Chelsea vs Everton Preview 22nd April 2009
Following the weekend’s FA Cup semi results, tonight’s Premiership clash (televised on Sky) is a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final at the end of May. For both teams this match is however much more than a practice for the Wembley showdown.
Chelsea, who have steadily increased in confidence since Hiddink took over, believe they are still in contention for the Premiership. Three points against the Toffees would bring Chelsea within one point of Liverpool, who dropped 2 points against Arsenal last night. Equally Everton, who currently lie in sixth, want a win to help secure their Europa prospects and a win tonight would see them leapfrog Villa to fifth place. Everton is also keen to demonstrate that despite Chelsea being the favourites, Everton has a strong chance of winning the FA cup for the first time since 1995.
Chelsea are without midfielder Deco and right-back Jose Bosingwa for Wednesday's home Premier League clash with Everton.Deco due to both players having hamstring problems. Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira are both out for the season with knee ligament injuries. Everton’s young manager has his own dilemma. Although keen to field a strong squad and with no fresh injuries to concern him, Moyes is conscious that some of his players would benefit from a rest after playing 120 minutes on Sunday. Fortunately Moyes also has striker Jo at his disposal, who is able to return to the squad after being cup-tied on Sunday.
Despite Moyes’ enthusiasm and growing reputation, it is hard to overlook recent history between the two teams. Everton have not beaten Chelsea in the league or in the cup since Novmember 1995. For this reason I predict a 3:1 win for Chelsea.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Manchester United v Portsmouth Preview 22nd April 2009
Manchester United v Portsmouth Preview 22nd April 2009
Despite Liverpool only managing a draw last night against Arsenal and topping the table on goal difference alone, Alex Ferguson will be keen to use one of Manchester United’s games in hand against Portsmouth tonight to knock them off the number one spot. The controversial Scot surprised and ultimately disappointed many on Sunday by fielding an inexperienced team in their losing FA cup semi against Everton and is unlikely to do the same against Pompey.
Rafael and Fabio Da Silva, Federico Macheda, Danny Wellbeck, Ben Foster and Darren Gibson all started at Wembley but all will almost certainly step aside for the more established stars, including Paul Scholes, who is expected to make his 600th appearance for the Red Devils tonight. Carrick is also hoping to be passed fit for tonight’s match and Fletcher may also be sufficiently recovered from is hamstring injury to be selected tonight. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are also likely to play at centre-back and may in fact be the only survivors from the weekend’s defeat.
As well as the immense depth of Manchester United’s squad, Ferguson is bullish that his team have the psychological strength to bounce back after Sunday’s disappointment. "We only lost the semi-final with Everton on penalties and that can happen to anyone," said boss Ferguson. "There is enough motivation to ensure we will be OK against Portsmouth. We are focused on what we have got to do."
Whilst Ferguson’s attention is very much on the top spot, the match is of equal significance to Pompey at the other end of the table. The South Coast team are only 6 points above the drop zone and three points against Manchester United could provide them with the buffer they need to stay in the top flight next season. Portsmouth have had a tough season after first losing their influential manager Harry Redknapp to Tottenham and then sacking his replacement Tony Adams as form suffered, but have grown in confidence under caretaker boss Paul Hart. Since Hart took over, the team have lost just once against Chelsea and are currently unbeaten in five games having conceded just four goals in the process. However Hart, whilst remaining positive, advises against complacency "Anybody who thinks the 37 points we've got makes us safe already is a fool," said Hart "We are keeping hard down on the pedal and, even though United are the best team in the world, we can give them problems if we prepare right. I can't see any reason why we can't get something there." Hart also has Brian Kidd on his staff, who as a former number two to Ferguson, will be useful in anticipating the Scot’s game plan.
Pompey does however have some injury problems and like most teams in the world does not have a squad with as much depth as Manchester United to call upon. Portsmouth will be without their inspirational midfielder Niko Kranjcar who is out with an ankle injury and defender Younes Kaboul looks unlikely after tearing fibres in a thigh muscle.
My prediction for tonight is that as Manchester United have an uncanny knack of bouncing back strongly after disappointment (look at their form since the defeats against Fulham and Liverpool), this momentum will be too much for Pompey, who will go down 2:0 at Old Trafford.
Despite Liverpool only managing a draw last night against Arsenal and topping the table on goal difference alone, Alex Ferguson will be keen to use one of Manchester United’s games in hand against Portsmouth tonight to knock them off the number one spot. The controversial Scot surprised and ultimately disappointed many on Sunday by fielding an inexperienced team in their losing FA cup semi against Everton and is unlikely to do the same against Pompey.
Rafael and Fabio Da Silva, Federico Macheda, Danny Wellbeck, Ben Foster and Darren Gibson all started at Wembley but all will almost certainly step aside for the more established stars, including Paul Scholes, who is expected to make his 600th appearance for the Red Devils tonight. Carrick is also hoping to be passed fit for tonight’s match and Fletcher may also be sufficiently recovered from is hamstring injury to be selected tonight. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are also likely to play at centre-back and may in fact be the only survivors from the weekend’s defeat.
As well as the immense depth of Manchester United’s squad, Ferguson is bullish that his team have the psychological strength to bounce back after Sunday’s disappointment. "We only lost the semi-final with Everton on penalties and that can happen to anyone," said boss Ferguson. "There is enough motivation to ensure we will be OK against Portsmouth. We are focused on what we have got to do."
Whilst Ferguson’s attention is very much on the top spot, the match is of equal significance to Pompey at the other end of the table. The South Coast team are only 6 points above the drop zone and three points against Manchester United could provide them with the buffer they need to stay in the top flight next season. Portsmouth have had a tough season after first losing their influential manager Harry Redknapp to Tottenham and then sacking his replacement Tony Adams as form suffered, but have grown in confidence under caretaker boss Paul Hart. Since Hart took over, the team have lost just once against Chelsea and are currently unbeaten in five games having conceded just four goals in the process. However Hart, whilst remaining positive, advises against complacency "Anybody who thinks the 37 points we've got makes us safe already is a fool," said Hart "We are keeping hard down on the pedal and, even though United are the best team in the world, we can give them problems if we prepare right. I can't see any reason why we can't get something there." Hart also has Brian Kidd on his staff, who as a former number two to Ferguson, will be useful in anticipating the Scot’s game plan.
Pompey does however have some injury problems and like most teams in the world does not have a squad with as much depth as Manchester United to call upon. Portsmouth will be without their inspirational midfielder Niko Kranjcar who is out with an ankle injury and defender Younes Kaboul looks unlikely after tearing fibres in a thigh muscle.
My prediction for tonight is that as Manchester United have an uncanny knack of bouncing back strongly after disappointment (look at their form since the defeats against Fulham and Liverpool), this momentum will be too much for Pompey, who will go down 2:0 at Old Trafford.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Muntari linked with Spurs
Former Pompey midfielder Sulley Muntari has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to skysports.com.
Now whether this is lazy journalism or not, Muntari is out of favour under Mourinho and with the Inter fans. With more budget at White Hart Lane, Harry Redknapp could be keen to get him back as financial contraints in his previous management role meant that he had to sell the player.
Could be a good signing for the Lily whites, COYS!
Arsenal will be hoping for a moment like this tonight
We loved the way that ITV cocked up the camera view for Adebayor's beautiful goal against Villareal here shown on Youtube.com. For all fans that think that Adebayor is a one trick pony, they should watch more of the Gunners - his link up play has improved massively and with goals like this Wenger saved a few pennies in terms of not buying Didier Drogba prior to his move to Chelsea.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Liverpool v Arsenal 21st April MATCH PREVIEW
Liverpool v Arsenal 20th April Premier League News
It is difficult to predict whether tomorrow night’s battle between 2 of the most talented Premiership teams will be a thrilling clash or whether instead it will actually turn out to be a bit of a damp squib. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been playing exciting attacking football of late, however after recent exits from cup competitions both teams must to some extent be licking their wounds. After last week’s defeat in the Champion’s League, the Liverpool squad must feel extremely unfortunate after scoring 4 goals against Chelsea, which in almost any other contest would have give them a decisive victory. Equally Arsenal, booted out of the FA Cup on Saturday after a late Drogba strike gave Chelsea a 2:1 win, must be disheartened and wondering what might have been now that Manchester United has followed them out of the competition after being defeated yesterday by Everton on penalties.
Recent history also suggests that Tuesday’s meeting will not be the spirit lifting goal fest that fans of both sides will be hoping for. 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams in all competitions have ended in a 1:1 draw, including the same fixture last season and the meeting of the two sides in December. Liverpool fans who know their stats will however be cheered by the fact that Arsenal have not returned with all three points from Anfield since Ocober 2003, when Pires’ stunning second half strike gave the Gunners victory and contributed towards their title win that year. These football geeks will also be happily aware that there has not been an away win in a fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool in 10 league meetings.
Leaving the stats aside, based on squad fitness it looks like Liverpool will be in the strongest position to take the glory. Although the Merseysiders will be missing their Talisman as with Steven Gerrard remains sidelined with a groin injury, the list of sicknotes handed in by the North Londoners continues to grow. In addition to the gaps in the Arsenal defence, only too noticeable on Saturday, the Gunners will also be without Van Persie and Adebayor as the Dutchman sustained a groin problem in the semi final and his team mate is carrying a hamstring complaint. The only bit of light at the end of the tunnel for Wenger is that Sagna is likely to return at the back and Eduardo should be fit to start.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that a combination of these injuries and a lack of focus from Arsenal will hand them victory. With the Gunners ten points off the Premiership pace, many commentators are suggesting that Arsenal will not have the drive to win at Anfield and will instead be prioritising the Champion’s League, although Wenger denies this vehemently and claims he is determined to cut the gap on the Reds to six points and enjoy a strong finish to the domestic campaign. There is however no disputing that Liverpool has absolutely everything to play for in Tuesday’s match as they are out of all cup competitions and are in hot pursuit of a record 19th English top-flight crown, which would not only be their first in 19 years but would also deny their great rivals Manchester United the opportunity to equal their 18 titles. A draw would see Liverpool top the table on goal difference and a win would put them two points clear, although United will have 2 games in hand.
Given Arsenal’s injury list I predict a 2:1 victory for Liverpool, which although not the most exciting of scorelines does add a further twist in one of the most exciting title races in recent years.
It is difficult to predict whether tomorrow night’s battle between 2 of the most talented Premiership teams will be a thrilling clash or whether instead it will actually turn out to be a bit of a damp squib. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been playing exciting attacking football of late, however after recent exits from cup competitions both teams must to some extent be licking their wounds. After last week’s defeat in the Champion’s League, the Liverpool squad must feel extremely unfortunate after scoring 4 goals against Chelsea, which in almost any other contest would have give them a decisive victory. Equally Arsenal, booted out of the FA Cup on Saturday after a late Drogba strike gave Chelsea a 2:1 win, must be disheartened and wondering what might have been now that Manchester United has followed them out of the competition after being defeated yesterday by Everton on penalties.
Recent history also suggests that Tuesday’s meeting will not be the spirit lifting goal fest that fans of both sides will be hoping for. 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams in all competitions have ended in a 1:1 draw, including the same fixture last season and the meeting of the two sides in December. Liverpool fans who know their stats will however be cheered by the fact that Arsenal have not returned with all three points from Anfield since Ocober 2003, when Pires’ stunning second half strike gave the Gunners victory and contributed towards their title win that year. These football geeks will also be happily aware that there has not been an away win in a fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool in 10 league meetings.
Leaving the stats aside, based on squad fitness it looks like Liverpool will be in the strongest position to take the glory. Although the Merseysiders will be missing their Talisman as with Steven Gerrard remains sidelined with a groin injury, the list of sicknotes handed in by the North Londoners continues to grow. In addition to the gaps in the Arsenal defence, only too noticeable on Saturday, the Gunners will also be without Van Persie and Adebayor as the Dutchman sustained a groin problem in the semi final and his team mate is carrying a hamstring complaint. The only bit of light at the end of the tunnel for Wenger is that Sagna is likely to return at the back and Eduardo should be fit to start.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that a combination of these injuries and a lack of focus from Arsenal will hand them victory. With the Gunners ten points off the Premiership pace, many commentators are suggesting that Arsenal will not have the drive to win at Anfield and will instead be prioritising the Champion’s League, although Wenger denies this vehemently and claims he is determined to cut the gap on the Reds to six points and enjoy a strong finish to the domestic campaign. There is however no disputing that Liverpool has absolutely everything to play for in Tuesday’s match as they are out of all cup competitions and are in hot pursuit of a record 19th English top-flight crown, which would not only be their first in 19 years but would also deny their great rivals Manchester United the opportunity to equal their 18 titles. A draw would see Liverpool top the table on goal difference and a win would put them two points clear, although United will have 2 games in hand.
Given Arsenal’s injury list I predict a 2:1 victory for Liverpool, which although not the most exciting of scorelines does add a further twist in one of the most exciting title races in recent years.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Newcastle v Spurs Premier League Preview 19th April
Until the last half of this season, Newcastle and Tottenham have had a lot in common in recent years. Both are well supported clubs who have threatened to break into the Champions League clique in recent years, but sadly for them have not quite managed it. Both clubs also have an unfortunate habit of the board room over-ruling the managers and then sacking them when unsurprisingly results do not go their way. Finally both clubs have not achieved anything like what they had hoped to achieve this season. However since Redknapp's appointment, the performances and aims of the two clubs have looked very different. This Saturday Newcastle United are aiming for their first win under Alan Shearer's reign to pull themselves out of the relegation zone. In contrast, although Tottenham are not as high in the league as they would like to be, their aim is to consolidate their relatively safe position with a view to potentially catching West Ham and landing a European slot.
Tottenham have been in good form of late and have been particularly impressive at home, where they have only lost once since Harry Redknapp took charge in October. They bounced back well from the disappointing 2-1 defeat at Blackburn to beat West Ham 1-0 last weekend. Wilson Palacios is returning following his controversial red card at Ewood Park and is likely to replace Tom Huddlestone in midfield despite a good performance against West Ham. Jermaine Defoe, nursing a stress fracture to his right foot since January, has resumed full training and is a possibility to play. After scoring the winner last week Pavlyuchenko might also be given the opportunity to start up front alongside Keane. The ingredients are all there for a strong end to Spurs' season.
In terms of Newcastle's squad, the Toon Army will be hoping that Viduka's return will be the turning point they're desperate for. Newcastle have also got another couple of key players about to return as Steven Taylor has recovered from his ankle problem and Peter Lovenkrands should be back after the nasty knock he took at Chelsea. The Black and White faithful will also be hoping that Obafemi Martins' groin injury can be managed sufficiently to get him through the rest of the season playing as well as he did against Stoke. Newcastle's favourite son Shearer has gone on record to say how encouraged he was by the performance of Martins and indeed the whole team and that Newcastle would stay up if they could reproduce the same passion and commitment for the rest if the season. However passion and commitment are only part of the story, results are the only measure that really count. Newcastle are currently four points from safety. People say that say three wins will keep Newcastle up, but as they've only won six of the 32 games played this season, this is a big ask.
My money is on a win for Spurs at Fortress White Hart. This juicy tie kicks off on Sky Sports on Sunday at 1.30. Get the beers in.
Tottenham have been in good form of late and have been particularly impressive at home, where they have only lost once since Harry Redknapp took charge in October. They bounced back well from the disappointing 2-1 defeat at Blackburn to beat West Ham 1-0 last weekend. Wilson Palacios is returning following his controversial red card at Ewood Park and is likely to replace Tom Huddlestone in midfield despite a good performance against West Ham. Jermaine Defoe, nursing a stress fracture to his right foot since January, has resumed full training and is a possibility to play. After scoring the winner last week Pavlyuchenko might also be given the opportunity to start up front alongside Keane. The ingredients are all there for a strong end to Spurs' season.
In terms of Newcastle's squad, the Toon Army will be hoping that Viduka's return will be the turning point they're desperate for. Newcastle have also got another couple of key players about to return as Steven Taylor has recovered from his ankle problem and Peter Lovenkrands should be back after the nasty knock he took at Chelsea. The Black and White faithful will also be hoping that Obafemi Martins' groin injury can be managed sufficiently to get him through the rest of the season playing as well as he did against Stoke. Newcastle's favourite son Shearer has gone on record to say how encouraged he was by the performance of Martins and indeed the whole team and that Newcastle would stay up if they could reproduce the same passion and commitment for the rest if the season. However passion and commitment are only part of the story, results are the only measure that really count. Newcastle are currently four points from safety. People say that say three wins will keep Newcastle up, but as they've only won six of the 32 games played this season, this is a big ask.
My money is on a win for Spurs at Fortress White Hart. This juicy tie kicks off on Sky Sports on Sunday at 1.30. Get the beers in.
Man Utd vs Everton Semi Final FA Cup 19th April
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!
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!
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.
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