BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Saints and Hammers Settle For Goalless Draw



KICK-OFF: Sunday 15 September at 4:00pm. (BST) 

(GAMEWEEK 4) at St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.

By Nisar Khan

SOUTHAMPTON – It finished all even at St. Mary’s as Southampton and West Ham United finished goalless as the rain poured down in Southampton.

The teams played to a goalless draw in rainy conditions (Courtesy: WHUFC.com)

SEE ALSO: BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Toffees Stun Chelsea at Goodison

STARTING LINE-UPS:

MATCH COVERAGE:

Southampton got things underway, but soon after they found themselves defending a free-kick on the edge of the box. Although in good territory, it came to nothing and lines were cleared well. Luke Shaw showed early signs of great play departing gracefully from trouble in the left-back position.

Goalkeepers got the better of each other taking turns in delightful saves. First up, a terrific peace of play by Mo Diame allowed him to get past Luke Shaw and belt it at the keeper, but wishes of an early lead were simmered as Boruc palmed away. Then on the other end, Jääskeläinen made a great save to deny Dani Osvaldo on his first goal. It was a well-hit shot but went too central allowing the keeper to save it with his chest mid-air.

Windy and wet conditions at St. Marys prior to kick-off (Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

A decent first fifteen minutes to open the game. Two fantastic saves, promising stuff from the youngsters – especially Luke Shaw – and a game that looked like it was welcoming itself to some goals.

Rickie Lambert’s scoring form could have continued, with some sloppy defending as the centre-half defending went to ground allowing it to fall back out to Lambert, but not enough on the volley. While West Ham did have their fair share of chances, they did not seem definitive enough to act on much. 

Around 10 minutes after being emphatically denied of a goal, Mo Diame received the first booking of the game for tripping up Adam Lallana. Cynical.

The Hammers could have taken the lead when Boruc’s save was forced out to Nolan who hit the back of the net from a first time shot, but it was a questionable call by the linesman on further inspection. Excellent finish regardless. Further injustice from officials may have taken place as Diame went down from a challenge by Schneiderlin, as it was late but no booking was received. Diame was still feeling the effects for a few minutes as he gingerly made his way around the pitch.

Adam Lallana in pursuit of West Ham’s Mark Noble (Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

Southampton’s Rickie Lambert earned a free kick from the corner of the box after an overly-eager challenge by Demel sent him down. Lallana’s delivery came of a head in the box, but who’s head was it? Minor protests from the Saints came to nothing and it was a goal-kick for the visitors.

West Ham’s indecisiveness was once again the roadblock from some scrappy play that lacked quality. Morrison – who made his first start for the Hammers – had a more preferable shot from 30 yards out, curling away just past the post – optimistic. But the quality continued to vary, with Nolan making a mess of the pass heading into the stands. Exigent. 

Morrison exemplified his quality after with a great pass feeding into the box, but the chance was blown in the last action of the half.

Some sloppy football, rare chances and indecisiveness from West Ham United, and Southampton for that matter. Robert Shaw and Ravel Morrison looking good on and off the ball. Talking points about the bookings that were not booked and questionnable offside call. Best moment of the half? Jääskeläinen s save to deny Osvaldo no doubt. In terms of Premier League quality, this half did not really match up.

It was a goalless, somewhat lackluster first half of football (Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

Sluggish – not only am I describing the first half here, but how they walked out onto the pitch in the second. The Saints were slow to come back out of the tunnel, frustration was growing from West Ham. As a result, Southampton started the second half with 10-men as Wanayama was late to get back on the pitch – good call by the referee, the conditions out there are not exactly ideal to stand around. 

As the rain heavily poured down in St. Mary’s, play improved. Victor Wanayama dipped his shot sending it on target, but Jaaskaleinen tipped it over. West Ham had a chance but it followed the same formula as before, get into the box and squander the play. Brighter spells for Southampton too with Dani Osvaldo making a run to the box after the pass from Rickie Lambert. It came to Adam Lallana but Jaaskaleinen shut him off from the goal. Improvement.

Morgan Schneiderlin executed an amazing overhead-kick, superb acrobatics on display, only to be blocked by James Collins. Minutes later, West Ham made the first substitution as Razvan Rat came on and Guy Demiel ended a lackluster game.

With just half an hour remaining, the game was approaching the end, but things got more tense. The crowd got louder, defenders worked harder, attackers relentlessly tried… maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but things did heat up in search for the winning goal. 

The referee quickly dished out a few bookings to Wenayama and Noble for quick fouls in the centre of the pitch. Then Jaaskaleinen was at it again, with another cracking save…

Jaaskaleinen’s saves kept West Ham on even terms (via BBC Sport)

Southampton had another great spell of play, falling to Schneiderlin who went for a volley, bouncing off the ground and Jaaskaleinen goes flying to save it once again. 

Joey O’Brien was booked for a ludacris foul on Adam Lallana, and things got heated between players. But, if you’re looking for a real fight, take a look at what happened in the biggest fight of 2013 here >>

Some late substitutions as the game wrapped up, not much of a difference things just were more relaxed. Adam Lallana off for James Ward-Prose and Modibo Maiga off for Ricardo Vaz Te. Maiga had little presence up front for the Hammers.

Again, the veteran Jaaskaleinen was brought into action, this time to deny Rickie Lambert. The Finn was having a superb performance in between the sticks.

Ten minutes left and it was all goalless, but the atmosphere was just there, poised for that winning goal, would it happen?

As we approached stoppage time, that was not the answer. 10 minutes of close chances, but not close enough. Followed by four minutes of stoppage time, with nothing looking to materialize.

THE BREAKDOWN:

FIRST HALF INJUSTICE?
West Ham may have been on the other side of justice unfortunately in the first half. The offside call on Matt Jarvis was questionable, had it not been offside Nolan’s spectacular finish would not have gone to waste. Mo Diame may feel some frustration too, considering the challenge by Scheiderline went unsanctioned – but it should have been a booking.

JAASKELAINEN’S SAVE BEST OF THE FIRST HALF
It was a pretty dull first half of football, but Jääskeläinen’s save was the best moment of it. Superb save.

INDECISIVE
Indecisiveness – look no further than the Hammers. They just could not make their mind-up in the first half, and as a result the quality varied widely.

GOALLESS – THANKS TO JAASKALEINEN
Jaaskaleinen pulled out some cracking saves, he is the Man of the Match.

COLLINS IS MOST REGRETFUL
Collins had the perfect chance for the winner, he had the shot to take the game in the 83rd minute, but simply failed.

STATS:

`

MAN OF THE MATCH:
 

Jussi Jääskeläinen is the Man of the Match. The Veteran had an absolutely superb game, keeping it all even and making three of the best emphatic denials. Great day in between the sticks.
 THE FINAL SAY:

Lackluster game, Jaaskaleinen’s saves reserve all the highlights for this one. At least they did pick up towards the end of the game, goalless draws are not exactly fun to watch, and this was not the best of games. Both only take a point from their efforts.


Not the best of games, only the point to take with no goals scored. Lackluster action, with Jaaskaleinen responsible for the clean sheet. Another goalless draw, the goal drought continues…

By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Toffees Stun Chelsea at Goodison

KICK-OFF: Saturday 14 September at 5:30pm. (BST)  (GAMEWEEK 4) at Goodison Park, Liverpool.

By Nisar Khan

EVERTON – Everton shocked Chelsea at Goodison Park after Steven Naismith’s headed goal became the difference in an entertaining night of football.

SEE ALSO: Manchester United Back on Track After 2 – 0 Win Over Palace

STARTING LINE-UPS:

MATCH COVERAGE:

Everton were visibly taking many precautions when they kicked off. Passing it around in the so-called ‘feeling-out process’, Chelsea managed to get the break before it was squandered. The Toffees’ debutant Gareth Barry was filling in well for Fellaini. Meanwhile, Chelsea debutant Samuel Eto’o got his first touch five minutes in, winning a corner of Distin.

The Cameroon forward had a fair chance to head at goal, but the header lacked control, and Eto’o was unable to get off the mark for the time being. Chelsea had a powerful start to the game, but things could have really turned upside down had the Everton counter-attack actually materialized. But once again, a header was squandered – this time by Jelavic.

Eto’o and Coleman battle for possession (via PremierLeague.com)

Everton would continue to attempt for the opener, and as a result they were able to even things up a little bit more. As the first quarter of the match neared, things were quiet althoguh a break seemed imminent.

Gareth Barry reminded us why he is a quality player with a top-quality tackle on David Luiz as he looked to make a run down the pitch.

After Everton seemingly over-played, one debutant spoiled another debutant’s scoring glory. It was almost inevitable that Eto’o would score an open goal after Howard drifted away, but Gareth Barry made a superb goal-saving tackle to deny the new Chelsea signing, and mark his Everton debut emphatically. As play went on, Eto’o looked a better assist player than scorer, 
but the match was still in it’s somewhat early stages.

Chelsea and Everton continued to battle in front of Goodison Park and the deadlock would be broken right before the half-time whistle.

Steven Naismith gave the home side the lead after Barkley orchestrated a great cross to Jelavic, who headed it across taking Cech out of the equation setting up an easy goal for Steven Naismith to score on his birthday, in the pivotal moments before half-time.



Naismith’s goal is the last move in the first half. But the lead would be maintained during the second half, with tension constantly on the rise as Chelsea looked for the equalizer. Everton stood firm and maintained their lead to remain undefeated, and knock of Chelsea.


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THE BREAKDOWN:

DEBUTING FIRST HALFS
Both Chelsea and Everton debuted their new signings who started the game. Gareth Barry made the bigger impact in the first half with some great defending, and he is the sole reason that Everton kept a cleansheet before half-time after his goal saving tackle that denied Chelsea’s debutant, Samuel Eto’o. Eto’o had his fair share of chances, but also dished out a few – Gareth Barry however is the better debutant in the first half.

BIRTHDAY BOY SCORES IN PIVOTAL TIME
The few minutes right before half-time are pivotal in the whole complexion of the game. Similar to what we saw between Manchester United and Crystal Palace, Naismith’s goal before half time really changed things going into the second half. Happy Birthday.

FIRST HALF OVERVIEW
Chelsea began the game with domination, but Everton’s few chances here and there would set a great platform to get in to the game. Everton’s defense had to be good, and it was. Barkley and Mirallas did well for Everton, and the goal turned the first half on it’s head. 

MERSEYSIDE UNDEFEATED
Following Chelsea’s loss, Everton and Liverpool are now the only undefeated teams in the league.

NEW STYLE, A WIN WITH MARTINEZ
Martinez new playing style was applied on Everton, and it worked, it really did work to beat Chelsea.

STATS:
 

MAN OF THE MATCH:

TSM Man of the Match – Ross Barkley

Everton knock off Chelsea following a hard-fought game. Roberto Martinez and his team are on a roll now with a big win in front of the home crowd.

By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Van Persie & Rooney Put Champions Back on Track

KICK-OFF: Saturday 14 September at 12:45pm. (BST) (GAMEWEEK 4) at Old Trafford, Manchester.

By Nisar Khan

MANCHESTER – David Moyes got his first home win as Manchester United manager as the Champions prevailed over Crystal Palace.
 



STARTING LINE-UPS:

MATCH COVERAGE:

Wayne Rooney was sporting a headband in a somewhat comical look as he protected his head injury that ruled him out of England’s games during the International break. 

Upon the referee’s whistle, The Red Devils would swiftly get on the front foot at Old Trafford with a flurry of offense concluding in a corner which fell easily to the hands of Julian Speroni. Robin van Persie was making a lot of noise as the game started, although he and his team were unable to strike early in front of the home crowd.

An excellent series of play between Fabio and Valencia ended up in a penalty appeal from Patrice Evra – although it was waved off. The Frenchman seemed to go down rather easily, and a good call from the referee. 

The majority of the first twenty minutes was swaying in the Champions’ favor. They kept a decisive grip of the game although not posing any serious threats to that point in time.

Something of the usual one may presume, as Ashley Young dived again in desperation seemingly. But in all honesty, he seemed more desperate for when he got the first booking of the game.

The Visitors really had to defend hard as the first quarter of the match was passed. United found their rhythm but were kept at bay by the Eagles. Both Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney showing good signs, right up until goal where they leave Speroni unfazed.

The home side took to another level as they continued to press, but despite all the good play there were no legitimate chances. Palace seemed comfortable on the defense but as the first half neared it’s end, a few disastrous minutes had Holloway’s side in turmoil.

Ashley Young was taken down in the box by Kagisho Dikgacoi in the box just minutes before half-time. A small delay before the referee ruled the penalty, and sent off Dikgacoi. Robin van Persie stepped up and drilled it into the bottom left corner to give United the lead.

Robin van Persie scored the penalty that was controversially called (via PremierLeague.com)

Was it a penalty though? 

The referee seemed to make a guess, judging by where he was standing. Ashley Young may have indeed deceived referee John Moss.

The pivotal goal and sending off in the pivotal time. Complexion of the whole game completely changed with van Persie’s goal and the sending off. All at the time when it was going quite well for Holloway’s side. Was it Game Over?

Hard work pays off? Seemingly not for the Eagles. Having worked their socks off to keep United at bay, it is the most of unfortunate that controversy may have ruined the game for Crystal Palace. First half down, but how would Palace try to revive themselves?

Ashley Young goes down in the box (via BBC Sport)

The Visitors got the proceedings underway at the start of the second half. They once again began on the backfoot with Manchester United giving them a little more to work on. Crystal Palace did not give up though, continuing to try and get the equalizer – or at least limit any further damage to a minimum.

Things went to a more even standpoint as the hour mark approached. Fellaini made his debut for Manchester United in front of a welcoming home crowd. The Belgian replaced Anderson who really seemed unapparent during the match. Fellaini made his first shot a good one as it tested Speroni when he chested it down and took a long-range shot.

The game followed a formulaic stand for the remainder, as Crystal Palace had to defend Speroni’s goal time and time again from an onslaught by the Red Devils.

Manchester United relaxed for the remainder, a great performance by van Persie was capped off when he was subbed off for Hernandez. Also, Januzaj took to the pitch in replacement for Ashley Young.

Wayne Rooney stepped up in the 81st minute to a free-kick. He curled it into the bottom corner to seal the three points for Manchester United. Huge encouragement for the team and for Rooney. 

Rooney is back to scoring ways (Courtesy: GETTY IMAGES)

And the final whistle blew. United win 2 – 0, and the crisis may be considered over.

THE BREAKDOWN:

43RD MINUTE TURMOIL
The Eagles were staying put against Manchester United and managed to keep them at bay. But when Dikgacoi fouled Ashley Young it was a definite red card if the penalty was ruled. From then on, it was set to be damage limitation for the Eagles.

ROONEY AND VAN PERSIE LINK-UP
Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie looked pretty good as a striking duo. In the first half they had their chances – although none too legitimate – but both seemed content with one another, and that’s a good thing for the Champion.

PENALTY OR NOT?
If a penalty was given, then the red card should have been given. But let’s take a few steps back here, should it have even been a penalty. Take a look at the referee’s positioning, he must have guessed that it was a penalty. Maybe Dikgacoi should not have been sent off… but Ashley Young should have! He ran straight towards the defender leaving Dikgacoi nowhere to go, maybe Young himself should have received a double-booking and been sent off.

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS ASHLEY YOUNG
Ashley Young seemed to be throwing himself around like a ragdoll, especially in the first half. The winger seemed to be diving about and managed to deceive the referee for the penalty.

DID JOHN MOSS RUIN THE GAME?
Referee John Moss may be blamed by a few for the wrong penalty decision. In essence, that call may have ruined the game. But then again, he only has one look at it, so we couldn’t do any beter.

BACK TO SCORING
Wayne Rooney’s free kick makes a bold statement going forward. A real uplifting goal for Rooney and Manchester United.

UNITED’S NEW FOUND KILLER – FREE KICKS
Free kicks are going to be something fundamental for United. With Fellaini, Rooney among others being able to really nail free-kicks, it can be a lethal weapon going forward.

MOYES’ FIRST HOME WIN
More uplifts for Moyes. Albeit over a promoted site, Moyes has won at Old Trafford, some relief, but it was a win expected.

THE TALKING POINTS:

The biggest questions from the game. Sound off in the comments below, or Tweet Us using the hashtag #TSMChat.

• Was it really a penalty for Manchester United, or another dive from Ashley Young?
• Had it not been the penalty and sending off, how would you rate Palace’s chances of winning the game?
• Who should have got the red card? Dikgacoi, or Ashley Young receiving a second booking for a dive, or was it even a dive?
• Did John Moss ruin the game? Or was his decision correct?
• Is the van Persie and Wayne Rooney combination a long-term solution for United?

STATS:

MAN OF THE MATCH:

THE FINAL SAY:

Uplifting win for Manchester United. Crystal Palace may feel some injustice, but it was a decent performance nonetheless by the Champions. We could talk about the penalty decision all day, but the fact of the matter is that is how it goes. Entertaining game, hopefully the controversy is not a regular occurrence. United still have work to do though.

It may be that the first goal was controversial, but take nothing away from the second. Manchester United pick up three points with David Moyes first home win, and the Champions replenish their quest to retain.

 By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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