Barclays Premiership season review (Part 1) Club-by-club

NEARLY a month now since the Premiership season finished.  Here is my club-by club review in order of their finishing positions.

Manchester United                                                                                                                                                                                            

MANCHESTER United may have won another Premiership title and it is their 19^th league championship, overtaking Liverpool at last.  However, they came up short in the Champions League final by some distance and Sir Alex Ferguson will know that the squad must improve over the summer to become a European force again.  At home, Old Trafford was a fortress, with only West Brom (2-2) in October stealing a point.  Away from home was a different matter, with just five wins, the lowest of any side on their way to winning the title.  Luckily, there were enough turning points which showed the class of champions.  Fightbacks against Aston Villa in November, Blackpool in January and West Ham in April were the foreground for the title success, with a New Years Day away win at West Brom when they were comprehensively outplayed being another deciding factor.  Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes have ended their glittering careers, whilst who knows where Ryan Giggs head will be at next season, after all the recent tabloid allegations.  Javier Hernandez was definitely the signing of the season and Wayne Rooney was beginning to look like his old self by the season’s end, after an indifferent beginning, which nearly led to his departure.  Marked improvements are needed, but no-one wins the title by accident and at the end of day, Manchester United looked head and shoulders above everyone else this season.

HIGHS: Comeback victories from seemingly definite losing positions against Blackpool in January and West Ham in April.

LOWS: Wayne Rooney's transfer saga, dodgy away form and having to cope with the retirements of Scholes and Van der Sar.

Chelsea                                                                                                                                                                                                              

CARLO Ancelotti lost his job after a trophy less season at Stamford Bridge.  How have things changed after the Double Winning season last time around.  Unfortunately, Chelsea have an ageing squad, which needs significant rebuilding if they want to stay in the position of Manchester United’s closest pursuers.  They were frighteningly good early in the season, but the loss of Frank Lampard to injury hit them hard, and it turned into a very bleak winter, which saw them tumble from dominant pacesetters to distant challengers.  A mighty run-in gave them an unlikely sniff, but a shambolic first half display in the title decider at Old Trafford summed up their season and had Ancelotti heading for his P45.  Didier Drogba didn’t look himself this season, Florent Malouda seems to have lost a yard of his pace and the signing of Fernando Torres in January for 50million will go down as the most expensive flop in transfer history so far.  One goal only for ‘El Nino;’ Liverpool will feel like they’d won the lottery.  Lampard was a thorn when he returned from injury, and Branislav Ivanovic had a very consistent campaign too.  Despite a bumbling game at Old Trafford, David Luiz did look fairly solid and is a good acquisition.  However, the new boss (probably Guus Hiddink) has a lot of work to do in West London and a clearout is necessary, without a doubt.

HIGHS: Beating Manchester United 2-1 in March and deadly early season form with 6-0 onslaughts of Wigan and West Brom.

LOWS: Being beaten twice by Liverpool, failing to turn up in the first half at Old Trafford and the signing of Fernando Torres.

Manchester City                                                                                                                                                                                         

AN FA Cup final victory and guaranteed Champions League football meant it was an excellent season and one to remember for Manchester City.  They are only going to get stronger, so the rest of the opposition better beware.  Highlights this season in results include home victories over Chelsea and Liverpool and impressive demolitions of Aston Villa and West Brom.  The scoring form and consistency of Yaya Toure also has to go down as a major positive.  However, Carlos Tevez seems really unsettled at Eastlands and if he departs, it will be a body blow for City.  Roberto Mancini made some tactical errors this season, notably leaving David Silva and Nigel de Jong out, then crumbling 3-0 at Anfield in April, and he must also have some nightmares about Everton.  He has come up against David Moyes four times, and lost on every single occasion.  Ultimately, the 2-1 loss before Christmas at home was probably the night the fans realised it wasn’t going to be a championship winning season.  Some signings haven’t gelled either.  James Milner has struggled to live up to his price tag, whilst Mario Balotelli has a major attitude problem which needs urgent attention in the summer.  However, it was a campaign of positives more than negatives and I’d expect a major assault at the Premiership title from Mancini’s men next season.

HIGHS: Champions League football guaranteed, Yaya Toure's unlikely scoring form and Emmanuel Adebayor's departure.

LOWS: Carlos Tevez unsettled, negative tactics against the top teams and Roberto Mancini's inability to beat Everton!

Arsenal                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

WELL, it’s the same old story for Arsenal; quality football, the best in the league by a country mile, but no silverware to show for their efforts.  It is now six long years since Gunners fans saw a trophy head back to North London and time is starting to run out for Arsene Wenger.  He has given the young guns enough time, and it is now time to bring in some experienced heads.  Robin Van Persie had an incredible run of goalscoring form in the second half of the season, which might mean now an ultimate replacement for Thierry Henry has finally been found.  Marouane Chamakh had to make do with a place on the bench and must improve next season if he is to fulfil his tag of goal-getter, which he was in France.  The exciting emergence of Jack Wiltshire leaves hope and encouragement for the future, whilst Samir Nasri finally showed his full potential.  However, Arsenal still have big weaknesses.  The signings of Laurent Koscieny and Sebastian Squillaci were disastrous and the goalkeeping area is still a problem.  Manuel Almunia is hopeless; Lukasz Fabianski is far too injury-prone and Szcenzy needs more time to develop before being thrown into the limelight.  Arsenal also has a tendency to throw away advantages.  Silly home losses against Newcastle and West Brom, combined with a 2-0 home lead chucked away in the North London derby and the 4-goal lead squandered at St. James Park in February still show up something that has plagued the Gunners for a while now.  Wenger must deliver a trophy under new ownership next season, or face the consequences of the unthinkable, the sack!

HIGHS: More quality football, the goalscoring form of Robin van Persie and Jack Wilshire's emergence.

LOWS: Failing to win a trophy, AGAIN!

Tottenham Hotspur                                                                                                                                                                                          

TOTTENHAM had a season full of highs, but ultimately, 5^th place will be seen as a disappointment to their fans.  However, this does highlight the sensational progress they have made under Harry Redknapp.  They had a fantastic run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but it will only be UEFA Europa League football next campaign.  The Premiership highlight of the season was undoubtedly coming from 2-0 down to beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates in November.  They looked dead and buried at half-time, but came back with one of the greatest Premiership comebacks of all time.  There was an impressive double over Liverpool too for the first time in Premiership history.  However, their form at the end of the season nearly cost them another European adventure.  Dropped points at Wigan and home draws with West Brom and Sunderland ultimately cost them a shot at the top four.  Redknapp has already strengthened for next season, with the capture of dependable Brad Friedel on a free transfer from Aston Villa.  Does this mean the end for the bumbling Hereulho Gomes?  Once again, Gomes produced some stunning performances, together with shots that a three-year old could save in his back garden!  If Gomes was seriously error-prone, Gareth Bale was sensational and deserved to win PFA Player of the Year.  If the Welshman can continue his development next season, we could be looking at Wales’s next biggest talent – now Ryan Giggs has shown his true colours! 

HIGHS: A fantastic Champions League adventure, beating Arsenal at the Emirates and Gareth Bale's sensational form.

LOWS: Hereulho Gomes and failing to reach the top four, due to a lacklustre finish to the campaign.

Liverpool                                                                                                                                                                                                           

AS SOON as the Liverpool fans found out Kenny Dalglish had been turned down for the Liverpool job last summer, Roy Hodgson was a dead man walking.  His transfer business last summer was terrible and ultimately, poor results cost him his job in January.  There is no doubting Hodgson is a quality manager; he was just the wrong man at the wrong time for Liverpool.  There were very painful home defeats in the league to Wolves and Blackpool and pitiful away displays at Manchester City, Stoke and Blackburn.  In fact, Liverpool looked to be in a relegation battle at the turn of the year, so sixth place is some achievement at the end of a tricky campaign.  Kenny Dalglish eventually returned to manage his beloved club, and he guided Liverpool to stunning victories away at Chelsea and at home to both Manchester United and Manchester City.  Dalglish also sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea and not even El Nino’s departure could dampen the spirits.  Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll came in and both look world class already.  If Carroll can stay injury-free, it could be a very fruitful partnership.  Liverpool’s academy looks like blossoming too, with Jay Spearing, Martin Kelly and Jack Robinson all showing signs of a promising future.  Dirk Kuyt had his best season yet and Raul Meireles looks like somewhere near his 2010 World Cup pedigree, which makes up for the dire signings of Christian Poulsen, Joe Cole and Paul Konchesky.  Ultimately, Liverpool missed out on European football and won’t be playing in a continental competition for the first time since 1999.  However, it might be a plus for Dalglish, as he aims to build a new dynasty of young and emerging talent.  A dark campaign in general for Liverpool, which ended with lots of light at the end of the tunnel.

HIGHS: The return of King Kenny, stunning victories over Chelsea and Manchester United and the signing of Luis Suarez.

LOWS: Roy Hodgson's reign in charge at Anfield and being beaten at homes by Blackpool and Wolves.

Everton                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

SEVENTH place was an improvement on last season for Everton, but they will feel it was a season of missed opportunities.  Like Liverpool, the Toffees were embroiled in the relegation scrap for the majority of the season, with the nadir being a 2-0 loss at Bolton on February 13.  That left David Moyes side only two points above the danger zone.  After that, Manchester United and West Brom were the only clubs to beat Everton, with a run of form that would have seen the Blue half of Merseyside challenge for a top four position.  Yet again, there was an impressive double over Manchester City, with their 2-1 win before Christmas at Eastlands one of the performances of the whole season.  Goodison Park was as tough as ever, with Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea all being beaten.  In fact, four points off Liverpool means local pride belongs to Everton this season.  However, Moyes will know that the lack of goals is hurting his side.  Once Tim Cahill disappeared to the Asian Cup in January, there was no regular source for goals.  Jermaine Beckford scored ten in his debut season in the top flight, which was a solid tally, but there needs to be more back-up.  Louis Saha misfired all campaign, and Yakubu became so bad, he was loaned out to Leicester City for the second half of the season.  With no major finance to strengthen the squad again, it could be the same story next season and Moyes will do well to hold onto the likes of Jack Rodwell, Leighton Baines and Mikel Arteta.  However, Maroualine Fellani’s loss of confidence and form will be a worry.  The Belgian has immense talent, but seems stagnated at Goodison Park and maybe a move would be best for both parties.  If Everton make a better start next term, I’d expect them to be right in the European shake-up at the end of the campaign.

HIGHS: Another league double over Manchester City and impressive wins at home to Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea.

LOWS: The lack of goals, no finances to strengthen and Maroualine Fellani's loss of confidence.

Fulham                                                                                                                                                                                                               

THE sudden departure of Mark Hughes after just one season at Craven Cottage spoilt Fulham’s end of season form, which bought their second ever highest league finish, and qualification for the UEFA Europa League via the Fair Play route.  Hughes insists he wants a bigger challenge, but he was developing something good in West London, so his resignation was a real surprise.  However, Mohammed Al-Fayed has moved quickly and by appointing ex-Tottenham and Ajax boss Martin Jol, he has definitely found a very shrewd replacement.  Fulham’s season looked to be in dire straits once Bobby Zamora broke his ankle in their 2-1 win over Wolves in September.  Goals and confidence became a real problems, and after a shock 3-1 loss at home to West Ham on Boxing Day, the Cottagers were in the bottom three.  Zamora’s return to fitness, combined with the consistency of Brede Hangeland, Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey allowed for a very strong second half of the season.  It was also nice to see Andy Johnson return to fitness and find the net again occasionally, even though Moussa Dembele was a real disappointment.  Jol will have finances to spend and as long as they can hold onto their key players, Fulham certainly have the capability to break into the top seven on a regular basis. 

HIGHS: A strong second half of the season and Brede Hangeland's consistency.

LOWS: Mark Hughes's sudden departure and Bobby Zamora's broken ankle, which ruined the Cottagers season.

Aston Villa                                                                                                                                                                                                         

THERE can be no doubt that this was a messy season for Aston Villa and the summer doesn’t seem to have improved things.  Once Martin O’Neill walked out on Randy Lerner days before the start of the season, Villa were destined for a scrappy campaign and that’s what happened.  In fact, they flirted with relegation more often than not, and only a strong end to the season under Gary McAllister got them into the top half.  Kevin McDonald stepped into the breach after O’Neill left, but a 6-0 slaughtering at Newcastle finished his hopes of getting the job on a permanent basis.  To the fans surprise and dismay, Gerard Houillier returned to Premiership management and despite an opening win under the new regime at Wolves in September, things never improved afterwards.  Gabby Agbonlahor scored one goal all season, Emile Heskey looked as worse as ever and John Carew couldn’t hit a barndoor if his life depended on it, so he was farmed out to Stoke on loan.  The only plus of Houiller’s appointment was the signing of Darren Bent from Sunderland in January.  Yet again, Bent found the net on his debut in the win over Manchester City at Villa Park and couldn’t stop scoring in a Villa jersey.  Eventually, a heart scare forced Houillier out of the role and ultimately, out of the job.  Lerner’s pursuit of a new boss has been poor too.  Rafa Benitez was refused money, Roberto Martinez opted to stay at Wigan and now, a messy situation with Alex McLeish and Birmingham City faces up with the possibility of an autumn court case with the lawyers.  With Ashley Young and Stewart Downing destined to leave, plus a lack of team harmony around the dressing room, a bleak future looks like being the way throughout the Midlands.  This was a totally wasted and shambolic campaign for Aston Villa. 

HIGHS: Darren Bent's signing.

LOWS: The appointment of Gerard Houillier and basically no goals upfront from their strikers (excluding Bent)

Sunderland                                                                                                                                                                                                        

A TOP half finish for Sunderland was a solid result, but it could have been so much better.  For two-thirds of the campaign, Steve Bruce and his players looked capable for a shot at European qualification via the league.  However, a run of one point in 11 games almost cost them their Premier League status and it must have been a relief to Bruce to see the Black Cats recover and win three of their last four games that kept them comfortably afloat.  Beating Newcastle in the league will also satisfy the fans.  They won’t want to be reminded of a terrible day on Tyneside in October, when bitter rivals Newcastle dismantled them 5-1, which was the only black spot on a brilliant first half of the season.  That included a 3-0 demolition of champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in November, which for me, is the performance and shock result of the entire campaign.  Asamoah Gyan came in on deadline day in the summer, and bought his World Cup flair to Wearside, whilst the loan signings of Danny Wellbeck and Nedum Onuoha were shrewd pieces of businesses.  Unfortunately, the club were afflicted with players ending up more likely to be on the treatment table, rather than the training ground.  Darren Bent’s departure to Aston Villa in January seriously hurt them, as did Lee Cattermole’s lack of discipline and the unsettled goalkeeping position, with both Craig Gordon and Simon Mignolet lacking a consistent run of games.  Jordan Henderson may have departed for Liverpool, but now Sunderland have money to spend on improving the squad and they could be a dark horse to watch next season.  The potential is there for the Black Cats to deliver something special, so there can be no excuses from Bruce and the board next campaign. 

HIGHS: A 3-0 demolition of champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in November.

LOWS: Horrific form from February/April which nearly cost them Premier League status and a 5-1 spanking at Newcastle.

FA Cup final 2011 - City end long victory drought

MANCHESTER CITY’s 35 year trophy drought ended yesterday, as they beat Stoke City 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.  City’s semi-final hero Yaya Toure scored the only goal in the 74^th minute to break Stoke’s resistance in an intriguing final, though hardly a classic to be remembered.

     Stoke were taking part in their first ever FA Cup final, whilst City last made it this far back in 1981.  Therefore, it was a surprising final for many and unfortunately, the game never lived up to its pre-match billing.  Tony Pulis side were very poor in the first half and thanks to some great goalkeeping from Thomas Sorensen and wasteful City finishing, they held onto a 0-0 scoreline at half-time.  Both Carlos Tevez and man-of-the-match Mario Balotelli were denied by the exploits of Sorensen, who has been Stoke’s FA Cup goalkeeper all season.  The Potters were organised and very resolute, but sadly, not much more.  The best chance of the first half was missed by the off-colour David Silva.  Balotelli’s brilliant movement ten minutes before half-time set the chance up and although the Spanish World Cup winner approached it at an awkward height, he basically missed a sitter by his high standards. 

     At times, the final threatened to get out of hand into a very bitty occasion.  Two poor challenges from Robert Huth in the first half meant the German was very lucky to stay on the pitch by half-time.  Either side of the interval and Jermaine Pennant was the victim of two bruising challenges, which limited his impact.  With Matthew Etherington forced off on the hour mark, having picked up a recurrence of the hamstring injury that he first picked up against Wolves 18 days ago, Stoke’s threat, particularly on the wings was severely limited.  Toure went onto to make the right headlines, but even the Ivorian was lucky to still be on the field by the time he scored the decisive goal.  A very bad challenge on Andy Wilkinson which looked malicious and with some form of intent was the climax of a very scrappy and spicy start to the second half. 

CHANCE: Stoke's golden chance was blown by Kenwyne Jones

     Stoke’s best chance to win the FA Cup final came just before Etherington’s enforced departure.  His beautifully-flighted ball over the top found Kenwyne Jones.  Jones managed to escape the clutches of Joleon Lescott, but Joe Hart stood tall, and made a critical save.  At this point, Roberto Mancini elected to make a bold move.  He sacrificed one of his holding players; Gareth Barry, for the more attack-minded Adam Johnson and the extra aggression in the final third soon paid dividends.  Yet again, Balotelli was in the heart of the move.  His shot, after some clever skill was blocked by Ryan Shawcross and following another minor deflection, the ball fell perfectly to Toure, who produced a cracking drive to break the deadlock.  It was a strike that left Sorensen with absolutely no chance.  Despite sending Shawcross forward as an emergency striker and Sorensen for corners, Stoke’s late bombardment on the City goal ultimately came to nothing.

    The rise of Manchester City continues and it is a fitting tribute to Neil Young.  Young, who scored the winning goal the last time the blue side of Manchester won the FA Cup, in 1969, died in February.  Goalkeeper Hart insisted that Manchester United’s earlier title success at Ewood Park meant nothing to hinder the celebrations; “We don’t care about Man U.  This is about Man City and the players and the fans, we deserved to win.”  Losing manager Pulis accepted the result with good grace.  He told ITV; “We’ve had a great season, but ultimately we dropped off today.  The best side won.” 

ALOFT: Tevez lifts the FA Cup for Manchester City

      The 1976 League Cup was the last time Manchester City lifted a major domestic trophy and on the week when they also won qualification into next season’s Champions League, this will go down as a week to remember for all City fans.  Ultimately, they were the stronger and better outfit throughout and deserved the win.  It was left to Carlos Tevez, only the third overseas captain after Eric Cantona and Patrick Vieira to lift the FA Cup aloft.  Whilst Stoke played their part in a largely forgettable final, it was a Blue Day at Wembley yesterday and anything is possible from here for the rich-spenders.  This could be the start of something big and there is no doubt now, that the whole of the football world must sit-up and take notice. 

FA Barclays Premiership Report (7th - 9th May)

THE most decisive weekend of the Premiership season saw history being made at the top of the table and the battle to stay afloat in the top flight tighten up even more.

RECORD: The title looms large for Manchester United

    The title showdown at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Chelsea went United’s way.  They outfought, outpassed and outclassed Chelsea and deserved to win more than the 2-1 final scoreline suggests.  The win means the Red Devils only need one point at Blackburn on Saturday lunchtime to secure a 19^th league title, surpassing Liverpool’s long-standing record as the most successful club in English football history.  Sir Alex Ferguson’s side started in clinical fashion, as Javier Hernandez pounced on David Luiz’s slip inside 36 seconds to give United an unbelievable start.  Chelsea looked unrecognisable in the first half and didn’t turn up.  They went 2-0 down inside 23 minutes.  Nemanja Vidic powered in an easy header from Ryan Giggs brilliant cross.  Chelsea did get a glimmer hope with 22 minutes to go, when Frank Lampard touched in Branislav Ivanovic’s flick-on.  Ultimately, the men from West London end the season with nothing to show for their efforts, except question marks over Carlo Ancelotti’s future.  Speculation is rife linking Ancelotti with a return to Serie A with AS Roma.

    At the wrong end of the table, Mick McCarthy’s Wolves celebrated a huge 3-1 win over West Brom in the Black Country derby.  It is Wolves first win in six games against their great rivals and takes Wolves out of the bottom three, with their Premiership destiny now in their own hands.  Steven Fletcher took full advantage of West Brom’s horrendous defending display to score two goals and Adeline Guedioura celebrated his first goal in English football through some ditzy defending from their rivals in the Midlands.  Peter Odemwingie did pull a goal back from the penalty spot, but this was Wolves day.

     Blackpool dropped back into the bottom three, despite a battling draw at White Hart Lane against Tottenham on Saturday evening.  Charlie Adam, almost signed by Tottenham on deadline day in January had a dramatic match.  His crude challenge on Gareth Bale finished Bale’s season early with ankle ligament damage.  He then had a penalty saved by Hereulho Gomes when Michael Dawson handled in the box.  Seconds later, Gomes’s inconsistent form continued when he needlessly bundled over Gary Taylor-Fletcher for a second spot kick.  This time, Adam made no mistake.  In the 88^th minute, Jermain Defoe broke Blackpool’s hearts by earning the home side a point, but it made Champions League qualification pretty much impossible.  All those dreams died with a 1-0 loss at Manchester City last night, which secured City’s place in Europe’s premier club competition next season. 

GLOAT: Everton won the battle, but City recovered to claim 4th

     Before last night’s joy, City had a frustrating day at Goodison Park at the weekend.  In the ultimate game of two halves, they lost 2-1 at Everton.  The visitors had bossed the first half and deserved their first half lead, courtesy of Yaya Toure.  However, Everton turned the game around with two headers in the second half, through City old boy Sylvain Distin and a brilliant header by Leon Osman.  You could tell that it was a bad day for the blue half of Manchester, as manager Roberto Mancini attempted to pick a fight with Phil Neville at the final whistle.  Tottenham might miss out on Europe altogether next season, thanks to a revitalised Liverpool outfit.  In the final Monday Night Football of the season, Kenny Dalglish’s side ripped Fulham apart – winning 5-2 at Craven Cottage.  Maxi Rodriguez scored inside 30 seconds and went on to complete his second treble in three matches.  Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez scored too and now, if Liverpool beat Tottenham on Sunday at Anfield, they secure England’s final UEFA Europa League qualification place.

     Back in the scrap to stay up and time is rapidly running out for Avram Grant and West Ham United.  They needed to beat Blackburn on Saturday and they didn’t.  The 1-1 draw kept the Hammers rooted to the foot of the table.  Jason Roberts had the visitors infront on 12 minutes, which meant West Ham got that familiar feeling.  Although Thomas Hitzlsperger drilled in one of his specials, crucial blocks from Christopher Samba and another missed sitter from the misfiring Robbie Keane, it was a result West Ham needed to improve on.  At Villa Park, Wigan’s promising start did little to ease their relegation worries.  Although they remain unbeaten at Aston Villa since entering the Premiership in 2005, the 1-1 stalemate means Roberto Martinez continues to feel the strain.  For the second successive weekend, Charles N’Zogbia had Wigan infront inside of ten minutes, but Ashley Young’s free-kick seven minutes restored parity.  A tepid game was spiced up by a tantrum from Emile Heskey, who looked like he might punch somebody if he didn’t calm down.  Stand-in boss Gary McAllister wisely subbed Heskey at half-time.  This means the Wigan v West Ham clash on Sunday is quite possibly the game that will end up deciding one of their short-term futures.

     The other weekend matches saw Stoke City’s historic week began with a great 3-1 victory over an off-colour Arsenal.  Poor defending from the Gunners allowed Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Jonathan Walters to send Stoke to Wembley for the FA Cup final on a high.  It was Arsenal biggest defeat of the season and they haven’t frankly recovered from that late heartbreak in February’s Carling Cup final.  Elsewhere, Newcastle United beat Birmingham City 2-1 and Sunderland secured Premiership football for another season, as Sulley Muntari’s last-minute goal overcame Bolton 2-1 at the Reebok.  Two weekends to go and whilst the relegation scrap looks set to go to the wire, we can congratulate Manchester United on another Premiership title.  They deserve it!

FA Cup semi-final review - Potters v Rich Blues in Wembley showpiece

STOKE City and Manchester City will contest this season’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium next month.  This is after the pair overcame Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United in two interesting semi-finals at the home of English football at the weekend.

MOBBED: City players pile on Yaya Toure, after his winner

     Manchester City’s pain of not winning coveted silverware for so long could well be over and they managed to overcome bitter rivals Manchester United 1-0 in the first semi on Saturday evening.  Roberto Mancini’s side fully deserved to advance to the final, ending United’s treble dreams in the process.  The only goal of the game came ten minutes into the second half.  Michael Carrick made a crucial error and was intercepted by the bullish Yaya Toure.  Toure went on to brush off Nemanja Vidic and beat the advancing Edwin van der Sar to ink his name in City folklore forever.  It was another high-profile mistake from error-strewn Carrick, who despite having a better season this campaign, has the tendency to slip up at the critical moment.  As the game wore on, United’s desperation increased, clearly missing the suspended Wayne Rooney.  His replacement, Dimitar Berbatov had an off-day – missing two early chances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.  They came within 20 seconds of one another.  The first forced a good save from Joe Hart, whilst the second was a chance his grandmother could have scored with her eyes shut!  How the Premier League’s top goalscorer missed with a gaping goal at his mercy, two yards out is enough to destroy anyone’s self-belief.  After the break, only a Nani free-kick forced Hart into some serious action as United toiled.  Paul Scholes was rightfully dismissed on 72 minutes.  His crude challenge on Pablo Zabaleta punished with a straight red card from referee Mike Dean.  Although an ugly confrontation between Rio Ferdinand and Mario Balotelli slightly marred the post-match celebrations of City, few can begrudge their supporters of an FA Cup final, despite the club’s enhanced wealth of recent seasons.

CLINCHER: Kenwyne Jones beats Jaaseklainen to end the contest

     Their opponents on the big day will be Stoke City, who thrashed Bolton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon 5-0.  The impressive Jonathan Walters scored twice to seal the Potters first ever FA Cup final appearance.  Owen Coyle was close to tears; struggling to take in just how poor his side had been.  Bolton choked on the big stage and this made it a trouble-free and delightful afternoon for Tony Pulis’s team, who recorded one of the biggest ever Wembley thrashings.  Matthew Etherington punished careless possession from Johan Elmander to hit an unstoppable drive past Juusi Jaaskelainen in the 11^th minute.  Moments later, Robert Huth doubled the lead, although Jaaskelainen might feel he could have done better with his shot.  As a contest, the game was well and truly over on the half hour mark, once Kenwyne Jones made it 3-0.  Bolton’s fans started deserting in their drones, unable to witness such a spanking.  Walters added the gloss with his two strikes in a man of the match performance after the interval.  Congratulations to both Stoke and Manchester City, hope you give us a wonderful final.

FA Barclays Premiership Report (2nd - 3rd April)

ANOTHER weekend of rollercoaster action in the Premiership, which saw the battle at the bottom tighten up even more and the championship head firmly into Manchester United’s control.

RANT: Wayne Rooney's moment of madness infront of the cameras

     Manchester United put in a championship winning performance in the second half at Upton Park.  They turned around a 2-0 half-time deficit at West Ham, to win 4-2.  However, their comeback didn’t dominate the headlines.  Instead, it was the disgraceful behaviour of Wayne Rooney, which left him with a two-match ban and condemnation from many within the game.  Rooney scored a tremendous hat-trick, with the third coming from the penalty spot.  However, he then proceeded to swear into the Sky Sports TV camera, with a rant that can’t be broadcasted on this site in case young children are reading.  It was disgusting, uncalled for and the ban is fully justified, because it is about time that footballers were punished for their foul-mouthed actions.  If Rooney is a role model for football, the game has got some serious questioning to do.  On the funny side, at least the TV camera highlighted his basic language limitations!

     Aside from Rooney’s rant, it was a satisfying weekend for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, as he could sit back and watch his closest challengers drop points.  Chelsea’s slim mathematical hopes died at the Britannia Stadium, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by gritty Stoke City.  A brilliant early solo goal from Jonathan Walters extinguished Chelsea’s faint dreams of a title miracle, despite a classic equaliser from Didier Drogba.  The result marked Stoke’s first Premiership point against Chelsea, at the sixth attempt of asking.  On a painful day at the Emirates, two more priceless points were dropped by Arsenal.  They were lacklustre against Blackburn Rovers, who deserved their hard-fought 0-0 stalemate.  Arsenal did have chances, but they were scarce to say the least.  The flashpoint of the match was a reckless lunge on Laurent Koscieny, which led to Steven N’Zonzi being sent off.  Arsenal now languish seven points behind, with a game in hand.  It isn’t over yet, but the Fat Lady is starting to clear her throat ready for the celebrations at Old Trafford.

ROUT: Yaya Toure completes Manchester City's demolition of Sunderland

     At the bottom of the table, results tightened up so much, that only seven points cover the entire bottom half.  Sunderland’s freefall continued, as they slipped to a horrifying 5-0 loss at a rampant Manchester City.  The Black Cats have now lost six of their last seven matches.  City were emphatic, and easily put in their best performance of the Premiership season on Sunday, tightening their grip on a Champions League qualification berth for next season.  Adam Johnson returned to the team for the first time since January and an excellent finish gave Simon Mignolet no chance in the 9^th minute.  From then on, the result was in little doubt.  Carlos Tevez, David Silva, Patrick Vieira and Yaya Toure added their names to the scoresheet, despite Mignolet’s best efforts.  The young Belgian had a good game actually and couldn’t stop any of the goals.  Perhaps Sunderland’s iffy defending needs to be looked at extensively in training this week.  One win in 11 matches has also left Blackpool perilously close to the drop zone.  Ian Holloway’s side have now been installed as bookies favourites to be relegated after a 3-0 loss at Fulham.  Two goals from Bobby Zamora and a tap-in by the Nigerian Dickson Etuhu moved Fulham into the top half of the table and almost Premiership safety.  Blackpool looked a beaten team at Craven Cottage from the outset, which must concern Holloway, as the belief seems to have been sucked out of his team.     

RESPECT: All smiles before kick-off, but Hodgson got the better of Dalglish

     Revenge is the best dish served for Roy Hodgson, as he put one over his former employers Liverpool at the Hawthorns.  West Brom’s 2-1 win gives them some breathing space and moves the Baggies closer to mid-table than the bottom three.  There were plenty of chances in this match, before Martin Skrtel headed Liverpool infront.  Two Chris Brunt penalties, one in the 87^th minute took WBA away from safety and all but buried Liverpool’s chances of playing in European competition next season.  There were thrills and spills aplenty in a four goal cracker on Merseyside between Everton and Aston Villa.  The 2-2 draw keeps Villa in the thick of the relegation scrap.  Leon Osman gave Everton a half-time lead, but Darren Bent scored twice to have the visitors infront.  This came either side of a Jermaine Beckford shot, which hit the crossbar, crossed the line and wasn’t given.  Where the goal-line technology?  Oh wait, FIFA decided to ban snoods instead!  Seven minutes from time and a questionable foul on Phil Jagielka gave Leighton Baines the chance to make it 2-2 from the penalty spot.

     Birmingham climbed out of the relegation zone, as they made up for their FA Cup quarter-final exit last month against Bolton.  Kevin Phillips made a rare start and scored the opener in the 2-1 win; Birmingham’s first triumph since their Carling Cup success at the end of February.  Craig Gardner doubled the lead and Alex McLeish had Ben Foster to thank for keeping his side infront.  Foster was in great form again, producing a series of fantastic saves, which limited Bolton to a sole consolation, courtesy of Johan Elmander.  At St. James Park, Newcastle all but secured Premiership football next season, as they tore apart Wolves, winning 4-1.  Kevin Nolan, Shola Ameobi, Peter Lovenkrands and Jonas Gutierrez were on target for the Magpies.  Finally, a lacklustre game at the DW Stadium saw Wigan and Tottenham play out a 0-0 draw.  It is a vital point for Wigan in their fight against the drop, but more points dropped by Tottenham, who are starting to feel the pace of a long season in Europe and the Premiership.  It will take a mighty effort for Harry Redknapp’s men to be in the Champions League again next season.

     With no more international interruptions, the Premiership is now running till the end on a week-to-week basis.  Whilst it is too close to call to predict who will stay up and who won’t, don’t be surprised to see the bookies begin to pay out on another title success for Manchester United.

FA Barclays Premiership Report (11th - 13th December)

TWO weeks to go until Christmas and it was another dramatic weekend of top flight action.  Manchester United remained unbeaten, Newcastle made a winning start to a management change and Blackburn Rovers bid farewell to Sam Allardyce.

Monday 13^th December: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal

WINNER: Park scored the decisive goal at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER United charged back to the top of the Premiership table last night, after a deserved victory over title contenders Arsenal.  United were far from their best, but didn’t need to be, against a Gunners side that lacked the ambition needed to sustain a proper challenge.  Ji-Sung Park scored the only goal, with a looping header eight minutes from half-time.  In the second half, Gael Clichy blocked Nani’s cross with his hand, only for Wayne Rooney to smash the spot kick over the crossbar.

Sunday 12^th December: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Blackburn Rovers

GET IN THERE: Fabrice Muamba is congratulated on his goal

SAM Allardyce was harshly sacked as Blackburn manager yesterday after losing late on at his former club, Bolton.  These Lancashire teams shared a dreadful first half, but the second half livened up with Mark Davies was given a second yellow card for leaning his arm into the back of Phil Jones head.  Ten men Bolton then took the lead, when Fabrice Muamba showed good footwork to leave Ryan Nelsen for dead, before burying his effort past Paul Robinson.  With three minutes to, Mame Diouf seemed to have rescued a point for Rovers, a lovely clip over Juusi Jaaskelainen.  However, Stuart Holden snatched it straight back for Bolton, with a good finish to win the match and keep Wanderers in the top six.

Sunday 12^th December: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Chelsea

REDEMPTION: Gomes kept out Drogba's penalty

ANOTHER sensational Sunday at White Hart Lane saw Didier Drogba waste a glorious chance for Chelsea to return to winning ways.  Roman Pavyluchenko had Spurs infront on 15 minutes, converting Jermain Defoe’s square ball.  Drogba, who started on the bench, did equalise.  The Ivorian reacted quicker than Michael Dawson to a long ball and got lucky, when Hereulho Gomes made a meal of Drogba’s shot.  Gomes miserable second half continued, when he clumsily took out Ramires in stoppage time and conceded a penalty.  However, he redeemed himself, by saving Drogba’s very average penalty.

Saturday 11^th December: Newcastle United 3-1 Liverpool

EXAMPLE: Kevin Nolan got Newcastle off to a flying start

ANOTHER dramatic week at St. James Park, and the fans displeasure at Mike Ashley was evidently shown by protests outside the ground before the match.  However, the players reacted well and gave the new gaffer Alan Pardew the dream start.  Skipper Kevin Nolan led by example, opening the scoring.  Dirk Kuyt equalised for Liverpool, gaining a massive slice of fortune, as his shot took a deflection off Steven Taylor.  Once again, Liverpool’s miserable away day blues continued in the last ten minutes.  Joey Barton capitalised on indecision from Martin Skrtel to hammer the Geordies back infront again.  Andy Carroll consigned Roy Hodgson to another shambolic defeat, finding the bottom corner from long range in stoppage time.

Saturday 11^th December: West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City

ON TOP: David Silva holds off Scott Parker in City's win

YAYA Toure piled on the agony for West Ham United with two goals, lifting Manchester City into the top three.  His first was a screaming strike, which Robert Green didn’t even see.  Toure’s second was a squeezed effort past Green at his near post.  As it came off the goalkeeper’s back, it will probably go down as an own goal, but I’d credit the goal to Toure.  In between these moments of magic from the holding midfielder, Mario Balotelli showed a childish act of dissent, got booked, subbed and went straight down the tunnel without even looking at Roberto Mancini.  Substitute Adam Johnson made it 3-0 and although James Tomkins managed a late consolation, it did very little to ease Avram Grant’s pain.

Sunday 12^th December: Wolves 1-0 Birmingham City

WINNER: Stephen Hunt got the winning goal at Molineux

WOLVES bullied Birmingham and fully deserved the three points in this local derby, moving them three points clear of basement team West Ham United in the process.  The winner came right on the stroke of half-time, courtesy of Stephen Hunt, sweeping a shot past Ben Foster at the near post.  Foster was terrific all game and prevented the scoreline from being a landslide.  It is Wolves first clean sheet of the season, Birmingham continue to look for their first away win since March.

Saturday 11^th December: Stoke City 0-1 Blackpool

TWO teams who share an affection of the late Sir Stanley Matthews played out an entertaining clash at the Britannia Stadium.  Tony Pulis will be wondering just how Stoke didn’t get anything from this match.  Rory Delap had a goal disallowed and both Ricardo Fuller and Matthew Etherington had shots that hit the woodwork.  DJ Campbell scored the decisive goal and dogged defending from the visitors secured another fighting victory for Ian Holloway’s side.

Saturday 11^th December: Aston Villa 2-1 West Brom

THERE seemed to be a massive feeling of relief for Aston Villa on Saturday, inflicting defeat on local rivals West Brom.  Stewart Downing scored the first and Emile Heskey the second, after James Collins made a nuisance of himself in the box.  West Brom’s winless run at Villa Park continued, and although Paul Scharner made it a twitchy last few minutes, Villa held on for a priceless victory.

Saturday 11^th December: Everton 0-0 Wigan Athletic

STRUGGLING: Louis Saha's lack of goals highlights Everton's problems

EVERTON could have had a hatful, but someone got none against Wigan Athletic.  Ronnie Stam had one shot saved brilliantly by Tim Howard, but it was the Toffees who were well on top.  Tim Cahill came the closest, hitting the post with goalkeeper Scott Carson beaten.  Maroualine Fellani, Seamus Coleman, Jack Rodwell and Steven Pienaar on three separate occasions all wasted golden opportunities for the home side.

Saturday 11^th December: Fulham 0-0 Sunderland

THIS game was an absolute stinker.  In fact, it was so bad that it doesn’t even deserve reporting on.  The highlight came when Bolo Zenden got knocked out by a football!