Holtenders in the Sky - FMFormation.net - Football Manager

rpashley · 27-03-08, 08:28 PM

Part Two

September 2007

News:

Aston Villa strongly linked to Tottenham misfit Jermain Defoe; Villa boss R P Ashley comments “Its pure speculation”.

England are back on course in their quest to qualify for EURO 2008 with wins of Israel and Russia.

Manchester Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea all start their Champions League campaigns with Victorys but Liverpool were held to a draw.

Sunderland H 4-2

Sunderland were the visitors to Villa Park and what a classic encounter this turned out to be. Villa took the lead on 4 mins when John Carew collected Petrov’s neat pass and fired past Craig Gordon. Sunderland however were level on 17 when Kenwyne Jones was allowed to turn and shoot in the box and beat Carson from 12 yards. Ashley young harshly has a goal disallowed for offside before Carew headed in his second from Young’s free kick. H/T 2-1

The 2nd half was all about John Carew as he grabbed his hat trick and then a 4th to put Villa home and dry, Andrew Cole did net a consolation for Sunderland late on but this was John Carew`s day as Villa headed into the International break with a resounding win.
TEAM LINE UPS
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Premier Lge News :

Manchester United beat Chelsea 1-0 at Old Trafford in the big top of the table clash, Cristiano Ronaldo got the winner.

Tottenham A 1-2

Villa are dealt a triple injury blow before the trip to White Hart Lane with Young, Gardner and Maloney all ruled out. Luke Moore is given a rare start and Moustapha Salifou on the bench for the first time.
Darren Bent scores in injury time to deny injury hit Villa a battling point. Robbie Keane had put Spurs ahead on 19 but John Carew’s left wing cross come shot sailed over Paul Robinson for the equaliser.
TEAM LINE UPS
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Premier Lge News :

Man Utd contiuned their 100% start with a 1-0 win at Everton

Chelsea H 0-2

One change to the side beaten at Spurs saw Shaun Maloney return in pace of Luke Moore but Ashley Young was still missing. Chelsea were 1 up inside 6 mins when John Terry headed in unmarked from a Lampard corner. Andriy Shevchenko and FL both had chances to increase the lead. H/T 0-1. Villa had a lot of possession early in the second half but could not create any clear chances, then on 60 mins Chelsea were awarded a penalty and Shevchenko scored from the spot.
TEAM LINE UPS
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Premier Lge News :

Arsenal beat Fulham 3-0 at the Cottage in the lunch time kick off, Man Utd left it late to beat Derby, Darren Fletcher getting the goal with just 2 mins left. Newcastle moved up to second after Joey Barton scored the only goal against Wigan.

Sheffield Wed A (Carling Cup 3rd Round) 0-1

After beating in Barnsley in round 2 Villa were drawn against another Championship team from Yorkshire, Sheff Wed. And it turned out to be another disappointing display from The Villains. A Nigel Reo-coker own goal on settled the game as Villa’s premiership stars struggled in the wet conditions.
TEAM LINE UPS
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Carling Cup news:

Elsewhere Everton got an impressive 2-0 win at Man City, Pompey won an epic match 5-4 at Preston aet. All the big four went safely through to the last 16.

Everton A 3-0

Tough trip to mersyside ended with a fantastic 3-0 win the Villans. Martin Laursen, Stilian Petrov and Wilfred Bouma all got their first goals of the season, more pleasing for the Villa boss was the first clean sheet of the season on the road.
TEAM LINE UPS
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Premier Lge News :

Chelsea thrashed Spurs 3-0 at the Bridge, Newcastle recovered from 2 down at St Andrews to win 3-2 and Manchester United lost their 100% start after Blackburn held them to a 0-0 draw at Eawood Park.

Premier League Table

Coca Cola League News:

Hull City finish September as the suprise leaders of The Championship with favourites WBA down in 6th. Jeff Stellings team Hartlepool lead League one with Peterborough top of lead 2.

**WozzaWolves** · 27-03-08, 08:31 PM

decent start mate. Hope you keep this one going ;)

I'll be reading.

rpashley · 30-03-08, 08:27 PM

September Awards

Manager - Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)
Player - Andriy Shevchenko (Chelsea)
Young Player – Vedran Corluka (Man City)
Goal – Cesc Fabregas vrs Liverpool

October 2007

News:

Tottenham fullback Paul Stalteri has parted company with the club by mutual consent.

Gossip Coloum :Inter Milan have been put on alert after an article in Portuguese newspaper claimed Cristiano Ronaldo had revealed a feud with Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo denied the story claiming he was miss quoted.

Euro 2008 - England have somehow managed to qualify from group E. The followed up a 3-0 home win against Estonia with a fantastic 2-1 win in Russia.

Champions League – At the half way mark on the group stages Arsenal and Man Utd have 3 wins out of 3, Chelsea 7 pts and Liverpool 5 pts, all are on course to qualify for the first knockout round.

UEFA Cup – Everton, Blackburn, Bolton and Spurs are through to the group stages.

Carling Cup News – Newcastle United were beaten 2-1 by Manchetser United at St James Park in the tie of the round.

Other 4th Rnd Results
Thevillan Gallery, Thevillan Image Gallery - FileFront.com

Derby County H 2-0

A rain sodden Villa Park hosted a midlands derby. Just one change to starting line up for the Villans saw Olof Mellberg return and the unlucky Gary Cahill omitted. Villa got off to a flyer when Curtis Davies headed in from an Ashley Young cross after just 2 mins. Derby had a strong penalty appeal turned down and Villa lost both Olof Mellberg and Ashley young to injury. H/T 1-0.

Derby started the second half brightly but Villa’s back four were on top form and despite pressure kept the lead intact, Derby’s best moment came on 68 mins when Carson had to make a fine save from a David Jones volley. Four minutes from Gabby Agbonlahor broke away went round the keeper and Giles Barnes handled his shot, only referee Phil Joslin knows why it was not a red card offence. Skipper Gareth Barry fired home from the spot to give Villa a second straight win and a second straight clean sheet.
Team Line ups
Thevillan Gallery, Thevillan Image Gallery - FileFront.com

Premier League Highlights

Manchester United’s unbeaten record is left in tatters as Reading produce a surprising 2-1 win at Old Trafford. Fernando Torres breaks his premiership duck scoring twice in a 3-2 home win over Fulham.

Blackburn Rovers A 1-1

Villa travelled to Eawood Park looking for a 3rd straight win which would lift them up to 8th in the Table. Ashley Young passed a fitness test so the team was unchanged. Villa started well and Carew could have had two inside the first five mins. Gareth Barry making his 300th league appearance for Villa was controlling the midfield. Former Birmingham midfielder Robbie Savage tested Carson from 25 yards in Blackburn’s best moment of the half. H/T 0-0

Blackburn improved in the second half and McCarthy shot straight at Carson after the Villa keeper could only parry a Steven Reid drive. Reid then headed Gareth Barry’s shot off the line. The Villa boss seemed to happy to take a point when he withdrew Petrov from his AMC position for the more defensive Gardner, however the substitution had a positive affect when he raced on to Agbonlahor’s flick to put Villa 1-0 on 87. Villa defended deep for the last 3 mins and Villa boss Ashley was furious when 4 mins added time was announced, and 3 mins into injury time Maceo Rigters fired home after David Dunn’s free kick had deflected into his path.
Team Line ups
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Premier League Highlights

The Manchester derby ended in stalemate at Eastlands. Derby County moved out of the bottom 3 for the first time this season with a 3-0 home win over Spurs. Theo Walcot scored the goal which gave Arsenal a 6th straight win

Reading H 1-0

Villa named an unchanged side as they looked to make it 4 games without defeat. A scrappy first half remained goalless with Carew heading against the bar the only moment if note. H/T 0-0

In the second half Reading looked to frustrate Villa and try to catch them on the break. Curtis Davies was sent off on 64 mins and the game was heading for a scrappy draw until Shaun Maloney finished off Villa’s best move of the match with 6 mins to go. With Villa having a habit of conceding late, the final moments were nervy and both Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt went close to equalising but it finished 1-0 to Villa.Team line ups
Thevillan Gallery, Thevillan Image Gallery - FileFront.com

Premier League Highlights

Manchester United returns to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Wigan who remains the only side in the premiership without a win. Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 with Michael Owen on target against his former club.

Premier League Table

Coca Cola League News

Hull City continued to defy the critics and remained top of the Championship leading Sheffield United by 2 points. The first Black Country derby of the season end in an exciting 2-2 draw at the Molineux. Hartlepool and Peterborough United were still leading League one and two respectively.

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**WozzaWolves** · 31-03-08, 09:44 AM

Congratulations on the 2 wins and drawing with Blackburn away is also a good result ;)

This is developing into a very good story!

T.H · 31-03-08, 11:05 AM

Good start here mate, some good results, and a nice early league position!

Love the gossip column, it keeps us all updated on everything, and I also like the way you keep us informed with every match!

Keep it up, Im liking the look of this!

rpashley · 03-04-08, 09:52 PM

October Awards

Manager - Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) 3 wins out of 3
Player - Andrew Johnson (Everton)
Young Player – Micah Richards (Manchester City)
Goal – Ryan Taylor (Wigan vrs Middlesborough)

November 2007

Gossip Colum:

Wilfred Bouma's Aston Villa future is in doubt after negations on a new contract stalled, Villa boss R P Ashley is confident a new deal can be struck.

Carlton Cole could be heading for the exit door at West Ham, he is frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities at Upton Park.

AS Roma are lining up a bid for Manchester United and England Defender Rio Ferdinand.

Villa boss R P Ashley was spotted in the crowd at Ibrox for the Champions League match between Rangers and Manchester Utd, rumors have it that he is keep tabs on Scottish international fullback Alan Hutton.

Euro 2008 - Qualifiers
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Champions League:

Arsenal beat Celtic 2-1 at Celtic Park to book their place in the last 16. Rangers and Man Utd drew 2-2 each at Ibrox a result good enough to see both teams progress, Chelsea are also through but Liverpool need a draw in their final game in Stuggart to guarantee a place in the last 16.

Carling Cup News – Quarter Final Draw
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Manchester City A 2-1 (Premiership Sat 03.11.2007)

This was arguably Villa's best performance of the season and proof of the increased confidence in the squad. With Curtis Davies suspended Zat Knight got the nod in defence ahead of Gary Cahill. The early exchanges were just about even with City trying to get the ball forward to Bianchi at every opportunity but Knight and Laursen looked comfortable. Villa took the lead on 24 mins, Ashley Young's showed skill and pace to burst past Richard Dunne and cut the ball back from the left and John Carew slotted home. Villa then took control of the game and looked like they were heading in to a deserved half time lead until Geovanni scored. H/.T 1-1

Carew and Corluka tussle for possession.

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Did not take Villa long to regain the lead in the 2nd half when City keeper Isaksson diverted Gareth Barry's cross into his own net. As city turned to the long ball tactic but Zat Knight and Martin Laursen remained resolute and Villa held on for a fantastic victory.

Team Line ups
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Premier League Highlights

Newcastle thrash Sunderland 4-1 at the stadium of light with Michael Owen among the scorers. Wigan can still not find their first win of the season even after Bolton recovered from 2 down to force a draw at the JJB. Fulham beat Middleborough 4-1 at the Cottage scoring 3 time in the last 3 minutes.

Wigan Athletic H 2-0 (Premiership Sun 11.11.2007)

With Wilfred Bouma suspended after picking up a 5th yellow card at Man City, Craig Gardner came in for his first league start of the season and Gareth Barry dropped back to left back. Wigan arrived at Villa Park with just 3 points from their first 12 games with former Birmingham City Boss Steve Bruce already under pressure. The visitors started well and were awarded a penalty on 12 mins after Heskey and been fouled by Knight. Villa keeper Scott Carson continued his fine form by diving to his right to keep out Michael Brown's the spot kick. 4 minutes later Villa were ahead when Carew headed in Reo-coker's cross. H/T 1-0

Under fire Wigan Manager Steve Bruce.

Villa were in control of the game without playing particularly well and a fine move on the hour led to Villa going 2 up, Petrov found space and laid on a lovely pass inside the full pack for Agonbonlahor who sent in a low cross for Carew to net his 2nd of the game and his 9th of the season from 6 yards. Carew is not everybody’s cup of tea but you cannot argue with 9 league goals in 13 league games. 2-0 is how it finished and Villa are now up to 6th.

Team Line ups
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Premier League Highlights

The big game of the weekend came at Old Trafford where the Champions hosted Arsenal, a Ronaldo double game Utd the points and ended The Gunners run of 8 successive wins. Newcastle moved back up to 2nd after a 2-0 win at Upton Park. Bolton beat Birmingham 1-0 thanks to an early Kevin Davies goal in the early season relegation battle.

Birmingham City A 1-0 (Premiership Sat 24.11.2007)

They do not come bigger than this as far as Villa and Blues fans are concerned the second city derby. Villa welcomed back Bouma who replaced Craig Gardner. Villa boss R P Ashley's team talk was simple "do to for the supporters"
Un surprisingly the game started off at 100 miles an hour but it was the home side who settled first both Gary O’Conner and Johan Djourou having shot blocks. The game had to wait 44 mins for the first clear opportunity when Muamba slipped a pass into McSheffrey who forced Carson into a diving save. H/T 0-0

Action from the second city derby.
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Villa had the first chance of the second half when Maik Taylor turned Gareth Barr’s 20 yard shot round the post. Then the game got niggly with referee handing out 4 yellow cards in the matter of minutes. Gary O’Conner shot over from just inside the box and Johnson was denied by Carson. Villa were forced into a change on 72 mins when top scorer John Carew limped off and was replaced by Marlon Harewood. It was Harewood who got the only goal of this game when he headed in Barry’s corner on 78, Djourou headed wide when unmarked 2 minutes later. So victory for Villa, their straight league win and with 3 wins out of 3 this month R P Ashley must have a chance of winning the manger of the month accolade.

Team Line ups
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Premier League Highlights

Manchester United came from behind to win 2-1 at in form Fulham, Newcastle put in another superb display as they beat Middleborough 4-1, Blackburn beat Derby 2-0 to put an end to their recent run of bad results.

Premier League Table

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Coca Cola League News :

Eary Championship pace setters Hull City’s form as dipped picking up just 5 points from 5 games during the month of November but still sit in a respectibale 4th place. The table is now starting to take a more predictable shape with Watofrd, West Brom and Sheff Utd making up the top 3.

In League 1, Doncaster Rovers are the new leaders with striker James Hayter also leading the scoring charts with 10 league goals.

Peterborough United remains 3 points clear of Bury in League 2. Hereford United are bottom of the football league with just 10 points from 19 games.

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**Fedorico Roma Fan** · 03-04-08, 10:06 PM

this is a great story mate, KUTGW! looking forward to next update!

rpashley · 11-04-08, 10:53 PM

November Awards

Manager - Sam Allarydce (Newcastle United) 3 wins out of 3
Player - Obafemi Martins (Newcastle United)
Young Player – Charles N'Zogbia (Newcastle United)
Goal – Collins John (Fulham v Middlesborough)

December 2007

News :

Norwich City have sacked manager Glen Roeder and replaced him with Villa assistant manager John Robertson. Villa boss R P Ashley was quoted as saying "I am disappointed to loose my number two but I could not stand in his way". First team coach Steve Walford is favorite to become Ashley's new assistant.

Gossip Colum :

Newcastle are leading the chase for Lille's Cameroon international Jean II Makoun and are lining up a 7.5 million pound bid

Harry Redknapp is keen on Croatia midfielder Luka Modric but faces competition from Alan Curbishley and Italian Giants AS Roma.

Fenerbache defender Edu Dracena has been linked with a move to Man City.

Tottenham are weighing up a fit bid for Werder Breman full back Clemens Fritz.

Euro 2008 :

The draw for the finals has taken place and England have been grouped with Italy, Serbia and the Czech Republic.
Full draw :
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Champions League :

Liverpool are out of the Champions League after Mario Gomez scored in injury time for Stuggart at the Gottlieb -Daimler - Stadion. In the draw for the first knock out stage Chelsea meet Turkish side Besiktas, Arsenal face Marseille and Manchester United are up against Olympiakos.
Full draw:
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UEFA Cup :

Everton and Tottenham made through the group stages and are joined in the draw by Liverpool and Celtic who were eliminated from the Champions League. Bolton and Blackburn miss out.
First knock out round draw:
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Carling Cup News :

Tie of the round was holders Chelsea entertaining league leader Man Utd and it was Chelsea who came out on top in a 2-0 win. Arsenal also made it through the the semis with a 2-1 win at Reading.
Other 1/4 final results:
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Arsenal H 2-3 (Premiership Sat Dec 1 2007)

A pulsating game at Villa Park as TheVillans looked to build on their impressive recent form. Curtis Davies was available again but Zat Knight kept his place in the starting line up.

Villa got off to a flyer and were ahead after just 50 seconds through Stillian Petrov, but within 2 minutes Arsenal were level when Fabregas scored from 25 yards after the Villa defence had failed to clear properly from a corner. But Petrov scored his second on 7 mins to make it 2-1. Arsenal equalized for a second time on 10 mins when Van Persie was sent clear and beat Carson on a one on one, their was a slight suspicion of offside. The first half scoring did not end there, fabregas scored what turned out to be the winner on 25 mins. Martin Laursen had a golden chance to equalize but headed wide from a Barry corner. H/T 2-3

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas

Villa boss R P Ashley told his troops they had simply nothing to lose and to go for it and that's what they did, Laursen missed another good chance this time from an Ashley Young free kick, substitute Patrick Berger tested Lehman after being put in by Petrov. But Villa could not force an equalizer and The Gunners ended Villa's unbeaten run.

Team Line ups
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Premier League Highlights

Undoubted the game of the week was at Old Trafford where Manchester United took on Liverpool, A Harry Kewel own goal and a Nemanja Vidic header gave the champions the points. Newcastle stay 2nd after a 1-0 win at Portsmouth and Chelsea's challenge is starting to take shape they beat Wigan 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham A 0-0 (Premiership Sun Dec 9 2007)

Villa kept with the same side that were defeated against Arsenal which meant Zat Knight would face his former club. Fulham started the brightest with Simon Davies pulling the strings in midfield. Villa's first real chance came on 36 mins when Nigel Reo-Coker saw his 25 yard drive tipped over by Neimi. The Fulham keeper then had to make a double save from Carew and Petrov. H/T 0-0

Fulham and Villa play out a stalemate.

Villa started the second half like they finished the first and were almost ahead on 49 mins when Chris Baird cleared a Petrov shot off the line. John Carew missed the best chance of the game shooting wide with the goal gapping after Neimi had pushed out a Petrov shot. In injury time Marlon Harewood had a goal disallowed for offside a decision that left the usually cool Villa boss fuming.

Team Line Ups
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Premier League Highlights
2nd v 1st at St James Park saw Newcastle stun the champions and come out 4-2 winners. Chelsea kept up the pressure winning 2-0 at Birmingham. Wigan finally got their first win of the season, Titus Bramble's 2nd half goal gave them a 1-0 home win against Everton.

Liverpool H 0-1 (Premiership Sat Dec 15 2007)

Villa were forced into one change for the visit of Liverpool. Scott Carson on loan from Liverpool is replaced by Stuart Taylor. Villa started very confidently and had the first chance when Ashley Young skipped past Carragher and set up Agbonlahor who shot straight at Reina. Liverpool took the lead against the run of play on 25 mins when Kuyt got on the end of Carragher's long pass and beat Taylor from 15 yards, the Villa players looked for a flag that never came. Villa pressed hard and Reina denied Agbonlahor for the second time in the match and Laursen headed over from a Barry free kick. H/T 0-1

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The second half went very much as the first with Villa totally dominating play and it was Agbonlahor who had another chance to equalize but that man Reina was on hand again. With 2 mins left Reina produce the save of the match from, yes you have guessed it Agbonlahor, Reo-Coker robbed Alonso in midfield and played in the Villa striker but R eina dived to his right to keep it out. Liverpool came away with the points but Villa were by far the better team and deserved better. Worryingly though Gabriel Agbonlahor had not found the net since late August and he missed 4 good chances today.

Team Line Ups
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Premier League Highlights

Chelsea and Arsenal fight out a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, Joe Cole gave Chelsea an early lead but Gilberto levelled things up in the second half from the penalty spot. Newcastle stay top after a 2-1 win at Bolton. Portsmouth are on an impressive run they beat Middlesborough 3-1 at fratton park.

Newcastle United A 1-5 (Wed Dec 26 2007

A boxing day trip to surprise leaders Newcastle ended in disaster as Newcastle cruised to a 4 goal half time lead thanks to goals from N'Zogbia, a Zat Knight own goal and a brace from Michael Owen.

Michael Owen helps sink the Villans with two goals.

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Villa made 2 changes at the break with Davies and Gardner replacing Knight and Petrov. Villa had two good early chances through Carew and Agbonlahor but it was sub Marlon Harewood who got the consolation when he headed in Ashley Young's cross. Emere scored in injury time to make it 5-1 and keep the magpies top of the league.

Team Line Ups
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Premier League Highlights

Boxing day Results, Arsenal 4-2 Everton, Birmingham 3-1 Derby, Fulham 0-1 Chelsea, Liverpool 2-0 Spurs, Man City 3-0 Reading,
Middlesborough 1-1 Man Utd, Sunderland 1-0 Portsmouth, West Ham 1-2 Bolton, Wigan 1-0 Blackburn

West Ham United H 1-2 (Sat Dec 29 2007)

The final game of 2007 and Villa made 3 changes, Davies, Gardner and Harewood in for Knight, Petrov and Carew. Villa had all the early possession but it was The Hammers who took the lead on when Mark Noble split the Villa defence with a lovely pass and Bellamy finished in fine style. Villa were award a penalty on 24 mins when Agbonlahor was tripped by Anton Ferdinand, West Ham keeper save Barry's kick but the Villa skipper scored from the rebound. Villa were only level for 2 mins, Dean Ashton turned smartly in the box and fired past Carson. H/T 1-2

Former Hammer Nigel Reo-Coker in now in Villa colours.

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The second half was a dour affair with neither side able to reach the heights of the first half. Bellamy had a chance to seal the game but shot wide after being put clear by man of the match Mark Noble. Villa bought on Luke Moore and the unsettled striker almost equalized 10 minutes from time but his angled shot was just wide. So 3 straight defeats for the Villans and the January transfer window could not come quick enough.

Team Line Ups
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Premier League Highlights

Manchester United were beaten at home by the ever improving Portsmouth, Chelsea and Liverpool fought out a dull 0-0 draw. Newcastle had the chance to go 5 points clear and they duly obliged with a 2-0 win at Tottenham, their 10th win on the trot.

Premier League Table

Coca Cola League News
Watford are the leaders of the Championship closely followed by West Brom and Sheff Utd.

With just 6 points separating the top 6 of League one the title could still be anybody's, Brighton are the current leaders with Millwall and Doncaster 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Peterborough United lead league 2 with Darlington 2nd and Wycombe third.

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**WozzaWolves** · 12-04-08, 10:47 AM

Good story mate, your doing alright in the league too :D

Keep it going ;D

**Hartynips** · 13-04-08, 03:57 AM

Fantastic story, love the layout and the GFX, unlucky with the result v arsenal though

great work mate keep it going

rpashley · 15-04-08, 09:34 PM

January is a busy month with the transfer window open, the big boys enter the FA Cup and the African Cup of Nations so I will break down the month into several regular updates.

[U]December Awards [/u]

Manager - Sam Allarydce (Newcastle United) 5 wins out of 5
Player - Kanu (Portsmouth)
Young Player – Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Goal – Franck Queudrue (Birmingham City vrs Derby County)

Jan 1- Jan 5 2007

News :

Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose has been named World Footballer of the Year edging Barcelona pair Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.

Gillingham have sacked manager Mark Stimson after 4 wins all season leaves The Gills routed to the bottom of League One.

Gossip Colum :

Manchester City are lining up a bid for Blackburn midfielder David Bentley.

Aston Villa are stepping up their interest in Jermain Defoe.

Portsmouth are looking to add to their striking options with Newcastle striker
Obefeme Martins the number one target.

Newcastle are believed to be close to completing a deal for Cameroon international midfielder Jean II Makoun.

Unsettled Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is set to quit Arsenal with Italian club Fiorentina the likely destination.

Middlesborough H 2-1 (Premiership Tue Jan 1 2008)

Middlesborough provided the opposition for the first game of 2008. Villa made two changes from the side beaten by West Ham, Maloney and Carew came in for Craig Gardner and Gabby Agbonlahor who was rested. Villa never gave the visitors a sniff in the first half and almost took the lead on 4 mins after Young and Mellberg exchanged passes and the latter crossed for Carew who headed just wide. It was Carew who opened the scoring on 25 after Ashley Young and skipped past Pogatetz and crossed for Carew to prod home from 6 yards. Young set up another chance for Carew before half time but he was denied by Schwarzer. H/T 1-0

John Carew celebrates putting Villa in front.
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Boro had their first real chance on 48 when Mido found space in the box but saw his powerful drive well saved by Scott Carson. Woodgate brilliantly denied Young with a blocking tackle and Davies headed the resulting corner over the bar. Villa were getting nervous and needed the cushion of a second goal, and that's what they got 6 mins from time, Stillian Petrov on as a sub for Harewood played a lovely pass down the inside right channel and Ashley Young cut in and smashed the ball past Schwarzer. In virtually the last kick of the game Mido got a consolation for the Boro but Villa deservedly got the points.

Team Line ups
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Premier League New Year's Day Results

Blackburn 2-3 Arsenal, Bolton 1-2 Portsmouth, Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle, Derby 0-0 Fulham, Everton 0-1 Liverpool, Manchester City 0-0 Wigan, Reading 3-0 Birmingham City, Sunderland 1-3 Manchester United, Tottenham 4-0 West Ham

Premier League Table

Transfer Window :

Portsmouth have signed Steed Malbranque from Tottenham for £12,000,000

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Newcastle have paid £5,500,000 for Villarreal playmaker Cani.

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Harry Redknapp has opened his cheque book again by signing Nicky Shorey from Reading for the unbelievably high fee of £13,500,000.

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Everton have beaten Manchester City to the signature of Aston Villa defender Gary Cahil for a fee believed to be £2,900,000

The most expensive move of the window so far is former Chelsea man Adrian Mutu £18,500,000 move from Fiorentina to Real Madrid.

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rpashley · 18-04-08, 09:06 PM

Gossip Colum :

Trabzonspor manager Ersun Yanal has issues a hands off warning to Tottenham after they showed interest in 27 year old winger Karadeniz Gokdeniz.

Speculation is mounting that Aston Villa are interested in signing Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia of Anderlecht.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes admits he may listen to offers for Stephen Warnock, West Ham are said to be keen on the former Liverpool defender.

Arsenal will have to break their transfer record to sign Villarreal’s Matias Fernandez, Newcastle, Man City and Bayern Munich are also interested.

Carling Cup Semi Final First Leg Results :

Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal
West Ham 2-1 Portsmouth

Everton A 1-1 (FA Cup 3rd Round, Sun Jan 6 2008)

Goodison was the setting for Aston Villa's 3rd round cup tie, back in October Villa had impressively beat The Toffemen 3-0. Former Villa man Gary Cahill made his Everton debut and it was the home side who had the better of the early exchanges with both Curtis Davies and Wilfred Bouma have to make important block tackles in the Villa box. Yakubu had the ball in the net on 15 mins but it was rightly ruled out for offside. Andrew Johnson missed the best chance firing wide after being put clear by Jagielka but the score was goalless at the break.

Action from Goodison Park.

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6 minutes into the second half Villa finally fashioned a chance when Maloney crossed for Petrov who saw his volley acrobatically saved by Tim Howard. The deadlock was broken 15 minutes from time when substitute James Vaughan was left unmarked and he headed in a Leon Osman corner. Villa equalized on 82 mins when Martin Laursen scored from an Ashley Young corner. A largely disappointing cup tie ended 1-1 and the sides must do it all again in 10 days.

Team Line Ups
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FA Cup 3rd round Highlights:
Southend United held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at Roots hall, Scott Parker rescued West Ham from embarrassment by scoring the equalizer in 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at Upton park, Manchester United won at Stoke City Louis Saha scored the only goal of the game in injury time. The holders Chelsea are through after beating Cheltenham 5-0 at Stamford Bridge. The last two non league sides are out, Rushden were defeated 2-1 at home by Blackpool and Burton Albion lost 3-0 at Sunderland.

FA Cup 4th Round Draw:

The first draw out of the hat produced the tie of the round with Manchester United paired with Newcastle United, the winner of the Aston Villa/Everton replay will travel to Portman Road. Full draw follows:
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Transfer Window:

Inter Milan have resigned Obafemi Martins from Newcastle for £11,500,000 just over 18 months after selling him for £10,000,000.

Tottenham have called a press conference where they are expected to announce the double signing of Vincent Kompany from HSV and Jeremy Menez from Monaco.