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For a lot of people, the biggest problem in the clash between Alan Pardew and Hatem Ben Arfa at Newcastle was Ben Arfa himself: he’s viewed by some as a lazy, wayward genius, all too happy to throw away ability when asked for some hard-work. Even those who recognise the player as a brilliant talent with the power to change every game he plays in concede that he’s not a 90 minute player.
That is the accepted truth, because that is what the club, and Alan Pardew in particular have sold us for the past couple of years – ever since, in fact, he abandoned the 4-3-3 system that helped Ben Arfa enjoy his best form as a Newcastle player.
In the summer, we were told Ben Arfa was over-weight, and had let himself go badly, and no matter how good his raw ability, he was to be viewed as a tragic player,...
For a lot of people, the biggest problem in the clash between Alan Pardew and Hatem Ben Arfa at Newcastle was Ben Arfa himself: he’s viewed by some as a lazy, wayward genius, all too happy to throw away ability when asked for some hard-work. Even those who recognise the player as a brilliant talent with the power to change every game he plays in concede that he’s not a 90 minute player.
That is the accepted truth, because that is what the club, and Alan Pardew in particular have sold us for the past couple of years – ever since, in fact, he abandoned the 4-3-3 system that helped Ben Arfa enjoy his best form as a Newcastle player.
In the summer, we were told Ben Arfa was over-weight, and had let himself go badly, and no matter how good his raw ability, he was to be viewed as a tragic player,...
- 10/21/2014
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Nottingham Forest climbed back into the Championship playoff places as goals from Greg Halford and Andy Reid kept up their record of never losing a home game to Qpr. Harry Redknapp’s side missed the chance to go top at the City Ground.
Halford worked Rob Green in the Hoops goal for Forest after an uneventful opening 15 minutes. The versatile Reds player then blazed over following good work from Djamel Abdoun wide left.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto tried his luck from range up from left back at the other end, but Karl Darlow. Henri Lansbury then won a tackle and the Forest midfielder fired into the side netting.
Just before half an hour the Reds went ahead through utility man Halford. He headed home a peach of a cross from Abdoun. Niko Kranjcar led the response for Qpr, curling wide after some silky footwork.
Hoops boss Redknapp made two half time changes,...
Halford worked Rob Green in the Hoops goal for Forest after an uneventful opening 15 minutes. The versatile Reds player then blazed over following good work from Djamel Abdoun wide left.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto tried his luck from range up from left back at the other end, but Karl Darlow. Henri Lansbury then won a tackle and the Forest midfielder fired into the side netting.
Just before half an hour the Reds went ahead through utility man Halford. He headed home a peach of a cross from Abdoun. Niko Kranjcar led the response for Qpr, curling wide after some silky footwork.
Hoops boss Redknapp made two half time changes,...
- 12/26/2013
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Date: Thursday, 28 December; Venue: City Ground, Nottingham; Kickoff: 19:30 GMT
Nottingham Forest have never lost a home game in any competition to Qpr. If Harry Redknapp’s Hoops make history on Boxing Day then, their reward may be to top The Championship table.
Should Burnley fail to win, Qpr can go above them with victory at the City Ground – provided they match or better a potential Leicester City win against Reading. Billy Davies’s Reds have drawn three of their last four outings and have failed to score in the last two.
The Hoops are looking to bounce back from their only home league defeat of the campaign against promotion rivals Leicester. Both teams have suspensions to contend with.
Team News
Forest frontman Darius Henderson starts a ban after being sent off in the goalless draw with Birmingham City. Long-term absentees Dexter Blackstock, club captain Chris Cohen and centre back Kelvin Wilson are also out.
Nottingham Forest have never lost a home game in any competition to Qpr. If Harry Redknapp’s Hoops make history on Boxing Day then, their reward may be to top The Championship table.
Should Burnley fail to win, Qpr can go above them with victory at the City Ground – provided they match or better a potential Leicester City win against Reading. Billy Davies’s Reds have drawn three of their last four outings and have failed to score in the last two.
The Hoops are looking to bounce back from their only home league defeat of the campaign against promotion rivals Leicester. Both teams have suspensions to contend with.
Team News
Forest frontman Darius Henderson starts a ban after being sent off in the goalless draw with Birmingham City. Long-term absentees Dexter Blackstock, club captain Chris Cohen and centre back Kelvin Wilson are also out.
- 12/25/2013
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
When the Playstation 4 dropped a little over a month ago, I was left with a real dilemma. Watch Dogs had been delayed and I haven’t been interested in a Madden NFL game in ten years, but I felt that I needed two games to get things started on the right foot.
One had to be a sports game, and in eliminating American football from the equation I was left with two choices: a basketball game, or FIFA 14.
I haven’t followed soccer in a few years, and even when I did I wasn’t a diehard fan. Actually, it could be argued pretty easily that I had no idea about the game whatsoever. I’m a Wolves supporter because cheering for a team to avoid relegation is more fun to me than cheering for a team that might finish at the top of the table, but aside from that...
One had to be a sports game, and in eliminating American football from the equation I was left with two choices: a basketball game, or FIFA 14.
I haven’t followed soccer in a few years, and even when I did I wasn’t a diehard fan. Actually, it could be argued pretty easily that I had no idea about the game whatsoever. I’m a Wolves supporter because cheering for a team to avoid relegation is more fun to me than cheering for a team that might finish at the top of the table, but aside from that...
- 12/23/2013
- by Matthew Ryder
- Obsessed with Film
Ever since Mick McCarthy was sacked, relegation has been inevitable for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The decision to dispense with the former Republic of Ireland manager was not in itself the axe that killed off Wolves survival hopes, but the calamity in appointing a successor meant the boys in gold never stood a chance.
Rather than receive a bump from a new manager with fresh ideas, the internal promotion of the affable Terry Connor brought with it a ‘meh’, and it is no surprise that results continued to go downhill. Yet Saturday’s 4-4 draw at Swansea showed there is still fight in this team as well as quality, although the 4-4 score line gives quick indication of their strengths and weaknesses.
First, let’s look at the finances. Relegation from the Premiership instantly means a shrinking of budgets, but Wolves are a well run club. TV money has been invested in...
Rather than receive a bump from a new manager with fresh ideas, the internal promotion of the affable Terry Connor brought with it a ‘meh’, and it is no surprise that results continued to go downhill. Yet Saturday’s 4-4 draw at Swansea showed there is still fight in this team as well as quality, although the 4-4 score line gives quick indication of their strengths and weaknesses.
First, let’s look at the finances. Relegation from the Premiership instantly means a shrinking of budgets, but Wolves are a well run club. TV money has been invested in...
- 4/29/2012
- by Alan Frost
- Obsessed with Film
Wolves and Bolton go into this crucial six-pointer with differing recent fortunes in their fight for Premier League survival.
Terry Connor’s side haven’t won in six and are on a run of four straight league defeats, whereas the Lancashire outfit come into the game on the back of two vital victories against Qpr and Blackburn.
On that basis this must surely be considered a must win game for Wolves who are four points adrift of their opponents and the safety of 17th place and remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Bolton on the other hand will be looking to put more distance between themselves and the sides below them in the battle to remain in the top flight. Both Qpr and Wigan face tough fixtures against Arsenal and Stoke respectively, although the two struggling sides both play at home this weekend.
When these two sides met...
Terry Connor’s side haven’t won in six and are on a run of four straight league defeats, whereas the Lancashire outfit come into the game on the back of two vital victories against Qpr and Blackburn.
On that basis this must surely be considered a must win game for Wolves who are four points adrift of their opponents and the safety of 17th place and remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Bolton on the other hand will be looking to put more distance between themselves and the sides below them in the battle to remain in the top flight. Both Qpr and Wigan face tough fixtures against Arsenal and Stoke respectively, although the two struggling sides both play at home this weekend.
When these two sides met...
- 3/30/2012
- by Jack Bond
- Obsessed with Film
Team news ahead of Manchester United’s trip to the Molineux to face struggling Wolves in the Premier League. Kick-off time is at 1.30pm and the match will be televised live on Sky Sports 1 in the UK.
Wolves caretaker boss Terry Connor has no fresh injury concerns ahead of today’s match but is still missing Karl Henry who is battling to overcome his hamstring injury. He hopes to return for the match on March 24th at Norwich.
Connor has a big decision to make over captain Roger Johnson who was dropped from the starting line-up over disciplinary problems in the past few weeks that have coincided with the club leaking nine goals in just three games.
For Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, Wayne Rooney should start as he shrugs off the knock he took during Thursday night’s Europa League defeat in Spain. He played the full 90 minutes of the match,...
Wolves caretaker boss Terry Connor has no fresh injury concerns ahead of today’s match but is still missing Karl Henry who is battling to overcome his hamstring injury. He hopes to return for the match on March 24th at Norwich.
Connor has a big decision to make over captain Roger Johnson who was dropped from the starting line-up over disciplinary problems in the past few weeks that have coincided with the club leaking nine goals in just three games.
For Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, Wayne Rooney should start as he shrugs off the knock he took during Thursday night’s Europa League defeat in Spain. He played the full 90 minutes of the match,...
- 3/18/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Team news ahead of the relegation six pointer between Wolves and Blackburn Rovers at the Molineux this afternoon. Kick-off time is at 3pm and the match is not being screened live anywhere in the UK.
Wolves captain Roger Johnson has been included in the squad after being disciplined for turning up for training on Monday in an unfit state. Johnson had been dropped for the past two games before the problems on Monday. On loan Spurs defender Sebastien Bassong should play having overcome his hamstring injury.
Both players missed the heavy 5-0 defeat at Fulham last weekend.
David Davis has been recalled from his loan spell at Chesterfield to boost midfield numbers with Karl Henry sidelined with a hamstring injury. Dave Edwards did resume training this past Thursday after being sidelined for a fortnight and could also be in contention.
Finally top scorer Steven Fletcher has recovered from his illness to play.
Wolves captain Roger Johnson has been included in the squad after being disciplined for turning up for training on Monday in an unfit state. Johnson had been dropped for the past two games before the problems on Monday. On loan Spurs defender Sebastien Bassong should play having overcome his hamstring injury.
Both players missed the heavy 5-0 defeat at Fulham last weekend.
David Davis has been recalled from his loan spell at Chesterfield to boost midfield numbers with Karl Henry sidelined with a hamstring injury. Dave Edwards did resume training this past Thursday after being sidelined for a fortnight and could also be in contention.
Finally top scorer Steven Fletcher has recovered from his illness to play.
- 3/10/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Newcastle United welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to St. James’ Park this afternoon, the visitors who have a new manager in Terry Connor. The former assistant to axed Mick McCarthy was given the reigns yesterday until the end of the season after a flurry of candidates turned down the job at the Molineux in the last fortnight. He has 13 games remaining to keep Wolves in the division, with a tough visit to the North East today to start his gauntlet.
Meanwhile Newcastle will be hoping to take three points today that could send them back into fourth by end of play today depending on struggling Chelsea’s result against Bolton at Stamford Bridge.
After the 5-0 thrashing at White Hart Lane, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will be delighted to welcome back key central midfield pairing Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye. Tiote has missed the last seven matches because of Ivory Coast’s African Cup of Nations campaign,...
Meanwhile Newcastle will be hoping to take three points today that could send them back into fourth by end of play today depending on struggling Chelsea’s result against Bolton at Stamford Bridge.
After the 5-0 thrashing at White Hart Lane, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will be delighted to welcome back key central midfield pairing Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye. Tiote has missed the last seven matches because of Ivory Coast’s African Cup of Nations campaign,...
- 2/25/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Yes, that’s right. It’s time for the Black Country derby. The second of the season. An event that excites all of us in the West Midlands, mistakes, goals, controversy, red cards, fouls, disputes, own goals are all things that occur in the average Wolves v West Brom derby. And you can watch the game unfold live on Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon.
This is the 146th league Black Country derby. Earlier in the season, West Brom ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from skipper Chris Brunt, who is currently out injured, and Peter Odemwingie. Last season, though, at Molienux Wolves beat the Baggies 3-1 and went onto survive relegation. It’s all about revenge this time around for Roy Hodgson’s men.
The hosts will take their extremely valuable victory at Qpr last weekend into the match on Sunday and are likely to be off straight from the blocks early on.
This is the 146th league Black Country derby. Earlier in the season, West Brom ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from skipper Chris Brunt, who is currently out injured, and Peter Odemwingie. Last season, though, at Molienux Wolves beat the Baggies 3-1 and went onto survive relegation. It’s all about revenge this time around for Roy Hodgson’s men.
The hosts will take their extremely valuable victory at Qpr last weekend into the match on Sunday and are likely to be off straight from the blocks early on.
- 2/12/2012
- by Nathan Carr
- Obsessed with Film
Team News for Queens Park Rangers vs Wolves, a 3pm Premier League kick-off this Saturday afternoon.
Transfer deadline day signing Bobby Zamora should make his Queens Park Rangers debut, striking up an instant partnership with Djibril Cisse who scored just 12 minutes into his first game for the club in Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
With Adel Taarabt and Armand Traore now back from the African Cup of Nations duty they could play, with Jay Bothroyd also close to a return from a groin injury. He could be on the bench today.
Definitely missing out for Qpr are DJ Campbell (hamstring), Heidar Helguson (groin), Alejandro Faurlin (knee) with Akos Buzsaky (achilles) a major doubt.
For Wolves, manager Mick McCarthy has no fresh injury concerns and on-loan Spurs defender Sebastian Bassong may make his debut for the club. Midfielder Jamie O’Hare should feature after being classed fit again after his hernia operation success.
Transfer deadline day signing Bobby Zamora should make his Queens Park Rangers debut, striking up an instant partnership with Djibril Cisse who scored just 12 minutes into his first game for the club in Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
With Adel Taarabt and Armand Traore now back from the African Cup of Nations duty they could play, with Jay Bothroyd also close to a return from a groin injury. He could be on the bench today.
Definitely missing out for Qpr are DJ Campbell (hamstring), Heidar Helguson (groin), Alejandro Faurlin (knee) with Akos Buzsaky (achilles) a major doubt.
For Wolves, manager Mick McCarthy has no fresh injury concerns and on-loan Spurs defender Sebastian Bassong may make his debut for the club. Midfielder Jamie O’Hare should feature after being classed fit again after his hernia operation success.
- 2/4/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Perhaps today’s most intriguing Premier League tie takes place at Old Trafford as Manchester United, just days after their embarrassing premature exit from the Champions League, take on Mick McCarthy’s battling Wolves.
It’s hard to imagine a more depressing time for The Red Devils. Their close rivals Manchester City are five points ahead at the top of the Premier League and have already humiliated Fergie’s side on his own ground. A home defeat against Wolves for the first time 31 years could prove horrific, even a draw would be disastrous today.
It’s time for United to stand-up and be counted today. Players like Wayne Rooney, who got himself some good news with his international ban being reduced on Thursday and he may now stop sulking on the pitch. After a blistering league start he hasn’t scored since September. Ryan Giggs needs to recapture his form...
It’s hard to imagine a more depressing time for The Red Devils. Their close rivals Manchester City are five points ahead at the top of the Premier League and have already humiliated Fergie’s side on his own ground. A home defeat against Wolves for the first time 31 years could prove horrific, even a draw would be disastrous today.
It’s time for United to stand-up and be counted today. Players like Wayne Rooney, who got himself some good news with his international ban being reduced on Thursday and he may now stop sulking on the pitch. After a blistering league start he hasn’t scored since September. Ryan Giggs needs to recapture his form...
- 12/10/2011
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
A fresh start for The Wearsiders today as they travel to Wolves, their players knowing that they have something of a fresh slate with new manager Martin O’Neill (who will be in the stands today, assistant manager Eric Black in charge until Monday) and the impetus is there to impress their new gaffer. It was obvious in the last couple of weeks that former boss Steve Bruce had lost not only the support of his players but of the fans too and with a new manager in it will hopefully bring better horizons. It sure does feel a lot longer than six months ago when Bruce led Sunderland to their highest top flight finish in a decade.
For Wolves, they were at one point this season desperate for boss Mick McCarthy to similarly be given the chop but he has rode it out and so far remains. The struggling...
For Wolves, they were at one point this season desperate for boss Mick McCarthy to similarly be given the chop but he has rode it out and so far remains. The struggling...
- 12/4/2011
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Wolves were the better of two error-prone sides as they welcomed Wigan to the Molineux. Jamie O’Hara, David Edwards and Stephen Ward helped Mick McCarthy’s men to a 3-1 victory, with Ben Watson’s penalty rebound the only response from the visitors. With both sides squandering many a chance, it was Wigan ‘keeper Ali Al-Habsi who kept the score looking reasonable, as weak attacks met weaker defences.
A huge game really – both teams have been very poor so far this season and would have seen this encounter as vital. After all, if they couldn’t beat today’s opponents who on earth could they beat? This was true of Wolves and Wigan – Mick McCarthy’s side hadn’t won in eight weeks, and Roberto Martinez’s Latics had lost an unbelievable seven games on the trot. It wasn’t too bold a prediction to suggest that whoever lost...
A huge game really – both teams have been very poor so far this season and would have seen this encounter as vital. After all, if they couldn’t beat today’s opponents who on earth could they beat? This was true of Wolves and Wigan – Mick McCarthy’s side hadn’t won in eight weeks, and Roberto Martinez’s Latics had lost an unbelievable seven games on the trot. It wasn’t too bold a prediction to suggest that whoever lost...
- 11/6/2011
- by Alex Moore
- Obsessed with Film
Jamie O’Hara netted in the 86th minute to cap off a remarkable Wolves comeback.
The hosts trailed 2-0 at the break and seemed certain to be heading for a sixth successive Premier League loss.
Danny Graham slotted the visitors ahead from Mark Gower’s clever, dinked pass and Joe Allen converted Graham’s inviting cross to double the lead.
But Kevin Doyle’s close-range shot gave Wolves hope and Jamie O’Hara’s fierce strike denied Swansea victory.
The visitors did at least claim their first away point of the season but seemed certain to secure the win after outclassing Wolves for much of the game.
And although they could have led inside a minute when Karl Henry tested Michel Vorm with a fizzing half-volley, the Swans dominated the midfield throughout.
The visitors’ slick passing and bright interplay saw them deservedly lead at half-time.
Allen went close with a...
The hosts trailed 2-0 at the break and seemed certain to be heading for a sixth successive Premier League loss.
Danny Graham slotted the visitors ahead from Mark Gower’s clever, dinked pass and Joe Allen converted Graham’s inviting cross to double the lead.
But Kevin Doyle’s close-range shot gave Wolves hope and Jamie O’Hara’s fierce strike denied Swansea victory.
The visitors did at least claim their first away point of the season but seemed certain to secure the win after outclassing Wolves for much of the game.
And although they could have led inside a minute when Karl Henry tested Michel Vorm with a fizzing half-volley, the Swans dominated the midfield throughout.
The visitors’ slick passing and bright interplay saw them deservedly lead at half-time.
Allen went close with a...
- 10/24/2011
- by Nathan Carr
- Obsessed with Film
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