Posts Tagged ‘West Ham’

West Ham has booked their spot in the EPL for next season. In a wild and wooly match played at Wembley by the Hammers and Seasiders, West Ham came away with a crazy 2-1 win over Blackpool.

The Hammers scored first. Carlton Cole gave West Ham the early 1-0 lead in the 35^th minute. Matty Taylor set up this sucker off the counter attack. Taylor raced up the pitch and laid off a great thread the needle pass to mate Cole.

The Seasiders responded in the 48^th minute. Thomas Ince knocked home the winner from the left wing.

Blackpool had their chances in the second half but they couldn’t push the rock past the goal line.

West Ham scored the winner in the 87^th minute. The Hammers put a ton of pressure on the Seasiders defenders in the box. A huge scramble ball resulted in a put back goal off a missed shot by Ricardo Vaz Te.

Vaz Te said this about the match winner, “It’s a great effort form the lads,” Vaz Te told Sky Sports. “It’s not about the goal – we showed great character. I think we deserved it. We’re a Premier League side and we deserved to go up.

 ”It’s terrific really. I feel like I have been blessed with a second chance in my career and it’s great to be here.”

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1074590/ricardo-vaz-te-delights-in-west-ham’s-play-off-victory?cc=5901

Sam Allardyce West Brom headman had this to say,  “Blackpool were easily as good as us today but it is about taking your chances and no more so that today,” he said. “We managed to swing it just at the death. It’s 49 games and it’s the first one we’ve won in the last few minutes this season. I’m sure (owners) David Sullivan and David Gold will be very happy.”

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1074590/ricardo-vaz-te-delights-in-west-ham’s-play-off-victory?cc=5901

This is the second time Allardyce has led a club back to the Promised Land.

Chelsea has risen from the dead. The Blues were down 1-0 late in the match against Bayern Munich. Didier Drogba nailed a later header in the 88^th minute to send this sucker into extra time. Drogba then committed a mortal sin in the first extra time. His foul on Franck Ribery set up the possible bone headed play of the match in the 93^rd minute.  Arjen Robben wore the choke collar very well. Robben’s choke city cost the DER FCB the Champions League. Neither side could score in extra time. Tied at one all the Blues and DER FCB went to the dreaded PK shootout. Bayern Munich missed two crucial PK shots to give Chelsea the chance to win it. Didier Drogba nailed the PK and this sent the Blues to the Promised Land. Chelsea wins in a wild one 4-3 in the PK shootout.

Futebol season is over in Europe but the regular season is heating up in South America.

Spurs fans are heart broken by Chelsea’s win. Tottenham is out of the Champions League.

Flamenguista for life.

One final note. Do I have ESPN, I mean ESP or what. I told you that Didier Drogba would be the key. He was. The hero.

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West Ham is on the verge of making it to the big boys league. The Hammers destroyed Cardiff City 3-0 and won on aggregate 5-0. Goals by Kevin Nolan, Ricardo Vaz Te, and Nicky Maynard sent the Bluebirds home.

The Hammers were sent down last year and they will meet the winner of the Birmingham-Blackpool match at Wembley on May 19^th. This is West Ham’s first trip to Wembley in thirty-one years.

Birmingham and Blackpool will play on Wednesday.

River Plate defeated Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy 1-0 on Saturday. This win coupled with Instituto’s nil-nil draw with Guillermo Brown cut the lead to a point. La Gloria has 63 points. River Plate is at 62 and Rosario Central has 62 também. Los Canallas killed Huracan 3-0.

The top two clubs will get outta free card.

Los Millionaires has a superior goal difference. River Plate is a plus 34. Instituto de Cordoba is a plus 30 and Los Canallas a plus 17.

Nacional B season ends June 23^rd.

Blackburn was given their marching orders. The Rovers lost to the Wig guys 1-0 and thus are bounced out of the EPL. Antolin Alcaraz nailed the match winner in the 87^th minute to send the Latics to safety. Wigan jumped to 15^th place with 40 points.

The race for the final drop zone place is between Bolton and QPR.  Queens Park Rangers will be fighting for their lives against City. The Citizens have the title in their sights so this will be an all out war at City’s house.

The Wanderers have a hot date at the Potters house.

Wolves and Blackburn are history.

Gunner for life.

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The English Championship ended their regular season. Reading and Southampton have punched their ticket to the big boys league. West Ham, Birmingham, Blackpool, and Cardiff City will have a playoff to see who will be third side to get their ticket punched to the EPL.

Jack Colson hit the daily double to lead West Ham to a 2-0 win over Cardiff City.

These two sides will meet again on Monday to decide which one advances to the championship game.

Later today Blackpool battles Birmingham in their first leg at the Seasiders house. The return leg will take place on Wednesday. Both Blues and Blackpool were sent down last year.

Instituto de Cordoba is still the top dog in Nacional B with 62 points. River Plate is hanging onto second place with 59 points. Rosario Central has 59 points também but Los Millionaires has a plus 33 while Los Canallas is plus 14. The top two teams will advance to D-1 ball in Argentina.

Last time out River Plate and Aldosivi tied one all. Tiburon is in sixth place.

Instituto defeated Gimnasia 1-0.

Both La Gloria and Los Millionaires have hot dates on Saturday. River Plate- Gimnasia hooks up while Instituto de Cordoba Guillermo Brown tangle.

Three points separate Los Millionaires, La Gloria, and third place club Los Canallas.

Rosario Central and Huracan battle on Sunday.

This is nut-cutting time for these clubs.

Boca Juniors is the main man in the Clausura with 24 points. Velez Sarsfield is in second place with 23 points. Newell’s Old Boys are third with 22 points.

Los Xeneizes defeated Colon de Santa Fe 1-0. La Lepra and All Boys tied at one all. El Fortin tore apart Estudiantes 2-0.

The Clausura ends on June 24^th.

River Plate and Boca Juniors are the two most decorated clubs in Argentinos futebol history Both Los Millionaires and Los Xeneizes have a combined 63 domestic titles.

Gunner and Flamenguista for life.

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Man U took care of business at Old Trafford. The Red Devils were superior on this day winning in a cakewalk 3-0 over Bolton. The Wanderers sink big time.

Bolton is on the verge of being sent packing if they continue paying this way.

Paul Scholes led the way scoring his first goal in almost two years.  This historic event happened in the 45^th minute.

The Rooney man missed a PK in the 22^nd minute.

Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick added goals for Sir Alex and the boys.

Sir Alex said this about the refs– “We should have been playing against 10 men.’

“But these inconsistencies are confusing to everyone.

“Referees have to be given direction about what are the laws of the game and what should be permitted in terms of tackles.

“(Referees’ chief) Mike Riley has to be given the rope to say this is not allowed, two-footed tackles are not acceptable, whether you take the ball or not.

“If he does that it would clarify the situation for all players, the referees and the fans.”

Danny Welbeck was injured in the match. Sir Alex said it was a twisted knee but he’ll be ready for my guys from Arsenal.

Here is the link http://soccernet.espn.go.com/quotes?id=318094&cc=5901

Chelsea held home serve. The Blues escaped with a 1-0 win over Sunderland.

Spurs had a chance to keep pace with Man U but Tottenham tied Wolves one all.

Wolverhampton scored the opening salvo in the 22^nd minute a strike by Steven Fletcher.

Spurs found the answer in the 51^st minute when Luka Modric ripped the twines to level this sucker at one all.

This is the way this puppy stayed.

Harry “Me Boy” Redknapp said about the tie. – “You know they are going to be difficult. When you turn up here on a Saturday afternoon you know you are in for a tough game. Teams are going to drop points against these teams, they are all working hard and fighting for survival. If you look at the results over the holiday period it shows how difficult it is. We all get disappointed when we don’t win. But they are not just going to roll over. A point’s a point. We’re still on a great run. One wouldn’t quite drop for us and they defended for their lives, worked hard and pressed us, closed us down and made it difficult.”

Spurs dominated the match but couldn’t push across the winner.

The link http://soccernet.espn.go.com/quotes?id=318093&cc=5901

Liverpool and Stoke tied one all.

This tie cost the Reds big time. This could have cost Liverpool a shot at a top three finish.

Blackburn beat Fulham 3-1.

Aston Villa and Everton tied one all.

Norwich beat West Brom 2-1.

Man City and Man U are tied with 48 points but the Citizens won’t play until Monday.

Spurs are third with 46 points.

Chelsea is fourth with 40.

My Gunners are fifth with 36.

We play Queens Park Rangers later today.

With the win Blackburn is out of the drop-dead zone. The Wanderers are in 17^th place with 17 points.

Both Wigan and Queens Park Rangers are in the you’re outta here zone but they both play later today.

Wigan is whale dung with 15 and Queens Park Rangers are 18^th with 17 points but the Swans are a minus 16.

Bolton is locked in 19^th place with 16 points.

Gunner for life.

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The difference in the match between Arsenal and Swansea City was a huge gaff by the Swans keeper Michael Vorm in the 40^th minute. Vorm stopped the shot. He rolled ball towards his defender Angel Rangel but Rangel wasn’t aware what his keeper was doing and thus ball clipped his back heel.

Gunners Andrea Arshavin took the gift and deposited this sucker into the back of the net for the only goal of the match.

My Gunners played better but this was not an outstanding performance but what the heck a win is a win.

Arsenal is now 11^th place in the table with four points.

This keeps us more in touch with the leader board.

Man City destroyed Wigan 3-0.

Chelsea got by Sunderland 2-1.

Tottenham picked up a huge 2-0 win over Wolves.

This loss sent Wolverhampton crashing back to earth.

Stoke City defeated Liverpool 1-0.

The only goal of the match came in the 21^st minute. Jonathan Walters nailed the PK for the Potters.

This win marked the first time Stoke City since 1968 have won back-to-back wins at home over the Reds.

Sir Alex and the boys destroyed Bolton 5-0.

The Rooney man hit the trifecta while Chicharito hit for the daily double to led Man U to the win.

The Red Devils are a perfect 4-0 after four matches played.

City is 4-0 também however the might boys from Old Trafford are a plus 15 while the Citizens are a plus 12.

Chelsea is in third place with ten points.

Stoke is in fourth place with eight points.

Gunner for life.

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The EPL came to a sudden close. Man U won its 19^th league crown. This broke Liverpool’s record of 18.

Both the Reds and Red Devils were stuck on 18 until Sir Alex and the boys clinch its record-breaking crown on May 14^th.

My guys from Arsenal stunk the joint out the last two months of the season.

My Gunners won two league matches since March 5^th. Count em folks two wins. This is not the stuff crowns are made of.

In this stretch of ineptitude, Arsene Wenger, and the gang had six ties, three losses, and two wins.

This stinks big time.

No wonder we fell from grace and now must play in the qualifying round to earn a spot in the Champions League.

The blame falls squarely on the manager. It is Wenger’s job to get the players ready to perform at a top level.

Arsenal has Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Nicklas Bendtner, Jack Wilshere, Andrei Arshavin, and Theo Walcott.

Sure, the keepers were suspect all season long.

Manuel Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski, and Wojciech Szczesny proved to be an adventure in goal.

You never knew which guy would show up. Would it be the clown or the super stopper? This was a crapshoot.

Finishing fourth in the league is not a total disaster.

It could have been worse.

My Gunners have not won squat since 2005.

This is not good.

In the NFL, a coach would have been fired long ago.

Just ask Jeff Fischer, John Gruden, or Art Schell.

Wenger has done fine but he lacks the skills to bring in better players and his game time decisions are shaky at best.

Two frailties for Arsenal are the mid-field and keeper.

This needs to be addressed in the off-season.

The Gunners have a ton of fire power up front yet when it was crunch time Van Persie, Fabregas, and Arshavin couldn’t fight their way out of a wet paper bag with an out board motor.

After the Barca fiasco Wenger didn’t shake the players out of their slump, instead the team played without heart and lacked the drive to compete at a high level.

Sure, we were robbed but dude you gotta get over it.

My Gunners had two titles with in their grasp.

Instead of forgetting the kick to the gut, Wenger let the players play like crap.

No wonder we slumped.

It is time for Wenger to go.

Who will replace him?

Pepe for one.

Mourinho for another.

The players at Real Madrid are not happy campers.

Let’s see what shakes out in the next month or so.

Big news is coming out of the Arsenal camp- ESPN is reporting that Nicklas Bendtner wants out. -”Nicklas is 100% open now to a change of clubs,” Thomas Bendtner is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror. “He has made his decision and he has told it to Arsenal.

“Nicklas needs to be playing regularly from the start so, sadly, he must leave.

“There is real interest from both English and German clubs, and Bayern Munich were after him earlier. It’s all very exciting.”

Wenger said this about the guys- “We have shown that we have the technical quality to win the league but certainly not the defensive solidity to do it,” said Wenger.

“We have learned that we have the quality, despite what everybody is saying, but of course we need to gain some strength in some areas of the team.

“Mentally of course I hope that the team has learned a lot this season because we could not cope with the number of games nor the pressure in the important moments of the season.

“I felt they lost confidence and you can see that there has not been the same sharpness on the mental front. You never want to forget anything because it is as well the season that we produced our best games ever – but in the end it was difficult to get over the line.

“You could see that the disappointment of the team comes out in the recent games and the belief has gone down. Unfortunately the last disappointment [against Aston Villa] last week has cost us the third place.”

What this means in non-coach speak. We stunk on “D”. When it came to crunch time, we folded like a cheap suit. I didn’t prepare my club to play like champions.

This is the second year in a row we let a title slip through our hands.

Wenger the truth is you did a crappy job.

It was your fault.

You stink.

Gunner for life.

This is it from The De Futebol Zone.

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The heat is on was the theme song for Eddie Murphy and my buds Judge Reinhold movie Beverly Hills Cop.

The race for the you’re outta here zone was in full swing today.

What we knew for sure was that West Ham was a goner.

Who were the other two?

Sunday was the day of reckoning.

It came down to this for Blackpool.

The Seasiders haven’t been in the EPL since 1972.

An own goal by Ian Evatt in the 74^th minute spelled doom for Blackpool.

The Seasiders lost to EPL champs Man U 4-2.

The Red Devils were unbeaten at Old Trafford.

Blackpool was sent packing.

Birmingham kept their slims hopes alive to stay afloat but Spurs sent em packing 2-1.

Roman Pavlyuchenko dialed up a long-range bomb in the 90^th minute to sent the Blues to the bye-bye land.

Pavlyuchenko hit the daily double for Tottenham.

With the win, Spurs kept their place in the Europa League in tack.

Liverpool and Spurs were in a  fight for the final Europa League spot.

Liverpool lost to Aston Villa 1-0.

Wigan punched their EPL ticket by defeating Stoke City 1-0.

So, Birmingham and Blackpool were given their walking papers.

I was sad to see the Seasiders go.

I like the dogs.

These cats haven’t been to the big dance since 1972.

Lets hope these guys will make it back.

It was fun watching em play.

Chelsea has stunk the joint out the last two weeks of the season.

The Blues lost to Everton 1-0.

After the loss, Carlo Ancelotti was given the heave-hoe.

My guys from Arsenal have won count em two matches in their last twelve games.

This sucks big time.

Let’s keep our streak of crap going.

Why not?

What the hell is going on out there?

Arsenal and Fulham tied two all.

My guys finished in fourth place.

City took third with a thrilling 2-0 win over Bolton.

This was the Citizens first top three finish since the 1970s.

Last year City finished fifth.

Man U is the champ for a record 19^th time.

Chelsea finished 2^nd.

City was third.

My guys from Arsenal were fourth.

Spurs were fifth.

West Ham, Birmingham, and Blackpool were sent packing.

The EPL 2010-11 season is in the books.

August is just around the corner.

Gunner for life.

This is it from The De Futebol Zone.

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The EPL ends its regular season on Sunday. Man U is the champ. There is lots to play for especially at the bottom of the table and spots three and four.

Lets see what happens.

City needs to win and third place is theirs.

If my Gunners win and the Citizens lose then Arsenal takes home the prize.

The heat is on.

West Ham is sent packing.

Blackpool, Wigan, Birmingham, and Wolves are in the race to see who gets the final two bye-bye spots.

Oh, yes, what a day it will be.

We’ll talk more on Sunday about these titanic battles and more.

Gunner for life.

This is it from the De Futebol Zone.

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Man City has arrived. City destroyed rival Stoke City 3-0. This completes the double for the Citizens.

City has made a long arduous climb from League Three back to the EPL in 2001.

City now takes over third place in the EPL.

My Gunners have folded like a cheap tent the last four weeks of the season.

Our downfall began on March 3^rd when Arsenal entered the second leg with a 2-1 lead however Barca cheated to get a 3-1 home win to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals.

Instead of manning up Arsenal quit.

This is the manager’s fault.

Wenger needs to be fired.

With that said, City took advantage of the situation and made one hell of a run to put themselves in line for the final automatic Champions League berth.

The Citizens won six out of their last ten. In the mix, City had one tie.

Carlos Tevez led the way for Man City. The Argentinos superman scored the first goal of the match in the 14^th minute.

City toyed with The Potters all match long.

Joleon Lescott ripped the twines in the 53^rd minute.

Tevez hit the daily double in the 65^th minute.

Game, set, and match to City.

All the Citizens have to do is win their final match and third place in the EPL is theirs.

Way to go garoto.

Gunner for Life.

This is it from The De Futebol Zone.

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The lower divisions have completed play. Championship, League One and League Two are engaged in playoffs to see which sides will move up.

This is how it works. The top two sides automatically advance. Teams three through six will compete in a playoff to see who become the third side to advance from the Championship League to the EPL.

League Two will have a playoff for sides three to six to see who wins the final spot to advance to the Championship League.

League Three it’s teams three thru seven will compete for the final promotion spot to League Two.

In the promotion Championship League battle saw Swansea defeat Nottingham Forest 3-1 to advance to the finals.

Later today Reading and Cardiff City will duke it out to see who books their spot in the finals.

The winner of the Reading-Cardiff City match will meet Swansea to see who will join Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City in the EPL next season.

Man City battles Stoke City later today também.

City needs to win this sucker if they want to move into the third spot in the EPL.

The Citizens have a lot to play for in this puppy. A win will give City 68 points. This is one better than my Gunners.

Season finale is this Sunday.

If City can will both matches they will get the final automatic Champions League Spot.

The fourth place EPL side must go through the qualify process.

Arsenal has virtually stunk the joint out the last four to six weeks of the season.

My guys have no one to blame but themselves for their crappy play.

Wenger needs to go.

It is time for a change.

Six years without a trophy sucks big time.

More to come later.

Gunner for life.

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