Sunday, May 31, 2009

ENGLISH FA CUP FINAL: CHELSEA 2 - EVERTON 1

Chelsea came from behind to win 2-1 at Wembley after Everton's Louis Saha had scored the fastest ever goal in an FA Cup final.

It took just 25 seconds for Saha to break the deadlock with a well-struck volley. The Blues continued to dominate possession for the rest of the first half, and Chelsea quickly regained their composure and equalised through a Didier Drogba header on 21 minutes.

There were few clear-cut opportunities but both sides maintained a high tempo in soaring temperatures and the crucial goal arrived after 72 minutes as Frank Lampard crashed a powerful shot past Tim Howard from distance.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: BARCELONA 2 - MAN UTD 0

FC Barcelona were crowned European champions for a third time, and the second in four seasons – as a vibrant display of pass and move, capped by goals in either half from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi, defeated Manchester United in Rome.

United, bidding to become the first team to successfully defend the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era, began an open contest at breakneck speed as Cristiano Ronaldo threatened three times. After ten minutes, however, Eto'o put the Spanish champions ahead and they never looked back.

The second goal did not arrive until the 70th minute via, unusually, the head of Messi – Josep Guardiola's side were worthy winners. The 38-year-old becomes the sixth man to lift the European Champion Clubs' Cup as player and coach; United are the sixth club to lose the final as holders.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

PARK JI-SUNG'S FINAL MISSION IS ON

The quality within Sir Alex Ferguson's ranks means all but a select few will be unsure of a starting berth on Wednesday, but one man who can rest assured that he will at least make the squad is Park Ji-sung.

Ferguson's decision to leave the midfielder out of his squad for last season's final against Chelsea left Park devastated, especially when taking into account he had figured and impressed in both semi-final legs against Barcelona. However this year, Ferguson has given Park his word that he will figure.

ANCELOTTI IS ONE OF THE GREATS FOR CHELSEA

David Beckham believes Chelsea would be getting "one of the greats" if they lure AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti to Stamford Bridge. He also added, every single one of the Milan players adores him and doesn't want him to go. They are pleading with him to stay.

The former England skipper has spent the second half of the season playing under Ancelotti at the San Siro. Beckham claims that he have been lucky in his career to play under a few of the best in the business and Ancelotti comes into that category.

WENGER WANT TO STAY AT EMIRATES

News of Florentino Perez's interest coincided with growing frustration amongst Arsenal fans about Arsene Wenger's management, when the club are without a trophy in four years and some are losing patience with the 59-year-old.

Though, Arsene Wenger will continue as Arsenal manager and spurn the advances of Spanish giants Real Madrid, according to quotes from the Frenchman.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

MAN UTD IS THE KING OF ENGLAND AGAIN!

Manchester United were crowned champions of England for a record-equalling 18th time at Old Trafford after a goalless draw with Arsenal ensured Liverpool cannot now catch their north-west rivals.

After over three decades as the unquestioned kings of English football, Liverpool now have someone else to share the title with. And, if Ferguson is to be believed it will not be long before the Anfield outfit lose it altogether.

MAN UTD 0 - ARSENAL 0

Sir Alex Ferguson's side might not have given Usain Bolt a goal to celebrate on his first visit to the Theatre of Dreams but the Premier League trophy will do as consolation. The match ended with a goalless draw but enough destroy Liverpool's dream.

While the first half ended with United still on course for the 11th league title of Ferguson's illustrious reign, Arsenal had every reason to be pleased with themselves. After two dire displays with the Red Devils, plus a hammering on home soil by Chelsea, it was feared the Gunners would suffer yet another embarrassing mauling.
 
BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

Saturday, May 16, 2009

ARSENAL CONFIDENT TO STOP UNITED

Arsenal's manager, Arsene Wenger is confident that his attacking team are as good as Manchester United and intends to prove the point by delaying the champions elect a title party with victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Gunners' boss believes he has a very promising team who can deliver very soon. He highlighted that his team have scored a similar amount of goals with the Red Devils. But admitted that Arsenal has conceded more goals and that is where the difference lies.

TERRY IS BACK AT HIS BEST

John Terry believes he has rediscover his best form after the arrival of interim coach Guus Hiddink. The Dutch coach transformed the Blues after agreeing to replace axed Felipe Scolari in February.

The Chelsea captain Terry has played 48 club games this season, and his next appearance, the 403rd, will put him in the Blues' top 10 of all time. He is pleased overall with his form, he acknowledges that he only got back to his best when Hiddink arrived.

SIR ALEX WANTS TO KEEP TEVEZ

Sir Alex Ferguson has denied rumours suggesting that Manchester United will try and free Carlos Tevez from his contract with Kia Joorabchian.

Some newspaper reports have suggested that the club have tried to find a loophole in Tevez deal to sign Tevez for free. The United manager confirmed on Wednesday after the 2-1 success at Wigan that the club had opened talks with the Argetina striker over the possibility of him remaining at Old Trafford beyond this summer when his loan deal expires.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

GERRARD DREAM ABOUT EPL & WORLD CUP

Steven Gerrard is already looking ahead to next season and has stated his desire to lift the World Cup after helping guide Liverpool to the Premier League title.

Gerrard and co have given Manchester United a run for their money in this season's title race, although the fans' favourite has conceded they will come up short this time around.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

ALONSO TO STAY AT ANFIELD

Xabi Alonso's agent has dismissed reports linking the Liverpool man with a move away from Anfield. Recent reports have suggested cash-rich Manchester City and Arsenal were lining up moves for the Spanish schemer.

Alonso's future at Anfield has been the subject of speculation for some time after a move to Juventus failed to materialise last summer.

CASILLAS NOT INTERESTED IN RONALDO

Iker Casillas has urged Real Madrid to dampen their lingering interest in Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spain shot-stopper also suggested Real turn to home-grown talent, rather than spend lavishly on targets from abroad.

Portugal international Ronaldo was strongly linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer but a move failed to materialise as boss Sir Alex Ferguson stood firm over the winger's future.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

TEVEZ ON DEMAND

Carlos Tevez's agent claims the striker will have no shortage of options if his spell at Manchester United ends at the end of the month. The 25-year-old claimed he had not been treated as ''one of the family'' at Old Trafford.

Agent Adrian Ruocco confirmed Argentina international Tevez is attracting interest from Italy and Spain, plus clubs from within the Premier League. Ruocco has been surprised that United have not moved to sign Tevez permanently. 

ANELKA WILL REMAIN A BLUES

chelseamag.blogspot.comChelsea striker Nicolas Anelka seems unlikely to leave the club in the summer after his agent insisted he was happy at the club. The France international has found himself on the bench following the arrival of Guus Hiddink as interim manager, with Didier Drogba back in favour, despite him being the Premier League's leading scorer for much of the campaign.

The lack of first team action led to rumours that the 29-year-old wished to move on. Anelka is no stranger to transfers having already played for Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fenerbahçe and Bolton Wanderers.

STEVIE G IS WRITERS' CHOICE!

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been voted England's Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association (FWA). The England midfielder topped the poll of journalists ahead of Manchester United duo Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to win the prestigious accolade, which has been running since 1948.

The 28-year-old Anfield hero has scored 23 goals in all competitions this season, the best tally of his career, and is leading Liverpool's continuing challenge to Premier League leaders Manchester United as the Reds bid to land their first league title for 19 years.
 

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

MIDS'BORO 0 - MAN UTD 3

Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung increased Manchester United's stranglehold on the Barclays Premier League title as Middlesbrough`s relegation fears increased following a 2-0 defeat at the Riverside Stadium.
 
The Welshman and his South Korean team-mate fired their side to a fifth successive league victory in front of the biggest crowd of the season at the Riverside and established a six-point lead over closest rivals Liverpool, who do not play until Sunday.

PORTSMOUTH 0 - ARSENAL 3

Arsenal rested their big guns ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester United, but were still too strong for Portsmouth as they won 3-0 at Fratton Park.

The young Gunners, skippered by Andrey Arshavin who cannot play in Europe, again showed their potential as a brace from Nicklas Bendtner, his first after a blunder from England keeper David James, and a clinical second-half strike by Mexican Carlos Vela sealed a comfortable victory.


GERRARD ALMOST A BLUES

Steven Gerrard admits he considered moving to Chelsea because he felt Liverpool were a long way from being title contenders.
 
The England midfielder was on the verge of a move to Stamford Bridge in 2005. However, the 28-year-old remained at Anfield. Gerrard admits he had considered going to Chelsea but is now relieved he chose to stay in the north-west.
 

CHELSEA 3 - FULHAM 1

Chelsea warmed up for their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona next week with a comfortable 3-1 win over west London neighbours Fulham.

Goals from Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba ensured Chelsea also kept the heat on second-placed Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League.

RYAN GIGGS BAGGED PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year for the first ever time. He had also won the PFA Young Player of the Year twice in his early career in the Premier League. The former Wales international's club honours include 10 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions League medals.

The 35-year-old, who will make his 800th appearance for United if he plays against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday evening, was quick to praise Sir Alex Ferguson who has guided him through his entire career at Old Trafford.