Results Round-up

West Ham 2 - 3 Arsenal

The Gunners continued their fine run of form to maintain their chase of Chelseas crown. Even after West Ham took the lead the Gunners showed that they are made of sterner stuff this season to complete an impressive away win against an ever impressing West Ham. The result leaves Simon Newcombes side in third, behind arch rivals, and fellow over achievers Tottenham Hotspur, who claimed a superb draw away at Old Trafford.

Manchester United 3 - 3 Tottenham Hotspur

Chris Hantons midas touch in North London continued this weekend as his Spurs outfit dazzled away at Old Trafford live on FA Radio. Manchester United were hoping for a quick return to form after a disappointing draw with West Ham but the Red Devils found themselves matched by an exciting Spurs team. It was again left down to a late goal, this time from David Nugent, to salvage a point for the underachieving Mancunians, who now sit 7 points adrift of champions Chelsea.

Liverpool 5 - 0 Newcastle

The Toon army were once again left furious at a lacklustre Newcastle performance which gifted their opposition an easy victory at Anfield. The Liverpool attack tore into Newcastle from the word go and completely outclassed the underachieving Magpies. Craig Bellamy was the star performer, and grabbed a superb hat-trick against his former club.

Chelsea 4 - 1 Fulham

Champions Chelsea reaffirmed their seeming invincibility in the league with another impressive victory, this time against neighbours Fulham. In truth, the Blues rarely looked troubled against Jackie Yeos Fulham outfit and will firmly believe that the league is coming back to South-West London come week 22.

Watford 2 - 1 Aston Villa

Another poor performance by Aston Villa saw them capitulate to promotion chasing Watford at a packed Vicaridge Road. The results didnt flatter another great Watford display, as the Championship new boys once again showed they were more than a match for anyone in this league. Jamie Walker will once again be delighted that his young team are displaying the same levels of incisiveness which saw them claim the League one title last term.

Reading 1 - 2 West Brom

The Baggies stumbled to another three points at the Madjeski Stadium, but the result was by no means convincing and left many Baggies fans wondering if they could withstand the blistering form of Watford and claim second spot in The Championship this season. It took goals from Clemant and Lupoli to see off the Royals, who made things nervous for West Brom after Andy Reid pulled a goal back with ten minutes to go. A blunt Reading had nothing left however, which leaves them is real trouble at the foot of the table.

Bolton 2 - 2 Coventry

In a thrilling game at The Reebok Stadium, two teams played out a competitive match which in the end couldnt be separated. Coventry once again looked impressive in attack, creating opening at will. However, Bolton were by no means impotent and Kranjcar was impressive throughout. In the end a draw was a fair reflection on an even game which sees Coventry maintain an unlikely play-off berth.

Blackburn 1 - 0 Cardiff

The pressure mounted on under fire boss JD Jaques as his poor Cardiff side failed to trouble table toppers Blackburn at Ewood Park. The Bluebirds are failing badly this season, and encouraging press releases from Jaques are failing to materialise. Speculation is rife that Peter Ridsdale is negotiating with a replacement for Jaques already, thought to be in the Championship. The local papers are even suggesting an offer has been put on the table which, should it be accepted, will signal the end for the under fire Jaques.

Sunderland 1 - 0 Birmingham City

The clash of the League One heavyweights failed to live up to its billing as Sunderland left comfortable winners against a poor Birmingham. It took a superb striker from striker to send Brum home with nothing but the press are suggesting the end may be near for the low-profile Birmingham boss Walter Hsu.

Sheffield United 1 - 2 Wolves

Victor Obinha added two more to his impressive season total as Wolves manager Jamie Best saw his troops gain a valuable victory at Bramell Lane. The win leaves Wolves in the automatic promotion slots, and ever impressing. Speculation is mounting however that Jamie could be on his way out of Molyneux, as a number of clubs continue to monitor his management credentials.

Crystal Palace 2 - 0 Leicester City

Eidur Gudjohsen once again illustrated his ability within League One to grab two good goals against a poor Leicester outfit which look like struggling this year. Paul Parry was once again excellent down the Eagles flank, causing havoc in the Leicester defence. The win leaves Palace deep in the play-off race and slowly making a move on automatic promotion.

Bristol City 1 - 2 Derby County

The big clash in League one went the way of Derby as there impressive season continued. The Rams now look favourites to go up after showing a incisive edge against an ever impressing Bristol City side, making their own waves in league one.

Roma 4 - 3 AC Milan

Champions Roma now looks odds on to retain their Serie A crown after an ageing Milan side came a cropper at Stadio Olympico this weekend. Adam Gobles Rome outfit will now fancy their chances of repeating their title winning term last season as their squad looks for superior to those around them.

Juventus 2 - 1 Parma

Juventus claimed the three points at home, but Parma matched the counterparts all the way on a lively game. It took goals from Bojinov and Donati to seal the win for Juve as they moved to within one point of the European qualification places.

Brescia 0 - 3 Inter Milan

Inter taught newly promoted Brescia an important lesson, as there quick attacking play carved open the brittle defence of the Azzuri. Burwuah scored two good goals, as Cambiasso added another to leave Inter level with Champions Roma at the top of Seria A.

Napoli 1 - 2 Sampdoria

Despite an impressive display Napoli were unable to prevent the relentless form of league leaders Sampdoria as the Genova outfit won again. Young talent Victor Anichebe set up one and scored another to leave his side in command of things in Seria B.

Genoa 0 - 2 Palermo

League chasing Palermo continued their impressive run as they dismissed a disappointing Genoa side. Kris Commons scored the pick of the goals, curling in a delightful opener from 25yards out. The win leaves Palermo 5 points shy of Sampdoria, but it looks a tall order for anyone to get in between the pair and deny either automatic promotion to Seria A.

Cagliari 1 - 1 Chievo

Cagliari fans were once again left scratching their heads as to why their team couldnt force a win against an industrious Chievo. With a potentially exciting frontline of Theo Walcott and Iarusso Cagliari have been many peoples outside tip for play-off glory this season. However, they were once again frustrated at home.

Valencia 3 - 3 Atletico Madrid

In a sensational contest at the Mestalla two attacking teams played out an exciting draw which favoured no one but Real Madrid as the Spanish giants opened up some breathing space in third spot. Despite going two goals up on two occasions Atletico failed to close the game out and Valencia scored through Romero in the 62^nd minute to take a share of the points.

Real Mallorca 0 - 4 Seville

Champions Seville showed that they should be considered hot favourites to reclaim their La Liga crown after dispatching of a poor Mallorcan side. The Spanish islanders were no match for Sevilles incisive attacking play and succumbed to an onslaught of pressure. Things seem to be hotting up for Sevilles clash with Barcelona, as both giants are still to drop a point.

Real Betis 1 - 1 Real Valladolid

Betis were much improved against fellow strugglers Valladolid, but may feel a point an insufficient return against a team they need to be beating to stand a chance of rescuing themselves this season. A young, plucky Valladolid team once again showed they can compete at this level, and are now being tipped by many to avoid the drop. Betis however, will be hoping the incoming Robbie Keane and Jermaine Defoe partnership can fire them away from the relegation zone.

Barcelona 6 - 0 Levante

The giants of Catalan produced a breathtaking display of attacking football to completely demolish league newcomer Levante at the Nou Camp. Levante were never a match for Barce and have been dealt a hammer blow in their quest to stay in the league. They can console themselves though, with a point advantage over Recrativo, which sees them up in 7^th.

Real Sociedad 1 - 2 Almeria

Almeria climbed into the play-offs with a nervous, but impressive win against Basque club Sociedad. Fancied to trouble the bottom of Liga B this season Almeria have improved their squad markedly since Arthur Gillions arrival, and can look forward to a potentially successful campaign.

Racing Santander 0 - 2 Real Zaragoza

Tipped to provide Zaragoza with their first real test of the season Santander will be disappointed they didnt trouble the league leaders more on their home patch. Zaragoza reaffirmed their promotion credentials, but in truth, never had to climb out of their comfort zone and Adebayor crafted two brilliantly taken goals from striker partner Eneko.

Cadiz 1 - 1 Getafe

Like Almeria, Cadiz are defying their early season predictions to occupy fifth spot in Segunda with 7 games of the season gone. They may view this results as an opportunity lost however, as they looked the better side in a combative fixture. Daniel Sturridge continued his goal scoring form, but Cadiz couldnt add the all important second which would have seen them claim three points and trouble those further up the table.

Atletico Bilbao 1 - 3 Celta Vigo

Vigo produced another good display of attacking football, but will be fearful of catching Real Zaragoza. However, if Colin Kazim-Richards can continue to impress they may have every chance. The young Turkish international showed once again why he is one of the brightest talents in Europe to create constant bother to the disjointed Bilbao back line.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 10:27, 2008-08-05

Um, I don't think you should take too much to heart mate. Plus i dont think it says anything which at this stage is inaccurate. You are a young team, who has developed well and is now showing that it can compete in the higher league. No??? I am not sure how it patronises anyone? It was written from the viewpoint of the press, who wouldnt have reems of player stats but n overall view of the football.

I think you need to chill slightly and take it as the paragraph round-up that it is! It's difficult to get every single one spot on and it just offers an avenue for some coverage.

No need to criticise in such a way!?

I think that that summary is right in that 3 points would have suited the winning team better than one point considering that both teams were promoted and need to be beating the other promoted teams. Betis are building a good squad with Defoe in there now, and Valladolid have a great young team as it says, a lot better than my team was when we only just survived two seasons back - so without doubt its going to be a fascinating season in La Liga moreso in the bottom half than the top!

However, I think Simon is right that perhaps teams shouldn't be described as strugglers as Simon and myself have both had an awful starting run of fixtures and are exactly where we anticipated - similarly the likes of Levante shouldn't yet be described as the "surprise package" of the season as they have had a kinder fixture list in the opening games.

I think we all appreciate the in-depth work that Simon N. contributes to MOTFA and the time he puts in, and he has to try and give an overall opinion of the match which may mean that debates like this come up every now and again.

Thanks

Rob

Sorry Mark I didn't notice that it was your summary when I wrote the above - I guess you too would have to try and summarise the match without having an in-depth knowledge about the La Liga fixture list!

-- Edited by evertonian at 13:08, 2008-08-05

Firstly - i have to stick up for old Mark R as he kindly offered to do the games roundup for the last couple of weeks due to my workload - this has bought up a situation that that been coming if you ask me

As to the actual comments - im with Simon J and Rob in that the bigger picture, when you take into account potiential, fixture lists, current form and howthe tide may turn - i dont see either as plucky or strugglers - and i think time will show this

what i would imagine is the problem - is that its actually quite knackering when you get down to your league (if Mark like me starts the round up from the Premiership as he writes it)

What i feel makes more sense is to have one manager who is invovled in each league to write the round up for that league?

i think you need that eposure to that league in order to write that roundup? for example on paper i know Newcastle have a plan to rest against the big boys and try and pick up points againt the teams around him - if you didnt know that your match report would read differently

so i guess i am looking for the following to contribute a match report for selected games each week if people are willing?

Premiership - Simon N
Championship - Mark R
League One -
Italy A - ?
Italy B - ?
Spain A - Rob
Spain B - ?

cheers

Simon N

-- Edited by Safehands at 13:28, 2008-08-05

Ill hapily volunteer for Spanish Segunda mate.

On the point of facts; the round ups keep describing Roma as "trying to regain their title" when in fact they lost the last game of last season to Inter Milan in the title decider and as such lost the league title. I'm sure Adam doesn't mind this idea but the Inter manager may prefer the truth.

Also, its been mentioned that Real Valladolid and Real Betis need to "beat the other promotion teams" to stay up. Well Real Betis were a La Liga team last season, and its actually just their poor form that may make them appear like they're new to the league.

Just clarifying a few of the more obvious points!!

Richard.

Na im a better singer than him !

Football Academy wrote:

---

On the point of facts; the round ups keep describing Roma as "trying to regain their title" when in fact they lost the last game of last season to Inter Milan in the title decider and as such lost the league title. I'm sure Adam doesn't mind this idea but the Inter manager may prefer the truth.

Also, its been mentioned that Real Valladolid and Real Betis need to "beat the other promotion teams" to stay up. Well Real Betis were a La Liga team last season, and its actually just their poor form that may make them appear like they're new to the league.

bit harsh rich lol

Just clarifying a few of the more obvious points!!

Richard.

---

Is it possible for any disagreements with what your oppinion of the games summary is, can we bring it up in an interview via the media. It may save a lot of argueing on here. Surely thats what its there for. Either that or just dont read it !

Exactly right Jamie. I clearly don't care about any other aspects. I just stayed up til 2 writing these for a bit of a laugh actually.

Guys

I think sections like this have to be taken the right way. I read Jamies comment and was almost laughing out loud - but Mark you seemed to take it a bit personally?

This is supposed to be fun, and a bit of a giggle - so please dont take it too seriously as that is not want i wanted when i started

Personally i think the worst thing you can do in the media is big yourself up all the time. You may have noticed the better Arsenal do, the quieter i become - people in the game can respect your achievements without reading about it each week

So chaps - can we all just take a breath before getting uptight and actually have more of a laugh than a rant at each other? I dont know about anyone else - but more and more it just bores me to read comment after comment without any real fun or point?

cheers!

Sim
Arsenal

Exactly, so it should be. So maybe people should realise that i just did these to add a bit of spice to the game, and although i apoligise for some of the inaccuracies, I am just trying to help Sim out and certainly don't need people chipping away at them.

Hopefully, this new system works better and appeases all involved.

But Jamie, I think tha fact that i have spent a fair few hours this week and last week trying to do these, transfers, and gossip rather dispells your assumption that i care only about Coventry i would have thought!

GarethGardner wrote:

---

Is it possible for any disagreements with what your oppinion of the games summary is, can we bring it up in an interview via the media. It may save a lot of argueing on here. Surely thats what its there for. Either that or just dont read it !

---

What a brilliant post. Coming from the man that self imploded the other day after a disagreement with Pricey on the Cardiff Messageboards. Maybe you should practice what you preech GG?

-- Edited by Bluebird99 at 17:31, 2008-08-05

Ha Ha, Ok Mate. I wont tell anyone abiut your Hissy fit I promise!!!

**PM me if anyone want to know lol***



I'm kidding


















No seriously, PM me lol

ha ha ha, Gareth that is rather rich - I do remember you being told off for fighting over something to do with loans between Arsenal and Cagliari!

Mark you say that it is a matter of opinion and that opinion is yours, but you also say that it was from the viewpoint of press (which is what was intended). So my 'anyone with eyes and a brain' comment shouldn't be taken to heart by you because that isn't how it was intended. But rather as an open statement that anyone with eyes could have seen the previous success and thought (using their brain) "they would be good in the next league". The fact that you have your own opinion would suggest that you actually have a brain and therefore would make the previous statement untrue in your case, no?

To be honest I didn't think you would find that offensive in the slightest - I was more concerned that Dale would; which it wasn't intended to. I went in looking for the three points but that doesn't mean I think any less of his team or him as a manager, infact I applaud him for bringing in the players he has and wish him all the best in his future fixture (just not against me lol). Kapeesh?

Atleast I got Simon N's viewing and posting figures up!

Simon, hows about I learnt my lesson and just trying to pass a bit of experiance on to others to solve any further arguements mate

it takes an argument to perk up the MOTFA viewing figures eh? lol