Weekend Recap

Round 3 is in the books and with no games this midweek, Manchester City fans can savor their team's position at the top of the Premiership for a little longer. A sound thrashing over Derby County may not be enough for Tottenham manager Martin Jol to keep his job even though his club has been the best non-"Big Four" team in the last two seasons. Story plots abound in the Premiership; that's why we love it so much.

On to the recaps:

1. Portsmouth-3, Bolton-1 (My prediction: Portsmouth-2, Bolton-1): A late penalty converted by Portsmouth's Matthew Taylor thwarted my predicted scoreline and the fact that it shouldn't have even been a PK just makes it that much unfortunate for me. Nicholas Anelka put the visitors in front after slipping one through David James' wickets, but the Kanu/John Utaka combination struck for two goals in 15 minutes to give Pompey the 2-1 lead. John Utaka's goal was one of beauty; a 55-yard solo run in which he simply outsprinted Bolton's defenders, capped off by rounding Jussi Jaakselainen and sliding the ball into the empty net. Portsmouth remains unbeaten on the season; Bolton can't buy a point right now. I can't believe I picked the Trotters to finish 9th!

2. Middlesbrough-2, Fulham-1 (My prediction: Fulham-2, Middlesbrough-1): I don't think there was any team more unlucky this weekend than Fulham. First their captain and today's goalscorer, Brian McBride, dislocated his left knee on the shot he scored on, then Hameur Bouazza dislocated his shoulder. Worst of all, though, was the potential late equalizer that was disallowed by the assistant referee, who didn't believe the ball had completely gone over the goal line (replays showed it clearly did). Middlesbrough's new signing, Mido, benefited from a Tony Warner howler to draw his side level in the 54th minute and young midfielder Lee Cattermole gave the Boro the eventual winner just 3 minutes from time. Full credit to them for going on the road and getting full points but let's be honest: Fulham were jobbed. These things tend to work themselves out over the course of the year.

3. Wigan Athletic-3, Sunderland-0 (My prediction: Sunderland-1, Wigan Athletic-0): Two home wins in a row for Wigan put them just three victories short of last season's total. Some atrocious defending from Sunderland's substitutes led to two PK's (both converted) and were just the insurance Wigan wanted after Emile Heskey's header gave them the early advantage. Antoine Sibierski has scored 3 goals in 3 games for Wigan this season. He'll go for 4 this weekend at West Ham. Antoine Sibierski?!?

4. Reading-1, Everton-0 (My prediction: Everton-2, Reading-0): Reading won the game in typical Royals fashion: an ugly goal (Stephen Hunt) made to stand up by gritty, hard-nosed defending. Everton threw everything they had and the kitchen sink at Reading to try and snatch a draw, and almost found one late through a James McFadden chip, which hit the crossbar but had Marcus Hahnemann beaten. Andy Johnson picked up the loose ball and got around Hahnemann, but his left-footed short range effort came back off the post. The other American goalie in this game, Everton's Tim Howard, was booed relentlessly every time he touched the ball. Reading manager Steve Coppell has to be happy with his club after the tough run of games they've had to begin the season as they sit on 4 points.

5. Tottenham-4, Derby County-0 (My prediction: Tottenham-2, Derby County-0): Tottenham scored early and often in this game with a goal in the opening minute and 3 in the first 13 minutes. French midfielder Steed Malbranque scored twice for Spurs and summer signing Darren Bent got off the mark with a late tally. If you believe the various newspaper reports out there, Tottenham manager Martin Jol will be fired later this week. His sideline clash with star striker Dimitar Berbatov after their first game of the season and his stated wish to sell Berbatov have drawn matters to a head at White Hart Lane. The board at Tottenham already have a tense relationship with Jol but firing him only 3 games into the season would be a huge mistake.

6. West Ham-1, Birmingham City-0 (My prediction: Birmingham City-1, West Ham-1): Mark Noble's PK was the difference in this game as he converted from the spot after Craig Bellamy was sent sprawling midair by Birmingham keeper Colin Doyle, who then looked as if he wanted to fight Bellamy after the call was made (I don't like your odds in that one, Colin). Noble hit the post on a driven, skidding free kick 25 yards earlier in the game as well. Birmingham head to Pride Park this weekend to battle a fellow newly-promoted side, Derby County.

7. Newcastle-0, Aston Villa-0 (My prediction: Newcastle-1, Aston Villa-1): Michael Owen made his less-than-triumphant return to his Newcastle team as a 63rd minute substitute but played no part in this scoreless game. Aston Villa's new goalie, Scott Carson, on loan from Liverpool, made a great save on a screaming left-footed drive by David Rozehnal in the 36th minute. Not many highlights in this game but I'm left wondering one thing: Why in the world did the Newcastle fans give Owen an ovation when he came on as a sub? He's constantly injured and has been a major disappointment since coming Tyneside.

8. Manchester City-1, Manchester United-0 (My prediction: Manchester United-1, Manchester City-0): Manchester City kept up their perfect record after getting a deflected goal from Geovanni in the 30th minute. Sven-Goran Eriksson's extensive experience in Italian soccer certainly came in handy as City slowed the game to a crawl after that and defended, defended, and defended some more. Manchester United has dictated play in each of their first 3 games but have only 2 points to show for their considerable efforts, something that Sir Alex Ferguson won't be happy about. Wayne Rooney's absence showed considerably in this game. United had plenty of chances and a couple that needed just one touch to finish but couldn't convert, though City's Micah Richards played an outstanding center back all game long. Sven will try and make it 4-for-4 this weekend at tbe Emirates against Arsenal.

9. Blackburn-1, Arsenal-1 (My prediction: Blackburn-2, Arsenal-2): Has any keeper looked worse this season than Jens Lehmann?? He gift-wrapped another goal for an opponent in this game when David Dunn's pedestrian long-range effort was tipped into the net by the German. Robin van Persie scored for the Gunners after a goalmouth scrum 17 minutes into the game. Neither team has lost a competitive game this season to this point but more shoddy goalkeeping from Lehmann and Arsenal will change that. Former MLS standout Ryan Nelsen was sent off for Blackburn after he received his second yellow card.

10. Liverpool-1, Chelsea-1 (My prediction: Liverpool-2, Chelsea-1): Liverpool were denied the victory when a controversial penalty was awarded to Chelsea by match referee Rob Styles. Styles had an extremely rough game in the middle and the Premier League has announced that he won't be working this weekend, a punishment for his shoddy work on Sunday. To be fair to Chelsea however, the Blues deserved a share of the points in this game with the way they played. It seems unlikely they would've gotten a draw without the penalty though and Liverpool had every reason to complain about the decision. Fernando Torres scored his first league goal for Liverpool to put the Merseyside Reds ahead in the first half. Frank Lampard converted the equalizing PK in the 61st minute for Chelsea. This was a great game to watch. Tempers flared all game long between the teams and between the teams and Mr. Styles. "Well, we played hard today because we are champions and we will not complain. We are champions."--Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after this one.


Prediction results so far ("Wins" are games in which I have the result right, either win, loss, or draw, "Losses" are games in which I don't have the result right. Scorelines are not included): 9-18

Midweek Recap

It was another exciting round of games in the Premier League. After 2 matches, we're seeing the completely unexpected (Tottenham pointless, Sunderland with 4 points, Manchester City top of the table), and that's what makes the Premier League so exciting. It's the best domestic league in the world for my money. Just 2 more days until the weekend!

To the recaps:

1. Everton-3, Tottenham-1 (My prediction: Tottenham-1, Everton-1): It's a horror story in North East London right now as Tottenham have 0 points after 2 games. The crowd at White Hart Lane was quieted early as Joleon Lescott scored for Everton just 3 minutes into the game, and after Anthony Gardner equalized, Leon Osman slammed home a finish from close range and Alan Stubbs' thunderous free kick took a wicked deflection into the net to cap off the scoring. Jermain Defoe came on as a 60th minute sub and looked lively for Spurs, but Everton were clearly the better team today and sit on 6 points heading into their weekend game at Reading. Gareth Bale, Michael Dawson, and Aaron Lennon couldn't return from injury any sooner for Martin Jol.

2. Fulham-2, Bolton-1 (My prediction: Fulham-1, Bolton-1): Fulham and David Healy continue to impress as the Northern Ireland striker made it 2 goals in 2 games after scoring the game-tying tally. Alexei Smertin had the deflected winner for the Cottagers while former Fulham player Heidar Helguson scored for Bolton, who remain pointless on the season. Things aren't looking too good for little Sammy Lee; Bolton make the trip to Fratton Park this weekend.

3. Manchester City-1, Derby County-0 (My prediction: Manchester City-1, Derby County-1): Sven's boys are at the top of the league after their narrow victory against the Rams. 19-year old midfielder Michael Johnson ended a goal-scoring drought for City at the Eastlands of 227 days (New Year's Day was the last time they scored at home) and was set up by another young player, Stephen Ireland. With all the foreign players Sven has brought in this summer, it was two English youngsters who earned City the win. Derby played well and almost earned another point; they play Tottenham away on Saturday. Could they get points from that game? Play at the level they've played in their first 2 matches and it's more than possible.

4. Portsmouth-1, Manchester United-1 (My prediction: Portsmouth-2, Manchester United-1): Just when you didn't think it could get worse for Manchester United after Wayne Rooney's injury, Cristiano Ronaldo faces a 3-game suspension after his straight red card in the 84th minute. The match referee, Steve Bennett, has sent Ronaldo off once before and appeared pretty quick on the red card trigger this time around, perhaps a bit too quick. Benjani's powerful header gave Pompey a share of the points after Paul Scholes scored his club record 96th Premier League goal for United on a lovely strike. Sulley Muntari was sent off after receiving his second yellow card and will miss Portsmouth's game with Bolton this weekend. Manchester United will head across town to the Eastlands for a Manchester derby. 'Arry's lads don't make it look pretty, but they're getting the job done.

5. Birmingham City-2, Sunderland-2 (My prediction: Sunderland-2, Birmingham City-0): They left it late, but Roy Keane's Sunderland side remain unbeaten after a 2-2 draw with Birmingham. Keane and Birmingham manager Steve Bruce were former teammates at Manchester United and both have been linked to be Sir Alex Ferguson's successor. Nothing separated their teams today. Stern John finished off a goalmouth scrum for the Black Cats to tie the game in the 90th minute while Michael Chopra scored earlier to make it 2 goals in as many games. Birmingham took advantage of an own goal to go out in front 1-0 and appeared to have the win in the bag when Gary O'Connor scored in the 81st minute. Sunderland's trip to Wigan this weekend has all the makings of more points for them and Birmingham have a chance to also get points as they host West Ham. One more time?? Ok. Keane-O, Keane-O!!

6. Chelsea-2, Reading-1 (My prediction: Chelsea-1, Reading-0): As advertised, it wasn't a pretty game at the Madejski but Chelsea came from behind to win. This was exactly the type of game Chelsea needs to take full points from: on the road, against a tough mid-table team who plays to grind the game out. Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba scored for the Blues, who have 6 points from 2 games despite all the nagging injuries across the locker room. Reading went ahead on an Andre Bikey goal (Petr Cech really looked hesitant on that one, thinking about last season perhaps?) but looked doomed after Kalifa Cisse got sent off in the 72nd minute. It's early days, but one of the most important games of the season will be played on Sunday when Chelsea travel to Anfield to play Liverpool.

7. Wigan Athletic-1, Middlesbrough-0 (My prediction: Wigan Athletic-0, Middlesbrough-0): Thank God this game's over, I don't think I could watch 10 more minutes of these two teams going at it. It's quite possible that hitting my head with a hammer would've been a more productive use of 2 hours than watching this. Middlesbrough looked sluggish throughout; Antoine Siberski's second goal of the season gave Wigan the win at home. One good sign for the Boro: Mido's finishing his move from Tottenham and will join his new team at the Riverside soon. There's nothing better than signing someone else's 5th-choice striker!

Weekend Recap

Well, what can I say about this weekend? I'll be the first to admit that nearly all of my predictions were wrong, and it was a crazy opening slate of games in the Premiership. We saw injuries, we saw cards, we saw some great goals (including two breathtaking efforts); the bottom line is we saw good soccer, and that's what matters most. The Premiership is back, 37 more games to go!

On to the recaps:


1. Sunderland-1, Tottenham-0 (My prediction: Tottenham-2, Sunderland-1): The first 45 minutes were about as drab as you can get, with only a couple decent chances for each team. Tottenham fielded a less-than-full strength lineup, but no excuses, they came to the Stadium of Light expecting 3 points. Michael Chopra's second half injury-time winner gave Roy Keane a victorious Premiership managerial debut.

2. Newcastle-3, Bolton-1 (My prediction: Bolton-1, Newcastle-1): Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce enjoyed a dominating performance from his side on his return to the Reebok Stadium, where he led Bolton to four consecutive top 8 finishes. Two goals from Obafemi Martins, including a wonderful overhead kick, led the Magpies to a win on the road.

3. Derby County-2, Portsmouth-2 (My prediction: Portsmouth-2, Derby County-0): This is a game Portsmouth didn't deserve to win, yet Derby didn't deserve to lose either, so a draw was the only fair result. A soft goal by Benjani Mwaruwari tied the game at 1 after an early goal from Derby's Matt Oakley. John Utaka put Portsmouth ahead in the 82nd minute but a diving header from Andy Todd just 2 minutes later earned a share of the points for Derby. Portsmouth were caught on their heels early and often in this game and it was a disappointing game for the team from the South Coast. The draw was more than Derby could've hoped for I think, we'll see if they can expand on this good result.

4. Everton-2, Wigan Athletic-1 (My prediction: Everton-2, Wigan-0): Finally, I got one right! Everton dominated this game for 80 minutes and held off Wigan for a home win. Leon Osman and young Nigerian up-and-comer Victor Anichebe scored for the Toffees, and new signing Antoine Sibierski scored what turned out to be a consolation goal for Wigan. Leighton Baines was held out of the game due to injury, but I have no doubt he'll be in the lineup when Everton play at the JJB in January.

5. Blackburn-2, Middlesbrough-1 (My prediction: Blackburn-3, Middlesbrough-0): What a pathetic crowd at the Riverside for this game. First game of the season and Middlesbrough can't even get a sellout?? Roque Santa Cruz scored just two minutes after making his debut as a substitute for the injured Benni McCarthy, and fellow substitute Matt Derbyshire sent a curling beauty into the top corner of the net only 23 seconds after he came in. Stewart Downing put Middlesbrough ahead 1-0 on a free kick, but Boro couldn't hold the lead at home.

6. Manchester City-2, West Ham-0 (My prediction: West Ham-2, Manchester City-0): You can debate about who you think was the most impressive team this week, either City or Newcastle, but for my money I'll take Sven's boys. The new signings jelled together and simply outclassed West Ham, spurred by goals from Rolando Bianchi and Geovanni (absolutely comical defending on Nedum Onouha's run to set up Geovanni; Onouha is a defender for God's sake!). Great road victory for Manchester City.

7. Liverpool-2, Aston Villa-1 (My prediction: Aston Villa-1, Liverpool-1): A magical goal by Steven Gerrard gave the Reds the victory at Villa Park, one they fully deserved but looked to be denied after Gareth Barry converted a penalty to tie the game 1-1 in the 86th minute. Gerrard's free kick could turn out to be the goal of the season, and it gave Liverpool the 3 points they needed after a tough, physical affair in Birmingham. Ashley Young played extremely well for Villa in defeat.

8. Arsenal-2, Fulham-1 (My prediction: Arsenal-3, Fulham-0): Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez should give serious thought to starting Tony Warner in goal more often this year as Warner, who started on just 10 minutes' notice after Antti Niemi got injured during warmups, stood on his head in net all game long. Arsenal were very fortunate to win the game. Jens Lehmann's mistake was punished by David Healy not even a minute into the match and Fulham succesfully defended their lead for 80+ minutes. Robin van Persie's booming penalty kick equalized for the Gunners and Aliaksandr Hleb won the game in injury time, snatching the points from Fulham.

9. Chelsea-3, Birmingham City-2 (My prediction: Chelsea-2, Birmingham City-0): Shoddy goalkeeping was the major theme throughout this game. Goals by Michael Essien and Claudio Pizarro could've, and should've, been saved by Birmingham goalie Colin Doyle. Mikael Forssell put Birmingham ahead early after redirecting a flick by Liam Ridgewell, but that lead was short-lived. Jose Mourinho shouldn't be disappointed by his team's performance as Chelsea clearly controlled the game but giving up 2 goals to Birmingham is a bit troubling.

10. Manchester United-0, Reading-0 (My prediction: Manchester United-2, Reading-1): Full credit to Reading for snatching a point from this game, but Manchester United can't be happy with this result. They had their chances and were even up a man after Reading's Dave Kitson got sent off in the 72nd minute, not even a minute after coming off the bench. A hairline fracture of Wayne Rooney's foot will keep the England striker out for 2 months, and the decision to let Alan Smith and Giuseppe Rossi doesn't look too wise right now. Calling Dong Fangzhuo, calling Dong Fangzhuo!