The Mid-week Review

by Danny Wright

Hull dumped Premiership Wigan out of the League Cup 2nd Round thanks to Stuart Elliot’s 20 yard lob that left Mike Pollitt stranded, with an entertaining game witnessed by just 5440 dedicated souls. In other shocks, league new-comers Morecambe continued their giant killing exploits by felling Wolves 3-1 at Molineux, meanwhile Blackpool beat Derby 7-6 on penalties.

Southend defeated Watford 2-0 at Roots Hall; with League One compatriots Leeds defeated 3-0 at Portsmouth. Oldham, Leyton Orient, Hartlepool Swansea, Doncaster and Carlisle were all defeated by superior opposition.

Luton faired much better though - beating 10-man Sunderland 3-0 at Kenilworth Road – with Paul Furlong rolling back the years with a vintage display. It’s been a bad to start to his Sunderland career for full-back Greg Halford, the bungling defender looking hap-hazard in his last two starts and getting sent off in his third, trouble definitely coming in three’s for the former Reading man.

It was also a bad night for Kieron Dyer at the Memorial Ground, the West Ham freshman breaking his leg in two-places in their 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers. Alan Curbishley was understandably unhappy about the incident, saying "The player (Rovers’ Joe Jacobson) has got to be disappointed with his tackle. As far as I could see, he lashed out after losing the ball."

The League Two representatives didn’t fair much better than the string of defeated League One sides - plucky MK Dons, Rochdale, Shrewsbury and Wrexham all beaten. Sir Alex Ferguson was the guest at London Road as he watched son Darren’s Peterborough lose to West Brom.

Undoubtedly the tie of the round was at Charlton, who survived a big scare from Stockport, beating the Hatters 4-3 at The Valley. Birmingham avoided a shock as they stumbled past Hereford, the game finishing 2-1 at St Andrews despite a late rally from the Bulls.

Leicester defender Clive Clarke collapsed in the Midlands derby clash against Nottingham Forest, the game abandoned at half time following the frightening incident. Clarke was kept in hospital overnight and his condition is said to be stable, which is more than can be said for his side - Leicester were losing 1-0 at the interval thanks to Junior Agogo’s strike.

On Wednesday, Man City and Newcastle fended off scares, beating Bristol City 2-1 and Barnsley 2-0 respectively in potentially tricky ties. Middlesborough beat Northampton 2-0 at the Riverside.

Liverpool enter the Champions League phase thanks to a 5-0 aggregate win over Toulouse, the game 4-0 on the night. Anfield paid tribute to recently murdered 11-year-old Everton fan Rhys Jones, playing the Toffee’s theme song Z-Cars before a moving rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in memoriam of the football-mad youngster. His family were guests of honour for the match, the homage a refreshing subversion to the stereotype of arrogance and alienation in the world of football.

Arsenal overcame Sparta Prague 3-0 at the Emirates, with Rangers draw at Red Star Belgrade enough to give them an aggregate win. Arthur Boruc saved two penalties in Celtic’s 4-3 penalty shootout win over Spartak Moscow, the game going the full length with both teams tied 2-2 after extra time. Celtic could have won the tie in the additional 30 minutes but Roman Pavluchenko fluffed his lines from twelve yards.

In transfer news, Aston Villa sign defender Zat Knight and Kenwyne Jones joins Sunderland from Southampton for £6m. Everton completed the signing of Yakubu following trouble with the Nigerian’s work permit as West Ham make a £5m bid for England and Reading left-back Nicky Shorey.

images - Stuart Elliot - ambernectar.org

Dyer & Jones' parents - bbc.co.uk/sport

Injured Isaksson Gets The Nod

by Danny Wright

Manchester City goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson has been included in the Sweden squad to take on Denmark in Euro 2008 qualifying next month - despite carrying an injury.

Isaksson has missed the start of the Premiership season because of a fractured thumb, with youngster Kasper Schmeichel deputizing for former Juventus man.

Elfsborg keeper Johan Wiland and Rami Shaaban have also been included to face the Danish in Stockholm on September 8th.

Sweden currently lie top of Group F with 18 points, two clear of surprise-package Northern Ireland and three clear of Spain.

image - 4thegame.com

The Weekend Round-Up

by Danny Wright

Derby prop up the table after they lost 2-1 to fellow new-boys Birmingham at Pride Park, Cameron Jerome’s brace giving Steve Bruce’s men their first win of the season. Matt Oakley had levelled for the Rams but it wasn’t enough to earn a point as Blues keeper Maik Taylor – making his first start of the season – foiled the hosts with some fine saves.

Aston Villa beat Fulham 2-1 in a thrilling game at Villa Park. American Clint Demspey put the Cottagers ahead on six minutes, but Zat Knight turned into his own net to level things up. Fulham should have been awarded a penalty, and Diomansy Kamara hit a post, but it was Villa who took the points thanks to Shaun Maloney’s last minute winner.

Bolton eased the pressure on struggling manager Sammy Lee as they beat Reading 3-0 at the Reebok, as West Ham and Wigan’s 1-1 draw and Paul Scharner’s stunning opener were overshadowed by Eggert Magnusson’s dodgy tie.

Sunderland are coming to terms with the harsh realities of the Premiership as they were comfortably beaten by Liverpool 2-0 at the Stadium of Light, Mohamed Sissoko and Andriy Voronin the scorers. £9m summer signing Craig Gordon kept the score down with some good goalkeeping, seemingly justifying his hefty price tag even at this early stage.

Everton and Blackburn scrapped out a dreary 1-1 draw at Goodison; meanwhile Arsenal ended Sven’s dream start with a 1-0 win over Man City at the Emirates. Kasper Schmeichel saved Robin Van Persie’s penalty, but it was the Gunners who had the last laugh as Cesc Fabregas fired home with just ten minutes remaining.

Chelsea top the pile as they cashed in on David James’ error to beat Portsmouth 1-0 at the Bridge. It was a bad end to a good week for the Pompey keeper, his chances of becoming England’s number one once again hindered by his soft handling that allowed Frank Lampard’s effort to creep home. Lampard, by comparison, capped off his good week with a sterling display, the midfield maestro the pick of the bunch in England’s defeat to Germany on Wednesday.

Manchester United earned a vital win as they beat Tottenham thanks to Nani’s wonder strike, his thirty yard effort giving Sir Alex’s men their first three points of the season. Spurs should have been awarded a penalty when Wes Brown handled, but referee Howard Webb waved away the appeals, with the continuing number of poor decisions causing much concern amongst disgruntled supporters.

Julio Arca was Middleborough’s hero as they twice came from behind to earn a point in the Tyne-Tees derby against Newcastle. Charles N'Zogbia gave the Magpies the lead before Mido equalized, with former ‘Boro man Mark Viduka giving his new side the lead, his subdued celebrations a mark of respect to his former employers as the game petered out to a 2-2 draw.

There was a sombre atmosphere around the league grounds on Saturday as the news emerged that 18-year-old QPR striker Ray Jones had died in a car crash on Friday night, the R’s clash with Burnley postponed. The sad week was compounded by the news that Walsall apprentice Anton Reid died after collapsing during a training session; the youngster passing away aged just 16. Many condolences go out to the grieving families, the tragic events putting the significance of football well and truly into perspective.

images - bbc.co.uk & football.co.uk

Cottagers Snap Up Keller

by Danny Wright

Fulham have signed veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 37-year-old arrives at Craven Cottage as cover for the injured Antti Niemi and Tony Warner, who was dropped in favour of the American for the Cottagers 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

Warner has made a poor start to the season having made two mistakes in as many games, and manager Lawrie Sanchez felt the need to bolster his options, telling the BBC:

"With Antti being injured, it was important we added some strength and depth. Kasey is a proven professional with impeccable international and he will be a valuable asset to us over the course of the season."

Keller's return to the Premiership will be his third spell in the English top flight, having spent time with Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, the two stints sandwiched between moves to Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in 1999 and the Bundesliga in 2005.

The American international made an immediate impact with an impressive display in the defeat at Villa, denying John Carew with a splendid save.

image - usatoday.com

Green Signs New Deal

by Danny Wright

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has signed a new four-year deal at the London club.

Midfielder Mark Noble has also signed a similar deal, with defenders Danny Gabbidon and James Collins also signing long-term contracts earlier in the week.

England goalkeeper Green will now remain at Upton Park until 2011, who also have Richard Wright and James Walker at their disposal.

Green signed for West Ham back in August 2006 from Norwich for a £2m fee, with a string of fine displays earning him a call into the England squad.

image - football.co.uk

The Mid-week Review

by Danny Wright

Germany inflicted England’s first defeat at the new Wembley as they took the spoils 2-1 in an entertaining match, where some suspect goalkeeping was on show. England took the lead through Frank Lampard following some nice link up play with Micah Richards, however the Germans equalised through Kevin Kuranyi as Paul Robinson made a hash of a Bernd Schneider cross, the Tottenham keepers positioning looking suspect to say the least.

Christian Pander thumped home a 25-yard pile driver to put the visitors ahead, with England failing to convert a string of chances; Michael Owen, Kieron Dyer and Lampard the guilty parties. Jens Lehmann looked less than assured in the German goal, with Arsenal’s Manuel Almunia surely looking on with glee at his superior’s lacklustre display. Paul Robinson may also feel a tad uneasy after his showing, as David James made a faultless second half display.

Northern Ireland boosted their chances of Euro 2008 qualification as they overcame Liechtenstein 3-1 in Belfast, Nigel Worthington’s first game getting off to a dream start. David Healy grabbed two of the goals and Kyle Lafferty’s effort sealed the win, Liechtenstein’s Mario Frick scoring a late consolation. The win puts Ireland second in Group F.

Scotland beat South Africa 1-0 at Pittodrie thanks to Kris Boyd’s strike, with Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon keeping a clean sheet, meanwhile Wales defeated Bulgaria by the same score as debutant Freddy Eastwood marked his debut with a superb strike to give Wales the win. John Toshack’s men had young stopper Wayne Hennessey to thank for the win as he pitched in with an excellent display.

Robbie Keane and Shane Long bagged two goals apiece to give the Republic of Ireland a resounding 4-0 win over a beleaguered Denmark side, the game observing a minute’s silence in memory of Ireland manager Steve Staunton’s father Tom who died this week after suffering from a long term illness.

Armenia surprised Portugal with a 1-1 draw in Euro 2008 qualifying, as Belgium beat Serbia 3-2 in a thrilling match. Estonia beat Andorra, and there were wins for Cyprus and Finland in their respective qualifying quests.

In other news, Everton have bolstered their attacking options by agreeing a fee with Middlesborough for striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu, who has been given permission to begin talks with the Merseyside club. The Toffees have a chronic lack of strikers at present, Andy Johnson, James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe all out injured, and the £11.25m transfer of Yakubu will provide a much needed boost.

images - bbc.co.uk/sport

Wessels Joins Toffees

by Danny Wright

Everton have signed German goalkeeper Stefan Wessels on a free transfer.

The experienced 28-year-old joins the Goodison Park club from Bundesliga outfit FC Cologne, and will provide competition for current number one Tim Howard and youngsters Iain Turner and John Ruddy.

Wessels has represented Germany at numerous levels - including under-21 - and helped former club Bayern Munich lift the Champions League trophy back in 2001 where he was Oliver Kahn's understudy.

He told evertonfc.com: "I am excited to be here in England. It is the first time I have played for a club outside of Germany but the English Premier League is a very exciting league and I am looking forward to my time here at Everton."

Wessels has signed an initial one year deal at the Merseyside club.

quotes - evertonfc.com

image - precisionfootball.com

Douglas Begins Trial

by Danny Wright

Out-of-favour Leicester City goalkeeper Rab Douglas is to go on trial at Scottish club Motherwell in a bid to resurrect his career.

The 35-year-old has been told he is surplus to requirements at the Midlands club, and has not played for the Foxes since February.

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee requires competition for current first choice Graeme Smith, and will give Douglas until the end of the week to prove his worth at Fir Park.

image - wikimedia.org

David James signs with HO

David James will now be wearing HO gloves as from the start of this season.

HO are proud to confirm the signing of one of the Premier League's top keepers - David James of Portsmouth F.C. The England squad keeper and Premiership clean sheet record holder has joined forces with goalkeeper HO goalkeeping specialist brand .

James last week was re-called to the England squad to face Germany in a show piece friendly at Wembley next Wednesday. Team-mate Sol Campbell has also earned a recall, with James' last England outing coming against Jamaica last June.
The veteran stopper has hit form since he joined Pompey last season, and has earned praise from all quarters for his fine displays, with many calling for the 37 year old to be restored to the national side.

The Weekend Round-up 18 & 19th August

A quick round up of this weekend’s Premiership action, with news and views on the latest talking points from Danny Wright

Manchester City top the table after defeating bitter rivals Manchester United in the big Manchester Derby. The visitors had dominated throughout but couldn’t convert their chances as Geovanni sent Eastlands into delirium with his deflected long-range strike. City then produced a superb rearguard action, with Micah Richards and Richard Dunne foiling a lacklustre United on numerous occasions. Old Blue Eyes seems to be doing the trick at City, who haven’t conceded a goal and maintain their 100% start. Alan Hansen quickly dismissed any title challenge City may pose, this coming from the man who said United wouldn’t win anything with kids…

Liverpool and Chelsea played out an entertaining draw at Anfield, however the game made the headlines for the wrong reasons as referee Rob Styles had an afternoon to forget. Eight yellow cards were handed out in this fiery game, with Styles incorrectly awarding Chelsea a penalty to gift Mourinho’s men a lifeline. New signing Fernando Torres put the hosts ahead, before Frank Lampard tucked away the controversial spot-kick to finish things at 1-1.

Jens Lehmann’s howler handed Blackburn a point against Arsenal on Sunday, his glaring error allowing David Dunn’s tame effort to creep over the line. Brad Friedel was also in a generous mood as his spillage allowed Robin Van Persie to put the Gunners ahead after 18 minutes. Ryan Nelsen was later sent off, as Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger branded Blackburn “violent”, before running off home to tell his Daddy big, bad Mark Hughes had been picking on him again.

It wasn’t a good weekend for the league’s goalkeepers as Birmingham’s Colin Doyle contrived to gift West Ham a penalty by fouling Craig Bellamy in the match at St Andrews, Hammers youngster Mark Noble making no mistake from 12-yards.

Tony Warner wasn’t having a great weekend either as he shoveled a weak Mido effort into the net in Fulham’s match against Middlesborough. Brian McBride had put the Cottagers ahead, but Lee Cattermole snatched the points late on to give under-pressure manager Gareth Southgate a much needed boost. David Healy thought he had equalized, but his effort – at least a foot over the line – was chalked off by the seemingly blind-folded officials.

Wigan thrashed Roy Keane’s Sunderland 3-0 at the JJB, with not a decent shop or WAG in sight. It could be Keano who has to go shopping though, a defender top of the list after this display. Goal-machine Antoine Sibierski bagged his third goal in as many games to top the goal scoring charts, with Emile Heskey and Denny Landzaat also on the score sheet.

Tottenham bounced back with a 4-0 thumping of Derby, three goals in the first 14 minute settling the tie before it had really begun. The relief may only by temporary for Spurs fans, as they face Manchester United and Arsenal in the coming weeks.

Aston Villa and Newcastle played out a 0-0 draw at St James, Magpies stopper Steve Harper proving why he is a fine understudy to Shay Given with a string of fantastic saves. His counterpart – the on-loan Scott Carson – didn’t do too badly either as he thwarted David Rozehnal.

Bolton capitulated to a 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth, meanwhile Reading showed why they will be no sufferers of ‘Second Season Syndrome’ as they beat high-flying Everton 1-0 at the Madejski.

David Beckham played a full 90 minutes in LA Galaxy’s 5-4 loss to the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium, with Goldenballs expecting to be fit for England’s mid-week clash with Germany. Becks set up three of Galaxy’s goals but it came at a price as his ankle flared up on an unfamiliar astroturf surface.


Images - bbc.co.uk

Myhill Pens New Deal

by Danny Wright

Hull City goalkeeper Boaz Myhill has signed a new three year contract that will keep him with the Tigers until 2010.

The 24-year-old has made 107 appearances for the Championship side, but has been regularly linked with moves away from the KC Stadium with Charlton, West Brom, Wigan and Reading all reported to be interested in the highly rated stopper.

Myhill signed for Hull in December 2003 from Aston Villa for £50,000, and has enjoyed two promotions during his time on Humberside.

Despite the new deal the American was promptly dropped for the Tigers 1-1 draw with Coventry on Saturday, long-term understudy Matt Duke preferred following an impressive display in the Carling Cup against Crewe.

Picture - ambernectar.com

James Earns England Recall

by Danny Wright

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has been included in the 28 man England squad to face Germany in a show piece friendly at Wembley next Wednesday. Team-mate Sol Campbell has also earned a recall, with James' last England outing coming against Jamaica last June.

The veteran stopper has hit form since he joined Pompey last season, and has earned praise from all quarters for his fine displays, with many calling for the 37 year old to be restored to the national side.

Manager Steve McClaren heeded such calls, telling the BBC: "David showed excellent and consistent form for Portsmouth last season, that's why he is back in the squad.

"His attitude and professionalism has been first-class throughout this period. I also watched him in action this week against Manchester United, he is a top-class goalkeeper and deserves his recall."

James - who will be joined by Tottenham's Paul Robinson and Liverpool's Scott Carson in the squad - broke the Premiership record for keeping the most clean sheets last season with his 142nd shut out of his illustrious career.

Full England squad to face Germany: Robinson (Tottenham), James (Portsmouth), Carson (Liverpool, on loan at Aston Villa), Richards (Manchester City), Brown (Manchester United), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Campbell (Portsmouth), Taylor (Newcastle), Neville (Everton), Shorey (Reading), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Carrick (Manchester United), Barry (Aston Villa), Downing (Middlesbrough), Dyer (West Ham), Hargreaves (Manchester United), Smith (Newcastle), Owen (Newcastle), Crouch (Liverpool), Bent (Tottenham), Johnson (Everton), Defoe (Tottenham)

Picture courtest of goal.com, quotes & squad list bbc.co.uk

The Mid-week Review

Danny Wright keeps you up to speed with the mid-week happenings in the world of football, including news and views on the week’s Premiership action, and a catch up with the first round of the League Cup…

*** Tuesday ***

Spurs’ poor start continued as they slumped to a 3-1 home defeat to an impressive Everton side, goals from Joleon Lescott, Leon Osman and a deflected Alan Stubbs free kick cancelling out Antony Gardner’s leveller.

Steve McClaren was in attendance to watch the contenders to fill the presumably vacant Wayne Rooney England place, as the industry of Andy Johnson outshone an ineffective Darren Bent who was replaced on the hour by fellow England hopeful Jermaine Defoe.

Paul Robinson looked in good nick with some fine saves, meanwhile Mikel Arteta caused a beleaguered Tottenham backline no end of trouble; if Everton can keep their talisman fit then they are sure to go places this season.

There were plenty of upsets in the first round of the League Cup, Peterborough’s giant killing setting the tone as they felled Southampton 2-1 at London Road. Elsewhere, Shrewsbury upset Championship side Colchester by the same score, with League Two compatriots Rochdale dumping out Stoke on penalties.

Leyton Orient came up trumps in the London derby against QPR, the O’s chalking up a 2-1 win at Loftus Road, with football league new comers Morecambe sealing a miserable night for the Championship sides as they beat Preston 2-1 at Deepdale.

Other Championship casualties included Ipswich – beaten by MK Dons 5-3 on penalties – and Peter Taylor’s Crystal Palace, who also succumbed to the pressures of a shootout as they lost to Bristol Rovers.

Leicester, Barnsley and Blackpool all avoided upsets, as did Bristol City and Cardiff. Coventry and Burnley continued their good starts with wins over Notts County and plucky Grimsby respectively.

In other news, Cardiff City are to be taken to court by their main financial backers regarding claims they have not repaid more than £30m in debts. Chairman Peter Ridsdale said “Any allegations are refuted”, as Leeds fans turned in their graves. The news comes as a surprise to many considering Ridsdale’s impeccable handling of United’s accounts, that culminated in more than £50m of debts at Elland Road. Cardiff fans are now sleeping a little less easily, reports also claim.

*** Wednesday ***

Chelsea opened up a four point gap over Manchester United as they defeated Reading 2-1, an uncharacteristic error from Peter Cech giving the hosts the lead through Andre Bikey. Frank Lampard and a superb Didier Drogba effort handed the fluorescent-clad title chasers the win.

Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth maintained their impressive home record against United as they stifled Fergie’s men in a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park; Paul Scholes put United ahead with a fine goal, but Benjani Mwaruwari’s bullet header levelled things up.

Pompey’s Sulley Muntari and United wing wizard Ronaldo saw red; the latter showed his football intelligence by head butting Richard Hughes two yards away from referee Steve Bennet who, you could say, had a good view of the incident.

England hopeful Chris Kirkland kept a clean sheet as his Wigan side beat Middlesborough 1-0 at the JJB, the Latics the beneficiary of Antoine Sibierski’s poaching in front of a paltry 14,007 crowd. Meanwhile, Sven’s Manchester City defeated Derby by the same score at Eastlands, with the first goal to be scored there for 227 days courtesy of Michael Johnson’s strike.

New owner Thaksin ‘Sinatra’ Shinawatra was in attendance to witness Kasper Schmeichel keep his second clean sheet of the season, one of his saves including the infamous ‘star jump’ save reminiscent of Dad Peter’s legacy.

Birmingham and Sunderland played out an entertaining 2-2 draw - Michael Chopra’s left foot screamer the pick of the bunch as Stern John claimed a controversial equaliser right at the death to deny Steve Bruce’s men.

Bolton’s defensive frailties got the better of them as they went down 2-1 at Fulham, but it was the visitors who took a bizarre lead when Tony Warner spilled the ball under no pressure for Heidar Helguson to tap home against his former club. Conditions were incredibly difficult as the rain lashed down, Bolton stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen fortunate to get away with a similarly embarrassing incident. Warner more than made up for the slip though, twice denying Nicolas Anelka with excellent saves.

Britain’s European hopefuls got off to a good start in the Champions League qualifying as Liverpool defeated Toulouse 1-0 and Arsenal take a healthy 2-0 advantage back to the Emirates as they beat Sparta Prague. Celtic drew 1-1 with Spartak Moscow to put them in good stead for the return leg. In the Carling Cup, Hull cruised into the next round with a 3-0 win over Crewe as Wolves beat Bradford 2-1 to complete the first round ties.
Things finally looked up for David Beckham as he scored one and created another in LA Galaxy’s 2-0 SuperLiga win over DC United. A trademark free kick and a telling through ball allowed Landon Donovan to seal the win and book a place against Mexican side Pachuca in the final.

The Weekend Round up 11 & 12 Aug 2007

Click on the keepers names to see what gloves they wore this weekend.

By Danny Wright

The Weekend Round Up

The Premiership began in earnest this weekend, and it didn’t come a moment too soon as Danny Wright gives his thoughts on the weekend’s talking points…

Manchester United began their title defence with a frustrating draw at home to Reading, firing blanks against Steve Coppell’s resolute side. United’s lack of dimension in front of goal will raise an eyebrow or two, yet it will be Wayne Rooney’s injury that will be the main cause for concern – a suspected broken foot following a collision with clumsy defender Michael Duberry forcing the youngster to hobble off mid-way through the first half.

Marcus Hahnemann saved the Royals’ bacon with a fine display; meanwhile Tony Warner can hold his head high following a similarly heroic display in Fulham’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates. The same can’t be said for the Gunners Jens Lehman, who played a fine one-two with David Healy for the visitor’s goal. Birmingham’s Colin Doyle also had a game to forget, showing a good pair of lettuce hands to gift Chelsea two goals in their narrow 3-2 win at the Bridge in the Brummies first game back in the big time.

New boys Derby got off to a better start, earning an admirable point in a 2-2 draw with Portsmouth at Pride Park. The Rams may well have won the game had things been kept a bit tighter at the back, but you have to admire Billy Davies’ men for their endeavor. Sunderland had no such problems as they saw off Tottenham with a last gasp winner from former Newcastle man Michael Chopra in a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light, record signing Craig Gordon keeping a clean sheet on his Black Cats debut. Roy Keane’s men didn’t look overawed by the occasion and will prove a handful for any side expecting an easy three points, which Spurs certainly found out as they limped to defeat. You feel Martin Jol’s mean will have to improve immensely if they are to realize their Champions League aspirations.

Elsewhere, Steve Gerrard was Liverpool’s hero once again as he fired in a last minute free kick to give the Reds a 2-1 win over Aston Villa, who looked like they had salvaged a point thanks to Jamie Carragher’s generosity, the colossus centre back handling needlessly to gift Villa a penalty which Gareth Barry stuck away with some aplomb. Blackburn saw off Middleborough 2-1 at the Riverside, as subs Roque Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire fired them to victory after Benni McCarthy suffered what looked like a serious head injury. Wishes of a speedy recovery go out to the Blackburn man, who was carried off sporting a neck brace and oxygen mask.
It was perhaps Bolton who were more in need of urgent medical assistance as they crumbled to a 3-1 defeat on Big Sam’s return with Newcastle, the former manager using the strategy he perfected himself at the Reebok to undo his former employers. Sammy Lee’s men will have to regroup quickly if they are to avoid further humiliation in the near

Van Der Sar Hints At Final Season

Veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has hinted that this might be his final season, although the Dutchman insists any decision regarding his future is far from decided.
The Manchester United shot-stopper is coming under increased pressure as the club's first choice after showing lapses in form towards the end of last season, but the 36-year-old insists he is feeling revitalised.
"Last season was a long campaign but I had a long break and I feel good," the former Ajax, Juventus and Fulham star told United's official website.
"I am not thinking about what is going to happen. If I am still enjoying myself, then we will see but nothing will be decided before January."
He added: "I’m not going to overenjoy it just because it might be my last. I’ve had a great career and I’m just going to get on with things."
Manchester United have Tomasz Kusczack and Ben Foster on their books, although the latter is currently injured, and both will be looking to put more pressure on van der Sar once they get their opportunities.
Van der Sar is well aware that his place is not certain and he is looking to improve on the glitches that spoiled his fine displays last season.
“You always have to perform to your best at United because if you don’t, someone else is always ready to take your place,” he admitted. “I didn’t have the same consistency at the end of last season as I had in the previous part of the campaign. I don’t know why.
“There was a couple of things I wasn’t happy with, but when you make mistakes you just have to look at them, look at how you can improve, and then get on with it.”

Source goal.com

Van Der sar wears the Adidas Fingersave Exchange E6S