There were four Barclay's Premiership matches yesterday, all of which kicked-off at 12:45 due to the FA Cup final which kicked-off at 3PM. The penultimate fixtures of the season still left us none the wiser as to who will be relegated this season.
The Hawthornes saw a match with little to play for as West Brom hosted Everton. The game was settled after just ten minutes when Youssouf Mulumbu scored for West Brom. Everton were reduced to ten when Bilyaletdinov was shown a straight red for leaving the ground while tackling Morrison. Everton stay seventh while West Brom move to tenth.
At the start of play Blackburn and Manchester United both needed a point to secure safety and the Championship respectively. Despite Nani hitting the bar early on, United didn't play very well at all and deserved to be a goal down at half-time. After an earlier hesitation from Kuszczak, a cross was punched away but the Polish keeper started to run for the ball. Once he realised he wasn't going to get it, he ran back as Olsson just about managed to keep ball in. Olsson then found a cross that an unmarked Emerton half-volleyed home at the back post. United did get the point they needed when Hernandez was brought down by Robinson, although the ball was going out of play and Hernandez wouldn't have got to it, referee Phil Dowd consulted with his linesman and the penalty was given. Rooney stepped up and converted with seventeen minutes to go. United are now the guaranteed Premiership Champions for the record nineteenth time.
Wolves secured a vital win away to Sunderland. Jody Craddock gave Wolves the lead after 22 minutes before Sessegnon equalised twelve minutes later. Wolves re-took the lead through Flecther nine minutes into the second half before Elokobi secured the win twelve minutes from time.
All the goals came at Bloomfield Road as Blackpool hosted Bolton. The game reflected the Stanely Matthews FA Cup final as Blackpool won the affair 4-3. Kevin Davies gave Bolton the lead after six minutes but DJ Campbell equalised three minutes later. Puncheon then gave Blackpool the lead after nineteen minutes before Matthew Taylor equalised five minutes later. Blackpool then went 3-2 up at half-time with DJ Campbell getting a second just before the interval. Danny Sturridge made it 3-3 eight minutes after the restart but captain Charlie Adam gave Blackpool the vital win ten minutes later.
This mean that West Ham are on 33 and Wigan on 36, they meet today with the loser surely destined for relegation. Blackpool remain in the drop on 39 points but Birmingham are only ahead on goal difference and meet Liverpool today. Wolves move up to sixteenth on forty points level with Blackburn who still aren't safe.
The FA Cup final was unfortunately very one-sided as Manchester City took on Stoke. It was settled by the solitary goal as City's semi-final hero Yaya Toure struck again after 74 minutes to give Manchester City the FA Cup, meaning that next season's Community Shield will be a Manchester derby.
Showing posts with label FA Cup 2010/2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FA Cup 2010/2011. Show all posts
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Monday, 18 April 2011
Stoke Batter Bolton, Tale Of Two Late Penalties At Arsenal
Due to the FA Cup semi-final, Super Sunday was cut down to just one match at the Emirates between Arsenal and Liverpool although you only needed to watch sixteen minutes of that match. The more eventful football match, although one-sided, was at Wembley where Stoke and Bolton met for a place against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
As a contest the match was over before it had started, there were already fears over how much Bolton would miss the cup-tied Sturridge. The answer was soon apparent, although he couldn't do much about some awful defending that led to Stoke's goals. Matthew Etherington put Stoke ahead after Bolton had failed to clear the danger, he fired it from the edge of the box into the bottom corner after eleven minutes. It was 2-0 six minutes later when a Huth miss-hit volley ended up going past the unsighted Jaaskelainen. It was all over after half an hour when Kenwyne Jones fired Stoke 3-0 ahead. The second half produced no comeback, or even a hint of one and Bolton were 4-0 down after 68 minutes with substitute Walters getting in on the act. His cameo was complete nine minutes from time when he got his second and Stoke's fifth.
Back in the Premiership where the action didn't really start until the 57th minute when Carragher and Liverpool debutant Flanagan collided, causing Carragher to be knocked unconscious. Thankfully Carragher was okay and was stretchered off after all the safety measures had been carried out on Carragher. This led to eight minutes of injury time although the game finished after 102 minutes. In the 97th minute Arsenal attacked with Fabregas surging into the box, he was brought down by Spearing and Arsenal had a late late penalty. Van Perise converted it but time was added on due to the decision and the goal. Liverpool went straight up the other end and earned a free-kick right on the edge of the box, Suarez took it but it was deflected and looked to be going harmlessly away from goal. Lucas and Eboue were chasing it and Eboue stupidly brought Lucas down and Liverpool were rightly awarded a penalty in the eleventh minute of injury time. Kuyt stepped up and converted the penalty to give Liverpool the draw in unbelievable circumstances. Arsenal could only close the gap on Manchester United to six points with both teams having played the same amount of matches. Liverpool move to within five points of Tottenham in fifth but Tottenham have two games in hand, one of which is against Arsenal on Wednesday.
As a contest the match was over before it had started, there were already fears over how much Bolton would miss the cup-tied Sturridge. The answer was soon apparent, although he couldn't do much about some awful defending that led to Stoke's goals. Matthew Etherington put Stoke ahead after Bolton had failed to clear the danger, he fired it from the edge of the box into the bottom corner after eleven minutes. It was 2-0 six minutes later when a Huth miss-hit volley ended up going past the unsighted Jaaskelainen. It was all over after half an hour when Kenwyne Jones fired Stoke 3-0 ahead. The second half produced no comeback, or even a hint of one and Bolton were 4-0 down after 68 minutes with substitute Walters getting in on the act. His cameo was complete nine minutes from time when he got his second and Stoke's fifth.
Back in the Premiership where the action didn't really start until the 57th minute when Carragher and Liverpool debutant Flanagan collided, causing Carragher to be knocked unconscious. Thankfully Carragher was okay and was stretchered off after all the safety measures had been carried out on Carragher. This led to eight minutes of injury time although the game finished after 102 minutes. In the 97th minute Arsenal attacked with Fabregas surging into the box, he was brought down by Spearing and Arsenal had a late late penalty. Van Perise converted it but time was added on due to the decision and the goal. Liverpool went straight up the other end and earned a free-kick right on the edge of the box, Suarez took it but it was deflected and looked to be going harmlessly away from goal. Lucas and Eboue were chasing it and Eboue stupidly brought Lucas down and Liverpool were rightly awarded a penalty in the eleventh minute of injury time. Kuyt stepped up and converted the penalty to give Liverpool the draw in unbelievable circumstances. Arsenal could only close the gap on Manchester United to six points with both teams having played the same amount of matches. Liverpool move to within five points of Tottenham in fifth but Tottenham have two games in hand, one of which is against Arsenal on Wednesday.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Ten Men United Suffer Treble Blow
Manchester City team: Hart, Lescott, Kompany (c), Zabaleta, Kolarov, Barry, de Jong, Y.Toure, A.Johnson (Wright-Phillips, 79'), Silva (Vieira, 86'), Balotelli
Manchester United team: Van Der Sar, Ferdinand, O'Shea (Fabio, 84') , Vidic (c), Evra, Scholes, Park, Carrick, Berbatov (Anderson, 74'), Valencia (Hernandez, 65'), Nani
The first of the FA Cup semi-finals was arguably one of the biggest Manchester derbies for a long time. United were missing Rooney and City were missing Tevez so it was already a question of who was going to missed the most and, after City's 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Monday, everyone thought City would miss Tevez the most. The king of mind games, Alex Ferguson, was seemingly the victim of a mind game as the United team reflected City's 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation with Berbatov up front on his own when really United play better with two up front, plus Hernandez was in form with a goal against Chelsea on Tuesday. City lined up with Balotelli up front on his own.
It took awhile to get going but it was United who created the opening chances. A quick interchange between Scholes and Park forced the ball through to Berbatov but Hart saved bravely at his feet. Straight from the resulting throw Nani put the ball on a plate to Berbatov along the floor, but the Bulgarian fired over from four yards. After that scare City remained under pressure and Berbatov had a third chance to break the deadlock but looped his header over from a corner. City finally found some rhythm just after the half hour mark with Barry finding some pace but his shot from an acute angle hit the side netting. This gave City momentum and Balotelli fired a long range effort which Van Der Sar was forced to palm over.
The deadlock was broken seven minutes into the second half when firstly Van Der Sar miss-kicked a clearance to O'Shea, O'Shea played it to Carrick who laboured and then telegraphed his pass to Scholes which intercepted by Toure, Toure steamed into the box and fired through Van Der Sar's legs. The goal seemed to flatten United as City became energised and became all over the United half. But despite their attacking intent City couldn't find a second and United belatedly brought Hernandez on after 65 minutes, but their best crosser was taken off in Valencia which seemed like the wrong decision. Just a minute later Nani fired a free-kick that Hart could only push the ball onto the crossbar and City averted the danger. With nineteen minutes remaining United's task became almost impossible when Scholes stupidly lunged into Zabaleta with his studs landing on Zabaleta's leg, Scholes was rightly shown red and United were down to ten. It didn't deter United's attacking threat despite Berbatov's substitution and Carrick looked to redeem himself but his curling shot was well saved by Hart. United couldn't find that crucial break through and were nearly 2-0 down in injury time when Toure was through yet again but Van Der Sar managed to thwart the danger but City make it to their first final since 1976, ending United's second treble bid.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Controversy At The Britannia, City Strike It Rich
With Bolton and Manchester United safely through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, the remaining two places had to be filled with yesterday's quarter-final winners. Sunday's first quarter-final was at The Britannia where Stoke hosted West Ham. They met just last week in the Premiership with West Ham winning 3-1 at Upton Park. Stoke were looking to gain revenge by ending Avram Grant's FA Cup fairytale and took the lead after twelve minutes; a trademark Rory Delap throw was met by Robert Huth who headed past Green. West Ham equalised through controversial circumstances when Piquionne looked to have handled when controlling a long ball from Parker, but referee Mike Jones waved play on and Piquionne went on to score. The second half saw Etherington fall over a slight Parker challenge in the box which Mike Jones bought and awarded the penalty. Etherington stepped up but Green saved it to let justice prevail. The winner came after 63 minutes when Carlton Cole was adjudged to have handled from a Pennant free-kick, despite Parker's appeals for self-defence. Danny Higginbotham took the second free-kick and blasted it past Green to secure Stoke's place in the semi-final for the first time in 39 years, they will meet Bolton at Wembley.
The semi-final draw took place so Manchester City and Reading knew that whoever won the tie would face Manchester United. On paper there should have been only one winner but as usual Manchester City came extremely close to an embarrassing upset. Reading gave as good as they got with keeper Alex McCarthy playing very well, City also were guilty of trying to walk it in and missing guilt-edged chances. But City did manage to get the only goal of the match with Micah Richards heading from a corner after 74 minutes.
The semi-final draw took place so Manchester City and Reading knew that whoever won the tie would face Manchester United. On paper there should have been only one winner but as usual Manchester City came extremely close to an embarrassing upset. Reading gave as good as they got with keeper Alex McCarthy playing very well, City also were guilty of trying to walk it in and missing guilt-edged chances. But City did manage to get the only goal of the match with Micah Richards heading from a corner after 74 minutes.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Five At St. Andrew's While United Find A Twin Turbo
The Premiership took a break this weekend as the FA Cup reached the quarter finals. Yesterday's early kick-off saw Birmingham take on Bolton with Birmingham looking to become only the fourth team to win the domestic cup double, Bolton were looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time in eleven years. It was a cagey first half with a lot of the action being limited to long balls, Alex McLeish's injury got worse during the first half as both Jiranek and Ferguson had to be subbed. Despite the lack of meaningful attacks, Bolton did take the lead with Elmander breaking the deadlock after 21 minutes. From there Birmingham started the play the ball a little better and got the reward when Cameron Jerome fired a half volley into the near post corner to make it 1-1 seven minutes before half-time.
The second half had much better football with both now having settled into the tie. Referee Phil Dowd had to make a big decision when Jaaskelainen looked to have brought down Jerome in box, Dowd gave a corner and replays showed it was the right decision. Bolton went down the other minutes later and the introduction of Chung Yong Lee really helped the cause; he made a run into the box before passing it inside to Elmander, his shot was blocked but managed to poke the ball through to Kevin Davies to score, but Davies was offside and the goal didn't stand. But just a minute later Kevin Davies was hauled down by Curtis Davies in the box and Bolton were awarded the penalty, Kevin Davies stepped up and slotted past Foster after 66 minutes. Birmingham equalised ten minutes from time when Kevin Phillips managed to lob Jaaskelainen with a poke. But any chance of replay, just after these two meet in the league, were dashed when Chung Yong Lee headed past Foster in the final minute of normal time, Bolton going through 3-2 winners.
The late kick-off saw the showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. Arsenal were looking not to be eliminated from three cups in just two weeks while United were looking to bounce back after two consecutive league defeats. Both teams were injury hit with Szczesny, Fabregas and Waltcott out for Arsenal, Ferdinand, Nani and Park out for United. Although Arsenal still had a familiar looking line-up United's mid-field looked very odd, twins Rafael and Fabio were out on the wings with O'Shea partnering Gibson in the centre. It was the tale of two strategies as usual with Arsenal looking to dominate possession but try to walk it in, with United looking to counter and shoot when possible. When Arsenal did shoot they were thwarted by a fantastic Van Der Sar. But United broke the deadlock two minutes before the half hour mark; Rafael picked the ball up and ran halfway into the Arsenal half, he squared it inside to brother Fabio who played it to Rooney, Rooney chipped it over into the path of Hernandez whose shot was parried by Almunia only for Fabio to get to the rebound to score.
The second half saw Van Der Sar pull off yet more unbelievable saves and despite Arsenal's decent start to the second half, they were soon two down. The half-time introduction of the long absent Valencia was a big welcome to Sir Alex Ferguson and he soon brought back what United had missed, a decent cross mixed with creativity. Rafael made another dangerous run into the box with the ball, he played it out to Valencia who whipped in a cross but Hernandez's shot was blocked, only for Rooney to head home from a tight angle four minutes into the second half. Both could've scored after that but both Almunia and Van Der Sar pulled some great saves but apart from the obvious woes for Wenger, he suffered another injury blow with Johann Djourou looking to have sustained a dislocated shoulder in the last ten minutes of the game. United progress into the semi-finals along with Bolton.
The second half had much better football with both now having settled into the tie. Referee Phil Dowd had to make a big decision when Jaaskelainen looked to have brought down Jerome in box, Dowd gave a corner and replays showed it was the right decision. Bolton went down the other minutes later and the introduction of Chung Yong Lee really helped the cause; he made a run into the box before passing it inside to Elmander, his shot was blocked but managed to poke the ball through to Kevin Davies to score, but Davies was offside and the goal didn't stand. But just a minute later Kevin Davies was hauled down by Curtis Davies in the box and Bolton were awarded the penalty, Kevin Davies stepped up and slotted past Foster after 66 minutes. Birmingham equalised ten minutes from time when Kevin Phillips managed to lob Jaaskelainen with a poke. But any chance of replay, just after these two meet in the league, were dashed when Chung Yong Lee headed past Foster in the final minute of normal time, Bolton going through 3-2 winners.
The late kick-off saw the showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. Arsenal were looking not to be eliminated from three cups in just two weeks while United were looking to bounce back after two consecutive league defeats. Both teams were injury hit with Szczesny, Fabregas and Waltcott out for Arsenal, Ferdinand, Nani and Park out for United. Although Arsenal still had a familiar looking line-up United's mid-field looked very odd, twins Rafael and Fabio were out on the wings with O'Shea partnering Gibson in the centre. It was the tale of two strategies as usual with Arsenal looking to dominate possession but try to walk it in, with United looking to counter and shoot when possible. When Arsenal did shoot they were thwarted by a fantastic Van Der Sar. But United broke the deadlock two minutes before the half hour mark; Rafael picked the ball up and ran halfway into the Arsenal half, he squared it inside to brother Fabio who played it to Rooney, Rooney chipped it over into the path of Hernandez whose shot was parried by Almunia only for Fabio to get to the rebound to score.
The second half saw Van Der Sar pull off yet more unbelievable saves and despite Arsenal's decent start to the second half, they were soon two down. The half-time introduction of the long absent Valencia was a big welcome to Sir Alex Ferguson and he soon brought back what United had missed, a decent cross mixed with creativity. Rafael made another dangerous run into the box with the ball, he played it out to Valencia who whipped in a cross but Hernandez's shot was blocked, only for Rooney to head home from a tight angle four minutes into the second half. Both could've scored after that but both Almunia and Van Der Sar pulled some great saves but apart from the obvious woes for Wenger, he suffered another injury blow with Johann Djourou looking to have sustained a dislocated shoulder in the last ten minutes of the game. United progress into the semi-finals along with Bolton.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
FA Cup Wednesday
Yesterday saw an FA Cup fifth round tie and an FA Cup fifth round replay, although neither score was close. The replay was at the Emirates where Arsenal hosted Leyton Orient. It finished 1-1 in the original after a late Orient equaliser, but you felt their chance of an upset had already gone now the replay was the Emirates. It wasn't long before we were proven right when Chamakh put Arsenal ahead after just seven minutes. Nicklas Bendtner told how he'd dreamed of scoring the winner in the Carling Cup final, that didn't materialise (not for the first time has that happened!) but the Dane made it 2-0 on the half hour mark. It was all but over as a contest before half-time when Bendtner scored his scored two minutes before the break. There was no let up in the second half and Bendtner scored his hat-trick after 62 minutes with a converted penalty kick. Gael Clichy rounded the rout off with fifteen minutes left to make it 5-0 and set up the tie of the quarter finals against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The proper fifth round tie saw Manchester City take on Aston Villa with Reading awaiting in the quarter finals. Villa put out a massively changed squad which saw Michael Bradley make his full debut, Chris Herd, Ciaran Clark and Fabian Delph joined Dunne in defence. City also took the lead early on from a corner; Vieira headed it on which hit hit Clark on the arm before falling to Yaya Toure who scored his first ever FA Cup goal after just five minutes. Villa showed resurgence but were hit with a sucker punch after being caught on the counter attack, Mario Balotelli finished the move after 25 minutes. Villa still battled back but just couldn't find that breakthrough goal and City finished the game off with David Silva making it 3-0 with twenty minutes remaining.
The proper fifth round tie saw Manchester City take on Aston Villa with Reading awaiting in the quarter finals. Villa put out a massively changed squad which saw Michael Bradley make his full debut, Chris Herd, Ciaran Clark and Fabian Delph joined Dunne in defence. City also took the lead early on from a corner; Vieira headed it on which hit hit Clark on the arm before falling to Yaya Toure who scored his first ever FA Cup goal after just five minutes. Villa showed resurgence but were hit with a sucker punch after being caught on the counter attack, Mario Balotelli finished the move after 25 minutes. Villa still battled back but just couldn't find that breakthrough goal and City finished the game off with David Silva making it 3-0 with twenty minutes remaining.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Monday & Tuesday Night Football
Monday Night Football returned this week with Stoke hosting West Brom at the Britannia. After a goalless first half, Stoke broke the deadlock with Rory Delap scoring eight minutes into the second half. West Brom equalised left it late, just like last week against Wolves, with the same player getting the goal; Carlos Vela scored his second goal in as many games to earn the draw three minutes from time. The point sees West Brom leapfrog Wolves and West Ham into seventeenth with Stoke moving ahead of Everton and Villa in tenth.
Last night saw the most anticipated rescheduled match with Chelsea taking on Manchester United at the Bridge. All the talk was about Rooney escaping a ban after his elbow on James McCarthy and Ashley Cole escaping punishment for shooting an intern with an air rifle. So the script was set up for one of them to controversially score, and it was Rooney. After a inside pass from Nani, Rooney turned into space and shot into the bottom corner from outside the box just before the half hour mark. It stayed that way until half-time but that was only due to some heroic goalkeeping from Van Der Sar off Ivanovic. Chelsea equalised eight minutes into the second half with David Luiz also firing a bottom corner shot. But the Brazilian was lucky to stay on the pitch after receiving a yellow in the first half and then came in late on Rooney. Referee Martin Atkinson gave nothing and two minutes later Chris Smalling was adjudged to have fouled sub Zhirkov in the box and a penalty was awarded. Frank Lampard stepped up and converted it with ten minutes left. Vidic did receive red though in injury time for a second yellow which sees him miss the Liverpool trip on Sunday. United stay four points clear of Arsenal but have now played a game more, Manchester City are still ten behind but Chelsea close the gap to twelve with a game in hand over United.
There was a big shock in the FA Cup as Everton entertained Reading in the fifth round. Only one goal was needed to settle the tie and it came from Matthew Mills after 26 minutes. Reading will face either Manchester city or Aston Villa who play their tie tonight. Worse news for Everton however is that Fellaini is out for the rest of the season and Cahill is out for three weeks after both sustained injuries in the game.
Last night saw the most anticipated rescheduled match with Chelsea taking on Manchester United at the Bridge. All the talk was about Rooney escaping a ban after his elbow on James McCarthy and Ashley Cole escaping punishment for shooting an intern with an air rifle. So the script was set up for one of them to controversially score, and it was Rooney. After a inside pass from Nani, Rooney turned into space and shot into the bottom corner from outside the box just before the half hour mark. It stayed that way until half-time but that was only due to some heroic goalkeeping from Van Der Sar off Ivanovic. Chelsea equalised eight minutes into the second half with David Luiz also firing a bottom corner shot. But the Brazilian was lucky to stay on the pitch after receiving a yellow in the first half and then came in late on Rooney. Referee Martin Atkinson gave nothing and two minutes later Chris Smalling was adjudged to have fouled sub Zhirkov in the box and a penalty was awarded. Frank Lampard stepped up and converted it with ten minutes left. Vidic did receive red though in injury time for a second yellow which sees him miss the Liverpool trip on Sunday. United stay four points clear of Arsenal but have now played a game more, Manchester City are still ten behind but Chelsea close the gap to twelve with a game in hand over United.
There was a big shock in the FA Cup as Everton entertained Reading in the fifth round. Only one goal was needed to settle the tie and it came from Matthew Mills after 26 minutes. Reading will face either Manchester city or Aston Villa who play their tie tonight. Worse news for Everton however is that Fellaini is out for the rest of the season and Cahill is out for three weeks after both sustained injuries in the game.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Avram Continues FA Cup Fairytale
Everyone knows how well Avram Grant has done in the FA Cup since his introduction to English football. Yesterday his West Ham side hosted Burnley in their FA Cup fifth round tie with the winner heading to the Britannia for a quarter final match against Stoke. Well just like over the weekend with league teams Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton and Notts County, Burnley were shown a bit of Premiership class.
It took 23 minutes for West Ham to break Burnley down with former Villa player Thomas Hitzlsperger getting the goal. Burnley held out for half-time but just three minutes after the restart Carlton Cole made it 2-0, he then scored his second goal just two minutes to put the game beyond doubt. West Ham weren't finished though and Kiwi defender Winston Reid made it 4-0 just before the hour. Burnley did muster up a consolation through Jay Rodriguez after 71 minutes but West Ham had the last say with Freddie Sears making it 5-1 in injury time.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
FA Cup Quarter Final Draw
Although the next stage in the FA Cup is the quarter finals, meant for eight competitors, there are still twelve teams in contention for FA Cup success. But only three are from outside the Premiership and aren't yet guaranteed a place in the quarter finals.
Tony Pulis was hoping for a nice home draw after Stoke's convincing win against Brighton yesterday. Well they got their wish and will play the winner of tomorrow's match between West Ham and Burnley at the Britannia. Manchester City earned their fifth round place today which sees them face Aston Villa at Eastlnads. The winner of that tie will then have a home quarter final tie again either Everton or Burnley who play their fifth round tie on March 1st. Birmingham already have a League Cup final next Sunday at Wembley, they will face Bolton at St.Andrew's for a chance to get to Wembley for the semis. After Manchester United crawled into the draw they will be at Old Trafford again, this time to face either Arsenal or Leyton Orient who have a replay to look forward to. Tie will be played on 12th/13th March
Tony Pulis was hoping for a nice home draw after Stoke's convincing win against Brighton yesterday. Well they got their wish and will play the winner of tomorrow's match between West Ham and Burnley at the Britannia. Manchester City earned their fifth round place today which sees them face Aston Villa at Eastlnads. The winner of that tie will then have a home quarter final tie again either Everton or Burnley who play their fifth round tie on March 1st. Birmingham already have a League Cup final next Sunday at Wembley, they will face Bolton at St.Andrew's for a chance to get to Wembley for the semis. After Manchester United crawled into the draw they will be at Old Trafford again, this time to face either Arsenal or Leyton Orient who have a replay to look forward to. Tie will be played on 12th/13th March
Sunday Football: 20/2/11
Today saw a mixture of football with a FA Cup fourth round replay, two FA Cup fifth round matches and a Barclay's Premiership match. The untelevised fifth round match saw Fulham host Bolton who made it via a replay victory over Wigan in mid-week. The scorer of the only goal at the DW was Ivan Klasnic and it was he who scored the only goal at Craven Cottage. It came after nineteen minutes and it was enough to see Bolton through to the quarter finals.
The usual Sunday half one kick-off was at Eastlands where Manchester City were hosting Notts County in the FA Cup fourth round replay, the winner earned a home tie against Aston Villa. County looked strong for the first twenty minutes and an upset was plausible until Patrick Vieira gave City the lead after 37 minutes. Everyone knew the second goal would be the crucial one and it came again from the veteran Frenchman thirteen minutes into the second half. From there the flood gates opened and City started scoring for fun. Tevez made it three with six minutes to go with the already under pressure Dzeko benefiting from a Tevez cross to make it 4-0 five minutes later. Dzeko should have made it five when he went one on one with the keeper but he fluffed his shot. But Richards produced a bit of striking quality with a goal for the third time from a set piece in injury time.
The four o'clock kick-off saw the shock of the round as Leyton Orient hosted a not so weakened Arsenal. Mid-week it was Arsenal versus Barcelona and today the roles had reversed with Orient becoming David. With only new face, Miguel, in defence, Arsenal had a pretty strong side with the likes of Arshavin, Chamakh, Rosicky, Squillaci and Sagna included amongst the big names. But Orient did their very best hold Arsenal off and lasted eight minutes into the second half until Rosicky put Arsenal ahead. From there it looked ominous that Arsenal were going through but the shock came in the last minute before injury time when substitute Jonathan Tehoue equalised for Orient, making a date for a fifth round replay at the Emirates.
The Barclay's Premier League match saw two players scored their first goals as West Brom hosted Wolves. Jamie O'Hara scored his first goal for Wolves six minutes before half-time. Roy Hodgson's first game in charge looked for all the world that it was going to end in defeat, but on loan Carlos Vela scored an injury time equaliser on his debut to give West Brom the point.
The usual Sunday half one kick-off was at Eastlands where Manchester City were hosting Notts County in the FA Cup fourth round replay, the winner earned a home tie against Aston Villa. County looked strong for the first twenty minutes and an upset was plausible until Patrick Vieira gave City the lead after 37 minutes. Everyone knew the second goal would be the crucial one and it came again from the veteran Frenchman thirteen minutes into the second half. From there the flood gates opened and City started scoring for fun. Tevez made it three with six minutes to go with the already under pressure Dzeko benefiting from a Tevez cross to make it 4-0 five minutes later. Dzeko should have made it five when he went one on one with the keeper but he fluffed his shot. But Richards produced a bit of striking quality with a goal for the third time from a set piece in injury time.
The four o'clock kick-off saw the shock of the round as Leyton Orient hosted a not so weakened Arsenal. Mid-week it was Arsenal versus Barcelona and today the roles had reversed with Orient becoming David. With only new face, Miguel, in defence, Arsenal had a pretty strong side with the likes of Arshavin, Chamakh, Rosicky, Squillaci and Sagna included amongst the big names. But Orient did their very best hold Arsenal off and lasted eight minutes into the second half until Rosicky put Arsenal ahead. From there it looked ominous that Arsenal were going through but the shock came in the last minute before injury time when substitute Jonathan Tehoue equalised for Orient, making a date for a fifth round replay at the Emirates.
The Barclay's Premier League match saw two players scored their first goals as West Brom hosted Wolves. Jamie O'Hara scored his first goal for Wolves six minutes before half-time. Roy Hodgson's first game in charge looked for all the world that it was going to end in defeat, but on loan Carlos Vela scored an injury time equaliser on his debut to give West Brom the point.
FA Cup Saturday: 19/2/10
The FA Cup returned yesterday with a mixture of a fourth round replay and three fifth matches. The lunch-time kick-off was the fourth round replay between Chelsea and Everton, for me it could have taken place mid-week like the Bolton Wigan game, as neither team had a game. But television comes before sense sometimes but we were treated to some true FA Cup drama. Neither team could find the net after ninety minutes so it went to extra time. After 104 minutes of playing time, Chelsea finally broke the deadlock with Lampard getting the goal just before half-time. Chelsea were moments away from going through but conceded a free-kick just outside the box which Leighton Baines curled into the top corner to force penalties. Lampard converted the first penalty but Baines missed for Everton to give Chelsea the lead. Drogba made it 2-0 before Jagielka pulled one back to keep Everton alive. The Toffees then had a chance to level after Anelka missed and Mikel Arteta was on hand to equalise. Essien and Heitinga made it 3-3 before Ashley Cole fired wide to allow Phil Neville to convert his penalty and give Everton the 4-3 victory. Everton now face Reading at Goodison Park with knowledge that a new FA Cup champion will be crowned.
The two three o'clock kick-offs in the FA Cup fifth round weren't really contests as the Premiership victors eased past their Football League opponents. First Birmingham hosted League 1 Sheffield Wednesday. It took the Blues just six minutes to get ahead with Jean Beausejour scoring his first Birmingham. Obafemi Martins also scored his first Birmingham goal to make it 2-0 after seventeen minutes. The game was completed when David Murphy made it 3-0 eight minutes into the second half.
The other three o'clock kick-off saw Stoke host League 1 Brighton. This also wasn't much of a contest and Stoke took the lead after fourteen minutes with Carew scoring his second goal in two games. Jon Walters made it 2-0 after 22 minutes and Ryan Shawcross finished the match off two minutes before half-time.
The tea-time kick-off saw Manchester United crawl into the quarter finals. Non-League Crawley Town came to Old Trafford with nothing to lose and nearly and possibly should have come away from Old Trafford with a replay. United made nine changes to make it a near reserve side with the exceptions being Rafael, Anderson, O'Shea and Hernandez. After a hard fought first half, United managed to pinch the lead with captain Wes Brown flicking the ball from a corner into the net after 28 minutes. Sir Alex Ferguson called upon the cavalry in the form of Rooney at half-time and Fletcher after 69 minutes. However United's performance didn't really get much better and Crawley came within centimetres of an equaliser in injury time when Richard Brodie hit the crossbar.
The two three o'clock kick-offs in the FA Cup fifth round weren't really contests as the Premiership victors eased past their Football League opponents. First Birmingham hosted League 1 Sheffield Wednesday. It took the Blues just six minutes to get ahead with Jean Beausejour scoring his first Birmingham. Obafemi Martins also scored his first Birmingham goal to make it 2-0 after seventeen minutes. The game was completed when David Murphy made it 3-0 eight minutes into the second half.
The other three o'clock kick-off saw Stoke host League 1 Brighton. This also wasn't much of a contest and Stoke took the lead after fourteen minutes with Carew scoring his second goal in two games. Jon Walters made it 2-0 after 22 minutes and Ryan Shawcross finished the match off two minutes before half-time.
The tea-time kick-off saw Manchester United crawl into the quarter finals. Non-League Crawley Town came to Old Trafford with nothing to lose and nearly and possibly should have come away from Old Trafford with a replay. United made nine changes to make it a near reserve side with the exceptions being Rafael, Anderson, O'Shea and Hernandez. After a hard fought first half, United managed to pinch the lead with captain Wes Brown flicking the ball from a corner into the net after 28 minutes. Sir Alex Ferguson called upon the cavalry in the form of Rooney at half-time and Fletcher after 69 minutes. However United's performance didn't really get much better and Crawley came within centimetres of an equaliser in injury time when Richard Brodie hit the crossbar.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Arsenal Rock Barca, Shakhtar Rock Roma and Bolton Rock Wigan
The second quarter of the Champions League first legs took place yesterday along with a FA Cup fourth round replay. The first of the Champions League ties was in the Stadio Olimpico where under threat Claudio Ranieri saw his team Roma host Shakhtar Donetsk. It was Roma who took the lead after 28 minutes when Simone Perrotta scored. The lead only a minute when Shakhtar equalised through Jadson. The Ukrainians then took the lead nine minutes from half-time when Douglas Costa scored it was 3-1 five minutes later when Adriano rolled back the years. Roma pulled one back just after the hour through Jeremy Menez but Roma will have it all to do in Ukraine.
After Tottenham's win in Milan on Tuesday, the English sides continued to impress with Arsenal winning against Barcelona at the Emirates. Barcelona had countless chances to win the game and took the lead after 26 minutes through David Villa. Arsenal fought hard and found their equaliser in the form of Robin Van Persie twelve minutes from time. Arsenal continued their late show with Arshavin making it 2-1 five minutes later. Although Arsenal will have the lead going into the second leg, I can't see them keeping a clean sheet and despite Gerard Pique being suspended, it'll be hard for Arsenal to score.
The FA Cup fourth round replay at the DW Stadium threw up questions over team's integrity in the cup. Wigan hosted Bolton in a match watched by just over seven and a half thousand, but you can't blame so few for turning up when you know that Wigan made nine changes from the weekend and Bolton made six. It was Bolton who scored the only goal of the match through Ivan Klasnic after 66 minutes to set up a fifth round tie against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
After Tottenham's win in Milan on Tuesday, the English sides continued to impress with Arsenal winning against Barcelona at the Emirates. Barcelona had countless chances to win the game and took the lead after 26 minutes through David Villa. Arsenal fought hard and found their equaliser in the form of Robin Van Persie twelve minutes from time. Arsenal continued their late show with Arshavin making it 2-1 five minutes later. Although Arsenal will have the lead going into the second leg, I can't see them keeping a clean sheet and despite Gerard Pique being suspended, it'll be hard for Arsenal to score.
The FA Cup fourth round replay at the DW Stadium threw up questions over team's integrity in the cup. Wigan hosted Bolton in a match watched by just over seven and a half thousand, but you can't blame so few for turning up when you know that Wigan made nine changes from the weekend and Bolton made six. It was Bolton who scored the only goal of the match through Ivan Klasnic after 66 minutes to set up a fifth round tie against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Sunday, 30 January 2011
FA Cup Fifth Round Draw
With Avram Grant eyeing a third FA Cup final, West Ham are treated to a home tie against Championship side Burnley. Manchester City will get a home tie against Aston Villa, providing they beat Notts County in the replay at the City of Manchester Stadium. Huth's late winner earns Stoke a nice home tie against Championship Brighton. Birmingham's comeback against Coventry sees them host another Championship side, this time in the shape of Sheffield Wednesday. Leyton Orient get a champagne tie they were hoping for at home to Arsenal. Chelsea or Everton will get the chance of hosting Reading. After Fulham's romp, they are rewarded with a home tie against either Bolton or Wigan. They say the FA Cup is the Cup of Dreams and non-league Crawley Town will certainly agree as their heroics at Torquay have given them a fifth round tie at Old Trafford, where a Manchester United side will be waiting.
FA Cup Fourth Round: Sunday's Action
Five games took place today to seal the final places on offer into the fifth round of sixteen teams. Arsenal were given a surprise run for their money at home to Huddersfield in the day's early kick-off. A Peter Clarke own goal put the Gunners ahead after 22 minutes but Alan Lee equalised for Huddersfield after 66. Arsenal were awarded a penalty just two minutes before the end and substitute Fabregas stepped up to put Arsenal into the fifth round.
One goal nine minutes from time separated the teams at Molineux in the untelevised one o'clock kick-off. Robert Huth scored for the visitors Stoke from a set-piece, surprise surprise, to down Wolves.
The untelevised two o'clock kick-off saw five goals at Upton Park where West Ham took on Nottingham Forest. The took just four minutes to get going when Victor Obinna put Avram Grant's side ahead. Dele Adebola equalised after eighteen minutes for Forest before David McGoldrick put the visitors ahead five minutes before half-time. But there was still enough time for a fourth goal in the first half; Victo Obinna scoring his second just two minutes after McGoldrick's goal. The winner came seven minutes into the second half when Victor Obinna got his hat-trick from the penalty spot. Surely Avram Grant can't get to his third FA Cup final with a struggling team?
Notts County were ten minutes away from causing the biggest shock of the round in the televised two o'clock kick-off. Manchester City were the visitors and they found themselves 1-0 down when Neal Bishop scored just before the hour mark. City equalised with ten minutes remaining with £27million Dzeko earning the replay.
The final match of the weekend saw Fulham romp into the fifth round with a win at home to sorry Tottenham. Two penalties in the space of three minutes saw Tottenham two down with a man down. Danny Murphy converted the first penalty after eleven minutes before Dawson was shown red after conceding the second penalty just two minutes later, Murphy again converting from the spot. Brede Hangeland put the tie all but over after just 23 minutes and Moussa Dembele finished the romp just before half-time.
One goal nine minutes from time separated the teams at Molineux in the untelevised one o'clock kick-off. Robert Huth scored for the visitors Stoke from a set-piece, surprise surprise, to down Wolves.
The untelevised two o'clock kick-off saw five goals at Upton Park where West Ham took on Nottingham Forest. The took just four minutes to get going when Victor Obinna put Avram Grant's side ahead. Dele Adebola equalised after eighteen minutes for Forest before David McGoldrick put the visitors ahead five minutes before half-time. But there was still enough time for a fourth goal in the first half; Victo Obinna scoring his second just two minutes after McGoldrick's goal. The winner came seven minutes into the second half when Victor Obinna got his hat-trick from the penalty spot. Surely Avram Grant can't get to his third FA Cup final with a struggling team?
Notts County were ten minutes away from causing the biggest shock of the round in the televised two o'clock kick-off. Manchester City were the visitors and they found themselves 1-0 down when Neal Bishop scored just before the hour mark. City equalised with ten minutes remaining with £27million Dzeko earning the replay.
The final match of the weekend saw Fulham romp into the fifth round with a win at home to sorry Tottenham. Two penalties in the space of three minutes saw Tottenham two down with a man down. Danny Murphy converted the first penalty after eleven minutes before Dawson was shown red after conceding the second penalty just two minutes later, Murphy again converting from the spot. Brede Hangeland put the tie all but over after just 23 minutes and Moussa Dembele finished the romp just before half-time.
Saturday, 29 January 2011
FA Cup Fourth Round: Saturday's Action
The FA Cup returned today as the fourth round got underway. The televised lunchtime kick-off was at Goodison Park as we witnessed a re-run of the 2009 final between Everton and Chelsea. Louis Saha gave Everton the lead, just like in the final, after 62 minutes but Chelsea equalised through Solomon Kalou thirteen minutes later to set up a replay at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa hosted Blackburn in their tie that kicked-off at one o'clock. It took eleven minutes to get going when Ciaran Clark put Villa ahead but Blackburn equalised just seven minutes later through Kalinic. Robert Pires scored his first Villa goal to put them back into the lead after 35 minutes and Nathan Delfouneso all but made sure of the victory with three minutes of the first half remaining. The second half saw Nathan Baker receive a red card two minutes after the hour on only his second appearance at the club.
Sheffield Wednesday converted two penalties in a comfortable win over Hereford. Hereford did actually take the lead after nine minutes when Stuart Fleetwood scored but Darren Potter equalised for the Owls just six minutes later. Hereford were reduced to ten men when Joe Heath conceded the first penalty after 68 minutes, it was converted by Clinton Morrison. Wednesday went 3-1 ahead when Jermaine Johnson scored after 77 minutes and Morrison made it four with a second penalty just two minutes later.
The big shock came at Torquay as they were defeated by non-league Crawley Town. the missed two penalties but only needed a goal from Matt Tubbs eleven minutes before half-time to seal the game. Torquay had Chris Zebroski sent off just after the hour when he received a second yellow but the man count was levelled up seven minutes from time when Dean Howell also received a second yellow.
Reading were three minutes away from a replay before beating Stevenage. Mikele Leigertwood put the Royals ahead after 23 minutes but Stevenage equalised with eighteen minutes remaining through Darius Charles. Shane Long prevented the replay to put Reading through to the fifth round.
Just the one goal after sixteen minutes from Ashley Barnes was enough for Brighton to overcome Watford at Vicarage Road. But another shock came at the Liberty Stadium as Swansea lost to Leyton Orient late on. Jimmy Smith put Orient ahead after 35 minutes but Cedric Van Der Gun equalised just before half-time. The winner was scored two minutes from time when Alan Tate sliced a clearance past keeper Ma-Kalambay to give Orient the 2-1 win.
The only goalless tie of the round was at the Reebok where Bolton drew with Wigan, meaning a replay at the DW Stadium. But Burnley earned a comfortable win at home to Burton Albion. Chris Eagles put Burnley ahead just before the half hour mark and then added a second after seventy minutes. Calvin Zola pulled one back ten minutes later before substitute Martin Paterson finished it off in injury time.
Birmingham came from two down to see of Coventry at St.Andrew's. Marlon King put Coventry ahead after just eleven minutes before Richard Wood doubled the lead after 26 minutes. Bentley pulled one back for Birmingham ten minutes before half-time and Stuart Parnaby scored his first goal in five year to equalise after 67. The winner came from Kevin Phillips with seventeen minutes to play to edge Birmingham into the fifth round.
Manchester United have made it hard for themselves all season and today was no different. The teatime kick-off was St.Mary's as Southampton entertained the Red Devils. It was Southampton who went ahead just before half-time when Ricahrd Chaplow fired one past debutant keeper Anders Lindegaard. But as we've already seen this season, United can comeback and Michael Owen provided the equaliser after 65 minutes. With United having the momentum and also having Giggs and Nani off the bench, they went onto win ten minutes later through Javier Hernandez.
Aston Villa hosted Blackburn in their tie that kicked-off at one o'clock. It took eleven minutes to get going when Ciaran Clark put Villa ahead but Blackburn equalised just seven minutes later through Kalinic. Robert Pires scored his first Villa goal to put them back into the lead after 35 minutes and Nathan Delfouneso all but made sure of the victory with three minutes of the first half remaining. The second half saw Nathan Baker receive a red card two minutes after the hour on only his second appearance at the club.
Sheffield Wednesday converted two penalties in a comfortable win over Hereford. Hereford did actually take the lead after nine minutes when Stuart Fleetwood scored but Darren Potter equalised for the Owls just six minutes later. Hereford were reduced to ten men when Joe Heath conceded the first penalty after 68 minutes, it was converted by Clinton Morrison. Wednesday went 3-1 ahead when Jermaine Johnson scored after 77 minutes and Morrison made it four with a second penalty just two minutes later.
The big shock came at Torquay as they were defeated by non-league Crawley Town. the missed two penalties but only needed a goal from Matt Tubbs eleven minutes before half-time to seal the game. Torquay had Chris Zebroski sent off just after the hour when he received a second yellow but the man count was levelled up seven minutes from time when Dean Howell also received a second yellow.
Reading were three minutes away from a replay before beating Stevenage. Mikele Leigertwood put the Royals ahead after 23 minutes but Stevenage equalised with eighteen minutes remaining through Darius Charles. Shane Long prevented the replay to put Reading through to the fifth round.
Just the one goal after sixteen minutes from Ashley Barnes was enough for Brighton to overcome Watford at Vicarage Road. But another shock came at the Liberty Stadium as Swansea lost to Leyton Orient late on. Jimmy Smith put Orient ahead after 35 minutes but Cedric Van Der Gun equalised just before half-time. The winner was scored two minutes from time when Alan Tate sliced a clearance past keeper Ma-Kalambay to give Orient the 2-1 win.
The only goalless tie of the round was at the Reebok where Bolton drew with Wigan, meaning a replay at the DW Stadium. But Burnley earned a comfortable win at home to Burton Albion. Chris Eagles put Burnley ahead just before the half hour mark and then added a second after seventy minutes. Calvin Zola pulled one back ten minutes later before substitute Martin Paterson finished it off in injury time.
Birmingham came from two down to see of Coventry at St.Andrew's. Marlon King put Coventry ahead after just eleven minutes before Richard Wood doubled the lead after 26 minutes. Bentley pulled one back for Birmingham ten minutes before half-time and Stuart Parnaby scored his first goal in five year to equalise after 67. The winner came from Kevin Phillips with seventeen minutes to play to edge Birmingham into the fifth round.
Manchester United have made it hard for themselves all season and today was no different. The teatime kick-off was St.Mary's as Southampton entertained the Red Devils. It was Southampton who went ahead just before half-time when Ricahrd Chaplow fired one past debutant keeper Anders Lindegaard. But as we've already seen this season, United can comeback and Michael Owen provided the equaliser after 65 minutes. With United having the momentum and also having Giggs and Nani off the bench, they went onto win ten minutes later through Javier Hernandez.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
FA Cup 3rd Round Replays
Three of the four Fa Cup 3rd round replays took place on Tuesday with the final one taking place yesterday. Wales hosted a replay as Cardiff entertained Stoke after their 1-1 draw at the Britannia. The replay needed extra time as neither team could break the deadlock after ninety minutes. But it only two minutes of extra time before Jon Walters gave Stoke the lead, he then went onto seal the victory with a second five minutes before full-time.
Stoke will face a trip to Molineux after Wolves secured their fourth round by thrashing Doncaster. They initially drew 2-2 at Doncaster but Wolves showed their Premiership class in the replay. It took just five minutes for Wolves to take the lead after Steven Fletcher found the net. Geoffrey Mujangi Bia doubled Wolves lead just after the hour mark before Kevin Doyle made it 3-0 six minutes later. Matt Jarvis scored Wolves' fourth sixteen minutes from time and the rout was ended in injury time when David Jones added a fifth.
Manchester City face an away tie against Notts County after beating Leicester 4-2 in their replay. The Walkers Stadium was given a 2-2 draw and Leicester did put up a fight all the way. Carlos Tevez gave City the lead after quarter of an hour and went onto miss a penalty in the second half. Leicester were awarded a penalty themselves just four minutes after Tevez's opener and Paul Gallagher converted to equalise. Two goals in a minute took City 3-1 ahead before half-time; Patrick Vieira made it 2-1 on his fiftieth FA Cup appearance after 37 minutes. Adam Johnson made it 3-1 after City regained possession straight from the re-start. Lloyd Dyer set up a nervy final seven minutes when he made it 3-2 but City restored their two goal lead in injury time through Kolarov.
After a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, Arsenal managed to see off Leeds in Wednesday's only replay to ensure a home tie against Huddersfield. It took five minutes for Samir Nasri to give Arsenal the lead and went 2-0 ahead after 35 minutes with a goal from Sagna. Leeds came back into the game by pulling a goal back just two minutes later through Bradley Johnson. Arsenal won the game in the 76th minute when a Bendtner cross was met by Van Persie and the Dutchman made it 3-1.
Stoke will face a trip to Molineux after Wolves secured their fourth round by thrashing Doncaster. They initially drew 2-2 at Doncaster but Wolves showed their Premiership class in the replay. It took just five minutes for Wolves to take the lead after Steven Fletcher found the net. Geoffrey Mujangi Bia doubled Wolves lead just after the hour mark before Kevin Doyle made it 3-0 six minutes later. Matt Jarvis scored Wolves' fourth sixteen minutes from time and the rout was ended in injury time when David Jones added a fifth.
Manchester City face an away tie against Notts County after beating Leicester 4-2 in their replay. The Walkers Stadium was given a 2-2 draw and Leicester did put up a fight all the way. Carlos Tevez gave City the lead after quarter of an hour and went onto miss a penalty in the second half. Leicester were awarded a penalty themselves just four minutes after Tevez's opener and Paul Gallagher converted to equalise. Two goals in a minute took City 3-1 ahead before half-time; Patrick Vieira made it 2-1 on his fiftieth FA Cup appearance after 37 minutes. Adam Johnson made it 3-1 after City regained possession straight from the re-start. Lloyd Dyer set up a nervy final seven minutes when he made it 3-2 but City restored their two goal lead in injury time through Kolarov.
After a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, Arsenal managed to see off Leeds in Wednesday's only replay to ensure a home tie against Huddersfield. It took five minutes for Samir Nasri to give Arsenal the lead and went 2-0 ahead after 35 minutes with a goal from Sagna. Leeds came back into the game by pulling a goal back just two minutes later through Bradley Johnson. Arsenal won the game in the 76th minute when a Bendtner cross was met by Van Persie and the Dutchman made it 3-1.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
England's Calamitous Goalkeeping Continues
After Joe Hart's blunder on Sunday to allow Leicester the draw in the FA Cup, it was the the first leg of the first semi final of the League Cup. West Ham hosted Birmingham at Upton Park and bad news for England was that another top English goalkeeper made an awful blunder to allow their opponents the win.
Avram Grant's job is still very much on the line despite their 2-0 win in the FA Cup. Brighter news for the Hammers though is that Wayne Bridge is looking likely to join on loan from Manchester City. As for Birmingham, Alex McLeish's side were looking at a real prospect at bringing some silverware back to the Midlands. It was the home side that started strongly and after three glorious chances in as many seconds Mark Noble eventually found the net from an incredibly acute angle. The second half didn't go West Ham's way, however, as Birmingham found an equaliser just nine minutes after the restart; Liam Ridgewell finding the with a powerful header. It got even worse for West Ham just three minutes later when Victor Obinna had a quick rush of blood, or rush of stupidity, and kicked out at Seb Larsson and deservedly received a red card. The blunderous moment came twelve minutes from time when Carlton Cole struck a relatively soft shot to the right of keeper Foster, he looked have made sufficent ground to comfortably save it but the ball somehow managed to go through Foster's legs and roll into the net. Giving West Ham a 2-1 lead going into the second leg at St.Andrews and giving Avram Grant slightly more job security.
A quick note on the FA Cup, the final third round tie was played yesterday between Wycombe and Hereford. After two goals on Saturday in the second round replay, his second being the ultimate winner, Mathieu Manset was on hand to score the only goal after 32 minutes to set up a fourth round tie away to Sheffield Wednesday.
Avram Grant's job is still very much on the line despite their 2-0 win in the FA Cup. Brighter news for the Hammers though is that Wayne Bridge is looking likely to join on loan from Manchester City. As for Birmingham, Alex McLeish's side were looking at a real prospect at bringing some silverware back to the Midlands. It was the home side that started strongly and after three glorious chances in as many seconds Mark Noble eventually found the net from an incredibly acute angle. The second half didn't go West Ham's way, however, as Birmingham found an equaliser just nine minutes after the restart; Liam Ridgewell finding the with a powerful header. It got even worse for West Ham just three minutes later when Victor Obinna had a quick rush of blood, or rush of stupidity, and kicked out at Seb Larsson and deservedly received a red card. The blunderous moment came twelve minutes from time when Carlton Cole struck a relatively soft shot to the right of keeper Foster, he looked have made sufficent ground to comfortably save it but the ball somehow managed to go through Foster's legs and roll into the net. Giving West Ham a 2-1 lead going into the second leg at St.Andrews and giving Avram Grant slightly more job security.
A quick note on the FA Cup, the final third round tie was played yesterday between Wycombe and Hereford. After two goals on Saturday in the second round replay, his second being the ultimate winner, Mathieu Manset was on hand to score the only goal after 32 minutes to set up a fourth round tie away to Sheffield Wednesday.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
FA Cup 4th Round Draw
Torquay United v Crawley Town/Derby County
Watford v Brighton and Hove Albion
Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic
Arsenal/Leeds United v Huddersfield Town
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
Everton v Chelsea
Southampton v Manchester United
Swansea v Leyton Orient
Burnley v Burton Albion
Birmingham City v Coventry City
Doncaster Rovers/Wolverhampton Wanderers v Stoke City/Cardiff City
Notts County v Leicester City/Manchester City
Stevenage Borough v Reading
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers
West Ham United v Nottingham Forest
Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe Wanderers/Hereford
Watford v Brighton and Hove Albion
Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic
Arsenal/Leeds United v Huddersfield Town
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
Everton v Chelsea
Southampton v Manchester United
Swansea v Leyton Orient
Burnley v Burton Albion
Birmingham City v Coventry City
Doncaster Rovers/Wolverhampton Wanderers v Stoke City/Cardiff City
Notts County v Leicester City/Manchester City
Stevenage Borough v Reading
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers
West Ham United v Nottingham Forest
Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe Wanderers/Hereford
FA Cup 3rd Round: Sunday's Results
Today saw four more tie played with the final tie between Crawley and Derby being played tomorrow. The one o'clock kick-off the highly anticipated tie at Old Trafford where Manchester United played Liverpool. Kenny Dalglish was temporarily in charge after Roy Hodgson's dismissal yesterday. In truth, the game was over after half an hour. Manchester United were awarded a penalty after just thirty seconds when Aurelio brought Berbatov down, although the Bulgarian did go down rather easily, Ryan Giggs converted the goal. Liverpool were then down to ten men after half an hour when Gerrard went in two footed against Carrick and was rightly dismissed. United came close to a second just before half-time when Johnny Evans hit the post and should have scored early in the second half when a mad scramble saw Reina and co save themselves about five times in quick succession. Liverpool's only real chance was a free-kick from Aurelio that was neatly saved but United went onto a comfortable 1-0 win.
Tottenham eased past Charlton at White Hart Lane. All three goals were scored in the second half with Andros Townsend giving Spurs the lead just four minutes into it. Defoe made it 2-0 after 58 minutes before netting his second goal just two minutes later.
Chelsea's poor run of form may have been well and truly kicked into touch by thrashing manager less Ipswich. Paul Jewell is expected to take over after Roy Keane was given his marching orders and will be glad he didn't take charge of this one. Danny Sturridge opened the scoring after 33 minutes before Kalou made it 2-0 a minute later. Carlos Edwards then netted into his own goal four minutes before half-time to make it 3-0. The second half got worse for Ipswich with Anelka making it 4-0 four minutes after the restart, Danny Sturridge then scored his second two minutes later. There was still enough time for Lampard to score twice in a minute after the 79th minute to finish the game 7-0.
Leicester managed to force a replay against Manchester City with a 2-2 draw at the Walkers Stadium. Leicester took the lead inside a minute when Sol Bamba scored his first goal in English football. James Milner equalised for City after 23 minutes before Tevez scored a crucial goal just before half-time. Leicester weren't to be denied and scored their equaliser after 64 minutes through Andy King.
Tottenham eased past Charlton at White Hart Lane. All three goals were scored in the second half with Andros Townsend giving Spurs the lead just four minutes into it. Defoe made it 2-0 after 58 minutes before netting his second goal just two minutes later.
Chelsea's poor run of form may have been well and truly kicked into touch by thrashing manager less Ipswich. Paul Jewell is expected to take over after Roy Keane was given his marching orders and will be glad he didn't take charge of this one. Danny Sturridge opened the scoring after 33 minutes before Kalou made it 2-0 a minute later. Carlos Edwards then netted into his own goal four minutes before half-time to make it 3-0. The second half got worse for Ipswich with Anelka making it 4-0 four minutes after the restart, Danny Sturridge then scored his second two minutes later. There was still enough time for Lampard to score twice in a minute after the 79th minute to finish the game 7-0.
Leicester managed to force a replay against Manchester City with a 2-2 draw at the Walkers Stadium. Leicester took the lead inside a minute when Sol Bamba scored his first goal in English football. James Milner equalised for City after 23 minutes before Tevez scored a crucial goal just before half-time. Leicester weren't to be denied and scored their equaliser after 64 minutes through Andy King.
FA Cup 3rd Round: Saturday's Results
Goals, goals, penalties and more goals were on the agenda as England's biggest cup competition entered the third round. The opening match was a tale of two penalties as Arsenal entertained Leeds. All the main action came in the second half as Leeds were awarded a penalty just nine minutes into the second half when Max Gradel was tripped by Denilson. Robert Snodgrass converted it and looked to be on their way to the fourth round. Arsenal thought they had a penalty in the dying minutes after a 'foul' from Alex Bruce on Walcott, referee Phil Dowd awarded it before moments later awarding a free-kick instead to Leeds for offside on Bendtner. However just a minute later Walcott was tugged back by Parker in the box and this time a penalty was awarded which Fabregas converted to set up a replay at Elland Road.
One of quite a few shocks occurred at the Pirelli Stadium where Burton Albion played Middlesbrough. Boro took the lead thirteen minutes into the second half through a Gary O'Neil free-kick. Shaun Harrad equalised for Albion with eight minutes remaining before Harrad then won the game in injury time.
Swnasea eased past Colchester at the Liberty Stadium to make it into the fourth round. Garry Monk broke the deadlock after 25 minutes before Darren Pratley doubled the lead ten minutes later. Cedric Van Der Gun made it three after 68 minutes and Scott Sinclair rounded it off eight minutes from time to make it 4-0.
Blackburn left it a little late to dismiss Championship high-flyers QPR. David Hoilett scored the only goal at Ewood Park with thirteen minutes left.
Bolton also left it late to see off a courageous York City at the Reebok. Owen Coyle had to rely on his big substitutes to win the game; Kevin Davies broke the deadlock with seven minutes left before Johan Elmander made it 2-0 six minutes later.
Aston Villa stopped the rot with an away win against Sheffield United. New loan signing Kyle Walker gave Villa the lead against his old club with a mazy run after just nine minutes. Marc Albrighton made it 2-0 twelve minutes before half-time but United came out strong in the second half and were awarded a penalty three minutes into it, Jamie Ward converted it. It got worse for Villa when Ashley Young received a second yellow card after 77 minutes but the ten men held on and Petrov made it 3-1 in stoppage time.
West Brom became one of a few Premiership sides to be eliminated with a defeat to Reading at the Madejski. Shane Long scored the only goal for Reading four minutes before half-time. West Brom were reduced to ten men when half-time substitute picked his second yellow card on the hour mark.
West Ham recovered from their mid-week battering with a 2-0 win over Barnsley. Jonathan Spector opened the scoring just before the half hour mark with Frederic Piquionne finishing it off in second half injury time.
Huddersfield scored two goals in a minute to see off non-league opponents Dover at the Galpharm. Scott Arfield made it 1-0 after just seven minutes with Gary Roberts making it 2-0 a minute later.
Doncaster will get a trip to Molineux after a 2-2 draw with Wolves. Nenad Milijas put the Premiership side ahead seven minutes before half-time but the lead only lasted three minutes when Billy Sharp equalised. James Hayter then put Doncaster in front with still three minutes to play before half-time and put Wolves on the back foot. This time it was Wolves' turn to equalise and they did thirteen minutes into the second half via a penalty from Stephen Hunt. Wolves were reduced to ten men after 77 minutes when George Elokobi was given a straight red.
Blackpool were another Premiership team to be shown the door after losing to Southampton at St.Mary's. Lee Barnard put Saints ahead just eight minutes into the second half with substitute Guly Do Prado making it 2-0 with two minutes remaining.
There was a five goal thriller at the KC Stadium where Hull entertained Wigan. It was the Premiership side who took the lead through Mohammed Diame after 21 minutes. Callum McManaman made it 2-0 eleven minutes into the second half. Hull pulled a goal back after 74 minutes thanks to veteran Nick Barmby but Wigan restored their two goal lead just three minutes later with Diame getting his second. Barmby also scored a second but it didn't change the result in the dying minutes.
Nottingham Forest came from a goal down to beat Preston at Deepdale. Phil Brown's new side took the lead ten minutes before half-time through Darren Carter. Paul Anderson equalised for Forest five minutes into the second half with Luke Chambers winning the game just before stoppage time.
A sixth minute goal from Eunan O'Kane was enough to see Torquay beat Carlisle at Plainmoor. But the biggest shock of the day was in the tea-time kick-off at Stevenage as they managed to beat Newcastle. A wicked deflection off Williamson gave Borough the lead five minutes into the second half before Michael Bostwick doubled the lead five minutes later. It got worse for Newcastle when Tiote was shown a straight red after 71 minutes. It didn't seem to deter Newcastle and they pulled one back in the first of five added on minutes through Joey Barton. However Stevenage made sure of the win and it was Peter Winn who made it 3-1 just minutes later.
There was even a second round replay yesterday with Lincoln taking on Hereford, the winner will face Wycombe in the third round. Mathieu Manset gave Hereford the perfect start after four minutes but it was cancelled out just three minutes later through Jamie Clapham. Delroy Facey then made it 2-1 Lincoln after 24 minutes but this time it was Hereford who cancelled it out, Stuart Fleetwood equalising after 36 minutes. The Fleetwood made it 3-2 Hereford two minutes before half-time but the score was level again three minutes into the second half with a goal from Ashley Grimes. The winner came from Hereford with Manset getting his second goal of the game after 72 minutes but Hereford were reduced to ten in injury time when Ryan Green received a second yellow card.
One of quite a few shocks occurred at the Pirelli Stadium where Burton Albion played Middlesbrough. Boro took the lead thirteen minutes into the second half through a Gary O'Neil free-kick. Shaun Harrad equalised for Albion with eight minutes remaining before Harrad then won the game in injury time.
Swnasea eased past Colchester at the Liberty Stadium to make it into the fourth round. Garry Monk broke the deadlock after 25 minutes before Darren Pratley doubled the lead ten minutes later. Cedric Van Der Gun made it three after 68 minutes and Scott Sinclair rounded it off eight minutes from time to make it 4-0.
Blackburn left it a little late to dismiss Championship high-flyers QPR. David Hoilett scored the only goal at Ewood Park with thirteen minutes left.
Bolton also left it late to see off a courageous York City at the Reebok. Owen Coyle had to rely on his big substitutes to win the game; Kevin Davies broke the deadlock with seven minutes left before Johan Elmander made it 2-0 six minutes later.
Aston Villa stopped the rot with an away win against Sheffield United. New loan signing Kyle Walker gave Villa the lead against his old club with a mazy run after just nine minutes. Marc Albrighton made it 2-0 twelve minutes before half-time but United came out strong in the second half and were awarded a penalty three minutes into it, Jamie Ward converted it. It got worse for Villa when Ashley Young received a second yellow card after 77 minutes but the ten men held on and Petrov made it 3-1 in stoppage time.
West Brom became one of a few Premiership sides to be eliminated with a defeat to Reading at the Madejski. Shane Long scored the only goal for Reading four minutes before half-time. West Brom were reduced to ten men when half-time substitute picked his second yellow card on the hour mark.
West Ham recovered from their mid-week battering with a 2-0 win over Barnsley. Jonathan Spector opened the scoring just before the half hour mark with Frederic Piquionne finishing it off in second half injury time.
Huddersfield scored two goals in a minute to see off non-league opponents Dover at the Galpharm. Scott Arfield made it 1-0 after just seven minutes with Gary Roberts making it 2-0 a minute later.
Doncaster will get a trip to Molineux after a 2-2 draw with Wolves. Nenad Milijas put the Premiership side ahead seven minutes before half-time but the lead only lasted three minutes when Billy Sharp equalised. James Hayter then put Doncaster in front with still three minutes to play before half-time and put Wolves on the back foot. This time it was Wolves' turn to equalise and they did thirteen minutes into the second half via a penalty from Stephen Hunt. Wolves were reduced to ten men after 77 minutes when George Elokobi was given a straight red.
Blackpool were another Premiership team to be shown the door after losing to Southampton at St.Mary's. Lee Barnard put Saints ahead just eight minutes into the second half with substitute Guly Do Prado making it 2-0 with two minutes remaining.
There was a five goal thriller at the KC Stadium where Hull entertained Wigan. It was the Premiership side who took the lead through Mohammed Diame after 21 minutes. Callum McManaman made it 2-0 eleven minutes into the second half. Hull pulled a goal back after 74 minutes thanks to veteran Nick Barmby but Wigan restored their two goal lead just three minutes later with Diame getting his second. Barmby also scored a second but it didn't change the result in the dying minutes.
Nottingham Forest came from a goal down to beat Preston at Deepdale. Phil Brown's new side took the lead ten minutes before half-time through Darren Carter. Paul Anderson equalised for Forest five minutes into the second half with Luke Chambers winning the game just before stoppage time.
A sixth minute goal from Eunan O'Kane was enough to see Torquay beat Carlisle at Plainmoor. But the biggest shock of the day was in the tea-time kick-off at Stevenage as they managed to beat Newcastle. A wicked deflection off Williamson gave Borough the lead five minutes into the second half before Michael Bostwick doubled the lead five minutes later. It got worse for Newcastle when Tiote was shown a straight red after 71 minutes. It didn't seem to deter Newcastle and they pulled one back in the first of five added on minutes through Joey Barton. However Stevenage made sure of the win and it was Peter Winn who made it 3-1 just minutes later.
There was even a second round replay yesterday with Lincoln taking on Hereford, the winner will face Wycombe in the third round. Mathieu Manset gave Hereford the perfect start after four minutes but it was cancelled out just three minutes later through Jamie Clapham. Delroy Facey then made it 2-1 Lincoln after 24 minutes but this time it was Hereford who cancelled it out, Stuart Fleetwood equalising after 36 minutes. The Fleetwood made it 3-2 Hereford two minutes before half-time but the score was level again three minutes into the second half with a goal from Ashley Grimes. The winner came from Hereford with Manset getting his second goal of the game after 72 minutes but Hereford were reduced to ten in injury time when Ryan Green received a second yellow card.
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