Premier League Media

Celebration was for fans – Terry

Filed under: Chelsea by: admin

Chelsea captain John Terry says his goal celebration in Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Stoke was a tribute to Blues fans for their support.

Terry has endured a turbulent few weeks following allegations about his private life and lost the England captaincy.

After heading Chelsea’s second goal in a 2-0 quarter-final win, he celebrated by pointing to his captain’s armband.

“The armband means a lot. Chelsea have been supportive. We wanted to show the fans what it meant to us,” said Terry.

Terry was booed throughout Sunday’s tie at Stamford Bridge by the visiting Stoke supporters, who lambasted the 29-year-old over his alleged affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-girlfriend of former Chelsea team-mate and current Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge.

Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy by national coach Fabio Capello last month after the allegations came to light, was also barracked by a small minority of home fans during the international friendly win over Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday.

When questioned about the verbal abuse aimed at Terry, Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins replied: “John’s dealing with the situation in the only way he can – committing himself to the cause.

“He’s an exceptional captain and we’re delighted to have him on board. He leads these players on the pitch in fantastic fashion.

“He was taking a bit too much stick from the Stoke fans and wanted to demonstrate that.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis defended the Potters fans over their treatment of Terry and suggested the defender could win fans over at the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

“Our fans are brilliant, different class,” stated Pulis. “John will have to accept he’ll take stick.

“He took stick from England supporters the other night but if he does well in the World Cup and wins it, he’ll come back a hero.”

Terry’s form has undoubtedly dipped during the fall-out from the recent newspaper revelations, but his performance against Stoke – capped by his powerful 67th-minute header – represented a marked improvement.

The Blues grew in stature and confidence throughout the match to record a deserved victory over a powerful Stoke side to set up a semi-final clash with Aston Villa.

The win was Chelsea’s first in three matches following a 2-1 defeat by Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on 24 February and the 4-2 Premier League home loss to Manchester City three days later.

“I thought we played well and bounced back from last week,” added Terry. “We had a couple of days to work on their set-plays but they can play as well.”

Despite seeing Stoke exit the FA Cup, Pulis was proud of his side and their achievements in the competition this season.

“The players were first class,” he said. “We gave everything and had a right go.

“We’ve knocked Arsenal and Man City out so to pull Chelsea out of the hat at Stamford Bridge was a difficult tie.”

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Chelsea 2-0 Stoke

Filed under: Chelsea by: admin

John Terry will grab the headlines for all the right reasons after scoring Chelsea’s second goal to help them sink Stoke and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

The home skipper has been the subject of a host of allegations about his private life of late, but headed in a Frank Lampard corner to seal the win.

Lampard himself opened the scoring when his 20-yard drive was deflected in.

Stoke rarely threatened, and only then from set pieces, as holders Chelsea set up a last-four clash with Aston Villa.

And it was perhaps fitting that Terry – so revered by the Chelsea supporters – should have grabbed the hosts’ all important second goal as the 29-year-old ended another difficult week on a high.

The centre-half has undoubtedly been off colour in recent weeks during the fallout of the newspaper revelations, but this was a determined return to his best from the Chelsea captain, both in defence and attack.

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And while he may have been barracked by a small section of England fans during the midweek friendly defeat of Egypt, there is no doubting the regard he is held in by the Stamford Bridge faithful.

There is little argument that recent weeks have seen Chelsea endure the most difficult period of their season so far.

The Terry saga has been well documented, injuries to Petr Cech and Ashley Cole, among others, have uncovered something of a soft centre to their squad, and consecutive defeats to Inter Milan and Manchester City have all seen their campaign stutter of late.

But this might prove something of a turning point for the Londoners following a performance that saw them grow in stature and confidence the longer the game went on.

This was always likely to be a match-up of Chelsea’s guile and Stoke’s physicality – and so it proved.

Cech’s absence has meant a run in the Blues goal for Hilario, but the Portuguese keeper is simply not in the Czech’s class and he looked vulnerable throughout against the visitors’ barrage at set pieces.

As early as the fifth minute Stoke could have made the most of a Rory Delap throw, Mamady Sidibe flicking over from Robert Huth’s header, before the same player forced a good close-range block from Alex.

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Neither came as close as Whitehead, though, who latched on to a tame Hilario punch clear to lash goalwards, forcing Jon Obi Mikel into a fine clearance on the line.

However, that was about as close to a goal as Stoke came to a goal, although Ricardo Fuller forced a smart stop from Hilario in injury time with the game all but done and dusted.

In between, Chelsea were in complete control.

Nicolas Anelka should have opened the scoring when he forced an error from Whitehead on the edge of the area only to lash wide of the far post.

But five minutes later, the hosts were ahead. A Florent Malouda corner caused problems in the Stoke defence, Terry laid it back to Lampard and the England midfielder lashed in from 20 yards via a deflection off Abdoulaye Faye.

It could have been 2-0 before the break but Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen got down well to keep out Didier Drogba’s volley, while the visitors then had Andy Wilkinson to thank for two fantastic blocks in quick succession, from an Anelka header and then an Alex header.

Chelsea’s deserved second was not too long in coming, though, with Terry muscling his way among the Stoke defence to head in Lampard’s corner.

Only a string of saves from Sorensen kept the score down thereafter, Lampard denied from range and Salomon Kalou and Anelka both stinging the Stoke keeper’s palms from inside the area.

As it was those misses did not prove crucial and Chelsea, clear favourites to win the tournament for a sixth time now, eased their way into the last four for the fourth time in the last five years

Stoke, on the other hand, will turn their attention back to the Premier League as their wait to reach a first FA Cup final goes on.

Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins:
“(The barracking from away supporters) is happening and John’s just getting on with the situation.

“I’m not too happy about it, but there’s nothing I can do. He’s dealing with the situation in the only way he can – committing himself to the cause, and that was another superb performance from him.

“He’s an exceptional captain and we’re delighted to have him on board. He leads these players on the pitch in fantastic fashion and scored a great second goal.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:
“Our fans are brilliant, different class. John will have to accept he’ll take stick. He took stick from England supporters the other night.

“If John does well in the World Cup and wins it, he’ll come back a hero.

“As for the game, we’ve knocked Arsenal and Man City out of the FA Cup and to pull Chelsea out of the hat at Stamford Bridge was a difficult tie.

“The players were first class, though, we gave everything and had a right go.”

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Sunday, 7 March 2010

The FA Cup

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+2:11 The final whistle is blown by the referee.
90:00+1:08 The referee blows for offside against Nicolas Anelka. Indirect free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
90:00+0:16 Corner taken by Liam Lawrence.
89:52 Corner from the left by-line taken by Liam Lawrence, Branislav Ivanovic makes a clearance.
89:40 Ricardo Fuller takes a shot. Henrique Hilario makes a save.
88:55 Effort on goal by Nicolas Anelka from inside the box misses to the right of the target.
86:34 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Liam Lawrence, clearance made by Didier Drogba.
85:35 Booking Booking for John Terry for unsporting behaviour.
85:27 John Terry gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ricardo Fuller. Dean Whitehead restarts play with the free kick.
82:19 Dave Kitson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Branislav Ivanovic. Branislav Ivanovic restarts play with the
free kick.
81:25 Abdoulaye Faye produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box that clears the bar.
79:58 Abdoulaye Faye produces a header from inside the six-yard box that clears the bar.
79:14 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Dave Kitson by Alex. Liam Lawrence takes the direct free kick.
78:50 A cross is delivered by Frank Lampard, save by Thomas Sorensen.
77:46 Liam Lawrence crosses the ball, Alex makes a clearance.
77:07 Salomon Kalou fouled by Dave Kitson, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Branislav Ivanovic.
75:54 Ricardo Fuller is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Alex takes the direct free kick.
75:00 Salomon Kalou takes a short corner.
74:46 Effort on goal by Frank Lampard from 30 yards. Save by Thomas Sorensen.
72:36 Unfair challenge on Danny Pugh by Didier Drogba results in a free kick. Thomas Sorensen takes the free kick.
70:20 Andy Wilkinson delivers the ball, clearance made by Mikel.
66:59 Frank Lampard provided the assist for the goal.
66:59 GOAL – John Terry:Chelsea 2 – 0 Stoke John Terry scores a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Chelsea 2-0 Stoke.
66:33 Florent Malouda takes a outswinging corner. Corner taken by Frank Lampard from the right by-line,
66:07 Nicolas Anelka takes a shot. Save made by Thomas Sorensen.
65:45 Free kick awarded for a foul by Danny Pugh on Mikel. Branislav Ivanovic restarts play with the free kick.
64:27 Liam Lawrence takes the inswinging corner, Robert Huth has a headed effort at goal from close range which goes wide of the
left-hand post.
60:16 Substitution Dave Kitson joins the action as a substitute, replacing Mamady Sidibe.
59:55 Substitution Tuncay Sanli leaves the field to be replaced by Liam Lawrence.
57:57 Nicolas Anelka has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide right of the target.
55:48 Rory Delap delivers the ball.
55:08 Salomon Kalou challenges Danny Pugh unfairly and gives away a free kick. Thomas Sorensen restarts play with the free kick.
54:53 Salomon Kalou crosses the ball, Robert Huth manages to make a clearance.
53:47 Corner taken left-footed by Florent Malouda, clearance by Robert Huth.
53:27 Paulo Ferreira crosses the ball.
51:44 Danny Pugh challenges Salomon Kalou unfairly and gives away a free kick. Didier Drogba has a direct shot on goal from the
free kick, save made by Thomas Sorensen.
48:54 Tuncay Sanli fouled by Alex, the ref awards a free kick. Robert Huth has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.
48:13 Frank Lampard takes a shot from just inside the penalty box which clears the bar.
47:16 Corner from right by-line taken by Frank Lampard.
45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.
Half Time
45:00+3:22 The referee blows for half time.
45:00+1:38 Outswinging corner taken by Florent Malouda from the left by-line, Header on goal by John Terry from inside the box goes harmlessly
over the target.
45:00+1:33 The ball is crossed by Paulo Ferreira, blocked by Andy Wilkinson.
45:00+1:14 Centre by Paulo Ferreira, Didier Drogba takes a shot. Thomas Sorensen makes a save.
44:16 Substitution Danny Pugh comes on in place of Glenn Whelan.
42:42 Henrique Hilario crosses the ball.
41:29 Dean Whitehead fouled by Mikel, the ref awards a free kick. Tuncay Sanli produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.
39:09 Salomon Kalou fouled by Robert Huth, the ref awards a free kick. Shot comes in from Frank Lampard from the free kick, save
by Thomas Sorensen.
38:03 Outswinging corner taken by Glenn Whelan from the right by-line.
36:06 Corner from the left by-line taken by Glenn Whelan, save by Henrique Hilario.
35:46 Glenn Whelan takes the inswinging corner, Florent Malouda makes a clearance.
34:41 Assist on the goal came from John Terry.
34:41 GOAL – Frank Lampard:Chelsea 1 – 0 Stoke Frank Lampard finds the net with a goal from just outside the penalty box low into the middle of the goal. Chelsea 1-0 Stoke.
34:15 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Florent Malouda.
33:58 Shot by Didier Drogba. Blocked by Dean Whitehead.
33:28 Outswinging corner taken by Florent Malouda from the left by-line, clearance by Danny Collins.
30:33 Shot from long range by Didier Drogba goes wide of the left-hand post.
30:16 Ricardo Fuller gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Branislav Ivanovic. Alex restarts play with the free kick.
28:42 Effort on goal by Nicolas Anelka from inside the box misses to the right of the target.
28:31 Frank Lampard takes a shot from 20 yards. Robert Huth gets a block in.
27:54 Mamady Sidibe is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Henrique Hilario restarts play with the free kick.
27:05 Outswinging corner taken by Florent Malouda, save made by Thomas Sorensen.
26:53 Branislav Ivanovic takes a shot. Blocked by Robert Huth.
26:50 Paulo Ferreira delivers the ball.
25:27 The ball is sent over by Florent Malouda, Thomas Sorensen makes a comfortable save.
22:56 Shot from outside the area by Paulo Ferreira misses to the left of the goal.
22:35 Paulo Ferreira crosses the ball, clearance made by Abdoulaye Faye.
21:41 Ricardo Fuller gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on John Terry. Free kick taken by Henrique Hilario.
21:37 The ball is swung over by Dean Whitehead, clearance made by John Terry.
20:20 Ricardo Fuller concedes a free kick for a foul on Mikel. Direct free kick taken by Mikel.
19:39 The assistant referee signals for offside against Salomon Kalou. Indirect free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
19:03 A cross is delivered by Paulo Ferreira, Abdoulaye Faye makes a clearance.
18:53 Centre by Frank Lampard, Danny Collins manages to make a clearance.
17:03 Danny Collins gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Salomon Kalou. Direct free kick taken by Frank Lampard.
15:50 Abdoulaye Faye challenges Didier Drogba unfairly and gives away a free kick. Henrique Hilario takes the direct free kick.
Correction – 14:17 Robert Huth has an effort at goal from 20 yards. Mikel gets a block in.
14:17 Dean Whitehead produces a volleyed right-footed shot from 20 yards. Blocked by Mikel.
12:37 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mamady Sidibe by Mikel. Direct free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
11:19 A cross is delivered by Branislav Ivanovic, Andy Wilkinson fouled by Didier Drogba, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free
kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
8:55 Glenn Whelan takes a inswinging corner.
8:05 Frank Lampard is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Glenn Whelan. Ricardo Fuller takes
a shot. Blocked by Alex.
7:38 Nicolas Anelka takes a shot. Save made by Thomas Sorensen.
3:35 The assistant referee signals for offside against Didier Drogba. Thomas Sorensen takes the free kick.
2:34 Florent Malouda has a shot on goal from outside the box which misses right.
2:05 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Frank Lampard, clearance made by Robert Huth.
1:57 Centre by Didier Drogba, Abdoulaye Faye makes a clearance.
1:24 Outswinging corner taken by Florent Malouda.
1:00 Paulo Ferreira sends in a cross, clearance made by Andy Wilkinson.
0:00 The match begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

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Chelsea hopeful of Joe Cole deal

Filed under: Chelsea by: admin

Ray Wilkins

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Wilkins discusses Joe Cole’s future

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole still has a future at Stamford Bridge, says assistant coach Ray Wilkins.

Cole has failed to start regularly since his return from injury and his contract is due to expire this summer.

Talks to extend his deal have stalled prompting rumours of Cole’s departure but Wilkins is hopeful that the 28-year-old will stay at the club.

“We sincerely hope he will be here next season,” Wilkins said. “I am sure he and the club will sort it out.”

Cole and his representatives are thought to have infuriated Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich with their hard-line stance over wages during contract negotiations.

The midfielder, who has scored once since his return from a serious knee injury in September, is understood to be chasing wages in excess of 100,000 a week.

But Wilkins said he had spoken to former West Ham player Cole numerous times and said he was “upbeat” about his future at the club he joined in 2003.

“He loves Chelsea,” he added. “He wants to stay at Chelsea and I am sure that the club and his people will sort the situation out.

“We are desperate to keep Joe. I know the club are and we as a management group feel the same.

“He is a very valuable asset to us. It is a contractual situation that he and the club I am sure will sort out at a later stage.”

Wilkins dismissed suggestions that contract wrangles were affecting Cole’s form, insisting that he was returning from a 10-month lay-off and adding that the player is still in contention for a call-up to England’s World Cup squad.

“He was outstanding in the Carling Cup against Queens Park Rangers and then you find, when you have had a long lay off, that your form does drop.

“Joe has just had a dip in form. He has shown in certain games, when he has played, a lot more of that good form.

“He has got to get a little bit more consistency back and then there will not be a problem with him.

“I think he will give England something slightly different. He can play on both sides of the pitch and in different formations so Joe has a very good chance of being selected for England.”

Chelsea face Stoke on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Wilkins says the holders still see the competition as a major target.

“The FA Cup is massive,” said Wilkins. “Thinking back to last May and the joy we experienced in the dressing room at Wembley. These guys play this game to win trophies and we want to win the trophy badly.”

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Wigan 1-0 Liverpool

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered a major setback as struggling Wigan punished an insipid display by Rafa Benitez’s side.

The visitors’ out-of-sorts display was summed up by four misses from Fernando Torres, who hit the post early on.

A Dirk Kuyt mistake led to Wigan’s goal, with Emmerson Boyce then crossing and Hugo Rodallega volleying home.

Charles N’Zogbia almost added a second for Wigan when he broke clear and the home team held on for a deserved win.

N’Zogbia, Rodallega and James McCarthy were outstanding for Roberto Martinez’s side as Wigan troubled Liverpool with their pace and no shortage of skill.

Not for the first time this season, Liverpool were well below par and five yellow cards, including bookings for Torres and Steven Gerrard late on, summed up a miserable Monday for the Merseysiders.

They remain just a point behind Tottenham and Manchester City in the race for the top four, but have played 29 games to Spurs’ 28 and City’s 27, while Aston Villa in seventh are three points behind with three games in hand.

But while Benitez’s side need to find form fast as they embark on a run in that includes a trip to Manchester United and an Anfield meeting with Chelsea, Wigan can approach the final games with renewed confidence.

The Latics had won just once in the league in 2010 to fall to within a point of the relegation zone, yet victory saw them climb to 14th with two of their next three games against fellow strugglers Bolton and Burnley.

As both teams came to grips with Wigan’s relaid pitch it was Liverpool who started the brighter, their initial attacking strategy to bypass midfield with both Jamie Carragher and Gerrard launching passes to try and release Torres.

That initial spurt of pressure saw Liverpool win a corner with Maxi Rodriguez heading the ball to Torres, but the Spanish striker’s volley struck the post.

Having survived that scare, Wigan started to give Liverpool a few things to worry about.

Chief pest to the Liverpool defence was N’Zogbia, who after almost releasing Rodallega with a clever reverse pass, flashed a couple of dangerous crosses across the Liverpool defence.

Symptomatic of Wigan’s growing dominance were the yellow cards dished out to Emiliano Insua, Lucas and Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Openings for Liverpool were proving rarer to spot, though Yossi Benayoun’s trickery saw him break clear and tee up Gerrard, who was unable to get his shot on target after his initial effort was blocked by Paul Scharner.

Gerrard and Lucas had been guilty of giving the ball away and the next Liverpool player to do so was Kuyt, an error that led to Wigan’s opener.

Boyce pounced on Kuyt’s mistake and with the outside of his right foot curled in a cross that Rodallega cleverly touched past Pepe Reina.

Just before the break, Torres glimpsed a sight of goal, but under pressure from Gary Caldwell steered his header over the bar.

That chance was created by Rodriguez and soon after the interval the two former Atletico Madrid team-mates were at it again, with the same result – Torres putting the ball over the bar, this time with a shot.

Soon afterwards Benitez introduced Glen Johnson for Lucas, as the England full-back returned to action for the first time since late December.

Rejigged, but not revived, and almost immediately Liverpool suffered another scare when Marcelo Moreno blocked Carragher’s clearance and with the ball looping towards the goal Kyrgiakos had to head away from under the bar.

Liverpool might have dominated possession in the second half but Wigan always threatened on the counterattack with N’Zogbia scampering clear and wriggling a shot past Reina, who was relieved when Scharner was unable to force the ball home at the far post.

With a quarter of an hour to go Torres missed his fourth reasonable chance, volleying narrowly wide after Kuyt headed the ball back to him following Insua’s cross, one of the rare fluid pieces of Liverpool play.

Torres’s night of frustration etched up a notch when he was booked for a poor tackle on Boyce, with Gerrard becoming the fifth Liverpool to be yellow carded for an equally poor challenge on McCarthy.

Live text and stats

Monday, 8 March 2010

Premier League

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+5:53 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
90:00+5:39 Javier Mascherano fouled by Jason Scotland, the ref awards a free kick. Javier Mascherano takes the free kick.
90:00+4:58 Ryan Babel challenges James McCarthy unfairly and gives away a free kick. Gary Caldwell restarts play with the free kick.
90:00+4:07 Unfair challenge on Paul Scharner by Emiliano Insua results in a free kick. Chris Kirkland takes the direct free kick.
90:00+3:30 Effort from the edge of the area by Victor Moses goes wide of the right-hand post.
90:00+2:54 Charles N’Zogbia concedes a free kick for a foul on Javier Mascherano. Jose Reina takes the free kick.
90:00+0:38 Unfair challenge on Paul Scharner by Alberto Aquilani results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
90:00+0:07 Centre by Rodriguez Maxi, clearance by Gary Caldwell.
88:39 Free kick awarded for a foul by Paul Scharner on Glen Johnson. Direct free kick taken by Jose Reina.
88:06 Jamie Carragher challenges Jason Scotland unfairly and gives away a free kick. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.
85:54 Substitution Hugo Rodallega leaves the field to be replaced by Jason Scotland.
85:07 Hugo Rodallega produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the target.
83:07 Emiliano Insua delivers the ball, Maynor Figueroa makes a clearance.
81:04 Chris Kirkland takes the direct free kick.
81:04 Substitution Dirk Kuyt goes off and Ryan Babel comes on.
81:04 Substitution (Wigan) makes a substitution, with Hendry Thomas coming on for Mohamed Diame.
81:04 Booking The referee shows Steven Gerrard a yellow card.
80:58 Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Gerrard on James McCarthy.
78:46 Gary Caldwell takes the direct free kick.
78:46 Booking Fernando Torres is given a yellow card.
78:38 Fernando Torres gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Emmerson Boyce.
75:24 Effort on goal by Fernando Torres from inside the box misses to the right of the target.
74:51 Paul Scharner takes a shot. Blocked by Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
74:09 Corner taken short by Victor Moses, Charles N’Zogbia delivers the ball, clearance made by Fernando Torres.
73:30 Corner taken right-footed by Victor Moses from the left by-line, Dirk Kuyt manages to make a clearance.
73:13 Charles N’Zogbia takes a shot. Jose Reina makes a save.
69:42 Mohamed Diame challenges Javier Mascherano unfairly and gives away a free kick. Javier Mascherano takes the free kick.
68:37 Substitution Yossi Benayoun goes off and Alberto Aquilani comes on.
68:21 Inswinging corner taken by Yossi Benayoun from the left by-line.
67:47 Yossi Benayoun takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Emmerson Boyce.
67:24 Paul Scharner challenges Steven Gerrard unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Steven Gerrard.
66:34 Substitution Victor Moses on for Marcelo Moreno.
66:21 Shot from outside the box by Fernando Torres goes wide right of the target.
65:44 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line to the near post, James McCarthy manages to
make a clearance.
64:12 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Steven Gerrard, Titus Bramble makes a clearance.
63:31 Emmerson Boyce has an effort at goal from outside the box missing to the wide left of the goal.
61:54 Marcelo Moreno takes a shot. Save by Jose Reina.
61:38 The ball is crossed by Fernando Torres, clearance made by Titus Bramble.
60:46 Foul by Maynor Figueroa on Javier Mascherano, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Javier Mascherano.
58:20 Inswinging corner taken by Hugo Rodallega, Marcelo Moreno has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.
57:35 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Glen Johnson by Mohamed Diame. Free kick taken by Javier Mascherano.
56:25 Dirk Kuyt takes a shot. Titus Bramble gets a block in.
54:50 Javier Mascherano challenges Paul Scharner unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
54:06 Substitution Glen Johnson replaces Leiva Lucas.
53:11 Unfair challenge on Leiva Lucas by Mohamed Diame results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Steven Gerrard.
50:08 Gary Caldwell fouled by Fernando Torres, the ref awards a free kick. Gary Caldwell restarts play with the free kick.
48:58 Shot on goal by Fernando Torres from just inside the area goes over the target.
47:37 Paul Scharner gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Sotirios Kyrgiakos. Jose Reina restarts play with the free
kick.
47:31 Maynor Figueroa crosses the ball, clearance made by Emiliano Insua.
46:24 Charles N’Zogbia has an effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the left of the target.
45:46 Hugo Rodallega takes a shot. Javier Mascherano gets a block in.
45:01 The second half kicks off.
Half Time
45:00+3:26 The ref blows to signal half-time.
45:00+0:32 Fernando Torres gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Titus Bramble. Free kick taken by Chris Kirkland.
43:28 Hugo Rodallega challenges Javier Mascherano unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jose Reina restarts play with the free kick.
42:20 Close range header by Fernando Torres goes over the bar.
40:55 Free kick awarded for a foul by James McCarthy on Fernando Torres. Direct free kick taken by Yossi Benayoun.
39:35 Rodriguez Maxi takes the direct free kick.
39:35 Booking Titus Bramble booked for unsporting behaviour.
39:30 Unfair challenge on Fernando Torres by Titus Bramble results in a free kick.
39:10 The referee penalises Paul Scharner for handball. Jamie Carragher takes the direct free kick.
38:32 Paul Scharner fouled by Dirk Kuyt, the ref awards a free kick. Titus Bramble restarts play with the free kick.
37:51 Sotirios Kyrgiakos fouled by Marcelo Moreno, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Fernando Torres.
34:29 Emmerson Boyce provided the assist for the goal.
34:29 GOAL – Hugo Rodallega:Wigan 1 – 0 Liverpool Hugo Rodallega finds the net with a goal from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wigan 1-0 Liverpool.
34:11 Charles N’Zogbia produces a cross, Javier Mascherano manages to make a clearance.
32:53 Charles N’Zogbia crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel, save by Jose Reina.
32:53 Booking Sotirios Kyrgiakos booked.
32:47 Paul Scharner fouled by Sotirios Kyrgiakos, the ref awards a free kick.
29:32 Marcelo Moreno challenges Jamie Carragher unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jamie Carragher takes the direct free kick.
28:44 Mohamed Diame takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Jose Reina makes a save.
28:03 The free kick is swung in left-footed by Charles N’Zogbia.
28:03 Booking Leiva Lucas receives a yellow card.
27:57 Foul by Leiva Lucas on Titus Bramble, free kick awarded.
26:30 Steven Gerrard has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the goal.
24:00 Javier Mascherano crosses the ball.
22:44 Maynor Figueroa crosses the ball, Sotirios Kyrgiakos makes a clearance.
21:20 Direct free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
21:20 Booking Emiliano Insua receives a yellow card.
21:17 Emiliano Insua challenges Charles N’Zogbia unfairly and gives away a free kick.
18:51 Free kick awarded for a foul by Leiva Lucas on Hugo Rodallega. Hugo Rodallega produces a strike on goal direct from the free
kick.
17:15 Javier Mascherano crosses the ball.
16:32 Steven Gerrard takes a outswinging corner to the near post, Emmerson Boyce makes a clearance.
15:14 Unfair challenge on Fernando Torres by James McCarthy results in a free kick. Emiliano Insua takes the free kick.
13:04 The ball is sent over by Charles N’Zogbia.
11:13 Corner taken short by Charles N’Zogbia.
11:07 Emmerson Boyce delivers the ball, clearance made by Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
10:04 Rodriguez Maxi takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Blocked by Titus Bramble.
9:32 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line, clearance made by Titus Bramble.
9:13 Steven Gerrard takes a shot. Blocked by Titus Bramble.
8:04 Fernando Torres takes a shot from close in that hits the post.
7:45 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard, clearance by Marcelo Moreno.
7:30 Yossi Benayoun takes a shot. James McCarthy gets a block in.
3:59 Javier Mascherano sends in a cross, clearance made by Emmerson Boyce. Shot from just outside the box by Steven Gerrard goes
over the target.
2:30 The assistant referee signals for offside against Fernando Torres. Titus Bramble takes the indirect free kick.
0:00 The referee gets the match started.

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Benitez hits out at Reds attitude

Filed under: Wigan Athletic by: admin

Rafa Benitez

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Benitez refuses to defend players

Rafael Benitez pulled no punches in assessing his side’s poor display after the 1-0 defeat by Wigan, accusing his team of lacking attitude and character.

“I’m really disappointed,” a sombre Liverpool manager told BBC Sport.

“In the first half we didn’t do anything and didn’t show the attitude required. It’s difficult to explain.

“At half-time we talked about the things we weren’t doing well – the attitude and the character. We made too many mistakes and played too quickly.”

A ninth Premier League defeat in 29 matches leaves Liverpool with an uphill struggle to qualify for the Champions League, with Benitez’s side a point behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who have a game in hand.

Just above Liverpool are Manchester City, who have the same number of points as Spurs, but have played one game less than the London side, while Aston Villa are in seventh, with 45 points from 26 games.

Roberto Martinez

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Wigan were worthy winners – Martinez

Hugo Rodallega’s 35th-minute winner came from a mistake by Dirk Kuyt, a point that was picked up on by Benitez, who has frequently promised during the season that Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League.

“We didn’t deserve anything in the first half,” conceded Benitez, who, perhaps with Thursday’s Europa League match against Lille in mind, broke from his usual approach of defending his team following a poor performance.

“In the second half we worked harder but Wigan defended really well.”

Late in the game, television pictures seemed to capture captain Steven Gerrard flashing what looked like a V-sign at referee Andre Marriner after the midfielder was booked but both Benitez and club officials have played it down.

“I don’t know, I was too far away,” was the Liverpool manager’s response.

While Benitez reflected on another painful defeat for Liverpool, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez savoured his side’s first win since 16 January.

“We were worthy winners and that speaks volumes about the character of the players,” said Martinez, whose side moved four points clear of the relegation zone after the victory.

“We have had a few painful lessons and thrown away 19 points and had we even kept half of them we would be in a completely different situation.

“We are a young squad but the way we beat Liverpool and Chelsea a few months ago shows the potential they have,” added the Spaniard, referring to Wigan’s 3-1 victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s side in September.

“We must make sure that we finish the season as strongly as we can do.

“It was pleasing to be able to perform the way we did but the application, concentration and desire to keep Liverpool as quiet as we did is a huge compliment to the players.

“We have got five huge games left at home – it is important the players understand the magnitude of this performance. This standard is something we need to show week in, week out.”

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Man Utd return ‘excites’ Beckham

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Champions League last 16 second leg
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Wednesday 10 March Kick-off: 1945 GMT Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Sport website; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobile phones. Also live on Sky Sports 2

David Beckham insists he will not show any nerves when he faces Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time with AC Milan on Wednesday night.

The midfielder will line up against his former club in the Champions League last 16 second leg tie, with Milan needing to overturn a 3-2 deficit.

But the 34-year-old, still revered by United fans, said: “I’m not nervous.

“Coming back to Manchester as a Milan player is exciting. It will be a tough game for us but nothing is impossible.”

The match will see Beckham line up as part of the opposition at Old Trafford for the first time since he left United for Real Madrid in 2003.

He faces a United side boosted by the return to fitness of Wayne Rooney – who scored twice in the first leg – but that will be without Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick through injury and suspension.

Still, despite receiving a hero’s welcome on his arrival at Manchester airport on Tuesday, Beckham is not guaranteed a start – and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he is struggling to predict Milan’s team as a result.

“I am finding it difficult to pick their team, I don’t know whether Beckham will start,” said the Scot.

David Beckham

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Beckham mobbed on Manchester return

“I have not got that down in my conclusions about their team. He has not started a game since the first leg, so it is difficult to say what impact he will have on the game.

“But he will be there and the one thing you have to be aware of is his delivery of the ball, which is fantastic. That is the threat. There are a lot of threats in their team of course, but we are well aware of David’s.”

Asked whether Beckham had a chance of starting, Milan coach Leonardo skirted round the issue.

“For Beckham, it is obviously something special to have the opportunity to play against Manchester United given his history at the club,” he said.

“When we saw the draw we knew it would be an unbelievable situation for him. But knowing David, and his attitude, I am sure he can cope.”

Whether he starts or not, though, Beckham admits this is the first time he has ever wanted the club he supported as a boy to lose.

“I will always be a Manchester fan and this is perhaps the first time in my life that I want them to lose,” he told the AC Milan website. “I’ll meet up with many friends and all the people who supported me for many years on the night.

“I played in that stadium for many years and I know what it means to be a Manchester United player.

“But I also know what it means for opponents to play there. It is always difficult to win, especially 2-0. We know we’ll have to go for it, play good passes and create many moves, we have many players who can score. We are aware of the fact that it will be a very difficult match, but nothing’s impossible.

“Milan have a lot of experience in Europe, they’re one of the best clubs in the world.”

If selected, Beckham could once again line up against former team-mate and long-term friend Paul Scholes, who believes the return to Old Trafford of the ex-England skipper will ensure a cracking atmosphere.

“United fans still love him for what he did for this club and he will get a fantastic ovation,” said Scholes, who made the United first-team alongside Beckham in the 1990s.

“He will need to be watched though. If you give him time and room on the ball there is no doubt he will pick players out. From free kicks as well, his delivery is as great as ever.”

Milan, though, will have to create history if they are to reach the quarter-finals – Manchester United have never been eliminated in Europe after winning an away first leg.

Still, Milan president Silvio Berlusconi remains defiant, saying: “We don’t fear any team in the world, not even Manchester United. On the contrary, it’s the others who must fear us.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, has urged supporters to keep their protests against the Glazer family’s ownership of the club away from the match.

There has been some suggestion that fans will delay their entrance into the match by 10 minutes, but Ferguson said: “They won’t do that, it is too important a game.

“Old Trafford will be rocking and I am sure whether they are wearing the traditional red and white or the protest green and gold scarves, the fans will be united and singing with one voice to get us through.”

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Man Utd v AC Milan (agg 3-2)

Filed under: Manchester United by: admin

Live text and stats

Wednesday, 10 March 2010

Champions League

Manchester United will be boosted by the return of Wayne Rooney from injury for Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg tie against AC Milan.

The in-form England frontman sat out Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of Wolves with a knee problem but trained on Tuesday.

Wes Brown, however, misses out due to an injury sustained against Wolves, while Ryan Giggs (arm) and Michael Carrick (ban) are also unavailable.

David Beckham could start on the bench for Milan on his Old Trafford return.

The 34-year-old has not started a match since lining up in the first XI in the first leg in Milan and may have to content himself with a role as substitute again.

However, If selected, it will be the first time the former Manchester United midfielder, who was mobbed by supporters on his arrival at Manchester airport on Tuesday, has played at Old Trafford as a member of the opposition since he left for Real Madrid in 2003.

And he will almost certainly come up against Rooney, who has made a swift recovery from a recent knee problem.

“It was a worry with Rooney,” said Ferguson of his 28-goal front-man. “Looking at him last Friday I didn’t think he had any chance.

“But he has progressed and he plays and we are pleased at that because given his form at the moment I am sure that whatever match he went into he would be an absolute threat to anyone.”

Rooney’s return could mean Dimitar Berbatov drops to the bench with Ferguson favouring one man up front in recent European games.

United have never been eliminated in Europe after winning an away first leg and have reached the last two Champions League finals, beating Chelsea in 2008 and losing last year to Barcelona.

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Rafael, Evra, Neville, De Laet, Park, Scholes, Obertan, Gibson, Valencia, Nani, Fletcher, Rooney, Berbatov, Diouf.

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Man Utd’s Brown out for six weeks

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Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown faces a lay-off of four to six weeks with a broken bone in his foot suffered at Wolves on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was hurt after a challenge with Matt Jarvis and left Molineux with his foot in a protective boot before having a scan on Sunday.

“It’s just unfortunate,” United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said. “He has had a career blighted by injury.”

There had been fears the injury would rule him out of the summer’s World Cup.

But the news will be concerning for England boss Fabio Capello as Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson is only just making his way back from a knee ligament problem which has kept him out since the end of December.

England’s campaign in South Africa kicks off on 12 June against the United States.

Brown will miss Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 return leg against AC Milan and a majority of United’s end-of-season fixture programme.

However, with nine games remaining in the Premier League, as well as the ongoing Champions League campaign, Ferguson added: “We hope to get him back for some of the season.”

It is another bad injury for the right-back, who has also slotted in at centre-back, and comes just over a year after breaking a metatarsal.

Brown won his 23rd cap for England against Egypt last Wednesday and is expected to be in Capello’s squad for the World Cup.

United head to Old Trafford on the back of an impressive 3-2 win in Italy but with a growing injury list which already includes Anderson (knee), Ryan Giggs (arm) and John O’Shea (leg).

However, striker Wayne Rooney has overcome a knee problem.

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Everton 5-1 Hull

Filed under: Hull City by: admin

Mikel Arteta scored twice as Everton reignited their quest for Europe and left Hull in the relegation zone.

The Spaniard volleyed home at the back post to open the scoring but then saw a Yakubu penalty saved by Boaz Myhill.

Teenager Tom Cairney equalised with a superb volley but Arteta slotted a fine second before an own goal from Richard Garcia made it 3-1 to the hosts.

Landon Donovan came off the bench and slammed in a fourth before Jack Rodwell completed another fine move to seal it.

All that means the Tigers are still without an away win in the league this season and well and truly failed to put down the marker demanded by manager Phil Brown.

But the day belonged to Everton, and Arteta in particular.

David Moyes

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‘Dominant’ Everton delight Moyes

The goals were the Spaniard’s first since returning from injury and served as a timely reminder of his quality and importance to Everton’s cause.

The victory – a sixth in succession at home – equals a club record in the Premier League and lifts the Toffees up to eighth, four points behind Aston Villa.

The game was not as dramatic as Everton’s recent home success against Chelsea and Manchester United but it is matches against the struggling sides that David Moyes’ team must win if they are to qualify for Europe once again.

Arteta’s form will be vital in that quest.

The result, meanwhile, will surprise few, particularly with such bleak omens for Hull coming into the match.

The Tigers have not won at Goodison Park since the days of rationing in 1952, although some early promise hinted that record could finally change.

Everton’s defenders played a hopeless offside trap, leaving Garcia through on goal but his dink was slapped away by an advancing Tim Howard.

That served as a wake-up call to Moyes’ side, who surged forward and came within a whisker of taking the lead.

Leon Osman robbed George Boateng in midfield and fed Yakubu but a calm finish from the Nigerian hit the base of the post.

Hull’s defending looked slugged though, and they failed to learn lessons from the let-off.

Yakubu delivered a hanging cross from the left and Arteta volleyed home superbly at the back post, although some slack defending from Everton old boy Barmby allowed the Spaniard all the time in the world.

Yakubu failed to increase the advantage from the spot though.

A cross from Leighton Baines deflected into the area and Kamil Zayatte crudely brought down the Nigerian from behind – although the defender may have got a trace of the ball.

But Yakubu’s lazy run-up never looked convincing and Myhill pulled off a simple save low to his right.

Hull wasted little time in taking advantage, as Cairney scored an excellent first Premier League goal.

A free-kick was only half cleared and the midfielder pounced with a wonderful left-foot volley from just outside the area.

Phil Brown

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Brown bemoans lack of game plan

It was a goal that will live long in the memory for the 19-year-old but Hull were unable to savour the strike for long.

Victor Anichebe crossed from the right to Steven Pienaar and a clever backheel fell perfectly for Arteta to pass home from 12 yards in style.

Everything the Spaniard touched was turning to gold, and goals, and it was no surprise who inspired Everton’s third after the break.

A chipped cross looped over Myhill and Garcia, almost laughably, headed into his own net.

The hosts should really have moved further ahead when a fine pass from substitute Donovan was sidefooted over the bar by Yakubu.

But Donovan showed the striker how it should be done, wrapping up victory with a powerful drive on the angle after another teasing cross from the impressive Baines.

Rodwell put the gloss on a fine display by firing home from Donovan’s pass late on.

Hull can be grateful at least for the return from injury of Jimmy Bullard but Brown’s side are still in the relegation zone. Much will rest on a trip to basement club Portsmouth next weekend.

Everton manager David Moyes:
“He (Arteta) did some fantastic stuff. He got into the box and he’s improving all the time.

“When he’s on form we’re a really good team.

“I was a bit worried when it went to 1-1. I thought it might be one of those days but thankfully we went on to win it.”

Hull boss Phil Brown:
“I thought we were competitive in the first half but in the second we certainly weren’t. We left our game in the changing room for whatever reason.

“Everton were good but we made them look good because we didn’t get in the face of the opposition.

“Defensively I have questioned one or two but we will dust ourselves down and get on with it. We have got 10 big games now.”

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+3:10 The referee ends the match.
90:00+1:09 Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Johnny Heitinga.
90:00+1:09 Booking Richard Garcia is cautioned.
90:00+0:52 Free kick awarded for a foul by Richard Garcia on Dan Gosling.
88:53 Foul by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink on Phil Jagielka, free kick awarded. Johnny Heitinga takes the direct free kick.
88:08 Dan Gosling fouled by Paul McShane, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Mikel Arteta.
87:18 Free kick awarded for a foul by Tom Cairney on Dan Gosling. Mikel Arteta takes the direct free kick.
85:43 Assist by Landon Donovan.
85:43 GOAL – Jack Rodwell:Everton 5 – 1 Hull Jack Rodwell fires in a goal from inside the box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Everton 5-1 Hull.
84:58 Substitution Dan Gosling comes on in place of Steven Pienaar.
82:57 Mikel Arteta gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Paul McShane. Boaz Myhill takes the free kick.
81:13 Assist on the goal came from Leighton Baines.
81:13 GOAL – Landon Donovan:Everton 4 – 1 Hull Landon Donovan fires in a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Everton 4-1 Hull.
76:56 Leighton Baines challenges Richard Garcia unfairly and gives away a free kick. Boaz Myhill takes the direct free kick.
75:13 Sylvain Distin challenges Jozy Altidore unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Tom Cairney. Paul McShane
takes a shot. Save made by Tim Howard.
73:15 Ayegbeni Yakubu produces a left-footed shot from inside the area that clears the bar.
69:31 Substitution Victor Anichebe leaves the field to be replaced by Landon Donovan.
67:42 Free kick taken by Phil Jagielka.
67:42 Substitution Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink replaces Amr Zaki.
67:42 Amr Zaki gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Sylvain Distin.
67:18 Ayegbeni Yakubu takes a shot. Boaz Myhill makes a comfortable save.
66:33 Unfair challenge on Deiberson Geovanni by Jack Rodwell results in a free kick. Free kick crossed by Deiberson Geovanni, Mikel
Arteta makes a clearance.
64:53 Unfair challenge on Paul McShane by Steven Pienaar results in a free kick. Centre by Tom Cairney, Header from close range
by Kamil Zayatte clears the bar.
62:53 Johnny Heitinga takes a shot. Blocked by Steven Mouyokolo.
62:30 Sylvain Distin takes a shot. Save by Boaz Myhill. Short corner taken by Mikel Arteta.
61:36 Free kick taken by Phil Neville.
61:36 Substitution Jozy Altidore joins the action as a substitute, replacing Jimmy Bullard.
61:36 Mikel Arteta fouled by Deiberson Geovanni, the ref awards a free kick.
59:02 Substitution Deiberson Geovanni joins the action as a substitute, replacing Nick Barmby.
56:38 Mikel Arteta takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance by Tom Cairney.
56:19 Jack Rodwell takes a shot. Blocked by Tom Cairney.
55:14 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Jimmy Bullard played to the near post, save made by Tim Howard.
53:46 Unfair challenge on Steven Pienaar by George Boateng results in a free kick. Johnny Heitinga restarts play with the free kick.
50:40 Short corner taken by Mikel Arteta from the left by-line.
50:38 The assist for the goal came from Mikel Arteta.
50:38 GOAL – Richard Garcia:Everton 3 – 1 Hull Headed own goal by Richard Garcia. Everton 3-1 Hull.
Correction – 50:36 Corner taken short by Mikel Arteta.
50:08 Phil Neville takes a shot. Blocked by Nick Barmby. Jack Rodwell takes a shot. Save by Boaz Myhill.
48:01 Foul by Steven Mouyokolo on Mikel Arteta, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed by Leighton Baines, Steven Mouyokolo manages
to make a clearance.
47:28 Ayegbeni Yakubu is ruled offside. Boaz Myhill takes the indirect free kick.
46:31 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Leighton Baines from the right by-line to the near post, Richard Garcia manages to
make a clearance.
45:28 Foul by George Boateng on Steven Pienaar, free kick awarded. Mikel Arteta fires a strike on goal direct from the free kick.
45:01 The second half has started.
Half Time
45:00+3:30 The first half comes to an end.
45:00+1:49 Amr Zaki concedes a free kick for a foul on Sylvain Distin. Direct free kick taken by Tim Howard.
43:51 Substitution (Everton) makes a substitution, with Jack Rodwell coming on for Leon Osman.
42:37 Victor Anichebe fouled by Kevin Kilbane, the ref awards a free kick. Phil Neville takes the free kick.
41:57 Effort on goal by Richard Garcia from just outside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the target.
38:05 Assist on the goal came from Steven Pienaar.
38:05 GOAL – Mikel Arteta:Everton 2 – 1 Hull A goal is scored by Mikel Arteta from deep inside the penalty area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Everton 2-1 Hull.
36:07 Free kick awarded for a foul by Phil Neville on Nick Barmby. Free kick taken by Boaz Myhill.
34:17 Free kick awarded for a foul by George Boateng on Steven Pienaar. Mikel Arteta takes the direct free kick.
32:25 Unfair challenge on Johnny Heitinga by Tom Cairney results in a free kick. Mikel Arteta takes the free kick.
31:17 GOAL – Tom Cairney:Everton 1 – 1 Hull Tom Cairney finds the net with a brilliant goal from the edge of the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Everton
1-1 Hull.
30:50 Phil Jagielka gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Amr Zaki. Jimmy Bullard sends in a cross,
30:01 Ayegbeni Yakubu challenges George Boateng unfairly and gives away a free kick. Kamil Zayatte takes the free kick.
29:16 Shot from just outside the box by Leon Osman goes over the crossbar.
27:52 Penalty taken by Ayegbeni Yakubu is saved by Boaz Myhill. Everton 1-0 Hull.
27:52 Unfair challenge on Ayegbeni Yakubu by Kamil Zayatte results in a Penalty.
25:36 Free kick awarded for a foul by Ayegbeni Yakubu on Jimmy Bullard. Boaz Myhill restarts play with the free kick.
24:43 Mikel Arteta fouled by Kevin Kilbane, the ref awards a free kick. Phil Jagielka takes the direct free kick.
24:01 Victor Anichebe challenges Kevin Kilbane unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Boaz Myhill.
22:35 Free kick awarded for a foul by Amr Zaki on Johnny Heitinga. Phil Jagielka restarts play with the free kick.
21:30 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Pienaar by George Boateng. Mikel Arteta restarts play with the free kick.
20:12 Volleyed left-footed shot by Steven Pienaar. Steven Mouyokolo manages to make a clearance.
19:20 Foul by Richard Garcia on Steven Pienaar, free kick awarded. Johnny Heitinga restarts play with the free kick.
18:51 Nick Barmby takes a shot. Phil Neville gets a block in.
16:40 The assist for the goal came from Ayegbeni Yakubu.
16:40 GOAL – Mikel Arteta:Everton 1 – 0 Hull Mikel Arteta grabs a goal from close range to the top right corner of the goal. Everton 1-0 Hull.
14:52 Victor Anichebe fouled by George Boateng, the ref awards a free kick. Mikel Arteta takes the free kick.
12:47 Steven Pienaar fouled by Paul McShane, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Leighton Baines.
12:11 Ayegbeni Yakubu produces a left-footed shot from just inside the box and strikes the post.
11:15 Amr Zaki produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide right of the target.
10:42 Shot from outside the box by Mikel Arteta misses to the left of the target.
9:19 Shot from just outside the area by Mikel Arteta misses to the right of the target.
8:40 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kamil Zayatte by Ayegbeni Yakubu. Boaz Myhill takes the direct free kick.
5:26 Victor Anichebe concedes a free kick for a foul on Kamil Zayatte. Boaz Myhill takes the direct free kick.
5:08 Richard Garcia has a volleyed shot. Save made by Tim Howard.
4:18 Victor Anichebe fouled by Kamil Zayatte, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Phil Jagielka.
0:00 The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.

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Reading 2-4 Aston Villa

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Aston Villa produced a remarkable second-half comeback as John Carew’s hat-trick eased the pain of their Carling Cup defeat to Manchester United by sealing a swift return to Wembley and an FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea.

Championship strugglers Reading had looked on course for another FA Cup shock as two Shane Long goals carved out a 2-0 half-time lead for the home side, who outplayed their more illustrious rivals in a superb first-half display.

But Villa responded with three goals in 10 minutes early in the second half, Ashley Young starting the fightback before Carew took over in devastating fashion.

The win ended Martin O’Neill’s bizarre statistic of never having won a game in March with Villa since he took over from David O’Leary in 2006.

O’Neill was clearly intent on breaking his mad March duck as he fielded his strongest possible side against the only non-Premier League side still in the competition.

Gabriel Agbonlahor was the only notable absentee as he recovers from a stomach virus and O’Neill must have started to have a similar uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach as his side made an uncertain start.

Brian McDermott’s side played with the confidence earned from a cup run that has already been decorated by the Premier League scalps of Liverpool and Burnley, as well as Championship high-fliers West Bromwich Albion.

Jimmy Kebe, in particular, looked lively for the Royals and, against a side boasting one of the finest collections of wing talent in English football, the Mali wide man looked determined to steal the show.

Kebe had the ball in the net early on when he lashed home after Matt Mills’ bundled effort had finally fallen at his feet, but Dein’s whistle had already sounded for a push by Simon Church.

Stilian Pretrov lashed long range shot just too high and wide and Kebe turned defender as he headed behind to prevent the waiting Stewart Downing benefitting from a deep Milner centre.

But that was Villa’s best spell in a first half dominated by Reading, who deservedly went ahead on 27 minutes. From a Brian Howard corner, Mills rose highest to flick on for Long to escape into space and nod home from close range.

Carew looked to have swiftly replied when he swept home Milner’s chipped free-kick but the goal was ruled out for offside – although replays suggested he was not.

The momentum was clearly with Reading, and it took a vital block from Dunne to prevent Villa falling further behind when Sigurdsson started and finished a flowing Reading move involving Church and Long.

But the home side did extend their advantage minutes later as Sigurdsson carved open the Villa defence with a perfectly weighted pass and Kebe sprinted clear before cutting the ball back for Long to slide home.

O’Neill clearly needed to get to work at half-time and although he resisted any personnel changes, he sent Villa out early for the second half with a clear challenge to improve or forget about a Wembley return.

Reading knew the opening exchanges of the second half were crucial, but no-one could have predicted the devastating turnaround that was about to unfold.

Young completely changed the momentum with a goal only 82 seconds after the restart. Ryan Bertrand’s sliced clearance allowed Downing to cut the ball back towards Carlos Cuellar, and though he failed to make contact Young reacted quickest to ram home at the far post.

Seven minutes into the second half Villa produced the kind of football most had been expecting from them, Downing’s right-wing cross finding Carew for an easy headed finish past Federici.

And the clinical turnaround was complete five minutes later, Young feeding the overlapping Warnock who pulled the ball back for Carew to escape Ivar Ingimarsson and apply a measured finish.

Villa’s response meant there was a feeling of how many more they would score against a deflated Reading, but the home side responded bravely to the devastating spell.

Ingimarsson had a header nodded off the line by the alert Young and substitute Grzegorz Rasiak saw his header fumbled by Friedel before being hacked clear.

Heskey wasted the chance to put the tie beyond doubt when he was denied by Federici in a one-on-one, but Villa’s comeback was sealed in stoppage time as Carew completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot afteer he had been fouled by Ingimarsson.

Reading boss Brian McDermott:
“If you are going to lose a game, that is how you lose it.

“We played really well in the first half and knew if we could keep it tight for 15 minutes in the second half we’d have a chance but that didn’t happen.

“But I am proud of every single one of our players and it is just a shame we couldn’t get through for our fans.”

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill:
“It was a great spell by us just after half-time. The team showed such great character.

“We needed to do something because we had played so meekly in the first half.

“I didn’t need to say much at half-time because we have some fine players and they knew how second best we were in the first half.”

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+4:05 The referee ends the match.
90:00+3:21 Corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson to the near post, clearance made by Carlos Cuellar.
90:00+2:51 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a outswinging corner to the near post, clearance made by Stiliyan Petrov.
90:00+2:06 GOAL – John Carew:Reading 2 – 4 Aston Villa John Carew scores a placed penalty. Reading 2-4 Aston Villa.
90:00+0:27 Substitution Steve Sidwell replaces Stewart Downing.
90:00+0:27 Unfair challenge on John Carew by Ivar Ingimarsson results in a Penalty.
86:04 Ivar Ingimarsson has an effort at goal from long range that misses to the right of the goal.
84:39 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Gylfi Sigurdsson, Carlos Cuellar manages to make a clearance.
83:03 Gylfi Sigurdsson delivers the ball, Ivar Ingimarsson takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.
83:03 Booking James Milner receives a yellow card.
82:56 Foul by James Milner on Jimmy Kebe, free kick awarded.
82:20 Corner taken left-footed by Stewart Downing from the right by-line to the near post, save made by Adam Federici.
81:13 Brynjar Gunnarsson challenges Ashley Young unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stephen Warnock takes the free kick.
78:49 Brynjar Gunnarsson challenges John Carew unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stephen Warnock crosses the ball, Ashley Young
has a headed effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the right of the goal.
77:32 Jay Tabb has a shot on goal from outside the box which misses right.
74:01 Free kick taken by Brad Friedel.
74:01 Booking Caution for Jay Tabb.
73:58 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on James Milner by Jay Tabb.
73:15 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a inswinging corner to the near post, Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance.
72:44 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post, Stiliyan Petrov makes a clearance.
72:07 Stephen Warnock challenges Jimmy Kebe unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Andy Griffin
from right wing.
71:44 Grzegorz Rasiak produces a volleyed left-footed shot from 18 yards. Save made by Brad Friedel.
70:39 Substitution (Reading) makes a substitution, with Grzegorz Rasiak coming on for Simon Church.
70:39 The assistant referee signals for offside against Simon Church. Brad Friedel restarts play with the free kick.
69:22 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson from the right by-line to the near post, Ivar Ingimarsson takes
a shot. Clearance by Ashley Young. Corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson.
68:55 Emile Heskey is ruled offside. Adam Federici restarts play with the free kick.
68:19 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.
67:19 Emile Heskey takes a shot. Save by Adam Federici.
65:57 Stiliyan Petrov challenges Shane Long unfairly and gives away a free kick. Andy Griffin takes the direct free kick.
63:15 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Stewart Downing, clearance by Brynjar Gunnarsson.
59:12 Effort from outside the penalty area by James Milner goes wide left of the target.
58:32 Substitution Brynjar Gunnarsson joins the action as a substitute, replacing Brian Howard.
58:21 Shot on goal by Simon Church from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.
57:33 Richard Dunne takes the direct free kick.
57:33 Booking Gylfi Sigurdsson goes into the referee’s book for dissent.
57:27 Jimmy Kebe concedes a free kick for a foul on Stiliyan Petrov.
56:23 Stephen Warnock provided the assist for the goal.
56:23 GOAL – John Carew:Reading 2 – 3 Aston Villa John Carew grabs a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Reading 2-3 Aston Villa.
56:21 The ball is swung over by Stephen Warnock,
55:13 John Carew is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Matthew Mills.
52:44 The referee blows for offside. Adam Federici takes the free kick. Emile Heskey is flagged offside by the assistant referee.
Indirect free kick taken by Matthew Mills.
51:56 Emile Heskey fouled by Ivar Ingimarsson, the ref awards a free kick. James Milner delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed
from right channel, clearance made by Andy Griffin.
50:53 Stewart Downing provided the assist for the goal.
50:53 GOAL – John Carew:Reading 2 – 2 Aston Villa John Carew scores a headed goal from close in. Reading 2-2 Aston Villa.
50:50 Stewart Downing crosses the ball,
49:00 Corner taken right-footed by Ashley Young, Jimmy Kebe makes a clearance.
47:34 The free kick is swung in right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson, Richard Dunne makes a clearance.
47:34 Booking James Collins receives a yellow card.
47:31 Free kick awarded for a foul by James Collins on Ryan Bertrand.
46:22 Carlos Cuellar provided the assist for the goal.
46:22 GOAL – Ashley Young:Reading 2 – 1 Aston Villa Goal scored by Ashley Young from close range to the top right corner of the goal. Reading 2-1 Aston Villa.
45:01 The referee starts the second half.
Half Time
45:00+2:17 The ref blows to end the first period.
44:44 Unfair challenge on Stephen Warnock by Shane Long results in a free kick. Richard Dunne restarts play with the free kick.
41:48 Jimmy Kebe provided the assist for the goal.
41:48 GOAL – Shane Long:Reading 2 – 0 Aston Villa Shane Long gets on the score sheet with a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Reading
2-0 Aston Villa.
39:14 Free kick taken by Richard Dunne.
39:14 Booking Ashley Young receives a yellow card for dissent.
38:48 Brian Howard challenges John Carew unfairly and gives away a free kick.
37:03 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on James Milner by Jay Tabb. Richard Dunne restarts play with the free kick.
36:01 Effort from 25 yards by Gylfi Sigurdsson. Brad Friedel makes a comfortable save.
34:51 Jay Tabb fouled by Emile Heskey, the ref awards a free kick. Adam Federici restarts play with the free kick.
33:32 Stewart Downing delivers the ball.
30:56 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a shot. Richard Dunne gets a block in. Effort on goal by Brian Howard from just outside the area goes
harmlessly over the target.
28:44 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jimmy Kebe on Ashley Young. Ashley Young crosses the ball in from the free kick, Adam Federici
makes a save.
28:36 Shane Long is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Richard Dunne.
27:20 Brian Howard challenges Emile Heskey unfairly and gives away a free kick. James Milner takes the free kick. The assistant
referee signals for offside against John Carew. Adam Federici takes the free kick.
26:38 Assist by Matthew Mills.
26:38 GOAL – Shane Long:Reading 1 – 0 Aston Villa Shane Long finds the net with a headed goal from close in. Reading 1-0 Aston Villa.
24:59 Corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson from the left by-line, James Collins makes a clearance. Jay Tabb takes a shot.
Richard Dunne gets a block in. Corner taken by Brian Howard, Headed effort from inside the area by Matthew Mills misses to
the right of the goal.
24:03 Free kick crossed left-footed by Brian Howard, Richard Dunne manages to make a clearance.
24:03 Booking Richard Dunne receives a yellow card.
23:57 Richard Dunne gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jimmy Kebe.
22:34 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Stewart Downing, James Milner takes a shot from just outside the penalty
area clears the crossbar.
21:40 The referee blows for offside against Jimmy Kebe. Brad Friedel takes the free kick.
20:37 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a inswinging corner.
19:36 Stiliyan Petrov has an effort at goal from outside the area which goes wide right of the goal.
19:04 Corner taken by Ashley Young from the right by-line, Shane Long makes a clearance.
18:29 The referee blows for offside against Shane Long. Brad Friedel takes the free kick.
13:20 Stewart Downing is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Adam Federici.
10:06 Foul by Stiliyan Petrov on Brian Howard, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Matthew Mills.
8:36 Brian Howard takes a short corner. Simon Church challenges Stephen Warnock unfairly and gives away a free kick. Brad Friedel
takes the direct free kick.
7:15 Ashley Young takes a shot. Comfortable save by Adam Federici.
4:08 Corner taken by Stewart Downing, Richard Dunne takes a shot. Adam Federici makes a comfortable save.
0:30 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Shane Long by James Collins. Gylfi Sigurdsson crosses the ball in from the free
kick, clearance by Richard Dunne.
0:00 The game begins.