il grouppo senza il nomo -The European Tour Version

[rouchie]

More news and updates from the San Siro

Milan Vs Parma – Sunday 1st October 2006

A massive turn out for this game only for the spectacle to disappoint! Both sides seemed intent on maintaing a clean sheet and barely ventured out of their own halves, it was only late on in the second half that the game sprang in to life when Milan scored with a well struck volley from man of the match Marek Jankulovski, and given the p[aucity of chances in the game, the Rossoneri must have thought that would be sufficient, but then 5 minutes later, a poor decision from the ref gave parma a lifeline, and a penalty which Morfoe took full advantage of to level the game and share the points in this dull affair.

Final Score : Milan 1 Parma 1

Parma Scorers : Morfeo (Pen 81)

Milan Scorers : Jankulovski (76)

Attendance : 82945

Man Of The Match: Marek Jankulovski (Milan)

***************Newsflash***************

The Milan Manager Paul Rouch has taken a special leave of absence to go on a one month scouting tour of Europe all future games covered in barest detail only until the rouchmeister returns. The team is left, undefeated in the capable hands of the Asst Manager (AKA rouchie was on a bender and missed the evenings session due to consuming far too much Stella)

Messina Vs Milan – Sunday 12th October 2006

Err…. There goes that undefeated record then

Final Score : Messina 1 Milan 0

Messina Scorers : Maldini (OG 68)

Attendance : 40160

Man Of The Match: Mark Iuliano (Messina)

Milan Vs Porto – Wednesday 18th October 2006 – Champions League Group Stage

A narrow win after Nesta’s dismissal in the 5th minute

Final Score : Milan 1 Porto 0

Milan Scorers : Jankolovski (80)

Attendance : 66769

Man Of The Match: Ricardo Costa (Porto)

Sampdoria Vs Milan – Sunday 22nd October 2006

Another League Defeat

Final Score : Sampdoria 2 Milan 0

Sampdoria Scorers : Bazzani (34, 64)

Attendance : 36520

Man Of The Match: Daniele Franceschini (Sampdoria)

Milan Vs Palermo – Wednesday 25th October 2006

A welcome return to winning ways in the league

Final Score : Milan 3 Palermo 1

Palermo Scorers : Amauri (62)

Milan Scorers : Ronaldo (19) Seedorf (44) Totti (70)

Attendance : 72073

Man Of The Match: Dida (Milan)

Milan Vs Torino – Sunday 29th October 2006

A comfortable home win for Milan despite the opening goal coming from Torino

Final Score : Milan 4 Torino 1

Milan Scorers : Gilardino (11, 31) Di Gennaro (71,76)

Torino Scorers : Barone (7)

Attendance : 59132

Man Of The Match: Alessandro Nesta (Milan)

Porto Vs Milan – Wednesday 1st November 2006 – Champions League group Game

A creditable draw in Europes premier competition

Final Score : Porto 1 Milan 1

Porto Scorers : Anderson (35)

Milan Scorers : Maldini (56)

Attendance : 51873

Man Of The Match: Anderson (Porto)

Livorno Vs Milan

A poor game and 2 points dropped by Milan

Final Score : Livorno 1 Milan 1

Livorno Scorers : [/bLucarelli (Pen 16)

Milan Scorers : Gillardino (53)

Attendance : 12875

Man Of The Match: Rezaei (Livorno)

Milan Vs Modena – Wednesday 8th November 2006 – Italian Cup 1st Round Leg 1

Youngster Di Gennaro plays another blinder and hopes for more 1st team recognition

Final Score : Milan 2 Modena 0

Milan Scorers : Di Gennaro (27, 35)

Attendance : 81207

Man Of The Match: Davide Di Gennaro (Milan)

Milan Vs Roma – Sunday 12th November 2006

The first clash against a fellow clan manager, Gareth Jenkinson, notable only for the absence of both managers and a seemingly dull draw!

Final Score : Milan 1 Roma 1

Milan Scorers : Ronaldo (3)

Roma Scorers : Van Nistelrooy (8)

Attendance : 82930

Man Of The Match: Alessandro Nesta (Milan)

The assistant Manager did a pretty average job in Rouch’s absence leaving the team 10th but top of the Champions League Group. Rouch has now returned from his scouting mission (or **** up) and will be manageing the team through the coming months and aiming to move the team up the table and forward in all competitions!

[Jambo4eva]

September

Middlesborough 2 - 3 Liverpool - English Premier League

A fantastic game which the goals just kept coming with Yakubu scoring the opener with a strike from the edge of the box after just 5minutes but Boro's lead did not last long with Craig Bellamy opening his account for the season. The teams went in 1-1 at half time and Southgate was relieved to be holding on to a draw. In the second half Dirk Kuyt came out all guns blazing and struck a beautiful shot into the top corner to put Liverpool in the driving seat but young Lee Cattermole came on and changed the game and got himself a scrappy goal from a corner to make it 2-2. Kuyt yet again popped up late in the game with a header from a Bellamy cross to take the 3 points back to Anfield and back to top of the league.

Liverpool 1 - 0 Aston Villa - English Premier League

Martin O'Neil brough his Aston Villa team to Anfield high on confidence as John Carew and Ashley Young have started playing well for him. Dirk Kuyt captained the Liverpool team again as Steven Gerrard still has not featured this season. New signing Gonzalo Higuain has just announced that he loves Liverpool and wants to win many trophies with this club. He was the man to win this game for Liverpool after a fantastic strike after 15 minutes. There were not many chances in this game with neither side creating much and the ball in the middle of the park for most of the game.

Liverpoool 2 - 0 Ajax - European Champions League

Another great win for Liverpool and Pettigrew's team with the Kop fans going mental in the process. The dreams of winning the champions league are flying high at Anfield after Dirk Kuyt opened up the Ajx defence with a powerful run forward through Hentinga and placed the ball in the bottom corner. In the second half Tim Borowski was moved into the centre of midfield and Mark Gonzalez made a rare appearance on the wing. Borowski was a revalation and scored a goal to top it off and finish the Netherland team off. Liverpool are now sitting top of their group.

Blackburn 2 - 2 Liverpool - English Premier League

Blackburn started the game off well and looked the far more dangerous side with Morten Gampst Pedersen looking dangerous but they could not score. Liverpool opened the scoring from a corner with Dan Agger putting the header away to make it one nil and then 4 minutes later Gonzalo Higuain took a free kick and scored to make it 2-0. Liverpool were still not playing well and this continued into the second half. Jason roberts came on and changed the game and scored to give blackburn some hope. In the 93rd minute Blackburn got a penalty and Pedersen steped up and scored to make it level.

[Andy H]

The Manchester Mail - Life is tough at the top!!!

Hepburn is now two months into his job as Utd manager and he is finding life tough as his Utd side struggle to get going. September started off well but ended with a run of three straight defeats and Utd are already well behind in the title race. Fans are calling for Hepburn's head already which is quite frankly crazy but then again they were used to so much success under Alex Ferguson. Here is how the month went for Utd...........

Premiership

Man Utd v Fulham - (H) Sat 9th September 2006

It was back to Old Trafford as Utd welcomed Fulham and destroyed them in emphatic fashion with a superb 3-0 win. Hepburn must have had them on the training pitch for extra shooting practice during the week as they were a lot more clinical in front of goal. Henrik Larsson grabbed a superb double and Paul Scholes got the other for Utd who dominated the game and played some superb football. Lets hope this kind of form continues.

Final Score - Man Utd 3 v 0 Fulham

Goals - Man Utd - Larsson (4,49), Scholes (49)

Att - 72798

MOTM - Henrik Larsson (Man Utd)

Champions League Group D

Man Utd v Shakhtar - (H) Wed 13th September 2006

Utd opened their champions league account at home to Shakhtar and looking for three points to get them up and running. Utd started where they left off against Fulham, attacking at will with Neville and Evra getting forward at any opportunity. The opening goal came just after the half hour through Wayne Rooney who scored his first of a double. Shakhtar to their credit found a way back into the game only six minutes later after some terrible defending from Utd. It stayed that way till half time. In the second half it was more Utd dominance with no end product until Rooney stepped up and put Utd back ahead. After the goal Utd became sloppy and let Shakhtar back into the game again and the equaliser soon followed. Hepburn just stood stoned faced as the full time whistle went and knew his team had made the worst possible start to their champions league bid.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 2 Shakhtar

Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (33,76)

Goals - Shakhtar - Marica (Shakhtar)

Att - 71963

MOTM - Ciprian Andrei Marica (Shakhtar)

Premiership

Man Utd v Portsmouth - (H) Sat 16th September 2006

Utd produced a fantastic performance at home against Portsmouth to make up for the disappointment of the champions league game in midweek. Their football at times was superb at Pompey were chasing shadows. Henrik Larsson opened the scoring early in the first half but for all their dominance they could not increase their lead. Utd continued their dominance in the second half and soon got number two through Wayne Rooney and that was soon followed by number three through De Jong, scoring his first goal for Utd. Rooney made it four from the penalty spot as Utd coasted to victory.

Final Score - Man Utd 4 v 0 Portsmouth

Goals - Man Utd - Larsson (17), Rooney (50,pen,70), de Jong (55)

Att - 72799

MOTM - Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)

Premiership

Arsenal v Man Utd - (A) Sat 23rd September 2006

Utd went into this game in good form but Rio Ferdinand had a personal nightmare and gifted the Gunners goal after goal to put paid to any hopes of a Utd win. Henry had Ferdinand in knots as he was all over the place. It was an outstanding performance from Henry but Ferdinand should have done a lot better for one of the best defenders in the world. Fabregas also scored a superb goal to add to Hepburn's misery. Rooney grabbed a double for Utd with two superb goals but it was never going to be enough. A woeful performance from Utd and left Davd Johnson with the bragging rights come full time.

Final Score - Arsenal 5 v 2 Man Utd

Goals - Arsenal - Henry (4,18,78,pen,90), Fabregas (31)

Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (61,84)

Att - 60423

MOTM - Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

Champions League Group D

CSKA Moscow v Man Utd - (A) Wed 27th September 2006

A dire game of football this as Utd travelled to the Russian capital and came away with nothing. A game of few chances but Utd's need for an out and out goal scorer became more apparent as they were just not clinical enough in front of goal. Jo got the winner for CSKA and suddenly qualification for the knockout stages became a whole lot tougher for Utd.

Final Score - CSKA Moscow 1 v 0 Man Utd

Goals - CKSA Moscow - Jo (50)

Att - 36424

MOTM - Elvir Rahmic (CSKA Moscow)

Premiership

Man Utd v Wigan - (H) Sat 30th September 2006

A game in which Man Utd were in complete control turned out to be a shock win for Wigan come the full time whistle. Utd were dominating the game and should have been more than 1-0 up by half time but yet again they seem uncapable of finsihing teams off at the moment. Paul Scholes had them in front after twenty minutes but it could have been three or four by then such was Utd's domination. Hepburn went for the jugular after half time and it turned pear shaped for Utd. Ferdinand continued his poor run of form by gifting Wigan an equaliser and then Baszczynski won it for Wigan in injury time. Hepburn just held his head in his hands and could hardly belive what he was witnessing. This was getting worse for Utd and would Hepburn be the man to get them out of it????

Final Score - Man Utd 1 v 2 Wigan

Goals - Man Utd - Scholes (20)

Goals - Wigan - Ferdinand (og,47), Baszczynski (90)

Att - 72788

MOTM - Emmerson Boyce (Wigan)

So a really poor run of form towards the end of the month has cost Utd dearly as they are well behind in the race for the title already and the lack of a top class finisher is hurting Utd badly at the moment with their constant failure to put the ball in the back of the net. lets hope October proves more fruitful for Utd.

[rouchie]

Paul Rouch is back in the saddle after his recent err … “break†and is suitably refreshed and raring to go! Looking to move the Rossoneri up from the 10th place they currently hold and onwards in the cups!

Inter Vs Milan – Sunday 19th November 2006

A tough first game back for the Milan Manager facing arch-rivals Inter away! Gillardiono was wide awake though and sent the red and black side of Milan in to raptures with a very early strike that nearly burst the net! With in 10 minutes of the game starting Gillardino was making the game look like an exhibition showcase for his finishing skills with another typically wonderful strike to double the Rossoneri advantage! Inter pulled themselves back in the game when the man mountain that is Ibrahimovich netted just before the half hour, but Francesco Totti restored the 2 goal advantage within 5 minutes and that was how the scores stayed until the break! The second half was action packed as Inter tried to force their way back into the game and Maxi Rodriguez did just that with just over 20 minutes to go with a cheeky chip to pull the deficit back to one again. Milan were galvanised back in to action though and seemed intent on leaving with all here points and rubbing the league leader’s nose in it in their own back yard! Totti finally grabbed the goal which sealed the win and affirmed Milan’s domination in this game with just a minute left on the clock! A fine welcome back for the Manager

Final Score : Inter 2 Milan 4

Inter Scorers : Ibrahimovich (28) Rodriguez (69)

Milan Scorers : Gillardino (2, 10) Totti (33, 89)

Attendance : 82398

Man Of The Match: Francesco Totti (Milan)

Milan Vs Bordeaux – Wednesday 22nd November 2006 - Champions League Group Game

Despite Bordeaux taking an early lead when the impressive Cavenaghi struck home a thunderous strike Milan never really looked in danger in this one sided encounter. The only surprises were that Bordeaux went ahead and that it took an own goal from Jurietti to get the home side level! After that it was the Ronaldo show with 3 goals in 10 minutes securing a wonderful first half hatrick spoiled only by the French pulling one back just before the break. It was more of the same in the second half though with Totti chipping to make it 5-2 and Ronaldo sealing a spectacular performance with his 4th goal and Milan’s 6th on 82 minutes. The visitors’ frustration spilled over when Julien Faubert was sent off in injury time for a needless and niggly challenge. The fans went berserk at the final whistle as this game effectively meant the side were through to the knockout stages of the champions league.

Final Score : Milan 6 Bordeaux 2

Milan Scorers : Jurietti (OG 24) Ronaldo (30, 37, 40, 82) Totti (63)

Bordeaux Scorers : Cavenaghi (10) Chamakh (44)

Attendance : 59223

Man Of The Match: Ronaldo (Milan)

Milan Vs Reggina – Sunday 26th November 2006

If Ronaldo thought 4 goals in his last outing would guarantee a starting place for this game, he was in for a shock, he was demoted to the subs bench for this Serie A clash, or as the Manager Paul Rouch preferred to say, “restedâ€. Alberto Gillardino then went on to prove he was more than capable of filling big Rons boots and promptly went on to match Ronaldo’s achievements by scoring 4 in this game, one in the first minute and another in the last with 2 in between and picking up a well deserved Man of the Match award. Reggina could only muster a solitary response immediately after the break and had to play with 10 men for the last 10 minutes after Roland Juhasz was dismissed

Final Score : Milan 4 Reggina 1

Milan Scorers : Gillardino (1, 14, 32, 90)

Reggina Scorers : Foggia (46)

Attendance : 55484

Man Of The Match: Alberto Gillardino (Milan)

Modena Vs Milan – Wednesday 29th October 2006

And exceptionally dull game which Milan edged thanks to a penalty early in the first half calmly despatched by Oddo

Final Score : Modena 0 Milan 1

Milan Scorers : Oddo (Pen 13)

Attendance : 19985

Man Of The Match: Clarence Seedorf (Milan)

Ascoli Vs Milan – Sunday 3rd December 2006

Milan were calm and untroubled in a game that they dominated from start to finish and could have won by a cricket score but for some inspired defending! As it was Clarence Seedorf managed to breach the defences in the first half and Alberto Gillardino netted the second after the interval to seal a very satisfying win for the Rossoneri

Final Score : Ascoli 0 Milan 2

Milan Scorers : Seedorf (22) Gillardino (64)

Attendance : 28351

Man Of The Match: Ronaldo (Milan)

Milan Vs Chievo – Sunday 10th December 2006

Another comfortable win for Milan with 2 rare goals from Massimo Oddo, admittedly one from the spot, and the other from Francesco Totti to give the Rossoneri a well deserved 3-0 win n

Final Score : Milan 3 Chievo 0

Milan Scorers : Oddo (9, Pen 67) Totti (45)

Attendance : 82923

Man Of The Match: Massimo Oddo (Milan)

The return of the manager seems to have galvanised the team in to action and the results are speaking for themselves at the moment as Milan climb the table. More news soon!

[ChefRobGaming]

19th November 2006

Real Madrid 1 Espanyol 1

Attendance 67297

David Beckham recieved a red card after 2 yellows with only 37mins gone and Espanyol took full advantage of the 10men, they came forward but Casillas wasnt about to concede, everything was going well until former Barcelona man Ivan dela Pena slotted home from a corner on 84mins to put the away side ahead, 2mins of injury time was to be played at Real fans mustve thought they where going home with no points until Jarque pulled down Robinho in the box on 92mins up stepped Ramos and cooly slotted it past Kameni to earn the draw.

MOM de la Pena 9

24th November 2006

Champions League Group B Game 5

Real Madrid 2 Standard Liege 1

Attendance 69070

Real Madrid who where already through put out a weakened team for this one and it showed the quality of passing was not like Real at all David Trezeguet put Real 1-0 up on 25mins and then Cannavaro with a rare goal made it 2-0, Orlans pulled one back for the visitors on 81mins but it wasnt enough and Real march on.

MOM David Trezeguet 8

26th November 2006

Levante 0 Real Madrid 2

Attendance 25321

Real Madrid back to full strength for this one and boy did it show outshooting Levante by 19-2, Robinho opened on 41mins and then scored his 2nd and Reals final on 43mins.

MOM Ryan Babel 8

3rd December 2006

Real Madrid 4 Real Sociedad 1

Attendance 67279

Ryan Babel showing again in this one why Real Madrid signed him he grabbed the first goal on 13mins and then Alonso would pull one back after 20mins, then Babel would set up Delgado on 83mins to make it 2-1, Robinho added no3 on 88mins and in injury time up popped Alonso this time scoring a own goal to make it 4-1 to Real Madrid.

MOM Ryan Babel 8

6th December 2006

Champions League Group B Game 6

PSV 2 Real Madrid 1

Attendance 32966

Real Madrid travelled to PSV again with a weakened side this time due to international call ups but knowing they where through it didnt really matter what the end result was Tardelli put PSV up 1-0 on 13mins and Delgado would make it 1-1 on 33mins but that didnt last long as within a minute Culina ran the length of the field and slotted home past Casilla in the Real goal to make it 2-1, PSV would then have Alcides sent off for a poor tackle on Babel but it would end with the home side victorius.

MOM Diego Tardelli 8

10th December 2006

Real Madrid 1 Getafe 1

Attendance 68708

Real where clear favourites for this one with the bookies but Getafe had other ideas as they tried to upset the form book, Babel opened with only 2mins on the clock and Real fans mustve thought they was in for a lot of goals but Guiza had other ideas as he slotted home 2mins later and no more goals would be scored in this one, Chairman Calderon was furious after the game he told the press him and Perry would be meeting at some point after this game to discuss the efforts of the players.

MOM Ryan Babel 8

Perry met with the chairman after the game and he told the chairman that he was gonna need more money to buy some better players as it seemed some just werent up to the task and would be sold, David Trezeguet who was only signed this season is the first to be offered out and Roma came back with a offer Real couldnt refuse, Mancini the very good AMRL would join in July in a swap deal for Trezeguet after he told a french newspaper he wasnt happy at Real.

17th December 2006

Osasuna 0 Real Madrid 3

Attendance 19680

So with news of Trezeguet leaving the club many fans wondered if he would still give his all for the club, after 18mins he would answer them same fans by making it 1-0 Robinho made it 2-0 on 21mins and Gago sealed the win from the spot on 55mins after Lopez pulled down Raul.

MOM Raul 8

Team News

Chairman Calderon had a meeting with the rest of the board to discuss money to be given to Perry for players its been finalised that he would recieve a good amount after doing well commercially since November.

Fundage

January Transfers So Far

Marcelo joins from Fluminese for 6m

Michel Salgado is sold to Bordeaux for 900k

Renato Augusto and Gabriel Obertan join Wolfsburg (feeder club) on loan for the rest of the season.

Stay tuned for more as it unfolds at the Santiago Bernabeu

[Andy H]

The Manchester Mail - Hepburn getting in the groove!!!!

After what was a poor September for Utd gaffer Andrew Hepburn his team have turned things around and are now getting into their rythmn at last. Some great football and a few goals and Hepburn is starting to enjoy life as Manchester Utd manager. Their champions league form is still woeful but in fairness they have been unlucky in the games they have played. Here is how the month of October went for Utd..............................

Champions League Group D

Lyon v Man Utd - (A) Wed 18th October 2006

A game that could have went either way as both teams went at each other as both were looking for a vital win. Lyon keeper Coupet walked away with the man of the match award come full time which tells the whole story about he really kept Lyon in this game at time with some superb saves to dent Utd. It was end to end stuff in the first half and Lyon got the opener right on half time through Tiago and that goal proved to be the winner in the end. Utd dominated the second half but Coupet proved just how good he is and kept them out to earn Lyon all three points and Utd's champions league hopes were lying in tatters.

Final Score - Lyon 1 v 0 Man Utd

Goals - Lyon - Tiago (45)

Att - 41006

MOTM - Gregory Coupet (Lyon)

Premiership

Man Utd v Newcastle - (H) Sat 21st October 2006

An easy win here for Utd as they brushed a poor NEwcastle side aside with some brilliant football to put the misery of Lyon behind them. Vidic got the opner for Utd on fourteen minutes but they had to wait until the eighty second minute when Ji-Sung Park slotted home a penalty. The game should have been over long before but Shay Given as always has superb games against Utd and this was no different. Hepburn was happy with the win as they really need to start winning games to get them back up the table.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 0 Newcastle

Goals - Man Utd - Vidic (14), Park (pen,82)

Att - 76210

MOTM - Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd)

Carling Cup 3rd Round

Barnsley v Man Utd - (A) Wed 25th October 2006

Utd sent a full strength team to Barnsley but they really struggled to get going against a Barnsley side with nothing to lose. The Utd fans expected a barrel load of goals considering the team and Hepburn had put out and the opposition they were facing but Barnsely played superbly well to cope with Utd and earned a standing ovation as they left hte pitch at full time. Wayne Rooney grabbed the winner for Utd in the first half but it was a poor performance by Utd.

Final Score - Barnsley 0 v 1 Man Utd

Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (27)

Att - 23107

MOTM - Kieran Richardson (Man Utd)

Premiership

Watford v Man Utd - (A) Sat 28th October 2006

A superb display from Utd as they thrashed newly promoted Watford in what was described by Hepburn as the best Utd performance of the season so far. Utd were on fire after two first half goals from Scholes and Rooney and the football they were playing was delightful. Everything was coming off and Hepburn just sat admiring his team's play. Two more goals in the second half from Richardson and Saha capped off a brilliant display with Watford's only reply coming from Marlon King, fives minutes from time. Superb performance to end the month from Utd here.

Final Score - Watford 1 v 4 Man Utd

Goals - Watford - King (85)

Goals - Man Utd - Scholes (23), Rooney (29), Richardson (82), Saha (90)

Att - 19467

MOTM - Louis Saha (Man Utd)

A great end to the month and Utd have been steadily improving with every game. They need to keep winning to try and catch up with Arsenal and Liverpool in the title race but they are a long way behind already. Their hopes in europe are all but over in what has been a poor champions league campaign so far from Utd. Lets hope they can sneak into the UEFA Cup at least.

[Andy H]

The Manchester Mail - Hepburn struck down with mystery illness!!!!!

Just when Utd were starting to put a run together Utd manager Andrew Hepburn has been struck down with a mystery illness. Some reports are suggesting he was delibrately poisoned on an away trip at Anfield but these are only rumours and Sandy Pettigrew has denied all allegations that nor him or anyone connected with Liverpool football would do such a thing. So Utd were without their manager for the latter part of November as a result but here is how the Red Devils got on during November..............................

Champions League Group D

Man Utd v Lyon - (H) Wed 1st November 2006

Another cracking game between these two sides but Hepburn was furious with his players at full time as they let a two goal lead slip and this result has effectively put them out of europe for this season. It had all started so well for Utd and they dominated the first half and were tow goals ahead through Park and Scholes. Sloppy defending cost them dearly in the second half as Lyon came back and could have won the game in the end. Hepburn was livid at full time and rightly so with his team and made it clear to them that it was unaccpetable.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 2 Lyon

Goals - Man Utd - Park (14), Scholes (25)

Goals - Lyon - Pernambucano (46), Malouda (74)

Att - 76097

MOTM - Tiago (Lyon)

Premiership

Man Utd v West Ham - (H) Sat 4th November 2006

Utd bounced back from their disappointment mid week by beating West Ham quite easily as they kept up this wee run of form going in the Premiership. Two goals in the space of five minutes before half time saw Utd turn their domination into goals as Park and then de Jong, scoring his first goal for the club made it 2-0 at half time and cruising. The fans however were still not sure what to expect having witnessed their team crumble to Lyon despite a two goal lead. Utd continued to dominate but were unable to increase their lead due to some terrific goalkeeping from Robert Green. The fans became more nervous when Carlos Tevez pulled a goal back for West Ham and thought the worst but Utd kept their composure and went on to win this game quite easily.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 1 West Ham

Goals - Man Utd - Park (41), de Jong (45)

Goals - West Ham - Tevez (65)

Att - 76194

MOTM - Robert Green (West Ham)

Carling Cup 4th Round

Man Utd v Southampton - (H) Wed 8th November 2006

Another cup game and yet another major struggle for Utd as they only managed to overcome a resiliant Southampton side in extra time. Southampton came to Old Trafford with nothing to lose and went at Utd and were dominating in the early stages of the game. Utd could not get going and on the stroke of half time fell behind to a Saganowski goal for Southampton. Old Trafford was stunned and Hepburn was happy to hear the half time whistle. Utd came out in the second half a different team and went about trying to find an equaliser. It was Wayne Rooney who got that equaliser and the fans were hoping Utd would go on and win the game quite easily. Again it didn't turn out that way as Southampton forced extra time where Ji-Sung Park finally managed a goal but in truth they were poor and really not ideal preparation going inot a massive game against Liverpool at Anfield on the Saturday.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 1 Southampton (aet)

Goals - Man Utd - Rooney (72), Park (111)

Goals - Southampton - Saganowski (45)

Att - 53796

MOTM - Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd)

Premiership

Liverpool v Man Utd - (A) Sat 11th November 2006

A huge game for both teams as both Hepburn and Pettigrew were sampling this derby for the first time. It was a game of two halves as Liverpool had the upper hand in the first half and Utd dominated the second half but unfortunately for Utd Liverpool took their chances and were 2-0 up. Larsoon pulled a goal back for Utd just before half time to give them some hope. They had their chances after half time but they were unable to get the equaliser and Liverpool got the points. It was after the game that had everyone talking as Hepburn left in an ambulance, unconscious and suddenly football was the last thing on anyone's mind.

Final Score - Liverpool 2 v 1 Man Utd

Goals - Liverpool - Kuyt (13), Higuain (41)

Goals - Man Utd - Larsson (41)

Att - 45341

MOTM - Mohamed Sissoko (Liverpool)

Hepburn remained in hospital for the rest of November as the doctors were still unsure of just how Hepburn fell unconscious in the first place. Sandy Pettigrew denied all allegations that were made against him that he plied Hepburn with cheap Lithuanian vodka and beer. So Hepburn's number two Carlos Quieroz took over and did fairly well. Here is how he got on..................................

Man Utd v Chelsea - (H) Sat 18th November 2006

Final Score - Man Utd 0 v 0 Chelsea

Shakhtar v Man Utd - (A) Wed 22nd November 2006

Final Score - Shakhtar 3 v 1 Man Utd

Man City v Man Utd - (A) Sat 25th November 2006

Final Score - Shakhtar 3 v 1 Man Utd

So Hepburn has been struck down with an illness and Quieroz has taken temporary charge to help try and maintain Utd's good form. What next for Utd and gaffer Hepburn in what has already been a rollcoaster ride.

[David Johnston]

The Emirates Evening News

A long update now since the game is flying through and there is a lot of excitment surrounding the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal's current form.

Premiership

Arsenal 5 - 5 Reading

This game will probably have to go down as the strangest ever. With Arsenal's fire power up front high-flying Reading were barely able to handle it. But it seemed that Arsenal's away defensive record was coming back to the Emirates to say hello.

Reading got off the mark first with a goal after 11 minutes. But it was the flurry of activity as the first half drew to a close that really surprised. Henry grabbed the equaliser on 42 minutes but Kitson looked to restore Reading's lead before half time. But it was Henry again and Baptista scoring in first half injury time that gave Arsenal a 3-2 lead at the break.

Reading were again the first to find the back of the net in the second half with Doyle making it 3-3. Within 10 minutes however Arsenal looked to seal the win with Reyes scoring and then Henry completing the hattrick to make it 5-3. But again a late flurry of activity saw 2 go in for Reading with Doyle also completing his hattrick.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (42, 45, 72), Baptista (47), Reyes (66)

Reading Scorers: Doyle (11, 60, 85), Kitson (44), Jestrovic (88)

Attendance: 56299

MotM: Henry

A real goal fest there but it just goes to show that we really have to work on our defense if we are to have any chance of winning anything this year.

League Cup 3rd Round

Arsenal 10 - 0 Chester

A lot of people asked why I put out a full first team against a team like Chester and its quite simple, my players are fit enough and they like to play in all games even if they are easy. And we certainyl showed that this was easy with a 3-0 half time lead followed by a 7 goal second half to give us a nice 10-0 win.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (11, 20, 53, 60), Fabregas (13, 47, 88), Adebayor (50, 59), Hleb (64)

Attendance: 33165

MotM: Henry

Despite the lower league opposition it was nice to see the team really dominating the game and showing some real class. Also a second Hattrick in a row from Henry is a good sign. Fabregas is also performing exceptionally well at the moment. After that win we have been handed an away tie in the next round against Nottingham Forest.

Premiership

Newcastle 2 - 1 Arsenal

Well after that wonderful performance against Chester it was back on the road and some poor defensive play allowed Newcastle to come back in the second half and nick the 2-1 win.

Newcastle scorers: Parker (51), Ljubijanik (60)

Arsenal scorers: Adebayor (11)

Attendance: 52287

MotM: Taylor

At the end of that month there wasn't much in the way of awards heading to Emirates. But Reyes and Fabregas were rewarded for their goals by coming first and second respiectively in the goal of the month tournament.

Champions League Group Stage

Werder Bremen 3 - 2 Arsenal

Another away game and another poor performance. Despite trailing 2-0 at half time we came back into the game in the second half and made it 2-2. But Klose was on hand to score the winner with 15 minutes to go.

Bremen scorers: Klose (30, 74), Klasnic (36)

Arsenal scorers: Baptista (56), Henry (73)

Attendance: 42434

MotM: Klose

Another dissapointing away defeat that may put our qualification chances in doubt. But wins in our next 2 games should be enough to get through.

Premiership

Arsenal 4 - 0 Watford

Back home and again we showed our true class by hammering Watford. Only 1 goal in the first half though. 3 in the second though were enough to secure the comfortable win.

Arsenal scorers: Adebayor (30), Hleb (62), Henry (80, 88)

Attendance: 55232

MotM: Henry

Another 2 goals and man of the match award for Henry and he is looking good for the player of the year award already.

League Cup 4th Round

Nottingham Forrest 0 - 1 Arsenal

Our poor away performances continued again today with a narrow 1-0 win against lower opposition in Nottingham Forrest. Gallas got his goal scoring underway with a header from a corner.

Arsenal scorers: Gallas (36)

Attendance:

MotM: Silva

Despite the poor performance I am still pleased to have advanced into the quarter finals of the league cup with Newcastle at home standing between us and a place in the semis.

Premiership

West Ham 0 - 3 Arsenal

A sharp improvement in our away form here with a comfortable win over rivals West Ham. Henry added to his impressive tally by firing home with only 19 seconds on the clock. Gilberto Silva and Baptista made it 3-0 before Mejia was sent off for the Hammers. Despite the man advantage the score stayed at 3-0. But that is good enough for me.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (1), Silva (13), Baptista (25)

Sent Off Mejia (39)

Attendance: 35476

MotM: Silva

Premiership

Arsenal 3 - 2 Liverpool

The second time another human manager makes the trip to Emirates and again Arsenal see them off with some nice football. Liverpool were on form coming into the game and the bookies had them as 4-5 favourites. But they forgot to take into account Arsenal's dominance at home. Baptista gave Arsenal the lead with 8 minutes on the clock. But Kuyt brought it back 5 minutes later. Liverpool were perhaps the better side in the first half, but with 11 shots on goal and 52% possession Arsenal weren't to be written off just yet. An own goal by Eboue early in the second half looked to give the pool the lead they 'deserved'. But William Gallas got his head on the end of 2 corners and gave Arsenal the win after a wonderful second half performance. 23 shots in total for Arsenal with 52% of the possession for the home side too.

Arsenal scorers: Baptista (8), Gallas (66, 86)

Liverpool scorers: Kuyt (14), Eboue (o.g. 56)

Attendance: 60407

MotM: Gallas

Always nice to beat Sandy and even nicer when the winning goals come from your centre half with the exact same set piece .

Champions League Group Stage

Arsenal 5 - 0 Celtic

With 2 defeats already in the champions league qualification was at risk. But all that is required is 2 wins since Celtic and Bremen have still to play each other again. So with that in mind we went into this game with a win firmly in mind. Another outstanding display later and we are 3 points the better with only Debrecen away standing between us and the next stage.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (17, 50), Fabregas (29), Baptista (80, 86)

Attendance: 57656

MotM: Henry

Premiership

Chelsea 4 - 1 Arsenal

So far we have been getting away with our poor away form, but not today. A poor performance all round capped off by an injury to Henry and a missed penalty by Hleb.

Chelsea scorers: Robben (4, 47), Drogba (44, 45)

Arsenal scorers: Toure (41)

Attendance: 42345

MotM: Robben

Premiership

Arsenal 1 - 0 Man City

Clearly shaken by the humiliating defeat at Chelsea the team weren't quite right for this game at home to Citeh. And a stunning performance from their keeper kept our goal machines at bay for the majority of the match. But with 5 minutes to go up steps Henry to seal the win.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (84)

Attendance:

MotM: Weaver

Premiership

Tottenham 0 - 2 Arsenal

Time for another away derby day and this time its spurs. But a much better performance this time around sees us take all 3 points home.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (17), Van Persie (61)

Attendance: 36242

MotM: Toure

Champions League Group Stage

Debrecen 0 - 8 Arsenal

Basically a must win game today. With Celtic taking on Bremen someone has to drop points which means 3 points here would guarentee a playe in the next round, behind the winner between Celtic and Bremen. Not much to say about the game except that Henry is a god. A hattrick within the first half hour was enough to pretty much ensure the win. And with Debrecen being reduced to 9 men in the second half it was like a training day for the Gunners. 2 more for Henry, 2 for Baptista and 1 for Rosicky sealed the win.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (9, 23, 30, 72, 89), Rosicky (81), Baptista (83, 90)

Sent Off: Barabas (66), Feher (79)

Attendance: 10188

MotM: Henry

A fantastic performance takes us into the next round behind Bremen who beat Celtic.

Premiership

Arsenal 2 - 0 Bolton

Coming off that impressive win in Hungary the boys were thirsty for more and dominated the game today against Bolton with Baptista grabbing both goals.

Arsenal scorers: Baptista (10, 79)

Attendance: 55197

MotM: Baptista

Some nice performances behind us now and its good to see the boys playing well together. On the financial side of things its good news as we sign an agreement that sees Chicago Fire in America become our feeder club. This should ensure a large interest in our team from across the pond.

The draw was also made for the champions league knock-out stage and the Gunners will face PSV with the first leg at Emirates.

premiership

Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Arsenal

I guess its back to our poor old away form. Despite dominating the game with 55% possession we just didn't seem to be able to break down their defence and get the shots on and the game ended 1-1 with Henry grabbing the equaliser with 20 minutes to go in the second half.

Middlesbrough scorers: Dong-Gook (19)

Arsenal scorers: Henry (69)

Attendance: 34941

MotM: Henry

League Cup Quarter Final

Arsenal 5 - 0 Newcastle

I guess there really is something wrong with our away tactics as we got revenge on Newcastle today for their 2-1 win in the league at St. James'. 4 first half goals pretty much ended the game, but just to make sure Henry put in a fifth in the second half.

Arsenal scorers: Baptista (12), Hleb (28), Henry (32, 61), Adebayor (42)

Attendance: 59433

MotM: Henry

Into the semis now and it will be Andy's job to try and stop us reaching the finaly as his underperforming United are drawn against the mighty Gooners.

Premiership

Arsenal 4 - 0 Aston Villa

Yet another top notch performance to destroy Villa at Emirates. The goal machines are in full power mode now as Henry adds another 2 and Hleb and Fabregas add to their impressive tallies too.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (6, 75), Hleb (45), Fabregas (46)

Attendance: 57024

MotM: Henry

Arsenal 6 - 0 Blackburn

Straight into the next league match at home and this time it is Blackburn to be humiliated. A first half hattrick and 1 from Gallas put the game beyond doubt. But a late sending off for Khizanishvili gave Arsenal even more freedom to run all over them and Walcott and Henry added another 2.

Arsenal scorers: Gallas (11), Henry (22,33,43,86), Walcott (80)

Sent Off: Khizanishvili (70)

Attendance: 54838

MotM: Henry

That game brings the year to an end and a farily good first half of the season for Arsenal. In particular Henry, who is just banging home the goals. As recognition for his performances he was awarded with the World Footballer of the Year title. Totally derservedly too.

In terms of the monthly awards it is a total mystery how I didn't get manager of the month. But instead I came second. Fabregas also came only second in the young player of the month awards. But Henry was awarded with the player of the month.

So to wrap up the year so far: we are currently sitting first in the premiership with a 1 point and 1 game advantage over Liverpool. Also waiting to play Manchester United over 2 legs in the League Cup semi final. And Crept into the knockout stages of the champions league with PSV the team with the task of preventing us making it even further.

Premiership

Arsenal 4 - 2 Charlton

Another home game looked to be sealed before the half time whistle was even blown. A goal from youngster Theo Walcott got the game underway and Moreno gave Charlton a tough task after being sent off with only 28 minutes gone. A goal from Fabregas and first ever goal for Alonos in an Arsenal shirt gave us a 3-0 half time lead. But Charlton staged a comback in the second half with 2 goals from Bent. But Walcott sealed the win with his second of the day.

Arsenal scorers: Walcott (19, 54), Fabregas (30), Alsono (32)

Charlton scorers: Bent (48, 82)

Sent Off: Moreno (28)

Attendance: 60405

MotM: Walcott

So there you have it, a monster update there to set us up for the next session as we look to continue our domination in the world of football.

[gazjuk]

Milan (A) Serie A

1-1

This was a boring braw which saw both teams score in the first 10 mins, first a goal from Ronaldo gave Milan a short lead before Van Nistelrooy equalised. With both manager ‘away’ and the assistants in charge this was probably the best result either side could have hoped for in the circumstances.

Atalanta (H) Serie A

1-0

This was a game that everyone expected Roma to dominate and although they were by far the better team they only managed a 1-0 victory courtesy of another Van Nistelrooy penalty. The down side to the victory was three players limped off injured all of which it was later found out would be missing for approximately 2 months each.

Barcelona (H) Champions League

1-3

A must win game if Roma are to progress but this is not easy game against the Spanish Giants. It was the Spanish giants who took the game on as if they needed to win and had a goal disallowed after only a few mins. It wasn’t long before they did take the lead, Ronaldinho found Saviola in the box who turned in a crowd of players and fired the ball past the helpless Curci. Barcelona’s second came minutes later when Belletti picked out Torres in the area and he made no mistake with the header from close range. Deco then put the game out of reach and Roma out of the Champions League on 39 mins. For Roma things went from bad to worse as Inzaghi was taken off after losing Willhelmson earlier and having no subs left Roma was forced to play the last 10 mins with 10 men and finally managed a consolation goal when Perrotta struck one from 20 yards beating Jorquera on 88 minutes.

Parma (A) Serie A

0-1

Roma started this game in super mood and it was only the superb reactions of Parma Keeper Vilar that kept them from taking the lead. Roma did finally take the lead when a Carvalho Free kick clipped the edge of the wall and squeezed its way past the Parma Keeper into the far corner. Roma continued to pile on the pressure but was unable to beat Vilar. Parma had there own good spell in the least 20 mins bringing fine saves from Roma keeper Curci who has been in great form at the start of the season.

Rimini (A) Italian Cup 1st round 2nd Leg

0-2

Roma started well and took the lead on 12 minutes. The goal came when Bale crossed in from the corner and found Vucinic at the front post to nod in from close range. Vucinic then became provider as a long ball into him from De Rossi brought out a good save form the keeper who ended along way out and was helpless when the rebound found its way to Perrotta to score from 20 yards.

Messina (H) Serie A

3-1

A bright start from Roma but it was a superb individual goal from Bakayoko for the visitors to take the lead as he picked the ball up 40 yards out took on 4 defenders before placing the ball past the Keeper. They held the lead until Perrotta got the ball near the by-line squared it back and Tavano was there to put the ball inside the near post from the edge of the area. Then it was Carvalho who stepped up and showed why Jenkinson had paid £5million the first of his two goals came from a expertly executed free kick from 20 yard which dipped into the bottom corner. For his second goal he picked the ball up outside the area, made a great run towards the left before releasing a great strike which the keeper could only parry into his own net.

Fenerbahce (A) Champions League

3-1

With no chance of progressing through to the knockout stages of the Champions League Roma need to avoid defeat to book them a place in the Uefa Cup. They didn’t do them selves any favours in this first half and went 1 down just before the break when a shot hit the bar and landed at Appiah’s feet and he finished from just inside the box. They held the lead till Faty shot from 25 yards and a deflection wrong footed the keeper and found it was in. Inzaghi made it 2-1 on 87 minutes and Van Nistelrooy scored again just before the final whistle to help Roma to 3rd place finish in the Champions League group stage.

Torino (A) Serie A

2-1

This was a game where Roma could show there true form on TV after there horrible Champions League run. Things started well for them and they took the lead on 23 minutes when Van Nistelrooy turned the last defender and his shot was saved by the keeper only for the ball to find its way to Taddei to place into the open net. After the goal Torino was a different team and dominated and finally got there reward on 60- minutes when after a lot of pressure a header by Conan from a corner found its way into the net through the crowd. They then took a well deserved lead 5 minutes later from the spot after Ferrari fouled in the box and Muzzi put the penalty home.

Palermo (A) Serie A

0-2

This was a game in which both team looked good for spells and was only decided by a bit of luck and good timing. Roma took the lead when a fierce shot across the goals was only parried out as far as Tavano to tap in at the back post. Wilhelmsson then made it 2 on 40 minute when he was put through the middle by Vunic and he slotted past the keeper. There was chances for both teams in the second half but neither team could put the ball in the net and when Palermo was denied a penalty it was never going to be there day.

Sampdoria (H) Serie A

1-1

This was a game that everyone had down as a definite win for Roma. Sampdoria though didn’t come to lose without a fight and got an early goal courtesy of a wonderful free-kick from Volpi form 20 yards out. Roma then piled on the pressure before finally getting the equaliser when Perrotta put the ball through to Van Nistelrooy who put the ball into the top corner from inside the box. Roma tried everything to get the second goal but it just didn’t come and a lack of goals seems to be a real problem for the Rome giants this season.

[Andy H]

The Manchester Mail - Hepburn returns from illness!!!!!!

During December Utd gaffer Andrew Hepburn returned to managerial duties after a month off due to a poisoning scare. At the centre of the storm surrounding the poisoning is none other than arch rival Sandy Pettigrew, manager of Liverpool. He of course denies all knowledge as do everyone connected with Liverpool so the mystery surrounding this situation continues. On the football front Utd seemed to be lacking real firepower in the matches Carlos Queiroz took control of. They have slipped further behind in the title race and third or fourth place is looking more realistic for Utd this season. Here is how December went for the Red Devils...........

Bolton v Man Utd - (A) Sat 2nd December 2006

Final Score - Bolton 1 v 1 Man Utd

Man Utd v CSKA Moscow - (H) Wed 6th December 2006

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 2 CSKA Moscow

Man Utd v Middlesboro - (H) Sat 9th December 2006

Final Score - Man Utd 1 v 1 Middlesboro

So it was time for Hepburn to return and inject some real firepower and a cutting edge as they had stuttered to draws while Hepburn was away.

Premiership

Aston Villa v Man Utd - (A) Sat 16th December 2006

An awful return for Hepburn as he saw his side well beaten by Aston Villa. It was a poor poor show from Utd and Hepburn looked horrified at what he was witnessing. Of all people it was John Carew who tore them apart and this guy has not scored a goal in years!!!! It was terrible and Hepburn was absolutely livid.

Final Score - Aston Villa 4 v 1 Man Utd

Goals - Aston Villa - Carew (1,54,57), Barry (68)

Goals - Man Utd - Saha (23)

Att - 42511

MOTM - John Carew (Aston Villa)

Carling Cup Quarter Final

Man Utd v Tottenham - (H) Wed 20th December 2006

Hepburn had his team in all week for extra training such was the nature of the performance against Villa. There was no fight or passion and Hepburn was getting this drilled into the players ready for the visit of Tottenham who could cause Utd more problems if they did not play well. Hepburn's harsh words and tactics seemed to pay off as Utd did not stop running until the final whsitle and they were rewarded with a superb 2-0 win. Both goals came in the first half through Park from the penalty spot early on and then Rooney, five minutes from half time. Paul Robinson pulled off a couple of great saves to deny Utd from more goals but it was back to winning ways from Hepburn and Utd.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 0 Tottenham

Goals - Man Utd - Park (pen,8), Rooney (40)

Att - 74081

MOTM - Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd)

Premiership

Man Utd v Blackburn - (H) Sat 23rd December 2006

Hepburn was looking for another win against Blackburn but he knew it would not be easy and so it proved to be with superman Brad Friedel in goal for them. Utd threw everything at him for eighty eight minutes and he was equal to it all. Utd then brought on supersub Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and with one swift right foot shot from the great Norwegian and it was 1-0 to Utd. He has made his name as thee greatest sub ever I think and he proved it again today. Utd more than deserved their win but they left it very late and a masterstroke from Hepburn ensured another three points for Utd.

Final Score - Man Utd 1 v 0 Blackburn

Goals - Man Utd - Solskjaer (88)

Att - 76199

MOTM - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Man Utd)

Premiership

Man Utd v Sheffield Utd - (H) Tues 26th December 2006

An easy win here for Utd as they strolled past a hapless Sheffield Utd side. Utd dominated throughout and could have scored a few goals during this game. A goal in either half was enough for Utd with park grabbing the opener and yet another goal for this lad who is in the form of his life at the moment. Then eight minutes from time Alan Smith scored his first goal of the season after coming back from a very serious leg break last season.

Final Score - Man Utd 2 v 0 Sheffield Utd

Goals - Man Utd - Park (31), Smith (82)

Att - 71557

MOTM - Patrice Evra (Man Utd)

A great end to the year for Utd with a run of three straights and they are looking better all the time. lets hope they can take this form into the new year and try and push for honours next year.

[rouchie]

David, talk about high scoring eh! great reports from you, Gaz Rob and Andy, just need Sandy & "Esteban" to catch up now!

[Jambo4eva]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rouchie:

David, talk about high scoring eh! great reports from you, Gaz Rob and Andy, just need Sandy & "Esteban" to catch up now! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I will do mine 2moro

[rouchie]

The Rossoneri Review

With the team moving in the right direction again, sitting in the top 6 and qualified for the knockout rounds of the Champions League, while also still competing in the Italian Cup the fans are excitedly talking about getting the team nearer the top, can it happen? Read on starting with the Champions league defeat I inadvertently left out of my last report!

Anderlecht Vs Milan – Wednesday 6th December 2006 – Champions League Group Stage

Anderlecht hit the ground running in this game and went 1 up after just minutes when Frutos slipped on past Dida. Despite being down to 10 men after Malkhaz Asatiani was dismissed after 10 minutes Anderlecht hung on to that early advantage to garner the win, although Milan were already qualified Rouch was still livid at the defeat, stating that “winning is a habit we have to keepâ€

Final Score : Anderlecht 1 Milan 0

Anderlecht Scorers : Frutos (8)

Attendance : 26143

Man Of The Match: Max Von Schlebrigge (Anderlecht)

Milan Vs Empoli– Sunday 17th December 2006

The dismissal of Totti midway through the first half upset the balance of the Milan side and they found it difficult to get on the front foot. When Vannucchi struck for Empoli late in the second half the odds were stacked against Milan getting anything out of this game but Paolo Maldini used his many years of experience and cunning to spring the Empoli offside trap and forced home an equaliser with just 89 minutes left on the clock, enough to earn a share of the points in a game the Milanese would have expected to win at a canter

Final Score : Milan 1Empoli 1

Empoli Scorers : Vannucchi (78)

Milan Scorers : Maldini (82)

Attendance : 55524

Man Of The Match: Stefano Lucchini (Empoli)

Fiorentina Vs Milan – Wednesday 20th December 2006

Milans poor run continued with a poor defeat on the road to the Fiorentina, sucker punched by goals in each half, the title challenge is in danger of disappearing down the plug hole at this rate as we enter the winter break

Final Score : Fiorentina 2 Milan 0

Fiorentina Scorers : Donadel (12) Toni (85)

Attendance : 47256

Man Of The Match: Luca Toni (Fiorentina)

Udinese Vs Milan– Sunday 7th January 2007

After the winter break the Milan players came back refreshed and ready to go, and Rouch was keen to get them back in to winning ways! Goals in the first half from Gattuso and Gourcuff seemed sufficient to set the Rossoneri on their way but Gyan pulled one back in the second half to put the pressure on the home side, but it was a case of too little too late as Milan held on thanks to a man of the match performance from Dida

Final Score : Udinese 1 Milan 2

Milan Scorers : Gattuso (14) Gourcuff (27)

Udinese Scorers : Gyan (51)

Attendance : 38817

Man Of The Match: Dida (Milan)

Milan Vs Livorno – Wednesday 10th January 2007 – Italian Cup Quarter Final Leg 1

Livorno were the opposition ain the Italian cup, those plans were seriously derailed though when Livorno took an early lead through turf thumper Samuel Kuffour Francesco Totti levelled it up just past the half hour and Milan started to look in control. The secod half saw a fine goal from Gourcuff, who really looks like he is enjoying his football at the moment, which was enough to secure a narrow win for Milan, but leaves it all set up for a thrilling 2nd leg

Final Score : Milan 2 Livorno 1

Milan Scorers : Totti (34) Gourcuff (77)

Livorno Scorers : Kuffour (3)

Attendance : 57305

Man Of The Match: Rahman Rezaeif (Milan)

Milan Vs Catania – Sunday 14th January 2007

Milan were sedate and unruffled in a game that they dominated from start to finish and could have won by a much greater margin! Oliveira grabbed the only goal of a frenetic first half. Gourcuff and Ronaldo added to the goal tally and ensured the scoreline did reflect the home sides dominance

Final Score : Milan 3 Catania 0

Milan Scorers : Oliveira (11) Gourcuff (46) Ronaldo (64)

Attendance : 55089

Man Of The Match: Andrea Pirlo (Milan)

Livorno Vs Milan – Wednesday 17th January 2007– Italian Cup Quarter Final Leg 2

Just the one goal from Big Ron was enough to ensure Milan travelled through to the Semi Finals of the Italian Cup

Final Score : Livorno 0 Milan 1(Milan win 3-1 on agg)

Milan Scorers : Ronaldo (45)

Attendance : 2863

Man Of The Match: Dida (Milan)

Milan Vs Cagliari – Sunday 21st January 2007

Milans form at the moment is beginning to look like a run, and this game was no exception as the Rossoneri coasted to victory, first half strikes from Oliveira and Pirlo confirmed the homes sides superiority and a wonder strike from Fat Ron sent the fans into ecstasy as the celebrated a classy victory

Final Score : Milan 3 Cagliari 0

Milan Scorers : Oliveira (4) Pirlo (23) Totti (73)

Attendance : 82923

Man Of The Match: Yoann Gourcuff (Milan)

Milan Vs Roma – Wednesday 24th January 2007 - Italian Cup Semi Final Leg 1

With Milan is such a rich vein of form, Rouch has said his only regret is having to play “so many cup game in between the important league games†which gives us an indication of where his priorities lie, however, at the semi final stage, against fellow clan manager Gareth Jenkinson, Milan will not be taking this game lightly! The determination showed as the teams were led on to the pitch and the managers exchanged an extremely firm handshake The game kicked off and while the managers were still nursing there bruised hands Gennaro Gattuso let rip a thunderous strike to put the Rossoneri ahead with only seconds on the clock Francesco Totti decided to haunt his former club with a goal that would match many of those he scored in Roma colours The second half saw Roma trying to get back in the game but Milan defended well and then right at the death added insult to injury when Fat Ron struck a superb goal from outside of the box to seal a magnificent win and ensure that Milan have every chance of making it to the final

Final Score : Milan 3 Roma 0

Milan Scorers : Gattuso (1) Totti (9) Ronaldo (90)

Attendance : 82935

Man Of The Match: Gennaro Ivan Gattuso (Milan)

So after a shaky start to Milan showed what they are capable of moving top 4th in the table, qualifying for the knock out stages of the Champions League where they face Olympiakos, and also making it to the fianl of the Italian cup. A successful session indeed!

[rouchie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rouchie:

and also making it to the fianl of the Italian cup. A successful session indeed! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That should read " and almost making it to the final of the Italian cup. A successful session indeed!"

[gazjuk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rouchie:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rouchie:

and also making it to the fianl of the Italian cup. A successful session indeed! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That should read " and almost making it to the final of the Italian cup. A successful session indeed!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

got it right first time

[ChefRobGaming]

More Transfer News

Kevin Doyle has joined from Reading for 10.75m

Mancini swaps Roma for Real with David Trezeguet going the other direction

Mahamadou Diaria left to join Werder Bremen for 8.75m

7th January 2007

Celta 0 Real Madrid 3

Attendance 31773

Ryan Babel's good form continued out on the left wing as he grabbed the opener on 13mins then debutant Kevin Doyle made it 2-0 after 38mins Baiano for Celta would see red on 62mins and from the resulting freekick Gago got his name on the score sheet, Celta was then reduced to 9 when Nene was shown red on 69mins and this one ended 3-0 to the visitors.

MOM Fabio Cannavaro 9

10th January 2007

Copa del Rey 5th Round Leg 1

Real Madrid 2 Espanyol 1

Attendance 36633

Real got off to the worst possible start in this one going down a goal to nil on 16mins through Tamudo, shortly after though with most of the attacks coming from Real Cicinho scored a rare goal on 29mins, it was the Kevin Doyle who made it 2-1 on 63mins, he seems to have settled really well already and the fans love him.

MOM Kevin Doyle 8

14th January 2007

Real Madrid 3 Mallorca 1

Attendance 68705

Fans seem to of taken to Doyle right away, he popped up at the back post to head home after only 6mins, then Ryan Babel made it 2-0 on 45mins and then Robinho killed off Mallorca on 58mins with a 30yard strike, Mallorca would then score a consilation goal on 72mins through on loan striker Maxi Lopez who plays for Barcelona.

MOM Ryan Babel 9

So to all the doubter who said I paid to much for Doyle Kiss My Ass! hahah Sandy you know its you who said it lol

18th January 2007

Copa del Rey 5th Round Leg 2

Espanyol 0 Real Madrid 1

Attendance 31032

Real Madrid needed a early goal to kill off Espanyol and it came in the way of a penalty after Gago was pulled down in the box and Huntelaar stepped up and smashed it home with only 20mins played, Real just shut up shop and let Espanyol have most of the ball and it worked no more goals and Real went through 3-1 on agg and they will face Valencia next round.

MOM Roberto Carlos 8

21st January 2007

Real Madrid 3 Recreativo 0

Attendance 67195

Real Madrid's good form continues as they try to catch leaders Barcelona in the title race Gago was stretchered off after only 11mins in this one and Huntelaar put Real up 1-0 just after the restart, Cazorla was sent off on 59mins for his second yellow card and Robinho scored from the resulting freekick, Babel took it and Robinho headed it home, he then scored again 10mins later to seal the win for the home side.

MOM Robinho 10

24th January 2007

Sevilla 1 Real Madrid 0

Attendance 45464

This one was so tight no team could break the other one down the only goal came on 87mins when Cicinho tripped Alves up and he went down like a shotgun hit him, Luis Fabiano score d the resulting penalty, Real would have 2 dissallowed in the game and the ref would be lucky to make it home alive after a terrible display.

MOM Palop 9

More to come so stay tuned to see if Real Madrid can rise to the challenge of winning the la liga title or just be second best to Barcelona........

[gazjuk]

Livorno (H) Serie A

1-1

Another game for Roma on TV will they manage to get over the TV nightmares?

Well this wasn’t to be the game to end the jinx, Roma dominated form start to finish but went behind after a ball into the area bounced off Vucinic into his own net. Roma Finally got a goal on 73 minutes when Tavano picked out Carvalho in the box and he fired back past the keeper into the opposite top corner of the net. Roma created chance after chance but could get that second goal and when new signing Trezeguet had a goal disallowed it was always going to finish a draw.

Parma (A) Italian Cup Qtr Final 1st leg

0-2

This was a very exciting game both team looking to score early. The first goal came on 26 minutes when Carvalho put Trezeguet through to slot home past the keeper his first goal for Roma. There were chances both ends but Roma sealed victory on 74 minutes when they caught Parma asleep and Taddei scored a goal on the break to give Roma a 2 goal advantage to take into the home leg.

Siena (A) Serie A

0-2

Jenkinson took his side to Siena looking to get 3 points on the run to carry on there title challenge. It took them 30 minutes before top score Van Nistelrooy got onto the end of a brilliant long through pass by strike partner Trezeguet and he put it past the keeper with no problems. Roma continued to dominate the game but as like most of there games cant find the killer instinct to turn chance into goals. They did finally manage a second when young Bale fired in a free kick to open his account for Roma.

Parma (H) Italian Cup Qtr Final 2nd leg

3-3

Roma take a two goal lead into this game which should be enough to see them through to the next round. It looked all sealed up when Ferrari headed home from a corner on 7 mins but this was only the beginning. Bale then made a mistake and Rossi on loan from Man Utd put the ball in from close before finding himself with loads of space in the area minutes later and finished to give Parma a 2-1 lead. Parma then went down to 10 men just before the half time break. Roma capitalised on the 1 man advantage when Inzaghi was left to get into the area unmarked and calmly finish from a Perrotta pass. Parma then went down to 9 men when Dessana was send off on 73 minutes and everyone thought that would be that but a ball in from the left found Kutuzov who finished put Parma in with an outside chance. Roma finally sealed victory when Nistelrooy headed in from a corner to put Roma into the Semi0final and a tie against rivals Milan.

Inter (H) Serie A

1-1

Even with home advantage this is a tough game for Roma and the added TV coverage doesn’t fill the team with great confidence. The curse seemed to be continuing when Adriano took advantage of a Mexes mistake to put Inter 1up after just 8 minutes. Inter then went on to have a few half chances but failed to get the second. Roma started better in the second half and was level on 55 minutes when Perrotta picked out the run of Trezeguet who finished from just inside the area. Roma again had chances to win the match but poor composure in front of goal cost them dearly and could be the reason why they won’t win the title this season.

Milan (A) Italian Cup Semi-Final 1st leg

Another clash with the Milan giants this time both managers will be there to guide there teams into this clash. A nightmare starts for Roma when Gattuso fired a shot in from 30 yards after just 60 seconds. Roma fans favourite Totti then made it 2 on 9 mins which then brought Roma out of there shell and started to look like they wanted to play. They had a few chance as did Milan and the other end but neither team could get a goal. Milan then added a 3rd in the last minutes to seal a memorable 3-0 victory.

[rouchie]

The Rossoneri Review

Milans quest for silverware continues and with the team in 4th place the next game is against 3rd placed Lazio!

Lazio Vs Milan – Sunday 28th January 2007

A trip to the Olimpico Stadium and a great game in prospect as these title challengers meet! Milan set the pace early on and get their deserved reward 6 minutes from the interval when Francesco Totti shoots to score the opener. The second half continues in much the same way and Oliveira gets on the scoresheet followed 5 minutes later by Gattuso. It wasn’t all Milan though and Lazio got a goal back through Rocchie (wonder if he is related?) and Dida was hard pressed to prevent any more goals for Lazio! In the end a closer game than the scoreline suggested!

Final Score : Lazio 1 Milan 3

Lazio Scorers : Rocchie (68)

Milan Scorers : Totti (39) Oliveira (51) Gattuso (56)

Attendance : 81158

Man Of The Match: Dida (Milan)

Roma Vs Milan – Wednesday 31st January 2007 – Italian Cup Semi final Leg 2

The work was done in the first leg of this tie, and Gareth Jenkinson was not able to lift his team to break through the Milan defence. Paul Rouch felt confident enough to rest a few key players from this one and was vindicated when a goalless game meant that Milan had reached the Final of the Italian Cup

Final Score : Roma 0 Milan 0 (Milan win 3-0 on agg)

Attendance : 81168

Man Of The Match: Philippe Mexes (Roma)

Siena Vs Milan –Sunday 4th February 2007

Just when Milan are hitting their stride they hit a banana skin! What should have been a walk in the park changed in to a nightmare when Milan just could not find the net and Siena had no difficulty converting one of their rare chances after just 11 minutes and hung on to inflict a defeat on the unsuspecting Rossoneri

Final Score : Siena 1 Milan 0

Siena Scorers : Frick (11)

Attendance : 15630

Man Of The Match: Gasteldello (Siena)

Milan Vs Atalanta – Sunday 11th February 2007

Milan left it late to grab this deserved win! In truth the game should have been over by the half time whistle but Milan were having problems (again) in converting the many chances they were creating Fortunately Totti kept a cool heah in the 89th minute and tapped in in the 6 yard box! With Roma and Inter both losing Rouch’s men were able to claw back the ground lost after the defeat at Siena

Final Score : Milan 1 Atalanta 0

Milan Scorers : Totti (89)

Attendance : 57879

Man Of The Match: Totti (Milan)

So Milan have confirmed their place in the Italian Cup Final where they will face Lazio, and are currently sitting in 3rd place within a point of 2nd placed Roma

[steff]

Browning continues to smash all before him as Barcelona stand firm in title defence: Jose Gonzales: Jgonzales@marca.com

Things continue to look bright for new Barcelona manager Esteban Browning as his team continue their seemingly relentless march towards their second successive La Liga crown, with the Spanish Supercopa and The World Club Championship already in the bag this could prove to be one of the clubs most successful seasons in a very long time. So since good old Jose here has been suffering from a bout of verbal dihorrea, our look back over the recent run of Barcelona matches will be a bit longer than usual this time around.

Indeed why need to look all the way back to the 22nd of October 2006 for the first match in this sequence (Jose is very lazy when he’s ill – editor). The setting was Camp Nou, the visitors Zaragoza and at stake three vital points in the race towards the La Liga crown. Barcelona found themselves in the ascendancy early on in this one and managed to take the lead in the 9th minute after Samuel Eto’o picked out Javier Saviola with a superb pass, Saviola them skipped past Angel Lafita like he wasn’t there and rattled the ball low into the bottom right hand corner. It looked like the proverbial floodgates were going to open in 13th minute as Xavi picked the ball up 25 yards from goal, after having a quick look around and deciding he had no options the Spanish internationalist rattled the ball towards the goal and it found the top left hand corner. In the 22nd minute it was Xavi and Victor Valdes who combined to gift the visitors a goal, Valdes should have held a tame shot from Lafita but allowed the ball to run free, Xavi was unable to bring the ball under control allowing Ewerthon to get in with the follow up, the striker made no mistake as Valdes was left helpless and Zaragoza had their way back into the match. Three minutes later the home fans were stunned into silence as Zaragoza levelled up the match, after a lovely pass from Andres D’Alessandro, Diego Milito found himself clear of the Barcelona defenders, with the goal at his mercy Milito took his time and carefully picked his spot to level the game. After the horrible first half he had it was no surprise to see Zambrotta replaced with Giovanni van Bronckhorst at half time as Barca looked to try and regain their stranglehold in this match. This looked to be getting worse for the Catalan giants as in the 52nd minute Gerard Pique rattled into Samuel Eto’o with such force that the big Cameroonian striker was forced to come off, being replaced by Fernando Torres. Ten minutes before the final whistle Javier Saviola finally made the breakthrough that Barcelona had been seeking for the entire second half as he got on the end of a Belletti cross with a diving header to restore the home side’s lead. In the end the three goals proved enough to secure all three points but they gave their fans a hell of a fright along the way.

In the midst of all this chaos Xavi was voted man of the match after a wonderful midfield performance.

After their goal went in the Barcelona fans could be heard chanting “biselamos nos paremos†(we can’t be stopped) as it would now appear the fans believe that Browning has what it takes to lead them to the title.

Next up for Senor Browning and his merry band of misfits was a nice trip to lowly Ecija in the first leg of their Copa Del Rey 4th round match. Many fans expected this match to be a vicious mugging as there was no way little Ecija could cope with the strength of their more illustrious opponents. That proved to be pretty much the case as even though they never really managed to get out of second gear Barca dominated this match from start to finish, eventually running out 6-0 winners. It was a tale of two hat tricks here one in each half.

First up was Javier Saviola who rattled in goals in the 3rd, 12th and 37th mins to wrap up his treble. In the second half it was Samuel Eto’o turn as he grabbed his three goals in the 58th, 74th and 85th mins. All in all this was more like a training match for Barca rather than a competitive cup game.

Samuel Eto’o was voted man of the match this time around.

Barcelona fans (all 8 of them) could be heard chanting “¡fácil! ¡fácil! ¡fácil! “ (Easy! Easy! Easy!) Throughout the match.

After the confidence boost a six goal victory brings you, regardless of who your opposition was, who would have envied Racing as they made the trip to Camp Nou, to be fair to Racing they somehow managed to make a game of this one up until the 42nd minute when Barcelona hit Racing and on the break and Ludovic Guily hammed the ball home with a great strike for his first goal of the season. Three minutes later it was the turn of little Leo Messi as he got on the end of a Xavi corner and headed the ball home from close range. Racing where caught on the break again in the 89th minute as Puyol hit his clearance long up the pitch; the Racing defence seemed to have switched off as Javier Saviola ran right through them all to collect the ball and hit it low into the net. Captain Carlos Puyol was voted man of the match in this one.

Barcelona fans could be heard to chant “gracias por los puntos†(thanks for the points) during the final ten minutes of the match.

Next it was back to Champions League duty for the defending champions as they looked to secure their place in the first knockout stage. Victory against Fenerbache would see Barca go through. Things didn’t exactly start the way Browning would have planned as in the 16th minute he saw his side torn apart by an excellent passing move from the Turks which ended with former Chelsea hit man (see diddy) Mateja Kezman slamming the ball past the helpless Victor Valdes. Disaster struck for the Turks in the 25th minute though as Selcuk had a simple clearance to deal with, but the big man sliced the ball right to Javier Saviola who was standing completely unmarked 10 yards from goal, strikers of Saviola’s quality don’t miss those sort of chances and he demonstrated this by stroking the ball home to level the match. Saviola was on target again in the 34th minute after a wonderful move in which Barca strung about 26 passes together before the ball fell to the Argentine who was left with the most simple of finishes. The result was put beyond doubt in the 51st minute when Deco hammered home a free kick from the edge of the box to score his 5th goal of the season. It was no surprise to see two goal hero Saviola voted man of the match.

On realising that they had qualified the Barcelona fans chanted “Liverpool no ganará la taza que†(Liverpool won’t win the cup, we will!) a clear response to Liverpool manager Sandy Pettigrew’s ridiculous claims that his side would win the Champions League this season.

Next up Barca paid a visit to the Nou Estadi as they faced Gimnastic, who in this match gave as good as they got and were unlucky not to come away from the match with at least a point. Javier Saviola managed to get clear of the last defender after a Zambrotta throw in and made no mistake from 15 yards in the 34th minute. Saviola was the danger man again as he struck in the 56th minute to double the advantage for visitors after getting on the end of a Leo Messi cross. Gimnastic pulled a (well deserved) goal back in the 56th minute through a Cesar Navas header after some nice play out wide by Gil, who beat 3 Barcelona players before floating a beautiful cross into the box. The result seemed to have been put beyond all doubt in the 85th minute when out of nowhere Deco rattled home a 30 yard screamer to leave everyone in the stadium stunned. But even with only five minutes remaining Gimnastic battled back and grabbed a second goal in the 88th minute after Ruz waltzed through the Barcelona defence who appeared to have switched and curled the ball in at the near post, Llera met the ball with his head and it was 3-2! Sadly for Gimnastic a mere sixty seconds later the result was put beyond all doubt as Eidur Gudjohnsen made it 4-2 after some nice interplay between himself and Saviola. No shock again to see Argentinean striker Saviola voted man of the match.

The chants of “una suerte mejor la vez próxima†(better luck next time) came up from the Barca fans after the 4th goal went in.

Next up it was poor Ecija’s turn to visit Camp Nou for the 2nd leg of their Copa Del Rey Clash, having lost the first leg 6-0 they could only hope to try and keep things more respectable in this one, sadly it wasn’t to be as they lost 8-0 this time around.

Fernando Torres helped himself to six goals in this one, in 8,51,55,70,75 and 85 mins.

Thiago Motta also grabbed a goal in the 17th minute and Ronaldinho scored a penalty in the 65th minute, Aitor Zebala was sent off for Ecija in the 68th minute. Shockingly Fernando Torres was voted man of the match, and no chanting could be heard from the Barca fans come the end of this, I think even they felt a little sorry for little Ecija and their crushing 14-0 aggregate defeat.

A tough trip to Sevilla followed next as Barcelona visited Real Betis, Betis had been going well in the Premiera Division and this proved to be a tricky match for the defending champions to negotiate. The match itself was a fairly drab affair was the bulk of the game played out in midfield was both teams struggled to assert their authority on the match. However the mark of champions is winning when you don’t play well and that is exactly what happened here, Deco managed to find Saviola with a good pass and the little man made no mistake from 8 yards out. Betis keeper Oswaldo Sanchez was voted man of the match.

Barca fans chanted “podemos compramos tu portero†(can you buy your goalkeeper†thought the majority of the second half.

Next it was the turn of Atletico Madrid to visit Camp Nou and having lost their star striker Fernando Torres to Barca in the summer they would be hoping he wasn’t going to come back and haunt them, sadly for them he did. It only took 17 minutes for Torres to come back to haunt his former employers as Petrov tripped Ronaldinho, Belletti centred the resulting free kick and Torres buried it. Gabi was furious the goal was allowed to stand as he was convinced Torres was in an offside position. With only 24 minutes on the clock Thiago Motta had doubled the home side’s advantage as he took on 3 Atletico players and beat them all before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball home. Martin Petrov pulled one back for this visitors in the 31st minute as Roque Santa Cruz found him with a nice pass 30 yards from goal, Petrov ran a further 10 yards before unleashing a crashing shot past the flailing Victor Valdes. The match stayed finely balanced like this until the 83rd minute when former Atletico golden boy Fernando Torres secured all three points for his new employers. Javier Saviola chased a seemingly hopeless ball down the right hand side, his persistence was rewarded he whipped in a lovely cross that was met by the head of the diving Torres.

As if to rub salt in Atletico’s wounds Fernando Torres was voted man of the match amid chants of “

apuesta que deseas que ahora no lo habías vendido†(bet you wish you hadn’t sold him now) from the gloating Barcelona fans.

At with that it was back to Champions League duty as the holders jetted off to Rome to face a Roma side in crisis. The Italians for whatever reason had appointed some unknown named Gareth Jenkinson as manager over the course of the summer, but unlike our very own boy wonder here at Barcelona Jenkinson hasn’t been performing well at all. Roma found themselves in the unenviable position of having to win this match to stay in the competition and sadly for them it just wasn’t to be.

It was our little argie hero Javier Saviola that opened the scoring for us in the 23rd minute after Ronaldinho had picked him out with a wonderful pass allowing Saviola to volley the ball into the back of the net. Three minutes later Roma looked certain to be crashing out of the Champions league was Fernando Torres doubled the advantage, heading the ball home after being picked out by Belletti’s inch perfect cross. The result was pretty much put beyond all doubt in the 39th minute after Vuncinic fouled Javier Saviola on the edge of the box and Deco hammered the resulting free kick past the helpless Roma keeper, rumours have swept press circles that Jenkinson began to cry at this moment, although we have been unable to confirm this fact. Roma did manage to pull one back in the 88th minute through Simone Perrota, but by this point no one, not even their own manager, cared anymore. Fernando Torres was voted man of the match by someone or another. Barca fans chanted “desea el jenkinson vivo†(long live jenkinson) long into the cold Roman night.

As Barca headed back to their home city to face Espanyol at Lluis Companys, spirits must have been high after the way they dismantled Roma on their own patch, Espanyol would bring them back to earth with a bump however. Things started out really for Barcelona too as in the 24th minute Javier Saviola saw Espanyol keeper Kameni beat his close range shot away, but the rebound fell to Fernando Torres who was left with the simplest of tap ins to open the scoring. Five minutes later though Espanyol found themselves back on level terms through Raul Tamudo, Barcelona being caught out by a quick counter attacking move. Five minutes later Tamudo was on target again this time after a wonderful pass from Rufete sent him on his way, Barcelona fans could not believe what they where seeing, and little did they know it was about to get worse...............much worse.

Right on the stroke of half time Tamudo (who else eh?) was at it again as he smashed the ball past Victor Valdes after a dodgy Rafa Marquez clearance. Esteban Browning clearly incensed by something could be seen remonstrating with the Espanyol management team as both sets of players and officials made their way up the tunnel at half time. In the 67th minute that idiot Belletti was show a yellow card for a push on Moha, all fine and well you may say? But the clown had been shown one in the first half for something equally as stupid and was sent off. However that withstanding, Barca still managed to pull a goal back in the 75th minute through Javier Saviola. Sadly for Barca just three minutes later Coro restored the two goal cushion for Espanyol with a simply stunning strike from all of 30 yards. Barcelona found themselves down to nine mean after Javier Saviola was ordered off in the 81st minute for his second book able offence. A minute later Raul Tamudo completed the rout with his fourth goal of the game. No surprise that four goal hero Tamudo was voted man of the match. Barcelona fans were too stunned by their teams capitulation to chant anything this time around.

After the massacre against Espanyol fans would be hoping Browning could turn things around and damn quickly. They had their chance a week later against Levante at Camp Nou. This was the kind of performance that Barca fans had come to expect from their team as Levante were swept aside with relative ease. With only six minutes on the clock Fernando Torres had opened the scoring after he was sent clean through by a lovely ball from Samuel Eto’o. Six minutes later Torres was back on the score sheet as he got on the end of a Ronaldinho cross. Ronaldinho got on the score sheet himself in the 23rd minute as he got on the end of a Zambrotta cross from the right hand side. Samuel Eto’o went on a great solo run in the 52nd minute taking on three players in the process before scoring with a great strike.

Levante were out classed and out played from start to finish in the one. Brazilian wing wizard Ronaldinho was voted man of the match. After the final whistle the Barcelona fans

chanted “gracias por hacer nos mirada buena†(thank you for making us look good).

Next up for Barca was the conclusion of Champions League Group G as Olympiakos visited Camp Nou with both sides already through the next stage this game was pretty irrelevant. But none the less both sides would have wanted to win the game. Barca would emerge victorious from this one though. Fernando Torres opened the scoring on the 12th minute after Eto’o played him. Eto’o himself got on the score sheet in the 45th minute after he picked up the ball from Leo Messi and found himself in the clear before driving a low ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Xavi added a third in the 67th minute as he lashed the ball in from 35 yards out.

Ronaldinho was named man of the match. While the Barcelona fans chanted “traer en los wánkers del scouse†(bring on the scouse wankers) a clear reference of their preferred draw in the next stage of the competition. Sadly they will have to wait if they want Liverpool as Barca where drawn against French side Lille in the first knockout round of the competition.

The chance of more silverware loomed next for Browning and his merry men as he lead his side to Japan to take part in the World Club Championship. Their Semi Final match saw them take on Al-Ittihad (KSA) of Saudi Arabia. Well many expected a murder here this wasn’t the case, although Barca where never in any danger of losing this match. The first goal of the game came via an own goal from Abdul Rahman Al-Faraj in the first minute. Another goal didn’t come until right on the stroke of half time when Leo Messi fed the ball through to Fernando Torres who spun on the ball before unleashing a 20 yard shot past the helpless Saudi keeper. Barca confirmed their passage into the final in the 78th minute when Samuel Eto’o headed the ball home from a Ronaldinho corner. The poor Saudi’s had only one effort at goal for the entire 90mins while Barcelona had 32, more than one every three minutes, which should give you an idea of how this game panned out. Ronaldinho was voted man of the match. After the match the Barcelona fans chanted “no debes ser permitido jugar al balompié†(you should not be allowed to play football) to mock their lesser opponents.

Onwards to the final for the mighty Barca, against Brazilian diddies Internacional. Fans didn’t have to wait long for their hero’s to grab a goal as Samuel Eto’o opened the scoring in 9mins with one of his trademark headers. In the 25th minute Edinho managed to out jump Rafa Marquez and head the ball home to level the match for Internacional. Fernando Torres put Barcelona back in the lead in the 33rd minute after Leo Messi whipped a lovely low cross to the near post. The result was put beyond all doubt as Deco added number 3 in the 58th minute with a wonderful free kick from 30 yards.

The only sour note for the new champions was Samuel Eto’o being cut down by the dirty Brazilian hatchet men in the 67th minute with an injury that would later be revealed to keep out of the game for the next two months.

Xavi was voted man of the match and the Barcelona fans chanted “gracias por otro trofeo†(Thank you for another trophy) in the direction of manager Esteban Browning.

With another trophy wrapped up it was back to La Liga for the defending champions and this time it was Osasuna that stood in-between them and three points. Basically it stayed that way for ninety minutes too as neither side created much in the way of well, anything really! The only highlight of any note was Fernando Torres going off injured after only ten minutes. A total waste of a football game.

Rafa Marquez was voted man of the match, and the chants of the Barcelona fans couldn’t be heard over the yawns.

Next up was Real Sociedad away from home; fans didn’t have to wait long for a goal either as Fernando Torres gave Barca an early lead in the 2nd minute after working himself free of the last defender and calmly passing the ball into the net. Not the start Sociedad had in mind one would imagine. In the 39th minute Ronaldinho delightfully knocked the ball past Gerardo and beat him with his turn of pace, before any of the remaining Sociedad defenders had realised what was happening Ronaldinho had literally passed the ball into the net. Things got worse for the home side in the 78th minute after Diego Rivas went in with a vicious two footed lunge on Thiago Motta; the referee had no hesitation in sending Rivas off. Xavi finished off Sociedad in the 88th minute as he broke free of two defenders and surged into the box before hammering the ball into the net.

Ronaldinho was voted man of the match by someone, and the Barcelona fans could be heard to sing “habrías podido por lo menos dar vuelta para arriba†(you could have at least turned up) a clear jibe at what they felt to be a lacklustre Sociedad performance.

Barcelona then headed for the Coliseum Alfonso Perez to face Getafe, and Getafe managed to do something that very few teams have managed to do this season, take something from a match with Barcelona. Things looked like they would be following a familiar script as Ronaldinho opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a brilliant free kick. But after this point Barca seemed to lose the ability to stick the ball in the net, as they made good chance after good chance but couldn’t convert them. The price for not converting these chances would be paid in the 52nd minute as Casquero got free of Carlos Puyol and drove the ball past Victor Valdes to level the game. Try as they might Barcelona could not find a second goal to grab all three points. Unsurprisingly Getafe goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri was voted man of the match after a string of world class stops. To which the Barcelona fans chanted “podrías jugar para nosotros†(you could play for us) in appreciation of the skill of the player who had denied them all three points.

Next it was off to Sevilla to face Sevilla in the 5th round of the Copa Del Rey. This match had been hyped as the tie of the round but in reality it was a bit of a letdown. The first half looked like it was going to be a goalless affair until the 42nd minute when Daniel Alves sent Alexndr Kerzhakov clear through, Kerzhakov chipped the ball over the advancing Valdes to give Sevilla the lead. The rest of the match was more of the same rubbish until Ronaldinho delivered a brilliant ball to Samuel Eto’o in the 78th minute for Eto’o to hammer it home and level the game up for the visitors. Eto’o would go off injured a minute later but he had still done enough to secure the man of the match award. Fans of Barca could be heard chanting “ganaremos esta taza también†(we will win this cup too) after the final whistle.

Mallorca would pay a visit to Camp Nou next and again Barcelona would make hard work out of winning the game, the only goal of the game would come in the 35th minute through Ronaldinho after he flighted a free kick in from 30yards.

The rest of game was more missed chances and good defending from Mallorca. Not the greatest performance ever, but still another three points as the Catalan giants continue their march to the defence of their title.

Barca faced up to Recreativo next and the result would prove to be a lot different from the result most people expected. Within the first sixty seconds of the game Fernando Torres had been sent off as he hacked down Jose Sosa with a dangerous two footed tackle after Sosa had used a wonderful piece of skill to turn away from Torres. Recreativo then went on to take the lead through Nigerian International Ikechukwu Uche in the 19th minute after a luck deflection off of Andres Iniesta. Credit to Barcelona though they never gave up and got their reward in the 67th minute, Iniesta floated in the a corner from the right hand side, Marquez flicked the ball on with his head, the ball found it’s way to Thiago Motta who smashed it home to level the game up. Andres Iniesta was voted man of the match. Fans chanting “no parecemos campeones hoy†(we don’t look like champions today) where obviously frustrated by their team’s performance.

As Sevilla paid their visit to Camp Nou in this La Liga Clash, Barcelona were going through a bit a striker crisis which meant today Leo Messi would be playing up front partnering ex Chelsea diddy Eidur Gudjohnsen. With this lack of a recognised striker Sevilla must have been robbing themselves with glee.

Sadly things never quite turned out as they would have expected as Messi took to his new role like a duck to water, his first goal of the day came in the 41st minute after a superb pass from Xavi. In the 49th minute Messi had doubled his haul after scoring from a tight angle with an amazing lob. Poulsen was then sent off for Sevilla in the 58th minute for his second book able offence. Chevanton pulled one back for Sevilla to put them back in with a shout in the 58th minute after some poor defending from Barca. The result was put beyond all doubt in the 81st minute though as Gudjohnsen fed the ball through for Guily who coolly slotted it home.

Makeshift striker Leo Messi was voted man of the match. “no hicimos ningún buen huelguista caber y ganamos de todos modos†(we have no good fit strikers but we won anyway) was the chant directed at the Sevilla fans by the jubilant Barcelona fans.

As the battle continued for the Copa Del Rey Baca headed to El Madrigal to face Villarreal. An efficient performance saw them run out comfortable winners.

A double from Fernando Torres (30mins and 39mins) put them well on their way and Ludovic Guily killed the game off right on the stroke of halftime with his well taken strike.

Fernando Torres was voted man of the match and the Barca fans may well have been chanting something but I wasn’t listening.

As Barcelona visited the Santiago Bernabeu on the February the 2nd the horrible realisation must have dawned on Real manager Rob Perry that his side had to win to remain in the title race, having already lost at Camp Nou this season Perry would also have been looking to win this match on his own patch and give the fans something to gloat about. Sadly he failed to mention these plans to Barcelona as they stole a smash and grab win over their biggest rivals.

The scoring was opened the 17th minute through Samuel Eto’o after Gudjohnsen nodded the ball on for him, having caught out the defence Eto’o was allowed to continue unchallenged into the penalty area where he unleashed a ferocious shot into the bottom left hand corner. Real Madrid were back on level terms with in three minutes though, as Vanden Borre turned with the ball and delivered an inch perfect pass to recent new signing Mancini who passed the ball past that diddy Valdes in the Barcelona goal. The next goal came in the 61st minute and it came for Real Madrid, Robinho rattled a drive at Victor Valdes but all Valdes could do is push the ball away and Klass-Jan Huntelaar as there to hammer the rebound home. They would only hold the lead for 48 seconds though as Casillas went to play the ball out to Babel but Gianluca Zambrotta showed great awareness to intercept the pass and set Samuel Eto’o racing clear, strikers of Eto’o’s quality don’t miss that often and this was to be no exception as he rattled his second of the game home. With 81mins on the clock Eidur Gudjohnsen sent the travelling fans wild as he fired Barcelona into the lead, after he raced away from Fabio Cannavaro. Real were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute after Deco body checked Huntelaar but Digard blasted his effort straight at Victor Valdes who saved easily, many of my fellow press men commented on how Rob Perry’s face dropped at this moment, the look of a man who knew fine well his team was out of the championship race. Gudjohnsen would further insult to Perry’s injury as in the dying seconds of the game Iker Casillas was beaten for a fourth time.

Samuel Eto’o was voted man of the match.

After the match the Barcelona fans chanted “no todos los encargados son como el Rob Perry, la mayoría son mejores†(not all managers are like Rob Perry, most are better).

The final game of our little (little? Aye right!) Recap sees us revisit Barcelona’s most recent game against Villarreal in La Liga. It was not a very good first half for Villarreal as in the 42nd minute Zapater was given a straight red card for what can only be described as an assault on Xavi. Three minutes later Fuentes scored an own goal to give Barca the lead. The second half wasn’t really any better as Eidur Gudjohnsen doubled the score in the 52nd minute. Cani was ordered off for something stupid in the 71st minute.

Leo Messi was voted man of the match.

The Barcelona fans chanted “intentar guardar a once hombres en el parque la vez próxima†(try keeping eleven men on the park next time).

There we have it, the complete recap for Barcelona for the time being.

The La Liga Table now looks like this :

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Holders - Barcelona

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Barcelona | | 24 | 18 | 5 | 1 | 61 | 21 | +40 | 59 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Valencia | | 24 | 16 | 6 | 2 | 34 | 12 | +22 | 54 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | R. Madrid | | 24 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 48 | 20 | +28 | 47 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Athletic | | 24 | 13 | 5 | 6 | 45 | 22 | +23 | 44 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Espanyol | | 24 | 13 | 3 | 8 | 41 | 28 | +13 | 42 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Villarreal | | 24 | 12 | 4 | 8 | 39 | 38 | +1 | 40 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Sevilla | | 24 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 32 | 26 | +6 | 38 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Mallorca | | 24 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 29 | 32 | -3 | 36 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Getafe | | 24 | 9 | 5 | 10 | 28 | 36 | -8 | 32 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Atlético | | 24 | 9 | 5 | 10 | 33 | 33 | 0 | 32 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Zaragoza | | 24 | 8 | 5 | 11 | 31 | 32 | -1 | 29 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Levante | | 23 | 8 | 4 | 11 | 26 | 33 | -7 | 28 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Osasuna | | 24 | 7 | 6 | 11 | 29 | 36 | -7 | 27 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Betis | | 23 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 21 | 33 | -12 | 25 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Gimnàstic | | 24 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 25 | 37 | -12 | 25 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | R. Sociedad | | 24 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 20 | 33 | -13 | 25 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Celta | | 24 | 6 | 4 | 14 | 21 | 36 | -15 | 22 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Racing | | 24 | 5 | 6 | 13 | 26 | 46 | -20 | 21 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Deportivo | | 24 | 4 | 7 | 13 | 32 | 42 | -10 | 19 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Recreativo | | 24 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 25 | 50 | -25 | 16 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

With 14 games left in the Spanish season it looks like it’s going to take a massive effort from Valencia to dislodge them now, Real Madrid are now out of the picture, The team is still in the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey, if things continue to go as well as they have been for Esteban Browning this could be one of the most successful debut seasons for any manager anywhere in the world.

This is Jose Gonzales reporting for Marca

[Jambo4eva]

October

Liverpool 2 - 0 Bolton - English Premier League

A good game for Liverpool which saw Pennant get a rare start and score a goal straight away to get Liverpool off to a good start. Gonzalo Higuain then scored a second to finish off Bolton.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Sheff Utd - English Premier League

Another solid performance from the Liverpool team and they luckily got their first goal from a Phil Jagielka own goal. Liverpool were being outplayed and also nearly let a goal in when Webber came close several times. In the 80th minute Jermaine Pennant came on and scored his second goal in as many games to finish the game off and put Liverpool on the road to winning the league (hopefully)

Liverpool 5 - 1 Lille - Champions League

A fantastic performance by Liverpool which saw them win by a huge margine. Momo Sissoko got the first goal in the 1st minute with a lovely strike from the edge of the box. Fabio Aurelio then scored minutes later with a freekick from the edge of the area. Liverpool enjoyed alot more possession and then Gonzalez scored to make it 3-0. In the second half it was much the same with Liverpool running riot. Higuain and Kuyt scored two more goals and Debuchy for Lille scored nothing but a consolation goal in the 93rd minute.

Charlton 0 - 2 Liverpool - English Premier League

Liverpool are on scintilating form at the moment and that did not change for this game. An unlikely goal for Momo Sissoko put Liverpool ahead in the opening ten minutes and Dirk Kuyt scoring int he 70th minute made the game 2-0.

Chelsea 3 - 2 Liverpool - English diddy Cup

This was a diddy cup game and Liverpool are not interested in diddy cups despite what other managers say. Ballack got the opener to make it 1-0 and then straight away Higuain leveled it but that was not for long with Diddy Dorgba making it 2-1 to Chelsea just before half time. In the second half Higuain made it 2-2 with a stunning strike. Typical Chelsea buggered it up for Liverpool as Drogba scored the winner late on.

Liverpool 2 - 1 Everton - English Premier League

The Merseyside Derby was a good one for Liverpool as the Kop saw them go 1-0 after just 3 minutes with a Dirk kuyt goal. Liverpool fans were not happy for long as James McFadden scored to make it 1-1 in the 20th minute but the game was won just before half time as Andy johnson scored the last goal of the game but it was an own goal.

November

Lille 1 - 0 Liverpool - Champions League

A poor performance for the first time int he champions league for Liverpool which saw Lille win the game by one goal to nil. Mirrales got the only goal of the game. are Liverpool starting to feel the pressure ???

Fulham 1 - 1 Liverpool - English Premier League

Another poor performance but the only bright spark was Drik Kuyt who put Liverpool 1-0 up after just 20 minutes. The game was not the most entertaining and Vincenzo Motella scored Fulhams goal to get them a point. Pettigrew looked as this as 2 points dropped and not a point gained.

Liverpool 2 - 1 Man Utd - English Premier League

Andy Hepburn brough his poor Man Utd side to Anfield struggling to keep up with the great managerial skills of David Johnson and sandy Pettigrew. Dirk Kuyt yet again opened the scoring to make it 1-0 against their Manchester rivals which saw the Liverpool fans go mental signing "Lets all laugh at Hepburn". Gonazlo Higauin then made it 2-0 for Liverpool who wer elooking comfortable. Larsson then scored right after Higuains goal but it was meaningless as Liverpool won 2-1.

Arsenal 3 - 2 Liverpool - English Premier League

Liverpool were on form coming into the game and the bookies had them as 4-5 favourites. But they forgot to take into account Arsenal's dominance at home. Baptista gave Arsenal the lead with 8 minutes on the clock. But Kuyt brought it back 5 minutes later. Liverpool were perhaps the better side in the first half, but with 11 shots on goal and 52% possession Arsenal weren't to be written off just yet. An own goal by Eboue early in the second half looked to give the pool the lead they 'deserved'. But William Gallas got his head on the end of 2 lucky corners and gave Arsenal the win after a lucky second half performance. 23 shots in total for Arsenal with 52% of the possession for the home side too.

Liverpool 4 - 1 Galatasary - Champions League

Liverpool felt hard done by after their defeat in london against Arsenal and Pettigrew told his players to go out and take their anger out on the Turkish visiters. Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring once again as Liverpool took the lead and went one nil up. Captain Stevie Gerrard then took control and scored a goal to double the lead and that is one thing Gerrard has been struggling to do is score. Hiaguin then made it 3-0 just before half time. In the second half Liverpool slowed the pace down and the one and only Dirk Kuyt popped up to make it 4-0 in the 80th minute. Liverpool's concentration dropped and Sabri scored int he deing seconds for the away team but it didnt really matter int he end.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Wigan - English Premier League

Wigan faced a Liverpool side who are playing very well just now and the nerves showed in the opening minutes when Fitz Hall played a back pass but it was short and Momo sissoko pounced to make it 1-0. Liverpool strolled this match and Steven Gerrard struck his sides winnign goal in the 65th minute for the 3 points. He lifted his tee-shirt as he scored and on the shirt it said "GIRUY Esteban - your just a pub team"

Reading 0 - 3 Liverpool - English Premier League

A good perfromance with Liverpool scoring 3 goals and the main man Dirk Kuyt scoring 2 and Eddie Johnson scoring the third for Liverpool.

[Jambo4eva]

[

[Jambo4eva]

No f***ing way ! Where is my fooking report !!!

[ChefRobGaming]

[

[ChefRobGaming]

omg no way where is mine too lol likely story sandy now get on with it son

[steff]

[

****, where is mine!

You seriously expect us to believe you didn't back up a report of that size?

[David Johnston]

Happened to me once while writing my report for Man City/Southend, guess I was just lucky that we stopped playing that game anyway shortly after, so nobody cared.

I think my second version of my report was 'Got sacked, took over Southend, Got Promoted.'

[rouchie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jambo4eva:

[ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Better than the usual ones any way

[rouchie]

`

The Rossoneri Review

Milan’s still looking at climbing the table, and overcoming the 8 point deficit to top the league, while the knockout stage of the Champions league is also around the corner and Milan will be expected to progress!

Parma Vs Milan – Sunday 18th February 2007

An important game for Milan as they seek to claw back the points on the leaders Inter but despite dominating the game and Ronaldo scoring midway through the first half, Parma equalised immediately after the break and successfully defended throughout the remainder of the game and Milan left feeling they had lost 2 points rather than gained 1

Final Score : Parma 1 Milan 1

Lazio Scorers : Muslimovic (46)

Milan Scorers : Ronaldo (24)

Attendance : 28657

Man Of The Match: Ronaldo (Milan)

Olympiakos Vs Milan – Wednesday 21st February 2007 – Champions League1st Knockout Round Leg 1

The business end of the tournament where mistakes will be punished, fortunately it was Olympiakos making the mistakes and Milan took full advantage with 2 goals from Oliveira and a penalty after Olympiakos had Julio Cesar sent off in injury time, duly converted by Massimo Oddo to give a precious 3away goals in a 3-0 victory

Final Score : Olympiakos 0 Milan 3

Milan Scorers : Oliveira (44, 71) Oddo (Pen 90)

Attendance : 81168

Man Of The Match: Ricardo Oliveira (Milan)

Torino Vs Milan –Sunday 25th February 2007

Best player on the pitch was Dida, the Milan keeper, nuff said

Final Score : Torino 1 Milan 0

Siena Scorers : Rosina (23)

Attendance : 125352

Man Of The Match: Dida (Milan)

Milan Vs Messina – Wednesday 28th February 2007

An early goal for Messina looked ominous for Milan but the tables turn when Messina’s rough play was punished with a penalty after just 9 minutes which Yoann Gourcuff slotted home. Ivica Iliev was then sent off after 17 minutes and Messina were in a mess! Fabricio Coloccini put the Rossoneri ahead just after the half hour and he home side were coasting. Messina pressed the self destruct button with Luigi Levecchia dismissed 10 minutes from time and Ronaldo sealed the win minutes later to give the squad a morale boosting 3-1 win

Final Score : Milan 3 Messina 1

Milan Scorers : Gourcuff (Pen 9) Coloccini (33) Ronaldo (85)

Attendance : 57472

Man Of The Match: Kaka (Milan)

Milan Vs Sampdoria – Sunday 4th March 2007

Christian Terlizzi got himself sent off midway through the first half and Sampdoria lost all their fight when the player left the field. Milan proceeded to dominate with Ronaldo calmly scoring from the resulting penalty and adding another from open play just before half time which was sufficient for the Milanese to run out convincing winners in a one sided game

Final Score : Milan 2 Sampdoria 0

Milan Scorers : Ronaldo(Pen 28, 42)

Attendance : 82928

Man Of The Match: Andrea Pirlo (Milan)

Milan Vs Olympiakos – Wednesday 7th March 2007 – Champions League1st Knockout Round Leg 2

Already ahead 3-0 from the first leg, Rouch warned his players not to be complacent in the home tie, and the team certainly took him at his word! Another penalty awarded to Milan gave them the opener on 19 minutes, giving Olympiakos a near impossible task of putting 4 goals past the Italians at home! 2 further goals in the second half from fat Ron put paid to any hopes the Greeks might have been harbouring and sent Milan through to the Quarter finals of the Champions League

Final Score : Milan 3 Olympiakos 0 (Milan win 6-0 on agg)

Milan Scorers : Oddo (Pen 19) Ronaldo (54, 83)

Attendance : 59245

Man Of The Match: Ronaldo (Milan)

So at the end of the session the achievements are that Milan are still sitting 3rd in the league, still to play Lazio in the Italian Cup Final and Valencia to play in the Champions League Quarter Final. One of only 2 clan managers to survive the Champions League, Esteban Browning of Barca being the other. More news soon

[Jambo4eva]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by steff:

[

****, where is mine!

You seriously expect us to believe you didn't back up a report of that size? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It was only ten games. I dont back any reports up ?

[ChefRobGaming]

better get redoing it then

[steff]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jambo4eva:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by steff:

[

****, where is mine!

You seriously expect us to believe you didn't back up a report of that size? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It was only ten games. I dont back any reports up ? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So type them all out in the wee reply box?

[David Johnston]

Alright lads, there is a good chance I will miss tonight and Monday's session. A real shame since it will probably mean the end of the season. But with it being the easter weekend the missus is down and I am expected to spend some time with her. She just doesn't get how important FM Online is.

I think Monday is definitely a no since it is also our anniversary but tonight I may manage to sneak on for a few games while she's walking the dog or something .

[FCJAZZMANAGER]

dont click on that link and i did not write that message, sithlordmat@hotmail.com did by abusingmy account, so please e-mail him any abuse.

[steff]

May aids strike you both down in your sleep.

[steff]

I'll be a bit late tonight, computer problems are fs

[gazjuk]

Reggina (A) Serie A

1-3

Roma couldn’t have wished for a better start to the game when Trezeguet was put through by De Rossi to finish after just 60 seconds. Roma then pilled on the pressure without being able to convert there chances before Caminero scored a super 30 yard thunder bolt to the delight of the home crowd. Roma continues to dominate the game coming close of more than one occasion before Trezeguet became provider when he found Van Nistelrooy who hit the ball first time and caught the Reggina keeper of guard. Wilhelmsson then scored Roma’s best goal of the game late on with a 25 yard free kick.

Milan (H) Italian Cup Semi- Final 2nd leg

0-0

Starting 3 goals down from the first leg against the Milan giants it doesn’t look likely that Roma will be going through to the final. This was a game which Roma couldn’t afford to go to far forward and concede the away goal and Milan didn’t need to take any unnecessary risks.

Ascoli (H) Serie A

3-1

Roma never gave their opponents a chance in this game and the only surprise was that Roma didn’t score until the 35th minute. The goal came when Wilhelmsson put a cross into the box from the left and Taddei got in front of his marker to head home. Van Nistelrooy made it 2 when the Ascoli defenders was caught trying to play the ball out of defence and he nipped and finish pass the keeper just before half time. Roma got the third just after the break to seal the victory when Taddei put over a superb ball to pick out Trezeguet who made no mistake from 18 yards. Ascoli got a consolation goal on 90 minutes when Dudyanskyi struck a wonder strike in from 30 yards.

Chievo (A) Serie A

0-2

This was one of Roma’s worst performances since Jenkinson joined in the summer. Chievo took the lead with a spectacular 25 yard strike from Sammarco. They then put the game past Roma on 85 minutes when Cozzolino finished off a good break and got them all 3 points.

FC Kobenhavn (A) Euro Cup First Knockout Round 1st leg

0-2

With Jenkinson unable to make the trip after missing the flight out it was left to the assistant manager to take control of the team and even though they went one down they instantly got a goal back and went on to win 2-1 and get 2 away goals to take back to Rome.

Fiorentina (H) Serie A

1-0

With Jenkinson back in charge and Roma back on Italian soil this would be a game they would expect to win but won’t be a walk in the park. Both teams started well and they was chance at both ends before Roma took the lead when Carvalho picked out Trezeguet who found space 20 yards out to get the shot away giving the keeper no chance. In the second half Fiorentina came out and created chance after chance without finding the net. This was a game that if not for the superb form of Roma Keeper Curci Fiorentina could have got double figures but as it was Roma got another 3 points and closed the game on leaders Inter.

FC Kobenhavn (H) Euro Cup First Knockout Round 2nd leg

1-1

Roma go into this game with 2 away goals and a 1 goal lead. An open first 20 minutes with both teams creating half chance. FC Kobenhavn took the lead when Ailton curled in a sweet free kick into the top left had corner on 22 minutes. Roma looked the better team but was unable to create any real chance until the ball broke loose in the area and the predator Van Nistelrooy finished from close range to put Roma through into the next round of the Euro Cup and a second round tie with French side Marseille

Udinese (H) Serie A

2-0

Roma dominated this game from the begging and took the lead just before half time when a Trezeguet shot was parried only as far as Van Nistelrooy who tapped into the open goal. Roma continued to dominate in the second half and another Trezeguet shot was parried this time to Perrotta and he made no mistake from close range.

Empoli (A) Serie A

0-3

This was a game in which Roma once again dominated and this time the score reflects the effort. Roma took the lead when De Rossi put the ball over the defence and Van Nistelrooy chipped the keeper from inside the area. Nistelrooy then got his second when the ball fell to him just outside the area he expertly turned and put a great strike into the corner giving the keeper no chance. Wilhelmsson then made it 3 after he got on the end of a good ball from Bale and slotted home to complete and impressive Roma victory.

Catania (A) Serie A

0-2

Roma looked comfortable from the start in this game and on 20 minutes they took the lead when Okaka’s shot hit the bar and fell to Carvalho to finish. Carvalho then doubles Roma’s lead when he got onto the end of a Ferrari chip over the defence before and he powered a shot home. Catania never really got into the match but got a consolation goal with the last kick of the game when Vargas curled in a Free-kick past Curci in injury time.

Marseille (H) Euro cup 2nd knockout round 1st leg

3-0

Roma have the advantage of home soil for there first legs match again the French club Marseille. Roma couldn’t of wished for a better start when talented youngster Okaka got his first senior goal for the club after just 2 minutes of the game. Roma always looked in control of the game and when Bale tapped in after a deflected shot found him unmarked at the back post the result was never in doubt. Inzaghi made it 3 late on after he was put through by Perrotta after Marseille threw everyone forward in hope of getting the vital away goal.

[Jambo4eva]

December Game Round Up

Well in December Pettigrew's troops started the month off with a home game against Newcastle with the Liverpool faithful expecting all three points against a poor Newcastle team. The fans have been in the press saying that they demand trophies and the pressure is starting to tell as Pettigrew is already out the League cup and he branded it as a worthless prize, anyway back to the game.It was a good game and Liverpool delivered on the day but they did not make it easy for themselves when Newcastle took the lead with a counter attack and Martins sprinted away to get the first goal but their lead did not last for long as the fantastic ex galactico Higauin scored and then set up Dirk Kuyt for Liverpool to take the lead before half time. In the second half the man against was Higuain when he scored for the second time to take the game away from Newcastle. Momo Sissoko finished the game off with a lovely strike from the edge of the box with Liverpool taking all three points.

Next off it was a trip to Amsterdam where the players faced all the dodgy women clubs and drugs. More than 4000 Liverpool fans made the trip to watch Liverpool take on Ajax and they were not dissapointed. It was a pretty slow paced game and Liverpool won the game with two set pieces. The first one Higauin played a lovely ball into the box from the left hand side and Jamie Carragher leapt like a salmon to header home his first goal int he champions league this season. The second goal was slightly better with Alberto Aquliani scoring a fantastic free kick from 25 yards. This game was a meaningless game anyway as Liverpool had already qualified from the group but a nice win none the less.

A trip to london was next against relegation battles Watford. Marlon King was Watfords only hope this season of staying up and he proved once again that he can score against anyone when he put the ball past Reina early on in the game. The Liverpool travelers were going mental at Pettigrew and wanted him to change things, so he did. He brought on Craig Bellamy which some of the fans thought would be a mistake as he is on his way out of the club at the end of the season. Bellamy made an instant impact and set up Kuyt to score a goal which really got Liverpool going and Bellamy himself got a goal just before half time which turned out to be the last of the game. Another win for Liverpool and another 3 points.

Liverpool entertained Milan managers home team West Ham. This was an easy 3 points for Liverpool with 3 easy goals to match. Steven Gerrard set up Dirk Kuyt twice in the first half and then got his own goal to make it 3 nil in the second half. The Liverpool faithful were now backing Pettigrew with full force and hoping that he can go on and win the premier league for the first time with this fantastic club.

Next a trip to Fratton park which turned out to be a disaster, a debut for young Danielle Padelli in goals as an injury to Dudek and Reina in training made them both miss the trip which left no choice but to play the young italian. Svetlo todorov got the only goal of the game and it was gifted to him by a miskick by the young goalkeeper. Pettigrew commented after the game that this would not affect the kids long term future at the club although speculation has grown that Pettigrew is watching several goalkeepers aroung the world including Craig Gordon, Ustari and various other up and coming keepers.

The champions came to Anfield and Chelsea were Liverpools bogey team. Pettigrew just hates playing them and their all stars.

Its started well for Liverpool with 10 million pound Aquliani scoring the opener after just 5 minutes to put Liverpool firmly in the driving seat. Liverpool enjoyed numerous changes and really looked like they were going to hold the 1-0 win but typical of chelsea, Drogba popped up in the last minute to sink Liverpools hopes of three points and scored. Pettigrew and Mourinho had a war or words after the game and the goal was clearly offside but the officials somehow did not see it.

The last game of the month entailed a trip to Manchester against the Citeh. In truth it was a poor performance for Le Pool. Lanky corradi opened the scoring for City with a typical bullet header from the six yard line to make it one nil. Young Guardado got a start for the first time this month and made the best of it when he scored a curling shot as he cut inside from the left wing and then Time Borowski who was playing a more central role in this game scored to put Liverpool ahead in this encounter. The second half was a very poor half and the only goal came from a quick run from Darius Vassell who stole a point for City.

It was a pretty good month for Liverpool and they currently sit top of the league but Arsenal are right behind them and their only real competition for the league!

more to come soon .

reporter : Tony "Le Juge" Hall

[rouchie]

The Rossoneri Review

Heading toward the end of the season and Milan have a lot of work to do to close in on Roma and Inter above them!

Palermo Vs Milan – Sunday 11th March 2007

Milan were p1ss poor as they slumped to defeat against a team they should have comfortably beaten, losing ground in Serie A as Lazio eased past them into 3rd and Inter and Roma extended the gap. Rouch kept the team in the changing room for 2 hours after the game and read every player the riot act and made them realise what they were throwing away

Final Score : Palermo 2 Milan 0

Palermo Scorers : Amauri (38) Di Michele (53)

Attendance : 38477

Man Of The Match: Lukas Sinkiewicz (Palermo)

Milan Vs Livorno Sunday 18th March 2007

A fragile looking Milan had to wait until the second half for Totti to put the Rossoneri ahead. Milan never looked comfortable, even when Livorno lost Arzu to a red car mid way through the second half, and everyone looked relieved when the whistle blew and Milan had hung on to the 1-0 win. As Rouch said after the match “A win is a win is a win†whatever that meant

Final Score : Milan 1 Livorno 0

Milan Scorers : Totti (59)

Attendance : 57862

Man Of The Match: Samuel Kuffour (Livorno)

Roma Vs Milan –Sunday 1st April 2007

A trip to the Olimpico Stadium to face Gareth Jenkinson and his high flying Roma side, who would be looking for some revenge after Roma dumped them out of the Italian Cup at the semi final stage and the horse man van Nistelrooy wasted no time in starting to make amends when he slotted home after just 3 minutes. Okaka scored Rom’s second 20 minutes later and Roma looked like they were going to run away with it, but the former Roma golden boy and favourite son, Francesco Totti pulled one back for Milan when a penalty was awarded on the 39th minute. Unfortunately for Milan though they were unable to bridge the remaining gap and their title challenge was effectively killed off in this fixture as they slumped to another defeat

Final Score : Roma 2 Milan 1

Roma Scorers : van Nistelrooy (3) Okaka(24)

Milan Scorers : Totti (Pen 39)

Attendance : 81165

Man Of The Match: Daniel Carvalho (Roma)

Valencia Vs Milan – Wednesday 4th April 2007 – Champions League Quarter Final Leg 1

With Milan in sketchy form at the moment and following the defeat at Roma, this Champions league match came at the worst possible moment. Milan started brightly though and surprised Valencia with their confident play in the first half, especially when Totti put the visitors ahead 10 minutes from the break. Valencia came out hard in the second half and looked determined to pull themselves back in to the game. It was no surprise when Angulo smashed home the equaliser mid way through the second 45. Milan looked on the ropes and David Villa supplied the sucker punch when he knocked home the leg winner giving Valencia the advantage.

Final Score : Valencia 2 Milan 1

Valencia Scorers : Angulo (68) Villa (78)

Milan Scorers : Totti (36)

Attendance : 54883

Man Of The Match: Miguel Angel Angulo (Valencia)

Reggina Vs Milan – Sunday 8th April 2007

****, feck, ballacks, own goals injuries and Kankulowski sent off and Milan press the self destruct button on the league deservedly falling out of the top 4

Final Score : Milan 2 Sampdoria 0

Reggina Scorers : Bianchi (11) Kaladze (OG 15

Attendance : 82928

Man Of The Match: Peter Stark (Reggina)

Milan Vs Valencia – Wednesday 11th April 2007 – Champions Quarter Final Leg 2

With the league campaign crumbling before his eyes, Rouch was keen to impress on his players the importance of maintaining their European Campaign. Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, they had the all important away goal. Milan started well and looked in control despite their recent poor run. Half time was reached with neither team conceding, but Milan did look the more likely to do so! Just before the hour the San Siro erupted when Alberto Gillardino scored for Milan putting the aggregate score to 2-2, but more importantly handing the advantage to Milan thanks to the away goal rule! Roberto Ayala was dismissed for the visitors 20minutes later as the frustration began to set in as Valencia realised their Champions League ambitions were slipping away! Valencia wilted after the sending off, Milan hung on to the lead and qualified for the semi finals

Final Score : Milan 1 Valencia 0 (2-2 on agg - Milan win on away goals)

Milan Scorers : Gillardino (59)

Attendance : 59245

Man Of The Match: Alessandro Nesta (Milan)

Milan have blown all chances of a League win, which was a big ask when starting with an 8 point deficit, but the nature of the recent performances must be a concern to the manager, especially losing the way they did to “lesser†teams. The one positive to come out of this session was reaching the Semi Final stage of the Champions League, where they will face fellow clan manager Esteban Browning and his Barcelona, which guarantees that there will be a clan manager in the Champions League final

[Andy H]

Was at the Razorlight concert at the SECC last night so thats why I was not there.

[steff]

Poor musical taste is no excuse Andy

[Andy H]

rouchie attack this man for slagging off Razorlight!!!!!

[steff]

Too much of a girl to do it yourself?

[David Johnston]

A lesson for all, don't write your reports on Notepad with line breaks on, the forum automatically interprets this as a return. So I will post it again, and if somebody would be so kind as to delete the above post that would be great.

[David Johnston]

The Emirates Update

Its that time again when I catch up with what's been going on with the Gunners. And lets just see how we do.

FA Cup 3rd Round

Wycombe 0 - 4 Arsenal

A game which should be a walkover but Wycombe are lining up in a very attacking manner with only 3 at the back. And possibly the biggest mistake they could make against such a free scoring team. Senderos got the game underway with a goal after only 1 minute. 2 more in the first half and 1 in the second give Arsenal the easy win expected.

Arsenal scorers: Senderos (1), Henry (29, 65), Hleb (35)

Attendance: 9972

MotM: Senderos

With another 2 goals against Wycombe Thierry Henry takes his tally to 45 goals in 32 games. An impressive ratio and i hope that it will continue for the rest of the season.

After the win against the mighty Wycombe Wanderers the FA have drawn us against Fulham Away in the 4th round.

League Cup Semi Final 1st Leg

Manchester united 1 - 2 Arsenal

Another big rivalry game with Andy H's underperforming Red Devils hosting the mighty high flying Gunners at Old Trafford with a trip to the Millenium Stadium at stake. My goal for this game was simple, get the away goal and the result doesn't matter. The boys did more than that with Fabregas grabbing the first and Gallas the second. Alan Smith gave United a late lifeline, but despite their dominance in the game it was Arsenal who took the advantage back to the Emirates.

Man U scorers: Smith (82)

Arsenal scorers: Fabregas (13), Gallas (73)

Attendnace: 76177

MotM: Toure

A nice away win against the rivals to set up what should be a comfortable home 2nd leg.

Transfer News

Big news on the transfer market today as manager David johnston has decided to let 2 of Arsenal's star players leave after being deemed surplus to requirements. First of all Adebayor is on his way to Lyon for a total fee of 8.5 million pounds. Johnston stated that the offer was too good to turn down with Adebayor being limited to his possible starts with Henry and Baptista the preferred striking partnership.

Next to leave was Van Persie who is heading to the Italian giants Inter Milan for a fee of 15 millions pounds. Another player who was struggling to get starts at his favoured strikers position and instead was battling with Hleb for the right wing position. But with an offer of 15 million on the table Johnston decided to stick with the natural winger Hleb.

So with a good bit of cash in the bank Johnston will be looking to make good use of it in the coming weeks before the transfer window closes up.

Premiership

Everton 1 - 1 Arsenal

Another tricky away game to get through and despite dominating the game an early first half goal from Johnson put Everton in the comfort zone and they were able to soak up the pressure for much of the game. But not enough to be able to prevent high flying Thierry from grabbing the late equaliser with only a few minutes to play.

Everton scorers: Johnson (20)

Arsenal scorers: Henry (87)

Attendance: 40460

MotM: Henry

A relatively low scoring game there, something that the gunners fans have not come to expect.

Sheffield united 1 - 0 Arsenal

Another game of complete domination for the gunners but for some reason we seem to be totally unable to score. Johnston may already be regreting selling 2 of his strikers. Sheffield United managed to hang on for the entire game before hitting Arsenal with the sucker punch in injury time.

Sheffield United scorers: Davis (92)

Attendance: 32561

MotM: Davis

Another game with no goals, hopefully things will change soon.

Arsenal 0 - 0 Fulham

Finally back at the Emirates and the hope of turning our scoring drought around. But it was another thoroughly dissapointing day for the gunners fans. For the entire duration of the game Arsenal enjoyed a total of 62% possession. But with only 4 shots and not a single one on target it is no wonder that Fulham were able to hang on for the scoreless draw. Very dissapointing.

Attendance: 60393

MotM: Knight

A bad time to go on a scoring drought with some very important games coming up, starting with Man U in the league Cup semi.

League Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg

Arsenal 2 - 2 Man U

With the away win already in the bag Arsenal expected easy progression to the final, but with only 2 points and 1 goal from the last 3 games the confidence has shrunk a little. And it didn't help much that Man U came out of the blocks raring to go. Wayne Rooney gave them the lead with only 6 minutes on the clock and Ji Sung Park made it 2. Man U fans were beginning to think that their fortunes were turning and they may actually be the first team from the clan to lift a trophy, but it wasn't to be. With Arsenal's injury crisis up front (Henry and Baptista injured and Adebayor and Van Persie sold) they looked to the U18s for an answer, and it came in the form of Dutch wonderkid Barazite. Pulling one back 2 minutes after Man U made it 2. And 3 minutes later Fabregas grabbed the equaliser and it looked like the scoring drought was over. But with still an hour to play we couldn't start celebrating yet. Man U had the 2 away goals they needed and a third would mean Arsenal would need to pull something special out the bag. But after the excitment of the first 25 minutes the game died off, and both teams played out the rest of a fairly even game with no more goals.

Arsenal scorers: Barazite (25), Fabregas (28)

Man U scorers: Rooney (6), Park (23)

Attendance: 60400

MotM: Fabregas

So into the final it is and the mighty blues will be the opposition, lets just hope our slump is over by the time we have to play.

FA Cup 4th Round

Fulham 1 - 0 Arsenal

After playing to a scoreless draw at the Emirates this time it is a trip to Fulham in the cup. But nothing has changed, another day of domination for the gunners but with no goals to show for it. This time though Fulham managed the early goal to eventually give them the win.

Fulham scorers: Chitiva (6)

Attendance: 24439

MotM: Reyes

The gunners season seems to be falling apart since selling Van Persie and Adebayor. And with Henry out with a long term injury the goals have dried up. Lets just hope we can still get something from this season.

Premiership

Man U 2 - 1 Arsenal

Another game against Man U and a bad time for the gunners. With such a bad run of form we would have much rathered play them at another time. but now it is and we went into the game just hoping that Man U wouldn't take their revenge for the drubbing at the Emirates earlier in the season. Things started well for Arsenal though as youngster Barazite got his second goal of the season, and second against Man U. But an impressive performance from Wayne Rooney saw him grab 2 to give United the deserved win.

Man U scorers: Rooney (25, 85)

Arsenal scorers: Barazite (20)

Attendance: 76188

MotM: Park

Portsmouth 1 - 1 Arsenal

Yet another away game for the Gunners and yet another dissapointment. Henry was back from his injury but not quite fit enough to make the starting 11. So he played from the bench. After an early goal for Portsmouth it was all about bombarding their goal until one finally went in for the Gunners. By the end of the game a total of 22 shots were taken by Arsenal players, and it took until the 82nd minute for Thierry to come off the bench and do what none of the other players could, SCORE.

Portsmouth scorers: Modric (20)

Arsenal scorers: Henry (82)

Attendance: 20287

MotM: Gallas

It is getting embarassing now, it really looks like Arsenal might be a 1 man team. Without Henry we don't seem to be able to play well let alone score goals. But he's back now, lets see how we get on.

Arsenal 3 - 0 Wigan

So the prrof is in, Arsenal can't win without Henry, and impressive performance today with all 3 goal going in in the first half. A pretty boring second half but none the less, a comfortable win.

Arsenal scorers: Hleb (4), Baptista (5), Henry (pen 40)

Attendance: 55683

MotM: Baptista

Just when we thought we were back on form, and just in time for some crucial games, who goes and gets injured again?? Thierry Henry .

Champions League 1st Knockout Round 1st Leg

Arsenal 1 - 1 PSV

Yet another game of absolute domination but with no confidence in front of goal. An early goal for tall Senderos got things going and with all the possession the Arsenal fans expected a bit more. But an equaliser just before half time gave PSV the away goal and confidence they needed to see out the rest of the game. Now it is up to us to do something in Holland.

Arsenal scorers: Senderos (3)

PSV scorers: Kone (39)

Attendance: 56479

MotM: Alex

Another terrible time to go off form as its time to travel to Wales to hopefully add to our trophy cabinet. But I really am not very confident.

League Cup Final Millenium Stadium

Chelsea 0 - 0 Arsenal

Probably one of the worst cup finals in the history of football. Neither team really threatened in normal time with Arsenal failing even to get a shot on goal in the first half. Chelsea were the better of the 2 bad teams, but this Final is heading for extra time.

Extra Time

Chelsea 1 - 0 Arsenal

Arsenal came back into the game a bit in extra time and even looked like they could steal the game from Chelsea. But after 115 minutes of football Shevchenko stepped up for Chelsea and put the fans out of their misery. Finally this boring game was over and they could go home. The Arsenal fans of course gutted at losing out on a trophy to their greatest rivals. But with this performance they were lucky to only have conceded 1.

Chelsea scorers: Shevchenko (115)

Attendance: 72483

MotM: Carvalho

So no trophy there, and all thats left are the Premiership and Champions League.

Premiership

Reading 0 - 0 Arsenal

The Arsenal fans are very close to asking for their money back now. Another game of pure domination but with no goals to show for it. And the second half saw a total of one shot on goal and it wasn't even on target, absolutely pathetic.

Attendance: 24214

MotM: Toure

Arsenal 3 - 0 Newcastle

After the first half it looked as though it was going to be another typical game for Arsenal, majority of possession but no goals. But with Henry returning from injury he was brought on to save the game. And it took him only a minute of the second half to put Arsenal in front. Reyes' scoring drought also came to an end today with a lovely goal. And just to make sure Henry added a third 4 minutes later.

Arsenal scorers: Henry (46, 76), Reyes (72)

Attendance: 55393

MotM: Henry

So, with Henry back, is our title bid back on track??

Champions League 1st Knockout Round 2nd Leg

PSV 1 - 0 Arsenal

With the away goal already in the bag for PSV it was up to Arsenal to do something here, but the scoring drought hit again and even Thierry Henry was unable to change things. A first half goal for De Jong was enough to dump Arsenal out of the champions league in an embarassing defeat. Now all that is left is the Premiership.

PSV scorers: De Jong (35)

Attendance: 32971

MotM: Cocu

So an absolute diabolical session of FM there. And I think it has been proven that Arsenal are a 1 man team. Without Henry they are capable of nothing. Many of the fans are now questioning Johnston's decision to sell off 2 of their top strikers and point out that it was at that time that the team stopped scoring. So it will be up to Johnston now to try and get something from this season and build the squad back up for the next season.

[Andy H]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by steff:

Too much of a girl to do it yourself? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have no time to waste on you and your pish musical taste just now.

[steff]

You have no idea what my musical taste consists of though

[ChefRobGaming]

****CLAN NOTICE****

Lads as of Tomorrow night I will no longer be able to host the game and will not be able to commit to any kind of schedule to play the game, as some of you know my wife is in the US Armed Forces and has been called to go away for 4months,that and my busy workload has put an end to my online gaming for awhile so if anyone else would like to host Ill gladly send the game over to them, Ill talk to you all for tomorrows game and hopefully we can finish the season. Thanks for many hours of online play and some good laughs.

Rob

[Andy H]

Sorry to hear that Rob but yeah there are other things in life.

I would maybe consider taking over as host but it would be mondays and thursday nights as clan nights .

If anyone else wants to host then thats fine i will do it if no one else will.

[gazjuk]

sorry to hear about this Rob i hope that you will be able to re-join the game when your situation changes mate.

[David Johnston]

Yeah, sorry to hear that, but I reckon it's just an excuse, there was too much banter going on, and with Liverpool hammering the Gunners it was just too much.

Just joshing.

I have a DSL connection with a very slow upload speed, so I reckon I'm out for hosting. But I can accept Monday and Thursday nights to allow Andy to host - does that make it EFB again or is it now betterthan betterthanEFB??

Definitely can't let Rouchie host since his connection is about reliable as British Rail. And Sandy is out too since he can barely stay awake long enough to see the end of a session.