Arsenal 2-1 Hull City
Arsenal booked a semi-final place against Chelsea thanks to a controversial William Gallas winner with a 2-1 win over a battling Hull City side in tonight's FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal went behind to Nick Barmby's deflected strike after 12 minutes. Hull almost doubled their lead when Geovanni tested Lukasz Fabianski in the Arsenal goal with a sublime free kick, before Barmby had a goal ruled out for offside.
The home side dominated the rest of the opening period and, with Andrey Arshavin increasingly influential, kept Hull pinned back for much of the second half. Robin Van Persie turned in from Arshavin for the equaliser in the 74th minute after good work by substitute Nicklas Bendtner.
Gallas then nodded into an empty net 10 minutes later, although the Frenchman appeared to be at least a yard offside after Boaz Myhill had flapped at a cross. Arsenal, however, closed out the game to book their first FA Cup semi-final spot since 2005.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger again kept faith with some of the youngsters that have illuminated Carling Cups in recent years; Kieran Gibbs and Carlos Vela in for Gael Clichy and Bendtner in six changes from the team that dismantled Blackburn on Saturday.
Wenger's counterpart Phil Brown also made six changes from the team that picked up a point against Newcastle at the KC Stadium, with striker Manucho entrusted with a lone role in front of a five-man midfield.
As early as the third minute, the Angolan striker turned Johan Djourou with consumate ease, only to look for help which was not coming, allowing Arsenal to regroup and regain possession. A few minutes later, Anthony Gardner brought down Carlos Vela on the right hand side. From the resultant free kick, Van Persie whipped in a delicious free kick, which was well defended by Hull.
A rather uninspiring opening period was quickly turned on its head when Hull City took a shock lead. Andy Dawson, already exerting dominance on the left side, looped a ball into the Arsenal area which was allowed to bounce. Nick Barmby managed to twist and strike a fierce volley off the right boot of the hapless Djourou, and over the despairing dive of Fabianski.
As a stunned Emirates remained in silence, Arsenal looked for an immediate reply; a Gibbs cross and a Van Persie corner both brilliantly defended by the visitors. In the 23rd minute, Gallas brought down Peter Halmosi in Geovanni range. The Brazilian struck a fierce free kick from 25 yards, only to see it expertly tipped over by Fabianski.
The shortly worked corner was then fired into the area where Barmby tapped home; the effort correctly ruled out for offside. Soon after, Arshavin was beginning to pull the strings for Arsenal, but committed work from both Manucho and Dawson exemplified the battling attitude of Phil Brown's side.
On the half hour, a deft Arshavin flick was picked up by Van Persie, who screwed his shot wide. A minute later, the Russian danced his way inside Hull's area, where his shot was deflected wide. Although Arsenal were in the ascendancy, Hull showed their desire to extend their lead when Kamil Zayatte headed over from four yards from Halmosi's left-footed inswinging free; a big let-off for the otherwise faultless Gibbs who had rashly bundled over Craig Fagan.
As Arsenal's dominance grew, aside from a few moments of individual brilliance from Arshavin, they failed to seriously test Myhill in the Hull goal. On 52 minutes, Abou Diaby was guilty of wasting perhaps Arsenal's best chance when failing to convert Arshavin's cross. Moments later, Alexandre Song found a yard of space inside the box, twisting and sending his shot narrowly wide.
With the tempo increased, but clear chances still at a premium, Wenger sent on Samir Nasri and Bendtner for Song and the ineffective Carlos Vela. In the 69th minute, Barmby conceded a free kick 30 yards out, which Myhill did well to push wide from Van Persie's effort, low to his right. Moments later, Van Persie headed Nasri's cross onto the crossbar, as Hull continued to frustrate.
However, their luck ran out after 74 minutes when Theo Walcott's cross found Bendtner, whose initial effort was blocked by Bryan Hughes. First to react, the Dane waltzed past Gardner and sent the ball across the face of the goal. Unmarked, Arshavin had the presence of mind to square inside and find Van Persie to smash the ball into the roof of the net, nothing more than Arsenal had deserved.
Three minutes later, Manucho managed to flick on a long ball into the path of Geovanni, who managed to smash a volley from an awkward angle onto the side of the post. It was the last attack of any note from the Tigers, as Arsenal continued to press.
Six minutes from time, Nasri sent in a free kick which Myhill came for and missed, Emmanuel Eboue getting there before the goalkeeper. Gallas, clearly offside, was left with the simple task of heading into an empty goal. Arsenal pressed to make sure of the win; Bendtner forcing a brilliant save from Myhill, whilst Eboue wasted an opportunity following good work from Nasri and Bacary Sagna.
With 5 minutes of injury time to be played, Hull managed a few brief forays into the opposition half, but Arsenal comfortably held on to set up a semi-final clash with Chelsea at Wembley next month. Although Phil Brown's side will feel aggrieved at the manner in which Arsenal made it 2-1, the result was a fair reflection on a dominant Gunners display.
Arsenal: Fabianski; Sagna; Gallas; Djourou; Gibbs; Walcott (Eboue 82); Song (Bendtner 64); Diaby; Arshavin; Vela (Nasri 64); Van Persie.
Booked: Gallas, Nasri.
Hull City: Myhill; Ricketts; Gardner; Zayatte; Dawson; Ashbee (Hughes 46); Barmby (France 76); Geovanni; Fagan; Halmosi (Mendy 67); Manucho.
Booked: Myhill, Dawson, France, Halmosi, Manucho.
Attendance: 55, 641
Referee: Mike Riley
My Man of the Match: Andrey Arshavin
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Monday 16 March 2009
Make 2009 a green year.
Ireland fans may be beginning to wonder if 2009 is going to be a monumental year. On the eve of Saint Patrick's Day, things are looking incredibly rosy for the Emerald Isle. David Gillick's fall in his 400m heats at the European Athletics Championships was a big blow for Ireland's attempts at a golden haul. A blow cushioned, however, by Derval O'Rourke's 60m Hurdles bronze medal and Mary Cullen's gutsy front-running, the latter also taking bronze in the 3000m. Furthermore, the relatively unknown name of Ciara Mageean is being tipped as the next Sonia O'Sullivan; the 17 year old producing numerous notable runs over the country and on track.
In the world of golf, the future is even brighter. Rory McIlroy is rightly receiving high praise across the globe, thanks to a number of stirring performances from the Holywood teenager. Ernie Els and Tiger Woods, for example, think that McIlroy has what it takes to be the next world number one after Woods; no higher praise than from the man himself. Throw into the equation Padraig Harrington's form and the Northern Irish trio of Michael Hoey, Gareth Maybin and Graeme McDowell, and Ireland can be a force for years to come.
Next month's Snooker World Championships has another three Northern Irishmen (Mark Allen, Joe Swail and Gerard Greene) in the main draw. This year's tournament may come a little too soon for the trio, but of the three, Allen seems the most likley to regularly challenge for ranking titles. The current world number 16 might just surprise a few people next month. Swail, on the other hand, may dispute that following his recent run to the final in last month's Welsh Open.
The footballers face a vital period at the end of this month. A victory over Bulgaria would put the Irish in a strong position to finish in the top two. Anything other than defeat against the Italians a few days later in Bari is likely to send the travelling thousands into dreamland. So, you'd agree that 2009 could be a productive year for Ireland? And we haven't even mentioned the rugby yet.
On Saturday evening, Ireland maintained their hopes of a first Grand Slam since 19-God-knows-when with a hard fought victory over a powerful and disciplined Scotland at Murrayfield. The first half of this RBS Six Nations clash was by no means classic, but the Irish class shone through in the second half, lead by the impressive Peter Stringer and the once-again reliable boot of Ronan O'Gara.
One mustn't forget the contributions of Brian O'Driscoll again. The Irish captain wasn't as imperious as he has been in a few previous games, but again underlined his importance to the Grand Slam cause; in particular a bruising challenge on Scotland's Phil Godman. The fly-half was bundled into touch metres away from the try-line as the first half appeared as though it would end disastrously for the Irish. Had that score have materialised, Ireland may well have struggled to recover.
They got the result, and now go to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday evening to face Wales. Any defeat of less than 13 points will seal the Six Nations crown. Any win will seal the Grand Slam that has eluded the Irish for so long. Anything else doesn't bear thinking about. So as you stare into your Saint Patrick's Day pint, whether you're Irish or not, you have to wonder what the rest of the year and, indeed, the week will have in store.
In the world of golf, the future is even brighter. Rory McIlroy is rightly receiving high praise across the globe, thanks to a number of stirring performances from the Holywood teenager. Ernie Els and Tiger Woods, for example, think that McIlroy has what it takes to be the next world number one after Woods; no higher praise than from the man himself. Throw into the equation Padraig Harrington's form and the Northern Irish trio of Michael Hoey, Gareth Maybin and Graeme McDowell, and Ireland can be a force for years to come.
Next month's Snooker World Championships has another three Northern Irishmen (Mark Allen, Joe Swail and Gerard Greene) in the main draw. This year's tournament may come a little too soon for the trio, but of the three, Allen seems the most likley to regularly challenge for ranking titles. The current world number 16 might just surprise a few people next month. Swail, on the other hand, may dispute that following his recent run to the final in last month's Welsh Open.
The footballers face a vital period at the end of this month. A victory over Bulgaria would put the Irish in a strong position to finish in the top two. Anything other than defeat against the Italians a few days later in Bari is likely to send the travelling thousands into dreamland. So, you'd agree that 2009 could be a productive year for Ireland? And we haven't even mentioned the rugby yet.
On Saturday evening, Ireland maintained their hopes of a first Grand Slam since 19-God-knows-when with a hard fought victory over a powerful and disciplined Scotland at Murrayfield. The first half of this RBS Six Nations clash was by no means classic, but the Irish class shone through in the second half, lead by the impressive Peter Stringer and the once-again reliable boot of Ronan O'Gara.
One mustn't forget the contributions of Brian O'Driscoll again. The Irish captain wasn't as imperious as he has been in a few previous games, but again underlined his importance to the Grand Slam cause; in particular a bruising challenge on Scotland's Phil Godman. The fly-half was bundled into touch metres away from the try-line as the first half appeared as though it would end disastrously for the Irish. Had that score have materialised, Ireland may well have struggled to recover.
They got the result, and now go to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday evening to face Wales. Any defeat of less than 13 points will seal the Six Nations crown. Any win will seal the Grand Slam that has eluded the Irish for so long. Anything else doesn't bear thinking about. So as you stare into your Saint Patrick's Day pint, whether you're Irish or not, you have to wonder what the rest of the year and, indeed, the week will have in store.
Resurgent Liverpool finally asking questions?
I'd like to think that on Wednesday past, Mr. Benitez poured himself a glass of rioja, sat down to bask in the glory of a brilliant victory over Real Madrid, typed his name into Google to read about his magnificence, and stumbled upon this blog. I'd also like to think that he took the time to read the most recent post and decided that it was time to lay caution to the wind and give Liverpool fans what they want.
Of course he didn't.
That being said, something must have happened. A little spark, a lightbulb, something like that. Whatever it was, not even the most optimistic of Kopites could foresee such a rewarding trip up the M62 a few days later. However surprising the result was (United haven't conceded 4 goals at Old Trafford since Q.P.R. visited in 1992), the scoreline was hardly flattering for Liverpool.
Liverpool hassled Manchester United from the off, got into their faces, closed them down quickly, and got men behind the ball when required. Sounds just like Liverpool under Benitez, right? Liverpool fans must have been fearing the worst when Pepe Reina bundled Park Ji-Sung over to give the hosts the chance to lead. Ronaldo obliged.
What followed was even more impressive from Liverpool. Their passing was sharp and incisive, their commitment faultless. The difference on Saturday, however, was Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. Yes, without the pair, Liverpool may be average, but they have them and with them in the team it suddenly becomes a more impressive unit.
We can pick the bones out of United's (and particularly Nemanja Vidic's) performance, but they simply could not handle the pace and movement of Liverpool's front men. Torres created the equaliser for himself via his frightening turn of speed and endeavour. Of course Vidic should not have given him the chance, but let's not take anything away from the Spaniard's assured finish.
Over to you, Steven.
Gerrard created the goal to send the travelling fans into ruptures, drawing the foul from Patrice Evra. With the penalty dispatched just beyond the grasp of Edwin Van Der Sar, Liverpool were firmly in the ascendency. United huffed and puffed after half-time, but the resilience of Benitez's men was plain to see. Not many can argue with the foul which lead to the dismissal of Vidic - again due to the driving force of Liverpool's captain; Aurelio's free-kick was simply pouring salt on the wounded beast.
As Old Trafford emptied, Andrea Dossena lobbed Van Der Sar to put a gloss on an accomplished performance, which perhaps signalled that there may yet be life in this year's title race. Manchester United still have a four point advantage over their north-west rivals and Chelsea, with a game in hand. It will still take a monumental collapse for United to surrender their grasp on the Premier League trophy. That's what we were saying on Saturday morning, and if it is to happen, it had to start somewhere.
Of course he didn't.
That being said, something must have happened. A little spark, a lightbulb, something like that. Whatever it was, not even the most optimistic of Kopites could foresee such a rewarding trip up the M62 a few days later. However surprising the result was (United haven't conceded 4 goals at Old Trafford since Q.P.R. visited in 1992), the scoreline was hardly flattering for Liverpool.
Liverpool hassled Manchester United from the off, got into their faces, closed them down quickly, and got men behind the ball when required. Sounds just like Liverpool under Benitez, right? Liverpool fans must have been fearing the worst when Pepe Reina bundled Park Ji-Sung over to give the hosts the chance to lead. Ronaldo obliged.
What followed was even more impressive from Liverpool. Their passing was sharp and incisive, their commitment faultless. The difference on Saturday, however, was Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. Yes, without the pair, Liverpool may be average, but they have them and with them in the team it suddenly becomes a more impressive unit.
We can pick the bones out of United's (and particularly Nemanja Vidic's) performance, but they simply could not handle the pace and movement of Liverpool's front men. Torres created the equaliser for himself via his frightening turn of speed and endeavour. Of course Vidic should not have given him the chance, but let's not take anything away from the Spaniard's assured finish.
Over to you, Steven.
Gerrard created the goal to send the travelling fans into ruptures, drawing the foul from Patrice Evra. With the penalty dispatched just beyond the grasp of Edwin Van Der Sar, Liverpool were firmly in the ascendency. United huffed and puffed after half-time, but the resilience of Benitez's men was plain to see. Not many can argue with the foul which lead to the dismissal of Vidic - again due to the driving force of Liverpool's captain; Aurelio's free-kick was simply pouring salt on the wounded beast.
As Old Trafford emptied, Andrea Dossena lobbed Van Der Sar to put a gloss on an accomplished performance, which perhaps signalled that there may yet be life in this year's title race. Manchester United still have a four point advantage over their north-west rivals and Chelsea, with a game in hand. It will still take a monumental collapse for United to surrender their grasp on the Premier League trophy. That's what we were saying on Saturday morning, and if it is to happen, it had to start somewhere.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
What lies beneath: the Real facts.
Liverpool signalled their intent in Europe tonight by thrashing a woeful Real Madrid side at Anfield. 4-0 wasn't harsh on Real; the fact that Iker Casillas was their best player by a long distance tells a story all of its own.
Steven Gerrard was inspirational, as so often has proved to be the case for Liverpool in recent years. Fernando Torres said afterwards that the pain [from his recent ankle problems] doesn't matter against Real Madrid. Of course, one would like to think any player would break the pain barrier to score against the Kings of European football. Torres, though, danced across in front of the Real fans after scoring the opener, with his name in clear view - just to remind them that Atletico will always have a place in his heart.
And the mastermind behind yet another wonderful European night for Liverpool? Rafael Benitez. You might think I'd only have good things to say about the Liverpool boss after their exploits tonight. Not so fast.
On the eve of this tie, Benitez had the audacity to suggest that he has not been given credit that he has been due, thanks to his team's performances in Europe, since he has arrived. Just a few things to note, Mr. Benitez. Not one man should ever believe he is bigger than any football club, not least a club steeped in as much history and tradition as Liverpool are.
Benitez's recent wranglings over his new contract, apparently demanding complete control over the club's dealings, may have started the alarm bells amongst a few inside Anfield. Could he believe he is, in fact, bigger than the club? His statement yesterday might just reinforce this possibility. Yes, he has been the catalyst for the club's success in Europe over the previous four years, but credit can not be claimed by one man.
What about Gerrard, Torres, Carragher, Benayoun, Hamann, Crouch, Alonso, Garcia, Reina and Dudek? What about Traore? What about the so-called 12th man, the commoners who have made Anfield a seemingly European fortress? Those are the players that won the Champions League, these are the players who reached the semi-finals a year ago and the final a year previous.
Onwards amigo, I hear you cry.
"The facts are there to see. Anyone can see what I have done here."
The facts are there, indeed, Rafa. You have failed to steer Liverpool Football Club anywhere near a prolonged challenge on the one that the fans want. The bread and butter; the holy grail; the Premier League title. Liverpool appear to be closing the gap, and at Christmas the season looked like it could be very productive - it wasn't. 37, 9, 21, 11; the facts.
Tonight, the gap between Liverpool and the summit of the Premier League is potentially 10 points (should Manchester United win their game in hand, before even considering Saturday's game at Old Trafford). As mentioned above, the players must take some of the "credit", but the fact is that Benitez has failed domestically. He doesn't deserve any credit for that.
Liverpool's title challenge this season is likely to be remembered as the season that Benitez decided to jot down "the facts" for Sir Alex Ferguson. Liverpool promptly blew their chance to stop Manchester United from equalling their long-standing record as the team with the most league titles to their name. Even the most optimistic Liverpool fan would agree that should Liverpool record an unlikely win at the home of their fiercest rivals on Saturday, it will merely be prolonging the pain of another arduous season.
"Maybe some people don't realise how difficult it is to keep succeeding in the Champions League."
This, Mr. Benitez, is unlikely. There is no denying his spectacular achievements in Europe, especially that memorable night in Istanbul. Furthermore, no-one can argue that Liverpool have been much improved in the Premier League this year. But the difficulty of succeeding in the Champions League means nothing if you can't mix it with the top sides in England.
Many of you will think this is ridiculous considering Liverpool's masterclass performance tonight. Maybe it is. But I would genuinely love to hear what anyone else thinks. Do you think this is an overreaction (bar the timing)? Would the Liverpool fans out there settle for a European run every year at the expense of a prolonged tilt at the Premier League title?
Maybe Rafa can answer one question: who deserves the credit for tonight's performance? He may offer an eponymic answer, whilst the rest of us would suggest Gerrard, Torres, Babel or Alonso. One more question Rafa: have you signed that contract yet? And one more fact for you to absorb: best team in Europe over the past five years, statistically? Yes. Fourth best team in England over the past five years?
Marginally.
Steven Gerrard was inspirational, as so often has proved to be the case for Liverpool in recent years. Fernando Torres said afterwards that the pain [from his recent ankle problems] doesn't matter against Real Madrid. Of course, one would like to think any player would break the pain barrier to score against the Kings of European football. Torres, though, danced across in front of the Real fans after scoring the opener, with his name in clear view - just to remind them that Atletico will always have a place in his heart.
And the mastermind behind yet another wonderful European night for Liverpool? Rafael Benitez. You might think I'd only have good things to say about the Liverpool boss after their exploits tonight. Not so fast.
On the eve of this tie, Benitez had the audacity to suggest that he has not been given credit that he has been due, thanks to his team's performances in Europe, since he has arrived. Just a few things to note, Mr. Benitez. Not one man should ever believe he is bigger than any football club, not least a club steeped in as much history and tradition as Liverpool are.
Benitez's recent wranglings over his new contract, apparently demanding complete control over the club's dealings, may have started the alarm bells amongst a few inside Anfield. Could he believe he is, in fact, bigger than the club? His statement yesterday might just reinforce this possibility. Yes, he has been the catalyst for the club's success in Europe over the previous four years, but credit can not be claimed by one man.
What about Gerrard, Torres, Carragher, Benayoun, Hamann, Crouch, Alonso, Garcia, Reina and Dudek? What about Traore? What about the so-called 12th man, the commoners who have made Anfield a seemingly European fortress? Those are the players that won the Champions League, these are the players who reached the semi-finals a year ago and the final a year previous.
Onwards amigo, I hear you cry.
"The facts are there to see. Anyone can see what I have done here."
The facts are there, indeed, Rafa. You have failed to steer Liverpool Football Club anywhere near a prolonged challenge on the one that the fans want. The bread and butter; the holy grail; the Premier League title. Liverpool appear to be closing the gap, and at Christmas the season looked like it could be very productive - it wasn't. 37, 9, 21, 11; the facts.
Tonight, the gap between Liverpool and the summit of the Premier League is potentially 10 points (should Manchester United win their game in hand, before even considering Saturday's game at Old Trafford). As mentioned above, the players must take some of the "credit", but the fact is that Benitez has failed domestically. He doesn't deserve any credit for that.
Liverpool's title challenge this season is likely to be remembered as the season that Benitez decided to jot down "the facts" for Sir Alex Ferguson. Liverpool promptly blew their chance to stop Manchester United from equalling their long-standing record as the team with the most league titles to their name. Even the most optimistic Liverpool fan would agree that should Liverpool record an unlikely win at the home of their fiercest rivals on Saturday, it will merely be prolonging the pain of another arduous season.
"Maybe some people don't realise how difficult it is to keep succeeding in the Champions League."
This, Mr. Benitez, is unlikely. There is no denying his spectacular achievements in Europe, especially that memorable night in Istanbul. Furthermore, no-one can argue that Liverpool have been much improved in the Premier League this year. But the difficulty of succeeding in the Champions League means nothing if you can't mix it with the top sides in England.
Many of you will think this is ridiculous considering Liverpool's masterclass performance tonight. Maybe it is. But I would genuinely love to hear what anyone else thinks. Do you think this is an overreaction (bar the timing)? Would the Liverpool fans out there settle for a European run every year at the expense of a prolonged tilt at the Premier League title?
Maybe Rafa can answer one question: who deserves the credit for tonight's performance? He may offer an eponymic answer, whilst the rest of us would suggest Gerrard, Torres, Babel or Alonso. One more question Rafa: have you signed that contract yet? And one more fact for you to absorb: best team in Europe over the past five years, statistically? Yes. Fourth best team in England over the past five years?
Marginally.
Sunday 1 March 2009
Turkish delight for Sir Alex.
What a weekend of sport, eh? It's not over just yet, so here goes with a bumper blog to make up for a relative lack of posts over the last week or so.
Grand disappointment for Wales.
The RBS Six Nations finally sparked into life this weekend, and put a halt to the processionary march of the Irish and Welsh towards a Grand Slam showdown in Cardiff on March 21st. Wales travelled to Paris for the first ever Friday Six Nations match, and although they got off to a great start, France showed much more passion and spirit in levelling things up by half time. This trend continued into the second half, and France had enough in the tank to hold off resurgent waves of red. Scotland also got their campaign running with a comprehensive win over Italy at Murrayfield. Although coach Frank Hadden believes Scotland can cause the Irish some problems, his claim that they are back in the title hunt are a little optimistic, to say the least.
Perhaps the most tense, and definitely the worst, game of this year's championship was saved for last this weekend. For England, discipline is a huge problem. As if giving away penalties for fun wasn't bad enough, continuing the ridiculous trend of needless yellow cards ensured that England's winless run in Dublin will be at least 8 years. Ireland weren't much better, but they were more disciplined, conceded less penalties, and Ronan O'Gara managed to fluke a few kicks, given the fact that he seemed to be wearing flippers. One man stood out, however, and for the second time this year captain Brian O'Driscoll produced a magnificent performance to lead his side home. His drop goal was sublime, and his try proved to be the difference. England will be left to rue the fact that had they kept 15 men on the pitch at all times, their late surge might just have been a winning one.
Premier League, you're having a laugh.
If there is one man who will be delighted with this weekend's footballing action, it is Sir Alex Ferguson. Without having played in the Premier League, Manchester United have tightened their grip on the trophy. Chelsea had to leave it late to keep their remote chances alive, whilst Aston Villa threw away 2 points at Villa Park, but the big news comes from the Riverside Stadium where Liverpool showed the ruthlessness of a Paul Scholes challenge in succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough.
Liverpool dominated the opening proceedings and had a number of chances after Xabi Alonso's own goal, but the truth is that the winning margin could have been even greater for a Middlesbrough side who wouldn't be half bad at home if they could always attract larger attendances at the Riverside. Liverpool fans may well have taken a 1-0 win in the League rather than their win at Real Madrid, but Europe looks to be the focal point of yet another season. One thing is for sure - those fans longing for a league triumph now appear to have been put out of their misery for another year, thanks to Sanli Tuncay.
Spurs pay the penalty.
Sunday's Carling Cup Final was a brilliant game despite the goalless scoreline. Both teams had a go in an opening and entertaining game and both had chances to win it. Aaron Lennon was inspired for Tottenham Hotspur, and was only denied by a top-class Ben Foster save in the closing stages of normal time at Wembley. Lennon should be disappointed with his end product though, as too many times he worked himself into decent positions and failed to produce one worthy cross.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, was nowhere near his best but showed why he is the reigning World Player of the Year in stoppage time, hammering a sweet strike against the post. Extra-time was a predictably dull affair, and whilst penalties is a lottery, United's takers were much more confident, inspired by Ryan Giggs' stunning effort to kick things off. United now have two of a possible five trophies. That is a long way off, of course, but Ferguson will wake up on Monday morning with a smile on his face, and there is no reason why he shouldn't.
Ashes nations face difficult final days.
England's cricketers have endured a terrible weekend at the hands of an assured West Indies display. Ramnarest Sarwan, in the form of his life even before he began his majestic innings at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, was the catalyst in leading the Windies past a first innings target of 600. A stunning 291 for Sarwan was ably backed up by Ramdin (166) and Chanderpaul (70) as England's lack of a strike bowler in the absence of Andrew Flintoff was brutally exposed. England now need to bat through most of the final day to avoid an unlikely defeat, and the West Indies will be confident of going into the final Test needing only a draw to secure the series victory.
I've also been keeping an eye on South Africa v Australia in Johannesburg, an altogether more entertaining and exciting Test Match. South Africa's fielding heroics on day 4 and a solid start from openers Neil McKenzie and Graeme Smith have ensured an enthralling final day on Monday. Set a world record target of 454 to win, South Africa ended the fourth day on 178-2, needing 276 to win. With less than 100 overs to face, the Proteas need to score at an average of just over 2.8 per over for another famous victory in this latest clash between the world's two best (and by quite some distance) Test nations.
Grand disappointment for Wales.
The RBS Six Nations finally sparked into life this weekend, and put a halt to the processionary march of the Irish and Welsh towards a Grand Slam showdown in Cardiff on March 21st. Wales travelled to Paris for the first ever Friday Six Nations match, and although they got off to a great start, France showed much more passion and spirit in levelling things up by half time. This trend continued into the second half, and France had enough in the tank to hold off resurgent waves of red. Scotland also got their campaign running with a comprehensive win over Italy at Murrayfield. Although coach Frank Hadden believes Scotland can cause the Irish some problems, his claim that they are back in the title hunt are a little optimistic, to say the least.
Perhaps the most tense, and definitely the worst, game of this year's championship was saved for last this weekend. For England, discipline is a huge problem. As if giving away penalties for fun wasn't bad enough, continuing the ridiculous trend of needless yellow cards ensured that England's winless run in Dublin will be at least 8 years. Ireland weren't much better, but they were more disciplined, conceded less penalties, and Ronan O'Gara managed to fluke a few kicks, given the fact that he seemed to be wearing flippers. One man stood out, however, and for the second time this year captain Brian O'Driscoll produced a magnificent performance to lead his side home. His drop goal was sublime, and his try proved to be the difference. England will be left to rue the fact that had they kept 15 men on the pitch at all times, their late surge might just have been a winning one.
Premier League, you're having a laugh.
If there is one man who will be delighted with this weekend's footballing action, it is Sir Alex Ferguson. Without having played in the Premier League, Manchester United have tightened their grip on the trophy. Chelsea had to leave it late to keep their remote chances alive, whilst Aston Villa threw away 2 points at Villa Park, but the big news comes from the Riverside Stadium where Liverpool showed the ruthlessness of a Paul Scholes challenge in succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough.
Liverpool dominated the opening proceedings and had a number of chances after Xabi Alonso's own goal, but the truth is that the winning margin could have been even greater for a Middlesbrough side who wouldn't be half bad at home if they could always attract larger attendances at the Riverside. Liverpool fans may well have taken a 1-0 win in the League rather than their win at Real Madrid, but Europe looks to be the focal point of yet another season. One thing is for sure - those fans longing for a league triumph now appear to have been put out of their misery for another year, thanks to Sanli Tuncay.
Spurs pay the penalty.
Sunday's Carling Cup Final was a brilliant game despite the goalless scoreline. Both teams had a go in an opening and entertaining game and both had chances to win it. Aaron Lennon was inspired for Tottenham Hotspur, and was only denied by a top-class Ben Foster save in the closing stages of normal time at Wembley. Lennon should be disappointed with his end product though, as too many times he worked himself into decent positions and failed to produce one worthy cross.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, was nowhere near his best but showed why he is the reigning World Player of the Year in stoppage time, hammering a sweet strike against the post. Extra-time was a predictably dull affair, and whilst penalties is a lottery, United's takers were much more confident, inspired by Ryan Giggs' stunning effort to kick things off. United now have two of a possible five trophies. That is a long way off, of course, but Ferguson will wake up on Monday morning with a smile on his face, and there is no reason why he shouldn't.
Ashes nations face difficult final days.
England's cricketers have endured a terrible weekend at the hands of an assured West Indies display. Ramnarest Sarwan, in the form of his life even before he began his majestic innings at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, was the catalyst in leading the Windies past a first innings target of 600. A stunning 291 for Sarwan was ably backed up by Ramdin (166) and Chanderpaul (70) as England's lack of a strike bowler in the absence of Andrew Flintoff was brutally exposed. England now need to bat through most of the final day to avoid an unlikely defeat, and the West Indies will be confident of going into the final Test needing only a draw to secure the series victory.
I've also been keeping an eye on South Africa v Australia in Johannesburg, an altogether more entertaining and exciting Test Match. South Africa's fielding heroics on day 4 and a solid start from openers Neil McKenzie and Graeme Smith have ensured an enthralling final day on Monday. Set a world record target of 454 to win, South Africa ended the fourth day on 178-2, needing 276 to win. With less than 100 overs to face, the Proteas need to score at an average of just over 2.8 per over for another famous victory in this latest clash between the world's two best (and by quite some distance) Test nations.
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