Gerrards Missing In Action

Cardiff line-up: Heaton, McNaughton (Blake, 106'), Taylor, Hudson (Gerrard, 99'), Turner, Whittingham, Cowie, Gunnarsson, Miller, Gestede, Mason (Kiss, 91') 
Liverpool line-up: Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Agger (Carragher, 86'), Skrtel, Gerrard, Henderson (Bellamy, 58'), Downing, Adam, Suarez, Carroll (Kuyt, 103')


Liverpool win the 2011/2012 Carling Cup via a penalty shoot-out in which both Gerrards missed their respective penalties. Liverpool came out stronger in the first half and Glen Johnson almost gave them the lead within the first five minutes, but his shot crashed off the bar and was cleared away.


Cardiff defended well throughout the game and after the initial quarter of an hour, they started to get on the ball. Joe Mason was then played in by Kenny Miller and the striker slotted under Pepe Reina to give Cardiff a surprise lead. From there Cardiff again had to defend for their lives as they went back to the dressing rooms with that slender lead.


The second half continued in the same vain as Liverpool had to search for that equaliser. It came on the hour mark with Martin Skrtel firing them level from a corner. From there, both teams were beginning to create chances to try and win the game for themselves. The best chance fell to Miller with less than ten minutes to go, he turned to find himself one-on-one with Reina but fired the ball over as Andy Carroll came sliding in. 


The game fell into extra time and Liverpool thought they won it with 12-minutes to spare. Dirk Kuyt had only been on the pitch for five minutes but he managed to spike a returning ball in the net from 16-yards, catching Tom Heaton unaware as it flew into the bottom corner. Kuyt then did his best to prevent Cardiff coming back, he headed a ball off the line from Cardiff's first corner with only three minutes left. A second corner came in and the Dutchman couldn't get Ben Turner off the ball as the defender scrambled it into the net to make it 2-2 and took the game into the penalty shoot-out.


This was Cardiff's third penalty shoot-out in the tournament with Heaton providing heroics against Crystal Palace in the semi-final. The ever reliable Steven Gerrard stepped up for Liverpool's opening penalty, but it was expertly saved by a strong left hand. Cardiff's ever reliable, Kenny Miller, then also missed his spot-kick by hitting the post. Charlie Adam was next to take a penalty but blasted his effort over the bar, allowing Don Cowie to give Cardiff a 1-0 lead in the contest. Dirk Kuyt equalised before Rudy Gestede also hit the post to make it 1-1 after three penalties each. Stewart Downing and Peter Whittingham both converted to take it to the final penalties. Glen Johnson smashed his effort into the roof of the net, leaving Anthony Gerrard to force sudden death. Nerves got the better of him though and the cousin of the Anfield legend fired wide to hand Steven and Liverpool the trophy.

Carling Cup Semi-Finals 2nd Legs

The first Wembley final of the season now has its two competitors with both semi-finals finishing in dramatic style. Tuesday saw Cardiff take on Crystal Palace with the English visitors a goal ahead from the first leg. Anthony Gardner scored an own goal after just six minutes to level the tie up with plenty to spare. The game went into extra time and Cardiff continuously hit the woodwork as the game rolled into the dreaded penalty shoot-out. The first two penalties were missed but Tom Heaton produced heroics as Cardiff went onto win the shoot-out 3-1 to book their place across the border.

The second semi-final saw Liverpool try to hold onto their one goal lead against Manchester City. Nigel De Jong scored only his second City goal just after the half-hour mark to level the tie at 1-1. But just like in the first leg, City gave away a penalty and Steven Gerrard once again converted to make it 2-1 on aggregate four minutes before half-time. Edin Dzeko thought he had pushed the game into extra time with City's second goal on 67 minutes. But former City man Craig Bellamy made it 2-2 on the night seven minutes later to put Kenny Dalglish's men into the Carling Cup final.

Carling Cup Semi-Final 1st Legs (and Spurs win again)

The first legs of the Carling Cup semi-final took place on Tuesday and Wednesday with both games only finishing 1-0, leaving both ties tantalisingly close for the second leg. Tuesday saw the two Championship sides do battle at Selhurst Park. Dougie Freedman didn't know who would be playing until the very last moments as his side and been plagued by a mystery bug. But it didn't faze the Palace side as Anthony Gardner headed home the winner three minutes before half-time to give Palace a slight edge for when they cross the border.

Wednesday's semi-final became a rather heated one as Manchester City were still reeling from their FA Cup defeat. The only goal of the game after thirteen minutes when talisman Steven Gerrard scored from the spot after Stefan Savic had brought Daniel Agger down. The match ended on a heated note as Roberto Mancini and Gerrard clashed over a tackle from Glen Johnson on Joleon Lescott, Mancini branded it worse than Vincent Kompany's who had his four match ban appeal turned down. Johnson received no punishment.

Meanwhile, Tottenham and Everton played out their game in hand. Aaron Lennon put the hosts ahead after 35 minutes before Benoit Assou-Ekotto doubled the score on 63 minutes. This now puts Spurs level on points with Manchester United in second place.  

2011/2012 Carling Cup Quarter Finals & Semi-Final Draw

Cardiff 2-0 Blackburn: The shock of Tuesday saw Blackburn 'forfeit' their game against Cardiff. Kenny Miller put Cardiff ahead after nineteen minutes before Anthony Gerrard wrapped things up five minutes into the second half. Steve Kean said in a post-match interview that they forfeited the match to focus on the Premiership.

Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool: Andre Villas-Boas remains under fire after a second defeat at home to Liverpool. Maxi Rodriguez put Liverpool ahead thirteen minutes into the second half with Martin Kelly making it 2-0 on 63 minutes.

Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City: City edged out Arsenal in a game that the hosts had opportunities to win. Sergio Aguero rounded off a counter attack with seven minutes to go to put them through to the semi-finals.

Manchester United 1-2 Crystal Palace AET: The shock of the round saw Man United vacate the tournament after a poor display against Palace. Darren Ambrose scored a screamer on 65 minutes before Federico Macheda equalised on the spot four minutes later to force extra time. Poor marking, despite a possible offside call, allowed substitute Glenn Murray to make it 2-1 eight minutes into the extra period to seal the upset.

The final may be a dud one however as Manchester City will take on Liverpool. But Cardiff or Crystal Palace have a great opportunity to get to Wembley to challenge for silverware.

2011/2012 Carling Cup Quarter-Final Draw

Arsenal  v  Manchester City

Chelsea  v  Liverpool

Manchester United  v  Crystal Palace

Cardiff City  v  Blackburn Rovers

Who Said The Carling Cup Meant Nothing?

With Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea joining Manchester United and Arsenal in the Carling Cup quarter finals, it's hard to agree with quotes that said the Carling Cup means very little to the big clubs.

Stoke 1-2 Liverpool: Liverpool came from behind to book their place in the last eight. Kenwyne Jones gave Stoke the lead just before half-time but it was canceled out by Suarez nine minutes after the restart. The Uruguayan then won the match for Liverpool, scoring his second five minutes from the end.

Wolves 2-5 Man City: City continued their dominance by making eleven goals in two matches, both away, in a preview to this weekend's game. None of City's starting eleven started in historic Manchester derby and a shock was on the cards when Milijas put Wolves ahead after eighteen minutes. City equalised through Adam Johnson after 37 minutes and this started a Wolves capitulation; Nasri made it 2-1 just two minutes later before Dzeko made it three goals in three minutes for the visitors. It was 4-1 just five minutes into the second half when a Scapuzzi, making his debut, shot was turned in by the unfortunate De Vries before Dzeko scored a second after 64 minutes. O'Hara scored another consolation goal a minute later but it doesn' look good for Wolves who face City again on Saturday.

Blackburn 4-3 Newcastle AET: Blackburn end Newcastle's domestic unbeaten start to the season in a dramatic seven goal thriller. Ruben Rochina put the hosts ahead after five minutes before Yakubu dispatched a penalty to make it 2-0 after 64. But Newcastle forced extra time with both Cabaye and Guthrie finding the net in second half injury time. Pedersen then put Blackburn back in front nine minutes into the extra period before Lovenkrands equalised from the spot for Newcastle six minutes later. The game was won in the dying moments of extra time with Gael Givet putting under fire Steve Kean and his men through to the quarter finals.

Everton 1-2 Chelsea AET: Chelsea complete the formidable looking line-up for the quarter-finals in similar dramatic circumstances. The news before the game was that Terry would miss the trip, having conveniently picked up four yellow cards so not being risked in case he'd miss the Arsenal match on Saturday, as well as the current investigation pending on him. The drama started after just sixteen minutes when McEachran was fouled by Heitinga in the box, but Anelka missed the spot kick. Chelsea did then take the lead seven minutes before half-time through Kalou, although Mucha will be in future blooper videos as the ball went through his hands. Everton were handed a great chance just thirteen minutes into the second half when Turnbull brought Saha down, he keeper was shown red but substitute Cech saved the following Baines penalty. Everton then forced extra time with Saha equalising just seven minutes before the end. Drenthe was then shown a second yellow card just two minutes into the second extra period to level the man count. Chelsea took full advantage with Sturridge winning the game four minutes from the end.

2011/2012 Carling Cup: 4th Round, Tuesday

Aldershot 0-3 Man Utd: United responded to their humiliation at the weekend with a professional win over Aldershot. None of the players involved started in the Manchester derby but all had a point to prove to try and into the team on Saturday. Aldershot played well and had an attacking threat throughout but United took the lead after fifteen minutes when a slick passing move was finished off by Berbatov. Owen made it 2-0 four minutes from half-time with his third goal already in this competition. The game was wrapped up three minutes after the restart when Valencia fired a screamer past Ross Worner.

Arsenal 2-1 Bolton: Arsenal had to come from behind to ensure their place in the quarter-finals. Fabrice Muamba put Bolton ahead just two minutes into the second half. It was cancelled out by Arshavin six minutes later before Park Chu-Young made it 2-1 after 56 minutes.

Cardiff 1-0 Burnley: Cardiff book their place in the last eight of the league for the first time since the sixties. Joe Mason scored the only goal fie minutes before half-time to see the Welsh side progress.

Crystal Palace 2-0 Southampton: Southampton couldn't bring their league form to the table as Palace produce the possible shock of the night. Darren Ambrose broke the deadlock after 73 minutes before a penalty from Jermaine Easter eight minutes from time secured Palace's place in the quarter finals.

Caling Cup Round Up: Wednesday's 3rd Round Action

The remaining six Carling Cup ties took place last night which included the holders being knocked out already.
Brighton 1-2 Liverpool: Brighton's great start to life in the Championship was no match for Liverpool's pretty strong side. Craig Bellamy scored his first goal his new Liverpool career after just seven minutes. Kuyt made it 2-0 with nine minutes to go before Brighton substitute Ashley Barnes scored a consolation penalty in injury time.
Cardiff 2-2 Leicester: 120 minutes couldn't separate these two but all the goals were scored in the ninety usual minutes. Don Cowie put Cardiff ahead after thirty three minutes but it was cancelled out just seven minutes later by Steve Howard. Leicester then took the lead through Lloyd Dyer six minutes after the hour but that was then cancelled out by Rudy Gestede eight minutes from time. They then needed extra time in penalties before Cardiff finally came out winners 7-6.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham: Chelsea managed to take Fulham to despite being reduced to ten men just two minutes into the second half. Alex was dismissed for a professional foul which resulted in a Fulham penalty but Kasami hit the bar and it turned out to be an unlucky omen. Bryan Ruiz would then go onto miss the final penalty in the shoot-out by hitting the bar, giving Chelsea the 4-3 win on penalties.
Man City 2-0 Birmingham: City knock the holders out with a side that included debutantes in the form of Savic and Hargreaves but also a comeback for Kolo Toure after his drugs ban. It was Hargreaves who scored on his City debut to give City the lead after seventeen minutes. Balotelli wrapped things up seven minutes before half-time.
Southampton 2-1 Preston: Southampton's great start to the season continued with progression into the fourth round. Jos Hooiveld put the Saints ahead after twenty seven minutes but Adam Barton equalised for Preston seven minutes into the second half. Adam Lallana won the game six minutes past the hour mark to secure a place in Saturday's draw.
Everton 2-1 West Brom: Everton continue their decent run of form with a win over West Brom after extra time. Chris Brunt had put West Brom ahead with a penalty twelve minutes into the second half. Fellaini forced extra time with an equaliser in the final minute of normal before Phil Neville won the game thirteen minutes into extra time.

Carling Cup Round-Up: Tuesday's 3rd Round Action

Firstly, apologies for missing last weekend's Premiership action, just moved into University and have been unable to get an internet connection until now.

Yesterday saw the Carling Cup third round start with half of the fixtures being played:
Arsenal 3-1 Shrewsbury: Arsenal fielded a somewhat young side alonside the experience of Chamakh, Park and Benayoun. But it was Shrewsbury who opened the scoring after sixteen minutes through James Collins. Arsenal responded after thirty-three minutes via Kieron Gibbs and the upset was avoided thirteen minutes into the second half when Oxlade-Chamberlain put the hosts ahead. Benayoun then rounded it off with his first Arsenal goal twelve minutes from the end.
Aldershot 2-1 Rochdale: Perhaps the shock of the night as League Two Aldershot beat League One Rochdale. Again it was the away side that actually took the lead, Ashley Grimes putting Rochdale ahead just before half-time. Aldershot equalised just two minutes after the restart with Michael Rankine scoring the leveller. Aldershot won the game twelve minutes from time with Danny Hylton putting Aldershot into the fourth round.
Aston Villa 0-2 Bolton: Bolton inflict Villa's first defeat of the season in front of Villa's own fans. Chris Eagles opened the scoring nine minutes into the second half before Chelsea loanee Kakuta made it 2-0 thirteen minutes from time.
Burnley 2-1 MK Dons: Again it was MK Dons who took the lead in this one, Daniel Power scored after just six minutes. Burnley equalised before the hour through Kieran Trippier and Andre Amougou put Burnley through in last minute of normal time.
Leeds 0-3 Man United: With United fielding two midfielders and a debutante youngster in defence, Leeds had the best chance early on. But United took the lead after a good passing move was finished deftly by Owen after quarter of an hour. Owen then made it 2-0 with a top corber blast from just inside the box after thirty-two minutes. Giggs wrapped the game up just before half-time with a run in from the wing before finishing with the outside of his foot past the keeper.
Nottingham Forest 3-4 Newcastle: Newcastle needed injury time in extra time to win this seven goal thriller at the City Ground. Peter Lovenkrands put Newcastle ahead six minutes before half-time but was ruled by Robbie Findley's equaliser a minute after the restart. Lovenkrands again gave Newcastle the lead on the hour after converting a penalty but Matt Derbyshire made it 2-2 six minutes later and the game went into extra time. Again Newcastle took the lead, this time through Danny Simpson just three minutes into the period. Forest equalised again through Marcus Tudgay six minutes from the end and with the game looking to be headed to penalties, Fabricio Coloccini won the match in the dying seconds to see Newcastle through.
Stoke 0-0 Tottenham: With neither team managing to break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the game went into penalties. It then took extra time in the penalty shoot-out before Stoke finally won the match 7-6 on penalties.
Wolves 5-0 Millwall: Wolves opened the scoring after just three minutes through David Edwards and then a rout ensued. Adam Hamill made it 2-0 after seven minutes before Elookbi virtually finished the game off seven minutes before half-time. Substitute James Spray made it 4-0 after seventy-seven minutes before Guedioura rounded it off two minutes from the end.
Blackburn 3-2 Leyton Orient: Blackburn had a nervy six minutes as they saw off Orient at Ewood Park. Jason Roberts gave Rovers the lead just before half-time via the penalty spot. Dave Mooney equalised four minutes after the hour mark before Rovers retook the lead through Ruben Rochina after seventy-one minutes. Simon Vukcevic then made it 3-1 four minutes later before Dean Cox pulled one back six minutes from time but Blackburn held out to progress.
Crystal Palace 2-1 Middlesborough: Palace took the lead after eighteen minutes through Wilfried Zaha. Calvin Andrew doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half before Boro pulled a goal back three minutes later via Merouane Zemmama. But Palace were able to hold on to make it into Saturday's draw.