Legendary Penalty Kick Moments

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Let me begin by saying that this is my humble opinion based on my twenty year observation of high school soccer.  I am a Director of Coaching for a club and I have a significant number of male and female players that participate with their varsity soccer teams. I look at as many games as possible, because I want to support my players and I enjoy looking at them play. The problem I have is with the decline in fitness, sharpness, and rhythm of my players when they return to club soccer. Some players have taken two steps back and the rest have stagnated at best.

In the wake of yet another defeat, Liverpool gaffer Roy Hodgson is leading race for Swedish ace Johan Elmander. The Bolton striker is said to have refused to sign a one year extension at his club in favour of playing out the remainder of the season and leaving himself open to offers. Hodgson is no stranger to attempting to acquire the striker as he tried twice as Fulham manager to no avail.

It’s Premier League match time at St Andrews’ Ground with Birmingham set to host Tottenham on Saturday, December 4. Head to head, in the last 12 league matches between the sides, Tottenham have had a 6-3 advantage. Six of those games were hosted by Birmingham, and Tottenham won just one of them, in March 2006, when they prevailed by a 2-0 margin.

It’s Premier League match time when champions Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, December 4. Head to head, in 22 league matches between the sides, Everton have an overwhelming 13-1 advantage over the Toffees, with 8 games ending without result. Interestingly, that solitary loss came when Chelsea travelled to Goodison Park in February this year.

It’s Premier League match time at The Hawthorns as West Bromwich Albion get set to host Newcastle United on Sunday, December 4. West Brom are cock-a hoop after a brilliant 4-1 win against Everton in match week 15.

It’s Premier League match time at the Stadium of Light, when Sunderland host West Ham United on Sunday, December 5. Sunderland are coming off a 3-2 defeat away to Wolves, in match week 15. A four-match unbeaten run came to a disappointing end when the Black Cats’ defence imploded inexplicably when they were 2-1 up, with about 12 minutes to go, underscoring how important their missing centre backs Turner and Bramble, both sidelined with injury, are to the back-line.

It’s Premier League match time when champions Wigan Athletic host Stoke City at DW Stadium on Saturday, December 4. Head to head, the last 8 league matches between the sides have been shared with 2 wins each while 4 games have ended in draws. Three of the last four have ended in stalemates, with two of those hosted by the Latics. Wigan have lost just one of their last seven home games, while Stoke have not had the best away record losing 4 and winning 2.

It’s Premier League match time when champions Manchester City host Bolton Wanderers at City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday, December 4. Head to head, in the last 20 league matches between the sides, Bolton have enjoyed a 9-8 advantage over City, with three matches drawn. Four of Bolton’s wins came in away games, but the last one was way back in December 2006, when Bolton prevailed by a 2-0 margin. Man City have not had the best home form in recent times winning just one of their last four games at home. This is offset by Bolton’s poor away record, this premiership season, with just one win recorded on the road.

It’s Premier League match time when Wolverhampton Wanderers travel to Ewood Park to clash with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, December 4. Head to head, in the last 8 league matches between the sides, Blackburn have had a 3-1 advantage, with 4 games ending without result. Importantly, Blackburn have not lost at home, while recording all of their wins at Ewood Park. Head to head, in the last 8 league matches between the sides, Blackburn have had a 3-1 advantage, with games ending without result. Importantly, Blackburn have not lost at home, while recording all of their wins at Ewood Park.

It’s Premier League match time at the Emirates when Arsenal host Fulham on Saturday, December 4. Head to head, Arsenal have had a 14-2 advantage in the last eighteen league games between the sides. Both of Fulham’s wins in those 18 games came at Craven Cottage, the last one in August 2008. Thus, the Gunners have enjoyed an unbeaten run at home against the Cottagers.

It’s Premier League match time at Anfield, when Liverpool host Aston Villa on Monday, December 6. Liverpool are coming off a 2-1 away loss to Tottenham, a game they could have won by a handsome margin with Torres missing one-on-one scoring opportunities.

You have registered your 6 year old son or daughter to play on a recreational team or in an academy. You have been kind enough to volunteer your time as the coach and the first day of practice is upon you. You spent hours planning a session and you feel prepared, but it is not what you thought.