Wayne Rooney's Magical Goal Wins Manchester Derby 2-1

Is Rooney finally at peace with himself?

Watching Manchester City this season, they've grown on me. They aren't the most likeable of clubs, yet somehow they have an amiable feel about them.

Maybe it's because they make everything more interesting, with their big spending accompanied by big aspirations. At least, that's what they were supposed to do this weekend. They were supposed to make the Premier League a little more interesting in this Manchester derby, with many fans willing Roberto Mancini's side to dish Manchester United their second defeat of the season.

While Manchester City went to Old Trafford with a relatively attacking mentality, it was Manchester United which claimed the Manchester derby. While Manchester United won, Manchester City were probably the more convincing of the two sides, with a historic goal winning the game for Manchester United.

In the first minutes, Manchester City created some great chances, with the Old Trafford crowd holding its breath too often for their tastes. United held out well, and before halftime they found the lead. Nani was quickly played through the City defence, and Pablo Zabaleta let the winger slip by and finish past Joe Hart. This first goal can almost be wholly attributed to Zabaleta's poor positioning and defending. The left-back didn't come back to form a rigid defensive line, instead he left a hole for Manchester United to exploit. From there, he gave Nani a free run towards goal, not covering Manchester United's Portuguese star.

The first half came to a close with a dominant Manchester City held back by poor incisiveness in front of goal and a defensive lapse of concentration.

In the second half, Manchester United are barely competent, doing their best to hold off Manchester City's constant forward pushing. Carlos Tevez, David Silva, Yaya Toure, and surprisingly, Micah Richards, were all fantastic in combining to create chances. The 22 year-old full-back was solid offensively and defensively, always first to the ball and covering the right flank with endless running.

In the 65th minute Manchester City's efforts are repaid with a goal. Subsitute Shaun Wright-Phillips crossing low from the right wing for Edin Dzeko in the middle. The Bosnian shoots towards the right hand post, but the shot deflects off David Silva's back, leaving Van der Sar to watch the ball spiral into the left side of his net.

After the equalizer, Manchester City realize that they could win the derby with a bit more persistence. Mancini's side puts Manchester United under heavy pressure, forcing Van der Sar to make an outstanding save and Vidic to make some breathtaking interventions.

Yet somehow, this unconvincing Manchester United found the winner. Manchester United widened the field, giving the ball to Nani who crosses a high looping ball towards the middle of the box. Rooney has a bit of space around him, and produces a magnificent overhead kick, with the ball flying into the top right corner. Certainly a contender for "Goal of the Season", and the goal could easily win the 2011 FIFA Puskas award.

Wayne Rooney's spectacular winner

With this 2-1 victory, Manchester United overcome last weekend's loss to Wolves with a historic derby win. This unconvincing Manchester United side has been saved by Wayne Rooney and his fantastic goal. Roberto Mancini has admitted that Manchester City is out of the title race, and that Rooney's goal was fantastic. Yet the Citizens deserved more from this Manchester derby. What do you think? Share your comments below!

Matches To Watch This Weekend: Barcelona - Villarreal

Not sure what matches to watch this weekend? Well, I've decided that before every weekend I'll be writing a little preview post entitled, "Matches To Watch This Weekend" where I try and find enticing fixtures for you to watch. I hope you enjoy it.

Barcelona - Villarreal


With two weeks before Barcelona and Real Madrid clash in "El Clasico", Guardiola's team will have to face Villarreal. Villarreal, the team with the nickname "The Yellow Submarine", has done a fairly good job of keeping up with Barcelona and Real Madrid this season, and they surely intend on continuing their good form. Right now the top of the La Liga table looks something like this:


Real Madrid     26
Barcelona        25
Villarreal          23
Espanyol         18
Valencia          17

And while last season Barca and Real were in a league of their own, they're being followed by Juan Carlos Garrido's Villarreal side. So the question is, can Villarreal manage to slow down Barcelona this weekend? Probably not, although the newly-promoted side Hercules managed an epic 2-0 win against Barcelona at the Camp Nou, I don't think that the Catalans will let something like that happen again.

But, no matter how improbable it is that Villarreal manage to get a positive result from this match, it's still one you should watch. The main reason is that watching Barcelona weave their beautiful football, while Villarreal try to squeeze a result with their formidable attacking duo of Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar, will be exciting without a doubt.

Inter Milan - AC Milan


This match has to be included, it's my favorite derby of the world, mainly because it always has meaning, and there's always a fierce rivalry between the two sides. Right now AC Milan are top of the table in the Serie A, while Inter Milan is in fourth place, but if the nerazzurri manage to win this match, they'll draw level on points with their rossoneri cousins. That also means that this match is the perfect chance for AC Milan to increase their lead on last year's champions to six points, so it's without a doubt, an extremely important fixture for both sides.

If you're interested in a bigger and better preview, with info on which players will manage to play,  make sure to check out my preview here.


Juventus - Roma 


Another big Serie A game, and this is probably the most unpredictable match which is taking place this weekend. Both sides have been doing very well recently, and this clash will probably determine who can go on to challenge for the Serie A title. This match features plenty of tension and rivalry with Ranieri coming back to his old club's stadium with his new and energetic Roma side.

I'll certainly be watching this match because I think that this match will have goals in it, but for which team the goals are, I don't really know. And if you're interested in a more in-depth preview of this match, you can click here.

One of the most epic images I've seen in a long time...

Everton - Arsenal


Arsenal have a tough match to play at Goodison Park, and next week they'll be hosting their long-time rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium. If Arsene Wenger can manage to get his side to churn out a good result this weekend away from home, they'll be able to carry the good form into next week's crucial derby.

But this match is probably more important for Everton, mainly because they haven't been doing too well this season, and defeating the Gunners could be the perfect springboard to get back on track this season. I'll certainly be watching to see how Arsenal play, whether they go for defensive possession, or if they go out there to win the match. Meanwhile I think that Everton will have to play to win, because another loss could seriously impact the club's morale.

I hope you liked this little preview, make sure to share any thoughts by commenting below!

Derby Edition: Real Madrid and Manchester United Catch Up, and Roma Stay Top

All the title races in the big leagues are really starting to heat up now, and with the upcoming World Cup, how a club does could affect major players and their teams when it comes to World Cup Odds. Another interesting reflection on the upcoming summer is about the amount of job movement we'll see by managers, as reported by Goal.com, it seems like plenty of managers will be moving around soon.

Hope you enjoy this weekend's wrap up along with the new layout/color scheme/everything.

Derbys everywhere, all around there are derbys right now, and everywhere they are having a lasting effect on title hopes and much more. Here are some from this weekend which might interest you:

Lazio against Roma was a massive derby which could've seen Inter Milan regain top spot if Roma won, and after going a goal down, it seemed like Roma could be second in the table. But Vucinic scored a penalty right after Lazio's Floccari missed one making it 1-1, and then he scored the winner off of a free kick putting Roma back on top of the table.

The Manchester derby has helped spice up the Premiership, when last week the title seemed Chelsea's, this week after they lost to Tottenham 2-1, Manchester United had a key chance to maybe come back to just a point from first. The red devils took advantage of their chance, but very late on, Paul Scholes's header in the 93rd minute of the game (about to end 0-0) revived United's title hopes.

A massive match took place in La Liga, the derby between Espanyol and Barcelona could have massive effects on the Catalan's title hopes. The match ended 0-0 with Dani Alves being sent off, not only did this allow Real Madrid to catch up to just 1 point from them after winning 2-0 against Valencia, but it puts some bad morale in the locker room for the upcoming Champions League match against Inter Milan.

Roma only a point away from top and Real win Madrid Derby

Two epic matches this weekend which help shape the future of their leagues, not only this, but the so-called smaller matches also provide an insight to maybe how positions will shift in the table...

Roma - Inter Milan


This match was being described as the biggest match of the year in Italian press, and although 2-1 may seem like a rather dull score-line, it was full of action. Roma started firing on all cylinders, and in the 17th minute, Julio Cesar fumbles a simple catch and De Rossi is able to nip in with his toe to claim the first. With spirits high, Roma went on to play well, but Inter grew with time, not only did Samuel hit the crossbar, but Eto'o scuffed a couple of chances, and Diego Milito forced a great save from Julio Sergio. After halftime, Inter found the equalizer with Diego Milito slapping in a close cross from Sneijder, but just about 5 minutes later, Toni was left unmarked at the top of the box, and the striker turned and struck the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Roma the winner. But Inter came close with their final attacks, so close that Diego Milito even volleyed the ball at close range right into the post, and although Roma won, Inter had more chances which they didn't put away. This win re-opens the Serie A with Roma just one point away from the nerazzurri, hopefully making for a tight finish at the end of the season.

Real Madrid - Atletico Madrid


A fantastic must-win derby for Real Madrid ended up 3-2 for Los Blancos, things were looking good for Atleti when Reyes scored a precision shot which snuck past Casillas from outside of the box. It took Real the rest of the half to get in the game, and after the interval Xabi Alonso tapped one in from the back post, then Arbeloa finished one after some great dribbling, and Higuain took advantage of mistakes made from Atletico's defense, completing the comeback. Although it seemed like Atletico's night after a wonderful blocked shot off the line from Higuain, Forlan's goal from the penalty spot wasn't enough to spur Atletico Madrid for the final comeback, letting Real Madrid keep up with Barcelona.

In England,  Chelsea had no trouble at all with Aston Villa, an easy 7-1 win at Stamford Bridge was marked by a Lampard poker (two penalties), two goals from Malouda, and one from Kalou. Manchester United keep their title push strong against Bolton Wanderers pulling off a 4-0 win without Rooney, Berbatov scored two, Gibson one, and Samuel scored an own goal. The gunners were halted in their race for first after getting a 1-1 draw with Birmingham, a late goal from subbed on Nasri seemed the clincher, but Philips equalized in the last minutes making it 1-1. Liverpool got a comfy 3-0 win over Sunderland, a must-see wondergoal from Torres started the scoring, the Spaniard dribbled through the left flank then lashed out a shot which looped over Gordon, a sure contender for goal of the season. Johnson soon followed with a deflected effort from outside the box, and Torres scored another after scrambling an elegant finish to make it 3-0 for the reds.

In Italy, AC Milan failed to capitalize on Inter's slip, a 1-1 draw against Lazio was all they could manage, Borriello put them in front with a penalty, but Lichtsteiner equalized soon after giving Lazio an important point. Fiorentina got a great 4-1 win over Udinese, at halftime it seemed all equal after a goal from Vargas and one from Pepe, but Fiorentina came back rejuvenated after the half, first Gilardino, then Santana, and finally Jovetic completed the extravagant win for the Viola.

Diogo celebrating his goal for Zaragoza

In Spain, Villareal move up the table after a 3-0 win over Sevilla, the two teams are now just 5 points apart, and it seems like Sevilla's push for Champions League football is weakening. Rossi started the scoring, and Llorente followed up soon after, both of them fed by Nilmar. Pires put the icing on the cake after being subbed on with a sublime finish past Palop, giving Villareal three important points. Real Zaragoza complete a difficult feat, a 3-0 win over Valencia which was spurred thanks to goals from Diogo, Arizmendi, Jarosik, and Zigic's expulsion, Valencia will be trying to prepare themselves after this bad defeat for Atletico Madrid in the Europa league this wednesday. Barcelona pull off a 1-0 win over Mallorca thanks to Ibrahimovic (or as I like to say: Zibra), the Swede tapped the winner in after Puyol had his effort saved from Aouate. But the biggest news won't be about Zibra, it'll be about Iniesta being out for the Champions League fixture against Arsenal, surely the first leg, and probably the second.

What do you think of this week's action? Will Iniesta's injury hurt Barca in their push for the Champions League? Comment below!

Major League Wrap Up: Inter Crush Milan and Rooney Puts Four Past Hull

With so much football action these past weeks, what used to be just a weekend of football became more than a great match a day thanks to the FA Cup, Carling Cup, Copa Del Rey, Coppa Italia, and all the missed matches due to the bad weather. Good thing the SWU crew is here to wrap it all up for you in a tasty meal of footy action.

Inter Milan - AC Milan

What seemed to be AC Milan's perfect chance to reopen the title race in Italy turned out to be a nightmare for the rossoneri, right at the beginning Sneijder flicks the ball up and from 25 yards out blasts a venomous volley that shaves the post. Soon after, a great lift over the Milan back line by Pandev provided Diego Milito the perfect chance which he put a away with a great diagonal. Sneijder also had a great chance to double the lead but was stopped by Dida in the six yard box, the dutchman would not stay on for long, when Lucio was yellow carded for simulation, Wesley Sneijder applauded the referee sarcastically and was subsequently send off with a straight red. The ten-man Inter squad held on well to Milan who seemed to be imprecise and without confidence until the end of the first half. In the second half, a very strange story to tell, what should've been Milan's time to shine turned out to be Inter's greatest moments, although Borriello had some great chances thanks to fantastic crosses by Beckham, Julio Cesar was rock solid and stopped everything towards the Inter goal. Mourinho decided to keep the two strikers and was rewarded with great play from both of them, Pandev and Milito tracked back to help the squad defend, and were deadly on the counter attack, with multiple opportunity's created which weren't put away. When Pandev and Milito combined to get Pandev on a 1v1 with Dida, the Macedonian chipped it beautifully over the keeper only to see it hit the inside of the post. But a minute later, Maicon is brought down, and Pandev scores a brilliant free kick to put Inter out of Milan's sight. At the end of the match, Lucio was sent off for accumulation of yellow cards, but the neroazzurri dominated Milan, even when they were two men down, keeping Mourinho's home undefeated streak intact.
Final Score 2-0

Manchester United - Hull City


This was a solitary match in the premiership, and with the recent debt that has been revealed about the United owners, the red devils needed a win to go top of the table. What can only be described as a simple game, in the beginning minutes of the match, a shot by Scholes was parried by Myhill but Rooney was there for the followup. With a great start, the next goal would come much later in the match, in the 82nd Rooney rocketed a shot past Myhill, about four minutes later, a delicious ball by Nani is headed in by Rooney at close range, and finally in extra time, Rooney between two defenders squeezes a shot that completes his poker and puts United on top of the table.
Final score 4-0

In Italy, Spain, and Germany, it seems that Ferrara is hanging onto his job only because there is no replacement in line, after a 2-1 loss to Roma, Ranieri proved a point to his old team, they are too weak. With a dramatic late winner by John Arne Riise in stoppage time, Roma glide into third position, only two points away from AC Milan who have a match against Fiorentina they need to make up.

In La Liga, Barcelona demolish Real Valladolid 3-0 thanks to a fantastic Xavi and a wild Dani Alves, Xavi scored a half bicycle kick half volley, and Dani Alves blasted one in from the wing. Messi completed with a third thanks to a great pass by Ibrahimovic. Meanwhile Real Madrid are a one man team, from scoring goals to committing fouls, Cristiano Ronaldo did it all against Malaga, with a tap in and then a fantastic rocket which went into the top corner, in two minutes Real had the game wrapped up. But in the second half, Ronaldo was sent off for whacking a player with his hand viciously while dribbling, from hero to zero, Madrid hang on to be 5 points away from the Catalan giants.

The Bundesliga had a crucial match  between Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen, the match ended 3-2 for Bayern thanks to Muller, Olic, and Robben, but Leverkusen stay on top after a 3-0 victory over Hoffenheim with even ex-Liverpool defender, Hyppia, scoring. But what continues to be the revelation of the season is Felix Magath's Schalke who drew 2-2 with Bochum, putting them firmly in third, two points behind Bayerm

In the FA Cup, Leeds were able to keep a woeful Tottenham side to a 2-2 draw, Tottenham also lost to Liverpool 2-0 in the Premier League, putting doubts over whether they can really challenge for the fourth spot. Manchester City defeated Scunthorpe United 4-2 with a goal from the unhappy Robinho who seems to have already signed a deal that will take him to his old Brazilian club Santos soon. Stoke City defeated Arsenal 3-1, knocking the gunners out of the competition, and Everton lost to Birmingham City 2-1, putting all of Merseyside out of the historic trophy. Chelsea had no trouble defeating Preston North End 2-0, Portsmouth got past Sunderland 2-1, and West Bromwich Albion were able to defeat Newcastle 4-2, in a fantastic game of football


In the Carling Cup, Manchester City pull off a win against Manchester United at Eastlands, with the great ex, Tevez scoring both goals, while Villa get through to the final after an epic match against Blackburn which ended 6-4 for Villa. With only the second leg of the semifinal between both sides of Manchester left until the final, Tevez will be looking to make an impact against his former side at Old Trafford.

Major European Leagues Wrap Up: El Clasico and More Fantastic Matches

This week was full of massive games, every major league had at least two gigantic clashes, providing for spectacular footy for all us fans to watch.

Barcelona-Real Madrid EL CLASICO


An extremely important game for both teams, Real Madrid wanted to solidify their lead over Barcelona, while the Blaugrana wanted to catch up to Los Blancos. A game that resulted in two sending offs and one important goal, Barcelona didn't eed Ibrahimovic for 50 minutes, then on he comes to score the goal five minutes later. A spectacular ball in by Dani Alves gives the magnificent nose the perfect chance to slap it in with his left foot. Kaka directed Real Madrid spectacularly, providing great assists which his teammates didn't take advantage of, including Cristiano Ronaldo. But the man of the match? Had to be Carlos Puyol, the spectacular captain had at least 5 critical interventions, including spot on slide tackles in his own box. Busquets is sent off because of accumulation of yellow cards, and the second half seems a bit more fair, a tired Ronaldo was replaced by a lazy Benzema, and Lass is sent off  in the final minutes as Real realize what chances they missed.
Final score 1-0


Arsenal-Chelsea


Chelsea secures their title hopes while Arsenal now start to realize the physical weakness of their side in this match. Drogba started the scoring in the first half with Vermaelen quickly following with an own goal, the ball bounced off the Dutchman's knee baffling Almunia for good. As the second half kicks off Arsenal's Arshavin is denied a goal by an alleged foul by Eduardo on Cech. The gooners are playing their beautiful football, but they aren't creating any dangerous moments for the Chelsea defense. Chelsea put the icing on the cake with a free kick wonderfully transformed into a beauty by Drogba. The consequences of Van Persie's injury are starting to dawn on the Arsenal side, and it seems that Wenger might decide to start spending some money for a striker during the January transfer window.
Final score 0-3

Genoa-Sampdoria DERBY DELLA LANTERNA


One of Italy's biggest rivalries, Genoa and Sampdoria fought it out over the weekend with some disappointments and some revelations. Genoa take the lead in the 10th minute thanks to a penalty taken by Milanetto, but in the 44th minute Biava is sent off because of accumulation of yellow cards, leaving Genoa in ten men to fight off the Cassano driven Blucerchiati. But the ten man Genoa is able to put another one past Castellazzi, Rossi scores after half time and Rossi on the Sampdoria side is sent off soon after, leaving both sides in ten men. Another penalty for Genoa and the result seems final, Palladino scores to make it 3-0, and two minutes before the final whistle Cacciatore is sent off for Sampdoria, showing the massive effects of this huge match against Genoa.
Final score 3-0


Aston Villa-Tottenham Hotspur


Probably one of the biggest matches for the crucial fourth and final Champions League spot ends in a 1-1 draw full of chances for both teams, Tottenham having most of them. Aston Villa start off well, and in the tenth minute Agbonlahor is somehow able to get the ball over the line from a corner. And many would expect the home-side would push to get another, but Aston Villa sit back and let Tottenham unleash an attacking onslaught, Kranjcar dominates the games tempo and is dangerous from anywhere around the pitch with insidious volleys which Friedel does well to save. Eventually after lots of hard work Dawson nabs the goal for Tottenham, giving an important point to Tottenham which allows them to move third in the table above Arsenal.
Final score 1-1

Inter Milan-Fiorentina


Inter Milan show their dominance in Serie A with yet another great win in Serie A with a disallowed goal and many chances missed. With Balotelli not even on the subs bench, Quaresma replaces him in a 4-3-3 with Diego Milito and Eto'o in the trident, Quaresma plays a fantastic match but has to be taken out after a nasty tackle in the 73rd minute by Mancini. Samuel has a goal disallowed for no known reason and Inter Milan dominate the game with many wasted chances, but eventually Diego Milito is taken down in the penalty area and he buries the penalty, giving Inter Milan the crucial victory goal which allows the nerazzurri to take a 7 point lead over AC Milan.
Final score 1-0


What do you think of this weekend's action? COMMENT BELOW!

The Milan Derby

The Milan derby, il derby della madonnina, ended in a 2-1 victory for Inter Milan. The derby was a spectacular match and it showed that Italian football is not boring, Inter constantly had Maicon powering up the right wing providing crosses and scoring opportunities while The Emperor Adriano was in Splendid form showing Maldini, on his last derby, that it really should be his last as he sped past him and missed the opportunity with a stunning Abbiati protecting AC Milans net from further damage. With the line up being for AC Milan, Abbiati in net, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, and Zambrotta in defense from left to right, while in the midfield they had Ambrosini, Seedorf, Beckham, and Pirlo, and up front they had Pato supported by Ronaldinho. Inter came out with its usual 4-3-1-2 formation with Julio Cesar in goal, with Santon, Chivu, Samuel, and Maicon defending, then they had Muntari, Cambiasso, and Javier Zanetti, while Stankovic supported Adriano, and Ibrahimovic. With two sides like these you could tell that it was going to be a great match, but one key element for AC Milan was missing, Kaka. Kaka was out for injury and this let Ronaldinho start but it left Milan without many attacking options.

While the derby started off pretty equally Inter was playing much more offensively and they were creating more opportunities and as Jankulovski continuosly rose up the field to attack he left Maicon, the beast, too much space and Maicon dribbled up the wing, crossed the ball in, and Adriano with Maldini nowhere near him was able to head the ball which then hits his shoulder and goes in at the 29th minute. The ref didn't see the handball or he concluded it was involuntary and therefore Inter rose up to 1-0 over AC Milan. But Inter wasn't happy with one goal and so with a wonderful flick of the head from Ibrahimovic who sets the ball up for Stankovic, Stankovic blasts the ball in the net, showing Inter's supremacy over AC Milan. It was 2-0 at halftime. as inter continued to create scoring opportunities that they threw away AC Milan started to play better when Beckham having played a fairly undertone game went off for Inzaghi. When this happened Ronaldinho had more space and started to dribble past opponents and he eventually created the beautiful play that led to Pato's goal in the 71st minute. After this Inter started to cool down and played its usual waiting game while AC Milan tried to get the much needed equalizer. Inzaghi had many scoring opportunities and even scored a beautiful half volley but he was almost always offside and so the goal didn't count. With Julio Cesar making some AMAZING last minute saves that have convinced me that right now he is the best goalie in the world, he keeps Inter in the game and lets Mourinho gloat and Maldini cry.


Match details

29' GOAL!!! Adriano scores for Inter Milan
43' GOAL!!! Dejan Stankovic scores for Inter Milan
44' Ambrosini gets a yellow card-AC Milan
HALF TIME
47' Samuel gets a yellow card-Inter Milan
57' Beckham goes off for Inzaghi-AC Milan
70' Esteban Cambiasso gets a yellow cared for Inter Milan
71' GOAL!!! Alexandre Pato puts one in the back of the net for AC Milan
77' Kaladze for AC Milan goes off and Senderos comes on
80' Inter Milan's Adriano goes off for Viera and Stankovic goes off for Burdisso in the 84'
85' Burdisso and Vieira receive a yellow card for Inter Milan
88' Inter Milan's Muntari goes off for Maxwell
90' Julio Cesar receives a yellow card for Inter Milan

Final Score 2-1 for Inter Milan

The Milan derby

With the Milan derby coming up (Inter Milan vs. AC Milan) both managers have something to prove, Mourinho has to show that he can take a team like AC Milan, while Ancelotti needs to try and close the gap between his Milan and the powerhouse Inter that is slowly slipping away through Milans fingers. And while Inter look like the favorites for this match, AC Milan has won the last two derby's. Other notable Serie A matches are,

Genoa-Fiorentina, the two teams racing for fourth while Roma is trying to climb back up, Fiorentina got the champions league spot last year and maybe Genoa could snatch a win to surpass Fiorentina. I predict a 2-1 win for Genoa because of their great performances recently. (winning against Juventus 3-2)

Juventus-Sampdoria, although Sampdoria may not be doing very well this season, and Juventus are in second for the Scudetto it is still a feisty match for Juventus and this could be a very big chance for Juventus to create a gap between them and AC Milan and to try and narrow the gap between them and Inter Milan. I predict a win for Juventus 2-1 because they do seem like the superior team.