BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Wilshere Withers West Brom as Arsenal Top League

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 – 1 ARSENAL
Yacob (’42), Wilshere (’62)

KICK-OFF: Saturday 5 October at 4:00pm (BST) 

(GAMEWEEK 7) at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich.

By Nisar Khan and Kyle Joyce

WEST BROMWICH – A smoking hot strike from Jack Wilshere would prove definitive as West Brom drew with Arsenal in the final game before the International break.

Claudio Yacob’s goal gave West Brom the lead in the first half (Image Courtesy, Copyright: AP)

MATCH REPORT

West Bromwich Albion got things underway in front of their home crowd, but it was the travelling fans who were heard early in the game, voicing their support for the Gunners in a beautiful day in the Midlands. 

Arsenal passed the ball around as they got a feel of the game, but West Brom looked somewhat dangerous on the break, especially when they earned the first corner of the game following a Mertesacker interception. Nothing came from it though, and had Arsenal been more clinical on the break, a goal could have been scored.

A few back and forth chances followed early in the game, but all chances ended in the same way – safely in the hands of the keepers. As the frequency of passing continued for the away side, they were sloppy in a few passes that triggered breaks from the away side – coming to nothing ultimately.

Szczęsny had to make a great save to deny Berahino’s heavily deflected shot. It came of Flamini and switched direction, making the Pol have to completely change direction in order to save.

Charging Down: Nicolas Anelka is met with the challenge of Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini

Mathieu Flamini received the first booking of the game from a late challenge. Frustrated challenge from Flamini, nothing too malicious from the spectator’s eyes. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta was momentarily hurt, but he continued the game just fine. 

Jack Wilshere seemed to have an uncharacteristically bad start to the game, with sloppy passing and he just seemed pretty quiet. 

Thirty minutes in, and it remained a very even encounter. Arsenal’s Sagna and Jenkinson had poor crossing resulting in a let-up of chances, Arsenal were not as quick as they usually were. Meanwhile, West Brom were feeding off the fans’ home support, but in spite of their attacks, they had nothing to show from it. Up to that point in the game, there had been no very significant chances from either side. 

With just five minutes left of play in the first half, West Bromwich Albion really turned it up. Chances came and came for them, with the crowd at their loudest at the Hawthorns. Arsenal were just doing enough to clear the danger, and in another corner in the 43rd minute, this was thought to be the case. 

But when the cross went in, it would take a downwards header from Claudio Yacob to beat Szczęsny and give West Bromwich Albion the lead in the pivotal moments before half-time. The Argentine scored his first goal for the club.

GIF: Yacob scores for West Brom

Jack Wilshere’s poor first half was capped off with a booking after a challenge from behind that left goalscorer Yacob in need of treatment.

As the half-time whistle was blown, the home fans at the Hawthorns were abuzz as their team went into the lead. It was the attacking from West Brom that they unleashed from the 40th minute onward that stunned Arsenal with Claudio Yacob’s goal. Before the goal it was seeming a very even half, but Arsenal were simply unable to get through West Brom’s defense.

Woeful: Jack Wilshere had a poor first half (Image Courtesy: Metro.co.uk)

In spite of a poor first half, Jack Wilshere was still on the pitch when play resumed. He had a chance early, but a chance that went begging as it went way off target. It was just one of those days… in fact one of those weeks.

Suddenly, West Brom’s Anelka found himself in the box charging at full speed, but his shot just went wide. Terrible, terrible miss though, that should have put West Brom two in front.

In the first substitution of the game, it was indeed debatable as Aaron Ramsey was substituted off for Thomas Rosicky. Our analyst, Kyle Joyce believes that Wilshere should have came off (although Ramsey did seem to be struggling earlier with an injury). And Rosicky’s first shot went flying over the bar. 

Although lacking in second-half possession, the chances began to come more and more for Arsenal. West Brom were looking in need for two goals to be in a comfortable predicament.

And then Arsenal equalized. Who from? That’s right, the man who had a poor first-half, Jack Wilshere. A first time shot from Wilshere took a deflection and beat the keeper. Arsene Wenger knows what he is doing. 

West Brom were still looking to nick the winner when fan favorite Shane Long made his appearance on the pitch in replacement for Shane Long. Three points were for the taking in a very delicately poised game.

Wilshere almost set up a wonderful assist to Giroud, but he did not take it first time and as a result the keeper was able to save safely.

Arsenal had a decent shout for a penalty, with Mulumbu taking down Wilshere in the box. Lee Mason waved off the calls and play resumed. 

The Gunners had West Brom on the backfoot, and a goal was looming, becoming imminent with around ten minutes remaining.

Nicolas Bendtner returned to Arsenal, in replacement for Giroud – West Brom were looking to sit back and catch them on the counter. Arsenal looked to pick up three points.

But as time ran out, neither team would get the winning goal. Wilshere and Yacob’s goals would result in an even encounter.


THE BREAKDOWN
Breaking down the game with analysis and the main headlines

FIRST-HALF ADVANTAGE: THE CROWD
The crowd at the Hawthorns took most action in the first half. Early on the support was heard for the away side, but the home fans dictated most of the noise and really supported their team any time they got a chance. Moral booster definitely, and gave West Brom huge motivation in the game.

“Shall we sing a song for you” – Arsenal fans to West Brom
— Kylë (@Kyle7AFC) October 6, 2013

WEST BROM’S LIVELY FIRST HALF FINISH WAS THE DIFFERENCE
West Brom stunned Arsenal with their goal. Their attacking was intense from the 40th minute on-wards and the goal followed to give them a big goal and lead before half-time.

PROBLEMATIC WILSHERE’S FIRST HALF WOES
After the controversial revelation of an image with Wilshere smoking earlier in the week, he was looking very unfocused in a very poor first half. He seemed to have been more on the ground than standing up, sloppy passing, and the booking to make things worse. It was not looking good for Wilshere, a substitution would be needed.

SECOND-HALF REDEMPTION: WILSHERE
After a torrid first half, Wilshere managed to redeem himself with a goal in the second.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Who was the best player in the game?

Claudio Yacob
Scoring his first goal for West Brom, Yacob had an influential part in the game. He was imperative in West Brom getting the draw.

ANALYSIS
The game in a summary with analysis by Kyle Joyce

West Brom finished the half strongly and looked like they would score – of which they did in the 42nd minute. The hosts were well-structured from the back, and Arsenal were simply unable to break down the defense. There were no huge chances before the goal which shows the even encounter is clear. In spite of this, West Brom went in with the lead.

In the second half, Anelka’s miss was criminal. Disappointing in the sub that saw Ramsey make way for Rosicky – it shoulder been Wilshere going off. But I guess Wenger knew what he was doing. Keeping Wilshere paid off of course, a hard-earned draw for Arsenal. As Tottenham took a 3 – 0 beating in the first game, Arsenal lead the table going into the two-week International break with key players still to return. Optimism is definitely high for the Gunners.

Arsenal’s winning run came to an end, although remaining unbeaten. They still top the league after a tough draw with West Brom.

With this the final game before the International break, both teams know what to work on. Midfielders are the difference in an entertaining game of football.

Arsenal’s flame nearly got extinguished, but they found a lighter in Wilshere to keep the smoke pouring* and top the table.

*Pardon the pun
 By Nisar Khan and Kyle Joyce

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Youngster Januzaj Delivers as Manchester United Get Back to Winning Ways

SUNDERLAND 1 – 2 MANCHESTER UNITED
Gardner (‘5)  Januzaj (’55, ’61)

KICK-OFF: Saturday 5 October at 5:30pm (BST) 

(GAMEWEEK 7) at Stadium of Light, Sunderland.

By Nisar Khan

SUNDERLAND – An inspired performance by an inspired youngster, Adnan Januzaj was all the difference in Manchester United’s victory over Sunderland as part of a well-contested game at the Stadium of Light on Saturday night.

Adnan Januzaj struck twice in his first start for the club (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

MATCH REPORT

Onward from kick-off, the teams set to a relatively slow tempo. The teams just calmly passed the ball around at the Stadium of Light. First impressions of the start suggested that a goal would come after a long deadlock, but this was not the case at all…

Just five minutes into the game and the hosts were celebrating. Craig Gardner put the Black Cats ahead after a defensive mishap from United. Following a great run by Giaccherini, Jones looked to cleared it, but it was still in a troubling situation and Nemanja Vidic looked to clear it to safety, only for him to completely mishit it, falling to Gardner who smashed it home to give his team the lead. 

Craig Gardner struck home Sunderland’s first goal (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

Manchester United responded fairly well to conceding the goal with Nani gettting a shot off albeit going wide. Soon after, Craig Gardner was in the box with the potential to score his second, but Phil Jones quickly put the ball out of danger. In spite of the odd chance Manchester United had, it was all Sunderland in the first fifteen minutes.

Januzaj got the closest chance for Manchester United up to that point in the game, with some fantastic skill followed by a shot that just went wide. The promising youngster for Manchester United was looking to be their best hope of an equalizer. Nani got even closer for Manchester United, but his shot selection seemed to let him down, as he went for a side-footed volley that went off target.

Half an hour in and it was looking all good for the home side. Manchester United put together few attacks but nothing to trouble Sunderland. They were off to a real good start in the game and looked to be in full control.

David De Gea took a massive step to redeeming himself, with a cracking save to deny Giaccherini’s header. That could have well and truly been 2 – 0 for the hosts, but De Gea emphatically rejects.

Frustration personified for the visitors – Wayne Rooney was dispossessed by Gardner so hacked him down in rage. He like many other United players, did not really click in the first half. In spite of them not ‘clicking’, they had more possession in the last 10 minutes of the first half. Sunderland were unable to materialize any attacks. Fortunate for them, nor could United.

As the first-half came to an end, Sunderland finished leading by one goal. Sunderland got off to a flying start and dictated a majority of the half. In spite of Manchester United’s high pressure towards the end, Sunderland kept them at bay and went in with a deserved lead.

Craig Garder’s fith minute goal was the difference in the first half (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

It would take a mere ten minutes of second half action for Manchester United’s equalizer to come. The Manchester United prospect Adnan Januzaj struck home from around 15 yards out to finish in terrific fashion.

Manchester United were uplifted following the goal, and then, six minutes after, Januzaj would once again strike the back of the net with a sensational volley. Absolutely incredible.

And just like that, one hour in, Manchester United were leading and turned the game completely around – courtesy of one talented teenager, Adnan Januzaj.

Fatigue was kicking in for Sunderland, they looked like they had given it their all in the hour, but Manchester United had the lead. Manchester United continued to attack, before Adnan Januzaj was substituted after a cracking game where he was truly the difference.

Sunderland had a promising spell five minutes before stoppage time. Robin van Persie could have sealed the deal in the game, but the chance went begging in a terrible miss.

Further play, little signs of an equalizer, and then came the full-time whistle.

Star is Born: Januzaj on flying form in the game (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

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THE BREAKDOWN
Breaking down the game with analysis and the main headlines

JANUZAJ: UNITED’S FIRST-HALF HOPE
Adnan Januzaj looked very promising for Manchester United in the first fourty-five minutes. He looked the only legitimate goal threat throughout the entire game.

VAN PERSIE’S FIRST HALF WOES
Robin van Persie’s form has not been at its best recently, this was at display again in the first half with little to no chances.

GIACCHERINI: SUNDERLAND’S FIRST-HALF CATALYST
Giaccherini was terrific for Sunderland in the first half, a man of the match candidate no doubt. 

JANUZAJ OUTSHINES VAN PERSIE, ROONEY
Januzaj outshined the best of talent in this game, a young man proving to be something special for the future.

MANAGER WORRIES A CONTRAST
David Moyes’ worries may are momentarily at rest, meanwhile for Sunderland’s interim manager, it is a very different story.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Who was the best player in the game?

Adnan Januzaj
The 18-year-old made his first start for Manchester United and put on a terrific performance. Looking the most promising of the first half, and in the second he struck twice in the span of six minutes. Two fantastic goals scored, and an impact made. Januzaj pays divident for Manchester United here. Moyes has found a special, special talent. 

TALKING POINTS
The main talking points of the game. The questions that we could go on and on about, but the questions that we let you talk about. Sound off in response to some of the questions below using the comments section at the bottom of the page or Tweet Us with the hashtag #TSMChat.

• Do you agree with Peter Schmeichel when he was on Sky Sports and called David De Gea’s save to deny Giaccherini the best save ever?
  One hell of a save that was. Emphatic from De Gea to deny Giaccherini’s header. Talk about reflexes – De Gea’s got them nailed.
  

GIF: De Gea’s save

• Do you think that Manchester United relying on a teenage youngster (Januzaj) is risky, efficient or shows that they lack quality?
  With their backlog of talent, Manchester United are relying on a youngster, to an extent. Does this highlight their lack of quality?

THE FINAL SAY
The game (and analysis) in short.

Another fantastic game in the books. Manchester United get the win they have needed, courtesy of Adnan Januzaj. It looked to be a nightmare for the visitors initally with Gardner’s early goal, but with a varied second half approach, Manchester United struck with their young hope to pick up a big win.

Adnan Januzaj proves pivotal for Manchester United as his two goals give his side the win. In spite of his booking for ‘simulation’, Januzaj has more than redeemed himself.

Meanwhile, Sunderland’s woes continue, as the manager-less club suffer another loss and their season is in turmoil following a shaky start.

Similar to the situation in the other side of Manchester, the Red Devils have momentarily silenced the critics, but only for a short amount of time.

Adnan Januzaj proves that he is the future of the club with an excellent performance to give Manchester United an imperative win over Sunderland. The highlights of this match are not dedicated to the most expensive players, just the one, youngest, player.

 By Nisar Khan – Read more articles from this author

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: City Recuperate with Home Win Over Toffees

MANCHESTER CITY 3 – 1  EVERTON FC
Lukaku (’16), Negredo (’17), Aguero (’43), Howard OG (’70)

KICK-OFF: Saturday 5 October at 12:45pm (BST) 

(GAMEWEEK 7) at Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

By Nisar Khan

MANCHESTER – Manchester City answered the critics at the Etihad Stadium with a win in front of the home crowd as they ended Everton’s unbeaten run.

SEE ALSO: Complete Coverage of Champions League Matchday 2 

The visitors got things underway at the Etihad Stadium, and opened up Manchester City early. Joe Hart snatched the ball from Romelo Lukaku’s feet after Naismith played him in. City’s keeper had a point to prove and got off to the right start needed. Everton started very positively restricting the home side to minimal possession in the opening minutes. 

David Silva began to get  things going as the early moments settled in. Initially dispossessed by Distin, Silva’s next piece of possession fell to Yaya Toure outside the box but his shot was far from troubling Howard between the sticks. Manchester City looked a hint of vulnerability when Everton were back on the break but Lukaku was cut out by Vincent Kompany.

Back on the other side of the pitch, Kolarov found himself standing over a free-kick in decent territory. A sweet strike, but the cheers of the fans at the Etihad were quickly put to rest as it hit the side netting. Close though, great effort by the Serbian. 

On Form: Romelu Lukaku continued his scoring run with a goal at the Etihad (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

Everton looked better in the first ten minutes or so, managing to cut down Manchester City’s threats and be able to collate some attacks of their own. However, as the feeling-out process of the match moved away, Manchester City attacked – but still, looked vulnerable on with Everton on the break. 

Kolarov made a surging run but was unable to get the ball under control for the shot. Everton may have felt some injustice when they were not awarded a corner following a counter on the other side and Hart’s save, but the visitors would strike in the 16th minute…

Cancelling Out: Negredo scored the equalizer (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

Romelu Lukaku’s goalscoring run would continue with a delightful individual goal. Lukaku stole possession at fault from Kompany and Lescott. The Belgian slotted it under Joe Hart to score the goal – the keeper could have done much better.

GIF: Lukaku scores the opener

But the home side would strike back – very quickly.

In an almost parallel goal to Lukaku’s, Negredo picked up the ball of a pass from Toure and slotted in straight under Howard. Two minutes, two goals, complexion changed. Manchester City were back in it right away, and it developed into an end-to-end game. 

GIF:A frustrated Vincent Kompany sits down after picking up a thigh injury.

James Milner rattled the woodwork twenty-two minutes in, after his shot took a deflection. Manchester City continued to press (with Everton also holding their own) and a delightfully-orchestrated pass looked bound to be on goal, but Feranandinho quite frankly made a mess of it.

Vincent Kompany was forced off after picking up a knock. Nastastic replaced City’s captain, and Yaya Toure picked up the captaincy for the game.

Following in a hindrance in the action as the pace slowed down, a great ball from Negredo set up for Aguero to give Manchester City the lead, but he could not get a touch on it as he completely miss-stepped from the ball. Rarity.
Everton looked a danger on the break but nothing came from it, and so the game continued, with five minutes remaining of the first half.
And to cap off a frantic first half, Sergio Aguero would get back into his rhythm thumping the ball from an acute angle right pass Tim Howard. It happened after altercations between players, which were sanctioned after the goal. Regardless, a superb finish by Aguero.

GIF: Aguero scores City’s second

Indeed a hectic first half, but three great goals with Manchester City leading. Vincent Kompany  was substituted following an injury, but Manchester City had managed to turn the tables, setting up for a very exciting second half.


In the lead, Manchester City came out looking dangerous. Everton were keeping them at bay for the time being but City looked to extend their lead as the hour mark approached.

Another injury substitution for Manchester City, as Kolarov suffered a cut in the head after colliding with Fernandinho from a Naismith push. Clichy replaced him with thirty minutes remaining.

Manchester City looked to have sealed the deal when Seamus Coleman fouled Pablo Zabaleta in the box, resulting in a penalty. Aguero struck it to the right bottom corner, with Howard getting fingertips on it and ricocheting of him into goal.

GIF: Aguero’s penalty

Manchester City just played out the remainder of the time as Manchester City ‘s dominating first half came to a close. A strong game by Pelligrini’s side to emphatically bounce back from their defeat to Bayern. 

Everton’s unbeaten run comes to an end, critics are momentarily silenced as Manchester City are now second in the table. Pelligrini’s side look revitalized, but now consistency is the matter for the winning side.