguson will not complain about its effectiveness.

The United manager wishes for only one thing when his team begin their assault on the group stages of the competition each year and that is that they reach the 10-point mark as quickly as possible.

Despite the peculiarity of an opening goalless draw with Rangers, United have subsequently been methodical in beating Valencia once, and Bursaspor twice.

And last night’s win in Turkey took United to within a point of the next stage with two games to spare. Last night’s win — secured by second- half goals from Darren Fletcher, Gabriel Obertan and substitute Bebe — was typical of United’s tournament so far.

They were far from their best but they were easily good enough against a Turkish team who have been lamentable in losing all four games in the group.

Ferguson will have been delighted as he began the long haul home from Turkey in the early hours of this morning. This is a season that, for all the fuss over the Wayne Rooney contract saga, continues to steadily improve.

What will have concerned him, though, are injuries to Fletcher’s ankle and Nani’s groin that forced off both players. With a derby looming, Ferguson can do without worries over two key players.


Match-winners: Darren Fletcher and Gabriel Obertan scored in Turkey


Nani, a surprise inclusion given the importance of forthcoming fixtures, only lasted 28 minutes. The Portuguese forward appeared to tweak his groin and gave way to Ji-sung Park.

Fletcher stayed on the field long enough to give United the lead just after half-time before going over on his left ankle. With no Bursaspor player near him, it was an innocuous incident but one that could prove costly.

With midfielders Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia and Owen Hargreaves on the sick and injured list, Ferguson will hope that the influential Scot recovers for next Wednesday’s meeting with City at Eastlands, if not in time for Saturday’s Barclays Premier League visit of Wolves.

Ferguson said: ‘The injuries are the disappointing part of the night for us as we dealt with the game well and deserved to win.


Injury scare: Nani limped off in the first half


‘I don’t think either will be able to play at the weekend. We will have Darron Gibson back so that could help us.’

United supporters have certainly had easier trips to watch their team in Europe. It was estimated that about 400 fans had made the trip, that involved a four hour flight to Istanbul and a 90-minute ferry to Bursa.

There was, however, no reason for them to think before kick-off that their journey would be wasted. A glance at the Group C table made for pleasant reading. Just as they have been in the Premier League, United have been somewhat less than fluent in this, their favourite competition.

Nevertheless, single-goal victories against last night’s opposition at Old Trafford and against Valencia in Spain had gone a long way to make good the mistakes of the opening draw with Rangers.


Baby steps: Chris Smalling started in place of Rio Ferdinand


With the Premier League so hotly contested these days, it is as important as ever to qualify for the February phase of the Champions League as early as possible in order to concentrate on domestic matters throughout the hard months of November, December and January.

In the first half, United were not terribly impressive and they could have conceded their first goal of the competition in the 30 minutes it took them to really find their feet.

There were some early moments of promise, though, as Dimitar Berbatov brought saves from home goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov with a header and a first time shot with his right foot from outside the penalty.

However, Paul Scholes was fortunate not to concede a penalty early on as clipped the ankles of Sercan Yildirim and United were definitely lucky not to fall behind soon after when the Turkish forward played Turgay Bahadir clear only for the Bursaspor number 22 to shoot hesitantly against Van der Sar’s shoulder.


Breathe easy: Gabriel Obertan hits United's second


Van der Sar was also called upon to field a long range shot from Volkan Sen on the half hour but by now United were beginning to find their way in to the game and - though Scholes’ goal in the 38th minute was ruled out for handball - they were comfortably the better team in the second period.


The three goals they went on to score were all impressive in their own way. An aggressive run by Obertan paved the way for the first as Berbatov picked up possession on the left side of the penalty area.

Although the move threatened to break down after a heavy touch from Park, Michael Carrick then retrieved the ball and fed Fletcher on the right.

The Scot’s angled shot across the goalkeeper was true and found the far corner. With the excitable home crowd largely silenced by this, United were halfway there by now.

Briefly Bursaspor rallied but once Van der Sar had saved from Federico Insua in front of his face Park was able to break and feed Obertan and the young Frenchman’s first United goal came courtesy of a true right foot shot from the edge of the penalty box.

By now Bursaspor - without a goal in the competition - were suffering. Their defence - suspect throughout - lost all shape as time wore on and ten minutes from time Scholes played Bebe through and his young team mate eased the ball wide of the goalkeeper and inside the post with the outside of his right foot.



source :dailymail

Tottenham 3 Inter Milan 1: Night to savour for Spurs as Gareth Bale blitzes champions

By MATT LAWTON

Van the man: Tottenham take the lead through Dutch master Rafael van der Vaart, who squeezed his brilliant shot past Inter Milan goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi


After staring across the room at that famous old photograph on the eve of this extraordinary encounter, Harry Redknapp did not need Jimmy Greaves, Bobby Smith and Danny Blanchflower. Not when he had a quite brilliant young Welshman by the name of Gareth Bale. Not when he had players who will now stand among the greatest to have graced the European stage for Tottenham.

To the pantheon that also includes names like Mullery, Mackay and Perryman, this club can add Bale, Luka Modric, Rafael van der Vaart and Younes Kaboul. As well as just about every other member of a side that responded to the hiding they received at the San Siro last month by dishing out some damn fine football of their own.


What a performance. What a game. What a night for Redknapp at a pulsating White Hart Lane. The 63-year-old might be new to the Champions League but he stuck to his philosophy and it proved perfect against the champions of Europe and Italy.

Attack, said Redknapp, would be his team’s best form of defence and they certainly went for the throat, scoring through Van der Vaart, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko with Bale performing the role of executioner-in-chief.

While Modric dazzled with the run that led to Van der Vaart extending his streak of having scored in all five of his appearances at this ground, Bale delivered a performance that will draw yet more comparisons with Ryan Giggs and perhaps even Cristiano Ronaldo, not least because of the quality of the opposition.

Maicon ended last season as the finest right back in the world but he was destroyed by Tottenham’s 21-year-old winger. ‘Taxi for Maicon,’ cried a jubilant crowd before Van der Vaart declared that the Brazilian had been ‘killed’ by his colleague.


World beater: Gareth Bale was once again in unstoppable form as he surged past Brazilian defender Maicon


Bale humiliated Maicon so many times that he appeared to give up in the end. It was Obiora Nwankwo who Bale beat on his 50-yard run before setting up Crouch, and a flat-footed Lucio past whom he pushed the ball, school playground style, to deliver a pass for the goal by Pavlyuchenko that removed the threat posed by an 80th-minute strike from Samuel Eto’o.

This is not supposed to happen to a team like Inter Milan, even if Jose Mourinho has now moved on and Rafa Benitez stands in his place.

Last season Maicon stood strong in a defence that at times looked impenetrable en route to European glory. But in the sensational Bale they have met a player capable of exposing their weaknesses — first with the hat-trick in Milan and now with this.



At the double: Peter Crouch slots home Bale's brilliant pass to extend Tottenham's advantage


That Tottenham did not win by a greater margin was down to a glaring first-half miss from Crouch, when Bale was again the provider, and the fact that this remains a fine Inter team. The absence of the injured Esteban Cambiasso clearly took its toll but this is much the same side that dominated under Mourinho and an equal share of possession proved how tough an examinat ion this was for Redknapp’s men.

Spurs started with real purpose, attacking down the flanks in exactly the manner their manager said they would. The pace was blistering; the skill at times breathtaking. The sight of Bale accelerating past Maicon certainly lifted the home supporters, as did an unlikely victory for the diminutive Modric in winning the ball off the towering Lucio.


Bitter blow: Wesley Sneijder reacts to a missed opportunity as team-mate Walter Samuel looks on in horror


There was more to come, of course. Much more. After 18 minutes, two neat passes from Bale and Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw Modric accelerate past Sulley Muntari and Javier Zanetti before slipping the ball through to Van der Vaart. The Dutchman, who appeared to be just onside, guided a calmly-executed finish beyond the grasp of Luca Castellazzi.

By then the European champions had shown flashes of their considerable class, not least when Eto’o drove a shot inches wide of Carlo Cudicini’s left-hand post.


Unhappy return: Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez struggles to comprehend his side's failure on his return to English soil


But Tottenham were up for this and so was Redknapp, who must have been feeling more than a little smug given the reasons he offered for selecting such a team.

‘How can I leave out Luka Modric?’ he said on the eve of this utterly absorbing contest. How indeed. By half-time in the San Siro, Tottenham were four goals down and hoping to escape with no more than a 5-0 defeat. Here, it was a very different story, even if it took a fine save from Cudicini to push a free-kick from Wesley Sneijder to safety shortly before the break.


Running the show: Bale hot steps Lucio as Spurs fans marvel at the Welshman's brilliant performance


Troubled by the hamstring injury that made him a doubt for this game, Van der Vaart could not continue after the break. But that did not stop Tottenham increasing their lead, Inter’s inability to deal with Bale proving their undoing in the 61st minute.

Bale made the run from just inside Inter’s half before delivering the cross that presented Crouch with an easy chance, albeit under pressure from Walter Samuel.


Hitting back: Samuel Eto'o showed his class with a sublime finish to give the visitors late hope


With Eto’o’s right-foot strike came an almost overwhelming sense of anxiety. But Bale was far from finished, the sight of him skinning Lucio something that will live long in the memories of those fortunate enough to witness it here.

Redknapp, standing just yards away, had the best view of all.


Finish to remember: Roman Pavlyuchenko puts the gloss on an unforgettable night for Tottenham with their third goal



source: dailymail

Newcastle 5 Sunderland 1: It's three cheers for the boss, as Nolan leads derby rout

By COLIN YOUNG

Get in: Kevin Nolan hits Newcastle's second in the north-east derby


If Chris Hughton is fighting to save his job, the Newcastle manager delivered an emphatic message to the board on Sunday with a crushing win in the most important game of the season.

This was the biggest humiliation heaped on a side in the Tyne-Wear derby for more than 50 years. It was a game no supporter on either side of the divide will ever forget.

Surely now the manager who guided Newcastle back into the Barclays Premier League last season will be given the new contract he deserves.

Captain Kevin Nolan, who had given Hughton a ringing endorsement in the build-up to the game, produced actions to go with his words by scoring a hat-trick. Shola Ameobi added two goals to complete an unforgettable day.

Sunderland had believed this was their best chance of success on Tyneside for more than a decade. A victory would have lifted them into fifth place in the table. How foolish their pre-match optimism looks now.



First of many: Nolan acrobatically hits Newcastle's opener


The greatest show of support for Hughton came from all sides of St James' Park after an hour. Borrowing the tune they still sing in memory of Sir Bobby Robson, Newcastle supporters repeatedly belted out Walking in a Hughton Wonderland.

It delighted the manager, resplendent in the suit his father recently persuaded him to wear rather than a tracksuit.

Hughton said: 'I am a very, very proud man and it's a nice feeling. I am always grateful for their support but it's about the players. They put the performance in and the supporters loved what they saw, which was a committed team taking the game by the scruff of the neck.'


Top gear: Kevin Nolan (right) gave Newcastle a flying start at St James' Park


In contrast, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce cut a forlorn and angry figure in the visitors' technical area. As a Geordie, on any other occasion he would have appreciated the 'Oles' ringing out.



In his current job, and with owner Ellis Short sitting above him, it was embarrassing. As were his team.

'I have been saying all week we must handle the occasion,' he said. 'But from the off, we got blown away by a far superior team. We had three or four playing and, to win it, you need seven or eight. We got our backsides kicked.'

Sunderland were in the game for the first 10 minutes, when Danny Welbeck squandered an opportunity to square to Darren Bent. They capitulated after 25 minutes, when Nolan scored his first goal. Joey Barton, who Sunderland failed to handle all afternoon, had already twice gone close when Mike Williamson met his drilled corner and Nolan stretched in front of Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet to scoop the ball over both their heads into the net.

The Newcastle skipper emerged from a team pile-up on the goal-line - only home keeper Tim Krul was missing - to perform his familiar 'funky chicken', a tribute to a friend's nightclub dancing.

Nolan was flapping his arms again seven minutes later after a sweeping Newcastle move which started when Titus Bramble gave away possession.

Sunderland inexplicably stood off their opponents and Nolan seized on Andy Carroll's overhead kick to slot the ball past Mignolet.

Bruce threw on £13million striker Asamoah Gyan for the final six minutes of the half, at least showing ambition to mastermind a fightback.


Threeasy: Shola Ameobi puts Newcastle three ahead from the spot


But that hope died just before the break when Nedum Onuoha was punished for a sloppy challenge on Jonas Gutierrez in the area and Ameobi beat Mignolet with the resulting penalty.

Bruce could justifiably complain about the amount of injury time played by referee Phil Dowd at the end of the half, but he was not about to allow his players a hiding place in the dressing room.

He sent them back out long before the standard 15 minutes had elapsed. The tactic failed and, within nine minutes, Sunderland were down to 10 men.


Getting stuck in: Newcastle striker Andy Carroll is tackled by Phil Bardsley


Off you go: Titus Bramble becomes the only player to be sent off in Premier League matches playing for both Newcastle United and Sunderland.


All season Bruce has defended Bramble, the much maligned former Newcastle centre back who endured the worst of the crowd's abuse yesterday.

Bruce has even demanded apologies from those who dared to criticise the player, but it is Bramble who should say sorry now, to his manager and Sunderland's supporters, after a reckless challenge on Carroll left his team even more stretched.Dowd was as quick with his red card as Bramble was slow with his cynical tackle.


Newcastle continued to dominate and Nolan, Williamson and Carroll went close before Ameobi put the finishing touch to another fine move, thumping a rising half-volley into the roof of the net after Carroll had headed Danny Simpson's teasing cross against the bar.


Hughton was in the process of acknowledging Newcastle fans, not for the first time, nor the last, when the ball hit the net to make it 4-0.

And it wasn't the last goal, either. Sunderland failed to clear two Barton corners before Ameobi rose to flick a third into Nolan's path and he headed home to complete a magnificent treble.

Sunderland's defenders just stood and watched, as they had all afternoon.Many of their supporters headed for the exits and only a few remained by the time Darren Bent prodded his sixth goal of the season past Krul in the final minute.



source: dailymail

Bolton 0 Liverpool 1: Roy's boys rely on Maxi factor as Rodriguez goes from zero to shock hero

By MATT LAWTON

Maxi-mum output: Liverpool's Maxi Rodriguez latched onto Fernando Torres' cute through ball to earn all three points


Had he not secured the points that propelled Liverpool six places up the Barclays Premier League table, Maxi Rodriguez might well have been among those Roy Hodgson would have wanted to strangle at the end of this game.

Fernando Torres would have been at the top of his hit-list, such was the ineptitude with which he performed prior to delivering what was a delightful back-heel into the path of the advancing Rodriguez in the 86th minute. But neither of them appeared to appreciate what was at stake at The Reebok on Sunday.

The fact that a team with Champions League aspirations was sitting among the relegation places after nine games. The fact that Hodgson was under tremendous pressure, not least because John W Henry is due back in town this week ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Napoli and a difficult encounter with Chelsea on Sunday.

Hodgson was exasperated in the technical area, almost spontaneously combusting minutes before the goal in response to the sight of Torres squandering another chance. No wonder he celebrated in the manner that he did when Rodriguez struck, jumping for joy, such was his relief. It was his first away win in the league since guiding Fulham’s triumph at Portsmouth on the opening day of last season.


Late escape: Maxi Rodriguez celebrates his dramatic late winner for Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium


Yet the problems remain and they could certainly be exposed by Carlo Ancelotti’s classy champions. Liverpool are still a team undermined by apathy and mediocrity, and are being carried, as far as they can be carried, by a few players who still seem to care.

Jamie Carragher is among those who do and his reaction served as a barometer of where Liverpool really are.

‘We’ll see if the confidence comes back in the next couple of weeks,’ he said. ‘It’s a win and while we played well against Blackburn, we did not perform so well here.’

It is hard to imagine him sounding more underwhelmed and understandably so when colleagues of the quality of Torres are performing like this. The Spaniard has had his problems with injury, yet so apparent is the loss of his explosive pace you have to wonder if he is still worth the investment clubs like Chelsea, United and City might be prepared to make.

But on this evidence there is an attitude problem as well, and that is so disappointing given how committed he has been in the past. He seems to be sulking, and that is the last thing Hodgson needs from a player who, three years ago, was among the finest strikers in the world.


Up for it: The goal aside, there was lots of huff and puff but precious little quality at the Reebok


Not that Hodgson seemed particularly worried. He was not convincing when he insisted we would soon see the best of Torres again, but far more important to him was his team’s position in the league. It was only in September that Hodgson asked to be judged at this point in the season.

‘I think tables are of no interest until at least 10 games have been played,’ he said. ‘Then you start looking to see how big a gap there is between yourself and the top teams, or between yourself and the bottom teams.’

This morning there is a bit of daylight on either side, but it’s a far healthier position when the boss is flying in to have a chat, and Hodgson knows that.

He brought a beaming smile into the post-match press conference and no wonder after the problems he has had since taking charge. He will know his team were a little lucky.

That players as determined as Gary Cahill and Kevin Davies did not deserve to lose. That it was through Cahill’s legs that the ball from Torres travelled was all the more unfair, given how impressive the English centre half had been prior to that.


Trouble mounting: Liverpool's Joe Cole was forced off early in the second half with a hamstring injury


Looking for something? Roy Hodgson got whatever it was he prayed for when Maxi popped up late on


A contender for man of the match but someone, in the end, who just lost out to his contemporaries in red.

Bolton had lost once in the league prior to Sunday and it was easy to see why. They are superbly organised under Owen Coyle, who must be the only man who wears shorts and a T-shirt in Lancashire in late October, but they play some decent football, too.

They even had two reasonable calls for a penalty, when Carragher seemed to block a cross with his arm and Sotirios Kyrgiakos appeared to push Davies.

There were chances for both teams in what was an entertaining first half.

Torres squandered the best of Liverpool’s and Pepe Reina excelled in denying Matt Taylor and the excellent Stuart Holden. Jussi Jaaskelainen did well to deny Kyrgiakos, and so left Liverpool as the only team - other than Stoke - yet to secure a first-half lead in the Premier League this season.

The sight of Joe Cole limping off with a hamstring injury merely enhanced Liverpool’s chances of success. He was dreadful again.

But it was Bolton who threatened most as this contest progressed towards its conclusion, and Bolton who were left crushed when Torres guided a pass from Lucas into the path of Rodriguez and then saw the winger’s shot beat Jaaskelainen.

A shot that is sure to have spared the scorer the wrath of his manager.



source: dailymail