Tag Archives: diarra

Sam Allardyce and David Moyes both set to appeal red cards from referee Taylor

Posted on by

Allardyce and Moyes both set to appeal red cards from pantomime villain Taylor

|

UPDATED:

19:32 GMT, 22 December 2012

Sam Allardyce and David Moyes were
united in their condemnation of referee Anthony Taylor after he
controversially sent off one player from both sides in Everton's 2-1
Barclays Premier League win at West Ham.

Taylor was the pantomime villain at
Upton Park in each club's final game before Christmas, showing needless
red cards to both Hammers striker Carlton Cole and Toffees midfielder
Darron Gibson.

Controversy: West Ham's Carlton Cole (L) was sent off for this challenge on Everton's Leighton Baines

Controversy: West Ham's Carlton Cole (L) was sent off for this challenge on Everton's Leighton Baines

Controversy: West Ham captain Kevin Nolan (C) appeals to match referee Anthony Taylor as he sends off Carlton Cole

Match facts

West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Tomkins, Collins, Reid, O'Brien (Spence 81), Noble, O'Neil (Maiga 58), Taylor, Nolan, Jarvis (Collison 88), Cole.Subs Not Used: Spiegel, Diarra, Moncur, Lletget.

Sent Off: Cole (67).

Booked: Maiga.

Goals: Cole 14.

Everton: Howard, Heitinga, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman, Gibson, Neville (Naismith 85), Pienaar (Oviedo 88), Jelavic, Anichebe (Duffy 90). Subs Not Used: Mucha, Hitzlsperger, Barkley, Vellios.

Sent Off: Gibson (90).

Goals: Anichebe 64, Pienaar 73.

Att: 35,005

Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).

Latest Premier League results, fixtures and table

Both were sent off for dangerous play after catching opponents while raising their legs in respective attempts to control and win the ball.
West Ham boss Allardyce and opposite number Moyes each confronted Taylor after the final whistle, confirming they would appeal the dismissals.

Allardyce accused Taylor of being trigger-happy, saying: 'It is how quickly the referee got the red card out, he couldn't wait, he didn't deliberate over the decision or anything.

'There is nothing much we can do about the result but we can appeal the decision and hopefully we can get Carlton down to a yellow card and get him off.'

Moyes added: 'I will appeal it.

'I'll have a word with Sam as well, because I don't think you could put the word frivolous next to that appeal.

'Because I think you would say there was genuine reason why maybe you could appeal that.

'Now, you don't want to go and appeal and find out that maybe you get an extra game on it. That's what you don't want to do.'

Allardyce was planning more than an appeal, however.

'I spoke to the ref but that is between me and him,' he said.

'We will go through the channels of 'reporting' that the system has in place and I will take that up and pursue it quite vigorously.

'If he is not getting the right feedback or coaching and is told it was okay and 'Carry on' then we have got a big problem.'

Off you go: Everton's Darron Gibson was sent off for fouling West Ham's Mark Noble

Off you go: Everton's Darron Gibson was sent off for fouling West Ham's Mark Noble

Fuming: West Ham manager Sam Allardyce sees red after Carlton Cole is sent off

Fuming: West Ham manager Sam Allardyce sees red after Carlton Cole is sent off

Fulham 2 Newcastle 1 match report – Hugo Rodallega scores winner

Posted on by

Fulham 2 Newcastle 1: Rodallega grabs rare win as Pardew's men slide towards danger

|

UPDATED:

07:49 GMT, 11 December 2012

Alan Pardew passed two years in charge of Newcastle United on Monday night, but it will not be an anniversary the manager looks back on with particular fondness.

He tinkered with his formation and cajoled his players constantly, but yet another away defeat leaves the visitors only four places above the relegation zone.

It may yet get worse: they must play Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal before the turn of the year, while Sunderland, in 18th place, have a game in hand against Reading on Tuesday.

All white on the night: Fulham secured a first league win since October, beating Newcastle

All white on the night: Fulham secured a first league win since October, beating Newcastle

MATCH FACTS

FULHAM: Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Duff, Sidwell, Baird, Kacaniklic (Dejagah 62), Berbatov, Rodallega (Petric 86). Subs not used: Etheridge, Richardson, Senderos, Karagounis, Diarra.

Goals: Sidwell 19, Rodallega 63.

NEWCASTLE: Krul, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon, Anita (Marveaux 86), Tiote (Bigirimana 86), Ben Arfa (Shola Ameobi 72), Gutierrez, Cisse, Ba. Subs not used: Harper, Ferguson, Tavernier, Perch.

Goal: Ben Arfa 54.

Attendance: 25,270.

Referee: Lee Mason.

Premier League table, fixtures and results

For Fulham, though, there is hope
again and, crucially, goals. Martin Jol’s side had gone more than five
hours without scoring before Steve Sidwell’s 19th-minute strike.

Even that was a little fortunate, as
the midfielder’s right-foot shot took a heavy deflection off Mike
Williamson and cannoned in off the underside of the bar. But a second
from Hugo Rodallega gave Fulham their first Premier League victory since
October.

The gloom, however, only increases for Newcastle, despite Hatem Ben Arfa scoring on his return from a hamstring injury.

‘I’m worried in that we’re not
picking up enough points,’ said Pardew. ‘The performances are much
improved, there’s more fluency about our attacking play, but it’s a
worry. We haven’t got enough points and we’ve got a tough run of games.
But if we keep working as hard as we did tonight, I think it will
change.’

Bright start: Steve Sidwell fortuitous striker handed Fulham the lead in the 19th minute

Bright start: Steve Sidwell fortuitous striker handed Fulham the lead in the 19th minute

Bright start: Steve Sidwell fortuitous striker handed Fulham the lead in the 19th minute

Bright start: Steve Sidwell fortuitous striker handed Fulham the lead in the 19th minute

Injuries have not been kind to Newcastle but there was little excuse for their defending.

Only a covering tackle from Danny
Simpson had prevented Alex Kacaniklic scoring after just 60 seconds,
while the manner in which Rodallega was allowed to chest down a Damien
Duff cross in the box after 17 minutes provided particular cause for
concern.

Newcastle had plenty of chances and
Sascha Riether, who was excellent at right back for the hosts, cleared
two shots off the line from Fabricio Coloccini and Demba Ba before Ben
Arfa’s goal.

But it could have been far worse for the visitors if Tim Krul had not performed so well.

Hatem bomb: Newcastle got back on terms thanks to Hatem Ben Arfa's deflected drive

Hatem bomb: Newcastle got back on terms thanks to Hatem Ben Arfa's deflected drive

Hatem bomb: Newcastle got back on terms thanks to Hatem Ben Arfa's deflected drive

They were continually exposed by
Fulham’s width, especially down the right. Duff’s two assists equalled
his tally in 68 appearances for Newcastle, while the home side’s
willingness to mix the odd long ball over the top with the attacking
guile of Dimitar Berbatov and Rodallega was impressive.

‘That was vital for us,’ said Jol. ‘I was so happy we scored first because that was our problem in the last couple of weeks.

'At 2-1 we should have scored two or
three. We showed some character but I’m pleased we finished it off.
After losing Clint Dempsey I’m very happy that Berbatov came to this
club. He’s an unbelievable player.’

Rough and ready: Both teams fought hard to find the winner, and both hit the woodwork more than once

Rough and ready: Both teams fought hard to find the winner, and both hit the woodwork more than once

Whisper it, but Berbatov not only
exhibited all the style and swagger we expect but he worked hard in the
absence of Bryan Ruiz, who has suffered a setback in his return from a
hamstring injury.

Pardew’s 4-3-3 formation left Berbatov with room to ‘orchestrate’, as he put it.

Newcastle were also exposed in
central midfield, with Sidwell and Chris Baird picking off passes
comfortably and protecting their back four. The visiting boss was forced
into a change after his side went behind, slotting Ben Arfa back into a
midfield four.

The Frenchman looked a little off the
pace in his first start for a month, but still took it upon himself to
embarrass Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with a shot that found the
roof of the net after 53 minutes. It took a deflection off John Arne
Riise, but Fulham players were culpable of standing off Ben Arfa, and
were duly punished.

Head boy: Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega grabbed the winner with a powerful header

Head boy: Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega grabbed the winner with a powerful header

Head boy: Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega grabbed the winner with a powerful header

Jol’s side have thrown away 14 points from winning positions and it quickly looked as if would be a similar case.

But then Duff, booed throughout the
match by supporters of his former club, curled in a beautiful free-kick
from the right after 63 minutes. Rodallega eluded Coloccini with ease —
it was shocking defending from Newcastle and particularly their captain
— to give Fulham their first win in eight games.

They had to hold on in the final
minutes, however. Coloccini hit the bar with a stinging shot, substitute
Shola Ameobi attempted a right-foot effort and Jonas Gutierrez also
came close.

Fulham 2 Newcastle 1 – match report

Posted on by

Fulham 2 Newcastle 1: Rodallega grabs rare win as Pardew's men slide towards danger

|

UPDATED:

02:00 GMT, 11 December 2012

Alan Pardew passed two years in charge of Newcastle United on Monday night, but it will not be an anniversary the manager looks back on with particular fondness.

He tinkered with his formation and cajoled his players constantly, but yet another away defeat leaves the visitors only four places above the relegation zone.

It may yet get worse: they must play Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal before the turn of the year, while Sunderland, in 18th place, have a game in hand against Reading on Tuesday.

All white on the night: Fulham secured a first league win since October, beating Newcastle

All white on the night: Fulham secured a first league win since October, beating Newcastle

MATCH FACTS

FULHAM: Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Duff, Sidwell, Baird, Kacaniklic (Dejagah 62), Berbatov, Rodallega (Petric 86). Subs not used: Etheridge, Richardson, Senderos, Karagounis, Diarra.

Goals: Sidwell 19, Rodallega 63.

NEWCASTLE: Krul, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon, Anita (Marveaux 86), Tiote (Bigirimana 86), Ben Arfa (Shola Ameobi 72), Gutierrez, Cisse, Ba. Subs not used: Harper, Ferguson, Tavernier, Perch.

Goal: Ben Arfa 54.

Attendance: 25,270.

Referee: Lee Mason.

For Fulham, though, there is hope
again and, crucially, goals. Martin Jol’s side had gone more than five
hours without scoring before Steve Sidwell’s 19th-minute strike.

Even that was a little fortunate, as
the midfielder’s right-foot shot took a heavy deflection off Mike
Williamson and cannoned in off the underside of the bar. But a second
from Hugo Rodallega gave Fulham their first Premier League victory since
October.

The gloom, however, only increases for Newcastle, despite Hatem Ben Arfa scoring on his return from a hamstring injury.

‘I’m worried in that we’re not
picking up enough points,’ said Pardew. ‘The performances are much
improved, there’s more fluency about our attacking play, but it’s a
worry. We haven’t got enough points and we’ve got a tough run of games.
But if we keep working as hard as we did tonight, I think it will
change.’

Bright start: Steve Sidwell fortuitous striker handed Fulham the lead in the 19th minute

Bright start: Steve Sidwell fortuitous striker handed Fulham the lead in the 19th minute

Bright start: Steve Sidwell fortuitous striker handed Fulham the lead in the 19th minute

Bright start: Steve Sidwell fortuitous striker handed Fulham the lead in the 19th minute

Injuries have not been kind to Newcastle but there was little excuse for their defending.

Only a covering tackle from Danny
Simpson had prevented Alex Kacaniklic scoring after just 60 seconds,
while the manner in which Rodallega was allowed to chest down a Damien
Duff cross in the box after 17 minutes provided particular cause for
concern.

Newcastle had plenty of chances and
Sascha Riether, who was excellent at right back for the hosts, cleared
two shots off the line from Fabricio Coloccini and Demba Ba before Ben
Arfa’s goal.

But it could have been far worse for the visitors if Tim Krul had not performed so well.

Hatem bomb: Newcastle got back on terms thanks to Hatem Ben Arfa's deflected drive

Hatem bomb: Newcastle got back on terms thanks to Hatem Ben Arfa's deflected drive

Hatem bomb: Newcastle got back on terms thanks to Hatem Ben Arfa's deflected drive

They were continually exposed by
Fulham’s width, especially down the right. Duff’s two assists equalled
his tally in 68 appearances for Newcastle, while the home side’s
willingness to mix the odd long ball over the top with the attacking
guile of Dimitar Berbatov and Rodallega was impressive.

‘That was vital for us,’ said Jol. ‘I was so happy we scored first because that was our problem in the last couple of weeks.

'At 2-1 we should have scored two or
three. We showed some character but I’m pleased we finished it off.
After losing Clint Dempsey I’m very happy that Berbatov came to this
club. He’s an unbelievable player.’

Rough and ready: Both teams fought hard to find the winner, and both hit the woodwork more than once

Rough and ready: Both teams fought hard to find the winner, and both hit the woodwork more than once

Whisper it, but Berbatov not only
exhibited all the style and swagger we expect but he worked hard in the
absence of Bryan Ruiz, who has suffered a setback in his return from a
hamstring injury.

Pardew’s 4-3-3 formation left Berbatov with room to ‘orchestrate’, as he put it.

Newcastle were also exposed in
central midfield, with Sidwell and Chris Baird picking off passes
comfortably and protecting their back four. The visiting boss was forced
into a change after his side went behind, slotting Ben Arfa back into a
midfield four.

The Frenchman looked a little off the
pace in his first start for a month, but still took it upon himself to
embarrass Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with a shot that found the
roof of the net after 53 minutes. It took a deflection off John Arne
Riise, but Fulham players were culpable of standing off Ben Arfa, and
were duly punished.

Head boy: Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega grabbed the winner with a powerful header

Head boy: Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega grabbed the winner with a powerful header

Head boy: Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega grabbed the winner with a powerful header

Jol’s side have thrown away 14 points from winning positions and it quickly looked as if would be a similar case.

But then Duff, booed throughout the
match by supporters of his former club, curled in a beautiful free-kick
from the right after 63 minutes. Rodallega eluded Coloccini with ease —
it was shocking defending from Newcastle and particularly their captain
— to give Fulham their first win in eight games.

They had to hold on in the final
minutes, however. Coloccini hit the bar with a stinging shot, substitute
Shola Ameobi attempted a right-foot effort and Jonas Gutierrez also
came close.

Fulham 0 Tottenham 3: match report:

Posted on by

Fulham 0 Tottenham 4: Deadly Defoe doubles up for rampant Spurs

PUBLISHED:

16:54 GMT, 1 December 2012

|

UPDATED:

17:17 GMT, 1 December 2012

Jermain Defoe upstaged Dimitar Berbatov by scoring twice to sink Fulham and move Tottenham in to fourth place in the Barclays Premier League.

The London derby had been billed as a chance for Berbatov to shine against his former club after such a wonderful start to his career in west London, but it was the man who so often lived in the Bulgarian's shadow at White Hart Lane who stole the show today by bagging his 11th and 12th goals of the current campaign.

Make mine a double: Jermain Defoe fired a brace for Tottenham

Make mine a double: Jermain Defoe fired a brace for Tottenham

Match facts

FULHAM: Schwarzer, Riether (Kelly 28), Senderos, Hughes, Riise, Frei (Duff 61), Diarra, Sidwell, Dejagah, Berbatov, Petric (Rodallega 78). Subs not used: Etheridge, Baird, Karagounis, Richardson.

TOTTENHAM: Lloris, Naughton, Dawson (Gallas 16), Caulker, Vertonghen, Lennon, Dembele (Carroll 83), Sandro, Bale (Sigurdsson 61), Defoe, Dempsey. Subs not used: Friedel, Falque, Walker, Livermore.

Goals: Sandro 55, Defoe 72, 77

Booked: Bale, Gallas

Referee: Chris Foy

Att: 25,426

The latest Premier League table, fixtures and results

The England striker this week spoke
about how working under Andre Villas-Boas had breathed life into his
flagging career, and the 30-year-old delivered once again for his
manager by killing off the game with Tottenham's final two goals.

Berbatov showed flashes of brilliance
in a good first half for Martin Jol's men, but Sandro put Spurs ahead
after the break with a 35-yard drive – his second goal for the club.

Defoe then stepped up to the plate
to seal the match, converting Gylfi Sigurdsson's pass to make it 2-0
before adding a second five minutes later from Clint Dempsey's pass.

The win – Tottenham's third on the
bounce, now means Villas-Boas' team are level with third-place Chelsea
in the table, and given current form, it seems only a matter of time
before the Portuguese moves ahead of the club who sacked him in March.

The only worry for Villas-Boas is
that Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson both hobbled off with injuries.
Berbatov looked determined to make an impression from the start and it
took little time for him to turn on the class.

Going nowhere: Gareth Bale (right) is held back by Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah

Going nowhere: Gareth Bale (right) is held back by Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah

The Bulgarian, who enjoyed two
prolific seasons at Spurs before leaving for Manchester United, produced
a deft touch to skip past Dawson and carve open the Spurs defence, but
Hugo Lloris charged off his lane to collect the ball before Steve
Sidwell had a chance to shoot.

Up the other end Dempsey showed a
moment of brilliance to turn Aaron Hughes and glide past Philippe
Senderos but he shot well wide.

Dempsey, mocked by the home support
throughout the match, was then clattered by Mahamadou Diarra, who was
lucky to escape without a booking.

Sliding in: Tottenham's Kyle Naughton (right) challenges Fulham's Kerim Frei

Sliding in: Tottenham's Kyle Naughton (right) challenges Fulham's Kerim Frei

Stunner: Sandro celebrates his long-range opener

Stunner: Sandro celebrates his long-range opener

Berbatov's class then shone through
once again as he released Ashkan Dejagah with a sublime back heel but
Kerim Frei could only put the winger's deflected cross over the bar.

Villas-Boas was forced into an early change when Dawson suffered an injury while clearing a cross in the 15th minute.

William Gallas came on in his place.
Bale was booked for diving eight minutes later, although replays showed
Sidwell caught the Welshman's trailing leg.

Heading up: Clint Dempsey (right) beats Mahamadou Diarra in the air

Heading up: Clint Dempsey (right) beats Mahamadou Diarra in the air

Rolling Bale: Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah looks for the ball after colliding with Gareth Bale

Rolling Bale: Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah looks for the ball after colliding with Gareth Bale

Berbatov's class then shone through
once again as he released Ashkan Dejagah with a sublime back heel but
Kerim Frei could only put the winger's deflected cross over the bar.

Villas-Boas was forced into an early change when Dawson suffered an injury while clearing a cross in the 15th minute.

William Gallas came on in his place.
Bale was booked for diving eight minutes later, although replays showed
Sidwell caught the Welshman's trailing leg.

Losing out: Bale is tackled by Fulham's Dejagah

Losing out: Bale is tackled by Fulham's Dejagah

The winger, who was booked for the
same offence on Wednesday, was lucky not to see red after sarcastically
applauding Chris Foy's decision.

The game slowed down from its
frenetic opening. Dempsey and Malden Petric both had half chances and
Mark Schwarzer sprinted off his line to deny Defoe.

Berbatov nutmegged Aaron Lennon with
an exquisite piece of skill, but the England winger soon collected the
ball and found Bale, but he skied his finish.

Petric muscled Sandro off the ball
and found Sidwell as Fulham pushed for an opener just after the break,
but he dragged his shot wide.

Bald truth: Martin Jol (left) saw his side second best to everything

Heads we win: Steven Sidwell (left) is beaten by Sandro

Bald truth: Martin Jol's (left) side were second best, as Steven Sidwell (above, left) is beaten by Sandro

On the rise: Andre Villas-Boas saw his side record their third victory in seven days

On the rise: Andre Villas-Boas saw his side record their third victory in seven days

Berbatov prowled on the edge of the box, probing at the Spurs defence, but he could not find a way through.

The away side then took the lead out
of nowhere. Sandro capitalised picked up Mousa Dembele's pass five yards
inside the Fulham half and carried the ball forward before unleashing a
powerful drive that flew in off a post past Schwarzer.

Spurs looked to kill the game off
moments later through Bale, who galloped down the left after picking up
Defoe's pass, but Schwarzer saved well.

That proved to be Bale's last contribution to the game as he hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring problem.

Huddle up: Sandro (not seen) is mobbed after his goal out of nothing

Huddle up: Sandro (not seen) is mobbed after his goal out of nothing

Fulham struggled to get back on the
ball and Defoe took full advantage of Spurs' dominance. The striker
broke down the middle to meet the pass of Sigurdsson, who had turned
Senderos inside out, and he made no mistake from close range.

Five minutes later and it was game
over. Dempsey threaded a perfect through ball past Senderos, Defoe
galloped through and slotted beyond Schwarzer.

Spurs took their foot off the accelerator and eased to a morale-boosting victory.

Going over: Clint Dempsey is fouled by Mahamadou Diarra

Going over: Clint Dempsey is fouled by Mahamadou Diarra

On a run: Fulham's Frei beats Kyle Naughton to the ball

On a run: Fulham's Frei beats Kyle Naughton to the ball

Chelsea 0 Fulham 0 – match report: Rafa Benitez"s men fire blanks again

Posted on by

Chelsea 0 Fulham 0: Rafa's men fire blanks again as Benitez can't inspire Torres and co

|

UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 28 November 2012

Rafael Benitez was booed off instead of on to the field tonight after Chelsea produced a second straight bore draw in the west London derby against Fulham.

Three days after Benitez's first game in charge of the Blues saw him endure a savage reception from his new club's supporters, he was unable to turn the jeers into cheers as they slipped further off the pace in the Barclays Premier League.

And, as on Sunday against Manchester City, they could have easily lost against a Fulham side who had the better of the chances and a striker in Dimitar Berbatov who completely outshone opposite number Fernando Torres.

Frustration: Chelsea striker Fernando Torres (right) gestures to referee Anthony Taylor

Frustration: Chelsea striker Fernando Torres (right) gestures to referee Anthony Taylor

Shadow of his former self: Torres (second left) gets in a weak shot on goal

Shadow of his former self: Torres (second left) gets in a weak shot on goal

Match facts

Chelsea: Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cole, Romeu, Ramires, Hazard (Marin 82), Oscar, Bertrand (Mata 63), Torres.

Subs not used: Turnbull, Mikel, Moses, Ferreira, Cahill.

Booked: Ivanovic, Romeu, Luiz

Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Senderos, Hughes, Riise, Duff, Diarra (Baird 64), Sidwell, Karagounis (Frei 73), Rodallega (Petric 83), Berbatov.

Subs not used: Etheridge, Kelly, Kasami, Dejagah.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

Attendance: 41,707

The latest Premier League fixtures, tables and results

/11/28/article-2239930-16425393000005DC-592_634x457.jpg” width=”634″ height=”457″ alt=”Protests: Chelsea fans make their feeling known about new boss Rafa Benitez once again” class=”blkBorder” />

Protests: Chelsea fans make their feeling known about new boss Rafa Benitez once again

Rafa out: A Chelsea fan in the stands shows his disgust at the appointment of interim manager Benitez

Rafa out: A Chelsea fan in the stands shows his disgust at the appointment of interim manager Benitez

David Luiz's skied free-kick was the
first shot at goal after 25 minutes, the creativity of the rested Juan
Mata becoming more and more conspicuous by its absence.

Some speedy football from Oscar
finally created a real chance just before the half hour but Torres's
weak shot on the turn from Cesar Azpilicueta's cross was straight at
Mark Schwarzer.

Benitez said yesterday Torres needed
to get down the gym and he was given a lesson in brute power moments
later by Berbatov, who forcefully shrugged off the recalled Oriol Romeu.

Torres' flimsiness aside, Chelsea were
beginning to get round the back and more than one cross prompted more
than one desperate lunge.

And after a goalless first half, there
was another crucial tackle shortly after the restart when Mahamadou
Diarra stopped Oscar finishing off Hazard's pass.

But Chelsea could have fallen behind
twice in quick succession inside 10 minutes, an errant offside flag
rescuing them after Berbatov perfectly timed his run on to Diarra's
flighted ball, and Petr Cech saving from John Arne Riise following a
flowing breakaway.
Under the microscope: Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez took charge of Chelsea for the second time

Under the microscope: Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez took charge of Chelsea for the second time

Powerless: Benitez grows more animated on the sidelines as Chelsea failed to find the target

Powerless: Benitez grows more animated on the sidelines as Chelsea failed to find the target

Ramires and Giorgios Karagounis both
sent shots too close to either goalkeeper before Mata finally arrived,
Ryan Bertrand making way.

Fulham sent on Chris Baird for Diarra
before Mata showed Chelsea what they had been missing with a corner
glanced wide by Branislav Ivanovic.

An increasingly-frustrated Ivanovic
was booked for disputing a free-kick, while Torres's travails continued
to the extent that supporters began venting their frustration.

Crowded out: Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard (centre) and Steve Sidwell (right) battle for the ball

Crowded out: Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard (centre) and Steve Sidwell (right) battle for the ball

Over the top: Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov skips away from the challenge of Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu

Over the top: Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov skips away from the challenge of Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu

He, Oscar and Hazard wasted a great
chance to strike after fine harrying from Azpilicueta, with Romeu
following Ivanovic into the book for upending Berbatov.

The Bulgarian's coolness helped win a
dangerous free-kick that got Luiz cautioned before more composed play
set up Riise for a fierce drive Cech only just repelled.

In between that, Kerim Frei replaced Karagounis.

Tussle: Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand (right) is closed down by Giorgos Karagounis

Tussle: Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand (right) is closed down by Giorgos Karagounis

Torres finally found some space with
just over 10 minutes remaining but his angled volley after good chest
control was cleared by Aaron Hughes and may have been going wide anyway.

Frei had a dubious penalty appeal
turned down before Marko Marin was handed his Premier League debut in
place of Hazard and Mladen Petric came on for Hugo Rodallega.

With time running out, the crowd finally turned their anger on Benitez, who was urging his team forward.

Dutifully, they spent the closing
moments camped in the Fulham box but despite a succession of blocked
shots and other near misses, they could not force a breakthrough.

Chance: The ball is played into Torres inside the box...

Chance: The ball is played into Torres inside the box…

... but the striker's volley flies harmlessly wide of Mark Schwarzer's goal

… but the striker's volley flies harmlessly wide of Mark Schwarzer's goal

More misery: Torres is left to rue another missed chance as his goalless run continued

More misery: Torres is left to rue another missed chance as his goalless run continued

Stoke 1 Fulham 0: Adam seals the deal for Potters as Jol"s men fail to fire

Posted on by

Stoke 1 Fulham 0: Adam seals the deal for Potters as Jol's men fail to fire

|

UPDATED:

17:16 GMT, 24 November 2012

Charlie Adam netted the winner for a second successive Britannia Stadium fixture as Stoke defeated Fulham to extend their good run of Barclays Premier League home form.

The impressive Adam turned and finished from close range in the 26th minute to register his second goal as a Potters player.

Out in front: Charlie Adam scores for Stoke

Out in front: Charlie Adam scores for Stoke

Match facts

Stoke: Begovic,
Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Shotton, Walters, Nzonzi, Whelan, Etherington
(Kightly 72), Adam (Whitehead 81), Crouch (Jones 77). Subs Not Used: Sorensen, Palacios, Upson, Jerome.

Booked: Cameron.

Scorer: Adam 26.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Senderos, Riise, Baird, Sidwell (Rodallega 80), Karagounis (Duff 73), Dejagah, Berbatov, Petric. Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Kelly, Kasami, Diarra, Banya.

Booked: Senderos.

Att: 26,921

Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).

The latest Premier League results, fixtures and tables

His first was the decisive strike in the previous home match, the 1-0 win over QPR on November 10, and Stoke are now unbeaten in 13 games on their own turf in the league stretching back to February.

Tony Pulis' side, who were the better team overall this afternoon and nearly had another goal when Ryan Shawcross headed against the bar, now have three victories to their name this season and are up to 11th in the table on 16 points.

Fulham, meanwhile, stay ninth and are now winless in their last five games. In driving rain, it was the visitors who made the brighter start, with Giorgos Karagounis lashing an effort across goal and wide on two minutes.

There was a shaky moment soon after for Stoke as goalkeeper Asmir Begovic misread a back-pass, but the ball was cleared away and the home side began to settle down.

Robert Huth headed the clearest opportunity yet wide from Matthew Etherington's corner on the quarter hour-mark and the Potters continued to pressurise, with Adam sending the ball over after juggling it in the area.

Moments later the Scotland midfielder scored, taking one touch in the six-yard box when Peter Crouch headed Ryan Shotton's cross his way before swivelling and firing the ball in.

Up for it: Fulham's John Arne Riise (left) and Stoke's Charlie Adam tussle

Up for it: Fulham's John Arne Riise (left) and Stoke's Charlie Adam tussle

The hosts kept up the momentum as Glenn Whelan tried his luck from the edge of the area, drilling wide, and Shawcross almost made it 2-0 in the 36th minute when he clattered a header against the bar.

Fulham immediately broke forward, with Mladen Petric coming to meet a cross into the box but unable to finish, and Dimitar Berbatov – captain for the day in place of the suspended Brede Hangeland – then saw a delivery into the danger-zone scrambled away.

Nowhere to go: Giorgios Karagounis of Fulham goes down under a challenge from Stoke's Ryan Shotton

Nowhere to go: Giorgios Karagounis of Fulham goes down under a challenge from Stoke's Ryan Shotton

Stoke looked eager to wrap things up as the second half got under way and seconds after the restart Whelan scooped an effort over from Jon Walters' tee-up.

Their opponents had ideas of their own though, and after Karagounis had ballooned over, Steve Sidwell dived to connect with an Ashkan Dejagah cross only for the ball to skim harmlessly off his head.

Attacking threat: Fulham's Dimitar Berbatov (left) tries to shrug off Stoke's Charlie Adam

Attacking threat: Fulham's Dimitar Berbatov (left) tries to shrug off Stoke's Charlie Adam

There was then a scare for Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who dropped a high ball but managed to smother it before anyone could pounce.

Adam, who was putting in a lively display, saw an effort deflect wide and Schwarzer then tipped away a header by Huth from one Etherington corner, before Shawcross nodded another off-target.

Calling the shots: Stoke boss Tony Pulis shouts instructions

Calling the shots: Stoke boss Tony Pulis shouts instructions

Fulham survived a scramble in the area after a Schwarzer punch, and then went close as Berbatov's drive was tipped away by Begovic.

Pulis had brought on Michael Kightly, who struck over, and with the visitors showing endeavour towards the end but unable to find an equaliser.

Another Stoke substitute Kenwyne Jones thought he had doubled his side's lead in the dying moments, but was flagged offside.

Tough task: Stoke's Ryan Shawcross (right) battles with Fulham's Mladen Petric

Tough task: Stoke's Ryan Shawcross (right) battles with Fulham's Mladen Petric

Reading 3 Fulham 3: Brian McDermott tabs visitors Harlem Globe Cottagers

Posted on by

McDermott tabs Fulham the Harlem Globe Cottagers after six-goal thriller

|

UPDATED:

18:25 GMT, 27 October 2012

Reading boss Brian McDermott compared Fulham to the Harlem Globetrotters following the 3-3 Barclays Premier League draw at the Madejski Stadium.

A chaotic finish produced three goals in five minutes with substitute Hal Robson-Kanu prodding home the equaliser in the 90th minute.

And again!: Hal Robson-Kanu celebrates Reading's third

And again!: Hal Robson-Kanu celebrates Reading's third

Three-peat: Reading's Hal Robson-Kanu scores the third for Reading

Three-peat: Reading's Hal Robson-Kanu scores the third for Reading

Match facts

Reading: McCarthy, Cummings, Gorkss, Mariappa, Shorey, Pogrebnyak (Le Fondre 80),Tabb (McCleary 69), Leigertwood, Kebe (Robson-Kanu 78), McAnuff, Roberts. Subs Not Used: Federici,Gunter,Pearce,Hunt.
Booked: Cummings.
Goals: Leigertwood 26,McCleary 85,Robson-Kanu 90.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Duff (Dejagah 67), Baird (Sidwell 80), Diarra, Richardson, Rodallega (Ruiz 58), Berbatov. Subs Not Used: Stockdale, Senderos, Petric, Karagounis. Booked: Baird.
Goals: Ruiz 61,Baird 77,Berbatov 88.

Att: 24,093
Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire)

Latest Premier League table and results

Just three minutes earlier Dimitar
Berbatov fired what appeared to be a classy winner, while Fulham
substitute Bryan Ruiz had opened the second-half scoring with a terrific
strike.

'You have to say Fulham looked like the Harlem Globetrotters when they brought Bryan Ruiz on,' McDermott said.

'Ruiz cost them 10million. We all know Dimitar Berbatov is an absolute class act.

'They have Brede Hangeland at the
back, Mahamadou Diarra in the middle and Damien Duff – they have a
number of players of real quality.'

Reading entered half-time 1-0 ahead through Mikele Leigertwood but once Ruiz had equalised the fireworks really began.

Chris Baird nodded Fulham ahead in
the 78th minute and Garath McCleary equalised before Berbatov and
Robson-Kanu exchanged goals in a breathless climax that enthralled the
Madejski Stadium. Reading's search for their first Premier League win of
the season continues, but McDermott insists it is only a matter of time
before it arrives.

Surely this time: Dimitar Berbatov thinks he's won the game for Fulham

Surely this time: Dimitar Berbatov thinks he's won the game for Fulham

'I thought we would win it at 3-3
because we had a couple of little chances. But at 3-2 down you'd take
the point at that stage,' he said.

'My players keep going, even when they're behind and that's really good for the future. We keep on going.

'I spoke to the players and said what
people will talk about is the win, but the important thing for us was
to play the game. The win will come, that's not an issue.'

Berbatov could be a doubt for
Saturday's clash with Everton after damaging a rib this afternoon, with
Fulham boss Martin Jol revealing he required an injection to continue.

Opening up: Mikele Leigertwood celebrates Reading's first goal

Opening up: Mikele Leigertwood celebrates Reading's first goal

'Berbatov was good. He can play in midfield, in the hole and up front,' Jol said.

'He needed an injection to play the second half and showed a lot of character.

'There was a problem with his rib which was very painful. Maybe it was broken, we'll have to take a look at it.

'We asked him to play on for 10 or 15 minutes but he stayed on the pitch and it was good to see him score the third goal.'

Out in front: Reading's Adrian Mariappa view with Fulham's Hugo Rodallega (left)

Out in front: Reading's Adrian Mariappa view with Fulham's Hugo Rodallega (left)

Once Baird had scored, Fulham looked
on course for a precious away win and Jol admits they should have left
Reading with all three points.

'We started the first half brightly and had a lot of possession, but there was no purpose to our game,' he said.

Patience: Fulham boss Martin Jol

Patience: Fulham boss Martin Jol

'We didn't go forward enough for our liking because we have players like Dimitar Berbatov, Damien Duff and Hugo Rodallega.

'Without playing well they scored a
great goal. In the second half we did exactly what we wanted to do –
created chances and scored goals.

Levelling up: Brian Ruiz (centre) celebrates with teammates

Levelling up: Brian Ruiz (centre) celebrates with teammates

'If you score three goals against a team like Reading, you should have done enough to win.

'I thought Berbatov had scored the winner, but maybe we need to be a bit cleverer and not give away that late free kick.'

Tangled up: Reading's Pavel Pogrebnyak battles with Fulham's Aaron Hughes (left)

Tangled up: Reading's Pavel Pogrebnyak battles with Fulham's Aaron Hughes (left)

Back in front: Chris Baird scores Fulham's second

Back in front: Chris Baird scores Fulham's second

Back in it: Garath McLeary (left) celebrates his equaliser for Reading

Back in it: Garath McLeary (left) celebrates his equaliser for Reading

Reading 3 Fulham 3: Robson-Kanu rescues Royals in see-saw battle at the Madejski

Posted on by

Reading 3 Fulham 3: Robson-Kanu rescues Royals in see-saw battle at the Madejski

|

UPDATED:

16:29 GMT, 27 October 2012

Hal Robson-Kanu salvaged a point late in the game for Reading during a chaotic finish to the Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham at the Madejski Stadium.

Robson-Kanu prodded home from close range in the dying seconds of a breathless final 13 minutes that produced four goals.

And again!: Hal Robson-Kanu celebrates Reading's third

And again!: Hal Robson-Kanu celebrates Reading's third

Three-peat: Reading's Hal Robson-Kanu scores the third for Reading

Three-peat: Reading's Hal Robson-Kanu scores the third for Reading

Match facts

Reading: McCarthy, Cummings, Gorkss, Mariappa, Shorey, Pogrebnyak (Le Fondre 80),Tabb (McCleary 69), Leigertwood, Kebe (Robson-Kanu 78), McAnuff, Roberts. Subs Not Used: Federici,Gunter,Pearce,Hunt.
Booked: Cummings.
Goals: Leigertwood 26,McCleary 85,Robson-Kanu 90.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Duff (Dejagah 67), Baird (Sidwell 80), Diarra, Richardson, Rodallega (Ruiz 58), Berbatov. Subs Not Used: Stockdale, Senderos, Petric, Karagounis. Booked: Baird.
Goals: Ruiz 61,Baird 77,Berbatov 88.

Att: 24,093
Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire)

Latest Premier League table and results

Dimitar Berbatov appeared to have struck the winner for Fulham moments earlier after driving home Steve Sidwell's pass, but Reading refused to throw in the towel.

The Royals' search for a first Premier League win of the season continues, but they will take comfort from twice hauling in their opponents' lead.

They created the first chance for former Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who will have nightmares over the fifth-minute sitter he nodded wide of the left post from five yards out.

The Russian had done the hard work, outmuscling Fulham's defence as he leapt to connect with Nicky Shorey's cross, only to head the ball wide.

Wonderful link-up play masterminded by Hugo Rodallega presented Berbatov with a half-chance, but his hard shot drifted outside the right post.

It was then Rodallega's turn to rue his
lack of composure as he sent a wonderful cross by Kieran Richardson
straight into the arms of Alex McCarthy.

Surely this time: Dimitar Berbatov thinks he's won the game for Fulham

Surely this time: Dimitar Berbatov thinks he's won the game for Fulham

Reading surged ahead with a magnificent 27th-minute goal from Mikele Leigertwood who drilled the ball home from 20 yards.

Skipper Jobi McAnuff did the initial
damage with an intelligent run that ended with an inch-perfect pass to
the unmarked Leigertwood who gave the diving Mark Schwarzer no chance.

Opening up: Mikele Leigertwood celebrates Reading's first goal

Opening up: Mikele Leigertwood celebrates Reading's first goal

Rodallega's wastefulness continued as once again he directed a glorious opportunity straight at the grateful McCarthy.

Heavy rain had given way to sunshine and the capacity crowd were enjoying a lively encounter between two well-matched sides.

Out in front: Reading's Adrian Mariappa view with Fulham's Hugo Rodallega (left)

Out in front: Reading's Adrian Mariappa view with Fulham's Hugo Rodallega (left)

Fulham attacked with great speed, but occasionally were left exposed to the counter.

Berbatov yelled in frustration as he sought to offload the ball only to be surrounded by static team-mates, and Reading quickly regained possession.

Jimmy Kebe was finding space down the right with McAnuff just failing to reach one cross.

Patience: Fulham boss Martin Jol

Patience: Fulham boss Martin Jol

Moments later Jason Roberts, who again did not wear a Kick It Out T-shirt during the warm-up, darted past left-back John Arne Riise before his deflected shot was bundled to safety.

Reading's ascendancy was brought to an abrupt halt in the 62nd minute when Fulham equalised through Bryan Ruiz.

Levelling up: Brian Ruiz (centre) celebrates with teammates

Levelling up: Brian Ruiz (centre) celebrates with teammates

The Costa Rican forward exchanged passes with Damien Duff before dispatching a tremendous shot struck with vicious force past McCarthy.

Fulham were energised by the goal and began spraying the ball around with greater urgency, spending lengthy spells around Reading's area.

Tangled up: Reading's Pavel Pogrebnyak battles with Fulham's Aaron Hughes (left)

Tangled up: Reading's Pavel Pogrebnyak battles with Fulham's Aaron Hughes (left)

They were rewarded when Chris Baird fired his second goal in two matches, heading home Ruiz's corner in the 78th minute – seven days after condemning Aston Villa to defeat with another late strike.

The score did not come without cost, however, as the Northern Ireland international then limped off having injured himself during the celebration.

Back in front: Chris Baird scores Fulham's second

Back in front: Chris Baird scores Fulham's second

Back in it: Garath McLeary (left) celebrates his equaliser for Reading

Back in it: Garath McLeary (left) celebrates his equaliser for Reading

Substitute Garath McCleary equalised in the 86th minute from close range as play swung from end to end in a high-octane conclusion that gripped the crowd.

Former Manchester United man Berbatov appeared to have stuck a classy winner, but Robson-Kanu had the final say.

Fulham consider move for free agent Nigel Reo-Coker

Posted on by

Jol looks to add to Fulham midfield and weighs up move for Reo-Coker

|

UPDATED:

05:37 GMT, 24 September 2012

Fulham boss Martin Jol is considering another move into the free agent market with the signing of former Bolton midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.

Jol is keen to reinforce his midfield after the loss of Mousa Dembele, Clint Dempsey, Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu since the end of last season and then losing Mahamadou Diarra to a suspected cruciate knee ligament injury at the start of this month.

Free agent: Fulham are considering a move for out of contract Nigel Reo-Coker

Free agent: Fulham are considering a move for out of contract Nigel Reo-Coker

After signing Greece international captain Giorgos Karagounis two weeks ago, Jol could make more offers to free agents who can still move outside the transfer window.

Reo-Coker was hoping to secure a move abroad in the summer after choosing not to extend his deal with Bolton but interest from Sevilla and Hamburg did not amount to a firm offer. Although he has since been training with Charlton Athletic, their manager, Chris Powell, insists he will not be joining the Championship side.

Other options for Jol might include Owen Hargreaves and Thomas Hizlsperger, who are both out of employment, having been released by Manchester City and VfL Wolfsburg respectively.

West Ham 3 Fulham 0: Andy Carroll makes winning start

Posted on by

West Ham 3 Fulham 0: Carroll plays his part as Hammers cruise against London rivals

|

UPDATED:

14:04 GMT, 1 September 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Andy Carroll wasted no time in winning over the West Ham fans as the big striker helped his new side to a comfortable win.

The result was beyond doubt when Carroll was given a rousing reception as he hobbled off clutching his leg with 25 minutes left.

Earlier, Carroll played his part in the build-up to Kevin Nolan's first-minute opener before Winston Reid and Matt Taylor sealed the victory.

Forever blowing bubbles: Andy Carroll takes to the pitch for his West Ham debut

Forever blowing bubbles: Andy Carroll takes to the pitch for his West Ham debut

MATCH FACTS

West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Demel (Hall 78), Reid, Collins (Tomkins 67), O'Brien, Diame, Noble, Nolan, Taylor, Vaz Te, Carroll (Cole 68)

Subs not used: Henderson, Maiga, Diarra, O'Neil

Goals: Nolan 1, Reid 29, Taylor 41

Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Duff, Sidwell, Diarra, Richardson (Kacaniklic 59), Rodallega, Petric (Berbatov 46)

Subs not used: Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Kasami, Briggs

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

Attendance: 33,458

Carroll, who was flanked by Ricardo Vaz
Te and Taylor with Matt Jarvis missing following a knock in training,
was involved straight away.

A long, clearing header from James Collins was flicked on by the England
international into the path of Vaz Te who played the ball in to Nolan,
with Carroll's ex-Newcastle team-mate finishing firmly past Mark
Schwarzer.

Fulham's debutant Kieran Richardson had the visitors' first real chance
when he fired in a low effort from distance that was palmed away by West
Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

With less than 10 minutes on the clock Carroll was again involved when
he headed Vaz Te's cross into the on-rushing Mohamed Diame, who saw his
effort tipped onto the crossbar by Schwarzer.

The Australian goalkeeper was keeping his side in the game in the
opening exchanges and was called upon once more to tip Vaz Te's low shot
around the post.

Impact: Andy Carroll got stuck in from the start of his first game in a Hammers shirt

Impact: Andy Carroll got stuck in from the start of his first game in a Hammers shirt

Nolan came close to adding a second in the 16th minute as the same
combination of players who created the first goal ran riot once more.

Carroll, who had won every header he contested in the early stages,
picked out Vaz Te who found Nolan on the edge of the Fulham penalty
area.

This time the Hammers captain attempted a lobbed effort that landed on
the top of Schwarzer's net with the home side fully in control.

Concern: Andy Carroll hit the deck midway through the second half and required treatment

Concern: Andy Carroll hit the deck midway through the second half and required treatment

Early exit: Andy Carroll was forced off before the end of the match against Fulham

Early exit: Andy Carroll was forced off before the end of the match against Fulham

Fulham started to enjoy a little bit more possession as the first half progressed but were soon further behind.

Taylor's 29th-minute corner found Reid on the edge of the six-yard area
and he beat Mahamadou Diarra to the ball to power a header past
Schwarzer to double the home side's lead.

Vaz Te, who was full of running and always wanted the ball, was proving a
constant thorn in the side of the Fulham defence and Nolan should have
done better when the Portuguese picked him out inside the box.

Flying start: Kevin Nolan rattled in West Ham's opener with just under a minute on the clock

Flying start: Kevin Nolan rattled in West Ham's opener with just under a minute on the clock

Battle cry: Kevin Nolan (left) lets out a roar as he celebrates breaking the deadlock

Battle cry: Kevin Nolan (left) lets out a roar as he celebrates breaking the deadlock

It was not long afterwards that the third goal was scored by the Hammers
as Collins' free-kick was headed clear by Fulham's Brede Hangeland.

The loose ball broke free to the feet of Taylor who finished well from the edge of the penalty area.

Fulham had back-to-back corners in first-half injury time but could not
create an opening and were almost caught on the counter-attack before
the half-time whistle.

Doubling up: Winston Reid celebrates with his team-mates after scoring West Ham's second against Fulham

Doubling up: Winston Reid celebrates with his team-mates after scoring West Ham's second against Fulham

Fulham manager Martin Jol reacted to the disastrous first half by
introducing new signing Dimitar Berbatov at the interval with Mladen
Petric making way.

Carroll started the second half as he did the first, winning a header
that found Vaz Te, who could not direct his shot towards goal.

Taylor almost scored his second of the game five minutes after the re-start as a short free-kick was worked to him by Nolan.

The 30-year-old's effort was straight at Schwarzer but the experienced
goalkeeper could not hold it and the ball was eventually cleared for a
corner.

On the up: Matt Taylor was jumping for joy after scoring the third goal for West Ham

On the up: Matt Taylor was jumping for joy after scoring the third goal for West Ham

Fulham again had a spell of sustained possession but still lacked a cutting edge even with Berbatov now involved.

Carroll was replaced by Carlton Cole with just under 25 minutes
remaining after seeming to injure his hamstring after a heavy landing.

The visitors continued to press and Steve Sidwell finally forced a smart
save out of Jaaskelainen following a Damien Duff corner.

Jol's side continued to show signs of improvement as Berbatov linked
well with Hugo Rodallega, with the latter again testing Jaaskelainen.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce was forced to make his third and final substitution when defender Guy Demel went down injured. Demel was replaced by teenager Robert Hall with Taylor reverting to full-back.

Hall had the chance to put West Ham four goals ahead after Vaz Te ran
the length of the field after collecting the ball from a poor Fulham
corner.

The 25-year-old jinked his way into the box and rolled the ball to Hall but his shot was well blocked.

The three points had long-since been secured by the Hammers who sat back
for the closing stages with Fulham chasing a consolation goal.

Berbatov certainly gave Fulham a cutting edge during the closing stages
and almost created goals for Duff and Rodallega, with Jaaskelainen
keeping both efforts out.