Showing posts with label Niko Kranjcar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Niko Kranjcar. Show all posts

Wolverhampton 1-0 Tottenham

Struggling Wolves completed a league double over Tottenham with a much-needed and deserved home win which lifts them out of the relegation zone.
Wolves' early endeavour was rewarded when Matt Jarvis's cross was side-footed home first time by David Jones. 
Earlier, Niko Kranjcar had seen a glorious chance from 12 yards superbly saved by home keeper Marcus Hahnemann. 
Wolves' lead was rarely troubled in the second half, with Wilson Palacios's late shot Spurs' only effort on target. 
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy testified to a shattered dressing room after Birmingham staged a late comeback to win last Sunday's West Midlands derby 2-1.
However, the spirit and determination McCarthy lauded in his struggling team during the defeat at St Andrews was again evident in abundance, justifying the manager's decision to make only one change to the side with debutant Adlene Guedioura replacing Michael Mancienne. 
The French midfielder, on loan from Belgian club Charleroi, made a great start to his Wolves career, demonstrating grit and guile in equal measure: epitomising his side's performance. 
In contrast, Tottenham were lacklustre and a shadow of the side that has spent much of this season aspiring to a top-four finish. 
As a result of their draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, Spurs dropped out of the Champions League qualification places for the first time since Boxing Day, and after Manchester City's win over Bolton on Tuesday and the failure to earn points here they now find themselves sixth. 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp made five changes to his side, including bringing in on-loan Eidur Gudjohnsen for his debut.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy:
"After the weekend we needed a performance and a victory and we got it. 
"Teamwork was the key. We've got a terrific team of lads and they've worked hard and deserved that victory. 
"It's been proved this season that teams like us can get points off the big teams. We've got Chelsea and Manchester United coming up, who's to say we won't take points off them?" 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
"I'm very disappointed. It was probably our worst performance of the season. 
"We had loads of the ball and were camped in their half second half but never really threatened enough to score. 
"They worked hard and closed us down and made it difficult for us and we never overcame that tonight."
www.bbc.co.uk

Portsmouth - Arsenal



Portsmouth holds 14th position, seven points above the relegation line. They're in decent shape, loosing just one game from last seven (Man.Utd. away, 0-2). Four rounds left, after Arsenal they'll play against Blackburn, Sunderland and Wigan. Not so tough opponents, don't expect they'll worry about the Premier league status. No reason for attack today, one point would be absolutely fine. Beside that, have some injury problems. Playmaker and very important Niko Kranjcar is lost for the rest of the season, with an ankle injury. Armand Traore is ineligible to play against Arsenal under the terms of his loan move from the Gunners.

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With a six points less than Chelsea and ten more than Villa, Arsenal will stay at 4th position. Not so bad achieve, but the fact is, Wenger is loosing his credibility. Team management and fans became unsatisfied with explanations such as:"Young team, big talents, next season...". Plus rumours about Fabregas and Adebayor leave the club become louder. So, Champions League is the last chance for Wenger and lads to, hm... why shouldn't say-save the season. In that purpose, boss will rest his keys for United. But, won't play with a pride, I expected mentioned Fabregas and Adebayor on the bench and in the game in second half in case of need. Clichy and Djorou, too. But, it is certain, brilliant Almunia will start the match. Fratton Park is not a place where Gunners like to be, they haven't won in last three games (three draws).

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Portsmouth has no reasons to risk too much with attacking tactic (and to be honest, without Kranjcar midfield won't be so organized). On the other hand, I think combined Arsenal's eleven won't have enough strength for a win. Draw would be fine for both sides. Pinnacle offers 3.31. And, don't think we'll watch many goals (Expekt offers 1.87 for under).  Another draw on Fratton Park.