So Near, Yet So Far

Leading 2-1 in the 93rd minute and Portsmouth were looking at a memorable win over AC Milan. Yet, with one toe-poke from the master goal-poacher Pippo Inzaghi, and they had blown a two goal lead and a famous scalp.

Pompey had played brilliantly and were thoroughly good value for a win. The superb Glen Johnson creating both goals for Younes Kaboul and Kanu. Tony Adams side had played with poise and vigour and he was looking at a first win as Portsmouth manager at Fratton Park. Yet, a stunning free-kick from former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho had reduced the arrears, leaving Inzaghi to strike in stoppage time his 65th goal in European competition, and to break Portsmouth hearts.

Earlier in the evening and Manchester City and Spurs both recorded victories. City won 2-0 in Germany against Schalke 04 thanks to goals from Benjani and the excellent Stephen Ireland, whilst a Jamie O’Hara strike gave Spurs a hardfought 1-0 win against NEC Nijmegen in Holland.

Morgan Let Off

As an aside I find myself wondering who it was at the FA that decided Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan should face no action for fracturing the skull of Barnsleys Iain Hume. Hume, who was released from hospital for the second time this week could have had not only his career, but his life ended by the defender. And it’s not like this is Morgans first offence. When United were in the Premier League, he was given a three match ban for punching Robin Van Persie off-the-ball, so it’s very much in his nature.

What does everyone out there think? Surely Morgan should have faced a lengthy ban for his cowardly, sickening attack?

Germany 1-2 England

An England side devoid of regulars emerged victorious in the Olympic Stadium, Berlin against the side ranked number 2 in the world by FIFA.

12 months on from the disappointing defeat at Wembley against Croatia, costing the team a place at Euro 2008 and Steve McClaren his job, Fabio Capellos work-in-progress, as he attempts to assemble a side capable of winning the 2010 World Cup, brushed aside the challenge of Joachim Low’s Euro finalists.

With Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Emile Heskey and Theo Walcott all absent, a very-much second string England side claimed the prize scalp of Germany on home soil. Goals from Matthew Upson, the West Ham United defender winning his 12th cap, and John Terry, the captain, gave the side a deserved victory.

Prior to kick-off and Gabby Agbonlahor, the quicksilver Aston Villa forward, was the surprise inclusion in the starting eleven for his debut, which included Michael Carrick, for his first cap under Capello.

Indeed throughout the 90 minutes England were the brighter of the two sides, showing a poise in possession that was non-existent 12 months ago, prior to Capellos arrival.

Carrick and Gareth Barry at the heart of the midfield hardly sacrificed possession, whilst Stewart Downing, the much-maligned Middlesbrough winger, put in his best display in an England shirt, claiming assists for both goals and showing a conviction in every aspect of his performance, that in prior games has been redundant.

The first goal arrived after 23 minutes, when Rene Adler made a mess of an inswinging Downing corner, leaving Upson to prod into the net from no more than 2 yards. With Agbonlahor looking threatening going forward, alongside Jermain Defoe, and the side looking sound defensively, England were coasting when half-time arrived.

At the interval, Defoe was replaced by Darren Bent, the in-form Tottenham Hotspur striker, whilst James was replaced by Scott Carson, his first appearance since that fateful night 12 months ago.

And it was a mix-up between Carson and captain Terry that enabled Germany to grab an equaliser. A poor ball forward by the impish winger Piotr Trochowski, should have been easily dealt with, but a horrible mix-up enabled Patrick Helmes to nick the ball through the legs of Carson and level the scores. Terry later took responsibility for the mistake, but it will most-likely be Carson who pays for it in the long run.

Terry atoned for the error with a winner in the 83rd minute, when he rose at the far post to head a Downing free-kick into the net, Giving Capellos troops a victory.

 Those regulars who were missing now may well have a fight on their hands to regain their places, whilst the question will be asked: How many with aches and strains will be willing to risk missing the friendly against Spain in February for fear of losing their places? 

England: James (Carson,46), Johnson, Bridge, Terry, Upson, Wright-Phillips (Crouch,90), Barry, Carrick, Downing, Defoe (Bent,46), Agbonlahor (Young,77)

Impressive: Agbonlahor, Downing, Carrick

Unimpressive: Carson, Bent, Bridge

101 And Counting

Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo, after his two goals against Stoke City in Man Utd’s 5-0 romp took him to 101 goals for the Red Devils since his move from Sporting Lisbon 5 years ago.

The question is how much more is there still to come from the Portugese forward. Also, the question remains will he move to Real Madrid in the summer? What does everyone out there think?

In salutations to Ronaldo here are some of his best goals in a United shirt.

Elsewhere this weekend and Arsenal were beaten at the Emirates by Aston Villa. A Gael Clichy own goal and a late goal from Gabby Agbonlahor giving Villa a thoroughly deserved victory. The question now is can the Midlands side pip Arsenal to a position in the top four this season?

Chelsea and Liverpool both continue to set the Premier League pace, both winning away from home to continue their good starts to the campaign. Who are favourites for the title now, as surely we must discount Arsenal after another defeat?  Personally i think Chelsea will end the season victorious, but Liverpool look much more capable of being there or thereabouts at the end of the campaign, and United’s irresistable attack will see them in the shake-up come May.

Man City continue to flatter to deceive, drawing 2-2 at the KC Stadium against Hull, with Stephen Ireland scoring twice. Who does Mark Hughes need to purchase come January to turn City into a top 6 outfit?

Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham were finally beaten by Fulham, who after 2 successive wins are into the top 10, Everton and Middlesbrough served up an entertaining 1-1draw, Wigan stole a late point at St. James’ Park thanks to a Titus Bramble header, whilst the least said about the dull clash between West Ham and Portsmouth at Upton Park the better.