Gerard Houllier is hoping to banish memories of what he has called 'the worst moment' in his career with an FA Cup victory over Manchester City this evening. Villa and City have met twice already this season and when the sides clashed at Eastlands in December Gerard Houllier's men were thumped 4-0 in a game the Frenchman has described as an all time career low. USA international Michael Bradley looks set to make his first start for the club whilst midfielder Barry Bannan has also been rewarded with a place next to him in central midfield after his exceptional performance in a Villa shirt in … [Read more...]
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United
Chelsea kept their domestic season alive thanks to a second-half comeback against current league leaders Manchester United at Stamford Bridge this evening. Despite taking the lead thanks to a venemous Wayne Rooney strike in the first period, Manchester United were unable to hold a one goal lead and eventually lost the tie 2-1 after second-half goals from David Luiz and Frank Lampard. The hosts made a lively start to the match and could have taken the lead early on when French international Florent Malouda came racing into the area with the ball but could only direct his shot safely within … [Read more...]
Holloway Eyeing Improved Performance For Chelsea Clash
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is hoping his side can churn out a much improved performance when the Tangerines host Champions League contenders Chelsea next Monday. A crushing 4-0 defeat away at Wolves last weekend put a very sour end to a positive week for the Seasiders following an emphatic 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur previously. The players returned to training today in preparation for Monday's clash with Holloway hoping his side experience a better day at the office. "I'm looking forward to a different day in the office because that wasn't nice (at Wolves)," Holloway exclaimed. … [Read more...]
“I’m Finding My Form” Insists Everton’s Mikel Arteta
Everton's Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta believes he's well on his way to refinding top form after his side's 2-0 victory over Sunderland. The 28-year-old Spaniard played an important part in the victory, setting up Jermaine Beckford's second goal at Goodison Park on Saturday. "When you have expectations on you it's hard," he explained to BBC Radio Merseyside. "But I've kept working and now I'm finding my form and I'm feeling confident now." He went on to say: "I think for creative players it's even harder. I was trying hard but some things don't go the way you want them to." The 2-0 win … [Read more...]
Birmingham Win League Cup Thanks To Late Martins Strike
Birmingham City were 2-1 winners in today's League Cup final after Obafemi Martins was able to pounce on an Arsenal goal keeping error and snatch the winning goal right at the death. It was Birmingham City who originally took the lead through Nikola Zigic as he rose above the Arsenal defence to head home for his side half-way into the first period. It wasn't long before Arsenal conjured up a reply however and it was in-form striker Robin van Persie who was able to finish a well-taken volley into the bottom left corner - unfortunately injuring himself in the process. Both sides continued to … [Read more...]
Ashley Cole Under Fire After Shooting Incident
Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has landed himself in trouble after allegedly shooting a young fan with an air rifle at Chelsea's Cobham training ground last weekend. Cole, 30, reportedly brought a calibre .22 air rifle into training and whilst fooling around with the gun pointed it at a young work-experience student and shot him - seemingly unaware that the gun was loaded. Reports suggest Cole has received a huge dressing down about the incident and Chelsea staff have met with the boy's parents this week to discuss the incident. The Blues are currently in 5th position in the Premier League … [Read more...]
Young Made Captain In Attempt To Keep Star At Villa Park
Ashley Young was made captain yesterday during Aston Villa's convincing 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers and it is thought to be a move by boss Gerard Houllier to help convince the star to stay at the club come the end of the season. Young was Villa's top performer yesterday after providing two goals in his side's home win over Blackburn which will no doubt ease the Midlands clubs' relegation worries. With just one year left on the midfielder's contract and long-term interest from clubs such as Manchester United, Man City and Tottenham Hotspur, manager Gerard Houllier is hoping that giving … [Read more...]
Hutton Poised To Leave White Hart Lane
Spurs defender Alan Hutton could be ready for a move away from Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season after a heated dressing room clash with manager Harry Redknapp. The Scottish international has been rumoured to have clashed with manager Redknapp following his side's embarrassing 4-0 FA Cup defeat against Fulham in January. Since Spurs' FA Cup exit Hutton has found his chances limited at White Hart Lane which has added more weight to the argument that the full-back has sought a move elsewhere. With his impressive performances for the Champions League side this season there'll be no … [Read more...]
Manchester City 3-0 Aris Salonika
Manchester City cruised to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to goals from Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure in their 3-0 win over Aris Salonika this evening. Man City were held to a goal-less draw in the previous leg but it was the £27m January signing Edin Dzeko who got on the scoresheet twice early-on after providing two calm finishes. Roberto Mancini's men continued to have the lion's share of possession throughout and Yaya Toure rounded off the victory late on after firing home from a Mario Balotelli rebound off the post. City are due to play Dynamo Kiev in the next round after they … [Read more...]
Liverpool 1-0 Sparta Prague
Liverpool booked their place in the Europa League last 16 thanks to a late strike from forward Dirk Kuyt at Anfield this evening. Kuyt headed home in the 86th minute from a Raul Meireles corner to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Sparta Prague. Liverpool looked destined to take the tie into extra-time after failing to convert one of the many chances they had during the match but it was the Dutchman Dirk Kuyt who put the game to bed with his late goal for the Reds. Midfielder Sotirios Kyrgiakos had earlier been denied for Liverpool when Sparta Prague keeper Jaromir Blazek made an … [Read more...]