Bleacher Report - Articles by Brian Stevens

Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal: Four Goal Andrei Damages Kop Title Hopes

Brian Stevens — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:58:47 -0400

Andrei Arshavin’s four goals denied Liverpool going clear at the top of the Premier League to put the pressure on Man United. United can breathe more easily now after Benayoun’s late equalizer was not good enough for Rafael Benitez in a game of Russian roulette at Anfield.

Liverpool went into the game with the title still in their sights, without their influential captain Steven Gerrard, whilst Arsenal had slim hopes of the title as they were looking to cement the final Champion's League place.

Liverpool started off the brightest, dominating the first half hour, with Arsenal keeper Fabianski standing up to his recent criticism denying Torres twice, Riera and Benayoun with a spectacular save to deny Torres, diving to his left.

Arsenal had their first chance of the match on 28 minutes after a slick passing move, as Fabregas’s volley couldn’t find the stretching Nicholas Bendtner.

Liverpool then had two excellent chances to take the lead after Torres was denied again by Fabianski from 25 yards. From the resulting corner, Daniel Agger’s header was cleared off the line from Samir Nasri.

Then, against the run of play, Arsenal took the lead on 35 minutes when Javier Mascherano was dispossessed and Cesc Fabregas then rolled in Andrei Arshavin, who smashed it in with his left foot, off the bar and in from seven yards out.

The only other chance before half time went to Liverpool, when Yossi Benayoun was denied again by Fabianski after he was played through.

Liverpool came out in the second half with something to prove and it only took three minutes for Dirk Kuyt’s second attempt at a cross and Torres to head in from ten yards at the kop end into Fabianski’s left hand corner.

In the 55^thminute Liverpool then took a deserved lead when bad defending from Arsenal let in Kuyt to get his second assist of the evening to cross for Benayoun, whose looping header just crept over the line from four yards.

After Bacary Sagna got booked for a challenge on Riera from referee Howard Webb and Walcott had replaced Denilson. Arsenal equalized through Arshavin’s second goal of the evening after another defensive error from Liverpool this time from Alvaro Arbeloa which let the Russian hit a swerving shot from his right foot in the bottom corner from 20 yards out in the 64^th minute.

Arsenal then took the lead again just five minutes later when Arshavin got his hat trick. Fabio Aurelio’s poor defensive clearance fell to the Arsenal’s January signing to put it through Reina with his right foot from eight yards.

It then just took three minutes for Liverpool to equalize with Fernando Torres to grab his second of the evening to make it 3-3. Albert Riera’s cross was calmly controlled by Torres and a little shimmy past Mikael Silvestre to power past the keeper from 14 yards.

Babel then came on for Riera hoping to make an impact to the game. Liverpool was denied again off the line from Kieran Gibbs, this time to deny Torres' header for his hat trick, which followed with El Zhar replacing Dirk Kuyt.

Then a break in the 90^thminute from substitute Theo Walcott slid in Andrei Arshavin to blast in his and Arsenal’s fourth shot on target with his left foot from 17 yards to Reina’s right hand corner. Arsene Wenger brought on Abou Diaby for Bendtner to defend the lead.

Then amazingly for a second Tuesday running Liverpool got a 4-4 draw thanks to Benayoun’s second deep into stoppage time when the ball fell to him from 7 yards for him to rifle home to send the kop end crazy.

Another thrilling game featuring Liverpool left their Premiership title hopes heavily damaged with United having two games in hand over the Reds. Arsenal would be pleased after their FA cup defeat at Wembley to the hands of Chelsea at the weekend.

Brian Steven's Premier League Team of the 2008/09 Season

Brian Stevens — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:06:27 -0400

This has been one of the Premier League's greatest seasons so far, and I am going to choose my starting eleven for the 2008/09 campaign.

First, the most important position of all: the goalkeeper. Seeing as I play that spot, it's not a hard choice.

I have selected Manchester United's Edwin Van der Sar, due to his amazing run without conceding a goal and keeping United top of the league. He has made crucial saves and has controlled his penalty box well this season.

My other two contenders for the goalkeeper of the year were Pepe Reina (Liverpool) and Mark Schwarzer (Fulham).

My right back would have to be Alvaro Arbeloa of Liverpool, as he has played very consistently in his team's title run-in this year. I think he's a very good offensive full-back and does not make many errors.

My center back pairing would be Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) and Phil Jagielka (Everton).

Ferdinand was an easy choice, as he has been formidable at the back for United's defence.

And since I didn't really want to just choose the players from the big teams, I went with the recently capped England international Jagielka for the other spot; he's been one of Everton's key players in their challenge for a UEFA Cup spot.

The left back slot goes to Patrice Evra (Manchester United). Despite the disaster in his debut in the Manchester derby a few seasons ago, he has been one of United's best players, and this season I think his offensive runs and consistency at the back have earned him the right to complete my back four.

Right midfield is for Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United). As if you could leave him out!

The 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year has not had as great of a season as last, but he still catches the eye with his skill and the goals he scores for the Red Devils.

My centre midfield pairing would have to be Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Marouane Fellaini (Everton).

I have chosen the Merdeyside pairing because Gerrard has been world-class with his drive to win the Premier League title, and his goal ratio, assists, and work-rate for the Reds have been outstanding.

Fellaini gets the other nod because of the havoc he has wrought upon opposing defenses, despite having just switched from Belgian side Standard Liege. Despite his bad hair style, he has scored vital goals for Everton, partly due to his aerial threat.

Now, my left midfielder was going to be Aston Villa's Ashley Young, but I think this man deserves it more, as he is one of the Premiership's greatest-ever players. He has scored in all 17 Premier League seasons.

Can you guess who it is?

Welsh wizard Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) of course doesn't go at the same pace he once did, but he's my man here. He's been a credit to football and a great professional. The way he still carries on for United with his overall team play and determination makes him more than worthy to be in my team.

My two forward selections might be a bit controversial.

Kevin Davies (Bolton Wanderers) is on my list, as I think he has been great for Bolton this season. After taking the captaincy, he has scored more goals this season than he ever has in the Premier League.

He's known as the league's dirtiest player, as he always concedes the most fouls, but his presence and goals should confirm this status.

Also getting my recognition is Fernando Torres (Liverpool).

He had a slow start to the season, but this man deserves to be on this squad despite his injuries. The Spaniard has made his way to the top of the goal-scoring charts this season, and with his great pace, technique, and goal ratio, he could help Liverpool to the top.

This is my 11. Hope you think I've made good decisions; please comment if you think someone else should be here.

Squad in Full

Edwin Van der Sar     (Manchester United)
Alvaro Arbeloa           (Liverpool)
Rio Ferdinand            (Manchester United)
Phil Jagielka              (Everton)
Patrice Evra              (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo       (Manchester United)
Steven Gerrard          (Liverpool)
Marouane Fellani        (Everton)
Ryan Giggs                (Manchester United)
Kevin Davies              (Bolton Wanderers)
Fernando Torres         (Liverpool)

Darts: Week 11 Premier League Action in Nottingham

Brian Stevens — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:29:08 -0400

James Wade stormed to the top of the Premier League last night after playing two games in Nottingham.

Wade won the first match 8-1 thrashing Terry Jenkins, and the second one ended in a 7-7 draw with the 14-time world champion Phil Taylor.

Week 11 of the Premier League was held in the Trent FM arena in Nottingham. It started with former BDO world champion Jelle Klaasen. He came back from being 5-2 down in legs to draw 7-7 with Mervyn King. The young Dutchman hit seven 180s to get his sixth point of this years campaign and to go two points clear of bottom placed Wanye Mardle.

Mardle had withdrawn from last night's matches after he was taken to the hospital with mumps; this is the second week in a row he has missed. His abscense forced John Part to play twice last week, and due to his withdrawal this time it caused Mervyn King and James wade to play two games on the night, while John Part took the week off.

Mardle's position in this years event maybe in doubt if he fails to attend week 12 in Aberdeen.

James Wade won his first match of the evening with a hammering of Terry "the bull" Jenkins. Wade had a three dart average of just over 108, the highest in this year's competition.

Five time world champion Raymond van Barneveld then came back from being down 7-5 to get a draw with Mervyn King, who claimed his second point of the night. With the win, King is almost guaranteed a place at Wembley Stadium for the playoffs in May.

Barneveld moved up to the fourth and final playoff spot.

The final match of the evening was between world number one Phil "the power" Taylor and world number two James "the machine" Wade. Wade playing his second match at the Trent FM arena managed to keep up with Taylor, bringing the score to 3-3 with him at the interval.

After the break James then broke Taylor's throw twice, including a stunning 145 checkout to go 7-3 up. Then the 14 time world champion came back to clinch a point with double 16, after Wade missed two shots at a double for the match despite having a perfect doubles out.

Wade is now on top with 17 points and Taylor is in second with 16 points, but has a game in hand on Wade.

Week 12 of the Premier League goes back to Scotland for a third time this season in Aberdeen, where Wayne Mardle hopes to make a comeback after missing the last two weeks.