EPL Weekend ~ Game 18
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its not over yet.....Originally posted by zocoss:Wah... lucky thing i won 2 points yesterday in the CL match-up prediction or anhydrouscoppersulphate would have over taken me liao...
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I know... he also got a Aston Villa v Bolton draw... So either we get 1 point together or we get no points together...Originally posted by used:its not over yet..... 
So i still ahead of him by a point... phew...
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The new Aston Villa keeper likes to wear long pants...
His first match for Villa, dunno can keep a clean sheet or not...
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vs
Aston Villa 0 - 0 Bolton
Half-Time: -
looks like its heading for a draw
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Hope so...Originally posted by used:looks like its heading for a draw -
Aston Villa 0 - 0 Bolton
55 min: -
FT
Aston villa 0-1 Bolton -
Sat's final score
2 points: a-Lost-9uY, LazerLordz, zocoss, mcfadden, Dead_Man_Inc, used,SBS9828X
3 points: anhydrouscoppersulphate, T.Ryousuke, sand king, stevenliew
4 points: dragg, lpx88 -
Scoreboard 17 Dec 2006
1. zocoss 30pts
2. anhydrouscoppersulphate 29pts
3. T. Ryosuke 29pts
4. used 26pts
5. a-Lost-9uY 25pts
6. sand king 22pts
7. Dead_Man_Inc 21pts
8. lpx88 19pts
9. CKeer 16pts
10. SBS9828X 15pts
11. LazerLordz 15pts
12. BÃ¥seline 14pts
13. Takumi2eLimit 13pts
14. dragg 11pts
15. stevenliew 10pts
16. OO_OO_OO 4pts
17. bballers 4pts
18. mcfadden 4pts
19.babymac13 2pts
==========Relegation Zone==========
20. monoslayer 1 pts
21. joker105 1pts
22. felirox 1pts
Champions League: 1st, 2nd
Champions League qualifying: 3rd, 4th
UEFA Cup: 5th
Relegation: Bottom Three -
Reading 1-2 Blackburn: Bentley leaves it late
David Bentley fired a stunning winner seven minutes from time to snatch a 2-1 victory for Blackburn at the Madejski Stadium.
Pedersen powers past Reading's SidwellReading had dominated the first half with James Harper securing a deserved interval lead with a cool finish from Stephen Hunt's defence-splitting through ball, but then Rovers took full control.
They equalised through Benni McCarthy and then Bentley grabbed all three points, finishing a run that started from inside his own half with a breathtaking strike from the edge of the area.
Blackburn had become increasing frustrated with McCarthy having three earlier `goals' disallowed for offside with only the second decision raising an eyebrow.
But the South African was awarded the fourth - which was also shrouded in suspicions of offside - to begin Rovers' comeback which former Arsenal midfielder Bentley completed.
Blackburn made a promising start with McCarthy collecting a long ball from James McEveley which he nearly lofted over Ivar Ingimarsson's head into space, but the Iceland defender was alert to the danger.
McCarthy still had the ball, however, and he fed Robbie Savage who spotted an unmarked Michael Gray five yards outside the area only for the veteran defender to fire well wide.
A nasty tackle by McEveley on Little resulted in a booking from referee Graham Poll and Nicky Shorey swung in a dangerous free-kick, but Savage headed to safety with a string of Reading players ready to pounce.
Blackburn had the ball in the back of the net in the 15th minute when Morten Gamst Pedersen's smart turn and shot drew a fine save from Marcus Hahnemann.
The USA goalkeeper could only parry into the path of McCarthy who made no mistake from close range, but he was clearly offside and the linesman's flag went up.
Kevin Doyle had a penalty appeal turned down by Poll following a clumsy challenge from Lucas Neill and then smashed inches wide with a piledriver.
Blackburn's goal was coming under increasing pressure with Brad Friedel making a tremendous double save from Seol Ki-Hyeon and then Harper.
Steve Sidwell showed tenacity to win a corner which Ingimarsson met to steer a shot straight into Andre Ooijer before flashing the rebound high over the bar.
Reading were denied by the post on the half-hour mark with Little's lethal free-kick finding Sidwell who directed his header at the woodwork with Friedel well beaten.
The Royals had more zip to their play - unsurprisingly given Blackburn's UEFA Cup exertions in midweek - and continued to control the match with Rovers rarely threatening.
The one-way traffic suggested a goal was coming and it arrived in the 41st minute courtesy of Harper.
Stephen Hunt did the initial damage with a terrific through ball that left Ooijer and Todd for dead and Harper raced in before picking out the bottom right-hand corner with a cool finish.
Reading poured forward in search of the second with Doyle failing to cut back when confronted with Friedel from the tightest of angles, and Sidwell then headed wide.
Barely a minute was on the clock when Blackburn thought they had equalised, with the offside flag coming to Reading's rescue once again.
Pedersen picked out McCarthy who showed composure to beat Hahnemann with a neat finish, but the South African striker was adjudged offside in a tight call from the official.
McCarthy escaped a booking for an outrageous dive in the 55th minute - he did make minor contact with Ibrahima Sonko but he delayed significantly before tumbling over in dramatic fashion.
Amazingly, McCarthy then had a third goal disallowed for offside as he slotted Savage's header past Hahnemann only for the flag to go up once again.
The South African could have few complaints as the linesman had got it right, but Blackburn's frustration was understandable given that they were dominating the second half.
They could not be denied in the 63rd minute, however, when McCarthy latched onto Neill's cross and steered home from close range.
There was a hint of offside about the goal but it was allowed to stand and McCarthy was then booked for rolling the ball at the linesman who had disallowed all three previous goals.
Blackburn then scored the winner through Bentley in the 84th minute.
Bentley pounced on a mistake from substitute John Oster - who had given the ball away with his first touch of the game - and dashed to the edge of the area.
He pulled the trigger and left Hahnemann no chance with a stunning strike that clinched victory for the visitors. -
Newcastle 2-1 Watford: Martins bags winner
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins enhanced his blossoming reputation with a superb double to kill off stubborn Watford.
Butt tangles with Alhassan BanguraThe 22-year-old Nigerian international snatched a 2-1 victory four minutes from time with a blistering drive from substitute Damien Duff's cross to deny the Hornets a precious point on Tyneside.
Martins, who now has eight goals since his #10million switch from Inter Milan, had headed the home side in front on 49 minutes to set the stage for what his side hoped would be a comfortable victory.
However, Hameur Bouazza's 57th-minute equaliser sparked a Watford fightback which might have amounted to even more before the Newcastle's new number nine took a leaf out of predecessor Alan Shearer's book to claim the headlines at the death at St James' Park.
Much has been said about the muscular approach adopted Adrian Boothroyd's men, but they played enterprising football which never allowed the hosts to relax and will count themselves unfortunate to have left the north-east empty-handed.
The news that Newcastle's 37-year wait for a trophy had technically ended - the Magpies are awaiting official confirmation that they will be awarded the Intertoto Cup after surviving longer in the UEFA Cup than any of the other qualifiers - cut little ice at St James' Park.
Manager Glenn Roeder, while happy to accept any silverware that might come his way, played down the achievement, although the fact that Saturday's game was his side's 30th of the season dating back to July 15 illustrated just how hard his players have worked to keep fighting on all fronts despite crippling injury problems.
However, the momentum Newcastle have established in recent weeks brought the home fans to St James' Park brimming with confidence as Boothroyd's side, without an away win since their return to the top flight, headed north.
The return of both Kieron Dyer and Emre from injury, with skipper Scott Parker and Duff on the bench, simply served to increase the anticipation, although their was an air of frustration around the stadium by the time the half-time whistle sounded.
That the scoreline was 0-0 was perhaps no surprise - the Hornets had scrapped out goalless draws in each of their last two games - but the fact that the Magpies had struggled to break them down, and then failed to trouble goalkeeper Richard Lee unduly when they did, was a disappointment.
Only once was Lee in real trouble, saving with his legs as Dyer's swerving 16th-minute shot almost caught him wrong-footed.
The home side showed flashes of their best form as Dyer, Emre and Martins linked well down the left, but genuine chances were few and far between.
The Nigerian poked a weak shot straight at Lee after a thrilling build-up and Nicky Butt blasted a drive wide of the far post after bursting into the box, but there were few real scares for the visitors despite Roeder's men enjoying the greater share of possession.
Indeed, Shay Given had to be at his best to turn over Darius Henderson's dipping 39th-minute shot and 19-year-old Paul Huntington, once again playing at right-back, saw a little more of Bouazza than he would have liked.
The visitors re-emerged in determined fashion as both Alhassan Bangura and Bouazza went close in quick succession, but they fell behind with 49 minutes gone.
Butt picked out James Milner in space on the right and his cross was tailor-made for Martins, who had pulled away from Danny Shittu, to head powerfully past Lee.
However, Watford refused to throw in the towel and Given had to make a good save to deny Bouazza on 54 minutes after he had turned Steven Taylor.
And they got their reward three minutes later when Henderson flicked on Ashley Young's corner and Bouazza stabbed the equaliser home from close range.
The goal simply served to increase the visitors' confidence and Newcastle were forced to endure something of an onslaught as the game wore on.
Given saved twice from Henderson within seconds as the Hornets pushed for a winner with the game opening up.
Milner had a glorious to snatch victory 15 minutes from time when he was played into space on the right, but he could not keep his well-struck shot down.
With Duff and Parker both having joined the fray, hopes of a rousing finish were high, and Martins duly obliged four minutes from time when he controlled Duff's pass and blasted a shot into the roof of the net to send the home fans home happy and relieved. -
Wigan 0-1 Sheff Utd: Blades move to 13th
Rob Hulse scored his fifth goal of the season to give Sheffield United their third win in four Premiership matches - a 1-0 success at Wigan - and maintain their climb away from the relegation zone.
Arjan De Zeeuw clashes with Michael TongeHulse's strike in first-half injury-time was all that separated United and The Latics, and with 10 points from their last 12, manager Neil Warnock's side are now up to a season-high 13th place.
Wigan have now lost their last three matches at the JJB Stadium, their barren run stretching to six hours without a goal at home.
Jewell had criticised the stay-away fans prior to this game after staring at 10,000 empty seats during Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
But on the evidence of this display, it is with good reason the supporters have turned their backs on the Latics. Today's match was attended by a meagre 16,322.
There was little drama or entertainment until the Blades conjured a goal in the third minute of injury time.
Keith Gillespie's cross from the right wing to the far post was marginally over-hit, but Stephen Quinn collected the loose ball.
The young left-winger swiftly played a low ball into the six-yard box where Hulse had pulled away from marker Fitz Hall, allowing him the time and space to lift a shot into the roof of the net.
Unsurprisingly, the Wigan players headed to the dressing room with boos ringing in their ears from the disgruntled fans.
Before the goal Jewell's side had shaded the exchanges, playing a 4-3-3 formation with Henri Camara the spearhead, flanked by Emile Heskey and Lee McCulloch.
But there was little penetration, with the untested Paddy Kenny shielded by a resilient United defence, with centre-back Claude Davis inspirational on his return to the side.
There were half chances - if that - for Camara and McCulloch, with the best opportunity a clearance from visiting captain Chris Morgan which rebounded a yard wide after striking Heskey and then Camara.
United had offered nothing in return until Hulse scored his first away goal of the season, with his other four coming at Bramall Lane.
The goal forced Jewell into a change at the interval, reverting to 4-4-2 with Camara making way for right-winger David Cotterill.
Blades manager Warnock has become renowned for his half-time team talks, inspiring his side after poor performances before the break.
On this occasion his words will undoubtedly have been different, leaving Jewell to carpet his players after a lacklustre showing.
What followed was considerably more entertaining.
Kenny was finally tested in the 48th minute, making a flying save in turning aside a 20-yard half-volley from Denny Landzaat.
Ten minutes later Wigan should have been level as Kevin Kilbane robbed right-back Rob Kozluk and charged into the area, but his drive was blocked by an advancing Kenny.
On the hour there followed a remarkable incident as referee Peter Walton initially pointed to the spot as he believed Wigan captain Arjan de Zeeuw - back after four games out with a toe injury - had handled in the area.
De Zeeuw was furious, claiming the Gillespie cross he was trying to cut out had struck his thigh, and asked Walton to consult his assistant Andy Halliday.
The Northamptonshire official did so, and after a few moments in consultation with Halliday, over-ruled his own decision.
The Blades should still have had a second four minutes later, sparked by a thunderous Gillespie drive Kirkland could only parry.
As the ball dropped at the far post, Danny Webber appeared odds-on to score from just two yards out, but was brilliantly denied by Emmerson Boyce.
It proved to be Boyce's last act as he was soon replaced by David Wright who had Wigan's only other chance of the game eight minutes from time, powering a header past the left-hand post.
There was further controversy in the five minutes of added-on time, again involving Morgan who had been elbowed by Juan Pablo Angel towards the end of Monday's 2-2 home draw with Aston Villa.
On this occasion Morgan was thumped in the face by McCulloch as they challenged for a corner, with the centre-back emerging after treatment with a cut underneath a swollen right eye -
Arsenal 2-2 Portsmouth: Gunners comeback
Arsenal ensured their unbeaten record at the Emirates Stadium remained intact - but had to again settle for a draw after coming from 2-0 down against Portsmouth.
Alexander Hleb battles with Noe PamarotWith Liverpool leapfrogging both these teams into third place in the Barclays Premiership earlier this afternoon, the pressure was on.
However, after Robin van Persie saw two close-range efforts saved by David James, the Gunners again found themselves chasing the game when Noe Pamarot headed Pompey in front during first-half stoppage time.
A stunning effort from Matthew Taylor a minute after the restart put the visitors in total control.
However, Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor was brought off the bench just before the hour and had soon pulled a goal back - before Gilberto equalised as the Gunners struck twice quickly themselves.
Despite plenty of pressure during the closing stages, it was another afternoon of frustration for the home side and their manager Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal started brightly and almost snatched an early lead.
Following good work from Alexander Hleb down the right, Emmanuel Eboue's centre picked out van Persie in the six-yard box.
The Dutchman's downwards header looked to be going in - only for a wrong-footed James to stick out a boot and make a brilliant reaction save.
The Gunners continued to press, but failed to find a telling pass around the Pompey penalty area.
Arsenal were dominating, with Theo Walcott - who replaced injured Freddie Ljungberg on seven minutes - proving a handful.
The England teenager dashed into the right side of the area before drilling a low ball across goal, which James deflected clear.
On 23 minutes, the Pompey keeper pulled off a fine double save.
First the former England man beat away Cesc Fabregas' low 25-yard drive, and then got up quickly to block Van Persie's follow-up at the far post.
As the half-hour mark passed, Pompey finally enjoyed a decent spell of possession.
However, the visitors failed to make the most of some promising build-up and several corners.
As the first half drew to a close, neither team were able to keep possession for any decent spell.
Then, in stoppage time, the visitors took the lead.
A deep free-kick from the left from Matthew Taylor was flicked on by David Thompson.
The ball came back off the inside of the post and Pamarot was on hand to head into an empty net.
It did not best please Wenger, who had words with the match officials at half-time, just days after he was fined by the Football Association for his touchline bust-up with former West Ham boss Alan Pardew.
No sooner had the Gunners coach sent his side out for the second half, than they were 2-0 down.
The Arsenal defence failed to clear their lines - and the loose ball dropped to Taylor on the edge of the penalty area.
The midfielder, who scored a stunner against Everton last week, sent an exquisite left-foot strike back over Jens Lehmann and into the far corner.
The home side immediately upped the tempo in an attempt to get back into the match.
With talisman captain Thierry Henry watching from the stands because of a hamstring problem, any inspiration would have to come from another source.
And with 35 minutes left, Arsenal turned to Adebayor - who had netted the winner at Wigan in midweek - with the big Togo striker replacing Jeremie Aliadiere.
It was not long before that turned out to be an inspired substitution.
Walcott got away down the right to send over a teasing low cross.
Adebayor timed his run to perfection, arriving on queue at the penalty spot to lash the ball first-time past James on 58 minutes.
Before Pompey had time to regroup, it was 2-2.
Centre-back Kolo Toure charged forwards to unleash a stinging 25-yard drive, which James could only parry.
Adebayor was first to the rebound, and cut the ball back across goal.
It was only partially cleared, which allowed Walcott to tee-up skipper Gilberto and he drove the loose ball low into the bottom left corner from close range.
Those two goals in as many minutes had turned the match on its head, with the Gunners faithful now in full voice - and the Pompey chimes silenced.
Arsenal continued to look dangerous - and van Persie could have won it when he waltzed through the Portsmouth defence, only to stab a left-foot shot inches wide -
Premiership wrap
LONDON, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Liverpool moved up to third in the Premier League after they won 3-0 at Charlton Athletic and rivals Arsenal could only draw 2-2 with Portsmouth after being two goals down on Saturday.
An early penalty from Xabi Alonso and late goals by Craig Bellamy and captain Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool an easy victory over a Charlton side rooted in the relegation zone.
A third consecutive high-scoring league win moved Liverpool on to 31 points, just ahead of Arsenal (30) and Portsmouth (29) after the south-coast side's entertaining draw in north London.
Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins scored Newcastle United's goals in a 2-1 home win over bottom club Watford, striker David Bentley got a late winner as Blackburn Rovers won 2-1 at Reading and Sheffield United beat Wigan Athletic 1-0 away.
Despite another big victory, after 4-0 routs of Wigan and Fulham, Liverpool are still adrift of champions Chelsea (39) and leaders Manchester United (44), who both play on Sunday.
Charlton were in trouble after just two minutes when their former Liverpool defender Djimi Traore swung his boot into the face of Jermaine Pennant as he tried to intercept Mark Gonzalez's lofted cross from the left wing.
Referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot and Spanish midfielder Alonso converted to put Liverpool in front.
Bellamy volleyed past keeper Thomas Myhre after running on to a neat through-ball in the 82nd minute and Gerrard added a third in the 88th when he picked his spot after a knockdown by substitute Peter Crouch.
'We created a lot of chances, we scored three goals but we could have scored two or three more,' Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said.
Charlton's Les Reed said: 'We had a couple of chances, we didn't take them and then got punished for some bad defending.
'That made it 2-0 and put it out of our grasp...we did lack confidence today.'
Portsmouth, fielding two former Arsenal stalwarts in striker Nwankwo Kanu and defender Sol Campbell, scored either side of the break through French defender Noe Pamarot and Matthew Taylor.
After four 3-0 wins and four 1-1 draws, Arsenal looked set for a first home league defeat at their new Emirates Stadium, before everything changed in five minutes.
Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor scored in the 58th minute, just three minutes after replacing Jeremy Aliadiere, when he sidefooted in a good ball from teenager Theo Walcott.
Arsenal levelled two minutes later when a deflected Adebayor cross found its way to Walcott and his ball into the area was steered home by Brazilian midfielder Gilberto.
Manager Arsene Wenger pointed to Arsenal's schedule with four games since Dec. 6 and said: 'After their second goal we needed...exceptional character.
'I give them a lot of credit, even if we're disappointed not to have won the game, they showed exceptional quality.'
Along with the dropped points, though, Wenger said a hamstring injury would rule out Swedish midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg for the festive period.
Pompey manager Harry Redknapp was in stoical mood, saying: 'In the end, to come here and pick up a point is a fantastic result for us.' Sixth-placed Bolton Wanderers were playing Aston Villa in the day's late kickoff.
Newcastle shrugged off a midweek defeat at Chelsea with another win courtesy of Martins, who also scored twice in their 3-1 win at Blackburn the previous weekend.
The Nigerian struck twice in the second half, either side of an equaliser from Watford's French striker Hameur Bouazza.
Bentley got a superb late winner for Blackburn, rifling in after a long run, while Rob Hulse scored Sheffield United's winner. -
Whoa not bad..4 pts
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[quote]Originally posted by used:
[b]Scoreboard 17 Dec 2006
1. zocoss 30pts
2. anhydrouscoppersulphate 29pts
3. T. Ryosuke 29pts
4. used 26pts
5. a-Lost-9uY 25pts
6. sand king 22pts
7. Dead_Man_Inc 21pts
8. lpx88 19pts
9. CKeer 16pts
10. SBS9828X 15pts
11. LazerLordz 15pts
12. BÃ¥seline 14pts
13. Takumi2eLimit 13pts
14. dragg 9pts
15. stevenliew 10pts
16. OO_OO_OO 4pts
17. bballers 4pts
18. mcfadden 4pts
19.babymac13 2pts
==========Relegation Zone==========
20. monoslayer 1 pts
21. joker105 1pts
22. felirox 1pts
I think there could be a mistake on your scoreboard... double entry... -
Scoreboard 17 Dec 2006
1. zocoss 29pts
2. anhydrouscoppersulphate 28pts
3. T.Ryousuke 28pts
4. used 25pts
5. a-Lost-9uY 24pts
6. sand king 21pts
7. Dead_Man_Inc 20pts
8. lpx88 18pts
9. CKeer 16pts
10. SBS9828X 14pts
11. LazerLordz 14pts
12. BÃ¥seline 14pts
13. Takumi2eLimit 13pts
14. dragg 10pts
15. stevenliew 9pts
16. OO_OO_OO 4pts
17. bballers 4pts
18. mcfadden 3pts
19.babymac13 2pts
==========Relegation Zone==========
20. monoslayer 1 pts
21. joker105 1pts
22. felirox 1pts
Champions League: 1st, 2nd
Champions League qualifying: 3rd, 4th
UEFA Cup: 5th
Relegation: Bottom Three
dragg 4 points total, 1 from the gunners game for correct draw prediction but no Final score result. -
oopps
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my points keep dropping.
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Originally posted by used:Sat's final score
2 points: a-Lost-9uY, LazerLordz, zocoss, mcfadden, Dead_Man_Inc, used,SBS9828X
3 points: anhydrouscoppersulphate, T.Ryousuke, sand king, stevenliew
4 points: dragg, lpx88Originally posted by anhydrouscoppersulphate:
so shouldn't you be getting 30 pts???
[b]Scoreboard 16 Dec 2006
1. zocoss 28pts
2. anhydrouscoppersulphate 26pts
3. T. Ryosuke 26pts
4. used 24pts
5. a-Lost-9uY 23pts
6. sand king 19pts
7. Dead_Man_Inc 19pts
8. CKeer 16pts
9. lpx88 15pts
10. BÃ¥seline 14pts
11. Takumi2eLimit 13pts
12. SBS9828X 13pts
13. LazerLordz 13pts
14. dragg 7pts
15. stevenliew 7pts
16. OO_OO_OO 4pts
17. bballers 4pts
18. babymac13 2pts
19. mcfadden 2pts
==========Relegation Zone==========
20. monoslayer 1 pts
21. joker105 1pts
22. felirox 1pts
Champions League: 1st, 2nd
Champions League qualifying: 3rd, 4th
UEFA Cup: 5th
Relegation: Bottom Three[/b] -
mine tooOriginally posted by dragg:my points keep dropping. 
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I think that one you base on, anhydrouscoppersulphate have updated after the Pool match...Originally posted by used:so shouldn't you be getting 30 pts???
Take from the Prediction Manager last post...
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3 ptsOriginally posted by T.Ryousuke:Aston Villa v Bolton Away
Charlton v Liverpool Away
Arsenal v Portsmouth Home
Newcastle v Watford Home
Reading v Blackburn Home
Wigan v Sheff Utd Draw
T. Ryosuke 28pts ---- can someone pls help to change my nick T.Ryousuke, thank you.