The three-horse race at the top of the Premier League goes on as Chelsea and Arsenal picked up important wins on Saturday, piling the pressure on Manchester United who face Fulham on Sunday.
Chelsea beat struggling West Ham 4-1 at Stamford Bridge to return to the top of the table but Arsenal left it late to grab the three points at Hull. The Gunners needed a last gasp Nicklas Bendtner goal to snatch a 2-1 win.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
NBA: Nuggets bring solid form to face Grizzlies
Carmelo Anthony is looking unstoppable again, Chauncey Billups has barely put a foot wrong and Nene is asserting himself down low. So far, the Denver Nuggets have to be pleased with their form in March.
Since a disappointing loss in Phoenix on March 1, the Nuggets have won five straight, beating playoff teams Portland and Oklahoma City along the way. Coach George Karl is not with the team due to his cancer treatment but his players are doing him proud.
After cranking up their performance in the second half to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets outlasted New Orleans 102-95 on Friday and arrive in Memphis hot on the heels of second seed Dallas.
The Grizzlies still have playoff aspirations. Regardless of what happens over the next month, they have undoubtedly exceeded expectations for this season and talents like Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo have big futures.
But it is the frontcourt that will test Denver the most on Saturday night. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are a potent double act on the boards and the Nuggets must do without the services of Kenyon Martin, who is still nursing a knee injury.
And that could be the decisive element. Nene, Johan Petro and Chris Andersen must challenge the Grizzlies' big men on the glass if Denver is to stay perfect on this four-game road trip. If they stay competitive in the rebounding battle, you can be sure that Anthony and Billups will do the rest.
Since a disappointing loss in Phoenix on March 1, the Nuggets have won five straight, beating playoff teams Portland and Oklahoma City along the way. Coach George Karl is not with the team due to his cancer treatment but his players are doing him proud.
After cranking up their performance in the second half to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets outlasted New Orleans 102-95 on Friday and arrive in Memphis hot on the heels of second seed Dallas.
The Grizzlies still have playoff aspirations. Regardless of what happens over the next month, they have undoubtedly exceeded expectations for this season and talents like Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo have big futures.
But it is the frontcourt that will test Denver the most on Saturday night. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are a potent double act on the boards and the Nuggets must do without the services of Kenyon Martin, who is still nursing a knee injury.
And that could be the decisive element. Nene, Johan Petro and Chris Andersen must challenge the Grizzlies' big men on the glass if Denver is to stay perfect on this four-game road trip. If they stay competitive in the rebounding battle, you can be sure that Anthony and Billups will do the rest.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Soccer: Pjanic the hero as Lyon stun Real Madrid, reach last eight of the Champions League
Miralem Pjanic's goal rocked the Bernabeu and left Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka et al devastated. You heard it here first:
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2010/01/21/pjanic-can-help-lyon-make-mark-in-europe/16168/
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2010/01/21/pjanic-can-help-lyon-make-mark-in-europe/16168/
Cricket: West Indies' struggles a sad sight
The West Indies have won two of their last three games yet leading the ODI series against Zimbabwe is nothing to get excited about - especially given the team's struggles in securing those victories.
With Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul - plus the returning Dwayne Bravo - the only top class players in the West Indian team, they are currently as out of their depth as ever when compared to the other top nations.
If they are stuttering to modest totals against the Zimbabwe attack, what are they likely to manage against South Africa, Australia or India? The Zimbabweans have played their part in making it an exciting series, with some clever batting and tight bowling, but above all these three games have underlined how far the West Indies have fallen.
With Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul - plus the returning Dwayne Bravo - the only top class players in the West Indian team, they are currently as out of their depth as ever when compared to the other top nations.
If they are stuttering to modest totals against the Zimbabwe attack, what are they likely to manage against South Africa, Australia or India? The Zimbabweans have played their part in making it an exciting series, with some clever batting and tight bowling, but above all these three games have underlined how far the West Indies have fallen.
NBA: No let up from West's elite
In the race for home court advantage come playoff time, the Western Conference battle looks set to go right to the wire.
The LA Lakers ended their three-game slide by edging past the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday nights. And on Wednesday the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz extended their winning streaks. The Lakers have lost three fewer games than the second-placed Mavs but all four teams will have plenty to say down the home stretch.
The Nuggets have the toughest schedule but, with Chauncey Billups having the best scoring season of his career, they still have their eyes on the big prize. And there is also a case for arguing that the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns, who are both within touching distance of fourth place.
For the West's elite, now is not the time to falter - and this week, they haven't.
The LA Lakers ended their three-game slide by edging past the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday nights. And on Wednesday the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz extended their winning streaks. The Lakers have lost three fewer games than the second-placed Mavs but all four teams will have plenty to say down the home stretch.
The Nuggets have the toughest schedule but, with Chauncey Billups having the best scoring season of his career, they still have their eyes on the big prize. And there is also a case for arguing that the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns, who are both within touching distance of fourth place.
For the West's elite, now is not the time to falter - and this week, they haven't.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Soccer: Beckham set for deserved ovation as he returns to Old Trafford
When David Beckham walks out at Old Trafford for AC Milan on Wednesday night, Manchester United supporters will finally get the chance to show their appreciation for the midfielder's years of service for the champions.
Beckham emerged from the United youth system alongside Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and the other Fergie Fledglings, won countless league titles and starred in the Treble-winning side of 1999. The standing ovation that he will surely receive ahead of the Champions League second round second leg will be fully deserved.
But there is unlikely to be a lot else for Beckham to smile about. Even if Wayne Rooney misses out through injury, United are too good for the Italians and, of course, hold a 3-2 advantage from the first leg. Expect Sir Alex Ferguson's men to comfortably move into the quarter-finals.
In Wednesday's other action, Real Madrid have a fight on their hands against Lyon. The Spaniards trail 1-0 and will need some magic from their heavyweight attack. Cristiano Ronaldo was masterfully smothered in the first leg but will be on a mission at the Bernabeu. However, if the Frenchmen find the net, Real will need three goals to advance and that might even be beyond the Galacticos.
Beckham emerged from the United youth system alongside Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and the other Fergie Fledglings, won countless league titles and starred in the Treble-winning side of 1999. The standing ovation that he will surely receive ahead of the Champions League second round second leg will be fully deserved.
But there is unlikely to be a lot else for Beckham to smile about. Even if Wayne Rooney misses out through injury, United are too good for the Italians and, of course, hold a 3-2 advantage from the first leg. Expect Sir Alex Ferguson's men to comfortably move into the quarter-finals.
In Wednesday's other action, Real Madrid have a fight on their hands against Lyon. The Spaniards trail 1-0 and will need some magic from their heavyweight attack. Cristiano Ronaldo was masterfully smothered in the first leg but will be on a mission at the Bernabeu. However, if the Frenchmen find the net, Real will need three goals to advance and that might even be beyond the Galacticos.
Soccer: Malouda proving his quality
Florent Malouda has been one of Chelsea's unsung heroes this season.
Check out http://www.insidefutbol.com/2010/03/07/malouda-mainstay-of-chelsea-trophy-drive/18661/
Check out http://www.insidefutbol.com/2010/03/07/malouda-mainstay-of-chelsea-trophy-drive/18661/
NBA: Nuggets head out for road trip tests
The Denver Nuggets are about to begin one of most important road trips of their season.
Denver play in Minnesota, New Orleans, Memphis and Houston and will know that only a solid trip can keep them in contention for a top two finish.
The Dallas Mavericks are red hot right now and the Los Angeles Lakers still hold the edge as number one in the standings - but the Nuggets can apply some pressure with a 4-0 road trip.
That is not beyond them. Kenyon Martin and Ty Lawson remain on the treatment table and George Karl will take time out for his chemotherapy sessions but, in Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony, Denver still have as good a 1-2 punch as any team in the league.
Billups tends to save his biggest scoring nights for the road, where he feels the need to be more aggressive and create his own shot. Scoring 39 in LA and 37 twice in Golden State makes for a solid resume this season.
And Anthony has his groove back, picking apart the Thunder, Pacers and Blazers during the Nuggets' three-game homestand. Apart from his duel with the Rockets' Shane Battier, Melo shouldn't have much trouble scoring on the upcoming trip.
The key will be the contributions that Denver gets from Nene and JR Smith, two players capable of passing the 20-point mark. Neither have scored consistently enough this season but both now have the chance to step up.
After all, this is the perfect time for the whole Nuggets roster to make a statement and do their coach proud.
Denver play in Minnesota, New Orleans, Memphis and Houston and will know that only a solid trip can keep them in contention for a top two finish.
The Dallas Mavericks are red hot right now and the Los Angeles Lakers still hold the edge as number one in the standings - but the Nuggets can apply some pressure with a 4-0 road trip.
That is not beyond them. Kenyon Martin and Ty Lawson remain on the treatment table and George Karl will take time out for his chemotherapy sessions but, in Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony, Denver still have as good a 1-2 punch as any team in the league.
Billups tends to save his biggest scoring nights for the road, where he feels the need to be more aggressive and create his own shot. Scoring 39 in LA and 37 twice in Golden State makes for a solid resume this season.
And Anthony has his groove back, picking apart the Thunder, Pacers and Blazers during the Nuggets' three-game homestand. Apart from his duel with the Rockets' Shane Battier, Melo shouldn't have much trouble scoring on the upcoming trip.
The key will be the contributions that Denver gets from Nene and JR Smith, two players capable of passing the 20-point mark. Neither have scored consistently enough this season but both now have the chance to step up.
After all, this is the perfect time for the whole Nuggets roster to make a statement and do their coach proud.
Soccer: Sunderland finally back to winning ways, Birmingham refuse to falter
Sunderland managed to lift a little of the gloom around the Stadium of Light with a 4-0 win over Bolton.
Darren Bent stole the headlines, scoring a classy hat-trick and drawing a line under a difficult spell in front of goal. The Black Cats were too strong for Owen Coyle's side, who never recovered from Fraizer Campbell's 41-second opener - the fastest Premier League goal this season.
At Fratton Park, Portsmouth's woes continued with a 2-1 defeat to Birmingham. Cameron Jerome bagged a brace and the Blues are now just two points behind Liverpool as they continue to be this season's surprise package.
Darren Bent stole the headlines, scoring a classy hat-trick and drawing a line under a difficult spell in front of goal. The Black Cats were too strong for Owen Coyle's side, who never recovered from Fraizer Campbell's 41-second opener - the fastest Premier League goal this season.
At Fratton Park, Portsmouth's woes continued with a 2-1 defeat to Birmingham. Cameron Jerome bagged a brace and the Blues are now just two points behind Liverpool as they continue to be this season's surprise package.
Soccer: Arsenal burst into last eight, Bayern sneak through
Arsenal were the big winners as the Champions League threw up two storming second legs on Tuesday night.
Arsene Wenger's men, trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Portugal, were rampant as they handed Porto a 5-0 drubbing at the Emirates. And all this without captain Cesc Fabregas, who missed out through injury.
And Nicklas Bendtner, mocked after some woeful finishing against Burnley at the weekend, was the hero as he netted a hat-trick. Samir Nasri added another with a superb solo effort and Emmanuel Eboue also got onto the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, in Florence, Fiorentina beat Bayern Munich 3-2 but went out on away goals, having lost the first leg 2-1. The hosts twice led by two goals but could not hang on. The decisive strike for the Germans came from Arjen Robben with an stunning long range strike.
Arsenal and Bayern have booked their quarter-final berths, check back tomorrow to see whether Manchester United and Real Madrid joined them.
Arsene Wenger's men, trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Portugal, were rampant as they handed Porto a 5-0 drubbing at the Emirates. And all this without captain Cesc Fabregas, who missed out through injury.
And Nicklas Bendtner, mocked after some woeful finishing against Burnley at the weekend, was the hero as he netted a hat-trick. Samir Nasri added another with a superb solo effort and Emmanuel Eboue also got onto the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, in Florence, Fiorentina beat Bayern Munich 3-2 but went out on away goals, having lost the first leg 2-1. The hosts twice led by two goals but could not hang on. The decisive strike for the Germans came from Arjen Robben with an stunning long range strike.
Arsenal and Bayern have booked their quarter-final berths, check back tomorrow to see whether Manchester United and Real Madrid joined them.
Monday, March 8, 2010
NBA: Magic victory over Lakers opens doors for Mavs and Nuggets
The Lakers' first three-game losing streak since acquiring Pau Gasol has surprisingly opened up the race for top seed in the West. Their latest setback came on Sunday in Orlando against the Magic.
With Matt Barnes playing stifling defense on Kobe Bryant, limiting the Black Mamba to 12 of 30 shooting, Orlando held on for a 96-94 win. Vince Carter led the way for the Magic with 25 points.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are closing in fast with an outstanding 11-game winning streak. Armed with Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood, the Mavs are suddenly a legitimate threat to the Lakers.
And the Denver Nuggets are in the running too. Three home wins - over Oklahoma City, Indiana and Portland - have kept the Nuggets close behind the top two. They might have the toughest stretch ahead of any team in the league but you can never count out a team blessed with talents like Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith and led by the ageless Chauncey Billups.
There is certainly plenty still to play for out West.
With Matt Barnes playing stifling defense on Kobe Bryant, limiting the Black Mamba to 12 of 30 shooting, Orlando held on for a 96-94 win. Vince Carter led the way for the Magic with 25 points.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are closing in fast with an outstanding 11-game winning streak. Armed with Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood, the Mavs are suddenly a legitimate threat to the Lakers.
And the Denver Nuggets are in the running too. Three home wins - over Oklahoma City, Indiana and Portland - have kept the Nuggets close behind the top two. They might have the toughest stretch ahead of any team in the league but you can never count out a team blessed with talents like Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith and led by the ageless Chauncey Billups.
There is certainly plenty still to play for out West.
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