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..::Football II::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
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Barclays Premier League 2013.04.20 Fixtures
Fulham Vs Arsenal
Barcelona 1-0 Levante: Cesc nets winner but Catalans stutter without Messi
A below-par Barcelona left it late to clinch a 1-0 victory over Levante at Camp Nou in la Liga on Saturday.
Sevilla was the last team to hold the Catalans scoreless at home in November 2011, and Levante were six minutes away from repeating the feat after frustrating the Blaugrana for long spells with a dogged defensive display.
But Cesc Fabregas would pop up with the all-important goal towards the end to clinch all three points for Barca, though the stuttering performance was far from what Tito Vilanova would have wanted with the visit of Bayern Munich to come midweek.
Lionel Messi was excluded from the match day squad altogether to speed his return to full fitness, but the Catalans were boosted by the return of Eric Abidal to the starting lineup for the first time in 14 months.
Plenty of possession but paltry penetration was the story of the game for Barca in the opening exchanges, but with 17 minutes gone, it was contentiously handed a chance to take the lead after Pape Diop was penalized, harshly, for a foul on Andres Iniesta in the box.
But justice would be done for the visitors, when Keylor Navas guessed correctly to push away David Villa’s sub-par attempt from the penalty spot.Barca continued to find clear-cut chances hard to come by despite completely monopolizing the ball, and it took a stunning 35-yard drive from Dani Alves to force Navas into his next meaningful action of the match.
Navas would thwart Villa for the second time just before the end of the half, as Levante’s ability to frustrate the Catalans into the interval meant their task was half done.And that pattern continued into the second half as Barca’s struggles continued. Robert Acquafresca even had the ball in the back of the net, though his effort was correctly chalked off for offside.
Camp Nou was growing restless as the home side’s tiki-taka football failed to prise open any cracks in the opposition defense, and Pedro and Xavi both emerged off the bench for the latter stages in place of Thiago and Iniesta.
But the changes did little to freshen up Barca’s ranks as Vilanova would have hoped, as its schemes and plots in front of the Levante box continued to yield no reward.With nine minutes remaining, hope was restored for one brief second when Alves’ cross was played into the path of Villa 10 yards out, but true to his form throughout the game, the striker blazed over the bar.
But in the 84th minute, the breakthrough would arrive at last. Alexis Sanchez slid to Fabregas just inside the area, and the former Arsenal man picked his spot in the bottom corner expertly to finally break Levante for good.
A below-par Barcelona left it late to clinch a 1-0 victory over Levante at Camp Nou in la Liga on Saturday.
Sevilla was the last team to hold the Catalans scoreless at home in November 2011, and Levante were six minutes away from repeating the feat after frustrating the Blaugrana for long spells with a dogged defensive display.
But Cesc Fabregas would pop up with the all-important goal towards the end to clinch all three points for Barca, though the stuttering performance was far from what Tito Vilanova would have wanted with the visit of Bayern Munich to come midweek.
Lionel Messi was excluded from the match day squad altogether to speed his return to full fitness, but the Catalans were boosted by the return of Eric Abidal to the starting lineup for the first time in 14 months.
Plenty of possession but paltry penetration was the story of the game for Barca in the opening exchanges, but with 17 minutes gone, it was contentiously handed a chance to take the lead after Pape Diop was penalized, harshly, for a foul on Andres Iniesta in the box.
But justice would be done for the visitors, when Keylor Navas guessed correctly to push away David Villa’s sub-par attempt from the penalty spot.Barca continued to find clear-cut chances hard to come by despite completely monopolizing the ball, and it took a stunning 35-yard drive from Dani Alves to force Navas into his next meaningful action of the match.
Navas would thwart Villa for the second time just before the end of the half, as Levante’s ability to frustrate the Catalans into the interval meant their task was half done.And that pattern continued into the second half as Barca’s struggles continued. Robert Acquafresca even had the ball in the back of the net, though his effort was correctly chalked off for offside.
Camp Nou was growing restless as the home side’s tiki-taka football failed to prise open any cracks in the opposition defense, and Pedro and Xavi both emerged off the bench for the latter stages in place of Thiago and Iniesta.
But the changes did little to freshen up Barca’s ranks as Vilanova would have hoped, as its schemes and plots in front of the Levante box continued to yield no reward.With nine minutes remaining, hope was restored for one brief second when Alves’ cross was played into the path of Villa 10 yards out, but true to his form throughout the game, the striker blazed over the bar.
But in the 84th minute, the breakthrough would arrive at last. Alexis Sanchez slid to Fabregas just inside the area, and the former Arsenal man picked his spot in the bottom corner expertly to finally break Levante for good.
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal: Mertesacker moves Gunners up to third
Arsenal managed to eek out a tight victory at Fulham and move back up into third in the Premier League table.
After Steve Sidwell’s early red-card, the Gunners struggled at a sun-bathed Craven Cottage but secured the win thanks to Per Mertesacker’s first half goal.
The hosts made four changes to the one that collapsed at home to West London rivals Chelsea while for Arsenal. Nacho Monreal and Tomas Rosicky returned in place of English duo Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere.
The early minutes saw the Cottagers struggle to even get a touch of the ball against a confident-looking Arsenal at a sun-bathed Craven Cottage. The visitors possession was almost total and Fulham’s frustration showed when Sidwell earned himself a red card on 12 minutes for an over-the-ball challenge on Mikel Arteta.
The former Chelsea and Aston Villa man was only just making his return from a previous three-match suspension and he really could have no complaints about referee Andre Marriner’s decision.
However, despite that unexpected boost, the Gunners struggled to create openings and on on 20 minutes it was Fulham who went closest to breaking the deadlock. A surging run from Urby Emanuelson saw the Dutchman dissect the visitors’ backline with a reverse pass that fell perfectly for Dimitar Berbatov. However, the Bulgarian could only direct his close range-effort straight at Wojciech Szczesny.
Indeed, it took until the 27th minute for Mark Schwarzer to be called into action when the veteran Australian made routine saves from first Aaron Ramsey and then Theo Walcott.
Those initial openings were followed by Arsenal’s first real opportunity when Olivier Giroud collected a Santi Cazorla pass well and fired across Schwarzer only to find the outside the post. However, Fulham continued to threaten on the counter-attack and Emanuelson forced Sczesney into a sprawling save after showing good strength to win the ball back off Monreal.
With two minutes of the half to play, the Gunners finally made their numerical advantage count. Ruiz was caught sleeping from a Walcott free kick and that left Laurent Koscielny free to nod across goal for central defensive partner Mertesacker to stoop in for the opening goal.
The second half started in much the same fashion as the first with a buoyant Arsenal controlling possession without really causing much a threat, though Ruiz scooped a close-range free kick over the bar for the hosts. In the glorious spring sunshine, the Gunners looked content to simply pass the ball around Fulham in the second half without exerting real pressure on Mark Schwarzer.
However, the Australian showed good reactions to rush out at the feet of Walcott when he looked set to latch onto a Cazorla pass.
The Gunners’ were almost made to pay for their rather casual approach when Szczesny palmed away a Ruiz free kick into the path of Stanislav Manolev to tuck away the rebound. However, the Bulgarian’s celebrations were pulled up by a correct offside flag.
In the closing minutes, Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud earned himself a straight red-card for a poor challenge on Manolev.
Arsenal managed to eek out a tight victory at Fulham and move back up into third in the Premier League table.
After Steve Sidwell’s early red-card, the Gunners struggled at a sun-bathed Craven Cottage but secured the win thanks to Per Mertesacker’s first half goal.
The hosts made four changes to the one that collapsed at home to West London rivals Chelsea while for Arsenal. Nacho Monreal and Tomas Rosicky returned in place of English duo Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere.
The early minutes saw the Cottagers struggle to even get a touch of the ball against a confident-looking Arsenal at a sun-bathed Craven Cottage. The visitors possession was almost total and Fulham’s frustration showed when Sidwell earned himself a red card on 12 minutes for an over-the-ball challenge on Mikel Arteta.
The former Chelsea and Aston Villa man was only just making his return from a previous three-match suspension and he really could have no complaints about referee Andre Marriner’s decision.
However, despite that unexpected boost, the Gunners struggled to create openings and on on 20 minutes it was Fulham who went closest to breaking the deadlock. A surging run from Urby Emanuelson saw the Dutchman dissect the visitors’ backline with a reverse pass that fell perfectly for Dimitar Berbatov. However, the Bulgarian could only direct his close range-effort straight at Wojciech Szczesny.
Indeed, it took until the 27th minute for Mark Schwarzer to be called into action when the veteran Australian made routine saves from first Aaron Ramsey and then Theo Walcott.
Those initial openings were followed by Arsenal’s first real opportunity when Olivier Giroud collected a Santi Cazorla pass well and fired across Schwarzer only to find the outside the post. However, Fulham continued to threaten on the counter-attack and Emanuelson forced Sczesney into a sprawling save after showing good strength to win the ball back off Monreal.
With two minutes of the half to play, the Gunners finally made their numerical advantage count. Ruiz was caught sleeping from a Walcott free kick and that left Laurent Koscielny free to nod across goal for central defensive partner Mertesacker to stoop in for the opening goal.
The second half started in much the same fashion as the first with a buoyant Arsenal controlling possession without really causing much a threat, though Ruiz scooped a close-range free kick over the bar for the hosts. In the glorious spring sunshine, the Gunners looked content to simply pass the ball around Fulham in the second half without exerting real pressure on Mark Schwarzer.
However, the Australian showed good reactions to rush out at the feet of Walcott when he looked set to latch onto a Cazorla pass.
The Gunners’ were almost made to pay for their rather casual approach when Szczesny palmed away a Ruiz free kick into the path of Stanislav Manolev to tuck away the rebound. However, the Bulgarian’s celebrations were pulled up by a correct offside flag.
In the closing minutes, Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud earned himself a straight red-card for a poor challenge on Manolev.
West Brom 1-1 Newcastle: Jones leveller sees Magpies stuck in relegation scrap
West Brom fought back from a goal down to take a share of the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Newcastle responded well to last week’s crushing defeat at home to local rival Sunderland by taking an early lead with a header from Yoan Gouffran after a dominant first-half display.
Yet a resurgent West Brom roared its way back into the game with an equaliser from Billy Jones just after the hour mark which was enough to warrant a point.
The Baggies made three changes from their defeat to Arsenal with Romelu Lukaku and Marc-Antoine Fortune leading the line whilst Steve Clarke also opted for a return to action for Gordon Popov. Alan Pardew welcomed back James Perch and Massaidio Haidara to first-team duties with the latter making his full Premier League debut for the club.
The visitors started out of the block and took the lead inside the opening ten minutes with their first attempt. A fine passing move allowed Papiss Cisse the chance to drift a cross in from the left-hand side – his delivery cushioned into the net by Gouffran past a hapless Ben Foster in goal.
Newcastle was in control and piled on the pressure with two efforts in quick succession but the Baggies goalkeeper denied a deft flick from Steven Taylor and a crisp volley from Yohan Cabaye from the subsequent corner. Foster then spared the blushes of Jonas Olsson when his under-hit back-pass fell to Cisse only for the striker to spurn the opportunity with a failed dinked effort.
The first-half ended in controversy when the home side were denied a penalty for a foul on Billy Jones. The referee and his assistant – who was a mere ten yards away – awarded a free-kick just outside the area for an outstretched leg from James Perch, yet replays confirmed the challenge was inside the box.
West Brom – which looked lifeless in the first period – made a halftime change through the introduction of Shane Long, who immediately picked the side up a gear. The striker nearly made a dramatic impact inside two minutes when he was denied a poacher’s effort after Rob Elliot fumbled a fizzing long-range drive from Fortune.
But West Brom's second-half improvements were awarded with a delightful team goal from Jones. The strength and hold-up play from Lukuku inside the area gave the defender a chance to stab the ball into the net to give his side a deserved equalizer.
Newcastle eased its way back into the game towards the final ten minutes to numb the threat of the home side. With the clock ticking down, the two teams played out to a score draw after an entertaining game of two halves left Pardew's side embroiled further in the relegation battle.
West Brom fought back from a goal down to take a share of the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Newcastle responded well to last week’s crushing defeat at home to local rival Sunderland by taking an early lead with a header from Yoan Gouffran after a dominant first-half display.
Yet a resurgent West Brom roared its way back into the game with an equaliser from Billy Jones just after the hour mark which was enough to warrant a point.
The Baggies made three changes from their defeat to Arsenal with Romelu Lukaku and Marc-Antoine Fortune leading the line whilst Steve Clarke also opted for a return to action for Gordon Popov. Alan Pardew welcomed back James Perch and Massaidio Haidara to first-team duties with the latter making his full Premier League debut for the club.
The visitors started out of the block and took the lead inside the opening ten minutes with their first attempt. A fine passing move allowed Papiss Cisse the chance to drift a cross in from the left-hand side – his delivery cushioned into the net by Gouffran past a hapless Ben Foster in goal.
Newcastle was in control and piled on the pressure with two efforts in quick succession but the Baggies goalkeeper denied a deft flick from Steven Taylor and a crisp volley from Yohan Cabaye from the subsequent corner. Foster then spared the blushes of Jonas Olsson when his under-hit back-pass fell to Cisse only for the striker to spurn the opportunity with a failed dinked effort.
The first-half ended in controversy when the home side were denied a penalty for a foul on Billy Jones. The referee and his assistant – who was a mere ten yards away – awarded a free-kick just outside the area for an outstretched leg from James Perch, yet replays confirmed the challenge was inside the box.
West Brom – which looked lifeless in the first period – made a halftime change through the introduction of Shane Long, who immediately picked the side up a gear. The striker nearly made a dramatic impact inside two minutes when he was denied a poacher’s effort after Rob Elliot fumbled a fizzing long-range drive from Fortune.
But West Brom's second-half improvements were awarded with a delightful team goal from Jones. The strength and hold-up play from Lukuku inside the area gave the defender a chance to stab the ball into the net to give his side a deserved equalizer.
Newcastle eased its way back into the game towards the final ten minutes to numb the threat of the home side. With the clock ticking down, the two teams played out to a score draw after an entertaining game of two halves left Pardew's side embroiled further in the relegation battle.
Real Madrid 3-1 Real Betis: Blancos prepare for Dortmund with victory
Real Madrid made it 10 La Liga outings without defeat as it overcame a dogged Betis 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The visitors game a good account of themselves in the capital, but Mesut Ozil managed to break the deadlock on the stroke of halftime. Karim Benzema added a second soon after the restart and Ozil completed a late double, ensuring victory ahead of their Champions League semifinal with Dortmund, despite Jorge Molina having scored from the spot beforehand.
Following an open start to the game, Betis thought it had taken a surprise early lead when Ruben Castro lashed the ball into the roof of the net. The striker pounced as Diego Lopez failed to get Nosa Igiebor's header to safety only to see the referee's assistant raise his flag for an offisde decision.
Madrid refused to rush into asserting itself on the game and continued the game at a calm tempo.
Marcelo was forced from the field of play in the 13th minute due to injury, and his energy was missed down the left. Ronaldo and Jose Callejon both missed the target as the final touch remained elusive for the hosts.
Despite its defensive deficiencies, at the other end the Seville outfit impressed with crisp passing and fluid movement among the forwards. Joel Campbell sent an acrobatic volley just wide after a speedy Dorlan Pabon run and cross before Castro sent a header just over the bar in the 37th minute.
Ronaldo sent a warning in the 39th minute as his thunderous 25-yard shot cannoned back off the post, but Pabon responded in kind by rattling the bar with a sterling effort soon after.
However, los Verdiblancos could not hold out until halftime and in the 45th minute Ozil found the net. Moving in field from the right following a give-and-go with Benzema, the German shaped to shoot for the far corner but guided the ball past Adrian at his near post.
Los Blancos improved after the break and they doubled their advantage 12 minutes into the second half. Ronaldo rolled a pass into the area which Benzema latched onto and squeezed a shot past Adrian and inside the near post.
But Betis did not shy away and after Pabon had seen a couple of ambitious attempts fail to stretch Diego Lopez, it was awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute. Nacho brought down Castro in the area and Molina scored from the spot despite the keeper getting a hand to it.
Pepe Mel's team pressed for an equalizer but Castro was denied by the frame of the goal after pouncing on Ricardo Carvalho's short header back to Lopez, and Raul Albiol blocked Pabon's follow-up on the line.
Ozil wrapped up the win, temporarily moving Barcelona to within 10 points of Barcelona, when he diverted Callejon's volley into the back of the net in stoppage time.
Betis, meanwhile, could find ithself nine points adrift of Champions League qualification should results go against it.
Real Madrid made it 10 La Liga outings without defeat as it overcame a dogged Betis 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The visitors game a good account of themselves in the capital, but Mesut Ozil managed to break the deadlock on the stroke of halftime. Karim Benzema added a second soon after the restart and Ozil completed a late double, ensuring victory ahead of their Champions League semifinal with Dortmund, despite Jorge Molina having scored from the spot beforehand.
Following an open start to the game, Betis thought it had taken a surprise early lead when Ruben Castro lashed the ball into the roof of the net. The striker pounced as Diego Lopez failed to get Nosa Igiebor's header to safety only to see the referee's assistant raise his flag for an offisde decision.
Madrid refused to rush into asserting itself on the game and continued the game at a calm tempo.
Marcelo was forced from the field of play in the 13th minute due to injury, and his energy was missed down the left. Ronaldo and Jose Callejon both missed the target as the final touch remained elusive for the hosts.
Despite its defensive deficiencies, at the other end the Seville outfit impressed with crisp passing and fluid movement among the forwards. Joel Campbell sent an acrobatic volley just wide after a speedy Dorlan Pabon run and cross before Castro sent a header just over the bar in the 37th minute.
Ronaldo sent a warning in the 39th minute as his thunderous 25-yard shot cannoned back off the post, but Pabon responded in kind by rattling the bar with a sterling effort soon after.
However, los Verdiblancos could not hold out until halftime and in the 45th minute Ozil found the net. Moving in field from the right following a give-and-go with Benzema, the German shaped to shoot for the far corner but guided the ball past Adrian at his near post.
Los Blancos improved after the break and they doubled their advantage 12 minutes into the second half. Ronaldo rolled a pass into the area which Benzema latched onto and squeezed a shot past Adrian and inside the near post.
But Betis did not shy away and after Pabon had seen a couple of ambitious attempts fail to stretch Diego Lopez, it was awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute. Nacho brought down Castro in the area and Molina scored from the spot despite the keeper getting a hand to it.
Pepe Mel's team pressed for an equalizer but Castro was denied by the frame of the goal after pouncing on Ricardo Carvalho's short header back to Lopez, and Raul Albiol blocked Pabon's follow-up on the line.
Ozil wrapped up the win, temporarily moving Barcelona to within 10 points of Barcelona, when he diverted Callejon's volley into the back of the net in stoppage time.
Betis, meanwhile, could find ithself nine points adrift of Champions League qualification should results go against it.
Swansea 0-0 Southampton: Swans play out dire goalless draw with safe Saints
Southampton added a point to its late surge for a top-half finish in the Premier League with a draw against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
The hosts started well but failed to create any clear-cut chances to hammer their dominance home, before the Saints came back into the game and tested Michel Vorm on a number of occasions, as well as having a goal disallowed, in a largely uninspiring first half. The second period was much the same as neither side really tested the opposition's keeper - though Nathan Dyer did see an effort blocked off the line.
Neil Taylor was back on the Swans bench after seven months out with a fractured ankle, while Angel Rangel, Leon Britton and Pablo Hernandez all returned. Luke Moore continued up front. Meanwhile Jay Rodriguez was able to start for the Saints after fully recovering from a virus, with Gaston Ramirez dropping out, but Luke Shaw was only fit enough for the bench.
The home side dominated the opening 15 minutes as it looked comfortable and relaxed in possession. Dyer in particular caused Southampton problems on the right wing, and produced numerous decent deliveries, however the Swans failed to create any clear openings.
Jack Cork - who was making his 100th appearance for Saints - forced Michel Vorm into a decent save from a strike from range, but it was the hosts that continued to see the better of the play. However their final ball was still lacking and Boruc had little to do apart from handle some dangerous crosses.
As the game passed the 20 minute mark the visiting side managed to get more of a foothold in the contest. Rodriguez called Vorm into action again with a half volley - which the keeper was equal to - but chances largely remained few and far between as the two sides matched each other.
And with the momentum behind them, Mauricio Pochettino's turned up the pressure as the half came to a close. Rickie Lambert's free kick was acrobatically kept away from the top corner by Vorm, with Adam Lallana having a goal ruled out as he was adjudged to have fouled the hosts' keeper before tapping home from close range.
Wayne Routledge replaced the quiet Moore for Swans at the break - with Michu shifting up front - and it almost paid dividends instantly as the winger crossed for the Spaniard who headed just over Boruc's bar.
Despite the early chance the second half continued as the first ended with little goalmouth action. It was the Swans again who did finally carve out another chance - though they were helped largely by a miss-placed Lallana pass - as Maya Yoshida blocked Dyer's shot off the line.
Swansea managed to mount some meaningful pressure with around 20 minutes remaining, and created a sight at goal after some neat play in midfield but De Guzman was denied by a fantastic stop by Saints keeper Boruc's boot.
The hosts put a number of late moves together but failed to break down a hard-working Saints defence, while Vorm then denied Saints substitute Emmanuel Mayuka from grabbing a win for the visitors very late in the game.
Southampton added a point to its late surge for a top-half finish in the Premier League with a draw against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
The hosts started well but failed to create any clear-cut chances to hammer their dominance home, before the Saints came back into the game and tested Michel Vorm on a number of occasions, as well as having a goal disallowed, in a largely uninspiring first half. The second period was much the same as neither side really tested the opposition's keeper - though Nathan Dyer did see an effort blocked off the line.
Neil Taylor was back on the Swans bench after seven months out with a fractured ankle, while Angel Rangel, Leon Britton and Pablo Hernandez all returned. Luke Moore continued up front. Meanwhile Jay Rodriguez was able to start for the Saints after fully recovering from a virus, with Gaston Ramirez dropping out, but Luke Shaw was only fit enough for the bench.
The home side dominated the opening 15 minutes as it looked comfortable and relaxed in possession. Dyer in particular caused Southampton problems on the right wing, and produced numerous decent deliveries, however the Swans failed to create any clear openings.
Jack Cork - who was making his 100th appearance for Saints - forced Michel Vorm into a decent save from a strike from range, but it was the hosts that continued to see the better of the play. However their final ball was still lacking and Boruc had little to do apart from handle some dangerous crosses.
As the game passed the 20 minute mark the visiting side managed to get more of a foothold in the contest. Rodriguez called Vorm into action again with a half volley - which the keeper was equal to - but chances largely remained few and far between as the two sides matched each other.
And with the momentum behind them, Mauricio Pochettino's turned up the pressure as the half came to a close. Rickie Lambert's free kick was acrobatically kept away from the top corner by Vorm, with Adam Lallana having a goal ruled out as he was adjudged to have fouled the hosts' keeper before tapping home from close range.
Wayne Routledge replaced the quiet Moore for Swans at the break - with Michu shifting up front - and it almost paid dividends instantly as the winger crossed for the Spaniard who headed just over Boruc's bar.
Despite the early chance the second half continued as the first ended with little goalmouth action. It was the Swans again who did finally carve out another chance - though they were helped largely by a miss-placed Lallana pass - as Maya Yoshida blocked Dyer's shot off the line.
Swansea managed to mount some meaningful pressure with around 20 minutes remaining, and created a sight at goal after some neat play in midfield but De Guzman was denied by a fantastic stop by Saints keeper Boruc's boot.
The hosts put a number of late moves together but failed to break down a hard-working Saints defence, while Vorm then denied Saints substitute Emmanuel Mayuka from grabbing a win for the visitors very late in the game.
West Ham 2-0 Wigan: Survival experts in danger after dour defeat
West Ham moved into the top half of the Premier League table and made things look miserable for Wigan with a 2-0 win over the Latics at Upton Park.
Matt Jarvis’ goal from a cross and Kevin Nolan’s fine finish proved the difference as the hosts held of a strong second half performance from Wigan to earn the victory.
The result leaves the Latics in 18th, still three points from safety and with a real challenge to maintain their top-flight status.
Sam Allardyce named the same side that drew 2-2 with Manchester United in midweek, meaning the returning Mark Noble had to settle for a place on the bench. Wigan, meanwhile, brought back Gary Caldwell into a four man defense, while Callum McManaman came back into the side, with both Jean Beausejour and Franco Di Santo dropping out.
Allardyce’s men were struggling to deal with Wigan’s fluid attacks early on, but after Alcaraz had a tame first shot of the match the hosts eventually fashioned a chance of their own when James Collins’ glanced header from a corner was met by Kevin Nolan who could only divert the ball over.
It was nearly 1-0 at the other end immediately when McManaman was put through one-on-one but Jaaskelainen stood firm to deny the Latics winger.
Joel Robles produced a strong palm to parry a swiveling Nolan’s volley away, before the Hammers went in front, albeit against the run of play. The impressive Jarvis cut inside from the left and whipped in a dangerous cross which eluded three West Ham players and Jaaskelainen before nestling in the far corner.
After Nolan had a penalty appeal waved away, Ricardo Vaz Te darted in front of Joel Robles to meet Gary O’Neil’s dangerous cross, but couldn’t divert his header on target as the Hammers continued to impose their dominance towards the end of the first half.
But the Latics started brightly again after the break, and Arouna Kone nearly leveled things with a 25-yard volley which flashed just wide of Jaaskelainen’s far post. At the other end, after Mark Noble made a return from the bench, Carroll hammered an effort wide before Robles was called into action, stopping a dangerous curling Diame strike.
Wigan was continuing to press and, after substitute James McArthur tested Jaaskelainen with a fierce long-range strike, Jean Beausejour was denied by the Hammers goalkeeper as he tried to curl an effort into the top corner from the left-hand side of the area.
The West Ham shot stopper was the hero again as he produced a stunning low stop to keep out McArthur’s driven effort from 12 yards out, and at the other end the hosts looked to have wrapped up victory with ten minutes left as Nolan got on the end of Carroll’s attempted bicycle kick to produce an excellent acrobatic finish of his own.
Carroll nearly got on the score sheet himself as he broke past the Wigan defense, but with Robles rushing out he snatched at the shot and it went well wide.
The Hammers held on though and move into the top half of the table, while Martinez's men have a real scrap to survive on their hands.
West Ham moved into the top half of the Premier League table and made things look miserable for Wigan with a 2-0 win over the Latics at Upton Park.
Matt Jarvis’ goal from a cross and Kevin Nolan’s fine finish proved the difference as the hosts held of a strong second half performance from Wigan to earn the victory.
The result leaves the Latics in 18th, still three points from safety and with a real challenge to maintain their top-flight status.
Sam Allardyce named the same side that drew 2-2 with Manchester United in midweek, meaning the returning Mark Noble had to settle for a place on the bench. Wigan, meanwhile, brought back Gary Caldwell into a four man defense, while Callum McManaman came back into the side, with both Jean Beausejour and Franco Di Santo dropping out.
Allardyce’s men were struggling to deal with Wigan’s fluid attacks early on, but after Alcaraz had a tame first shot of the match the hosts eventually fashioned a chance of their own when James Collins’ glanced header from a corner was met by Kevin Nolan who could only divert the ball over.
It was nearly 1-0 at the other end immediately when McManaman was put through one-on-one but Jaaskelainen stood firm to deny the Latics winger.
Joel Robles produced a strong palm to parry a swiveling Nolan’s volley away, before the Hammers went in front, albeit against the run of play. The impressive Jarvis cut inside from the left and whipped in a dangerous cross which eluded three West Ham players and Jaaskelainen before nestling in the far corner.
After Nolan had a penalty appeal waved away, Ricardo Vaz Te darted in front of Joel Robles to meet Gary O’Neil’s dangerous cross, but couldn’t divert his header on target as the Hammers continued to impose their dominance towards the end of the first half.
But the Latics started brightly again after the break, and Arouna Kone nearly leveled things with a 25-yard volley which flashed just wide of Jaaskelainen’s far post. At the other end, after Mark Noble made a return from the bench, Carroll hammered an effort wide before Robles was called into action, stopping a dangerous curling Diame strike.
Wigan was continuing to press and, after substitute James McArthur tested Jaaskelainen with a fierce long-range strike, Jean Beausejour was denied by the Hammers goalkeeper as he tried to curl an effort into the top corner from the left-hand side of the area.
The West Ham shot stopper was the hero again as he produced a stunning low stop to keep out McArthur’s driven effort from 12 yards out, and at the other end the hosts looked to have wrapped up victory with ten minutes left as Nolan got on the end of Carroll’s attempted bicycle kick to produce an excellent acrobatic finish of his own.
Carroll nearly got on the score sheet himself as he broke past the Wigan defense, but with Robles rushing out he snatched at the shot and it went well wide.
The Hammers held on though and move into the top half of the table, while Martinez's men have a real scrap to survive on their hands.
Norwich 2-1 Reading: Canaries ease relegation fears at expense of doomed Royals
Norwich took an enormous step away from the relegation zone and kept Reading rooted to the bottom of the table with a 2-1 victory at Carrow Road.
The first half was largely lacking in quality, although both sides created a smattering of chances despite what was a largely attritional opening period.
Things improved in the second period, as Ryan and then Elliott Bennett scored within moments of each other, before Garath McCleary’s shot gave Reading hope.
The Canaries made two changes to the side that lost to Arsenal, with Steven Whittaker and Alexander Tettey making way for Javier Garrido and Elliott Bennett.
Meanwhile, Reading made just one change, as Nick Blackman replaced Noel Hunt up front, partnering Pavel Pogrebnyak.
The home side started the strongest and thought they had an early goal when Elliott Bennett shot just wide from outside the penalty area after four minutes.
The Canaries were enjoying almost total domination and nearly took the lead in the 12th minute, as Garrido hit a low shot at the back post that had Alex McCarthy scrambling.
However, the Royals began to exert more influence on proceedings and see more of the ball as the half went on, as they took the sting out of Norwich’s early pressure.
The home fans were growing slightly restless as the Canaries’ initial dominance was replaced by a sustained spell of possession for Reading, although they could not create a clear chance.
The Royals created their best chance in the 42nd minute as a driven Adrian Mariappa cross was turned over the bar by Pogrebnyak with the goal gaping.
Moments later, Norwich created a good chance as Kei Kamara took advantage of a knock-down to hammer a shot that was saved well by McCarthy, with the scores kept goalless at halftime.
The home side began the second half as they began the first, with Kamara forcing a good early save from McCarthy after a superb break forward.
Reading took the lead in the 50th minute, as a Snodgrass corner caused havoc in the Reading penalty area and substitute Ryan Bennett was there to sweep it home.
Just two minutes later, Norwich had a second as a cross found Holt’s head with McCarthy uncertain in the challenge, and Elliott Bennett was there to put the ball away.
The Canaries were galvanized by their two-goal salvo and were clearly keen for more as they started to dominate possession and the game once again.
Unfortunately for the home side, it conceded in the 72nd minute slightly against the run of play as McCleary let fly with an ambitious shot that Mark Bunn could only parry into his own net.
The Royals were given hope by their goal, as they went searching for the crucial equaliser in the closing stages of the game in their fight against relegation from the league.
However, despite the away side’s best efforts, they were unable to score another as Norwich clung on for what might be a crucial win.
Norwich took an enormous step away from the relegation zone and kept Reading rooted to the bottom of the table with a 2-1 victory at Carrow Road.
The first half was largely lacking in quality, although both sides created a smattering of chances despite what was a largely attritional opening period.
Things improved in the second period, as Ryan and then Elliott Bennett scored within moments of each other, before Garath McCleary’s shot gave Reading hope.
The Canaries made two changes to the side that lost to Arsenal, with Steven Whittaker and Alexander Tettey making way for Javier Garrido and Elliott Bennett.
Meanwhile, Reading made just one change, as Nick Blackman replaced Noel Hunt up front, partnering Pavel Pogrebnyak.
The home side started the strongest and thought they had an early goal when Elliott Bennett shot just wide from outside the penalty area after four minutes.
The Canaries were enjoying almost total domination and nearly took the lead in the 12th minute, as Garrido hit a low shot at the back post that had Alex McCarthy scrambling.
However, the Royals began to exert more influence on proceedings and see more of the ball as the half went on, as they took the sting out of Norwich’s early pressure.
The home fans were growing slightly restless as the Canaries’ initial dominance was replaced by a sustained spell of possession for Reading, although they could not create a clear chance.
The Royals created their best chance in the 42nd minute as a driven Adrian Mariappa cross was turned over the bar by Pogrebnyak with the goal gaping.
Moments later, Norwich created a good chance as Kei Kamara took advantage of a knock-down to hammer a shot that was saved well by McCarthy, with the scores kept goalless at halftime.
The home side began the second half as they began the first, with Kamara forcing a good early save from McCarthy after a superb break forward.
Reading took the lead in the 50th minute, as a Snodgrass corner caused havoc in the Reading penalty area and substitute Ryan Bennett was there to sweep it home.
Just two minutes later, Norwich had a second as a cross found Holt’s head with McCarthy uncertain in the challenge, and Elliott Bennett was there to put the ball away.
The Canaries were galvanized by their two-goal salvo and were clearly keen for more as they started to dominate possession and the game once again.
Unfortunately for the home side, it conceded in the 72nd minute slightly against the run of play as McCleary let fly with an ambitious shot that Mark Bunn could only parry into his own net.
The Royals were given hope by their goal, as they went searching for the crucial equaliser in the closing stages of the game in their fight against relegation from the league.
However, despite the away side’s best efforts, they were unable to score another as Norwich clung on for what might be a crucial win.
Inter 1-0 Parma: Rocchi relieves pressure on Stramaccioni’s strugglers
Inter Milan's hopes of European football next season were boosted by a narrow 1-0 Serie A victory over Parma at San Siro on Sunday.
A tight contest with chances at either end still seemed destined to end in a stalemate, but Tommaso Rocchi popped up in the 81st minute to bundle home an untidy winner that gave the Nerazzurri all three points in a match that could have gone either way.
Rocchi's late strike could have long-lasting ramifications, as Inter now moves into fifth place in the table, leapfrogging Lazio, Udinese and Roma for the final qualifying position for the Europa League next campaign. Roma has a game in hand and trails by two points entering Sunday's bout with Pescara.
The action started right from the opening minutes. Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Yohan Benalouane traded shots at either end in an encouraging beginning from both sides, with plenty of energy about their play.The chances continued to fall in the opening exchanges, and Ezequiel Schelotto really should have done better when faced with goal from Kuzmanovic’s cross, instead of firing straight at Antonio Mirante.
The action was soon back at Inter’s end of the field though. Nicola Sansone tested Samir Handanovic with a low drive, before Marco Parolo forced the Slovenian to work a little harder to divert his effort away for a corner.
Parma was unlucky not to go ahead on the half hour mark. Picking the ball up on the edge of the box, Jaime Valdes bent a magnificent effort towards the opposite top corner, only to see it thud agonizingly off the underside of the crossbar.The visitors peppered away at Handanovic’s goal again when Marco Marchionni’s piledriver from 20 yards out flew just wide of the post, but they were soon indebted to Benalouane for blocking Schelotto from point-blank range.
The breathless action that typified the first half was not always present after halftime, as the game settled into a more measured tempo, despite both sides still appearing hungry for the opener.Goalscoring chances were certainly harder to come by, and Rocchi spurned the first genuine one of the second half when he directed a half-volley just wide of Mirante’s post.
But Parma came close twice soon after. Sansone drilled a shot inches wide after he was released by Amauri, before Handanovic stood tall once again to block Jonathan Biabiny from a one-on-one situation.
With nine minutes remaining, Inter finally found the breakthrough. Jonathan's center found Rocchi in space inside the area, and the forward, despite completely misconnecting with the ball, found the back of the net to lift the roof of San Siro and provide three vital points to a team under fire.
Inter Milan's hopes of European football next season were boosted by a narrow 1-0 Serie A victory over Parma at San Siro on Sunday.
A tight contest with chances at either end still seemed destined to end in a stalemate, but Tommaso Rocchi popped up in the 81st minute to bundle home an untidy winner that gave the Nerazzurri all three points in a match that could have gone either way.
Rocchi's late strike could have long-lasting ramifications, as Inter now moves into fifth place in the table, leapfrogging Lazio, Udinese and Roma for the final qualifying position for the Europa League next campaign. Roma has a game in hand and trails by two points entering Sunday's bout with Pescara.
The action started right from the opening minutes. Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Yohan Benalouane traded shots at either end in an encouraging beginning from both sides, with plenty of energy about their play.The chances continued to fall in the opening exchanges, and Ezequiel Schelotto really should have done better when faced with goal from Kuzmanovic’s cross, instead of firing straight at Antonio Mirante.
The action was soon back at Inter’s end of the field though. Nicola Sansone tested Samir Handanovic with a low drive, before Marco Parolo forced the Slovenian to work a little harder to divert his effort away for a corner.
Parma was unlucky not to go ahead on the half hour mark. Picking the ball up on the edge of the box, Jaime Valdes bent a magnificent effort towards the opposite top corner, only to see it thud agonizingly off the underside of the crossbar.The visitors peppered away at Handanovic’s goal again when Marco Marchionni’s piledriver from 20 yards out flew just wide of the post, but they were soon indebted to Benalouane for blocking Schelotto from point-blank range.
The breathless action that typified the first half was not always present after halftime, as the game settled into a more measured tempo, despite both sides still appearing hungry for the opener.Goalscoring chances were certainly harder to come by, and Rocchi spurned the first genuine one of the second half when he directed a half-volley just wide of Mirante’s post.
But Parma came close twice soon after. Sansone drilled a shot inches wide after he was released by Amauri, before Handanovic stood tall once again to block Jonathan Biabiny from a one-on-one situation.
With nine minutes remaining, Inter finally found the breakthrough. Jonathan's center found Rocchi in space inside the area, and the forward, despite completely misconnecting with the ball, found the back of the net to lift the roof of San Siro and provide three vital points to a team under fire.
Villa: Messi and I have a good relationship
The Barcelona forward has moved to dismiss suggestions of on-the-pitch problems between him and the Argentine attacker, claiming that they are comfortable working together David Villa has reiterated that he has a positive working relationship with Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.
The first half of the season saw suggestions that the Spanish forward and Argentine attacker were not getting along on the pitch but the former Valencia striker claims that disagreements between the pair have been blown out of proportion.
"I have a good relationship with Messi," Villa told a press conference on Saturday. "We are past all those perceived verbal clashes. Some things that have happened are normal for football matches. People tend to look at us with a magnifying glass."
In addition to his comments about Messi, Villa moved to set the record straight regarding another element of his Barca career - whether he will leave the club in the near future.
"I'm happy right now," he the Spain international added. "I have a contract and both supporters and the club recognize my work. There will be time for talk about any transfer [in the summer].
The Spaniard also insisted that the Blaugrana will need to up their game if they are going to surpass Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League final this season.
Villa continued: "We all have to improve. We'll need to bring more to the table to defeat Bayern in the semifinal. We know their strengths and have to work out how to capitalize on their weaknesses."
The Barcelona forward has moved to dismiss suggestions of on-the-pitch problems between him and the Argentine attacker, claiming that they are comfortable working together David Villa has reiterated that he has a positive working relationship with Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.
The first half of the season saw suggestions that the Spanish forward and Argentine attacker were not getting along on the pitch but the former Valencia striker claims that disagreements between the pair have been blown out of proportion.
"I have a good relationship with Messi," Villa told a press conference on Saturday. "We are past all those perceived verbal clashes. Some things that have happened are normal for football matches. People tend to look at us with a magnifying glass."
In addition to his comments about Messi, Villa moved to set the record straight regarding another element of his Barca career - whether he will leave the club in the near future.
"I'm happy right now," he the Spain international added. "I have a contract and both supporters and the club recognize my work. There will be time for talk about any transfer [in the summer].
The Spaniard also insisted that the Blaugrana will need to up their game if they are going to surpass Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League final this season.
Villa continued: "We all have to improve. We'll need to bring more to the table to defeat Bayern in the semifinal. We know their strengths and have to work out how to capitalize on their weaknesses."
Villas-Boas: City is afraid of Bale return
The Tottenham boss believes Roberto Mancini's side will be affected by the "fear factor" of seeing the Wales star return to Spurs' matchday squad.Andre Villas-Boas believes Manchester City is "fearful" of Gareth Bale's return to the Tottenham squad, after the Spurs boss confirmed that the Welshman is fit for selection ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash.
The midfielder has been forced onto the sidelines for the past two weeks following an ankle injury he picked up against Basel in the Europa League first leg, amid fears he would miss the rest of the season. Villas-Boas believes that Bale's return will help give Tottenham a boost over the coming weeks as they hunt for a top-four spot, starting this weekend when Manchester City travel to White Hart Lane.
The Tottenham boss told reporters: “I think there will be a fear factor for City. We recognise the impact this player has had for us this season. The run of goals that he is on can have that factor."
He added, “It is good having key players around and players who have been decisive, especially in this last part of the season, is always inspirational for everyone. It is good to have him back.“For him to be back so quickly speaks highly of our medical department and what they have done and the recovery of the player.”
The former Porto boss also praised Bale for his PFA Player and Young Player of the Year nominations; recognition which the manager feels the Welshman fully deserves.
The Tottenham boss believes Roberto Mancini's side will be affected by the "fear factor" of seeing the Wales star return to Spurs' matchday squad.Andre Villas-Boas believes Manchester City is "fearful" of Gareth Bale's return to the Tottenham squad, after the Spurs boss confirmed that the Welshman is fit for selection ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash.
The midfielder has been forced onto the sidelines for the past two weeks following an ankle injury he picked up against Basel in the Europa League first leg, amid fears he would miss the rest of the season. Villas-Boas believes that Bale's return will help give Tottenham a boost over the coming weeks as they hunt for a top-four spot, starting this weekend when Manchester City travel to White Hart Lane.
The Tottenham boss told reporters: “I think there will be a fear factor for City. We recognise the impact this player has had for us this season. The run of goals that he is on can have that factor."
He added, “It is good having key players around and players who have been decisive, especially in this last part of the season, is always inspirational for everyone. It is good to have him back.“For him to be back so quickly speaks highly of our medical department and what they have done and the recovery of the player.”
The former Porto boss also praised Bale for his PFA Player and Young Player of the Year nominations; recognition which the manager feels the Welshman fully deserves.
“Obviously Gazza [Bale] has had an outstanding year, along with other players. I think we’ve seen a great season from Robin van Persie, a great season from Luis Suarez and a great season from Bale. But I think Gareth’s in with a big chance for what he has produced this season — we’ve seen some spectacular moments.Villas-Boas continued to explain, “I think he is a serious contender and all of us would be very happy if he was to win. He’s had a tremendous impact on the league this year. He’s been in great goal-scoring form and he’s played in so many different positions with such success. His maturity and responsibility is outstanding, so it’s good to see."
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