Man U vs Everton Semi Final FA Cup Preview
This Sunday Manchester United and Everton will be competing for a spot in the FA Cup final. Given the talent still left in the competition this year, the Toffees are inevitably viewed as the underdogs, but Everton fans will be hoping for a repeat of 1995, when as underdogs they beat United at the old Wembley thanks to a Paul Rideout winner. Although Everton were the favourites to beat relegation battlers Boro in the last round, by beating Liverpool and Villa earlier in the competition Everton hve already proven they are more than capable of punching above their weight in this competition. Plus this season in the league the Toffees drew at Goodison Park and we were only beaten by a late penalty at Old Trafford, so feel more than capable of nicking a goal at the crucial moment.
A victory over United will mean even more to the Everton faithful as Wayne Rooney is expected to start. Rooney was a passionate Everton fan as a boy and was an Everton player when he first found fame as an exceptionally talented teenager. A big money move to United in 2004 did however sour his relationship with Goodison Park. Although Rooney would claim that there is a big part of him that will remain forever blue, he will not allow childhood loyalty to get in the way of going all out to beat former employers. Rooney has already missed out on one cup final this season, a Carling Cup success over Tottenham, and he is keen to shine at Wembley this time around.
The one note of controversy related to this tie so far is that although many blues are undoubtedly looking forward to their team playing at one of football's greatest stages, David Moyes and others do not share this view as they think hosting the semis at Wembley dilutes the achievement of reaching the FA Cup Final. As is only too common with football these days, this change was due to money rather than sentiment, with a view to this helping to pay the costs of building the new stadium. However venue aside, the tie is likely to be a thrilling emotive encounter. What a weekend of football ahead!
Friday, April 17, 2009
FA Cup Semi Final Chelsea vs Arsenal 18th April
Chelsea vs Arsenal Semi Final FA Cup 2009
Despite the upbeat noises, there is little doubt that Arsenal are limping slightly into their FA Cup semi final clash with Chelsea. Reading like the excuses from a Sunday league side in cold weather, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is out with a bad ankle, Gael Clichy has a bad back and Gallas and Djourou have bad knees. Sagna and Kieran Gibbs are also concerns. Lucasz Fabianski, who has played excellently in the last few fixtures, will stand in in goal, but filling the left-back role is a little more tricky, although Wenger has the option to play Sagna or Silvestre in that position, The good news for the Gooners is of course that Arshavin and Eduardo are available for Saturday. Wenger will be hoping that these two will be able to penetrate the Chelsea defence as effectively as Liverpool did on Tuesday, whilst at the same time being able to maintain a strong defence against the blues despite all the Arsenal injuries at the back.
Chelsea have had an extra day to recover since their Champion's League thriller against Liverpool and despite the excitement over their stunning victory, they are now fully focused on the FA cup and are hungry for success against Arsenal. Memories of Wenger's men coming from behind to triumph 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League earlier in the season with what many claimed was an offside goal are fresh in the minds of both players and fans and knocking their north London rivals out of the cup would be the sweetest revenge. With the talented Hiddink at the helm and after Tuesday's success, many Chelsea fans feel they are invincible. It's going to be a stunning match - roll on Saturday!
Despite the upbeat noises, there is little doubt that Arsenal are limping slightly into their FA Cup semi final clash with Chelsea. Reading like the excuses from a Sunday league side in cold weather, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is out with a bad ankle, Gael Clichy has a bad back and Gallas and Djourou have bad knees. Sagna and Kieran Gibbs are also concerns. Lucasz Fabianski, who has played excellently in the last few fixtures, will stand in in goal, but filling the left-back role is a little more tricky, although Wenger has the option to play Sagna or Silvestre in that position, The good news for the Gooners is of course that Arshavin and Eduardo are available for Saturday. Wenger will be hoping that these two will be able to penetrate the Chelsea defence as effectively as Liverpool did on Tuesday, whilst at the same time being able to maintain a strong defence against the blues despite all the Arsenal injuries at the back.
Chelsea have had an extra day to recover since their Champion's League thriller against Liverpool and despite the excitement over their stunning victory, they are now fully focused on the FA cup and are hungry for success against Arsenal. Memories of Wenger's men coming from behind to triumph 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League earlier in the season with what many claimed was an offside goal are fresh in the minds of both players and fans and knocking their north London rivals out of the cup would be the sweetest revenge. With the talented Hiddink at the helm and after Tuesday's success, many Chelsea fans feel they are invincible. It's going to be a stunning match - roll on Saturday!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
UEFA Cup Semi Final Result Man City 2 Hamburg 1 (aggregate 3-4)
UEFA Cup Semi Final Result Man City 2 Hamburg 1 (aggregate 3-4)
Manchester City started with great spirit and determination, with their awesome fans making the right noise for this UEFA Cup tie. It was Guerrero that in the 12th minute tried to ruin the Eastlands party on the break with a cool finish to make it 1-0 to Hamburg.
Ireland, Elano and Robinho definitely gelled in the first half with slick passing moves getting them into the right areas to push on. Elano scored the equaliser as a result of a handball in the Hamburg box, the Man City forward finished emphatically to get the home team to 2-4 on aggregate.
It was Elano who threatened Hamburg again in the first half with a spectacular 20+ yard free kick, which ricocheted violently against the cross bar sending the ball away from goal. All in all, a good half but boss Mark Hughes will be desperate for the goals.
City started the second half well and then moved up a gear to made when Caicedo made it 2-1 with a neat bit of manoeuvring to get himself a bit of space to coolly steer the ball into the bottom left corner.
Then...unbelievable – Elano hits the word work yet again. This time he rattles the post with a Beckham type free kick that just curled a fraction too much; it left the ‘keeper standing like a spectator. Man City kept piling on the pressure, Caicedo skied the ball from point blank range, Robinho came close also as the home team bossed the game in an attractive, attacking manner. Caicedo was then correctly judged to have been in an offside position when he dribbled around the Hamburg keeper and put it into the net.
Captain Richard Dunne plays the game hard, after riding his luck in the first half received a second yellow card which knocked the stuffing out of Man City. Instantly Hamburg soaked up more possession and created some decent chances.
Micah Richards had a pretty decent chance from a rampage from his right back position, the England defender played upfront for the last 5 but it wasn’t enough and its Hamburg that clinch the UEFA Cup semi final spot.
As a Spurs supporter, I did feel a little chuffed for the well liked Martin Jol – a real gentleman of football who in my opinion can get success at the highest level.
Manchester City started with great spirit and determination, with their awesome fans making the right noise for this UEFA Cup tie. It was Guerrero that in the 12th minute tried to ruin the Eastlands party on the break with a cool finish to make it 1-0 to Hamburg.
Ireland, Elano and Robinho definitely gelled in the first half with slick passing moves getting them into the right areas to push on. Elano scored the equaliser as a result of a handball in the Hamburg box, the Man City forward finished emphatically to get the home team to 2-4 on aggregate.
It was Elano who threatened Hamburg again in the first half with a spectacular 20+ yard free kick, which ricocheted violently against the cross bar sending the ball away from goal. All in all, a good half but boss Mark Hughes will be desperate for the goals.
City started the second half well and then moved up a gear to made when Caicedo made it 2-1 with a neat bit of manoeuvring to get himself a bit of space to coolly steer the ball into the bottom left corner.
Then...unbelievable – Elano hits the word work yet again. This time he rattles the post with a Beckham type free kick that just curled a fraction too much; it left the ‘keeper standing like a spectator. Man City kept piling on the pressure, Caicedo skied the ball from point blank range, Robinho came close also as the home team bossed the game in an attractive, attacking manner. Caicedo was then correctly judged to have been in an offside position when he dribbled around the Hamburg keeper and put it into the net.
Captain Richard Dunne plays the game hard, after riding his luck in the first half received a second yellow card which knocked the stuffing out of Man City. Instantly Hamburg soaked up more possession and created some decent chances.
Micah Richards had a pretty decent chance from a rampage from his right back position, the England defender played upfront for the last 5 but it wasn’t enough and its Hamburg that clinch the UEFA Cup semi final spot.
As a Spurs supporter, I did feel a little chuffed for the well liked Martin Jol – a real gentleman of football who in my opinion can get success at the highest level.
UEFA Cup News 16th April
Ex Premier League manager Martin Jol returns to the UK as visitors Hamburg look to build on their 3-1 lead on Manchester City at Eastlands tonight in the UEFA Cup quarter final second leg. Jol’s German team are third in the Bundesliga, only 3 points off of top, so his objective will be the winning the double. They’ll fancy their chances against an off form Manchester City, that’s for sure.
Strange season for Manchester City really. Loaded with their new owners, Mark Hughes perhaps wouldn’t have rushed into Brazilian virtuoso Robinho who doesn’t look happy. It has been suggested that he is an ‘icing on the cake’ player, that he would have been more suited to a well established team like Chelsea. That said, he is more than capable of wondrous footballing feats, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores a goal or creates one tonight. Stephen Ireland has probably been their player of the season and Hughes has bought well but City aren’t performing right now. Defensively, Man City could be exposed tonight and Hamburg in the last half hour will look to counter attack but overall will be looking to stifle the home fans by regimented German defending and playing the possession game.
Hamburg have captain David Jarolim back strengthening the German side that lost on the weekend without him. I think this could be a draw.
Strange season for Manchester City really. Loaded with their new owners, Mark Hughes perhaps wouldn’t have rushed into Brazilian virtuoso Robinho who doesn’t look happy. It has been suggested that he is an ‘icing on the cake’ player, that he would have been more suited to a well established team like Chelsea. That said, he is more than capable of wondrous footballing feats, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores a goal or creates one tonight. Stephen Ireland has probably been their player of the season and Hughes has bought well but City aren’t performing right now. Defensively, Man City could be exposed tonight and Hamburg in the last half hour will look to counter attack but overall will be looking to stifle the home fans by regimented German defending and playing the possession game.
Hamburg have captain David Jarolim back strengthening the German side that lost on the weekend without him. I think this could be a draw.
FA Cup News
Unless you've been living in a cave, you'll know that last night's Champion League action has set the scene nicely for an all English semi final. Looking at the stats, the two legs of the tie, on 29 April at Old Trafford and 5 May at the Emirates, will be the first time the two fierce rivals have met on the European stage. However in all other competitions the 2 managers have met 37 times, with the spoils split pretty much evenly (United 14, Arsenal 15, draws 8). Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-1 at The Emirates earlier this season, and the teams will meet at Old Trafford on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season. Both teams are currently playing well in the FA Cup and the League, with cup semi-finals 10 days before the Old Trafford encounter and challenging end-of-season run-ins.
Arsenal's next match is at Wembley on Saturday, when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals and they are also playing Liverpool and Middlesbrough in the league before they face Ferguson's team. Both these matches are likely to be tough, with Liverpool desperate to catch Man United at the top to secure some silverware this season and Boro fighting for sheer survival. Arguably United have the slightly easier run in, meeting Everton this weekend in the last four of the FA Cup before facing Portsmouth and Tottenham in the league.
Currently both teams and managers are professing their pleasure at meeting domestic opposition in the Champion's League and are very complementary about each other. However as we approach the ties, I'm sure that the niceties will be replaced with the usual media warfare. Unfortunately the 2 clubs also have a history of conflict on the pitch, with large fines and bans being handed out to Arsenal in Autumn 2003 after certain Gunners decided to rough up Van Nistelrooy for his part in getting Viera sent off. The following year saw "Pizzagate" (also known as "battle of the buffet") when allegedly a slice of Pizza was thrown in the tunnel at Ferguson. Over the years the 2 managers have also let their emotions spill over, but as Wenger once said "What would I do if Sir Alex wasn't around? I would have no one to keep me on my toes or to fight. I enjoy our rivalry. It is good for Arsenal, good for Manchester United and good for both of us."
It is certainly good for the neutral!
Arsenal's next match is at Wembley on Saturday, when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals and they are also playing Liverpool and Middlesbrough in the league before they face Ferguson's team. Both these matches are likely to be tough, with Liverpool desperate to catch Man United at the top to secure some silverware this season and Boro fighting for sheer survival. Arguably United have the slightly easier run in, meeting Everton this weekend in the last four of the FA Cup before facing Portsmouth and Tottenham in the league.
Currently both teams and managers are professing their pleasure at meeting domestic opposition in the Champion's League and are very complementary about each other. However as we approach the ties, I'm sure that the niceties will be replaced with the usual media warfare. Unfortunately the 2 clubs also have a history of conflict on the pitch, with large fines and bans being handed out to Arsenal in Autumn 2003 after certain Gunners decided to rough up Van Nistelrooy for his part in getting Viera sent off. The following year saw "Pizzagate" (also known as "battle of the buffet") when allegedly a slice of Pizza was thrown in the tunnel at Ferguson. Over the years the 2 managers have also let their emotions spill over, but as Wenger once said "What would I do if Sir Alex wasn't around? I would have no one to keep me on my toes or to fight. I enjoy our rivalry. It is good for Arsenal, good for Manchester United and good for both of us."
It is certainly good for the neutral!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Champions League results 15th April Porto 0 Manchester United 1
Despite all the pre-match negativity, Ronaldo silenced his critics and the hostile Porto fans after just 5 minutes by scoring a thunderbolt from 40 yards to give Man U the perfect start. Exquisite!! From that point on Man United looked strong affording Porto very few attempts on goal. Just before half time it should have been 2-0 to United with a John O'Shea flick on from Ryan Giggs' corner, however Vidic shot over the bar from five yards. The defender understandably held his head in his hands. Just as at the Emirates, United were controlling the match in the first half but appeared to lack urgency.
Throughout the second half the Porto substitute Mariano caused problems for United, pushing Evra into a number of unnecessary errors. 10 minutes in, Porto had a decent chance as Mariano jumped between John O'Shea and Rio Ferdinand to connect with a deep Raul Meireles cross, which fortunately went wide. Two minutes later Patrice Evra was booked for clattering into Mariano. A nervous Evra again failed to close Mariano down at 85 minutes but fortunately Lopez sidefooted Mariano’s cross straight to Van de Sar. These were tense times for United fans, with both teams painfully aware that United’s lead was very fragile with a single goal from Porto being enough for the home side.
However Manchester United managed to hold on to set up a mouth watering all English semi with Arsenal. For the fifth season in a row English football is guaranteed a representative in the final, which is further evidence of the quality of the beautiful game in our green and pleasant land. If only more of the players in our top clubs were English, but that is a debate for another time ...
Throughout the second half the Porto substitute Mariano caused problems for United, pushing Evra into a number of unnecessary errors. 10 minutes in, Porto had a decent chance as Mariano jumped between John O'Shea and Rio Ferdinand to connect with a deep Raul Meireles cross, which fortunately went wide. Two minutes later Patrice Evra was booked for clattering into Mariano. A nervous Evra again failed to close Mariano down at 85 minutes but fortunately Lopez sidefooted Mariano’s cross straight to Van de Sar. These were tense times for United fans, with both teams painfully aware that United’s lead was very fragile with a single goal from Porto being enough for the home side.
However Manchester United managed to hold on to set up a mouth watering all English semi with Arsenal. For the fifth season in a row English football is guaranteed a representative in the final, which is further evidence of the quality of the beautiful game in our green and pleasant land. If only more of the players in our top clubs were English, but that is a debate for another time ...
Champions League Quarter Final Result 15th April Arsenal 3 Villareal 0
The pre-match ovation for Pires was a nice touch from the Arsenal fans and well deserved by the veteran of over 300 games in the Arsenal kit. Despite his disparaging comments in the week about the youth of Arsenal’s team, Pires also said that if he scored he wouldn’t celebrate out of respect for his old club. The Arsenal fans were of course hoping not to witness that gesture as with only the single away goal under their belts, Arsenal really didn’t want Villareal to score at the Emirates.
Arsenal started very brightly with a handful of attempts on goal in the few minutes and rightfully deserved to go ahead after 10 minutes with Walcott skilfully converting a cheeky flick from Fabregas. Throughout the first half Walcott looked threatening on the right with Adebayor also pushing forward strongly. Arsenal thought they’d scored a second after 28 mins when Adebayor followed up a free kick from Van Persie, but despite howlers from the Villareal defence the ball didn’t quite go over the line.
Villareal did begin to wake up as the half progressed. Although they never looked convincing at the back with Gonzalo in particular making a number of errors, Villareal did start to look dangerous going forward. Arsenal had a nervy end to the first half with Villareal conceding a corner, which fortunately was headed over the crossbar.
Arsenal started well in the second half but hit a nervous patch as the first hour approached by conceding a number of free kicks. However Arsenal answered any accusations of fielding too inexperienced a team when Adebayor got on the end of a great pass from Van Persie and scored just before the first hour.
At 66 minutes Walcott won a penalty after being brought down by Godin. The Villareal players protested strongly with Eguren pushing the referee too far and ending up with a red card for his trouble. Van Persie sent it screaming into the top right corner to shatter 10 man Villareal’s hopes for the tie and to set Arsenal up for a semi final with Manchester United. Should be a great tie!
Arsenal started very brightly with a handful of attempts on goal in the few minutes and rightfully deserved to go ahead after 10 minutes with Walcott skilfully converting a cheeky flick from Fabregas. Throughout the first half Walcott looked threatening on the right with Adebayor also pushing forward strongly. Arsenal thought they’d scored a second after 28 mins when Adebayor followed up a free kick from Van Persie, but despite howlers from the Villareal defence the ball didn’t quite go over the line.
Villareal did begin to wake up as the half progressed. Although they never looked convincing at the back with Gonzalo in particular making a number of errors, Villareal did start to look dangerous going forward. Arsenal had a nervy end to the first half with Villareal conceding a corner, which fortunately was headed over the crossbar.
Arsenal started well in the second half but hit a nervous patch as the first hour approached by conceding a number of free kicks. However Arsenal answered any accusations of fielding too inexperienced a team when Adebayor got on the end of a great pass from Van Persie and scored just before the first hour.
At 66 minutes Walcott won a penalty after being brought down by Godin. The Villareal players protested strongly with Eguren pushing the referee too far and ending up with a red card for his trouble. Van Persie sent it screaming into the top right corner to shatter 10 man Villareal’s hopes for the tie and to set Arsenal up for a semi final with Manchester United. Should be a great tie!
Champions League Quarter Final News 15th April
After last night's champion's league thriller, it's difficult to imagine that tonight's games will be as exciting. However for the fans of both Man United and Arsenal, tonight is definitely a pivotal night in their seasons. Man U of course already have a couple of trophies in the cabinet this season and a fighting chance of winning 3 more, although they've certainly made things difficult for themselves by conceding 2 goals at home to Porto last week. To reach the semi-finals United must win at the Estadio do Dragao, which is something no English side has managed before. However after last night's performances by Liverpool and Chelsea, it feels like anything is possible. United fans will also look to 1999, when United overcame the odds to beat Turin 2:3 after drawing at home and then trailing 0:2 away and then of course went on to win the Champions League final after a dramatic come back against Bayern Munich.
Arsenal only have a mathematical possibility of winning the league this year, although are still in with a chance of winning the FA Cup this year. However the Champions League is particularly poignant to many Arsenal fans, who are still hurting from 2006, when due to Jens Lehman's sending off after 18 minutes, many Gooners feel they never had a proper crack at bringing the trophy back to North London. The 4-1 win against Wigan at the weekend means that, after a poor start to the season, Gunners' only loss this year has been at Roma (a tie they eventually won on penalties). Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger certainly believes his side have the mental strength to beat Villarreal tonight and the Gunners have the advantage of an away goal after drawing 1-1 in the first leg. Arsenal will however be without defenders Johan Djourou and Gael Clichy, which further weakens the Gunners backline in the absence of William Gallas. Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia's ankle also rules him out of tonight's match.
However Villarreal are also under strength, missing midfielder Marcos Senna, the goal scorer of the first leg, who limped off at the weekend with a hamstring injury in a 2-0 defeat by Malaga. The Primera Liga side's midfield is also weakened, with Santi Cazorla injured and wingers Cani and Mati Fernandez doubtful. It will therefore be fascinating night of football. My prediction is that Man United will pull it off tonight by beating Porto 1:2 and that Arsenal will go through by scoring a single goal at the Emirates. So less of a goal fest than last night but all the elements will be in place for a fascinating semi final!
Arsenal only have a mathematical possibility of winning the league this year, although are still in with a chance of winning the FA Cup this year. However the Champions League is particularly poignant to many Arsenal fans, who are still hurting from 2006, when due to Jens Lehman's sending off after 18 minutes, many Gooners feel they never had a proper crack at bringing the trophy back to North London. The 4-1 win against Wigan at the weekend means that, after a poor start to the season, Gunners' only loss this year has been at Roma (a tie they eventually won on penalties). Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger certainly believes his side have the mental strength to beat Villarreal tonight and the Gunners have the advantage of an away goal after drawing 1-1 in the first leg. Arsenal will however be without defenders Johan Djourou and Gael Clichy, which further weakens the Gunners backline in the absence of William Gallas. Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia's ankle also rules him out of tonight's match.
However Villarreal are also under strength, missing midfielder Marcos Senna, the goal scorer of the first leg, who limped off at the weekend with a hamstring injury in a 2-0 defeat by Malaga. The Primera Liga side's midfield is also weakened, with Santi Cazorla injured and wingers Cani and Mati Fernandez doubtful. It will therefore be fascinating night of football. My prediction is that Man United will pull it off tonight by beating Porto 1:2 and that Arsenal will go through by scoring a single goal at the Emirates. So less of a goal fest than last night but all the elements will be in place for a fascinating semi final!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Champions League Football Results 13th April
Football Results - Champions League
Bayern Munich 1 Barcelona 1 (agg 1-5)
Chelsea 5 Liverpool 4 (agg 7-5)
Well as there were 12 goals in total and it was the game I watched, I want to talk about Chelsea's victory against Liverpool. Similarly to the first match it was Liverpool in the first half that bossed the match. However in this match, it was even more accentuated, with one chance for Torres after the first goal from a free kick that left me completely speechless (check this spectacular one out on you tube...Aurelio in the 19th minute) that on a different night would have got them to 2-0. However shortly after that there was a penalty kick awarded to the visitors which I thought seemed a tad harsh - Alonso cracked a great penalty in to get the Reds square on aggregate.
In the second half, Chelsea looked like Guus Hiddink may have had a 'chat' with the players who were out on the football pitch 5 minutes prior to the second half kick off. After some great wing play from substitute Nicola Anelka it was striker that converted the cross from point blank range to get Chelsea right back into this 2nd leg.
Drogba then had a chance to score a second with a fiercely struck free kick that skimmed the side netting. Shortly after this, Chelsea were presented with another free kick which Alex stepped forward to place the ball on the pitch. He unleashed a firebolt of a free kick, smashing the ball into the Liverpool night - again people, you've gotta youtube this one!!
Lampard then made it 3-2 from a close range shot that was nearly saved. Incredibly, Liverpool then netted twice in 81st and 82nd minutes with Lucas and Kuyt respectively. Chelsea stayed resolute for a few minutes, then captain Frank Lampard then made it 4-4 on the night to put it out of the reach with a top class curled effort in the 89th minute.
Probably the best game of the season...its games like this that remind you why we love football.
Bayern Munich 1 Barcelona 1 (agg 1-5)
Chelsea 5 Liverpool 4 (agg 7-5)
Well as there were 12 goals in total and it was the game I watched, I want to talk about Chelsea's victory against Liverpool. Similarly to the first match it was Liverpool in the first half that bossed the match. However in this match, it was even more accentuated, with one chance for Torres after the first goal from a free kick that left me completely speechless (check this spectacular one out on you tube...Aurelio in the 19th minute) that on a different night would have got them to 2-0. However shortly after that there was a penalty kick awarded to the visitors which I thought seemed a tad harsh - Alonso cracked a great penalty in to get the Reds square on aggregate.
In the second half, Chelsea looked like Guus Hiddink may have had a 'chat' with the players who were out on the football pitch 5 minutes prior to the second half kick off. After some great wing play from substitute Nicola Anelka it was striker that converted the cross from point blank range to get Chelsea right back into this 2nd leg.
Drogba then had a chance to score a second with a fiercely struck free kick that skimmed the side netting. Shortly after this, Chelsea were presented with another free kick which Alex stepped forward to place the ball on the pitch. He unleashed a firebolt of a free kick, smashing the ball into the Liverpool night - again people, you've gotta youtube this one!!
Lampard then made it 3-2 from a close range shot that was nearly saved. Incredibly, Liverpool then netted twice in 81st and 82nd minutes with Lucas and Kuyt respectively. Chelsea stayed resolute for a few minutes, then captain Frank Lampard then made it 4-4 on the night to put it out of the reach with a top class curled effort in the 89th minute.
Probably the best game of the season...its games like this that remind you why we love football.
2nd leg Champions League Chelsea vs Liverpool Quarter final
Champions League 2nd Leg Quarter final at Stamford Bridge 14th April Chelsea vs Liverpool
( first leg score: Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea)
I thought the first leg of Liverpool v Chelsea at Anfield thoroughly lived up to my expectations of top quality Champions League football. I thought that FC Porto are the team of the round so far last week but Chelsea in the second half against Liverpool were back to their best.
John Terry's out because of yellow card offences but with Carvalho joining Alex in the centre of defence I think that Chelsea will hold the Reds to a draw. Steven Gerrard is still out with a groin strain and I think this will allow Chelsea to control the possession enough to slow things up enough from the home team's perspective. Should be a great tie, but I think Chelsea would be happy with it being a relatively dull affair. Liverpool have the best striker in the league for it...Chelsea will need to keep Torres tightly marked and physically challenged as often as possible without picking up yellow cards.
My prediction would be either 0-0 or 1-1.
( first leg score: Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea)
I thought the first leg of Liverpool v Chelsea at Anfield thoroughly lived up to my expectations of top quality Champions League football. I thought that FC Porto are the team of the round so far last week but Chelsea in the second half against Liverpool were back to their best.
John Terry's out because of yellow card offences but with Carvalho joining Alex in the centre of defence I think that Chelsea will hold the Reds to a draw. Steven Gerrard is still out with a groin strain and I think this will allow Chelsea to control the possession enough to slow things up enough from the home team's perspective. Should be a great tie, but I think Chelsea would be happy with it being a relatively dull affair. Liverpool have the best striker in the league for it...Chelsea will need to keep Torres tightly marked and physically challenged as often as possible without picking up yellow cards.
My prediction would be either 0-0 or 1-1.
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