Gianfranco Zola's West Ham put in one of their finest performances of the season to hold leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Struggling in the bottom three, the Hammers could have been forgiven for dreading the visit of Chelsea but instead Zola's side rose to the challenge.
West Ham went ahead just before half-time through Alessandro Diamanti's penalty and, with Scott Parker in tigerish form in the centre of midfield, the Blues faced an uphill battle.
But former Hammer Frank Lampard kept his cool when things threatened to go pear-shaped for the league leaders. Chelsea won a penalty of their own and Lampard showed nerves of steel to overcome two re-takes and level the scores.
A point was a better result for West Ham than Chelsea but it leaves both teams with plenty still to do to reach their contrasting targets for the season.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Cricket: Amla ton leaves England in a tight spot
Hashim Amla's classy century put South Africa in the driving seat at Centurion, leaving England with a target of 364 to win.
The tourists will view day four as a missed opportunity. After making quick inroads with the dismissals of Graeme Smith, Paul Harris and Jacques Kallis, their victory bid was derailed by Amla (100), AB de Villiers (64) and then wicketkeeper Mark Boucher (63*). Jimmy Anderson led the English attack with four wickets.
Faced with such a daunting target, the last thing England needed was to lose an early wicket. There was time for just six overs before the close but South Africa struck a key blow as Morne Morkel had Andrew Strauss caught behind by Boucher for just 1.
The tourists closed on 11-1 and have an uphill battle on their hands on day five if they are to save the First Test.
The tourists will view day four as a missed opportunity. After making quick inroads with the dismissals of Graeme Smith, Paul Harris and Jacques Kallis, their victory bid was derailed by Amla (100), AB de Villiers (64) and then wicketkeeper Mark Boucher (63*). Jimmy Anderson led the English attack with four wickets.
Faced with such a daunting target, the last thing England needed was to lose an early wicket. There was time for just six overs before the close but South Africa struck a key blow as Morne Morkel had Andrew Strauss caught behind by Boucher for just 1.
The tourists closed on 11-1 and have an uphill battle on their hands on day five if they are to save the First Test.
Soccer: United left to look over their shoulders
Danny Murphy's streak of scoring against Manchester United drove Fulham to a 3-0 win over the champions on Saturday, piling more pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Murphy broke the deadlock in the first half before Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora secured the points.
And United's misery was intensified by victories for Aston Villa, Tottenham and Arsenal. The Gunners can leapfrog the champions if they win their game in hand while Villa closed to within two points.
As Ferguson contemplates his continuing defensive injury crisis, he will quickly notice that his team's title push is faltering badly. Four away defeats in nine games suggests that he has plenty to consider when the January transfer window opens.
Murphy broke the deadlock in the first half before Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora secured the points.
And United's misery was intensified by victories for Aston Villa, Tottenham and Arsenal. The Gunners can leapfrog the champions if they win their game in hand while Villa closed to within two points.
As Ferguson contemplates his continuing defensive injury crisis, he will quickly notice that his team's title push is faltering badly. Four away defeats in nine games suggests that he has plenty to consider when the January transfer window opens.
NBA: Nuggets feeling effects of Billups' absense
Carmelo Anthony is having an MVP-calibre season but playing without Chauncey Billups hurt the Nuggets in New Orleans where the Hornets won 98-92 on Friday.
Without Billups as a second option, Denver struggled when the Hornets trapped Anthony and forced others to make the big plays. JR Smith contributed 25 points but Mr Big Shot's steady hand was sorely missed as he recovers from a groin injury.
With Dallas losing at home to the Rockets, Denver remain in second spot in the West but it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Nuggets can only challenge for a return to Conference Finals if their starters are in peak health.
Kenyon Martin has missed games this season - all of which the Nuggets have lost - and they are 0-1 in the current patch without Billups. Head coach George Karl has already suggested that his veteran leader might well sit against the Grizzlies on Sunday too.
If Billups does miss his second straight game, Denver will need a more composed performance than the one in New Orleans to secure their 20th win of the season.
Without Billups as a second option, Denver struggled when the Hornets trapped Anthony and forced others to make the big plays. JR Smith contributed 25 points but Mr Big Shot's steady hand was sorely missed as he recovers from a groin injury.
With Dallas losing at home to the Rockets, Denver remain in second spot in the West but it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Nuggets can only challenge for a return to Conference Finals if their starters are in peak health.
Kenyon Martin has missed games this season - all of which the Nuggets have lost - and they are 0-1 in the current patch without Billups. Head coach George Karl has already suggested that his veteran leader might well sit against the Grizzlies on Sunday too.
If Billups does miss his second straight game, Denver will need a more composed performance than the one in New Orleans to secure their 20th win of the season.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Soccer: Giggs rewarded with new deal
Things just keep getting better for Ryan Giggs.
The Manchester United midfielder, named BBC Sports Personality of the Year last weekend, is having a superb season for the champions and Sir Alex Ferguson rewarded the veteran wide man with a contract extension to keep the Welshman at Old Trafford until the summer of 2011.
With more than 800 appearances to his name in the United shirt, Giggs has already established himself as one of the club's all-time greats. He is playing so well at present that it is hard to imagine United without him.
The Manchester United midfielder, named BBC Sports Personality of the Year last weekend, is having a superb season for the champions and Sir Alex Ferguson rewarded the veteran wide man with a contract extension to keep the Welshman at Old Trafford until the summer of 2011.
With more than 800 appearances to his name in the United shirt, Giggs has already established himself as one of the club's all-time greats. He is playing so well at present that it is hard to imagine United without him.
Cricket: Swann to the rescue for England
Graeme Swann's inspired 85 dealt England's hopes of victory in the First Test at Centurion a major helping hand. In fact, he saved them from near-certain defeat.
Arriving at the crease with England faltering badly at 221-7, Swann took the fight to the South African bowlers and helped the tourists limit their hosts' first innings lead to just 62.
The Nottinghamshire off-spinner is relishing his big return to the international scene and, having picked up his third five-wicket for England in the first innings, his contribution with the bat was equally vital.
South Africa closed on 9-1 in their second innings - a lead of 71 - and Swann will be called upon again on day three to make the breakthroughs to keep the game in the balance.
Arriving at the crease with England faltering badly at 221-7, Swann took the fight to the South African bowlers and helped the tourists limit their hosts' first innings lead to just 62.
The Nottinghamshire off-spinner is relishing his big return to the international scene and, having picked up his third five-wicket for England in the first innings, his contribution with the bat was equally vital.
South Africa closed on 9-1 in their second innings - a lead of 71 - and Swann will be called upon again on day three to make the breakthroughs to keep the game in the balance.
NBA: The MVP battle
The latest rankings as we approach a spectacular Christmas Day schedule:
1) Kobe Bryant: Somehow, Kobe keeps finding new ways to top his previous heroics. Not content with the buzzer beater that sunk the Heat, the repeated the feat against the Bucks and had 42 points against Chicago. Who knows what he is planning for the next act. The Lakers are showing no flaws and a major reason is the way Kobe has integrated Ron Artest into the setup and brought out the best in Andrew Bynum.
2) Carmelo Anthony: The Nuggets dropped games in Charlotte and Detroit but Melo continued to shine, keeping his spot as the league’s leading scorer in the process. Whether he is in the post, pulling up for jumpers or driving to the hoop, no defender has kept him quiet this year. When Chauncey Billups limped out of the home game with Houston, Anthony took over and had a game-high 38 points.
3) LeBron James: The Cavs have some issues to address but LeBron is papering over the cracks with his stellar play. He is averaging 34 points a night from his past four games and Cleveland are just about keeping the Celtics in sight. James will need to be at his best again this week with clashes against the Mavs and Suns.
4) Dirk Nowitzki: The Mavs are putting together another streak and, barring a below par night against the Hornets, Nowitzki has been red hot. Playing nigh on 39 minutes a night, he is shouldering a lot of the pressure but 27 points and eight boards a night suggests he is handling it pretty well. Dallas have a tough run around the corner and will be relying more than ever on the German’s prolific shooting.
5) Dwight Howard: Eight blocks against the Raptors shows Howard is moving through the gears now, even if Orlando are sliding somewhat of late. He was the only Magic player to excel in Thursday’s humbling loss to the Heat and 18 points plus nearly 13 rebounds a night is a solid return. Those numbers will almost certainly kick on over the next few months.
7) Steve Nash: Losing a tight one to the Blazers was a blow but Nash still chipped in with 16 points and 13 assists. He led by example in important wins over Orlando and San Antonio and is generally so much more comfortable back in the high tempo offense. The key will be to keep that level going through until April and beyond for the playoffs.
8) Dwyane Wade: He might be shooting a career-low percentage from the field but he will not let the Heat slip down into the tight grouping in the East. An inspired 25-point effort against the Magic was the perfect response to Pat Riley’s comments and, considering Miami’s limitations and the output they need from their talisman every night, Wade is doing a fine job.
9) Deron Williams: Williams has definitely stepped his play up another notch over the past week. The 38-point night against the Timberwolves might have been in vain but his savvy ball-handling has kept the Jazz in the mix in the ultra-competitive West. The Williams-Carlos Boozer combination has been productive and the point guard is showing why he is among the league’s elite in that position.
10) Kevin Garnett: It is impossible to run this list without a Celtics player in the top 10. Their current run has been achieved for a batch of reasons – from Rajon Rondo’s continued development, to bench play and a total acceptance of roles at both ends of the floor. But nobody makes Boston tick better than Garnett and his presence this year, especially defensively, has made a massive difference.
1) Kobe Bryant: Somehow, Kobe keeps finding new ways to top his previous heroics. Not content with the buzzer beater that sunk the Heat, the repeated the feat against the Bucks and had 42 points against Chicago. Who knows what he is planning for the next act. The Lakers are showing no flaws and a major reason is the way Kobe has integrated Ron Artest into the setup and brought out the best in Andrew Bynum.
2) Carmelo Anthony: The Nuggets dropped games in Charlotte and Detroit but Melo continued to shine, keeping his spot as the league’s leading scorer in the process. Whether he is in the post, pulling up for jumpers or driving to the hoop, no defender has kept him quiet this year. When Chauncey Billups limped out of the home game with Houston, Anthony took over and had a game-high 38 points.
3) LeBron James: The Cavs have some issues to address but LeBron is papering over the cracks with his stellar play. He is averaging 34 points a night from his past four games and Cleveland are just about keeping the Celtics in sight. James will need to be at his best again this week with clashes against the Mavs and Suns.
4) Dirk Nowitzki: The Mavs are putting together another streak and, barring a below par night against the Hornets, Nowitzki has been red hot. Playing nigh on 39 minutes a night, he is shouldering a lot of the pressure but 27 points and eight boards a night suggests he is handling it pretty well. Dallas have a tough run around the corner and will be relying more than ever on the German’s prolific shooting.
5) Dwight Howard: Eight blocks against the Raptors shows Howard is moving through the gears now, even if Orlando are sliding somewhat of late. He was the only Magic player to excel in Thursday’s humbling loss to the Heat and 18 points plus nearly 13 rebounds a night is a solid return. Those numbers will almost certainly kick on over the next few months.
7) Steve Nash: Losing a tight one to the Blazers was a blow but Nash still chipped in with 16 points and 13 assists. He led by example in important wins over Orlando and San Antonio and is generally so much more comfortable back in the high tempo offense. The key will be to keep that level going through until April and beyond for the playoffs.
8) Dwyane Wade: He might be shooting a career-low percentage from the field but he will not let the Heat slip down into the tight grouping in the East. An inspired 25-point effort against the Magic was the perfect response to Pat Riley’s comments and, considering Miami’s limitations and the output they need from their talisman every night, Wade is doing a fine job.
9) Deron Williams: Williams has definitely stepped his play up another notch over the past week. The 38-point night against the Timberwolves might have been in vain but his savvy ball-handling has kept the Jazz in the mix in the ultra-competitive West. The Williams-Carlos Boozer combination has been productive and the point guard is showing why he is among the league’s elite in that position.
10) Kevin Garnett: It is impossible to run this list without a Celtics player in the top 10. Their current run has been achieved for a batch of reasons – from Rajon Rondo’s continued development, to bench play and a total acceptance of roles at both ends of the floor. But nobody makes Boston tick better than Garnett and his presence this year, especially defensively, has made a massive difference.
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