Back from the Brink: Pompey Saved after Gaydamak Drama
Portsmouth went from the brink of extinction to coming out of administration in the space of a few short and frankly terrifying hours. The drama all began on Friday as it seemed former owner 'Sacha' Gaydamak was refusing to sign a deal that could see us sold to Hong Kong businessman Balram Chainrai, meaning that we couldn't come out of administration and be in a position where we would be liquidated. The mass confusion came as administrator Andrew Andronikou was surprised this statement was released, revealing Sacha's actions, and said we were as close to going out of business as we were to coming out of administration. Like we have been for a while now. And to add to the suspense Sacha seemed surprised that the statement had been published aswell. So who put out the statement?
The short passage of the Portsmouth FC site sent panic waves through the Blue Army on Friday night when it said Portsmouth is likely to be liquidated, but just days later, it seems that was never likely to be the case. Gaydamak did sign the deal on Saturday (with the supposed sticking point being the proposed installments of money owed to him; which he agreed to), and that did allow us to come out of administration. The whole process has once again made a bit of a mockery of the club and there was someone from within seriously stirring, as all parties seemed surprised of the breaking news. But the most important news is now Portsmouth Football Club is out of administration and can function as normal, while on the pitch things are getting better. More on that towards the bottom....
Alonso Powers Through Korean Rain as Red Bull Plummet
Fernando Alonso went to the top of the driver's championship this weekend as he won a rain-affected Korean Grand Prix, while both Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber of Red Bull crashed out of the race. With the safety car out until lap 17, Webber crashed out in lap 18 after a collision with Nico Rosberg, while Vettel retired in pole position due to engine failure, allowing Alonso to claim the 25 points necessary to take an eleven point lead over Webber in the standings. Lewis Hamilton's second place means he still has a shout of claiming the title; twenty-one points behind the Spaniard in third place; but it is now the Ferrari man's championship to lose. Bring on Brazil.
Are Arsenal Contenders? City win shows potential to be up there
Arsenal showed they may just have what it takes to become title contenders after an impressive three-nil win at Manchester City. Yes, the home side were down to ten men and had Carlos Tevez limping off early in the second half, but there was a ruthless side to the Gunners; they should have won it and made sure that they did. The fact they have gone to City; a place where Chelsea lost their 100% record; and come away with the win sends a message out to the rest of the Premier League and will give the players confidence. Cesc Fabregas staying at the Emirates means they still have a chance of winning the title and with Manchester United seemingly stuttering, they could be the main challengers to Chelsea if they can maintain momentum. Talking of United...
United Shake Away-Day Blues
Manchester United shook off the away day problems they've suffered in recent weeks to claim a vital win at Stoke. The Potteries is a tough place to go at the best of times, but when you've developed a knack of conceding goals United would have chosen Stoke as one of the last places to go. Especially when you take into account Gary Neville was lucky to see half-time and Tuncay had seemingly grabbed a point for the home side with a fantastic goal. But thanks to some wonderful improvisation and a goalscorer's finish from new hero Javier Hernandez, they managed to shake that record and claim their first away of the season. It's a huge result for Sir Alex's side and reminds everyone that you can never count out United. Wayne who?
Hull 1 Portsmouth 2: One Hull of a Weekend
The actual football was kind of a side story this weekend, but on that front things are progressing along nicely. A Premier League fixture last year, the Blues were the better side and have seemed to be adjusting to Championship life better. David Nugent added a classy goal to the workrate that has earnt him the praise he's got this season, while Greg Halford showed himself to be a quality addition with a good goal. When Hull got back into it, Pompey did well and maintained composure, closing out a fifth win in six games, a second away win in a row and a third victory on the bounce to boot. Let's just thank God we've still got a football club to support, ay?
Play Up Pompey
And for those with an eye on European football this weekend, undoubtedly one of the top stories was PSV Eindhoven's thumping 10-0 win over Feyenoord, one of the biggest clubs in Holland. Here for you are some of the highlights and all ten goals.
NWR
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