Chelsea and Manchester City Hitting Top Form

Sturridge refrained from celebrating for both of his goals.

Chelsea has been having problems getting into their groove this season while Manchester City is surrounded by the maelstorm of the Tevez fiasco. Yet both clubs displayed dominance this weekend, winning by four goal margins away from home. Chelsea defeated Bolton 5-1 while Manchester City broke down a dispirited Blackburn side 4-0.


Bolton Wanderers - Chelsea

Chelsea had few problems against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok stadium, Lampard claiming a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory for the Blues. A srong start and an early goal for Chelsea when Daniel Sturridge headed in from a corner just 90 seconds in. The young forward had been on loan at Bolton the season before, and he managed to refrain from any celebrations in front of the Bolton crowd. But there were plenty of celebrations when Frank Lampard finished off a smooth Chelsea move (with flicks of the heel and one-touch passing) on the 15 minute mark. Any questions about Lampard's age, or ability to continue being an integral part of the Chelsea system were already being dispelled.

Lampard celebrates his three goals.

As the first half wore on for Bolton, it only got worse for the young keeper Bogdan (replacing injured Jaaskelainen). A low shot from the edge of the box by Sturridge bounced over the Bolton keeper and into the net for Chelsea's third. The fourth came soon after, with Bogdan spilling a long shot by David Luiz, allowing Frank Lampard to jump on the rebound and tuck it away. The first half ended with Chelsea 4-0 up, Sturridge and Lampard both on fire as Bolton fans booed their players (especially Bogdan) into the dressing rooms.

In the second half we saw a revival of Bolton's spirits and strength. Coyle's team pulled one back about a minute into the second half, Boyata powerfully heading it in from a well-delivered free kick by Petrov. Now we were beginning to see Chelsea's frailty. Bolton continued pushing forward, creating some chances and even forcing Ivanovic to make a goal-line clearance (which looked slightly over the line). Yet when Lampard completed his hat-trick (another well crafted passing move between him and Drogba), Chelsea seemed content.

Chelsea showed their dominance away from home against Bolton, with a slick passing style which Andre Villas Boas has been instrumental in achieving. Without Fernando Torres, the team has no problem creating goals. Daniel Sturridge has been improving at a rapid pace, and Frank Lampard has shown that he still has quite a bit to offer the team in their run for the title.

Mario Balotelli's anticipating finish.

Blackburn Rovers - Manchester City

As for Manchester City, Roberto Mancini's players met much less spirited opposition at Blackburn's Ewood Park. The first half was a tight, with Aguero having to be substituted (Samir Nasri replaced him) for injury in the 28th minute, leaving Mario Balotelli as the central striker. The Italian was dangerous, with shots just inches wide and curling onto the post, yet Manchester City went into halftime with the score at 0-0.

In the second half Manchester City managed to find the breakthrough goal thanks to some magic by Adam Johnson. The winger got the ball at the edge of the box from a corner, and he promptly curled it into the far top corner. Just two minutes later Balotelli got his well-earned goal, a tap-in assisted by substitute Samir Nasri. At this point Blackburn were unable to retaliate and the match was already decided.

City fans share their thoughts about Tevez.
Share yours in the comments below!

Nasri got the next goal after some tricky movement and passing with David Silva, and Savic got the fourth with a well-placed header in the dying minutes. While the media has exploded around the Tevez ordeal, Roberto Mancini managed to keep his team together and break down Blackburn. Even if Aguero had to come off for a bit of a groin problem, Balotelli showed that he has the strength and ability to be the lone striker in Mancini's system.

What are your thoughts on Manchester City and Chelsea's impressive performances? Do you think one of these two sides will win the title? Share your thoughts below!

Chelsea Defeat Manchester United In 2-1 Comeback

This victory was slowly being formulated in Chelsea's subconscious. After the 2-0 victory in Copenhagen, things were starting to turn around following an arid spell of poor play from the English champions. And while there have been off-field altercations, Ancelotti's men stepped up and faced Manchester United with heart.

The first half wasn't the best for Chelsea. Manchester United created chances thanks to a vivacious Rooney supported by a strong midfield. In the 30th minute the English forward completed his own personal comeback, a low and sizzling shot from out of the box flew into the back of the net. It's Rooney's first goal from outside of the box since February of 2008 (thank you OptaJoe), and it helps to answer the omnipresent question, "Has he returned to form?".

But Chelsea weren't to be undone in front of their home crowd, and a much more convincing display was put on by Chelsea in the second half. Just under ten minutes into the second half, Chelsea found a way to score an equalizer. David Luiz was in the United penalty box and when the ball dropped to him, the Brazilian fired a wonderful volley into the near bottom corner. It was a truly wonderful piece of skill from the defender. One which highlights ability to deliver when he decides to move up the field and in front of goal.

Chelsea were slightly aided by the referee, Martin Atkinson, who awarded a relatively soft penalty for the home side. While maybe by the rules it would be a penalty (Zhirkov was impeded on his way to the goal), it didn't seem like a proper goalscoring opportunity was improperly halted. Yet Atkinson awarded his 11th penalty of the season (more than any other referee in the Premier League. Thanks again OptaJoe), and Lampard smashed it into the roof of the Manchester United net.

A comeback complete, yet there was more to come. In the final minutes, Vidic earned a second yellow card when he dragged down Ramires. While the suspension of the captain isn't a good one, Sir Alex Ferguson was still seething regarding the penalty awarded to Chelsea. On the other hand, when asked about the penalty Carlo Ancelotti simply said, "It was a penalty".

A great victory for Chelsea, which could spur them onto a strong run in the Premier League. Manchester United will be without Vidic when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool. Could they concede more points to Arsenal on Sunday against Liverpool?

Matches To Watch This Weekend: Chelsea - Manchester United

This weekend is a big one; in all three leagues (Serie A, English Premier League, and La Liga) we have some big matches. What we also have this weekend is the FIFA World Club Cup Final between TP Mazembe and Inter Milan, and it is the first time that an African side has reached the final of this tournament. Could they go on and win it in their first try? I doubt it.

Chelsea - Manchester United


Could we call this a season defining match? I think so. Right now Chelsea are three points behind league-leaders Manchester United (who have a game in hand), and a win for Carlo Ancelotti's side is needed to revive their title run. The match will be played at Stamford Bridge, and it will be an important return to the starting eleven for Frank Lampard, who missed about three and a half months with groin and thigh problems. Lampard played just over ten minutes last weekend against Tottenham, and it's very possible that he will be playing from the first minute against Manchester United. Manchester United on the other hand have the perfect opportunity to ascertain their dominance at the top of the table. After their 1-0 win over Arsenal last week, another win this week against Chelsea would truly set them as favorites as Premier League winners.

How do you think the match will go? I think that it'll be a close Chelsea win, but make sure to share your thoughts regarding the result by commenting below!

AC Milan - Roma


With AC Milan on the verge of completing contract negotiations with Sampdoria reject Antonio Cassano, this big match hasn't been noticed that much. AC Milan are at the top of the table, with a six point lead over second placed teams Juventus, Napoli, and Lazio. Meanwhile Roma are ten points behind the rossoneri, and this win could help patch up a shaky season for the giallorossi. While the match is being played at the San Siro, Roma will have plenty of motivation to win away from home, especially with Marco Borriello getting the chance to prove Milan wrong after they loaned him out to Roma for this season. The injury list for AC Milan is extensive with Gattuso, Zambrotta, Thiago Silva, Inzaghi, Pato, and Flamini all unable to play.

Could Roma pull off a spectacular away win against an injury-ravaged Milan team? It's certainly going to be an exciting game, but I have no idea which way it will go. How do you think the match will end? Comment below!

Espanyol - Barcelona


Espanyol and Barcelona have a fierce rivalry, and often the Catalans slip up when travel to face Espanyol at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat. Espanyol have won all seven home league games this season, conceding only two goals so far, so Barcelona have a big test to face. But it's not like Barcelona are mugs, they're top of the table right now, and the difference between them and Espanyol is 12 points, and Espanyol are in fourth! It's a strange match to call, with Barcelona playing beautiful high-scoring football, but Espanyol with plenty of momentum this season.

It is sure to be exciting, and I truly advise you to watch it, especially if you are a Real Madrid fan. This could be where Barcelona fatally lose, giving Jose Mourinho's side a chance to take first place in La Liga. What is your prediction for this match? Share your comments below!

England demolished 4-1 by Germany

England's phantom goal in 1966

It was really interesting seeing England's build-up to the World Cup, everything about keeping Rooney fit, making sure the golden boy doesn't get injured, and playing a 4-5-1 around him like at Manchester United. Strangely enough, Rooney was terrible this tournament, if I were forced to give him an average rating for all four matches, it'd probably be something like a 3/10.

It's also really interesting to see a reverse situation of 1966, the year England won the World Cup thanks to a goal which didn't actually go over the line by Geoff Hurst. That 1966 final which in extra time England beat Germany 4-2 with a phantom goal is England's only World Cup glory, and yet again while many talked about the "golden generation" etc, England fail to achieve on the big stage.

Klose scoring Germany's first goal

Germany - England


The first 15 or 20 minutes weren't the most exciting, both teams were analyzing each other, scared to take risks or chances which could result in errors, but once things got going, it became a very exciting match. While Germany were passing and stroking the ball around looking to create wonderful through balls and silky slide passes, their goal came in a very "route 1" type of way. Goal-keeper Neuer boots the ball up to Klose who catches Terry and Upson asleep as he gets around them to slide and tap the goal past David James.

Podolski finishing for Germany's second

England were shell-shocked, a quick, powerful goal which immobilized the English until Germany got their second with Podolski. Beautiful silky one-touch triangle passing from the Germans which eventually releases Muller outside the box with no one on him, the young German remains cool and squares it to oncoming Podolski who finished between James's legs.

England eventually woke up as Upson scored with a header from Milner's cross, Neuer had come out to challenge for the ball, but the German goal-keeper missed it completely letting Muller head it in for England's first. Right after this Lampard lobs Neuer with a wonderful volley from outside the box which pings onto the bottom of the cross-bar, the ball bounces a foot and a half in and then pings again on the bottom of the cross-bar as Neuer quickly collects the ball. An obvious goal which the referee doesn't allow, and so for England it is 1966 reversed.

Lampard's chip bouncing in the goal

In the second half we see a more convincing England, 57th minute, Lampard thunders a free kick onto the bar, but 10 minutes later Germany score their third. A well crafted counter-attack against a sleepy England allows 20 year-old Muller to strike from just inside the box, beating David James at the near post virtually ending the match. Germany had time to grab another goal, yet another crafted counter-attack with Ozil squaring the ball to Muller for the young German's second goal.

The game finished with German dominance, a 4-1 score-line which will resonate the message that just because the EPL is the top league in the world, doesn't mean that England has the top players in the world...

Messi Named FIFA World Player of the Year

Messi has conquered everything there is to conquer, after winning the Ballon D'Or, he snatches the FIFA World Player of the Year award, perfecting the year for him and his mates at Barcelona. It seemed obvious that the award would go to Messi, not only did he guide the phenomenal Barcelona team to the famed treble, but he gave Barca the World Club Cup, allowing Guardiola to say that every tournament he has entered with Barcelona in, he has won.

But this isn't the only news that comes out of the FIFA Gala, Marta, the woman player of the year won for the fourth time in a row, something that has never happened in womens or mens football.

And amidst these two fantastic winners, the World XI came out, with Barcelona dominating the list,

In goal is Real Madrid goalie Iker Casillas, with a back four of Dani Alves (Barcelona, right back), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United, center half), John Terry (Chelsea, center half), and Patrice Evra (Manchester United, left back). The midfield of three is composed of Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), and Andres Iniesta (Barcelona). And finally, the three fantastic forwards are Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), and Lionel Messi (Barcelona). The team made up of four Barcelona players is certainly powerful, but some wonder how Eto'o, Puyol, Ibrahimovic, Lampard, and Drogba didn't make the team.

What do you think of these awards? Comment below!

England qualify in style and Italy don't need Kaladze to win

England have qualified for the South Africa 2010 World Cup, all they needed was a draw against Croatia, and they won in style, winning 5-1. Lampard and Gerrard scoring two goals each, with Rooney scoring one to finish off the Croatians.

Italy having won both of their matches in this International break, look to be in a good position in their group with 20 points, 4 above the Ireland Republic. Italy won their match against Georgia 2-0 with two own goals by Kakha Kaladze, veteran defender returning from a 5 month injury. Although the debate in Italy raged on whether the national side could score in open play, and if Cassano should be called by Lippi, both debates were quieted fairly quickly with Italy winning 2-0 against Bulgaria. Neither Cassano or Kaladze were needed as Grosso and Iaquinta scored the goals giving Italy another win.