Posts Tagged ‘Paul Scholes’

On Saturday English Premier League leader Manchester United drew 1-1 during the 35th closing round allowing Chelsea to reduce the gap to only three points.

The points were scored by South American Roque Santa Cruz who opened the scoreboard in the 21st minute and Manchester’s goal came from the Argentinean Carlos Tevez in the 88th minute with a shooting to the net in combination with offensive midfielder Paul Scholes.

But the hero of the day was Chelsea’s goalkeeper Brad Friedel who played an exceptional game stopping some eminent goal shots above all when the visitors were hunting the draw desperately in the second half.

During the 79th minute Friedel stopped Tévez and later on Wayne Rooney as well as the Irish defense John O’Shea (86th) before the goal arrived. Before the 64th minute the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo threw a ball against a post. This unexpected result holds back Manchester’s run for the title, which previously seemed to be an easy task for the “Red Devils.”

On Thursday Chelsea won over Everton 0-1 and now had 78 points only three points shy of the current leader. The only goal of the game was that of Ghanaian Michael Essien during the first half of the game at the 41st minute.

On the other hand, Arsenal was left out of the competition for the title after being overrun by Reading 2-0. This game put an end to Arsenal’s five games without winning at the Emirates Stadium.

At last the Londoners managed to offer a victory to their supporters thanks to the good work of the Spaniard Cesc Fábregas who was defending the center of the field as well as Togolese Emmanuel Adebayor and of the Brazilian Gilberto; the ‘Gunners’, third in the general classification are situated seven points behind of the leader.

Liverpool achieved a new victory, this time against Fulham (0-2), with a total of eight points from Everton which is in fifth position in the battle for the title; situation which is not completely obscure as this allows them a pot for the next Champions League edition

Lastly; there is Bolton, which recently won over Middlesbrough 0-1 and was able to take a breath. Meantime, the Derby County continues in bad shape after losing to West Ham 2-1.

This Sunday, Aston Village sixth place of the classification board, sank even further down after losing to Birmingham (5-1), while Newcastle took air after winning 2-0 over Sunderland.

Paul Scholes is generally admired as a footballer, but rarely receives the recognition he deserves as a role model. When Paul was a ginger schoolboy, he didn’t wallow in self pity praying for baldness, he played football with the normal children until he reached a level where Manchester United were prepared to sign him.
Wayne Rooney has also struggled to overcome adversity; he was born in Liverpool. The Roonatic scored a spectacular hat-trick last weekend, which may explain why he’s been walking around with the match ball tucked under his shirt, or so it would appear. United are a shoo-in at 1/3 to see off Pompey at Old Trafford.
Claude Davis allegedly threatened Ade Akinbiyi with a razor this week; how on earth did he persuade Neil Ruddock to leave the pie shop? My mother always said, “Never trust a man whose eyebrows meet in the middle;” all she missed out was the word ‘tubby’. Sheff U have been tonked on their last four trips to Newcastle, back the Toon to dish out a fifth at 5/6.
Kieron Dyer is not a lucky man. After making his 49th comeback from injury, Dyer has been ruled out for another two weeks following a ‘freak’ injury, although the scale of Iain Dowie’s involvement remains unclear. Rossi looks the call at 9/2 to bang in the opener.
Stewart Downing believes he’s been made a scapegoat for England’s poor results. That’s unfair; a goat has a better first touch than the ineffectual Downing. Boro are the weekend nap at 15/8 to see off an outclassed Watford.
Jonathan Woodgate has surprisingly named ‘Grease’ as his favourite film. (I’m guessing Frank Lampard is also a huge fan.) For first goalscorer betting, I’m hopelessly devoted to Euell at 10/1.
Sure, Kieron Dyer is unlucky, but what about me? As a result of missing Match of the Day, I was forced to endure ‘Goals on Sunday’ with Beavis and Butthead. The Sky boys have an annoying habit of referring to Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt as ‘Kout’, which has wreaked havoc with my punning possibilities. I fancy Liverpool to see off Reading at 4/11, but I won’t be tipping a first goalscorer. Thanks Beavis.
When I heard that Rafa was approaching a ton, I assumed he was tapping up Frank Lampard. After tinkering with his team for 99 consecutive games, the Liverpool manager has finally embraced stability; I’ll be embracing the 11/2 about a 2-0 win to the Scousers.
Henri Camara remains steadfast in his belief that Wigan will avoid defeat at the Reebok, and the Camara never lies. Wigan were unbeaten in three games against Bolton last season, they can snatch a point at 12/5.
The Charlton board would be well advised to beg their former manager to return, there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of Curb crawling. Charlton v Man City is as close as you can get to a certain draw without moving to Italy. Get on at 9/4.
Stuart Pearce wants a ‘managerial sacking window’; that would be a pane. There’s been 20 goals in the last 4 matches between the Addicks and City, a small dabble on a 2-2 draw makes economic sense at 14/1.
It’s great to see Joe Cole back to full fitness, anything that moves Downing further from the England team can only be considered an encouraging development. Chelsea will beat up Tottenham at a ridiculous 8/11.
Jose Mourinho has accused Barcelona of promoting a diving culture; it’s great that the former Porto boss and current coach of Robben and Drogba is prepared to make such an honourable stand. Chelsea are available at 7/1 to win 2-0; dive in.
Robbie Savage always receives plenty of abuse when he plays at Villa Park, which is odd, as blondes who go down easily are normally warmly received. Villa have beaten Blackburn 1-0 at home for the past two seasons, there’s no reason why a hat-trick should be denied at 6/1.
Arsene Wenger believes that Theo Walcott is still two years away from being a top class striker. He resisted the temptation to add, “But he’s already better than Heskey.” You’ve got to fancy Arsenal at 8/13 to put an end to the mini Hammer revival.
The Fulham v Everton match is proving a tough nut to crack. Before last week’s fixtures, I’d have put my mortgage on the Coleman taking the points, but Everton’s draw at the Emirates coupled with Fulham’s dismal performance against Wigan has led me to flip like Naomi Campbell. Everton are the shout at 17/10.
I’ve heard it said that the reason why Tim Cahill is so adept at sneaking past defences is because he’s an Australian. Personally, I find that offensive. I’d like to say to all of my Aussie friends, “I’ll have a pint of lager please.” The magnificent Cahill is available at 45/1 to score the only goal of the game; get the drinks in.
This week’s accer is so mature; Alan Pardew is considering playing it up front against Arsenal. Man Utd, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea are the selections; the payout is a sweet 16/1.