Ref, Right or Wrong?

Is it right to send off a player for tackling a streaker?

During a Havant & Waterlooville Vs Doncaster match earlier this month a fan appeared on the pitch wearing a Borat thong. Halting the game for seceral minutes the streaker continued to run past players with his hands raised evading stewards attempting to tackle him.

Most players stood by however one of them decided enough is enough and tackled the streaker and wrestled him to the ground until he was caught up to by the stewards. The referee saw this and reached for his pocket, took out a red card and sent the player off for violent conduct.

Well it turns out the referee is actually correct, to the letter of the law...

"He is also guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against a team-mate, spectator, match official or any other person."

Jussi Jaaskelainen, 499 Appearences

35 year old goal keeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen will be in line to make his 500th appearence for Bolton Wanderers if chosen for the FA Cup game at Birmingham tomorrow.

First signed in 1997 by manager at the time Colin Todd when the club were in the old first division, which is now the championship. Born in Finland, Jussi spent his career in Finland before moving to England where he soon established himself in Boltons first team.

Over the years Jussi has been integral in keeping the north west team an established premier league team bailing them out of lots of situations where he has been called upon to make a magnificent save. Often referred to as 'under rated' he has caught the attention of top Premier League teams such as Arsenal and Manchester United. Jaaskelainen also caught the eye of the scouting staff of top european clubs such as Real Madrid, AC Milan and Celtic.

A particular highlight came when Bolton played Blackburn at Ewood Park. Blackburn were awarded two penatlies during the match and the finnish keeper was called upon, and managed to save both. (click here)

Since 1997 Bolton have maintained their status as a top division side as well as competing in the Uefa Cup for the first time in their history. Even when the manager who signed him left, the managers who took over still trusted the keeper to wear the number 22 shirt and do the business. There hasnt been one criticism over the years and still to this day, as a 35 year old doesn't look set to retire.

@OptaJoe‎ 135 - Bolton's Jussi Jääskeläinen made 135 saves in the Premier League in 2010; more than any other 'keeper. Unprotected

@deanholdenuk Former Bolton Wanderers FC player, Dean Holden -  wow, I remember his debut for the reserves against city at altrincham. He had a beast!! Great keeper tho', terrific servant

Steven Gerrard out for a month

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has had to undergo surgery on his injured groin that he picked up in the Barclays Premier League match versus Chelsea. A statement on the clubs website read, "The decision was made following consultation with a specialist".

Its a major blow Liverpool as they had looked rejuvinated under new manager Kenny Dalgish. They sit 6th in the league and were hoping they could maintain this run of form until the end of the season to secure the place in europe next season.

European football is vital for Liverpool for them to hold on to top players such as Pepe Reina, who has already voiced his own unrest for staying at the club. If they could build on a 6th place finish into next season they can end up looking for top 4 otherwise it will be a dissapointing season for the fans.

Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal

Was thinking of just posting that pic with a "nuff said" tag under neath. However I dont think the stats tell the whole story at all.

The game finished 3-1 on the night, Barcelona dominated through out leaving Arsenal players ball watching for most of the game. In fact the only time Arsenal did manage to score was from an own goal.

Arsenal started the game with a very much defensive formation making it obvious their tactics where to keep Barcelona out until half time. Was working brilliantly with some great last ditch tackles and it looked like they could actually see the half out and re asses the situation during the interval.

Half way through the first half Van Persie went through on goal, the whistel went for offside but the dutch forward couldnt hear it over the 95 000 fans. Seemingly unawares of the situation his shot went well wide, turned round and saw the referee raise a second yellow meaning he had been sent off.

The decision didnt change their tactics, still keeping a solid defence.

45+3 minutes in, Messi got free in the box, dinked it over the keeper and volleyed it in. Amazing composure.

Arsenal equalised but Barca grabbed another goal in front. With Arsenal needing to score again Barca just held the ball continuously for the rest of the game, making it impossible for the Gunners to mount any sort of attack.

Good to watch as a neutral but really was spoiled by an awful decision to send Robin Van Persie for time wasting.

Champions League week again!

Sorry for the short break, been up and about, here and there.

Yesterday saw Manchester United get beat 3-1 away at Liverpool. Fairly new manager Kenny Dalgish has somewhat changes things at Liverpool adding flair and good pressure off the ball to the Liverpool team. Something we haven't seen from Liverpool for a long time.

New signing Luis suarez looked really good on the ball against the league leaders and set the standard when he  set up Dirk Kuyts first of his 3 goals on the day. Kuyts hat-trick has been described as the easiest hat-trick ever scored, with all 3 goals seemingly tap ins.

So aside from premiership action, this week sees the return of the Champions League! Arsenal will take their lead back to Spain with them this week as they face Barcelona in the Nou Camp. A real tough ask for the Gunners but its going to prove to be a really good game and not one to miss. England debutant Jack Wilshere has declared himself fit on social networking site Twitter, where as there may be a doubt over the fitness of their Captain Cesc Fabregas.
 

Tuesday March 8th 

Kick Off19:45

How To Win A Cup Final

By Birmingham City

 

Congratulations to Birmingham City. Coming into the final they were the outsiders however on the actual day they were anything but.

However the tactic they did use, were very much reminiscent of the tactics Sam Allardyce used to use against Arsenal around 5 years ago when his Bolton team were known for always coming out on top against a better Arsenal Team. Simply by packing the midfield in a 451 formation with a tall striker, Bolton were able to soak up the pressure that Arsenal applied on them using their triangle passing, they were able to wait for a set peice or a long ball to get the full use out of their tall striker.

Birminghams first goal was scored from a corner after their tall striker Zigic towered above every one in the box, even the keeper to head home. Arsenal equalised finally however in the dieing moments of the match, the bit of luck which Birmingham also needed to come out on top in the final came when a defensive mistake from the Arsenal keeper and CB left substitute striker Obefemi Martins the easiest cup winning goal ever known. 

I felt horrible for Arsenal, watching the game in an Arsenal supporting family house I naturally was supporting Arsenal. Them themselves needing this cup win just as much as Birmingham. Now the North London team have to turn their attention to keeping up with Manchester United in the league, and coming out on top against one of the best teams ever known at the Nou Camp.

Good Luck Arsenal

Weekend Action 26th - 28th Feb

Before the madness that went on in the Carling Cup final, heres the highlights from the weekends premier league games. Bolton's/Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge continued his great start on loan at Bolton by earning them a point with his 4th goal in his first 4 games. While at Villa Park, my decision to replace Blackpool's Charlie Adam with Villa's Ashley Young paid off when Young scored two goals to help them on the way to an emphatic win over Blackburn.
Also a special mention for West Ham United who lift themselves off the foot of the table with a 3-1 win over Liverpool. A Liverpool team which previously looked like they were on the up after club legend Kenny Dalglish took them over. I think they are getting there with who they signed in January. In my opinion they would do well if they got rid of their keeper who has also, like Torres did, voiced his feelings for wanting to leave. A Shay Given would be a good signing for them in the summer and a couple to sure up the back and a good Defensive midfielder and Liverpool will be well on their way to getting back into the Champions League.

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Aston Villa v Blackburn, 15:00

 Everton v Sunderland, 15:00


Newcastle v Bolton, 15:00


Wigan v Man Utd, 15:00


Wolverhampton v Blackpool, 15:00

   

Sunday, 27 February 2011

West Ham v Liverpool, 13:30

Man City v Fulham, 15:00

 

Monday, 28 February 2011

Stoke V West Brom