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

England Draw against India

Now normally this headline would bore everyone, however once in a while cricket serves up a game that ends in a draw that is more thrilling than a Justin Bieber hair cut.

The football world cup that took place in the summer of last year in South Africa was largely dissapointing. The hype was built up around teams with some of the best players who have ever graced the footbal pitch. The hype dissapointed and the world cup was one of the most boring certainly iv ever seen.

Over in India at the moment the cricket world cup is taking place. The hosts, India, have great potential around their team. With great batsman Tendulkar going into the match looking for another world cup hundred.

The toss at the beginning left India going in to bat first, and the hope surrounding Tendulkar delivered and the home fans went mental as he went past the 100 mark with great speed. An average total for a One Day international match was around 300. Anything over than that would set a hard chase for the second team to come to bat. India ended their innings on 339.

England came out to bat with optamism. Captain Strauss managed a total of over 150 runs and set a great standard for his team to go on and win the game with ease. However England slipped in the middle order with no one really helping Strauss out adding to their total.

It left England needing 29 runs from the last 12 runs. This turned into needing 15 runs from the very last over. Bowlers Swann and Shahzad batted out the over and managed to get a draw out the game. This was one of the most exciting games of cricket iv seen in a long time and was a great game for English fans who could never hoped for a draw after the collapse which was suffered.

If you get chance to see some of the highlights from this game, then look out for it!

A Spin Off!

Hey guys, just a quick update for ya midday!

Iv created a new blog that I will be maintaining as well as this one to give you a flavour of my musical taste. Be sure to check it out and follow if your interested in anything musical as well as sport. I'll be updating it with bits of music news I find interesting as well as giving you samples of what im currently listening to!

http://tisnoisyoutside.blogspot.com/