January 17th, 2011
Weekend Results: The Eyes Have It
Hands up if you want to appear naked in the Kickette 2011 Calender, please. Ahem. (Getty Images/Zimbio)
For those of us who spent Sunday gathered around the television in anticipation of the ‘Most Exciting Day of Football Since Records Began™’, derby day in the EPL proved to be something of a damp squib. Apparently, we should have been watching on Saturday where excitement and intrigue abounded.
But we were shopping. Duh. If the authorities could sort it out so our entertainment is not impeded by our pathological need to acquire goods, we would be happy.
In the meantime, here are the European highlights in full, for those of you also beholden to consumerism. We love you, you see.
EPL
A goal difference of plus six and two games in hand separate the two halves of Manchester this morning. City’s entertaining 4-3 victory over Wolves was arguably the pick of the games; Wolves putting up a valiant fight against the rich boys but two goals from Carlos Tevez and one each from the brothers Toure were the difference on the day.
United, meanwhile managed to hang on to 0-0 with ten men in their Sunday afternoon fixture vs. Spurs; Rafael once again allowing his temper to get the better of him (left) after receiving two yellow cards. The two points lost could prove to be crucial in the title race for United but not as crucial as those two games in hand might be. We shall see. (Getty Images/Zimbio)
Just two points behind the leaders are Arsenal, who dismantled troubled West Ham with ease on Saturday afternoon, with two goals from Robin Van Persie and one from Theo Walcott making the difference. Despite his sacking having been predicted by almost every sports commentator in the English speaking world in the last few weeks, Avram Grant remains at the West Ham helm. He is pleased (left). (Getty Images/Zimbio)
West Bromwich vs. Blackpool also proved to be an eye catching fixture, if only because our new favourite Good Samaritan Peter Odemwingie scored the winner for the Baggies. Chelsea hauled themselves back into the title race with a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, while Liverpool and Everton drew 2-2 in the Merseyside derby and Sunderland nicked a 1-1 draw in the Tyne/Wear clash.
Hopefully you weren’t relying on the ‘Second City’ derby for some excitement on your day of rest; Birmingham vs. Aston Villa finished 1-1 too. Yawn.
La Liga
Far more interesting is the staring contest taking place in La Liga this season, and it’s Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid who find themselves reaching for the eyedrops this Monday morning. A surprise 1-1 draw away at bottom placed Almeria saw Real drop two valuable points, while imperious Barcelona thrashed Malaga 4-1 with goals from Iniesta, David Villa (2) and Pedrito. Pep’s boys also broke a record in La Liga; the most points at the halfway stage of the season since er… Barcelona, two years ago.
A mere nine points behind but still within shouting distance, Villarreal beat Osasuna 4-2, while fourth placed Valencia also won, a 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna taking them to thirty-seven points and inspiring Pablo Hernandez to take his clothes off (left). Excellent! (AP Photo/Daylife)
Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund continued their march toward the Bundesliga title with a 3-1 win over fourth placed Bayer Leverkusen, giving themselves a twelve point cushion over closest rivals Hannover 96. Hannover beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 but third placed Mainz slipped up, losing 1-0 away to Stuttgart.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich failed to win at Wolfsburg, an early Thomas Mueller goal cancelled out by a Sascha Riether strike on eighty six minutes. Schalke also suffered a blip; their 1-0 loss at home to Hamburg coming by way of a Ruud Van Nistelrooy goal. Schalke are now eleventh, while Hamburg are eighth.
Serie A
A 1-1 away draw at Lecce was sufficient to give AC Milan’s rivals hope, but Napoli failed to capitalise on the leaders’ misstep, drawing 0-0 at Fiorentina. This meant that Lazio were able to draw level on thirty seven points, having beaten Sampdoria 1-0.
Juventus’ 2-1 win over Bari came courtesy of goals from Alessandro Del Piero and Alberto Aquilani and a yellow card for Kickette soldier boy-bait Fredrik Sørensen (left). Inter Milan continued their resurgence under new(ish) manager Leonardo with a 4-1 win over Bologna. They are now in sixth place but with two games in hand over their rivals. Meanwhile, Roma squeaked a 1-0 win over Cesena due to a ninetieth minute own goal by the magnificently monikered Maximiliano Pellegrino. Woot! (Getty Images/Daylife)
Ligue 1
A team with their eyes wide open to the realities of topping the table are Lille, (Eden Hazard, left) whose 2-0 win over Nice gave them a handy one point margin over Paris St Germain after the winter break. PSG kept up the pressure with a 2-1 win over eleventh placed Sochaux, but with Rennes and Lyon also on thirty-four points, they cannot afford to take their eyes off the ball. (Enough ‘witty’ references to eyes? Oh, ok.)
Also, Arles-Avignon lost. Quelle surprise. (Reuters/Daylife)
Were you there? Did you see, Kickettes?
I am not gonna lie to you. After few minutes of searching (while having this almost heart attack) I am convinced that it's a mistake, the comment is surely about Iniesta!
Vidic is a man mountain, a god, a defensive god, a proper captain etc etc and Modric got the MOTM award??? Come on Sky, that was ridiculous. A draw isn't a loss Utd, we're not in La Liga.
Speaking of La Liga, how far do I have to bite my nails before Valencia decided to score and take all three points? It's killing me more this season which makes no sense because we're doing so well! Anyway, as long as they get a CL spot. Sad innit when all we're playing for these days is third place.
Bayern carry on frustrating as only Bayern can. Muller's offside goal which could have sealed the win, Holger's tantrums, two missed penalties, Kraft's brilliant saves (LVG got that right) and 16 points away from Dortmund. And no one sees how exciting Bundesliga football is now in relation to other leagues! It's so underrated.
I'm optimistic that FCB can overthrow Leverkusen, it's getting to the time of the season when Leverkusen implode.
Thought my Spurs boys were going to go on and win on Sunday but I'd have taken a point before the match so I'll take it now! Sevilla lost so I was a bit sad about that
Another draw for Milan
didn't get to watch the game but i heard that Ibra scored a golazo.
Crappy weekend overall: Inter's getting closer to the top!damn you Milan!arggg…
Also Bayern not winning yet again :S
Still, one good thing did happened Barca leads 4 pts over Real…woohoooo
What can I say about the game other than we hung in there with Man Utd. I was praying for a at least one goal. Just one bleepin' goal!!!! UGH!!! We came close quite few times. Frustration doesn't even describe how I feel. I know my boys can hang in there with the bog teams- I have faith in them.
\Nest up is Newcastle- I know that they are going to want to come after us hard after we beat them last time. Everyone link pinks and pray to the football god's.
Dear San Iker please let us gain 3 points we need so badly. Amen
what a chance missed RM! :S
I can’t believe real didn’t win. At least kaka looked great. Also kaka was not the reason why real had trouble. Real had trouble because as Jose said the game wasn’t officiated fairly. Also real had more posession.
I’m so
happy Chelsea and arsenal are winning. I know I’m wrong for loving both of them. Chelsea is my family team and arsenal I have loved since henry. One of new faves is odemwingie. He seems happy to be playing and I love that
I'm just happy that Liverpool didn't lose again! I hope they will be restored to their former glory!
I'm very proud of the way my Spurs boys played Sunday! I especially like that Gareth Bale decided to tease us by showing us the upper goodies.
Are you a Spurs fan? There are so few of us on here.
I couldn't watch Real Madrid's match but I kept checking the score and I was pissed.. I hope this doesn't affect the guys too much… We have to nail the match against Atlético on Thursday and keep on fighting for La Liga.
I'm also glad that Lyon got it together and are doing better now.
Well done Arsenal! Our boys came out with the result, obviously cos we have a sexy team! haha I joke, they played fabulously <3
Barca are playing beautifully. Iniesta yesterday was brilliant. It wasn't Messi's best game but he has so many other teammates that step up when he's a bit off, that the team still finds a way to win.
The synergy on the field is just beautiful. The way they move off the ball, always give their teammates at least one passing lane and the passing is just lovely to watch.
It is just too amazing for words! Am so glad they are my team xxxx
"Hopefully you weren’t relying on the ‘Second City’ derby for some excitement on your day of rest; Birmingham vs. Aston Villa finished 1-1 too. Yawn." – I'll have you know that that game was thoroughly entertaining. I was there. Fit footballer galore, an amusing streaker, smoke bomb metres from where I was sitting, I GOT TO SEE MARC ALBRIGHTON UP CLOSE!!!, plus a good game of football.
"and a yellow card for Kickette soldier boy-bait Fredrik Sørensen (left)" – This made me smile
However, to end on a negative, I hate not having Sky. My boy Gareth decides to remove his shirt, like the good, incredibly sexy man he is, and I CAN'T SEE IT :'( And the only pic I've seen he has his bare back to the camera. Typical. Although it's a very sexy back indeed. http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu289/ronaldof…
If anyone can provide pics from the from the front I'd be ever grateful.
OK Blake- I have a picture and a video clip of bale at the end of the game with his shirt off. Let me know how to get it to you.
You can email me it somehow..
kamcs@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks
done. i had to send two emails.
I got them, Thanks
you know what? im i the only one who thinks that Barcelona is so overrated!??! i mean whats the pleasure in watching them win every single game if your not a fan its so annoying __and as if they really played for their fans, i think that team is so arrogant!! "oh i love barcelona" "barcelona's the best" "Go Barca" get over yourselves what if one day they end up in 15 th place (it could happen) are yall still gonna be in love with them!__i also noticed some of yu are like "i love arsenal and im so glad barca won" do you not see they will play each other in the champions league!!! COME ON! okay bring on the low ratings!
Bitter much?
Barca overrated you say? Sure they are, sure they are… I mean how dare they be so superior? And play such "beautiful" football? Clearly they don't care about the feelings of others. And those crazy people who are cheering for two different teams. Have they not understood that narrowminded is the way to be?
I am a milanista and i don't care much about La Liga, however i have a special spot for Barca in my heart.Beside the great team spirit, Barca plays the most attractive football right now….but it's ok, you're not the only one who thinks that they are overrated-there are other bitter people who think that way
omfg!!!! What can I say about the Real Madrid match except those boys made me want to pull my effing hair out yesterday!! I just do not understand what the problem was. Tactically, everything seemed wrong & no one looked like they cared about the match. For all the grief Benz gets, I am glad he was the one who got the assist (I think he did). He managed to do something right. I hope Jose gave those boys a good whipping & stopped all incoming shipments of hair product and shoulder/man bags as punishment.
It's good to be back on Kickette! I haven't been here in forever!!! And happy MLK day to all the yankee kickettes out there!
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARçAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
" we want more mosqueteros" im starting this campain and all you have to do it tweet alvaro, sergio, xabi asking for more cuatro mosqueteros pictures and maybe convincing raul albiol to get his own twitter!!!!!! who's uo for it????
Barca is dazzling! Totally amazing! And Messi didn't even score (but omg the passes, the PASSES!). And as a totally unneccessary( but oh so precious) bonus Pique took his shirt off. That boy is growing on me something fierce!
Fierce was also Zlatans goal! Badaboom!!
Yay also for Arsenal! I couldn't see the game unfortunately.
A little heartbroken for Sevilla… They were the better team, in my opinion. At least in the first half. But I have to admit I love Callejon's hair! If he just could stop scoring on my teams.
Really Kickette? that was all about La Liga? What about the amazing display of the glorious bare-naked chest lovely Özil did for us?!?!?! The boy seems to have got a bit more muscular……..and I'm loving it!
I really, really wish that Liverpool had won the derby. Arghafjsdfkljsdfjkasfds.
That's all I have to say.
Finally is Chelsea AGAIN…So so happy for my guys!! Jeah!!!
NEMANJA. VIDIC 10/10. That is all.
Him and Rio are ON FIREEE!!!
))So glad they are now regular after all those injuries!!!
Guess I'm the first to comment on Serie A. I was surprised by Milan's tie but as I've suspected, their fortunes do rest with Andrea Pirlo. They need him because as talented as the strikers may be, SOMEONE had to effortlessly get the balls to them.
As far as my beloved Roma, I was so excited [even on a crappy stream] to see them win. Whether it was an own goal or not, they got the 3 points they desperately needed.
I am bursting with pride for Rennes. C'est excellent! Allez Rennes, il faut gagner!!! <3
I wish Liverpool would have won over Everton but at least Fernando came very very close to scoring several times
. And obviously hair has nothing to do with performance. People out there who are speculating about this are being a little ridiculous. But it is cute seeing his hair in a headband with brown hair…….that's never happened before………but I think I still like his hair better without the headband, but still brown. lol. I'm looking forward to wednesday's game and hopefully Nando scores (and wears his hair without the headband…….he looks so badass that way)!!!!
<<And obviously hair has nothing to do with performance. People out there who are speculating about this are being a little ridiculous.>>
Erm, don't know if you're referring to my earlier comment, but it was just tongue-in-cheek.
But don't you know that even Nando is a bit superstitious when it comes to that? Apparently he normally doesn't cut/change his hair if he is having a streak where he scores loads.
oops I meant saturday's game!
Yeah I also think short set up hair looks hotter and sexier on him. Hopefully he will cut his hair again
)
)
His hair were so gorgeous and he looked so sexy against chelsea
Barcelona are pretty sick, and good results all round for arsenal this week, we are in a good position buhh, one is never safe from drowing with arsenal, very touch and go, can they beat ipswich on the replay? I don't know, I have given up trying to predict the unpredictable…
so happy my Valencia won yay! Boo IMO Barcelona needs to lose!!!! LOL Real Madrid!!!!!
A fabolous win for Arsenal, if we can get a string of wins in the league whilst still scoring goals from all angles thrn will have a chance to win the EPL, however the dark horses ala man city r the ones 2 watc they have a strong shout to win the premier league 2! RVP is bc 2 his best 2, and young jack is a future legend in the making…..
Although it's a shame Liverpool only drew with Everton, I'm glad to say it looks like the old Torres is definitely on his way back. Somebody mentioned how he seems to be scoring more and more as his hair is getting longer…have to say I'm loving the fact that his headband is back! Not sure I want to see him reach for the bottle of blonde dye again though.
lol I was thinking the same thing about his hair. Also, does it seem like he has highlights? Anyway, hopefully, that's as much "blonde" as he puts in his hair, if he does. I had to chuckle at the headband. I didn't think his hair was long enough yet for the headband but…whatever works.
I also think Sergio seems to be playing better no that his hair is growing out.
<<Also, does it seem like he has highlights?>>
It does look like it a bit, doesn't it? I checked out the training pictures on the Liverpool FC website and somebody on there mentioned it as well.
A fabolous win for Arsenal, if we can get a string of wins in the league whilst still scoring goals from all angles thrn will have a chance to win the EPL, however the dark horses ala man city r the ones 2 watc they have a strong shout to win the premier league 2! RVP is bc 2 his best 2, and young jack is a future legend in the making…..
and is it just me or is odemwingie a total cutie,am crushing hard on him, love it!
HOW Grant remains in charge at West Ham is beyond me. The only good thing he's done for me this season is actually figuring out that Jonathan Spector is, in fact, an attacking player, which might possibly save my favorite golden-haired USMNT player's career. This managerial merry-go-round has gotten a bit ridiculous, but it's kind of difficult when so many managers seem so ill-fitted for their clubs. I like Arsenal, but it hurt to see my WH go down so hard. Happy that RVP seems to be back, though!
It was annoying with all of the draws this weekend (really, Real Madrid? REALLY?), but I have to say that I was dancing around my room when Liverpool did not lose to Everton. I know that that makes it sound like I have low standards for my beloved Reds, but I'm just psyched that they DID NOT LOSE.
Real Madrid…that was a shocker but they didn't deserve to win the way they played yesterday. The lineup that Mou used in the first 1/2 just did not work. Cris play his best when on the left wing. Kaka played well but the other guys seemed a bit out of sync with him on the pitch. Di Maria & Xabi (dare I say it?) had rough games too. The passing, the crosses…just not there yesterday.
And Albiol…just not doing well as a centerback, imo. He did better at the rigt back in the previous game but that was when Arbeloa couldn't play. Arbeloa is playing so well that there's no way that Albiol would start over him, I don't think. Arbeloa and Sergio played the best yesterday, imo. Granero did well when he came in…his goal was fantastic.
And Benzema, no, he's not scoring as you would expect from a striker but he definitely has a positive impact on the game when he plays. Partly because the guys have gotten used to him being on the field and know where he's going to be, etc. Also, Cris can play at his best position, when Benzema's on the pitch.
* sigh * It has been a good week, everything from budget Wags to Yummy players who makes us melt!
Like someone post in previous comments- it is a privilege to watch Barca boys weekend after weekend!!!
)) I have a feeling that they can play with their eyes closed…It's inexplicable how they always now were the other teammate is/going to be…I read an amazing interview with Xavi and Iniesta and Xavi said about Iniesta- sometimes he give me the ball and I can't even understand how was he able to see me 
)) + they spend all intervew saying things like-Xavi to Iniesta- You are better then me…Iniesta to Xavi-No no no you are better then me 
)) soo humble and down to earth. Ahhh i can talk about them 24/7 so i will stop now 
P.S. ohh and for my red devils- no worries boys-we are still on top, have 2 games ahead,and we are unbeaten!!!
I was able to watch the Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid game on TV (no more awful online streams). The Manchester game was incredibly frustrating and the face of Real Madrid players when Almeria scored was priceless. It was nice to see Liverpool scoring again, even if the result didn’t make that much of a difference.
Barca are on fire at the moment. 52 points, 17 wins and 61 goals scored in the first half of the season (all of them La Liga records); only 11 goals conceded; 14 consecutive La Liga wins (tying an old Real Madrid record); and 28 matches unbeaten in all competitions.
I'm so proud of my boys. Eduardo Alvarez has a great summary of La Liga so far: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/8…
oh United tsk tsk. Still, a point at Spurs this season is better than a loss. At the very least it keeps our unbeaten start alive. This has to be one of the ugliest unbeaten runs in the history of the EPL. Shame on that Sunderland fan who attacked Steve Harper. I hate derby games that end in draws.
I just hope we are still saying the same things come 28 May 2011 at Wembley Stadium! No longer really a challenge to win La Liga anymore!
bittersweet weekend. i'm stoked for Arsenal, i really believe that if they keep playing the way they are presently, they really have a chance at the EPL title. they just need to relax on their Jekyll and Hyde moments. more Jekyll, less Hyde…Chelsea's completely out of title contention for this season IMO, but i still love them. hopefully they can secure 4rth place and still make it to the CL next seaon (fingers crossed). Real….WTF! a draw against ALMERIA! there is no room for goddamn mistakes this season! this is ridiculous. completely overshadowed my happiness over Sergio's goal last week. thanks.
Totally agree, Barca are phenomenal at the moment, initally thought Arsenal might be able to bring it to them in the next round of the champs league but the more i watch them the more i loose hope. Going to be a fantastic game though!
Barca are soaring above the sport – but they have tough run with RM at Bernabeau, VillaReal and Sevilla all very close together – plus there is added presure of the CL as they want it back BIG TIME, so nothing is impossible, just unlikley!
any comment on the new City signing, Edin Dzeko?
With Dzeko – Man. City's attack is a killer
True that
Love the caption, kickette! Arsenal game was pretty fun to watch, felt sorry for Rob Green though. United vs Tottenham was a good game, kinda intense! Raphael's got a lil temper though…maybe he needed a lil nap. Down to 10 men and still managed to keep it a draw-that's United for you! Tevez's goal was pretty sick! 'Barcelona thrashed Malaga' ahhhh, it's always nice to hear those first two words!
I was really upset that Marouane chamakh didnt play for arsenal on saturday
buh im glad they beat west ham with 3 points!! i was realli hoping that the spurs wud kick man united's arse buh unfortunately it was 0-0 in the end..the onli thing that made my day after the match was GARETH BALE TAKING OFF HIS SHIRT..the man needs to take it off more often!!!! can u say beautiful body!?
Yeah, but with RVP in good form again, Chamakh has an uphill battle towards getting consistent playing time at Arsenal.
Gareth Bale's display was the second highlight of my weekend after the Barca win. My friend and I decided that more ballers need to take note and that even though it is winter, real men do not wear under layers and do in fact remove their shirts at the end of a game!
Hear, hear to everything you say! Especially the things about Marouane not playing and Gareths naked torso.
Totally agree with everything you just typed
Holy Moly!!! Gareth took his shirt off!!! I know we only tied but DAMN!!!! Thank you Gareth Bale and let’s thank your Mama while we are at it. God I love that boy!!!
YES YES YES!
You hit all the important points here! I'm worried that with Van Persie back (and seemingly on fire) I'm going to see less of Marouane…no matter, though, I don't mind RVP up there as long as the Gunners are winning. Not to mention, RVP's had a really difficult string of injuries over the last two or three years, so I'm glad for him.
I was biting my nails for Spurs to beat ManU (damn their undefeated streak!!!!) And I *did* notice Gareth Bale so appropriately removing his shirt and being without under layers….THAT was a win!!!
cant wait till the arsenal vs. leeds match ladies!
my gunners have got this!! and fingers crossed marouane's beautiful face will bless my tv screen! 