Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started

Month: September 2018

Three Welsh players net their first club goals this season

Cardiff-born Andrew Hughes is doing all that he can to capture the attention of Ryan Giggs. The Preston left-back scored his first goal for the club from a free kick after signing in the summer. With Paul Dummett currently injured and other left-backs Neil Taylor and Declan John not getting regular football, Hughes could be in contention for his first international call up next week. Chris Maxwell was in goal for Preston but couldn’t stop West Brom scoring three goals to win the game 3-2.

It was the perfect day for Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium as they beat QPR 3-0. Connor Roberts scored his first goal for the club, following his first career goal just three weeks ago for Wales. Joe Rodon kept his place at the back and could be another player to earn his first Wales senior call up. Daniel James was an unused substitute for the Swans.

Tyler Roberts maintained his good form with Leeds as they drew 1-1 with Sheffield Wednesday. Roberts played the full match and bagged an assist for the stunning Leeds equaliser. Ash Baker played an hour for Sheff Weds at left back.

It was a first goal of the season for Sam Vokes, who headed in Burnley’s winner against Cardiff to win 2-1. Jazz Richards was an unused substitute for Cardiff in the same game.

Keiron Freeman is another player who will be looking to impress Ryan Giggs ahead of upcoming internationals, as he remains first-choice right-back for Sheffield United. He played 90 mins in a dramatic 3-2 away win against Millwall, where veteran Steve Morison captained the home side. Tom Bradshaw was an unused sub for Millwall and Ben Woodburn was not in the 18 for Sheff Utd.

Ashley Williams and Joe Allen started together in the Stoke team for the first time this month, but were unable to guide the team to their third league victory of the season. Stoke conceded two goals again and sit in 17th position after drawing 2-2 with 18th placed Rotherham.

Brentford’s Chris Mepham and Reading’s Chris Gunter played 90 minutes against each other on Saturday in a game that finished 2-2 at Griffin Park. Meanwhile, Derby’s Harry Wilson couldn’t quite match the excellent level he displayed at Old Trafford in midweek against Man Utd. Derby lost against Bolton 1-0 away from home and Tom Lawrence made his first appearance for The Rams after returning from suspension. Christian Doidge came on for the final 15 minutes for Bolton.

James Chester played his regular 90 minutes for Villa, but failed to keep a clean sheet again. The game finished 1-1 with Bristol City and Marley Watkins appeared for a few minutes to see out the match.

Lee Evans‘ Wigan lost 1-0 away from home against Norwich, where Louis Thompson made a second half appearance in midfield for the Canaries. Evans is a likely candidate to be called up next week because Andy King and Joe Ledley are not getting any first team football currently.

Aaron Ramsey will have been massively disappointed to be taken off after an hour for Arsenal. The breakdown in contract negotiations became public news this week and will have no doubt influenced Emery’s decision in the game to bring Ramsey off early. Ramsey is rumoured to move to Serie A, either in January for a fee or next summer when his contract finishes.

It was a slight worry to see Gareth Bale brought off at half time in the Madrid derby for what was thought to be a minor muscular injury. Here’s hoping he is fit for the matches against Spain and Rep. of Ireland in a couple of weeks.

In League One, Adam Matthews came on very early in the first half for Sunderland as they drew 1-1 with Coventry. Adam Davies remains as Barnsley no.1 and played 90 mins in their 3-1 win against Fleetwood. Tom Lockyer came off injured after 38 minutes for Bristol Rovers.

Alex Babos made his first appearance for Spanish Segunda side Real Union on Sunday evening, coming on in the 76th minute. 18-year-old Matt Smith played in central midfield in FC Twente’s 2-1 comeback win.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive all of the latest updates.

Read more:
• Wales Watch: Harry Wilson shows his quality in the League Cup
• Wales Watch: Ramsey and Wilson hit form 
• Tyler Roberts was the star player of the midweek games 
• Club football restarts: Welsh player updates 

Advertisement

Wales Watch: Harry Wilson shows his quality in the League Cup

On-loan Derby midfielder, Harry Wilson, scored his first goal for the club on the weekend. On Tuesday night at Old Trafford he did something spectacular; a piece of skill the world’s best would be proud of. Derby were 1-0 down against Manchester United away from home and won a free kick 30 yards out on 58 minutes. Wilson stepped up and did this:

The Liverpool loanee even showed the Man Utd fans the “five times” celebration at Old Trafford, as Fernando Torres did when he was at the club (referring to Liverpool’s five Champions League trophies). Derby won the match 8-7 on penalties after the game finished 2-2; Wilson scored his penalty and won the man of the match award for his exceptional performance.

Danny Ward‘s heroics for Leicester against Wolves showed that he is ready to step into the first team in place of Schmeichel if needed. The game ended 0-0 after 90 minutes and penalties were to follow. Ward ended up saving three penalties at Molineux and Leicester went on to win 3-1. Considering Ward has only played one other game this season, he seems to be in top condition.

Chris Maxwell and Andrew Hughes started for Preston for the second consecutive game against Middlesborough on Tuesday. This game also went to penalties following a 2-2 draw, however, Maxwell was unable to replicate Ward’s fine form and didn’t save any penalties.

Real Madrid were hammered by Sevilla 3-0 and Gareth Bale played 90 minutes after being benched on the weekend. He came close to scoring in the first half by hitting the post, but it was a poor night overall.

Ashley Williams played the full match for Stoke, but they lost 3-2 against Nottingham Forest. Stoke were 3-0 down after just 50 minutes and Joe Allen was an unused sub.

Arsenal kept Aaron Ramsey on the bench until the last 5 minutes of the match, where they won 3-1 against Brentford. Chris Mepham was rested and didn’t come on.

Ben Davies played 90 minutes for Tottenham at their temporary new home ground, Stadium MK, for one game. Watford equalised when Capoue’s shot deflected off Davies in the 89th minute. Spurs drew 2-2 but won 4-2 on penalties, Davies didn’t take a penalty.

Louis Thompson played 76 minutes for Norwich in a dramatic 4-3 win against Wycombe and Sam Vokes came on for 10 minutes at the end as Burnley lost 2-1 away to Burton.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive all of the latest updates.

Read more:
• Wales Watch: Ramsey and Wilson hit form
• Tyler Roberts was the star player of the midweek games 
• Club football restarts: Welsh player updates 

Wales Watch: Ramsey and Wilson hit form

The last time Aaron Ramsey faced Everton (in February this year), he scored his first career hat-trick. He didn’t quite reach those heights today, but still managed to grab two assists for both of the Arsenal goals in a game that finished 2-0.

For the first he laid the ball off to Lacazette to smash in the top corner, and the second was a small Cruyff-style flick for Aubameyang to finish (though it was offside).

It was a good day at the office for both Wayne Hennessey and Paul Dummett, who kept clean sheets against each other in Crystal Palace 0-0 Newcastle. That game was Hennessey’s third clean sheet of the season – only Alisson of Liverpool has more with four.

Harry Wilson managed his first goal in a Derby shirt after signing on a season-long loan from Liverpool in the summer. Wilson picked up the ball in his own half and passed it to ex-Cardiff midfielder Craig Bryson, before receiving it back in the 18 yard box to net his first of the season. Chris Mepham was up against Wilson but was unable to stop Derby scoring three goals.

Sam Vokes‘ Burnley had a tremendous 4-0 victory against David Brooks‘ Bournemouth. Both players went close to getting on the scoresheet but neither were successful this time. Jazz Richards came on in the second half for Cardiff, but couldn’t stop Man City dominating the game at the CCS.

Tyler Roberts got 90 minutes for Leeds and was unable to replicate his magnificent performance in midweek. Leeds lost for the first time this season against Birmingham, but still sit top of the Championship.

It was another clean sheet for Swansea on Saturday against a tough Tony Pulis Middlesborough team. Joe Rodon was back in the starting eleven for the Swans and Connor Roberts kept his usual place on the right. Daniel James came on in the second half in a game that finished 0-0.

Chris Maxwell made his first league appearance of the season for Preston, along with Andrew Hughes who returned to the line up. Hughes bagged his first assist of the season to level the score 2-2, but a late goal from Sheffield United saw Preston lose the game 3-2. Ben Woodburn was an unused sub.

Aston Villa and Stoke City maintained their poor starts to the season and both lost at home against Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers respectively. James Chester and Joe Allen started for Villa and Stoke, while young full-back Ash Baker played 90 minutes for the winning side, Sheff Weds. Ashley Williams remained on the bench for Stoke and Neil Taylor was left out of the match day squad again for Villa.

Matt Smith started again for FC Twente in their 3-1 away win, taking them to fifth in the second tier of Dutch football. Gareth Bale was an unused sub for Real Madrid after scoring in the Champions League in midweek, as was Alex Babos for Real Union, who made the squad for the first time after a deadline day loan signing from Derby.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive all of the latest updates.

Read more:
• Tyler Roberts was the star player of the midweek games
• Club football restarts: Welsh player updates 
• Denmark 2-0 Wales: Video analysis 
• Wales 4-1 Rep. of Ireland: Video analysis of the four Welsh goals 
• Are we witnessing the birth of another ‘golden generation’? 

Tyler Roberts was the star player of the midweek games

It was a night to remember for Tyler Roberts on Tuesday night. Roberts ensured he marked his second introduction with two brilliant second-half goals, following his debut appearance for Leeds on the weekend. The first finish was a delightful chip over the keeper to go 2-0 ahead, and the second was a trademark striker’s header to finish 3-0.

Real Madrid comfortably beat Roma 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday evening and Gareth Bale was once again amongst the goals. He scored Madrid’s second of the night by running on to a world class pass from Luka Modric and finishing into the bottom corner.

Swansea lost their second game of the season, thanks to ex-Swansea graduate Joe Allen. It is rare that Allen scores for Stoke, but this was a vital win against his former club. Swansea only kept Connor Roberts in the team from Saturday, as Joe Rodon and Declan John were dropped to the bench. Welsh winger, Daniel James played 72 minutes for the Swans.

James Chester captained Aston Villa to successfully attaining their first clean sheet of the season. After playing 90 minutes against Blackburn on the weekend, Neil Taylor was dropped from the squad of 18 altogether. Chris Gunter got another 90 mins for Reading but failed to keep a clean sheet.

Ben Davies was back in the Tottenham side for their first Champions League game against Inter Milan on Tuesday. Spurs conceded two very late goals to lose the game 2-1 at the San Siro.

Chris Mepham got his usual 90 minutes for Brentford in their 1-1 draw against Ipswich. He came up against Ellis Harrison, who was brought off at half time and Gwion Edwards was brought on for the second 45.

Lee Evans bagged another assist for Wigan in their 2-1 win against Hull. Evans missed out on the Wales squad this month, but delivering balls into the box like this will ensure he stays in Giggs’ plans.

Harry Wilson returned from injury to play 20 minutes for Derby in their 0-0 result against Blackburn. Tom Lawrence was suspended and Joe Ledley wasn’t in the squad.

Welsh full-backs Ash Baker and Morgan Fox both got 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday in a 2-1 defeat at the City Ground.

Tom Bradshaw was replaced at half time by Steve Morison in Millwall’s 2-0 loss against QPR. Millwall have only scored 7 goals in 8 games this season and sit 21st in the Championship table.

It has been a tough start to the season for young Welshman Ben Woodburn, who was unable to impact the scoreline again in Sheffield Utd’s goalless draw on Wednesday night. Sheff Utd face 23rd placed Preston on Saturday afternoon, which will hopefully provide a great opportunity for Ben to make his mark at Bramall Lane.

Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu were both left out of the Arsenal and Chelsea squads for their Europa League ties on Thursday evening.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive all of the latest updates.

Read more:
• Cardiff suffer defeat for the third time this season: Video analysis
• Club football restarts: Welsh player updates 
• Denmark 2-0 Wales: Video analysis 
• Wales 4-1 Rep. of Ireland: Video analysis of the four Welsh goals 
• Are we witnessing the birth of another ‘golden generation’? 

Club football restarts: Welsh player updates

Marley Watkins scored for the second time in as many games on Saturday. After coming on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, he went on to score the winning goal in Bristol City’s 1-0 win against Sheffield United. Ben Woodburn was an unused sub in the same match.

David Brooks continued his good form for Bournemouth in their 4-2 win over Leicester City on Saturday, and his performance earned him high praise from the home fans. He left the pitch just after an hour when Bournemouth were 3-0 ahead.

No goal for Gareth Bale this weekend for the first time in 8 La Liga games, however he did manage to whip in an excellent ball for Isco to finish.

Cardiff took a 4-1 loss against Chelsea on the weekend and Jazz Richards made his first Premier League appearance of the season, coming on for an injured Harry Arter at half time. Richards played predominantly in midfield, switching between playing centrally and out wide on the right, but couldn’t impact the game.

Wayne Hennessey got his second clean sheet of the season for Crystal Palace in a 1-0 win over Huddersfield. Other Welsh goalkeepers, Danny Ward and Chris Maxwell still can’t get league game time for their clubs. Adam Davies remains in goal for Barnsley, who lost 1-0 against Coventry.

Aaron Ramsey made headlines this weekend, but not for anything performance based in Arsenal’s 2-1 win. Arsenal manager, Unai Emery criticised the Welsh team for playing Ramsey for 90 minutes in both Nations League games. Paul Dummett played the full match for Newcastle in the same fixture.

Christian Doidge made his Championship debut for Bolton on Saturday and was handed the no.9 shirt. He didn’t impact the scoreline in his first 90 minutes following a deadline day move from League Two club, Forest Green Rovers. Tyler Roberts also made his Championship debut on Saturday for Leeds after winning his first two senior Welsh caps for the national team last week. Leeds drew 1-1 against a Millwall side that included Tom Bradshaw, who came on after 70 minutes to replace Steve Morison.

Welsh Championship defenders are now of huge popularity and competency. Chris Mepham has been the outstanding performer so far and kept another clean sheet for Brentford in their 2-0 win, taking them to second place. Villa pairing, James Chester and Neil Taylor played 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Blackburn. Ashley Williams remains on the bench for Stoke.

Swansea had three Welsh players in their back four that kept a clean sheet against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Connor Roberts and Joe Rodon were the two regular names and Declan John made his first league start for the club, after moving from Rangers in the summer.

Matt Smith kept his place in the FC Twente team in a 2-0 win, following his first Welsh senior cap on Thursday last week.

And finally, it was a really bad day at the office for the Welsh contingent at Derby. Tom Lawrence was sent off in the second half, Joe Ledley was an unused sub and Harry Wilson didn’t make the match day 18.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive all of the latest updates.

Read more:
• Denmark 2-0 Wales: Video analysis
• Wales 4-1 Rep. of Ireland: Video analysis of the four Welsh goals 
• Are we witnessing the birth of another ‘golden generation’? 
• James Chester: “I think this is a time that’s only going to be exciting” 

Are we witnessing the birth of another ‘golden generation’?

Wales kicked off their Nations League campaign under Ryan Giggs with an emphatic 4-1 win over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night.
Chris Gunter (29), James Chester (29), Joe Ledley (31) and Sam Vokes (28) were all left out of the starting eleven in favour of Connor Roberts (22), Chris Mepham (20), Ethan Ampadu (17) and David Brooks (21). Is this the start of something incredibly special for Wales?

Continue reading “Are we witnessing the birth of another ‘golden generation’?”

James Chester: “I think this is a time that’s only going to be exciting”

Aston Villa captain and Wales defender, James Chester spoke with me this week ahead of the clashes with Rep. of Ireland and Denmark. 

He talks about the previous Ireland encounter, the new era under Ryan Giggs and his defensive partner, Ashley Williams. He also mentions the impromptus return of Paul Dummett.

Continue reading “James Chester: “I think this is a time that’s only going to be exciting””