Every Saturday afternoon, Chris Kamara heads to stadiums up and down the country to deliver his unique match reports for Soccer Saturday.
On Sundays you can see him back in the Sky Sports studios as he brings you all of the highlights on Goals on Sunday.
And then on Mondays you can find Kammy right here on skysports.com as he brings you his picks of the weekend. Join us every week as he runs through his highs and lows as well as answering YOUR questions...
Grant: fine win for Portsmouth
GAME - Portsmouth 2-0 Birmingham
There were quite a few decent games in the Premier League and the FA Cup. Everton demolished Hull; it was business as usual for Chelsea; Fulham showed their stubbornness against Spurs and Aston Villa produced a fantastic comeback against Reading. But I'll go for the game I went to, which was Pompey's win over Birmingham. It was virtually a full house at Fratton Park and the mood around the place has completely changed. The feeling is 'we've been knocked down, but we're going to get back up again' and the players proved it by getting into the FA Cup semi-final.
TEAM - Aston Villa
It was a great team effort to respond like they did from being 2-0 down to Reading and a lot of credit has to go to Martin O'Neill and to John Carew for his hat-trick. At half-time you could imagine the headlines about a big FA Cup shock and you have to give a lot of credit to Reading for making Villa look so poor in the first half. I'm sure Brian McDermott told his players not to concede early in the second half and within two minutes the tie had been turned on its head. It started a fantastic comeback.
PLAYER - John Carew
Frederic Piquionne scored two goals for Portsmouth and played really well. I've watched his progress since the start of the season and he is getting better. In his first game against Fulham he looked a million miles from being a Premier League player but he has settled in and on Saturday I was very impressed with him. However, I have to go for John Carew as player of the week for his hat-trick. He's played swapsies with Emile Heskey all season, but the difference with Carew is he guarantees you goals. He's unlucky that Heskey is there or else his goal tally might be even higher.
GAFFER - Avram Grant
I've got to pick Avram Grant, who still has a smile on his face despite all of Portsmouth's problems. I don't give them a hope of staying up but he still believes they can make up that nine-point deduction. He feels an injustice towards himself, the players and the supporters and he wants the club to fight all the way to give themselves a chance of staying in the Premier League. I spoke to him a while ago and he told me he'd never walked away from anything and he wasn't going to walk away from this. He still thinks he can keep them up with the players he's got and a place in the FA Cup semi-finals is a good reward for his commitment.
GOAL - Paul Scholes
This was his 100th goal in the Premier League and I'll choose it as goal of the week for that reason. I'm not sure what Jody Craddock was doing, he seemed to slip and it opened the goal up for Scholes but he finished it well. He's been a great servant to the Premier League and Sir Alex Ferguson keeps him going. There's still not a thought that he's past his sell-by date, he's still got plenty to offer and he's always had a wonderful knack in front of goal.
GRIPE - Time to replace Sepp Blatter
It's time to find somebody younger who is in touch with the modern game to be in charge of world football. On the day that he made an announcement that goal-line technology would not be allowed, we saw Birmingham have a perfectly good goal not given at Portsmouth. I was at the game and the only people who didn't see the ball cross the line were the referee and his assistants. They need help. We're not asking for any rule changes, just goal-line technology in the big leagues. They don't have to go down to grassroots where it's not affordable, but in the big leagues where there's loads of money, we've got to have it.
Yet stubborn Sepp Blatter won't have it. Quite simply it's because he's old and he's living in a time warp. When he first started watching football they played with big leather balls and steel toe-capped boots and he hasn't moved on. I don't think anybody has agreed with anything he's said in the last 10 years and I don't understand how this guy can be leading the world game. It's time for the Premier League to over-rule him and make the decision for him because these changes have got to happen.
Kammy answers your questions...
Do you want Chris Kamara to answer YOUR question? Email him at skysportsclub@bskyb.com or use the feedback form at the bottom of the page.
KICKED OUT OF THE CUP?
Can anyone explain to me why Portsmouth are punished by the Premier League for going into administration and yet are allowed to carry on in the FA Cup as normal? Should they not be kicked out? Why is it one rule for one competition and one for another? David (Birmingham City fan)
KAMMY SAYS: Why should they be expelled from the FA Cup? They don't owe anybody any money in the FA Cup and they should fulfil their fixtures in that competition just like they are going to in the Premier League. They couldn't afford to pay their wages and they're going to be docked nine points in the league, but I don't see any point in punishing them a second time. The FA Cup starts with the Dog and Duck v The Red Lion in the middle of June at the lowest levels of football and those sides don't have any money either!
THE RIGHT CHOICE
Kammy. Who would you play on the right-hand side for England at the World Cup? I reckon it's a four-way choice between Walcott, Lennon, Wright-Phillips and Beckham. Will (England fan)
KAMMY SAYS: I think he'll take David Beckham, but Shaun Wright-Phillips' good display against Egypt has caused a problem. Aaron Lennon has a big opportunity if he gets fit and Theo Walcott is a bit short of match practice but maybe he will kick on after his goal for Arsenal at the weekend. I think the jury's out at the moment.
But I would like to see Fabio Capello consider a different formation that might win us the World Cup and I would like to see him pick players in their best positions. We have all seen Wayne Rooney perform brilliantly as a lone striker all season, but Capello puts his head in the sand and says his teams play 4-4-2 and that's the way it's going to be. When you've got Steven Gerrard playing comfortably off a lone striker at Liverpool and Frank Lampard playing in a similar system at Chelsea why not experiment with a lone striker? Move Gerrard and Lampard inside, let Gareth Barry can play in the holding role, put the clever James Milner on the left and Lennon or Wright-Phillips on the right.
Why not get the best out of the players you've got and play them in the positions they are comfortable in at their clubs? Why not put Steven Gerrard in his best position? The team could almost take care of itself with that system and last week's game with Egypt was a perfect chance to try it out. But Capello says the players will have to conform to his team; he believes in 4-4-2 and that's the end of it. As a result someone has to be sacrificed and at the moment that's always Gerrard and you don't get the best out of him.
Comments (46)
Matthew Carter (Newcastle United fan) says...
Kamy couldn't have got it more right with the england team formation. no one knows who will play up front with Rooney and we dont need to. 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 whatever way you look at it it suits the player and the tradtional high tempo game Englands teams play with. Also he's got it spot with Blatter, goal line tech will not affect the flow of a game it will just stop Managers and Players getting in trouble for slating the poor job referees do in these situations. Well done Kammy again!
Posted 14:17 10th March 2010
Linda Morris (Portsmouth fan) says...
No one deserves to be kicked out of the F A cup, I am not aware of it ever happening before. Sorry Soton fans, but not all Pompey fans were cheering you into administration, we're not all that small minded! I love footy and it makes me mad when clubs are badly run and put to ruin, I was very sad to see Leeds for instance go to where they are now, still trying to make their way back. Clubs like Pompey have fantastic fans who stick by them, the owners this year have ruined the club, it is the pits. As for being given better treatment, I don't think so, our local team here - Cardiff City can't pay their debts either and have been given another 56 DAYS by the court to sort out their mess, by which time they could be in the play offs!! What happens then if they are unpaid, do they decide to deduct points then and see them miss out on play offs? Ho can a team in debt go into the play offs with hope of the Premiership! We'll see what happens there. There is no consistency with these clubs, including Southend who didn't get the same 56 days as Cardiff. It's time to keep these guys who think they can manage out of football and it's time to stop punishing the fans and players. We want to see ALL clubs survive wherever they are. I agree with another comment on this page today, let's look at the other Premiership clubs who have debts, some are ridiculous debts, I don't see anyone having a look at their books. Stop making Pompey the scapegoat for a badly run Premiership with their usless "Fit & Proper" test, what a laugh!
Posted 13:19 10th March 2010
Forrest Gump (Accrington Stanley fan) says...
to those of you saying goal line technology isn't needed and human error is part of the game - I see your point - but rugby for example still generates talking points and differing opinions and all those good things even with the video ref but at least reduces the amount of bad/catastrophic outcomes. The ref never has to go to the video ref if he so chooses but it's there for him if he didn't see or wasn't sure of the ball crossing the line etc. I personally think something like what american football has would be good, i.e. each team or manager has one (and just one) challenge in which they can challenge a decision made by the referee at any point during the game at which point it's examined by the video ref. Would only take between 30 seconds to a minute so wouldn't be disruptive - that amount of time is spent with players appealing, shouting at the refs anyway. Would still have most of the controversy if a ref's having a nightmare but at least there is some avenue of appeal for the most important decisions.
Posted 23:46 9th March 2010
Aneesh Joshi (Chelsea fan) says...
I disagree with Steve Buckley about England playing 3-5-2. Because I feel if England plays 3-5-2 that will hamper ability of players like Ashley Cole to come forward and contribute in attack. Moreover you are vulnerable if their wingers stretch your defence. I suggest that England should play 4-1-4-1 formation with barry as holding midfielder and rooney as lone striker. Rest of the midfield can be filled by Lampard, Gerrard, Joe Cole, Wright-Phillips, Milner, Beckham (there are so many options). If Joe Cole is in form there is nobody better than him on left hand side, on right Beckham or others can play with Lamps and Stevie in middle
Posted 19:15 9th March 2010
Peter Grainger (Birmingham City fan) says...
With England being the country that invented the game football it seems crazy that we have to put up with what Sepp Blatter tells us what we can and cant do. The English F.A should just bring it onto themselves to use goal line technology give the 4th official something to do, its pretty obvious Sepp Blatter doesn't live in the real world it proved that when F.I.F.A let France get away with blatent cheating against the Irish its about time he cleared his office and give somebody with a brain a crack at bringing football into the 21st century.
Posted 18:53 9th March 2010
Roy Simmons (Fulham fan) says...
Gareth B (Portsmouth) I generally agree with what you say mate. But I don't think either West Ham (£110mill debt) or Fulham (no debt to banks) carry 10 to 20 times your debt of allegedly 70mill. You are close with Man U, reportedly 10 times your debt at circa 700mill. As Kammy correctly says: when the FA Cup starts in June, those teams don't have any money. They are still eligible to play though.
Posted 17:42 9th March 2010
Jazz Walker (Arsenal fan) says...
Goal line technology??? Waste of money, it's not needed. Just allow video replays umpired by the fourth official already!
Posted 17:24 9th March 2010
Alan R (Birmingham City fan) says...
I don't think Portsmouth should be kicked out of anything, nor should they be docked 9 points, why hit the fans? They have done nothing except support the club. By docking them 9 points, they are virtually condemnded to the championship next year, the people who should be hit are the people who dropped them in this in the first place, ban them from running any club. The FA should stay away until the courts decide whats happening. Good luck Pompey
Posted 15:52 9th March 2010
Thomas Dez-la-lour (Birmingham City fan) says...
Pompey to stay in the cup is a must, skint or rich it does not change the fact that they beat the blues. But if this was a team in the lower divisions, would they get the same chances as Pompey have had to get their finances in order? I very much doubt it, all because the PL and the FA does not want the farce that is happening at Portsmouth to happen as it damages their reputation and will no doubt damage the PL brand. Lets hope all the lower clubs get to play pass the parcel with their clubs in order to try and save them and escape punishment !!! Somehow I cannot see it. It would be a shame for the players and fans, but the club should have already been kicked out of the PL at least to league one or worse, maybe this would make other clubs think very carefully .Lets hope for all the conmen in football that the courts are not hoodwinked and punish this club accordingly. Hopefully Pompey will win the cup, then maybe other clubs will be able to get paid what they are owed !!!
Posted 15:38 9th March 2010
Tom Benedict (Chelsea fan) says...
Goal line techonology - love it or hate it - is an absolute must for football. I dont want the World Cup decided, as it has been in the past, on some dodgy, contentious, controversial was it or wasnt it moment. And neither would any fan of any country. It is the common sense thing to do.
Posted 13:33 9th March 2010
Steve Buckley (Stoke City fan) says...
Kammy - I would like to see England try a few different formations. The lone striker is an option, but would love to see 3-5-2 as well. All to often we see teams go through our midfield as though it aint there. Teams like Brazil will punish us through the middle of the field and the only way to stop it is before it reaches our box. Backs to the wall defending is not the answer. Push the line up to the middle of the park so the game gets more congested and as a result faster, which suits our players. I want to see Crouch up front with Rooney as I think it gives us a target man that Rooney can play off. With 3-5-2 we can accomodate Beckham whos delivery is still one of the best, a part of our game thats been missed. We have some of the best defenders in the world so why not play 3 accross the back. The energy we have will always mean that cover will be available. Capelo is still my choice though, just wish he was more flexible and dynamic in his approach.
Posted 12:40 9th March 2010
Carlos Tevez (Manchester United fan) says...
i love u kammy, dont get me wrong, but you talk about 'dog and duck' and 'red lion' in the early qualifiers for the FA cup, they couldnt have goaline technology on their sunday league pitches. so how can you justify it in later rounds, you have to go with whats fair for everyone at every level, not just those who have the luxury of being televised. keep it a level playing field. the officials are a team just like the clubs, sometimes they play well, sometimes they dont. thats life.
Posted 12:04 9th March 2010
Mark Malone (Manchester United fan) says...
People compare football to rugby and tennis etc with regards goal line technology. They say football is lagging behind. Ridiculous!! I do have to agree with that clown blatter.. If you look at the fan base for football it speaks for itself. This is the most popular sport on this planet. No changes required thank you. It's what helps make the game so special. human error.. Yes it's hard on some teams when decisions dont go their way, (United get the rub of the green a lot) but you dont hear them complaining when the shoe is on the other foot. Besides it's great for websites like this and the pub where we can discuss focus and complain. Cause lets face it, everyone loves a good rant to get the frustration out. Please dont change the rules of the game!! Being Irish i couldnt care less about englands world cup chances. But Rooney is the man to lead you guys there. Steve G in behind him. Carrrick. Barry behind steve, young on the left or millner. Lennon wright Phillips on the right. What a team!! Goal keepers are your problem and could prevent ye winning.. James??? Green?? Nightmare waiting to happen. Ye would kill for a player like Given. That man is my hero
Posted 11:33 9th March 2010
Rob Darrall (Aston Villa fan) says...
Why should B'ham receive a bye? If Portsmouth enter administration then as all other teams they can continue to play out there games as the punishment for this is a points deduction from the league, has anyone else who entered administration been thrown out of the cup over the years? No...but we have bitter losers(B'ham City fans) who want a bye to WEMBLEY!!!! do it on merit like all other teams do(Eg AVFC) & stop being such bad losers all the time. Much love AVFC Fans
Posted 11:22 9th March 2010
Mark Clyne (Manchester United fan) says...
Good oul Chris, one of the best pundits out there. Goal line technology is only the tip of iceberg with Blatter. He is useless and I also seen another guy posted he is corrupt. His changing of the rules just before the world cup play offs were blatantly done to assist France to get into the finals. Chris for head of FIFA!
Posted 10:34 9th March 2010
Gareth B (Portsmouth fan) says...
I think its wrong to say Pompey should be booted out of the cup. What have the players and fans done wrong. I agree with Avram and for any club not just us Bournemouth etc why punish the fans and the players punish the people that got us in this mess we will get the 9 points off its done. Every team we have played in the FA cup are on about a bye into the next round why you couldn't beat us you dont' deserve the right. Should Southampton have been booted out last season? Should have Man Utd, West Ham, Fulham, who are in 10 to 20 times more debt than we are in be booted out???? Pompey are used as a scapegoat for alot of things but don't make them a scapegoat for your teams (Birmingham and Southampton) performances. Down but never out Play up Pompey
Posted 09:59 9th March 2010
Mark Renshaw (Nottingham Forest fan) says...
No No No no no no no no no . We do not want TV replays, goal line technology, refs with head cams, or balls that whistle when going over a line. Keep football gadget free! Infact lets set a limit on the number of TV cameras that can record a football match. Don't you realise that football is a game, where real people put in their hard earned cash to watch, support their team in the rain and the sunshine. Whether it be Manchester United or Sutton Town. We want to go to the pub, work, chapel, bus stop and discuss the match as 'we saw it', not as some executive TV producer tells us to see it. So the odd goal is not allowed, a penalty given or not given, a linesman fell asleep, it is a game of passion for real people. Not namby pamby TV commentators, or business men ripping the soul out of football in the name of a quick buck. Give us back our game!
Posted 09:56 9th March 2010
Michael Hatton (Arsenal fan) says...
Blatter should have gone ages ago. He is holding back progress now and appears to be out of touch. He has too good a lifestyle. Time to end it!
Posted 09:49 9th March 2010
Shawn Skellon (Southampton fan) says...
I may have missed an answer to this question - though I have been looking and listening pretty intently. Why is it that Portsmouth have been allowed to get away with avoiding administration for so long? In comparison with the Football League its a farce to save face for the Premiership which is ridiculous and unfair especially on clubs like Bournemouth, Leeds, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Rotherham, Chester etc... This attitude of protection from the Premier league has made a mockery of this season and really angered fans from all over the country. I find it amazing that the rules can be so different for clubs depending on their impact and exposure through television and the fear of the league that they might be seen to be in trouble! Surely it must be one set of rules for this situation for all leagues to ensure fairness?
Posted 09:48 9th March 2010
Nicole Litven (Aston Villa fan) says...
I agree wholeheartedly with Lee Smith (above) I have been a supporter since 1996, when Lee introduced me to Aston Villa here in Canada. This quote from Lee is what hit me and I feel strongly that he is right. "Rooney was great, passion, workrate and commitment. I felt he totally earned the armband upon gerrard's departure. It's time to turn off the news and pick a team that will fight for every game, okay so Lampard is playing well for Chelsea, but would he look so wonderful playing for struggling teams without better players to carry him?"
Posted 05:52 9th March 2010
Recent Comments:
James Cuff on Season's best
"I'm very suprised that Roy Hodgson hasn't even got a mention in the manager of the year. If you look where fulham were last season, just surviving on the last day, and he's now taken ... " View all comments
Double Dd on The incredible sulk
"To me Ronaldo WILL be the best player we have seen, just not yet. Let him sulk when he's off the pitch, it just makes everyone laugh and it's not going to get him back on is it. The ... " View all comments