Manchester United closed the gap on leaders Chelsea to two points with a 4-0 victory over West Ham.
A rocket from Paul Scholes just before half-time put the champions in front before Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney clinched the points.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be concerned, though, with his defensive crisis. Gary Neville limped off in the opening half and joins Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic on the treatment table.
Arsenal put their poor fortnight behind them with a 2-0 victory over Stoke. The signs were not promising when Cesc Fabregas' penalty was well saved by Potters keeper Thomas Sorensen. But Andrey Arshavin then opened the scoring from Fabregas' pass before substitute Aaron Ramsey settled matters late on. The Welshman fired a low drive past Sorensen.
But there was nothing for Rafa Benitez to smile about at Ewood Park as Liverpool dropped more points in a 0-0 draw with Blackburn. With Aston Villa beating Hull 3-0 and Tottenham set to play Everton on Sunday, the Reds have a fight on their hands now in the race for a Champions League qualifying spot.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
NBA: Bosh, Turkoglu stand tall as Raptors end skid
The Toronto Raptors could have been forgiven for hanging their heads after Hedo Turkoglu missed a game winner in the final seconds of regulation on Friday - but instead they rallied to knock off the Washington Wizards 109-107 in overtime.
Turkoglu, signed this summer for his clutch shooting, redeemed himself by scoring the winning jumper in OT but it was the titanic effort from Chris Bosh that paced the Raptors throughout this gutsy victory. The Toronto team had held a meeting earlier in the day to address their recent woes and it seemed to pay dividends.
Bosh had 31 points and 16 rebounds, stepping up down the stretch to score a string of vital buckets. Looking like a man possessed, the Raptors power forward outhustled Brendan Haywood and Antawn Jamison on the boards and shot 13 of 25 from the field as Toronto ended their five-game skid.
With Jamison in foul trouble, it was Gilbert Arenas who led the Wizards, pouring in a game-high 34 points with five 3-pointers. Arenas' jumper tied the game at 96-96 with 13.7secs to go in the fourth but he could not find a repeat in OT.
After Turkoglu made it 109-107, Agent Zero missed out on a drive to the hoop and Andray Blatche's put-back would not drop, sparking frenzied celebrations on the Raptors bench.
This victory, bristling with a greater commitment to defense and some encouraging team spirit, might just turn Toronto's season around.
Turkoglu, signed this summer for his clutch shooting, redeemed himself by scoring the winning jumper in OT but it was the titanic effort from Chris Bosh that paced the Raptors throughout this gutsy victory. The Toronto team had held a meeting earlier in the day to address their recent woes and it seemed to pay dividends.
Bosh had 31 points and 16 rebounds, stepping up down the stretch to score a string of vital buckets. Looking like a man possessed, the Raptors power forward outhustled Brendan Haywood and Antawn Jamison on the boards and shot 13 of 25 from the field as Toronto ended their five-game skid.
With Jamison in foul trouble, it was Gilbert Arenas who led the Wizards, pouring in a game-high 34 points with five 3-pointers. Arenas' jumper tied the game at 96-96 with 13.7secs to go in the fourth but he could not find a repeat in OT.
After Turkoglu made it 109-107, Agent Zero missed out on a drive to the hoop and Andray Blatche's put-back would not drop, sparking frenzied celebrations on the Raptors bench.
This victory, bristling with a greater commitment to defense and some encouraging team spirit, might just turn Toronto's season around.
Friday, December 4, 2009
NBA: The MVP Battle
The latest standings in the race for the MVP:
1) Carmelo Anthony: His record of scoring 20+ points in every game rolls on and with him go the Denver Nuggets. His 50 against the Knicks was a career high and he is doing a little bit of everything. Melo's jumper looks solid and he is getting to the rim at will as his development into an all-round star continues. He is leading by example more than ever and there is no small forward out there who can contain him.2) Kobe Bryant: The Lakers are on a tear and Bryant's team-mates are all playing their part. But Kobe is Kobe and when he takes over there is nothing any defense can do. He is still scoring 28 a game yet his assists are on the rise as he feeds Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. He had 18 points against the Hornets as LA continue to profit from a favorable early schedule. Expect him to step things up further when the tough road trips come thick and fast.
3) LeBron James: He did not need to dominant the scoring against the Suns but he continues to shoot a good percentage from the field and is bringing out the best in his team-mates. Cleveland have moved to within 1.5 games of the leaders in the East and James deserves a lot of credit for masterminding the team's solid form. Putting up 25 against Dallas was a reminder of his big game pedigree.
4) Dirk Nowitzki: Dallas are 14-5 and they are leaning on the big German as usual. Dirk is not letting them down either, averaging 27 points and shouldering the offensive burden. Rick Carlisle calls Jason Kidd "the rock" but Nowitzki is the assassin who the Mavs look to time and time again. The fact that he is adding three assists a night is an added bonus.
5) Steve Nash: The Suns have dropped their last two but Nash still had 20 points and eight assists in New York and is rolling back the years with his performances. A tough trip to LA on Sunday will further test Phoenix but expect the point guard to get his team firing again against the Kings first. As one of the most experienced Suns, Nash must take the lead in pulling the team back on track.
6) Dwight Howard: Superman had not set the league alight coming into last week but that soon changed. The Magic sit top of the Eastern Conference and things may well get even better now that Howard is increasingly comfortable with new starter Vince Carter. The big man had 25 points and 20 boards against Milwaukee and his defensive pressure has helped Orlando win nine of their last 10.
7) Dwyane Wade: Wade struggled at Denver this week, where he is yet to win in his career, but he continues to play at a high level. The Heat earned an impressive win in Portland with Wade both scoring and facilitating and he is starting to trust the likes of Michael Beasley and Jermaine O'Neal to make the key plays. A trip to LA to face the Lakers give Wade another big stage to dominate.
8) Kevin Durant: Almost 28 points a night plus three assists and seven rebounds tells its own story. The Thunder were expected to improve this year but Durant has Oklahoma City (10-8) surpassing all pre-season predictions. He has struggled from 3-point range but is attacking the hoop and getting to the line. Surrounded by other fearless youngsters, Durant is leading by example and if he keeps this up a playoff spot is there for the taking.
9) Kevin Garnett: He is getting better and better. The Celtics look so much stronger now he is back and his performances in the big games have been inspirational. The effect he has on his team-mates is a reminder of how sorely he was missed in the playoffs last season. The win in San Antonio on Thursday was yet another example as he poured in a game high 20 points. He seems to have a spring back in his step and his intensity is there for all to see.
10) Tim Duncan: The Spurs had won five straight before Thursday's loss to Boston and Duncan is heating up. Even in the defeat to the Celtics he managed 16 points and 15 boards. He is shooting a career high 54.9% from the field with an average of 18 points and 11 rebounds a night, enabling the Spurs to stay in the playoff spots despite injuries to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli.
Soccer: Tough draw for World Cup hosts
The whole World Cup adventure began today with the group stage draw in Cape Town - but there was little to smile about for the hosts while Brazil and Germany will also have left feeling slightly uneasy.
The South Africans were drawn alongside Mexico, Uruguay and France in Group A and will need a minor miracle to reach the second round. You can never underestimate the impact of home support but there are no easy games for them.
Meanwhile, of the tournament favourites, it is Brazil who arguably find themselves in the Group of Death. Dunga's side face Portugal, Ivory Coast and Korea DPR, meaning that Real Madrid team-mates Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo will have plenty to talk about at training this week.
Germany fared only marginally better, finding themselves drawn with Australia, Serbia and Ghana in Group D.
The widest smile will surely have been found on the face of England boss Fabio Capello, whose side ought to cruise through against USA, Algeria and Slovenia.
The tournament kicks off on June 11 with South Africa facing Mexico in the opening game.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana,
Group E: Holland, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
The South Africans were drawn alongside Mexico, Uruguay and France in Group A and will need a minor miracle to reach the second round. You can never underestimate the impact of home support but there are no easy games for them.
Meanwhile, of the tournament favourites, it is Brazil who arguably find themselves in the Group of Death. Dunga's side face Portugal, Ivory Coast and Korea DPR, meaning that Real Madrid team-mates Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo will have plenty to talk about at training this week.
Germany fared only marginally better, finding themselves drawn with Australia, Serbia and Ghana in Group D.
The widest smile will surely have been found on the face of England boss Fabio Capello, whose side ought to cruise through against USA, Algeria and Slovenia.
The tournament kicks off on June 11 with South Africa facing Mexico in the opening game.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana,
Group E: Holland, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
Thursday, December 3, 2009
NFL: Weekend preview
A look ahead to some of the weekend's big games.
Titans @ Colts: Both teams bring winning streaks into this one. Tennessee have turned their season around but a trip to Indianapolis will severely test their new resolve. Vince Young is in fine form while running back Chris Johnson represents a major threat to the Colts defense. But Peyton Manning and his team-mates do not scare easily, winning five straight games in the fourth quarter. The Titans will keep things close but the Colts will move to 12-0.
Patriots @ Dolphins: There is a lot on the line as New England travel south. Miami desperately need a victory to keep their hopes alive in the AFC East while the Patriots are looking to put their drubbing against the Saints behind them. Tom Brady and New England do not tend to lose two games on the spin so look for them to bounce back and inflict a damaging loss on the Dolphins on Sunday.
Saints @ Redskins: Much of the talk around the league has centred on whether the Colts or Saints will stay unbeaten the longest - and New Orleans ought to stay perfect this weekend with their varied offense and Washington's banged-up defense. Drew Brees is on a tear and it is hard to imagine the Redskins keeping him quiet.
Cowboys @ Giants: New York need this win badly with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread while Dallas are notoriously poor in December. But with Eli Manning doubtful and the Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware enhancing his reputation as a top sacker, this is where Dallas start to put their December record straight.
Vikings @ Cardinals: Kurt Warner's health is unknown, which is a major worry for Arizona with Brett Favre coming to town. Favre's stunning season just keeps going and Adrian Peterson is proving yet again that he is arguably the league's top running back. The Cardinals have weapons of their own but Minnesota should improve to 11-1 in Sunday's late game.
Titans @ Colts: Both teams bring winning streaks into this one. Tennessee have turned their season around but a trip to Indianapolis will severely test their new resolve. Vince Young is in fine form while running back Chris Johnson represents a major threat to the Colts defense. But Peyton Manning and his team-mates do not scare easily, winning five straight games in the fourth quarter. The Titans will keep things close but the Colts will move to 12-0.
Patriots @ Dolphins: There is a lot on the line as New England travel south. Miami desperately need a victory to keep their hopes alive in the AFC East while the Patriots are looking to put their drubbing against the Saints behind them. Tom Brady and New England do not tend to lose two games on the spin so look for them to bounce back and inflict a damaging loss on the Dolphins on Sunday.
Saints @ Redskins: Much of the talk around the league has centred on whether the Colts or Saints will stay unbeaten the longest - and New Orleans ought to stay perfect this weekend with their varied offense and Washington's banged-up defense. Drew Brees is on a tear and it is hard to imagine the Redskins keeping him quiet.
Cowboys @ Giants: New York need this win badly with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread while Dallas are notoriously poor in December. But with Eli Manning doubtful and the Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware enhancing his reputation as a top sacker, this is where Dallas start to put their December record straight.
Vikings @ Cardinals: Kurt Warner's health is unknown, which is a major worry for Arizona with Brett Favre coming to town. Favre's stunning season just keeps going and Adrian Peterson is proving yet again that he is arguably the league's top running back. The Cardinals have weapons of their own but Minnesota should improve to 11-1 in Sunday's late game.
NBA: Garnett, Celtics too strong for Spurs
Kevin Garnett scored 20 points and Rajon Rondo threw in 12 assists as the Boston Celtics outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 90-83 on Thursday for a sixth straight win.
Both teams brought five-game winning streaks into the game but the Celtics (15-4) established an early lead and never looked back, improving to 8-1 on the road.
Rookie DeJuan Blair led the Spurs with 18 points while Tony Parker had 17 points and Tim Duncan added 16 points and 15 rebounds. They pulled to within four at 87-83 with 57.6secs to play but would get no closer. The Spurs move to 9-7.
The Celtics are building some serious momentum. Garnett is getting stronger and stronger after last year's injury and his jumper is looking smooth. Paul Pierce might have struggled a touch in the past few games but a deep bench and the steady improvement from center Kendrick Perkins means Boston are not missing a beat.
They have pulled level with the conference-leading Orlando Magic, with the Cleveland Cavaliers 1.5 games back, as the race for top spot in the East hots up.
Both teams brought five-game winning streaks into the game but the Celtics (15-4) established an early lead and never looked back, improving to 8-1 on the road.
Rookie DeJuan Blair led the Spurs with 18 points while Tony Parker had 17 points and Tim Duncan added 16 points and 15 rebounds. They pulled to within four at 87-83 with 57.6secs to play but would get no closer. The Spurs move to 9-7.
The Celtics are building some serious momentum. Garnett is getting stronger and stronger after last year's injury and his jumper is looking smooth. Paul Pierce might have struggled a touch in the past few games but a deep bench and the steady improvement from center Kendrick Perkins means Boston are not missing a beat.
They have pulled level with the conference-leading Orlando Magic, with the Cleveland Cavaliers 1.5 games back, as the race for top spot in the East hots up.
Tennis: Mauresmo calls time on fine career
Amelie Mauresmo has retired from tennis at the age of 30.
The French star, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, slipped to number 21 in the world rankings and admitted she no longer wanted to deal with the hours of practice required to keep up with the leading players in the women's game.
Mauresmo told reporters: "It's a bit sad, but this is the right decision. I was lucky enough to have an exceptional career and to experience very strong feelings on the court."
The French star, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, slipped to number 21 in the world rankings and admitted she no longer wanted to deal with the hours of practice required to keep up with the leading players in the women's game.
Mauresmo told reporters: "It's a bit sad, but this is the right decision. I was lucky enough to have an exceptional career and to experience very strong feelings on the court."
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