Not so nice christmas after all?

Sorry for the lack of posts, I've been away for christmas in wales, with no internet at all. I was able to watch the Liverpool match though.

Despite them dominating for the first ten minutes, I thought we were really good in the first half. We didn't let them do anything at all, I can't remember any clear cut chances they had. We made some of our own and Doyle should have put us ahead at half time. I think the sending off is harsh, Lucas makes a right meal of and might have dived. Their goal was good, but was Gerrard leaning into Milijas? Had it been at the other end, I doubt it would have counted had Milijas scored it above Gerrard. After that it was over, but we did well to hold out.

Hahnemann - 7
Stearman - 7
Berra - 8
Craddock - 8
Ward - 7
Foley - 7
Henry- 7
Milijas - 8 (Mancienne, 7)
Jarvis - 9
Ebanks-Blake - 7 (Iwelumo, 5)
Doyle - 7 (Elokobi, 6)

Jarvis was brilliant, helped out at the back and our biggest threat attacking.

I could only listen to the City match, where our weakened side played really well, but lacked the creativity. Had Milijas and Jarvis been playing, we would have created a lot more. The goal is really lucky, nothing Hahnemann could do about it. Another unlcuky moment for us when the linesman fails to see Bellamy is offside. The freekick is cleverly done, it looks obvious Tevez will take it but Garrido curls it round the wall. The thitd is alright but we looked a bit tired and down.

Hahnemann - 7
Zubar - 7
Berra- 7
Craddock - 7
Elokobi - 7
Foley - 7
Henry - 8
Mancienne - 8
Surman - 7
Iwelumo - 7
Doyle - 7

Mancienne has excelled in centre midfield, a more defensive option for when we need to hold on to a lead.

Tranmere next, I hope Mick gives them all a nice rest so we can get all three points at West Ham.

Can we go to Anfield and get something?

With us being in a bit of form and Liverpool having their never ending problems, I think we can be optimistic about the boxing day match. Gerrard and Torres didn't produce on Saturday and looked half fit which may mean benitez will rest one of them or maybe both. They were rubbish against Portsmouth, had no creativity and their defence was shakey.

If Mick doesn't rest ten of our players, we can definitely give them a game!

Agree with me, or think I am dreaming? Comment!

An early christmas present!

Who would've thought a month ago that we'd be 12th (or 13th) by christmas. That victory was vital, for obvious reasons. We didn't want to be in the bottom three at xmas and we needed to prove Mick was right in resting his players.

I think the difference between the two sides was the forwards. Ours never stopped trying, jumping for every ball, feeding each other in while Burnley's was a bit lifeless. They didn't look up for it, which maybe why the have such a poor away record.

Milijas once again showed why he is so important. Some of his passes were top class and he is working for the team too. His partner, was immense. Karl Henry was always there to cover and hold up the ball for our team to get back in place. Jarvis had an alright game, as did Foley. They never really looked like scoring until the final few minutes, when it was too late. Berra and Craddock were solid and were involved in the goals. Ward and Stearman handled their wingers well. I saw alot of Eagles but Elliot was hiding throughout the game.

Hahnemann hardly had a thing to do all afternoon. He caught a few crosses but apart from that was probably bored.

Next we have Liverpool, who even Mick must think we have a chance against. They just lost to Portsmouth and were terrible. If he rests his players again, we will all be going mental!

Hahnemann - 7

Stearman - 7
Craddock - 7
Berra - 7
Ward - 7

Foley - 7
Milijas - 8
Henry - 8
Jarvis - 7

Doyle - 9
Ebanks-Blake - 8

Doyle gets MOTM. Made the first goal happen and got his fifth of the season. He is now only two behind our previous top goalscorer in the top flight - Henri Camara.

Another massive game!

This simply is a must win game. With another two matches to follow, we need to make sure we have some points already. If we win by two goals, we definitely go above Burnley. If Blackburn also lose by two (v Tottenham) then we go above them. we could actually be 13th by the end of tomorrow.

Burnley are yet to win away, and what a perfect game for them this must be. Portsmouth came to the Mol with no points from eight and got their win, and many others have brokenn their duck against Wolves. Owen Coyle's men play fantastic football, but it has only payed off at home. Only one point away, they put too much pressure on the games at Turf Moor so they need to sort it out away.

We must really attack them, their defence is the worst in the league. If we can have Milijas spraying balls everywhere and Jarvis running at his fullback we can really create some chances. Ebanks-Blake will look at this game and think he can get a goal or two here, same with Doyle.

Mick will make another nine changes, which won't be a shock at all. I hope he sticks with the same side as versus Spurs apart from the injured Edwards. I think Foley should be the man to come in. Hard working and very reliable, he will give us quite a good balance.

Team like this:

Hahnemann

Stearman
Craddock
Berra
Ward

Foley
Henry
Milijas
Jarvis

Ebanks-Blake
Doyle




We have won every match that we have scored in the first half. an early goal in the first ten minutes and we might see the Burnley team's heads drop. 2-0 to the Wolves, SEB and Doyle.

Insanity: Man Utd 3 Wolves 0

I was in utter shock when the teams were announced. Three or four changes, maybe even five, but ten? It's what everyone is talking about now and taken away the positivity out of our two previous wins.

Despite the team we fielded, I thought we played alright. For half an hour, we had matched them. They started to look a bit fustrated and we had a chance of our own. But then a corner comes in and game over. It is dissapointing that we have conceded another two goals from corners. If we sort that out then we will have a chance but it is terrible.

I thought Maierhofer was excellent, he hardly lost the ball in the air. He also provided some good hold up play, and brought the wingers into the game a bit more. When Iwelumo replaced him I don't think we did aswell. Mancienne and Elokobi hardly made any mistakes. George looking a lot more solid, like we know he can be. Mancienne as usual was flawless and always wins it in the air and finds a player with the header. Hahnemann again made some good saves.

Surman and Friend impressed me. The look like quality players for the future. Castillo provided the know how and never misses an opportunity to tackle. Mr.Consistent Kevin Foley was the captain and looked comfortable, I reckon he will play right midfield next Sunday because Greg Halford didn't play very well.

The third goal was just brilliant. Not many defences in the world could have prevented it. The flick from Berbatov and the finish, all perfect.

I hope all this attention does not affect our players. Hey, it might even help!

Hahnemann - 7

Zubar - 6
Mancienne - 8
Elokobi - 8
Hill - 7

Halford - 5
Foley - 7
Castillo - 7
Friend - 7
Surman - 7

Maierhofer - 8

MOTM: Mancienne was top class but I think Maierhofer showed us why Mick paid 2 million for him. Keep it up Hof!