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..::Football II::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
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Barclays Premier League 2013.03.02 Fixtures
Chelsea Vs WBA
Sunderland Vs Fulham
Swansea Vs Newcastle United
Everton Vs Reading
Manchester United Vs Norwich City
Southampton Vs QPR
Stroke City Vs West Ham United
Wigan Vs Liverpool
Unsettled Nasri is PSG target as City midfielder plots exit
Paris Saint-Germain are set to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding Samir Nasri’s future with a big-money summer swoop.
Manchester City sources have indicated to Sportsmail that the France international is keen to explore the option of leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer after a breakdown in his relationship with Roberto Mancini.
Nasri is said to have been shocked and angered by his manager’s decision to criticise him publicly last week.
And news of Nasri’s anger has alerted PSG sporting director Leonardo, who is a known admirer of the Frenchman.
The Brazilian failed in an attempt to snatch Nasri from under City’s noses when he left Arsenal in 2011.
And the mega-rich club want to revive their interest in Nasri when the summer transfer window re-opens, with the player said to be ‘more than open’ to the move.
PSG’s riches mean they will have no problems matching Nasri’s current £170,000-per-week wages, though City will want to recoup as much of the £24million paid for the attacking midfielder as possible.
Whether or not Mancini remains at the City helm beyond the end of the season, will be a factor when Nasri decides his future.
But with champions City keen to lower their wage bill significantly this summer, selling Nasri is unquestionably an attractive option for them
dailymail
Paris Saint-Germain are set to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding Samir Nasri’s future with a big-money summer swoop.
Manchester City sources have indicated to Sportsmail that the France international is keen to explore the option of leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer after a breakdown in his relationship with Roberto Mancini.
Nasri is said to have been shocked and angered by his manager’s decision to criticise him publicly last week.
And news of Nasri’s anger has alerted PSG sporting director Leonardo, who is a known admirer of the Frenchman.
The Brazilian failed in an attempt to snatch Nasri from under City’s noses when he left Arsenal in 2011.
And the mega-rich club want to revive their interest in Nasri when the summer transfer window re-opens, with the player said to be ‘more than open’ to the move.
PSG’s riches mean they will have no problems matching Nasri’s current £170,000-per-week wages, though City will want to recoup as much of the £24million paid for the attacking midfielder as possible.
Whether or not Mancini remains at the City helm beyond the end of the season, will be a factor when Nasri decides his future.
But with champions City keen to lower their wage bill significantly this summer, selling Nasri is unquestionably an attractive option for them
dailymail
Stade de Reims 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain: Ancelotti's side suffers major upset thanks to Krychowiak strike
Paris Saint-Germain suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to 10-man Stade de Reims to leave the Ligue 1 title race wide open after an entertaining fixture at Stade Auguste Delaune.
After a first half full of chances at either end, the winning goal was scored by Gregorz Krychowiak, formerly of Bordeaux, as he headed in from a corner. Minutes before, the relegation strugglers were down to 10 men following Christopher Glombard's red card.
For all of PSG's enterprising efforts, it was distinctly limited up front, being frustrated by a superbly organized defense, as well as its own profligate finishing as Reims celebrated a famous win.
Following a week of Classique victories over arch-rival Olympique de Marseille, the visitors aimed to continue their recent good form as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lucas Moura combined to test Kossi Agassa in the Reims' goal early on.
Hubert Fournier's men, who before this weekend amassed only one win in 19 games in all competitions, started brightly, as Antoine Devaux forced Salvatore Sirigu into a smart save.
Carlo Ancelotti's side was at best sluggish in the opening exchanges but it was still liable for a couple of gilt-edged chances, though it should've been 1-0 down in the 35th minute when Anthony Weber's goal-bound shot was blocked, with Sirigu beaten amidst lax defending in the PSG box.
Seconds later, and PSG should've been one up. The Ligue 1 leader's signature counter-attack resulted in Ezequiel Lavezzi on a one-on-one situation against Agassa, but he fluffed his shot completely, directing the ball considerably wide as a furious Ancelotti watched on.
Ibrahimovic would have a goal wrongly chalked off for offside moments into the second half. Springing the offside trap and played on by Mohamed Fofana, the Swede produced a fine finish to beat Agassa, before a controversial offside flag scuppered his side's advantage.
PSG's task was made a little easier after the hosts saw Christopher Glombard sent off. The midfielder, playing at right back following Aissa Mandi's suspension, was shown a second yellow for a poor tackle on Matuidi, but that setback only sought to spur on Reims, which took a deserved lead.
From a corner, Fofana headed on towards the far post, allowing Poland international Krychowiak to head in unmarked, as Reims finally came good following a string of chances. David Beckham then entered the field as a 64th minute substitute, replacing Marco Verratti.
The Ligue 1 leaders failed to ignite at the other end, with further chances from Lavezzi, Matuidi and Lucas Moura all being dealt with by a resolute Reims defense as well as an inspired Agassa. It could have been 2-0 when Odair Fortes' superb run saw his goal-bound shot parried by Sirigu.
Despite a late surge in attacking intensity, Fournier's side held on in what would prove to be a champagne moment for the Champagne club.
Paris Saint-Germain suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to 10-man Stade de Reims to leave the Ligue 1 title race wide open after an entertaining fixture at Stade Auguste Delaune.
After a first half full of chances at either end, the winning goal was scored by Gregorz Krychowiak, formerly of Bordeaux, as he headed in from a corner. Minutes before, the relegation strugglers were down to 10 men following Christopher Glombard's red card.
For all of PSG's enterprising efforts, it was distinctly limited up front, being frustrated by a superbly organized defense, as well as its own profligate finishing as Reims celebrated a famous win.
Following a week of Classique victories over arch-rival Olympique de Marseille, the visitors aimed to continue their recent good form as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lucas Moura combined to test Kossi Agassa in the Reims' goal early on.
Hubert Fournier's men, who before this weekend amassed only one win in 19 games in all competitions, started brightly, as Antoine Devaux forced Salvatore Sirigu into a smart save.
Carlo Ancelotti's side was at best sluggish in the opening exchanges but it was still liable for a couple of gilt-edged chances, though it should've been 1-0 down in the 35th minute when Anthony Weber's goal-bound shot was blocked, with Sirigu beaten amidst lax defending in the PSG box.
Seconds later, and PSG should've been one up. The Ligue 1 leader's signature counter-attack resulted in Ezequiel Lavezzi on a one-on-one situation against Agassa, but he fluffed his shot completely, directing the ball considerably wide as a furious Ancelotti watched on.
Ibrahimovic would have a goal wrongly chalked off for offside moments into the second half. Springing the offside trap and played on by Mohamed Fofana, the Swede produced a fine finish to beat Agassa, before a controversial offside flag scuppered his side's advantage.
PSG's task was made a little easier after the hosts saw Christopher Glombard sent off. The midfielder, playing at right back following Aissa Mandi's suspension, was shown a second yellow for a poor tackle on Matuidi, but that setback only sought to spur on Reims, which took a deserved lead.
From a corner, Fofana headed on towards the far post, allowing Poland international Krychowiak to head in unmarked, as Reims finally came good following a string of chances. David Beckham then entered the field as a 64th minute substitute, replacing Marco Verratti.
The Ligue 1 leaders failed to ignite at the other end, with further chances from Lavezzi, Matuidi and Lucas Moura all being dealt with by a resolute Reims defense as well as an inspired Agassa. It could have been 2-0 when Odair Fortes' superb run saw his goal-bound shot parried by Sirigu.
Despite a late surge in attacking intensity, Fournier's side held on in what would prove to be a champagne moment for the Champagne club.
Southampton 1-2 QPR: Remy and Bothroyd give rock-bottom Rs a lifeline
QPR ended a six-game Premier League winless streak with a crucial 2-1 victory over Harry Redknapp's former club and fellow relegation candidates Southampton on Saturday.
Loic Remy's opener silenced the home supporters that were clearly fired up by the unpopular Redknapp's return, but Gaston Ramirez put the hosts level right before halftime.
And the crowd was stunned once more with just over 10 minutes remaining when Jay Bothroyd finished from close range to give the visitors all three points.
Despite a bright start by Saints it was the visitors who took the lead early in the game, Remy beating Artur Boruc in a one-on-one after some poor defending by the hosts allowed a long ball to fall to the Frenchman.
Mauricio Pochettino's side looked rocked by the goal as its earlier sharpness faltered a little, with a number of sloppy passes creeping into its play and attacking players failing to find the right final ball.
The sides failed to create anything of note for the majority of the rest of the half, with both sets of players' final ball still lacking. However, after coming on for the injured Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez's hopeful long-range effort was spilled by Julio Cesar, and Ramirez was on hand to chip delicately home to level the scores.
Shortly after the break Southampton center back Jose Fonte fizzed an effort just wide of the post, with the bright substitute Rodriguez also going close to adding a second.
The Saints continued to look the more dangerous side without really creating many chances, with Rodriguez going closest with another long-range effort spilled by Cesar.
However, again against the run of play, it was QPR which got the crucial next goal. Park Ji-Sung was allowed to stroll down the right wing before his low ball into the Saints area found an unmarked Bothroyd, who finished with ease.
Robert Green came on to replace the injured Cesar in the QPR goal, and the substitute was called into action late on producing a stunning save to deny Fonte's header by clawing the effort wide, and the Rs held on to end their winless run of six matches.
QPR ended a six-game Premier League winless streak with a crucial 2-1 victory over Harry Redknapp's former club and fellow relegation candidates Southampton on Saturday.
Loic Remy's opener silenced the home supporters that were clearly fired up by the unpopular Redknapp's return, but Gaston Ramirez put the hosts level right before halftime.
And the crowd was stunned once more with just over 10 minutes remaining when Jay Bothroyd finished from close range to give the visitors all three points.
Despite a bright start by Saints it was the visitors who took the lead early in the game, Remy beating Artur Boruc in a one-on-one after some poor defending by the hosts allowed a long ball to fall to the Frenchman.
Mauricio Pochettino's side looked rocked by the goal as its earlier sharpness faltered a little, with a number of sloppy passes creeping into its play and attacking players failing to find the right final ball.
The sides failed to create anything of note for the majority of the rest of the half, with both sets of players' final ball still lacking. However, after coming on for the injured Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez's hopeful long-range effort was spilled by Julio Cesar, and Ramirez was on hand to chip delicately home to level the scores.
Shortly after the break Southampton center back Jose Fonte fizzed an effort just wide of the post, with the bright substitute Rodriguez also going close to adding a second.
The Saints continued to look the more dangerous side without really creating many chances, with Rodriguez going closest with another long-range effort spilled by Cesar.
However, again against the run of play, it was QPR which got the crucial next goal. Park Ji-Sung was allowed to stroll down the right wing before his low ball into the Saints area found an unmarked Bothroyd, who finished with ease.
Robert Green came on to replace the injured Cesar in the QPR goal, and the substitute was called into action late on producing a stunning save to deny Fonte's header by clawing the effort wide, and the Rs held on to end their winless run of six matches.
Swansea 1-0 Newcastle: Moore leaves it late for Laudrup's cup heroes
The substitute made the most of a defensive mixup to ensure that the party continues in South Wales, where Alan Pardew's men were unfortunate to come away with nothing Swansea City’s cup celebrations continued as the Swans left it late to secure a narrow win over Newcastle, thanks to Luke Moore’s fortuitous strike.
An even game seemed to be heading for a stalemate before the late substitute popped up to grab his first goal in over a year and consign the visitors to an unfortunate defeat.
The home fans started the game in buoyant spirits after seeing their side pick up a first piece of major silverware in emphatic fashion in the Capital One Cup final the week before, with the Liberty Stadium in full party mood on a sunny afternoon.
The celebrations almost went into overdrive within the first 10 minutes, when Michu cleverly cushioned a free kick from deep back into the path of the unmarked Ashley Williams, but the Welshman’s weak shot from inside the six yard box was kept out of Rob Elliot’s empty net by an off-the-line clearance by Steven Taylor.
The Swans were obviously enjoying themselves, and Newcastle was forced to weather an early storm, with Mathieu Debuchy perhaps slightly fortunate to get away with a strong penalty appeal after the ball struck his hand inside the box.
However, Alan Pardew’s men soon started to get their own foot on the ball and take the sting out of the game, while a series of mistimed tackles left the hosts feeling ruffled going in at halftime.
Michael Laudrup’s side came out with renewed vigor after the break, and almost broke the deadlock when Angel Rangel surged into the box from full-back, only to see his fierce drive well blocked by the strong hand of Elliot.
Papiss Cisse got his first sight of goal 10 minutes into the second period, but the Senegalese striker was unable to pull something out of his repertoire of sensational strikes after being found on the edge of the box by Moussa Sissoko, instead lofting his shot over the bar on the half-volley.
Sissoko was back in the center of things just minutes later, as he pulled the ball back to Yoan Gouffran in acres of space just inside the penalty area, but once again Michel Vorm watched calmly as the ball was hit high into the stands.
Yohan Cabaye almost showed his compatriot how it’s done when he lined up a shot from all of 30 yards, but his dipping effort was tipped onto the crossbar by Vorm.
The Magpies were certainly in the ascendancy, and it was soon Sissoko’s turn to have a go from range, with his well-struck shot pushed around the post by the flying Dutch goalkeeper.
However, Elliot had to be on his toes when substitute Ki Sung-Yueng crept into the box to meet Pablo Hernandez’s crafty reverse pass, with the grateful reserve custodian saving well after the South Korean slipped as he took his shot.
The keeper was not so lucky minutes later though, as Wayne Routledge’s cross caused an embarrassing mix-up between Taylor and Davide Santon in the penalty area, allowing the loose ball to fall to the feet of Moore, who kept his cool to hit a shot that deflected off Cabaye’s desperate last-ditch tackle and into the back of the net.
It was a cruel blow for Pardew’s men, who looked the more likely to come out on top for much of the second half, but Swansea fans will have little sympathy as their side’s fantastic season continues.
The substitute made the most of a defensive mixup to ensure that the party continues in South Wales, where Alan Pardew's men were unfortunate to come away with nothing Swansea City’s cup celebrations continued as the Swans left it late to secure a narrow win over Newcastle, thanks to Luke Moore’s fortuitous strike.
An even game seemed to be heading for a stalemate before the late substitute popped up to grab his first goal in over a year and consign the visitors to an unfortunate defeat.
The home fans started the game in buoyant spirits after seeing their side pick up a first piece of major silverware in emphatic fashion in the Capital One Cup final the week before, with the Liberty Stadium in full party mood on a sunny afternoon.
The celebrations almost went into overdrive within the first 10 minutes, when Michu cleverly cushioned a free kick from deep back into the path of the unmarked Ashley Williams, but the Welshman’s weak shot from inside the six yard box was kept out of Rob Elliot’s empty net by an off-the-line clearance by Steven Taylor.
The Swans were obviously enjoying themselves, and Newcastle was forced to weather an early storm, with Mathieu Debuchy perhaps slightly fortunate to get away with a strong penalty appeal after the ball struck his hand inside the box.
However, Alan Pardew’s men soon started to get their own foot on the ball and take the sting out of the game, while a series of mistimed tackles left the hosts feeling ruffled going in at halftime.
Michael Laudrup’s side came out with renewed vigor after the break, and almost broke the deadlock when Angel Rangel surged into the box from full-back, only to see his fierce drive well blocked by the strong hand of Elliot.
Papiss Cisse got his first sight of goal 10 minutes into the second period, but the Senegalese striker was unable to pull something out of his repertoire of sensational strikes after being found on the edge of the box by Moussa Sissoko, instead lofting his shot over the bar on the half-volley.
Sissoko was back in the center of things just minutes later, as he pulled the ball back to Yoan Gouffran in acres of space just inside the penalty area, but once again Michel Vorm watched calmly as the ball was hit high into the stands.
Yohan Cabaye almost showed his compatriot how it’s done when he lined up a shot from all of 30 yards, but his dipping effort was tipped onto the crossbar by Vorm.
The Magpies were certainly in the ascendancy, and it was soon Sissoko’s turn to have a go from range, with his well-struck shot pushed around the post by the flying Dutch goalkeeper.
However, Elliot had to be on his toes when substitute Ki Sung-Yueng crept into the box to meet Pablo Hernandez’s crafty reverse pass, with the grateful reserve custodian saving well after the South Korean slipped as he took his shot.
The keeper was not so lucky minutes later though, as Wayne Routledge’s cross caused an embarrassing mix-up between Taylor and Davide Santon in the penalty area, allowing the loose ball to fall to the feet of Moore, who kept his cool to hit a shot that deflected off Cabaye’s desperate last-ditch tackle and into the back of the net.
It was a cruel blow for Pardew’s men, who looked the more likely to come out on top for much of the second half, but Swansea fans will have little sympathy as their side’s fantastic season continues.
Everton 3-1 Reading: Toffees close gap on Arsenal with Pienaar on form
Everton maintained its push for European football next season with a resounding 3-1 win over Reading at Goodison Park.
Three fantastic goals from Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas gave the Toffees a deserved 3-1 win after David Moyes’ side had lost its previous two league fixtures. Hal Robson-Kanu scored the visitors’ goal late on.
Reading has now lost eight of its last 10 on the road despite winning the previous meeting of the clubs 2-1 in November.
Tim Howard's consecutive run of Premier League appearances came to an end at 210, as an injury meant Jan Mucha got the start in goal for Everton.
Reading was almost in front after 19 minutes through Adam Le Fondre, as the striker hit the woodwork from just inside the box after a corner.
Kevin Mirallas very nearly scored one of the goals of the season just after the half hour mark, bursting forward from the halfway line before firing a right-footed shot from the edge of the area that Stuart Taylor somehow managed to save.
Fellaini put the hosts in front after 42 minutes, heading home from close range after a great right wing cross from Seamus Coleman.
Everton’s Belgian contingent of Fellaini and Mirallas both went close before Nikica Jelavic and Fellaini failed to convert during a frenzied scramble in the Reading penalty area.
Pienaar got Everton’s second after 58 minutes, collecting the ball on the halfway line from Fellaini before charging towards the Reading goal. The winger cut inside on his left foot at the edge of the area before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top left corner of the goal to make it 2-0.
It was almost three for the Toffees a few minutes later when Mirallas’ tremendous close control in the area saw him drill past the far post where Fellaini was running in for a tap-in.
A terrific performance from Mirallas deserved a goal and the winger got it after 66 minutes, hooking the ball in at the near post after Pienaar’s through ball.
Robson-Kanu pulled one back for Reading late on with a close range header from Ian Harte’s cross before Victor Anichebe had an effort cleared off the line.
Everton maintained its push for European football next season with a resounding 3-1 win over Reading at Goodison Park.
Three fantastic goals from Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas gave the Toffees a deserved 3-1 win after David Moyes’ side had lost its previous two league fixtures. Hal Robson-Kanu scored the visitors’ goal late on.
Reading has now lost eight of its last 10 on the road despite winning the previous meeting of the clubs 2-1 in November.
Tim Howard's consecutive run of Premier League appearances came to an end at 210, as an injury meant Jan Mucha got the start in goal for Everton.
Reading was almost in front after 19 minutes through Adam Le Fondre, as the striker hit the woodwork from just inside the box after a corner.
Kevin Mirallas very nearly scored one of the goals of the season just after the half hour mark, bursting forward from the halfway line before firing a right-footed shot from the edge of the area that Stuart Taylor somehow managed to save.
Fellaini put the hosts in front after 42 minutes, heading home from close range after a great right wing cross from Seamus Coleman.
Everton’s Belgian contingent of Fellaini and Mirallas both went close before Nikica Jelavic and Fellaini failed to convert during a frenzied scramble in the Reading penalty area.
Pienaar got Everton’s second after 58 minutes, collecting the ball on the halfway line from Fellaini before charging towards the Reading goal. The winger cut inside on his left foot at the edge of the area before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top left corner of the goal to make it 2-0.
It was almost three for the Toffees a few minutes later when Mirallas’ tremendous close control in the area saw him drill past the far post where Fellaini was running in for a tap-in.
A terrific performance from Mirallas deserved a goal and the winger got it after 66 minutes, hooking the ball in at the near post after Pienaar’s through ball.
Robson-Kanu pulled one back for Reading late on with a close range header from Ian Harte’s cross before Victor Anichebe had an effort cleared off the line.
Stoke City 0-1 West Ham: Collison nets priceless winner to see off Potters
West Ham recorded its first away victory since November with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Stoke, inflicting only the second home defeat on the Potters this season.
Substitute Jack Collison was the match winner when he put the visitors ahead with his second goal of the season deep into first-half injury time. The midfielder drilled a low shot past Asmir Begovic after excellent work from fellow substitute Ricardo Vaz Te.
Both teams were forced into changes following defeats in their last outings; Stoke brought Michael Kightly, Cameron Jerome and Andy Wilkinson in for Geoff Cameron, the injured Matthew Etherington and the suspended Robert Huth.
West Ham’s only change was Matt Taylor coming in for Kevin Nolan who broke his toe against Tottenham. However, two enforced changes inside the opening 10 minutes set the Hammers back.
James Collins saw a free header loop over Asmir Begovic in the 25th minute only for it to clip the top of the crossbar on its way over. And moments later Collison could only fire straight at the Bosnian keeper from an unmarked position on the edge of the penalty area.
The Hammers should have had a penalty 10 minutes later as Ryan Shotton’s lazy tackled ended a surging run for Mohamed Diame inside the penalty area, but referee John Moss was not interested in giving what appeared to be a clear foul on the midfielder.
Andy Carroll, with only three goals this season, then missed the best chance of the half as he got in front of his marker to meet a right wing cross but he headed miles wide with a mistimed header.
With the half all but over the Hammers took the lead through Collison after an excellent run from Ricardo Vaz Te, the forward played a neat reverse pass to Collison and he calmly fired beyond Begovic from 12 yards.
After the break, chances continued to be hard to come by but both goalkeepers were forced into saves just before the hour.
Begovic was called into action first as Vaz Te rolled a perfect pass in behind the Stoke defense for Matt Jarvis, the winger set himself and fired a good effort towards the bottom corner but the Bosnian stopper got his feet to the shot to clear the danger.
Minutes later the hosts had a fabulous chance but saw it wasted by Peter Crouch. Jerome raced away down the right hand side and although his cross was deflected, it ran right into Crouch’s path, but his effort from the edge of the area was saved well by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Stoke piled the pressure on for the remainder of the half but even though Charlie Adam, Kenwyne Jones and Brek Shea were all introduced, the Potters could not break down a resolute and well organized Hammers defense, although Adam was denied by the crossbar with a superb late effort.
West Ham recorded its first away victory since November with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Stoke, inflicting only the second home defeat on the Potters this season.
Substitute Jack Collison was the match winner when he put the visitors ahead with his second goal of the season deep into first-half injury time. The midfielder drilled a low shot past Asmir Begovic after excellent work from fellow substitute Ricardo Vaz Te.
Both teams were forced into changes following defeats in their last outings; Stoke brought Michael Kightly, Cameron Jerome and Andy Wilkinson in for Geoff Cameron, the injured Matthew Etherington and the suspended Robert Huth.
West Ham’s only change was Matt Taylor coming in for Kevin Nolan who broke his toe against Tottenham. However, two enforced changes inside the opening 10 minutes set the Hammers back.
James Collins saw a free header loop over Asmir Begovic in the 25th minute only for it to clip the top of the crossbar on its way over. And moments later Collison could only fire straight at the Bosnian keeper from an unmarked position on the edge of the penalty area.
The Hammers should have had a penalty 10 minutes later as Ryan Shotton’s lazy tackled ended a surging run for Mohamed Diame inside the penalty area, but referee John Moss was not interested in giving what appeared to be a clear foul on the midfielder.
Andy Carroll, with only three goals this season, then missed the best chance of the half as he got in front of his marker to meet a right wing cross but he headed miles wide with a mistimed header.
With the half all but over the Hammers took the lead through Collison after an excellent run from Ricardo Vaz Te, the forward played a neat reverse pass to Collison and he calmly fired beyond Begovic from 12 yards.
After the break, chances continued to be hard to come by but both goalkeepers were forced into saves just before the hour.
Begovic was called into action first as Vaz Te rolled a perfect pass in behind the Stoke defense for Matt Jarvis, the winger set himself and fired a good effort towards the bottom corner but the Bosnian stopper got his feet to the shot to clear the danger.
Minutes later the hosts had a fabulous chance but saw it wasted by Peter Crouch. Jerome raced away down the right hand side and although his cross was deflected, it ran right into Crouch’s path, but his effort from the edge of the area was saved well by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Stoke piled the pressure on for the remainder of the half but even though Charlie Adam, Kenwyne Jones and Brek Shea were all introduced, the Potters could not break down a resolute and well organized Hammers defense, although Adam was denied by the crossbar with a superb late effort.
Chelsea 1-0 West Brom: Ba downs Baggies to quiet Benitez boo boys
A first half goal from Demba Ba relieved some of the pressure on Rafa Benitez as Chelsea took all three points in a one-sided encounter against West Bromwich Albion.
In a game that it controlled from start to finish, the home side opened the proceedings courtesy of a well-worked set-piece as, after Luiz headed an Oscar delivery back across the face of goal, the former West Ham man was there to put the Blues deservedly ahead.
Chelsea continued to control the game but, despite proving unable to further capitalize on its dominance, it saw out the game fairly comfortably, in spite of a couple of adept late saves from the largely untested Petr Cech.Benitez, as expected, made wholesale changes from the rotated side that overcame Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Wednesday, as Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Demba Ba all returned to the starting eleven.
The away side, meanwhile, made a couple of enforced changes from the side that beat Sunderland 2-1 last Saturday as, with Romelu Lukaku unable to play against his parent club and captain Chris Brunt injured, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Graham Dorrans stepped into the starting eleven.
Chelsea had the better of the opening proceedings and were almost ahead after just three minutes, as, after Ba put in a good delivery from the right, Oscar almost converted, only to be denied by a smart Foster save.Aside from a long-range Steven Reid free kick that Petr Cech tipped over, the home side managed to control the early stages as Oscar and Ba both missed opportunities to break the deadlock within the opening half-hour.
Eventually though, Chelsea's goal arrived and it was courtesy of a cleverly-worked short corner. After a Luiz's free kick was tipped adeptly wide by Foster, Oscar received the ball short from the ensuing set piece and whipped a ball towards the back post. Luiz was there to head the ball back across the goal, finding Ba on the edge of the six yard box to put the home side deservedly ahead after 28 minutes.
After seeing out the remainder of a testing first half, the Baggies' second half continued in much the same vein as Chelsea absolutely dominated the opening fifteen minutes, albeit without really testing Foster.
The game took a contentious turn with an hour gone as there were vehement claims for a penalty after Olsson appeared to bring down Hazard in the area; the referee deemed it a fair challenge though and Chelsea continued to search for a potentially decisive second goal.Oscar went closest to putting his side further ahead with around fifteen minutes remaining as he was denied twice in quick succession by Foster as the goalkeeper first saved well from the Brazilian's volley, before then tipping wide from his low strike.
With the home side proving unable to further capitalize on its dominance, the Baggies started to threaten with ten minutes left on the clock as Cech was tested twice in a matter of minutes as substitute Peter Odemwingie forced him to tip over from a free-kick, before he then palmed a goalbound Azpilicueta header over and away.
A first half goal from Demba Ba relieved some of the pressure on Rafa Benitez as Chelsea took all three points in a one-sided encounter against West Bromwich Albion.
In a game that it controlled from start to finish, the home side opened the proceedings courtesy of a well-worked set-piece as, after Luiz headed an Oscar delivery back across the face of goal, the former West Ham man was there to put the Blues deservedly ahead.
Chelsea continued to control the game but, despite proving unable to further capitalize on its dominance, it saw out the game fairly comfortably, in spite of a couple of adept late saves from the largely untested Petr Cech.Benitez, as expected, made wholesale changes from the rotated side that overcame Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Wednesday, as Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Demba Ba all returned to the starting eleven.
The away side, meanwhile, made a couple of enforced changes from the side that beat Sunderland 2-1 last Saturday as, with Romelu Lukaku unable to play against his parent club and captain Chris Brunt injured, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Graham Dorrans stepped into the starting eleven.
Chelsea had the better of the opening proceedings and were almost ahead after just three minutes, as, after Ba put in a good delivery from the right, Oscar almost converted, only to be denied by a smart Foster save.Aside from a long-range Steven Reid free kick that Petr Cech tipped over, the home side managed to control the early stages as Oscar and Ba both missed opportunities to break the deadlock within the opening half-hour.
Eventually though, Chelsea's goal arrived and it was courtesy of a cleverly-worked short corner. After a Luiz's free kick was tipped adeptly wide by Foster, Oscar received the ball short from the ensuing set piece and whipped a ball towards the back post. Luiz was there to head the ball back across the goal, finding Ba on the edge of the six yard box to put the home side deservedly ahead after 28 minutes.
After seeing out the remainder of a testing first half, the Baggies' second half continued in much the same vein as Chelsea absolutely dominated the opening fifteen minutes, albeit without really testing Foster.
The game took a contentious turn with an hour gone as there were vehement claims for a penalty after Olsson appeared to bring down Hazard in the area; the referee deemed it a fair challenge though and Chelsea continued to search for a potentially decisive second goal.Oscar went closest to putting his side further ahead with around fifteen minutes remaining as he was denied twice in quick succession by Foster as the goalkeeper first saved well from the Brazilian's volley, before then tipping wide from his low strike.
With the home side proving unable to further capitalize on its dominance, the Baggies started to threaten with ten minutes left on the clock as Cech was tested twice in a matter of minutes as substitute Peter Odemwingie forced him to tip over from a free-kick, before he then palmed a goalbound Azpilicueta header over and away.
Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona: Towering Ramos header leaves Catalans defeated again
Real Madrid had the measure of Barcelona once again, claiming a 2-1 victory in Saturday's Liga Clasico at Santiago Bernabeu.
The match came just four days after Madrid's 3-1 Copa del Rey win over its great rival at Camp Nou, but the tone could not have been any more different, with both sides reluctant to over-exert themselves with Champions League fixtures on the horizon.
With Cristiano Ronaldo looking on from the bench, Los Blancos took an early lead after only six minutes when Karim Benzema turned home Alvaro Morata's cross at the far post.
But Barca would soon hit back through Lionel Messi, who finished off a Dani Alves feed to score in his 16th straight Liga game, and equal Alfredo Di Sefano's Clasico record of 18 goals.
The match seemed destined to finish in a draw, but eight minutes from the end, Sergio Ramos rose highest to head home Luka Modric's corner and clinch the points for Madrid - though the defender was lucky not to concede a late penalty after a blatant trip on Adriano.
Jose Mourinho's men now move to within a point of second placed Atletico Madrid, which could cut Barca's lead at the top of the table to single digits should it emerge victorious at Malaga on Sunday.
Xavi was replaced by Thiago in midfield after picking up a hamstring injury while Carles Puyol, perhaps inevitably after his error for Madrid’s second goal midweek, made way for Javier Mascherano in defense.
Mourinho only kept four players who started Tuesday’s match, with Kaka replacing the suspended Angel Di Maria, and Morata chosen in to lead the line in the absence of Ronaldo.
And with only six minutes gone, the 20-year-old forward justified his selection by fashioning the opener, taking advantage of Alves’ half-hearted pressure to put in a fantastic cross for Benzema, who was left with a simple tap in at the back post.
But Alves would make amends 12 minutes later. His sublime through pass cut straight through the heart of Madrid and released Messi, who cut onto his left foot ahead of the back-pedalling Ramos and drilled in at the near post.
The visitors had responded well to the early setback, and worked themselves onto a more even footing in the game. The on-pitch atmosphere, as expected, was as relaxed as any Clasico in recent years, with the cutthroat intensity of meetings past conspicuously absent.The second half unfolded in much the same un-fussed manner as the first, though Raphael Varane had to be at his absolute best to thwart Villa with a sliding tackle at point blank range, after Messi’s through ball opened up the defense.
With half an hour remaining, Ronaldo was summoned from the bench to replace Kaka, and five minutes after his introduction, the Portuguese made his presence felt with a stinging free-kick that was parried by Victor Valdes.Morata would go close yet again, but after latching on to Pepe's brilliant pass, he saw his finish thwarted from close range by the alert Valdes.
But with 82 minutes on the clock, Madrid would find the winner. Modric's corner saw the Barca defense hesitate, allowing Ramos just enough time to plant a superb header into the back of the net.
Ronaldo could have iced the game after crashing a 25-yard free kick off the crossbar, but instead, Madrid was left counting its blessings at the end of the game after Ramos' clear trip on Adriano inside the area went uncalled by the referee. After the final whistle, Valdes saw a red card for protesting the decision.
Real Madrid had the measure of Barcelona once again, claiming a 2-1 victory in Saturday's Liga Clasico at Santiago Bernabeu.
The match came just four days after Madrid's 3-1 Copa del Rey win over its great rival at Camp Nou, but the tone could not have been any more different, with both sides reluctant to over-exert themselves with Champions League fixtures on the horizon.
With Cristiano Ronaldo looking on from the bench, Los Blancos took an early lead after only six minutes when Karim Benzema turned home Alvaro Morata's cross at the far post.
But Barca would soon hit back through Lionel Messi, who finished off a Dani Alves feed to score in his 16th straight Liga game, and equal Alfredo Di Sefano's Clasico record of 18 goals.
The match seemed destined to finish in a draw, but eight minutes from the end, Sergio Ramos rose highest to head home Luka Modric's corner and clinch the points for Madrid - though the defender was lucky not to concede a late penalty after a blatant trip on Adriano.
Jose Mourinho's men now move to within a point of second placed Atletico Madrid, which could cut Barca's lead at the top of the table to single digits should it emerge victorious at Malaga on Sunday.
Xavi was replaced by Thiago in midfield after picking up a hamstring injury while Carles Puyol, perhaps inevitably after his error for Madrid’s second goal midweek, made way for Javier Mascherano in defense.
Mourinho only kept four players who started Tuesday’s match, with Kaka replacing the suspended Angel Di Maria, and Morata chosen in to lead the line in the absence of Ronaldo.
And with only six minutes gone, the 20-year-old forward justified his selection by fashioning the opener, taking advantage of Alves’ half-hearted pressure to put in a fantastic cross for Benzema, who was left with a simple tap in at the back post.
But Alves would make amends 12 minutes later. His sublime through pass cut straight through the heart of Madrid and released Messi, who cut onto his left foot ahead of the back-pedalling Ramos and drilled in at the near post.
The visitors had responded well to the early setback, and worked themselves onto a more even footing in the game. The on-pitch atmosphere, as expected, was as relaxed as any Clasico in recent years, with the cutthroat intensity of meetings past conspicuously absent.The second half unfolded in much the same un-fussed manner as the first, though Raphael Varane had to be at his absolute best to thwart Villa with a sliding tackle at point blank range, after Messi’s through ball opened up the defense.
With half an hour remaining, Ronaldo was summoned from the bench to replace Kaka, and five minutes after his introduction, the Portuguese made his presence felt with a stinging free-kick that was parried by Victor Valdes.Morata would go close yet again, but after latching on to Pepe's brilliant pass, he saw his finish thwarted from close range by the alert Valdes.
But with 82 minutes on the clock, Madrid would find the winner. Modric's corner saw the Barca defense hesitate, allowing Ramos just enough time to plant a superb header into the back of the net.
Ronaldo could have iced the game after crashing a 25-yard free kick off the crossbar, but instead, Madrid was left counting its blessings at the end of the game after Ramos' clear trip on Adriano inside the area went uncalled by the referee. After the final whistle, Valdes saw a red card for protesting the decision.
Wigan 0-4 Liverpool: Suarez hat trick fires Reds to thumping win
Luis Suarez scored a hat trick to drive Liverpool to a 4-0 victory over Wigan and overtake Robin van Persie in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot.
Inspired by Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, who laid on two assists, the Reds raced into a three-goal lead by halftime after Stewart Downing opened the scoring and the 21-goal scorer struck twice.
And soon after the break the away supporters were saluting Suarez again when he raced clear of the Wigan defense to add a fourth goal.
Reading had earlier lost to Everton while Aston Villa faces a difficult match against Manchester City on Monday night but the Latics' leaky defense cost them a chance to boost their hopes of top-flight survival.
Daniel Sturridge has added a new dimension to the Reds attack but so might Coutinho, and the young Brazilian quickly eased any fears Rodgers might have had in the absence of his in-form striker.
Emmerson Boyce provided a cross which Arouna Kone failed to control when totally unmarked in the box in the opening minute, but the wing back did not fare so well in his own half when Coutinho skipped past him on the left.
The 20-year-old took a quick glance across goal and teed up a cross to the back post which Downing nodded past Ali Al-Habsi from close range.
Suarez doubled the visitors' lead after fine work in midfield by Gerrard and Coutinho, with the latter this time producing a through ball that left the Uruguayan with only Al-Habsi to beat as Wigan's defending threatened to descend into the ridiculous.
Boyce forced a superb save from Pepe Reina with a volley immediately afterwards but the never-uninvolved 33-year-old then needlessly initiated a shoving match with James McArthur after the midfielder's poor back-pass almost set Suarez free.
In rather more unfortunate circumstances, Suarez made it three when his free kick from 25 yards deflected off the head of Maloney to leave Al-Habsi scrambling back across goal in a vain attempt to claw the ball away from the bottom corner.
Franco Di Santo had shown signs of life in attack for Wigan and nearly put a dent in Liverpool's lead with a powerful header from eight yards, but Reina was at the peak of his powers all evening and pushed the ball over the crossbar.
Martinez opted to stick with his 11 starters after halftime but Roger Espinoza and Antolin Alcaraz were promptly introduced after Glen Johnson raced forward to release Suarez, who poked a shot between Al-Habsi's legs.
Wigan mustered very little thereafter, though, and Reina needed only to make two saves from Maloney to preserve a well-earned clean sheet.
Luis Suarez scored a hat trick to drive Liverpool to a 4-0 victory over Wigan and overtake Robin van Persie in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot.
Inspired by Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, who laid on two assists, the Reds raced into a three-goal lead by halftime after Stewart Downing opened the scoring and the 21-goal scorer struck twice.
And soon after the break the away supporters were saluting Suarez again when he raced clear of the Wigan defense to add a fourth goal.
Reading had earlier lost to Everton while Aston Villa faces a difficult match against Manchester City on Monday night but the Latics' leaky defense cost them a chance to boost their hopes of top-flight survival.
Daniel Sturridge has added a new dimension to the Reds attack but so might Coutinho, and the young Brazilian quickly eased any fears Rodgers might have had in the absence of his in-form striker.
Emmerson Boyce provided a cross which Arouna Kone failed to control when totally unmarked in the box in the opening minute, but the wing back did not fare so well in his own half when Coutinho skipped past him on the left.
The 20-year-old took a quick glance across goal and teed up a cross to the back post which Downing nodded past Ali Al-Habsi from close range.
Suarez doubled the visitors' lead after fine work in midfield by Gerrard and Coutinho, with the latter this time producing a through ball that left the Uruguayan with only Al-Habsi to beat as Wigan's defending threatened to descend into the ridiculous.
Boyce forced a superb save from Pepe Reina with a volley immediately afterwards but the never-uninvolved 33-year-old then needlessly initiated a shoving match with James McArthur after the midfielder's poor back-pass almost set Suarez free.
In rather more unfortunate circumstances, Suarez made it three when his free kick from 25 yards deflected off the head of Maloney to leave Al-Habsi scrambling back across goal in a vain attempt to claw the ball away from the bottom corner.
Franco Di Santo had shown signs of life in attack for Wigan and nearly put a dent in Liverpool's lead with a powerful header from eight yards, but Reina was at the peak of his powers all evening and pushed the ball over the crossbar.
Martinez opted to stick with his 11 starters after halftime but Roger Espinoza and Antolin Alcaraz were promptly introduced after Glen Johnson raced forward to release Suarez, who poked a shot between Al-Habsi's legs.
Wigan mustered very little thereafter, though, and Reina needed only to make two saves from Maloney to preserve a well-earned clean sheet.
Congratulations Manchester United!!!
Manchester United 4-0 Norwich: Kagawa hat trick sends United 15 points clear
A Shinji Kagawa hat trick helped Manchester United cruise to a comfortable 4-0 Premier League win against Norwich City at Old Trafford, to extend its lead at the summit of the table to 15 points.
The win against Chris Hughton’s subdued side never looked in much doubt, with Shinji Kagawa handing the home side a 1-0 lead just before half time after firing home at the near post following Robin Van Persie’s knockdown.
Kagawa then added two after the interval, coolly slotting home Wayne Rooney’s selfless pass to quell any hopes of a Norwich comeback before dinking over Mark Bunn to furnish a fluid counterattack with a delightful finish. Rooney put a gloss on the scoreline, smashing in from 25 yards with the game drawing to a close.
The result sees Manchester United further stretch its unbeaten run, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side now 18 games without a loss in all competitions ahead of Tuesday night’s crunch Champions League match with Real Madrid.
Sir Alex Ferguson sprung a couple of surprises by leaving Ryan Giggs – who is awaiting his 1000thsenior appearance – out of his match day squad, while also opting to start both Rooney and Van Persie with the visit of Jose Mourinho’s side just three days away.
The visitors made just one change from the side which came from behind to defeat Everton last weekend, with Anthony Pilkington drafted in for Luciano Becchio.
Aside from an over-hit Bradley Johnson cross in the game’s opening exchanges, Norwich spent the entire first half entrenched in its own half as the home side labored to prise them open.
United clicked through the gears with Michael Carrick drawing a routine stop from Mark Bunn at the near post and Van Persie and Rooney providing a moment of quality before their slick one-touch exchange was halted by Bunn at the feet of the Dutchman.
Just as it seemed the opening 45 minutes would peter out goalless United found itself ahead moments before the interval, with Kagawa lashing in at the near post after Van Persie had prodded Antonio Valencia’s cross into the playmaker’s path.
Norwich started the second half in a more adventurous manner though after getting into several promising positions out wide the visitors were unable to produce telling balls into the box, with Grant Holt the obvious target.Right back Russell Martin was spared significant blushes after horribly miscuing Holt’s nod-down just four yards out from goal, with the Canaries front-man ruled offside.
Van Persie was replaced by Danny Welbeck on 65 minutes as United sought to rest their top goal-scorer and re-establish a stranglehold on the game, while Norwich brought on Kei Kamara – the catalyst for his side’s unlikely comeback against Everton last weekend – moments later.
However, it was Kagawa who stylishly doubled his tally for both the game and the season on the 76thminute to put the game beyond doubt for the home side.Carrick’s raking through ball allowed Rooney to cut back for Kagawa, who nonchalantly wrong-footed Bunn to slot home.Kagawa got his hattrick moments later, taking a subtly heavy touch to collect Rooney's through ball before clipping over an advancing Bunn.
With the game entering its closing stages Rooney easily sold Johnson with a dummy 25 yards from goal to allow the space for a rasping drive that easily beat Bunn to put a gloss on a convincing Manchester United win.
Manchester United 4-0 Norwich: Kagawa hat trick sends United 15 points clear 
A Shinji Kagawa hat trick helped Manchester United cruise to a comfortable 4-0 Premier League win against Norwich City at Old Trafford, to extend its lead at the summit of the table to 15 points.
The win against Chris Hughton’s subdued side never looked in much doubt, with Shinji Kagawa handing the home side a 1-0 lead just before half time after firing home at the near post following Robin Van Persie’s knockdown.
Kagawa then added two after the interval, coolly slotting home Wayne Rooney’s selfless pass to quell any hopes of a Norwich comeback before dinking over Mark Bunn to furnish a fluid counterattack with a delightful finish. Rooney put a gloss on the scoreline, smashing in from 25 yards with the game drawing to a close.
The result sees Manchester United further stretch its unbeaten run, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side now 18 games without a loss in all competitions ahead of Tuesday night’s crunch Champions League match with Real Madrid.
Sir Alex Ferguson sprung a couple of surprises by leaving Ryan Giggs – who is awaiting his 1000thsenior appearance – out of his match day squad, while also opting to start both Rooney and Van Persie with the visit of Jose Mourinho’s side just three days away.
The visitors made just one change from the side which came from behind to defeat Everton last weekend, with Anthony Pilkington drafted in for Luciano Becchio.
Aside from an over-hit Bradley Johnson cross in the game’s opening exchanges, Norwich spent the entire first half entrenched in its own half as the home side labored to prise them open.
United clicked through the gears with Michael Carrick drawing a routine stop from Mark Bunn at the near post and Van Persie and Rooney providing a moment of quality before their slick one-touch exchange was halted by Bunn at the feet of the Dutchman.
Just as it seemed the opening 45 minutes would peter out goalless United found itself ahead moments before the interval, with Kagawa lashing in at the near post after Van Persie had prodded Antonio Valencia’s cross into the playmaker’s path.
Norwich started the second half in a more adventurous manner though after getting into several promising positions out wide the visitors were unable to produce telling balls into the box, with Grant Holt the obvious target.Right back Russell Martin was spared significant blushes after horribly miscuing Holt’s nod-down just four yards out from goal, with the Canaries front-man ruled offside.
Van Persie was replaced by Danny Welbeck on 65 minutes as United sought to rest their top goal-scorer and re-establish a stranglehold on the game, while Norwich brought on Kei Kamara – the catalyst for his side’s unlikely comeback against Everton last weekend – moments later.
However, it was Kagawa who stylishly doubled his tally for both the game and the season on the 76thminute to put the game beyond doubt for the home side.Carrick’s raking through ball allowed Rooney to cut back for Kagawa, who nonchalantly wrong-footed Bunn to slot home.Kagawa got his hattrick moments later, taking a subtly heavy touch to collect Rooney's through ball before clipping over an advancing Bunn.
With the game entering its closing stages Rooney easily sold Johnson with a dummy 25 yards from goal to allow the space for a rasping drive that easily beat Bunn to put a gloss on a convincing Manchester United win.
Congratulations Manchester United!!!
Congratulations Manchester United!
Kagawa is Back!
Congratulations Kagawa
Hat-Trick 1ka maru
& Rooney ge goal 1kath Patta!
Congratulations Manchester United!Kagawa is Back!
Hat-Trick 1ka maru & Rooney ge goal 1kath Patta!
Stade de Reims 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain: Ancelotti's side suffers major upset thanks to Krychowiak strike
kagawa nam patta
Ada Hat-Tricks 2kai
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