Monday 30 November 2015

Higuain Sends Napoli Top

A brace from Gonzalo Higuain proved enough to see off the challenge of Internzionale at Stadio San Paolo.

The action commenced 65 seconds from the kick off when Higuain belted in a goal from the edge of the box. While Inter may claim that Jose Callejon handled the ball, it would have been a very harsh decision if penalised. Jaison Murillo missed a good opportunity to clear the lines and would have prevented the goal being scored.

Inter were nervy and Napoli were creating good opportunities. Marek Hamsik dinked a ball into the box but Callejon couldn't supply a finish. This is the first time I've watched Napoli this season and the changes Maurizio Sarri has made are incredible. Napoli are more easy on the eye to watch with their fluid passing style of play and more importantly, they look like a cohesive team. Under Rafa Benitez they often conceded from winning positions and never looked settled.

Lorenzo Insigne and Hamsik were getting too much space in between the Inter midfield and defence. This allowed the Neapolitan defenders to slide balls through to the creative midfielders and when they turned and run at the Milanese defence, they looked vulnerable. Napoli were having all of the ball and when Inter did get possession, they looked lost and eventually conceded the ball back to their hosts. They looked like they missed Geoffrey Kondogbia in the middle of the pitch.

Inter had a glorious chance five minutes before the interval. It was the first occasion in which Adem Ljajic got on the ball and decided to run with it. He found himself on the right wing and hit a low ball into the box only for Ivan Perisic to scuff the shot wide. Inter don't create many opportunities or score goals so this one represented a golden chance for the Nerazzurri to level it up.

Things got harder for Internazionale when Yuto Nagatomo received his second yellow card. Nice play from Allan on the right allowed him to evade one challenge and give himself space and time to dink the ball over Nagatomo before being taken out. There was no doubt that it was a second yellow card and it gave Roberto Mancini some thinking to do over the break if his side are to remain at the top of the table this week.

In the second half, Napoli displayed all of the dominance they showed in the first half, but weren't as creative and free-flowing, largely down to Mancini's astute tactics. They limited Napoli by keeping Hamsik and Insigne quiet and the second half remained scoreless until the hour mark. Higuain netted his and Napoli's second when a hopeful long header from Raul Albiol caught Murillo and Miranda off guard. The former Madridista had enough speed and power to hold off the challenges before burying the ball past Samir Handanovic.

From out of nowhere, Adem Ljajic halved the deficit five minutes later. An error from Faouzi Ghoulam poked the ball into the path of the Serbian international before taking a touch and curling it into the bottom corner. The goal gave Inter the lift they needed but also meant that their hosts had to concentrate for the remaining 20 minutes. Marcelo Brozovic had a mazy run which opened up a shooting opportunity, but his shot did not hit the target.

Inter had possibly their best opportunity of the game when Ivan Perisic threaded a ball through to the goal scorer, Ljajic and with Jonathan Biabiany free at the front post, he tried to pull the ball back to the edge of the area only for it to be easily intercepted. This was a massive opportunity that would have certainly resulted in the net bulging it the 24 year old had made the correct decision. Despite the missed opportunity, Inter had silenced the San Paolo and dragged themselves kicking and screaming back into the match.

After a great chance from Ljajic, Higuain had a great opportunity to net his hat trick and put the game out of the sight of the Milanese side. He beat numerous straggling challenges in a mazy run and released a shot that was goal-bound only for a terrific save from Handanovic to foil the World Cup runner-up. At the other end, both substitute Stefan Jovetic and Miranda had excellent headers that almost equalised. Jovetic was denied by the post, while a full stretch Pepe Reina thwarted Miranda. The reaction on the face of the former Liverpool keeper was a picture of relief at the end of the game.

Napoli held on to go top of Serie A, while Inter can be pleased with a steely performance that almost snatched them a point. Napoli are an exciting team and Sarri will definitely have them competing for silverware at the end of the season.

Sunday 29 November 2015

Juve Cruise Past Palermo

Goals from Mario Mandzukic, Stefano Sturaro and Simone Zaza gave Juventus a comfortable victory in Sicily.

Palermo pressed high early on and looked to take the the game to their visitors. The high pressing caused some worry for Juve but they dealt with it well. The home side did have a chance inside the tenth minute when Vazquez broke on the counter, and found Oscar Hiljemark on the right edge of the box. The Swede fired over and didn't pose any threat to Gianluigi Buffon.

Stefan Sorrentino looked nervy in nets for Palermo, particularly in the opening 15 minutes of the match. He flapped at a few crosses that seemed relatively easy and this was something that Juve could exploit with the height of Mario Mandzukic in the box for the Turin side. Also, Juventus were getting joy through their wing backs, Juan Cuadrado and Patrice Evra who were being given space out wide, albeit for an offside flag or poor touch.

Leonardo Bonucci had a terrific chance after a Paul Pogba out swinging corner. The veteran defender was left unmarked but a poor connection with the ball and it sailed wide. Juve had another free header, this time from Palermo old boy, Paulo Dybala. The Argentine was unable to convert a golden opportunity.

At half time both sides had plenty to reflect on. Juventus had to take their opportunities that were given to them, while Palermo needed to pay more attention to Juve's win backs who were being keft one on one with their full backs. The home side also needed to capitalise on the break and be a bit more lethal.

The dead lock was broken 7 minutes after the restart when Paulo Dybala swung a tantalising ball into the box. Mario Mandzukic rose highest to nod past Sorrentino in nets. The goal had lifted the champions as they pressed Palermo and the Sicilians struggled to get any possession. 

The game continued in relatively the same vain. The first goal took the stuffing out of Palermo and they struggled to recover. Buffon was hardly troubled all night and despite being very well protected, I do think a slightly better team than Palermo could have tested and asked a few more questions of the defence.

The second goal killed the game with less than a minute to go. Paul Pogba rolled the ball into the feet of Stefano Sturaro who finished the shot into the bottom right corner of the net. Simone Zaza scored a third after a break from the half line. He played a one-two with Alvaro Morata before leaving the keeper no chance with his shot.

Juventus continue their resurgence as they move up to fifth position and just six points off the top of the table with two-thirds of the season to play. It has to be noted that the top three sides play tomorrow night, but the win for Juventus was needed, if not as emphatic as the scoreline suggests.

Tuesday 24 November 2015

Chelsea Dominate in Israel

Chelsea stroll to a comfortable victory in Tel Aviv through goals from Gary Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Kurt Zouma. Chelsea dominated from start to finish and their task was made easier with the sending off of Tal Ben Haim shortly before half time.

Right from the first whistle, it was a fast paced game. The home side had a very good chance early on when a free header was directed over the goal. Jose Mourinho will be shocked at how easily it was for the Maccabi man to lose the central defenders.

With the home crowd on side, Maccabi looked dangerous on the counter attack. It was shocking how vulnerable Chelsea's back four looked when Tal Ben Haim (the striker) ran with the ball in the 5th minute. After 15 minutes Chelsea had got a foothold in the game and were controlling the possession. It was often made easier with Tel Aviv gifting the possession back to the English side.

Chelsea made the break through on 20 minutes with Gary Cahill pouncing on a rebound after his own header. The Maccabi keeper pulled off a magnificent save to prevent the former Bolton man from scoring the first time around as he tipped the header onto the post, but was helpless to prevent Cahill smashing in his first European goal since the tie against PSG last season.

Chelsea were very comfortable and there were plenty more goals in this for Mourinho's men. They regularly found space and Maccabi had to tighten up if they wanted to prevent a hammering. One thing that was noticeable about Chelsea's play was that they were not committing men into the box. They seemed more keen on trying to walk it into the back of the net and often succeeded only for the end product to not be there.

The game was effectively over when former Chelsea man Tal Ben Haim (the centre back) was dismissed after lashing out at Diego Costa. Initially it looked as if the referee had overreacted, but replays showed that the red card was correct. At half time, Chelsea were firmly on top and there were more goals definitely in this.

Maccabi Tel Aviv did expose some of Chelsea's defensive frailties with Hazard occasionally neglecting his defensive responsibilities. These chances were few and far between, but it would only take one chance to equalise. A second goal would take all of the momentum out of Maccabi and allow Chelsea to stroll to the final whistle.

Maccabi's Serbian U21 keeper made two terrific saves before Zahavi flashed a shot towards the goal only to draw a superb save from Asmir Begovic. Chelsea were living dangerously. A long ball counter attack once again undone Chelsea.

The game was sealed by that man Willian with 15 minutes left. Yet again the Brazilian stepped up with the goods with a superb free kick - his 6th free kick goal of the season. Chelsea had got the crucial vital goal to seal their win. The third goal followed shortly after with a Baba Rahman firing a cross across the box to be met by the head of Oscar for his first goal of the season.

Chelsea had a few more opportunities to increase their lead through Pedro Rodrigues, but it was Kurt Zouma who leapt highest to bullet a header towards goal and the keeper wasn't able to keep the ball out of the net. Willian was on form and guided Chelsea one step closer to knock out qualification.

Monday 23 November 2015

First Away Win For Sunderland

A blunder from Scott Dann gave Sam Allardyce's Sunderland side three vital points and their first away win of the season.

Sunderland had to withstand a lot of pressure early on with Yannick Bolasie causing problems down the left wing, but it was Sunderland who had the best opportunity of the opening 10 minutes. A majestic ball split the centre half and right back from Billy Jones to find Patrick Van Aanholt making the run but he decided to hit the ball first time instead of letting it roll across his body and playing it into the 6 yard box where Jermain Defoe would have been on hand to tap into an empty net.

Crystal Palace found it hard to get the ball into the box with Sunderland dropping deeper and keeping the 3 man midfield just in front of the box. James McArthur managed to crack of a shot from just outside the box after picking up a loose ball. Costel Pantilimon saved comfortably, but this represented their first real chance with half an hour gone.

With five minutes left in the first half, it was easy to see why Palace had such a bad home record, they posed the biggest threat on the counter attack while struggled to break the Mackems down. Sunderland were wise not committing too many bodies forward as they would be exposed at the back, particularly with the lack of pace of Younas Kaboul and John O'Shea.

Shortly before half time, Lee Cattermole played a ball similar to that of Billy Jones' earlier. It split the defence and but Van Aanholt could not control ball. The first half ended with both sides having chances but Sunderland arguably having the better of them.

After half time Palace signalled their intent through a quick tempo and a shot from Yohan Cabaye required a good save from Pantilimon. Bolasie and Zaha looked a threat down the wings. Sunderland had an excellent chance through Younas Kaboul. A whipped corner in was met by the head of the former Spurs man and he bulleted a header towards the far corner. A benefits of having a man on the post paid dividends as it was hooked off the line as Wayne Hennessey was beaten in nets.

Bakary Sakho cracked a fizzing shot off but it just went wide. Alan Pardew must have told his side to get a few more shots off and try to test Costel Pantilimon. Sunderland had another great chance when a long pass was pumped forward towards Jermain Defoe. The former English international would have been one on one with the keeper if it wasn't for a vital touch from Delaney.

Palace were getting beyond their man to create space, but it was often the final ball which thwarted the attacking move. While they were creating chances in the final third, the introduction for Sunderland of Duncan Watmore and Jeremie Lens posed a few new problems at the back. On 74 minutes, Watmore Bolasie down the right and fizzed a cross into the box it was cleared but fell to Jones whose shot was easily saved by Hennessey. 

The deadline was broken just before the 80 minute mark when a terrible mix up between Scott Dann and Hennessey allowed Jermain Defoe to put the ball into an empty net. If Palace struggled to break down Sunderland when the game was level then things were going to get a lot more difficult now. Younas Kaboul, who was great all night, continued to pop up and prevent any Palace attacking threat.

In the closing 10 minutes, Palace did have several opportunities through Bolasie, Zaha and McArthur but Sunderland defended resolutely and managed to hang on for a well earned first away win of the season 

Sunday 22 November 2015

Barca Run Riot at the Bernabeu

The most eagerly anticipated match in the Spanish calendar ended in a pretty one sided affair. Goals from Neymar, Andres Iniesta and a brace from Luis Suarez humbled Real Madrid and piled on the pressure for Rafa Benitez. 

From the off Barca dominated. Neymar had the opening chance after a lay off by Luis Suarez from a Jordi Alba cross but his shot ballooned over. It wasn't long until the deadlock was broken by Luis Suarez with a lovely outside of the foot effort. Sergi Roberto's surging run forward caused problems for Madrid and committed Varane before sliding through to Suarez.

A sweeping ball from Iniesta found another great run from Roberto and with a bit more composure it would have been 2-0. Barca were causing problems which would be of concern for Benitez. Roberto blazed a shot over the bar on 25 minutes. Another great opportunity and the young Spaniard was at the centre of everything. 

Real Madrid pressed from the front and it nearly paid off as Ivan Rakitic was dispossessed but they couldn't make use of the chance. In the opening half an hour Barcelona had the better of the opportunities and looked the more settled. Particularly early on, Madrid gave up some easy chances but they tightened up as the half went only to be undone in the closing stages of the half.

Karim Benzema had a great chance after a sliced clearance but he failed to connect with the ball and it allowed Barca to counter. Neymar doubled the Catalan side's lead after being slid through by Iniesta and putting it through Navas' legs. Once again Madrid were carved open and it was going to take a great second half performance to get back in the match.

Barcelona were often reluctant to hit the long ball out from the back and looked to play out. When it worked, it looked beautiful but there was always a chance that it could back fire and result in a Madrid goal. It rarely failed however and Barcelona looked class above their counterparts.

Barcelona had a terrific chance to put their hosts to bed with a golden clear cut chance with Neymar skipping away from a challenge and racing to the byline before cutting the ball back to the edge of the box. Suarez got a toe to the ball but Marcelo was on hand to block the ball. Again Varane blocked a Rakitic shot but Madrid were living dangerously. Half time was greeted by jeers by the Bernabeu faithful and they showed their opinion of what they had seen from their side.  

Straight from the kick off, Marcelo skipped down the left flank but his shot hit the side netting. Minutes later, James Rodriguez released a shot from outside the area that was heading into the bottom corner but for an incredible save from Claudio Bravo. It was a positive reaction, but the elusive early goal evaded their grasp.

The game was finished the match through captain Andres Iniesta. It was a beautiful passage of play and a rocket of a finish by Iniesta. Luka Modric was motionless as the Spanish international cruised passed to release the shot. Minutes later they were queuing up for the fourth but Suarez hit the side netting. Madrid have been totally out played and deserve to be 3-0 down.

The little magician came on as the third goal went in and he had his first sighter on 66 minutes, a lovely lifted ball found Suarez but Varane scuffed the ball away to Neymar whose back heel found Messi but Varane blocked the shot once again. Ronaldo had an incredible chance to grab a goal back after a swift counter attack. He tried to lift the ball over Bravo but the Chilean read the move and saved comfortably.

Barca were on form and Suarez scored the fourth and his second after springing the offside trap and lifting over Navas. The Catalans were cruising, but they looked capable of scoring more goals. You could tell that Madrid were trying to get out of the match and that they just wanted the final whistle.

It went from bad to worse for Madrid when Isco was shown a straight red for a horrific challenge on Neymar. It was the correct decision and made the final 5 minutes very tough for the home side. Ronaldo had the final say for Madrid when he bulleted a header but it was equally met by Bravo. The Chilean keeper has played well on the few occasions that he was called upon.

At full time, Barcelona deserved their 4-0 victory and it probably could have been 2 or 3 more. The white handkerchiefs were waved around the Bernabeu and the Madristas expressed their dissatisfaction of their sides performance. Benitez will have questions to answer and they may be questions that he won't want to hear.

Monday 16 November 2015

Ireland Join Le RendezVous

The Republic of Ireland complete the qualifying for the home nations with 2 goals from Jon Walters to guide them to a 3-1 aggregate lead over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

You could tell that there was a lot on the line for both sides with neither looking to break the defensive line in search of a goal. Ireland were getting joy down the left hand side, with Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick regularly linking up to great affect. From set pieces and wide positions, the deliveries were often poor and many chances were squandered.

Ireland were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute when the Senad Lulic was penalised for a handball. Jon Walters stepped up and converted for his 9th goal in Irish colours. It looked as if the penalty was awarded in controversial circumstances particularly as Lulic's arm was tucked tight to his chest. But hey, it's not the first time Ireland have been embroiled in hand ball controversy.

Asmir Begovic was nearly punished for being slow on the ball with Wes Hoolahan charging the keeper down. The ball however, spun safely into Begovic's grasp and the ref blew up for handball shortly after. The game settled down after the goal and Bosnia began to get on the ball more. This was a risky game by Ireland to concede possession as easier as they are, particularly with Miralem Pjanic, Edin Dzeko and Senad Lulic up front for the visitors.

At the break, Bosnia never looked like scoring, but no doubt they would be given the hair dryer treatment at half time. For Bosnia, Pjanic looked solid and did pose some questions for the Irish defence. Ireland probably deserved the goal lead, but must not switch off, instead try and push on and get another goal. Concentration is key for the second half.

Ireland struggled to get out of their half in the first 5 minutes of the second half and when they did get the ball it was often hoofed long and easily dealt with by the Bosnian defence. 15 minutes in, Ireland were still defending stoutly. One of Bosnia's front three just needs one clear cut chance and then they are level, Ireland need to push up and retain the possession better than they have been doing.

Ireland doubled their lead on 70 minutes. Emir Spahic took his free kick tally into the tens with a high boot into Jon Walters and was probably lucky to not receive his marching orders. The delivery from the free kick was superb - the first decent one tonight and and volley from the Stoke man sent the Aviva crowd into a frenzy. 

Shane Long had another great opportunity to add a third, when he dispossessed the Bosnian defender, but the defender caught up with him and did enough to put the striker off. With a bit more match sharpness I would have backed the Irishman to find the back of the net.

Ireland now had the control of the game and with 10 minutes left, looked as if they were joining England, Wales and Northern Ireland in France next June. There were a few nervy moments, with a goal mouth scramble and Bosnia piling players forward. It was too little to late despite Vedad Ibisevic rattling the cross bar from point blank range. 2-0 to the hosts.

Ireland roll out 3-1 winners on aggregate to secure their third appearance at the European Championships and the first time both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have qualified for the same competition.

Monday 9 November 2015

Are the Glory Days Returning to Milan?

After raiding the transfer market, both Milan sides seem to be assembling squads to rival the title holders, Juventus. It is one thing buying the talent, but will the former glory days be returning to Italy's second city?

Before touching on the players, the management of both squads need to be considered. Both Internazionale and Milan have capable managers, Inter appointing favourite Roberto Mancini and Milan looking towards former Fiorentina and Sampdoria man Sinisa Mihajlovic. Mancini loves his defenders to be comfortable on the ball and look to build from the back. Central defender is Juan Jesus is a prime example of this. Looking at Mihajlovic, he is certainly a lively and controversial figure. He has had run ins with Adem Ljajic, who is on loan at Inter Milan from Roma. During his stint as the Serbian national team coah he ordered people to sign a document indicating that they promise to sing the Serbian national anthem before each game. Mihajlovic may come across as a dictator, but he demands nothing but 100% commitment from his players and can be sure to get the best out of them.

There were a lot of purchases for either side in the summer transfer window, and most of them have been very good buys. Geoffrey Kondogbia was the big signing from Mancini with the Frenchman moving from AS Monaco for £21.7m. At only 22 years of age, he already one of the top midfield stars in Serie A, making 12 Serie A appearances until this stage. He controls a game and this was witnessed in the Champions League tie against Arsenal last season when he made a quality Arsenal midfield look sub-standard. Although he hasn't been firing on all cylinders recently, there is a bright future for the holding midfielder.

Stefan Jovetic is looking revitalised under Roberto Mancini. The man who brought him to Manchester City has freed him from Manuel Pellegrini where he made just 11 appearances in 2 years and was suffering from injuries and low confidence. Now back on more familiar turf, Mancini's acquisition has been inspired with the Montengrin netting 3 times in his first 2 games and delivering a string of very good performances. Jovetic also teams up with Croatian, Ivan Perisic. Out of the 13 games he has featured in, he has netted on 3 occasions. Perisic had a terrific season with Wolfsburg last year, culminating in a DFB Pokal victory. So far this season he has created 8 chances compared to last years' tally of 25. Perisic is a unique style of player. Normally utilised out wide, he doesn't display pace that would be commonly associated with a winger, however he can play make and be labelled as a wide playmaker. he is a useful player and will be applied cunningly by Roberto Mancini.

AC Milan raided the transfer market spending money on no less than 7 players. The pick of these include Carlos Bacca, Andrea Bertolacci and Luiz Adriano. Bacca was part of the Europa League winning side of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015, being a key marksman on the way. Already this season he has netted 6 times in 11 league appearances and his forming a very fruitful partnership with Adriano. he has a 42.7% strike ratio and will be one of the leading scorers when Serie A concludes at the end of the season. Last season he had scored 20 times and had an exceptional shot accuracy with 71% of his shots hitting the target. Looking at his partner in crime, Luiz Adriano arrived from Shahktar Donetsk for a fee of around £5m. Not quite reaching the heights of his partner he has 2 goals in 10 appearances. For Shahktar, he recorded 77 league goals in 162 appearances for the Ukrainians. Some people may remember the dropped ball incident in the Champions League Group stage in 2012. Willian attempted to return a dropped ball to the Nordsjaelland keeper, but Adriano nicked the ball and slotted it into the back of the net. He wasn't too popular after this, but Milan are keen to overlook his unsporting play.

Current standings are positive for both sides but particularly the blue half. Inter have only lost one game to league leaders Fiorentina and sit in second position, Milan are further down a bit in 6th and seem to be struggling for consistency. 6 victories and 4 defeats is a start, but something that needs to be worked on if they are to creep into the Champions League spots. Neither side have European football this year, and has really hurt all in Italy's second city. It remains to be seen whether Internazionale can keep the charge up but if they can get to Christmas still in the mix, then they have a great opportunity of securing the Scuddetto for the first time since the treble winning season. Juventus have fallen down the pecking order, but be under no illusions that they will have a run of form and challenge for Champions League spots.

One very key player for the Rossoneri that I would like to mention is Giacomo Bonaventura. AC Milan completed the signing of the midfielder for a fee believed to be approximately €7m. Last season he found his feet in his new club, playing 33 out of the 38 games and scoring 7 goals. It's his creativity that is most impressive. Last season he created 43 chances and even though he assisted just 4 times, I would point the finger at Milan's poor finishers. This season he has created more than half (26) the chances he did last season in just over 11 game, it's quite incredible how well he has performed under Mihajlovic. I watched his performance on Sunday with keen interest and witnessed assists for Mexes' and Bacca's goals. If Milan are to do anything this year he needs to stay fit.

One thing I would like to touch on in regards to AC Milan is their consistency. Against Lazio the other week they were simply incredible. They scored 3 great goals, while giving the home side barely a sniff of the ball. It was that match that actually prompted me to write this article and gave me a really high opinion of their chances of creeping back to the big time. However, they were a shadow of that game in their match v Atalanta and were very lucky to leave with a point. If it wasn't for their 16 year old goal keeper then Atalanta certainly would have left the San Siro with maximum points. The Rossoneri can't continue to rely on a 16 year old goal keeper as, although he has been solid, he is still learning and mistakes are inevitable. Giacomo Bonaventura has also been influential this season creating 25 chances already this season. He seems to hold the key for AC Milan.

Inter are sitting with smiles on their faces in second place behind Fiorentina on goal difference. Roberto Mancini is building a side that is extremely capable of bringing Champions League football back to their club. I watched the derby match against Milan and Inter and even though they weren't impressive, they still got all three points in that match courtesy of a Fredy Guarin strike. Contrary to the Italian stereotype, Inter looked to attack and they often looked dangerous and posed questions for AC Milan to answer. With Juventus currently in mid table, there is no reason why Inter can't remain there over Christmas. If the form continues, Mancini could have a title winning side at his disposal.

The money spent suggest both sides are resurgent and keen to get back to Europe's premier competition. Truthfully, I've been disappointed in the demise both side over the last number of years, but large proportion of that sympathy could derive from my fondness of Italian football. In the Champions League, Italy has not really had the same threshold since Internazionale's victory in 2010 as Juventus looked the only side to go anywhere and even at that, they disappointed in every season bar the last.

Monday 2 November 2015

Spurs Too Good For Aston Villa

Remi Garde has a lot of work to do if he is going to keep his new employers in the Premier League, despite a late fight back and goal from Aston Villa's Jordan Ayew. Goals from Moussa Dembele, Dele Alli and Harry Kane send the Villains back to Birmingham empty handed.

It took Spurs only two minutes to open the score. Moussa Dembele controlled a long and hopeful ball before beating Ciaran Clark and powering past Brad Guzan in nets. Clark was poor defensively and overpowered by Dembele. Villa were being dominated in midfield and a goal glut was on the cards if things did not change.

Scott Sinclair managed the Villians first shot on target on 11 minutes. He slalomed between two Spurs players before cracking a shot that Hugo Lloris could only parry and the follow up effort from Jack Grealish sailed out for a goal kick. The game settled down after the frantic five minutes and Villa began to get more on the ball however they did look nervous when required to defend.

Harry Kane had an opportunity when he broke down the left channel. After cutting in onto his right foot, his shot was deflected before being tipped over by Brad Guzan. From the resulting corner, Danny Rose had an excellent opportunity after a neat training ground move but his shot grazed the cross bar.

As the interval approached, you just thought that Spurs had the potential to kick on during the half, but they failed and this could come back to bite them later in the game. Credit to Villa though, they managed to drag themselves back into the game.

On the stroke of half time, Spurs did strike again. Dele Alli used his chest to control the ball after a cross was cleared before vollying into the bottom left hand corner. At 2-0, Villa needed to change at half time if they were going to get anything out of the game.

For the second half, summer signing Rudy Gestede replaced captain Gabby Agbonlahor and he gave Villa more of a target man up front. Yet still they struggled with possession and looked a side that was shot of confidence. They continued to be poor in possession and were unable to make use of the height and strength of Gestede.

Spurs continued to press and looked increasingly more likely to add to their total. Christian Eriksen and co in the midfield dominated the game from start to finish and Villa never tried to close the Spurs playmakers down. Aston Villa's Jack Grealish struggled to make an impact on the game and was starved of the ball for most of it before eventually being substituted on 65 minutes.

Gestede had a really good chance on 73 minutes. Spurs were sloppy in the defensive third of the pitch and were dispossessed by Carles Gil. The substitute found Gestede but his shot from a golden position was blocked over the bar. Nothing materialised from the resulting corner, but it did seem to give Villa a bit of confidence as they piled players into the final third. It was also a wake up for Spurs knowing that if they give their opposition a goal then it could make a nervy last 15 minutes,

Leandro Bacuna had a shot from outside the box that cracked the outside of the post. villa had grown in confidence and grabbed a goal back off a deflected shot from Jordan Ayew. Villa had threatened, but Spurs didn't heed the warning and found themselves in a game for the last 10 minutes, one that they should have wrapped up ages ago. The White Hart Lane faithful realised and offered their words of encouragement.

That man Gestede had an excellent chance to level the game up. A hopeful ball into the box was made dangerous by Lloris' decision to come for it. Effectively taking himself out of the game, all Gestede had to do was to hit the target, but his header went wide. Ayew went close once again shortly later, but it was too little too late for the visitors. Despite controlling the game easily for 80 minutes, the pendulum had swung for the last 10 in the favour of the visitors.

The game was made secure by Harry Kane in stoppage time. Spurs countered through Eriksen and found Erik Lamela on the right before unselfishly squaring for Kane to fire into the top of the net. This put the game to bed and kept Spurs' firing on all cylinders and their unbeaten run in full flight.

For Aston Villa, their troubles continue and Remi Garde will have to perform miracles to save Villa from the drop. He can take encouragement from the 10 minutes after the consolation when they pressed and caused problems for a well marshalled Spurs defence. 

Sunday 1 November 2015

Milan End Lazio's Perfect Home Record

Milan send a message out to the rest of Serie A as goals from Andrea Bertolacci, Philippe Mexes and Carlos Bacca see them Lazio's winning run at the Stadio Olimpico.

Knowing what was riding on the game, plenty of physical tackles were going in as the match started. Milan's Alessio Cerci looked lively as did Giacomo Bonaventura. The former Torino man was played off the shoulder of the defenders the whole night and often found space in behind. Lazio were struggling to get on the ball and when they did, poor decision making meant that the ball was regularly lost. 20 minutes in, Milan's 16 year old goal keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was yet to be tested.

Milan made their dominance pay off. Cerci picked up the ball on the right and an in-swinging cross/shot was poorly dealt with by Federico Marchetti who palmed the ball into the path of Andrea Bertolacci who put the ball in the back of the net. Mihajlovic's summer signing with his first goal for the club. Lazio looked lethargic, lost and their perfect home record this season was in jeopardy.

Alessio Cerci had an excellent chance to double their lead. From a free kick, Riccardo Montolivo picked out a superb pass to Cerci who had a foot on his man. The winger killed the ball with his first touch before trying to guide a shot into the far corner only for the upright to come to the rescue of Lazio. If there was ever a move that deserved a goal, this was it as the vision of Montolivo and technique of Cerci was incredible.

The home side did get their first shot on target shortly before the break. Felipe Anderson cut in off the right, pegged the Milan defender before his shot ricocheted into the arms of Donnarumma. It was the first time, their talisman got on the ball, but his shot was easily dealt with by the keeper. As the first half concluded, the Milan display would have deluighted Mihajlovic while Stefano Pioli would have loads to think about and the Olimpico faithful made their thoughts heard.

Lazio needed a big improvement in the second half and a free kick into the box caused concern as Alex collided with his keeper and seemed to be out cold before he hit the floor. Philippe Mexes was his replacement and he had an immediate impact. Bonaventura's free kick into the box was met by the head of Mexes and he doubled the lead just 40 seconds since entering the game. Questions must be asked of Marchetti as well as the defensive line which failed to track the run of the goal scorer. 

Confidence was drained in the Lazio ranks while Milan were enjoying playing their football with a distinct swagger - Bonaventura's elastico that won a free kick was evidence of this. Pioli needed to change personnel if they were to get back in the game. Another chance came for Milan through Juraj Kucka as he got in behind the defence. With Carlos Bacca in the box, he failed to find the Colombian first time and when the cross was put in, it was cleared by Mauricio.

A cross was swung into the box and caused confusion for the Milan defenders. With Senad Lulic arriving, he controlled but was unable to lift the ball over the 6 ft 5 Milan keeper. Positive signs that Lazio can get more chances out of a defence that has only kept one clean sheet all season. Substitute, Ricardo Kishna thought that he had given Lazio a lifeline after he turned a ball into the net after a save from Donnarumma, however the assistant referee ruled the goal out for offside. It may have been disallowed but it did give the home side a much needed lift.

The lift was only temporary. Carlos Bacca rounded the keeper and scored after receiving the ball of Bonaventura who secured his second assist of the night. Milan never let Lazio get a foothold in the game and the margin does not flatter the away side one bit. With the victory secured, a clean sheet was next on the agenda, however Kishna dashed hopes of this on 85 minutes with a powerful shot that beat the Milan keeper at his near post.

Milan leave Rome with all three points as well as a good performance in an open game. They end their 6 year wait for a victory in the Stadio Olimpico and this victory sets them on there way to achieve a third placed finish that would see Champions League football return to the San Siro.