Shortly into the second half Lee Bowyer put Birmingham in the lead, which the Blues held onto until the final whistle.

Tottenham 0-1 Wolves

In the surprise result of the day the Wolves stunned Tottenham to pull themselves out of the relegation zone. The Wolves struck early and for parts of the match looked content to go into their shell and let the defense hold the result. The third minute header from Kevin Doyle denied Hotspur the chance to move to third in the table above their locals rivals, Arsenal.

Sunderland 1-1 Portsmouth

Sunderland looked to have three points wrapped up with Darren Bent’s finish from six yards on 23 minutes, but Portsmouth stole a point when Kaboul put in the equalizer on 90 minutes after Fulop parried a shot by Piquionne.

Hull City 0-0 Blackburn

A hard fought battle ended with both sides receiving a point, but no goals. The controversy of the game came after Jozy Altidore came on and looked to be clipped in the box by Samba. The penalty appeal was waived off and Altidore was booked for diving.

Chelsea 3-3 Everton

Chelsea was held at home as they could not handle set pieces. Drogba netted two and Anelka added another for the home side, while a Petr Cech own goal, Yakubu, and Saha saw it level.

Burlney 1-1 Fulham

An entertaining game that ended in a draw was highlighted by acrobatic and close chances for both sides. Clint Dempsey was close on multiple chances but was left wanting each time. Dempsey had a shot go inches over, a header cleared off the line by Clarke Carlisle, as well as an acrobatic strike blocked by Carlisle again. David Nugent had a chance to go ahead for Burnley, but his shot went straight at Schwarzer.

Bolton 3-3 Man City

Bolton started off well controlling the first 15 minutes which resulted in Klasnic putting the Wanderers ahead on a touch that looked to be an offsides play. Bolton took the lead three times in the game that saw City level each time. Tevez provided two while Micah Richards added one for City. Klasnic had two and Cahill added another for Bolton.

Stoke 2-2 Wigan

Wigan went ahead twice only to see Stoke level it both times. Tuncay and Shawcross converted for Stoke, while Boyce and Figueroa scored for Wigan. The game was in question when a spot kick was awarded to Stoke in the 90^th minute, but Thomas Sorensen secured a point with a save.

Manchester United 0-1 Aston Villa

United’s defensive injuries have been much publicized, but it was their inability to finish that lead to Villa’s first win at Old Trafford since 1983. It was also United’s 2^nd loss in at home in 32 league games. Gabriel Agbonlahor put home a header on a beautiful Ashley Young cross on 21 minutes. That was all Villa would need to get the result they wanted. United had several opportunities that didn’t convert, including a Rooney shot that hit the crossbar. United put pressure on the Villa defense for the last 10 minutes, but the back line stayed strong to deny an equalizer.

Sepp Blatter doesn't think divers should be punished

Divers rejoice! You have a new best friend. Are you paying attention, Ronaldo?

Sepp Blatter said the following at a FIFA executive committee meeting:

“I was a striker 50 years ago…We tried to dribble, but when we could not go through and someone put his foot there what do you do?

You do a little bit more than you should have done. Is this so terrible? I don’t think so.”

Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry would like a move back to north London to again play for Arsenal where he made a name for himself.

“I never stopped saying I love Arsenal and I will one day go back there. How? I don’t know; maybe as a water boy.“

One thing is for sure, he would be the best waterboy ever.

Arsene Wenger may change his mind about buying players after hearing Henry wants back into the Emirates. Henry scored 226 goals while playing for Arsenal and he would like to add to that total.

Need more proof that Henry wants back and still holds the Gunners close to his heart? The current Barcelona player was present for the 6-2 thrashing of Blackburn on Sunday in London.

Week 5 is it? Seems like a pretty straightforward one to me. Here we go.

Aaron

Burnley v Sunderland (1 – 2) Bent may be out but I’m sure that someone else will stand up and shine for ol’ Sunderland this week. Lorik Cana maybe?

Arsenal v Wigan (3-0) Arsenal come back to their old ways. After the scare this week they’ll be looking to net some goals. I’ll bet we see Eduardo crack one in. Maybe we even get to see Walcott out there too.

Aston Villa v Portsmouth (1-0) What is up with Villa this year? Not very good. They still won’t lose to a poor Pompey side.

Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City (1-1) This one is a little tougher than the others because both are marginal teams. James Beattie is out so maybe Tuncay gets on and puts one through.

Hull City v Birmingham (2-1) Hull will ride the back of Stephen Hunt to victory. He’ll either net or orchestrate like he’s done thus far.

West Ham v Liverpool (1-3) Liverpool will show their dominance as they look like they’re regaining some form.

ManYoo v Man City (2-1) What’s that you’re missing? Adebayor, aye? Personally, I hope the Red Devils crush their rivals though I’m guessing they may just get by. Oops, are those my balls showing? Why yes they are and by the look of them you can tell I really don’t like Man City. Understatement of the year. Deal with it.

Wolves v Fulham (1-2) I really wish the Wolves had Ebanks-Blake. In tandem with Doyle, they could make for an entertaining attack force on any day. Who knows. Let’s see here. I like Dempsey to net one here. He’s barely existed this season so maybe this changes.

Everton v Blackburn Rovers (1-1) I’m sure Everton are ready to quit losing. So instead they draw. Baby steps fellas.

Chelsea v Tottenham (2-1) Said it last weekend and I’ll say it again. Tottenham will miss Modric. He may not score much but he makes a huge difference on the field with ball management skills. Ball management skills. I’ll probably never write those three words together again.

Ito

Burnley v Sunderland (1 – 2) Burnley will be reeling after their crushing defeat at the hands of Liverpool, but won’t be able to bounce back.

Arsenal v Wigan (3-1) Arsenal has looked good despite some disappointing results. The Gunners will be back on track after an easy game at the Emirates. Wigan get a parting gift in a late pity goal.

Aston Villa v Portsmouth (2-0) A woeful Pompey team are on the road. While Villa has looked less than spectacular, the road is a lonely place. I’m still waiting for Ashley Young to make an impact like he did last year.

Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City (1-2) My prediction is that unless you support one of these clubs you won’t care about this game.
Hull City v Birmingham (1-0) Both teams could use the points and will not look for just 1. This should be a close game with Hull coming out on top.

West Ham v Liverpool (1-2) Liverpool will continue to build their confidence.
United v City (2-1) City: Adebayor, out. Robinho, out. Roque Santa Cruz, out. Tevez, questionable.  For the first time in 40 years this derby may be relevant to both sides. This is the match of the week. City have grabbed the maximum points in their four games this season. Both managers have lobbed insults the other way and it will continue after this game is over, no matter the outcome. Tevez will be booed. This is the game of money versus class.

Wolves v Fulham (1-2) Wolves may get Kightly and Ebanks-Blake back this week which would give them a nice boost to the squad, as both have played well before injuries. Even if both are back in action I still think Fulham gets the nod here.
Everton v Blackburn (2-1) Midweek signing Lucas Neil looks to make his debut for the Toffees while captain Phil Neville is out. Everton get by at home.

Chelsea v Tottenham (2-1) Chelsea has started well and have looked good throughout. I wouldn’t want to get in the way of the Blue Bullet Express. Tottenham will look to rebound from their collapse to United but in the end they are left with more questions than answers.

The problem is they lack the ability to evolve with where the game is going. There are three things they have to do that they simply haven’t.

Get better results from their roster on and off the bench. The same players, the same ability, the same results. No one is performing for Everton. There’s no standout and there’s no one to worry about. Manyoo have Rooney and several others. Liverpool have Gerrard and Torres. Tottenham have Defoe. Even Aston Villa have Ashley Young. Who does Everton have now that Joleon “Commander Worf” Lescott is gone? And was anyone really even scared of him in the first place?

Bring in impact players. Moyes complained about this during the transfer time, but you’d figure a team that made it near the top of the table would’ve made a move for somebody. I mean shit. Kevin Doyle, Stephen Hunt, Chamakh. They may not be big names but they can make an impact and they’re not expensive. Even Hull picked up Altidore. Damn, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was available. I know it’s not an easy market but you at least have to be on the short list. Instead you pick up some unknown from a 3rd division farm team in a America. No wonder real players don’t take you seriously Moyes.

Build young talent. Who’s coming up through the ranks at Everton? Yea. That’s what I thought.

The game is evolving faster than ever and it’s very apparent the teams that will at least make a run for the top. This ain’t the age of the Big Four any longer and there are teams that look threatening. And considering the look of things, Everton aren’t one of them. I like Moyes. I like Everton. But something drastic is going to have to change or they’ll be left fighting for the bottom of the table instead of fighting to break into the top.

“Of course no one can condone what happened with Adebayor, and I am not going to condone it, but there was a lynch mob mentality with Eduardo, and now one with the former Arsenal player.

“We all need to be careful that we are just attacking another player rather than making general, but important points about the game.”

Here are some general statements. Hard tackling is hard tackling. It’s a part of the game. But when a player sets out to hurt another player whether it be spur of the moment or meditated beforehand it deserves action. If it happens once maybe, you get a card or a pass. But if it happens on two occasions followed by a riot-inducing celebration emotions have nothing to do with it. How does a supposed dive have anything to do with malicious intent?

So I agree with the first point on Eduardo. But lynch mob away on Adebayor. Hey, they did it to Joey Barton.

“When I say there has to be understanding, there is mitigation, there is a history to this; there was the abuse he suffered, and everyone is human, and he felt the emotion of the day when he was out to prove something after what happened to him at Arsenal. And he was aware of what had been said at Arsenal, that the atmosphere had improved after he left. The emotion got on top of him.”

So is emotion an excuse for cutting a player’s face and almost breaking a player’s leg?

“But I fear it was an accident waiting to happen, the way the two lads [Adebayor and Kolo Toure] left Arsenal and were keen to prove a point. I wonder whether anything was said to them about cooling it.”

Mind you that Kolo did nothing. This has nothing to do with how they left Arsenal it has everything to do with the classless act of a single player.

“Players do have a responsibility, and they must learn to count to ten, because none of us want to return to the crowd trouble of the 80s. Neither should players have to put up with such vindictive crowds making it so personal.”

You blame the fans for this? You blame the people who pay money to see the games? You blame us? Come on. I’m sorry sir, but these players are paid millions to play a game and to play it respectfully. After two attacks on two separate players, his own words in the press and his absolute dysfunctional behavior at the end of the season last year you blame the fans. Look, I get it. Don’t take it personally, but when the league does nothing when the player is talking, when his team does nothing, when the ref does nothing, what do you expect?

Look at the tapes a few more times chief. It’s one of your footballers that you should be giving lessons to. If there’s anyone to blame outside of Man City or Adebayor itself, it’s you.

Here’s the article by Harry Harris at ESPN Soccernet: http://bit.ly/S68×0

Adebayor is a Face Stomper

Let’s start with the face stomping of Robin Van Persie.

Van Persie Bleeding After Being Stomped by Emmanuel Adebayor

If you haven’t seen the video, check it out here. It would be easy to pass this off in real time, saying he was just following through with his run, so it is of no surprise that the ref missed this during play, let alone the ref was not in a good position to view it. Look closer and you will see that Adebayor looks down at Van Persie’s face, not the ball, and purposely scrapes it across his face, also trying to step on his hand on the way down.

Even Robin Van Persie, himself, says it was intentional.

“I am sad and disappointed by my former team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor’s mindless and malicious stamp on me during today’s match.”

“We are both professional footballers and I know that the game is physical, I too have made hard and sometimes mis-timed challenges but never with the intention of hurting an opponent. He set out to hurt me.”

You would think Adebayor would apologize profusely after something like this, if not to just appease the FA and get a lesser ban. Adebayor said; “To be honest, I’m very sorry for all this. Sometimes, the emotion takes over. That’s what happened. I was very happy to score the goal. Before the game, people have been saying and writing things and the emotions took over.”

Yes emotions take over, but you must be responsible for those actions. Not only does he not give a good apology, he goes straight into how he scored. If we had insight into Adebayor’s inner thoughts I believe they would go something like this; “Look at me! Look at me! Oops, oh well. LOOK AT ME!”

The FA need to take action and follow through with a severe punishment for Emmanuel Adebayor. He intentionally hurt another player. Not only is that classless, it has no place in the beautiful game.

Adebayor the Money Grubber

Man City’s spending spree has been well documented. They spent over $175 million during the summer transfer period. Adebayor received a nice pay increase last year from Arsenal and his play diminished. The fans turned on him. How delicate is one’s ego to think that you shouldn’t be booed after a hefty pay raise and getting less results?! Not only did his play fall off, it seemed at times that he wasn’t even trying and was already looking towards the transfer window.

Adebayor the Showboater

This I have the least problem with of the three things I’m accusing Adebayor of. Sorry to end that sentence with a preposition, I’ll try not to do it on the next. Oops. Anyway…I don’t have a problem with celebrating after goals, I enjoy it. After all, one of the best things about FIFA 2009 is doing the reverse worm celebration after you score against the computer on amateur difficulty, but Adebayor’s pitch-long run to celebrate in the other corner wasn’t needed. Yes, you just scored against your former squad and the fans that (rightfully) began to despise you due to your poor form last year. If I were Adebayor I would have ran to the corner flag and made a simple gesture of my finger over my lips. He wanted to silence his critics, but instead he has inflamed them with his repeated classless acts.

I hope the FA give him a stiff penalty. Will he listen and clean up his act? No. He will serve his punishment and carry on.

When you think of world class footballers, let the antithesis be Emmanuel Adebayor.

For the Gunners.

It was a tough loss. Real tough. But one thing we’ve learned today is Rosicky is back and looking in good form. If you could pair Rosicky and Arshavin on the wings you have a potent one two. It’s safe to say, that if you can keep the right players healthy at the right time, Arsenal’s season looks bright even with today’s overcast.

And for the Hotspur.

Defoe continued his streak of good form and Crouch looked strong. All you need is someone who can support Modric when he’s healthy in the middle. Palacios isn’t it.

So cheer up buttercups. We’re only a few games in. The season has just begun.

Anyhoo. Here are our predictions. Trust us, we’re very smart.

Aaron

Rovers v Wolves (1-1) Tough game, but probably boring to watch.

Liverpool v Burnley (3-0) Sorry Burnley, your glory days are over.

ManC v Arsenal (1-2) Adebayor scores but Arsenal and the currently reviled for no reason, Eduardo, go through.

Pompey v Bolton (1-2) New faces in Pompey can’t help a struggling Portsmouth away.

Stoke v Chelsea (0-3) Rough game but Chelsea wins easily. Perfect season bound?

Sunderland v Hull (1-0) Fulop and Gordon may be missing but Carson’s debut will be a success.

Wigan v West Ham (1-2) This is a tough one. Carlton Cole scores.

Tottenham v ManU (2-3) If the Hotspurs had Modric they could’ve done it. Rio is back probably.

Birmingham v Villa (0-2) Carew, Carew. He’s bigger than me and you. Warnock proves a perfect Villain.

Fulham v Everton (0-1) Everton will regain form.

Ito

Rovers v Wolves (1-0) Doesn’t sound exciting to me.

Liverpool v Burnley (2-0) Burnley’s tough schedule continues. Although they have stolen points from Everton and ManU, Pool know they need to turn the season around and get back to their winning ways. Look for a constant barrage from the Reds; goals from Torres and Gerrard.

ManC v Arsenal (1-2) This may be the fixture of the weekend. Arsenal lose Arshavin (knee), but gain Fabregas and Rosicky. While City will be without Tevez, Santa Cruz, and possibly Robinho. No wonder City bought a whole side of strikers. Don’t let the injuries fool you, this will still be a great match. Adebayor and Toure will look to validate themselves against their old squad.

Pompey v Bolton (0-0) Yawn-fest.

Stoke v Chelsea (1-3) No question about this one. Chelsea looks good, really good, and Stoke won’t have an answer. Stoke gets a late consolation gift for their efforts.

Sunderland v Hull (3-2) Turner takes on his former team, Bent and Jones are in form. Add in the fact that Turner was Hull’s defense and Sunderland takes the cake.

Wigan v West Ham (1-1) A draw, but could very easily go either way.

Tottenham v ManU (2-2)  This is the second most interesting game of the week. Defoe and Lennon have been on fire. Both sides have a leaky defense and this could get out of hand. Look for United to score off a long ball counter attack over the top to Rooney running on.

Birmingham v Villa (1-1) I’ve got nothing here.

Fulham v Everton (1-2) Fulham may be without Dempsey due to midweek international duty, but don’t worry about the Toffees’ Howard who will start.