FA Cup Final Experience

The Sport Space’s Sam Tonks reviews arguably the most anticipated game of the English footballing calendar, the FA Cup Final from Wembley.  The build-up, match and the aftermath with the future of both sides evaluated as the season comes to an end.

The FA Cup has lost some of its reputation and prestige over the past few years as league football and for the bigger sides, European competition, took priority.  But, this year’s competition has definitely been the most enthralling, dramatic and romantic in recent time. 

A BBC documentary by Gary Lineker on this historic competition really highlighted that, a worthwhile watch for any football fan.  This year, Worcester City and Blyth Spartans did their bit for the Non-League sides in producing famous upsets in the early rounds.  Cambridge United hit the headlines after a night dedicated to football, in the city famous for its academic prowess, as Manchester United’s multi-millionaire superstars were held and taken to a replay.  Sheffield United have become known as a specialist cup team after an FA Cup semi-final appearance last year, Capital One Cup semi-final this year and humiliating QPR in the 3^rd Round, yet Nigel Clough still lost his job after play-off disappointment.  Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough turned Premier League poachers as Stoke City and Swansea were dispatched by Rovers, 2011 winners Manchester City dumped out by Middlesbrough.  But, Bradford City will be remembered as the stand-out giant-killers by recording one of the greatest upsets in the cup’s history with a staggering 4-2 humbling of Premier League champions Chelsea, from 2-0 down.  Moments like ex-United man Danny Welbeck scoring the winner to beat his boyhood side as an Arsenal player at Old Trafford or Adam Federici’s horrific mistake in the semi-final for Reading show the scale of ecstasy to trauma cup competitions bring.

The destined date for Steven Gerrard’s farewell was put to shreds by Aston Villa as self-confessed ‘Gooner’ Tim Sherwood led his new Villa team meet holders Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday.  Villa’s first final since 2000 and looking to become an eight-time winner, Arsenal looking to become only the 4^th team to retain the FA Cup in the last century and win a record 12^th FA Cup, could they do it?

The Build-Up

It had been building up all week and I still had to pinch myself in realisation I was going to an FA Cup Final.  The competition I’d grown up in awe of since I started watching football, ironically the first final I watched was Arsenal’s penalty shoot-out win over Manchester United in 2005 in Cardiff.  ‘The Steven Gerrard’ final in 2006 really cemented my love for the FA Cup after the best final in the modern era of the competition.
I love watching Arsenal play, but going to see them play at Wembley and hopefully become the most successful side in the history of the cup was a dream come true, it couldn’t come quickly enough. 

I was heading down Saturday morning to Highbury to soak in the atmosphere of the Arsenal faithful hours before kick-off with my cousin, a fellow Arsenal fan.
I didn’t expect the noise, size and madness of the fans at the 12 Pins and The Blackstock.  Footballs flying across the road, flags a loft and chants constant, it was only 1:30, but it was electric and only heightened my excitement for the short trip to Wembley Park.  My cousin would be watching on a screen in a pub, I could only imagine what the fans would be like come kick-off.  I met my Dad at Wembley as the fans poured in still a couple hours before the start and it seemed everywhere I went, the fans were loud, passionate and very much up for it, and some fans say the fans don’t love this cup.  Walking down Wembley Way was surreal, ‘Arsenal vs Aston Villa’ it read on the board on the side of Wembley, it really was happening, the Yellow Wall and Claret Barricade entered England’s most famous ground.


The anticipation for the team announcements was building as 4:30 hit and only an hour till kick-off.  The big debate was Theo Walcott.  A hat-trick last weekend and a Villa team with a particularly slow back-line on a big pitch was almost perfect for him.  Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere were in the mix around what was a self-picked team.  Theo got the start, I was relieved and had respect for Wenger adapting to the situation and playing the best player for this game, Ramsey got the nod too which was pleasing after last year’s winner.  The anthems of ‘Abide With Me’ and of course ‘God Save The Queen’ brought incredible scenes of scarfs up high, flags carried across and waved and fans singing, it was game on.

The Game


I was not as confident as other Arsenal fans as I was aware Villa are a good team on their day as they showed against Liverpool.  In the early minutes it was evident Christian Benteke was the route as early high balls were constantly lofted too him, but as the game wore on, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertersacker handled him accomplishedly and superbly.  Arsenal wrestled hold of the match and dominated proceedings but couldn’t get a goal.  I was becoming a nervous wreck, frustrated and growing inpatient as Shay Given produced a world-class save from Koscielny whilst Walcott and Ramsey also missed good chances.  If we couldn’t get the lead into half-time I feared Villa would grow and attack more in the second half.  Enter Walcott.  My Dad said he needed to get into the game, so he came to the left and immediately became more involved.  Nacho Monreal overlapped him and crossed, Alexis Sanchez rose majestically to head back across and Walcott arrived with an excellent left volley and half of Wembley erupted.  The noise as Walcott wheeled off to celebrate is something that will live long in my memory, a roar of relief, delight and happiness as Arsenal led the final more than deservedly too.

The second half was not going to be the same I believed as surely Villa had to offer more after a poor first half showing, but that was killed off in minutes.  One of the best players in the country had a good record at Wembley and wasn’t about to let a cup final go by without stamping his authority.  I saw Sanchez pick the ball up and immediately got up anticipating a possible chance.  What he produced was a ferocious swerving drive right in my line of vision to make everyone in Wembley gobsmacked.  One of the greatest goals to grace the FA Cup and Wembley, a quite outstanding goal, which set the tone for a master-class half from Arsenal and may have cleared any belief Villa players, fans and manager had of a comeback.  By this time, the midfield was running the show as Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin were at their sparkling best.  Ozil has faced many critics especially, but since his return from injury he’s looked a £42 million player, capped by a mesmerising performance at Wembley.  The Villa players had frozen on the big stage and been overwhelmed by Arsenal’s big names as talents like Jack Grealish, Fabian Delph and even Christian Benteke went missing.  A miserable day for Benteke summed up by appalling marking at a corner gifting Mertersacker another Wembley goal and the game for Arsenal.


I was now starting to celebrate, chants for ‘Rocky’ Rocastle and the celebration of the Invincibles rang around our side of Wembley as the game headed to its.  Standing ovations for Sanchez, Ozil and Walcott well earned on day every Arsenal player played an 8/10 at least.  Olivier Giroud rounded it off with a trademark near-post goal as it finished off a humiliation in the most one-sided final I’ve ever seen.  The final whistle started raptures in the Arsenal end as they became the most successful team in the FA Cup, Arsene Wenger the most successful post war manager with six FA Cups.  Watching Arsenal lift the trophy is by far the best moment as a football fan I’ve experienced, there is no better than seeing your side not just win, but win at Wembley to lift a trophy.  An amazing experience that Arsenal fans and I will surely never forget on a day where Arsene Wenger more than put to bed any doubters of his and his team’s ability.

The Future

So, what next?  For Aston Villa, it may have been a desperate day but ultimately Sherwood had guided them to safety, his goal when appointed.  Quoted to after claiming many players have been told they are off in the summer signals a revamp of the club this summer, does that include Benteke.  Obviously Villa would want to keep him but if a big offer comes in, you feel they must accept it and use it to start again and give Sherwood a chance to have his stamp on the Midlands club.  He’s proven he’s a very good man-manager, he just needs the men in charge to trust him, Randy Lerner.  Villa are much better than seasonal relegation battles.  The days they used to challenge for European places seem a distant memory, they must start to get back to that level.  They have the fan-base, which were exceptional at Wembley, they have talents like Grealish, Delph and Brad Guzan, but need strong additions as many players just aren’t good enough or simply past their best.  It’s a big summer for Villa, one where relegation will be the outcome if they don’t use it correctly.

As for Arsenal, we’ve been here before.  Back-to-back trophies is sign of progression, but not just that, the belief and performances have vastly improved for me from last season.  Bar that nerve-shredding semi-final against Reading, Arsenal have been professional and round after round dispatched sides dominantly and exceptionally.  The signings of Sanchez and Ozil in consecutive summers seems to of lifted belief and form of players around them as the club becomes a place to be rather than place to leave.  So long now seem the years where names like Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Robin Van Persie and Samir Nasri couldn’t leave quicker, now talk is of who will come in?


In my opinion, Arsenal are three players short of going toe-to-toe with Chelsea and Manchester City.  A top goalkeeper, defensive midfielder and striker will fill those vacancies.  David Ospina has done a very good job in the second half of the season to eradicate the rash and careless errors of Woijiech Szczesny, although better quality and experience would be crucial in big games as David De Gea and Thibaurt Courtois have proven.  Petr Cech is the name floating around and would be ideal as a keeper whose won it all at Chelsea and will provide leadership, quality and reliability behind an improving defence.  The defence is growing in confidence and the growth of youngsters Hector Bellerin, Gabriel and Calum Chambers will add to the quality of Koscielny, Mertersacker and vastly improved Monreal.  In midfield it’s clear where Arsenal’s season re-launched.  The presence of Coquelin has been vital to Arsenal improving as a team and allowing players like Ramsey, Wilshere and Ozil to improve.  One of my players of the season for the club just for his impact and consistent man of the match displays.  Support in that position is now pivotal, Morgan Schneiderlin and Arturo Vidal are players which appear to be possible and would very much suit the role, also Geoffrey Kondogbia is a player I would look at.  Up front, Giroud is often the scapegoat when things go pear shaped, but he has season after season delivered important goals and does a job for the team.  He is desperate for help but Danny Welbeck and Walcott have had injury problems as well as Giroud himself.  Who to get?  Jackson Martinez is a realistic target which would provide quality up top, Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain and Alex Lacazette are others, whether they’re available is another thing.

Arsenal are in the bets position since the Invincibles to challenge again with the quality and promise in the squad, add world-class in the spine and who knows, nex year’s parade could be for the Premier League.  As for now, I’m still smiling away, because the famous Arsenal are going to Wembley, again.


Sam Tonks

Jonas' Final Fight relegates Tigers

It’s come to an end, the Premier League last day came to a head this past Sunday with the only real factor still undecided was Hull or Newcastle to go down.  It was a tense in day in the north whilst Sport Space’s Sam Tonks was at the Emirates, here is a run-down of the league’s dramatic deciding day. 


A battle in the north: win was the only way Hull could even contemplate survival and hope Newcastle don’t.  Manchester United and West Ham played supporting roles in what would be a traumatic 90 minutes for all connected with the two sides in trouble.  A veteran in the game, Steve Bruce, against an enthusiastic newcomer in John Carver.  Both in charge of sides desperate for something to go their way, two wins in 10 in the deciding last three months of the season put Hull in need of a favour elsewhere.  Newcastle picking up one point in 10 heading into the last day meant their fate headed to the last day after being comfortably in mid-table.  Two sides, who deserve to be down where they are after disastrous seasons, knew one would perish, but who felt the pain of relegation?
 
HULL RELEGATED


As it proved, Hull left themselves too much to do as they couldn’t keep up their end of the deal to be able to survive.  As it has proved too often this season, Hull fired a blank and despite the numerous chances, forwards in abundance and moment of madness from Marouane Fellaini to get sent off with ten minutes to go.  £21 million spent on strikers in the past two seasons was not evident in the goal tally produced with Nikica Jelavic ending top goal scorer with eight goals, despite long injury in the second half of the season.  Dame N’Doye added a spark when he arrived in January and looked to be the answer but tailed off and had a lack of support with Abel Hernandez struggling in the second half of the season.  The sale of Shane Long seemed to bite the Tigers as their need of an experienced Premier League forward was sold to Southampton in the summer for profit.  Their defence funnily enough was the best with West Brom in the bottom eight, which made up for the severe lack of goals, but it couldn’t completely dampen the issue as it proved to be their downfall.  A good display from United keeper Victor Valdes didn’t help but so many chances were put wide or just missed by Hull players as Robbie Brady’s superb service all game couldn’t be latched on from set pieces and open play.  It was a sorry end for Steve Bruce who looked a tired man come the final whistle as he sank in the news Newcastle had delivered the result they needed.  Whether he’ll stay is another matter as the war between fans and owner over the name of the club seemed to hinder the second half of Hull’s season which catapulted them into danger and in the end relegation.

From North West to North East and a jubilant Toon Army in the Tyne as a 2-0 win sealed safety with a romantic like moment for Jonas Gutierrez.  It was the performance that Newcastle fans had been awaiting and expecting from players fighting not just for the club’s survival, but their stay at the club.  John Carver’s desperation for star men to show desire and passion in the end came to fruition, but a club like Newcastle United should never be going into the last day in a relegation fight.  Fittingly, Gutierrez was the man to put the game beyond West Ham and achieve safety for Newcastle.  Battling through testicular cancer, he led Newcastle to battle off relegation and was the inspirational leader that had been missing in Newcastle losing eight straight games.  Now safe, a manager and players that can match the expectations of such a prestigious club and provide the owner Mike Ashley with the trophy he wants to consider leaving.  As for West Ham, Sam Allardyce was remarkably sacked just four minutes after the side’s defeat and was made to pay for a sharp decline in form in the New Year after such an impressive first half.  Their last season at Upton Park is next and Premier League football is imperative in the Olympic Stadium, this appointment will be the most important decision yet for owners David Gold and Sullivan.


As for me, I spent the last day of the Premier League at the Emirates as Arsenal’s warm-up for the FA Cup final pitted them against West Brom.  Arsenal had gone three home games without a goal and had been below par and unlucky in front of goal in recent games.  So starting Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere seemed to add new dimension to the team who wasted no time in getting ready for Wembley.  An outstanding first half from Arsenal to brush aside a team fresh off toppling champions Chelsea on Monday night.  A 34 minute Theo Walcott hat-trick along with a blinder from Wilshere put the game to bed by half-time.  Walcott was superb, using his pace to full effect, showing skill and striker’s instinct to send a message to Arsene Wenger.  Contract talks were hot on agenda again and Raheem Sterling was being rumoured in North London, so Walcott showing form he was producing before his long-term injury.  This performance must mean he starts next week, with or without Giroud is another question.  The options Wenger has in midfield is ridiculous and whatever he decides it will be full of quality and talent, but Walcott must be a starter at Wembley.  As for their opponents, a home defeat to Burnley meant Aston Villa ended 17^th, the signs of another miserable season just about salvaged by Tim Sherwood.  Christian Benteke led them to safety and a fairytale cup final, this result shouldn’t put Villa any further unlikely to win at Wembley as cup finals aren’t determined by form.  I’ll be there to watch, as you’d guess as an Arsenal fan; to be at an FA Cup final is just a dream come true, but an Arsenal win would help.

Elsewhere, Liverpool suffered their heaviest defeat in 50 years as they were pummelled, embarrassed and humiliated on Steven Gerrard’s departing game.  A 6-1 loss the final saw in a dreadfully disappointing season for the Reds after last year’s title challenge.  From 2^nd to 6^th and 52 to 10 goals from forwards is just a smidge of a tough summer ahead.  With Gerrard gone and the Sterling saga set to run on, signings need to settle and Brendan Rodgers’ future needs to be considered.  No trophies in his time so far and despite hurtful injuries and departures, Liverpool are in danger of falling dangerously from grace.  Spurs jumped into 5^th as Young Player of the Year Harry Kane scored his 21^st league goal of the season in a breakthrough campaign which only puts expectations on his second season to be just as good.  Southampton finished 7^th and will attain European football if Arsenal win at Wembley.  They were losers in Frank Lampard’s final Premier League game, in which he suitably scored in a 2-0 win.  City end second but that doesn’t cover a disappointing season with not trophies and a title challenge that collapsed in the closing months.  Manuel Pellegrini’s future isn’t certified, especially with Carol Ancelotti sacked by Real Madrid and Jurgen Klopp a free man too.  Players may be in and out of the Etihad also with Yaya Toure a man heavily linked with a move away.


Southampton are one of many teams who can be proud of their seasons and went far beyond predictions and expectations.  Record points tallies and finishes for Swansea and Crystal Palace in the top flight highlight the superb jobs of Garry Monk and Alan Pardew, particularly after the debacle at Newcastle in his time in charge.  Stoke City were consistently good throughout the season as Mark Hughes develops the once long-ball specialists to a team filled with flair and grit who can more than match the big boys.  But, the side who will be looked at as defying odds will be Leicester City.  Seven points from safety in mid-March, a run of seven wins in nine with only Chelsea bettering their form in the end of the season run-in.  Only Chelsea beat Leicester as Nigel Pearson somehow transformed a side starved of goals, to one who finished winning 5-1 against hapless QPR.  Leicester have been arguably one of the best sides in terms of performance this season, but luck and goals were missing.  Their run to survival is one of the greatest in Premier League history and proves that spirit, determination and drive can be successful as shown with Jamie Vardy’s England call-up.

That’s it for another season which Chelsea commandingly won.  No doubt the others will improve and pose stronger threats to Jose Mourinho’s team in what could be the most competitive season to date.  Watford, Bournemouth and Norwich City after a great play-off final win join the party which comes to life in August.  The Sport Space Awards will be next to mark the stand-out moments and players from another unpredictable Premier League season, as for ‘The Review’, see you in August!

Sam Tonks

Chelsea Champions

The Premier League title has been won, but the fight for survival continues to twist and turn, Sport Space’s Sam Tonks reviews another weekend in the top flight as the season takes its last stretch.

Jose Mourinho’s return to English football in the summer of 2013 was greeted with anticipation and excitement as his reputation was dented by a turbulent spell at Real Madrid.  He inherited a Chelsea side which has seen many managers come and go since Mourinho left back in 2007.  Only Carlo Ancelotti has had real success at Stamford Bridge, but was still sacked after his second season despite an FA Cup and second place finish.  Jose said when he returned he planned to win the league in his second season, he proved to be spot on.  The transformation of Chelsea since his return has been startling.  Due to FFP restrictions, Chelsea have had to sell much more, David Luiz, Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Juan Mata all departing.  The signings of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic and Thibuat Courtois’ emergence have not just replaced them but vastly improved Chelsea.  The Chelsea side that Mourinho has assembled has to be put up with some of the best sides in Premier League history.  The dominance with which they swept aside the opposition this season has been staggering.  A comeback victory at Leicester last week meant on Sunday, this side got over the line and could celebrate a fourth Premier League title for Chelsea. 

CHELSEA CHAMPIONS

A 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday clinched Mourinho’s third league title in English football.  Newly crowned Player of the Year Eden Hazard suitably got the title securing goal as the celebrations began in West London.  A soft penalty albeit that led to the goal, Hazard even missed it but scored the rebound, but nobody can argue that Chelsea were a mile ahead of the rest this year. 

A moment on Sunday typified the run Chelsea have been on since their 5-0 win at Swansea.  Mourinho’s side have only won a by a single goal in all their wins since that victory in January, proving Chelsea’s resoluteness to get the job done and steely defence.  A cross from Wilfried Zaha ended up at the feet of Jason Puncheon who looked set to score until a sliding block from skipper supreme John Terry.  Terry has been one of the outstanding players in the league this season and a true leader of a title winning side.  Rafa Benitez claimed Terry wasn’t able to play more twice a week anymore back in 2012 in his interim spell at Chelsea.  Now, Terry has played three times in the space of a week, performing superbly in all three.  Playing in every minute of all 35 league games, having Mourinho back guiding him, Terry is playing better than ever.  Mourinho’s winning mentality has revived the force that he led to back-to-back title in 2005 & 2006. 

Comparing the spines of the title winning sides only promotes the pedigree of players Mourinho attracts with his track record.  Since his appointment at Porto in 2002 he’s won eight league titles in 12 seasons, two Champions Leagues and a hatful of domestic titles.  Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba compared with Courtois, Gary Cahill and Terry, Matic, Fabregas and Costa is quality in abundance.  This Chelsea side is comfortably better than the chasing pack in the Premier League, so if they add a couple more players as well as bring through the striving youth team which has won four out of the last six youth cups could see Chelsea become the dominant force in English football.  Are they still boring?

The Rest

The relegation battle in the Premier League is the tightest in years as week after week, sides deemed doomed wrestle back hope of escape.  Leicester’s incredible run of four straight wins has shaken up the battle and pulling sides like Sunderland and Newcastle right in the thick of danger.  Leicester bounced back from a disappointing defeat to Chelsea with an emphatic 3-0 win over Newcastle, maybe the Geordies had their heads in the sand, right Mr.Pearson?  As Leicester go from strength to strength, the eighth defeat in a row for Newcastle adds to the catastrophe and sheer mess of the North East club.  A club prided on tradition, home-grown sons and fight, something they are now desperately lacking.  John Carver resembles the captain of the Titanic, helpless.  Carver is well out of his depth after being forced to step up from a coaching role.  He’s lost the dressing room and they may have lost faith in him, the players aren’t playing for Carver and the manager is not afraid to expose his underperforming players, claiming Mike Williamson deliberately got himself sent off.  A brilliant article in the Daily Mirror really encapsulated the farce at the club from Mike Ashley’s dictator like ownership to the player’s lacklustre showings.  Andy Dunn refers to them as ‘comedy black and white’. 

What would’ve hurt more is seeing Sunderland earn a monumental win over Southampton.  Luck certainly went there way as Jordi Gomez converted two penalties and James Ward-Prowse was sent off.  A Costel Pantillimon save right at the end from Filip Duricic may prove a crucial point in their fight for survival.  This meant Aston Villa had to win to stay ahead of the rest and the reloaded Christian Benteke led them to a 3-2 over Everton.  All these wins coupled with the defeats for QPR and Burnley meant the two were all but doomed.  Defeat for both next weekend will send them straight back down.

This left Hull in a position they could enhance.  Back-to-back wins last week, including a huge 1-0 win over Liverpool, put them into a clash with Arsenal on good momentum.  Arsenal though were 9 unbeaten with eight wins and were a class apart on Monday night.  A double for Alexis Sanchez and a goal for Aaron Ramsey sealed a masterful performance from the Gunners which leaves Hull in a must win situation against Burnley on Saturday with Manchester United and Spurs to play after.  United and Spurs were both beaten this weekend in a twist for the top four race.  United were beaten for the third straight week at home to West Brom in a game which saw Robin Van Persie play central midfield with Marouane Fellaini up front, confusing right?  Spurs were not good enough to topple Manchester City, who in David Silva and Sergio Aguero possessed the two best players on the pitch, Aguero scoring a quality winner.  United are now just four points ahead of Liverpool with three to play, the chase may still be on.



Sam Tonks

The League & Cup Review- Salute to Jonas

Sam Tonks returns with another weekly instalment of The Premier League Review with a round-up of all the action in a thrilling double game-week from England’s top flight and the first trophy of the season is won at Wembley, but was it Chelsea or Spurs?  Also, a special mention to a real role model in football, Jonas Gutierrez.

Wembley Way was filled with football fans for the first of two annual cup finals, but this time it was a local affair. Spurs and Chelsea fans made the short trip across London to Wembley for the Capit­al One Cup final.  Chelsea overcame an incredible semi-final tie with Liverpool in two hotly contested legs whilst Spurs overcame a battling Sheffield United.  Jose Mourinho had not won a trophy in England since his return in the summer of 2013, was this the first of many?  Spurs haven’t been in a cup final since penalty heartache against Manchester United in this competition a year after they beat their 2015 opponents Chelsea, did lightning strike twice?

Capital One Cup Final

It was, for the majority, a very even cup final with both sides putting their all into the game to win the first major honour of the season.  For Spurs, it was always going to be a tough ask to topple Chelsea who seem an unstoppable force this season and are now on course for a domestic double.  Goals from John Terry and Diego Costa won Mourinho his first title in his second spell in charge in South London.  Spurs put in a fighting display to make sure Chelsea didn’t run away with it and on a different day, it could’ve been their day.
Christian Eriksen was the main man in Spurs’ Capital One Cup run and so nearly made his mark in the final, but his free-kick radar was unusually off as he struck the bar.  Spurs had Chelsea on the ropes with their aggressive, high pressing style but Chelsea always looked threatening in attack.  Chelsea proved to bite Spurs for not making their pressure tell as their inspirational leader broke the deadlock.  A Chelsea set piece caused panic as John Terry’s volley deflected past Hugo Lloris.  The unfortunate Eric Dier was the body the ball flicked off to beat the regularly exceptional Lloris.  Lloris has often been a reliable last line of defence for Pocchetino and capable of bailing his side out.  But as Diego Costa engineered a chance for himself, Lloris was again beaten by a deflection.  The game was in Chelsea’s hands and Spurs were desperate now.  It just wasn’t falling for Harry Kane and co. as Chelsea’s defence was committed, solid and faultless.  As Kane weaved his way past Blue shirts, John Terry threw himself in the way of a certain goal and hope of a Spurs comeback.  Terry shone at Wembley, a ground where he used to be a regular captain for his country but retired after the racial scandal with Anton Ferdinand.  On this occasion, he was proud captain for Chelsea in their 2-0 cup final victory, one half of what should be a superb domestic double for Chelsea.

Credit: skysports.com

Premier League

In a hectic double game-week, the fight for survival, race for Europe and the title race developed and intensified further.  Last weekend, Chelsea seemingly pulled away in the title race, without even playing!  Manchester City may have just blown their last opportunity to catch Chelsea in a crucial defeat at Anfield.  Liverpool had all the momentum going into the crunch game against City and City just weren’t up for the fight.  A belter from Jordan Henderson signalled Liverpool’s intentions early on that they were in the mood.  City did react in the first half as first Sergio Aguero hit the post and then turned provider for Edin Dzeko who proved more clinical.  But, in the second half City were shaky and unconvincing as David Silva, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany were having off-days.  Kompany was back at the scene where he teed up the winner for Phillipe Coutinho last year, this year, the same Brazilian punished a below-par City.  Coutinho has been the cream of the crop at Anfield in their turn-around of form and was the magic man for Brendan Rodgers again.  His exquisite curling shot beat Joe Hart and City as the title race is almost over.  Arsenal and Manchester United capitalised on a slip-up from Southampton in the race for Champions League football and stay ahead of the rejuvenated reds from Merseyside.  Chelsea watched on with their Capital One Cup as their title rivals crumbled under pressure, is the Premier League title won already?

Credit: thesportspace.org

The top seven were all successful in midweek which means there is still nothing to separate the five teams in the chase for Champions League football.  Spurs recovered from that Wembley woe edging a five-goal game at White Hart Lane.  The game was overshadowed with the worrying collapse of Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis.  The striker was rushed to hospital, still conscious and thankfully is in a stable condition and recovering, apparently Gomis has a fainting condition as he once fainted three times in a season at Lyon.  Aside from that, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal drove the newly promoted sides further into trouble at the bottom with wins.  Liverpool were comfortable and controlled in a 2-0 win over Burnley, as were Arsenal in a convincing second half performance after a tough first half at Loftus Road with Alexis Sanchez back among the goals.  City were unconvincing and got a bit of luck over Leicester who once again cursed decisions against them and chances not taken.  City continue to chase Chelsea who once again grinded out a result, this time at Upton Park in a tough London Derby as Chelsea once again proved their defensive prowess.  Eden Hazard got the goal in another dazzling display.  City may get drawn into the scrap for Europe if they slip up again, as Arsenal are only four points behind the champions who may have to focus on guaranteeing Champions League football and accept defeat in the title race.

At the bottom, Aston Villa got a huge win over rivals West Brom.  Tim Sherwood finally got his first 3 points in charge with a 94^th minute penalty winner from Christian Benteke who has been short of goals this season.  With a place at Wembley up for grabs this coming weekend, could this be the kick-start to Villa’s survival push?  QPR, Burnley and Leicester are all in grave danger of the drop with all three in dreadful form and short on goals or confidence.  Another team in very realistic trouble is, Everton!  Just five points clear of the bottom three, incapable of defending reassuringly and desperately lacking goals, Roberto Martinez’s nearly men last year are quickly becoming a sinking ship with no obvious captain to steer them out of trouble.  Hull and Sunderland drew in a stalemate at the KC Stadium as the tensions at the bottom were clear in a heated confrontation between Gus Poyet and Steve Bruce, who will be the ones who suffer from the heat come May and fall from the trap-door?


The highlight of the mid-week games though was at St James’ Park.  No it wasn’t the mess that was Ashley Young’s winner for United and definitely not the spitting-gate involving Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse.  But, the heroic return of Jonas Gutierrez from his battle with testicular cancer.  Gutierrez who hadn’t played for 17 months came off the bench during their 1-0 defeat on Wednesday to a rapturous response from the home faithful.  This is a great achievement and inspiration for anyone battling long-term illness and proof that you can overcome it, so credit to Gutierrez for returning to football and inspiring many others who are in their battle with cancer.

Credit: thesportspace.org

Sam Tonks

The Premier League Review- Kane is Able

The Sport Space’s Sam Tonks is back for a double Premier League game-week and a focus on the latest managerial departure from the top flight as the business end of the season approaches. 

In a double game-week in the Barclays Premier League we witnessed two derbies, the end of an unwanted record, shining English talents and yet another managerial departure, all in a week’s work in the Premier League.  Sky and BT have announced new rights to show the Premier league till 2019 amounting to over £5 billion, so now the Premier League teams must really put the money where their mouths are.


PAUL LAMBERT SACKED

After an inexcusable run of results, Paul Lambert was relieved from his post at Villa Park on Wednesday.  In 25 games, Lambert’s men had tallied up a measly 12 goals which is a shocking statistic considering they boast a quick, young and talented frontline of Andi Weimann, Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor.  An unbeaten start in their first four games had led Villa fans into a false sense of security as they crumbled after defeat to Arsenal.  Villa went nearly 3 months without a win in the league after that, scoring just three goals in that time.  Benteke inspired back-to-back wins with his return from injury only for things to go downhill again.  December 7^th their last Premier League win with only victories over Championship opposition in the FA Cup to show for since.  Villa went seven and a half games without scoring from the New Year till February 7^th when Jores Okore breached the Chelsea net.  When your top scorer in all competitions has amassed four goals, you know there are problems somewhere in the club.  Benteke has struggled particularly to score goals with only three to show for this season, whilst top scorer Weimann hasn’t scored a Premier League goal since November.  Lambert has had limited funding from owner Randy Lerner who has made his intentions with the club clear that until he sells, funding will be limited.  Despite this, Lambert has a good squad of players but the style of football and constant injury problems has led to anxiety and anger within groups of fans.  A spine of Brad Guzan, Ron Vlaar, Fabian Delph and Benteke is a good one which should see Villa trying to push into the European mix from mid-table not fighting off impending relegation trouble.  But defeat to Hull, a team fighting their own troubles off at the bottom, was the final straw in a game which fired yet another blank for Villa.  10 league games without a win and a record of 92 goals in his 101 league games, Lambert really was in a position where the sack was a foregone conclusion.  Villa need someone who can motivate and lift the side who are in desperate need now where things can only really get better.

Credit: thesportspace.org

Premier League

Every fan of every football team immediately looks out for derby day or a match against bitter rivals as soon as the fixture lists were released.  So, when the games on the 27^th September and 7^th February came out, all fans of Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal and Spurs were bookmarking it in calendars, phones and diaries if that’s what you do.  Last weekend was ‘Derby Weekend’.  Spurs hosted Arsenal with both on good runs of form, both with just one defeat in eight and six wins in that time.  Everton had ended a run of six without a win with victory at Crystal Palace whilst Liverpool were on a seven game unbeaten run, picking three straight wins going into a trip over Stanley Park.  Spurs had not won a North London Derby since 2013 when Gareth Bale scored in a 2-1 win, so Arsenal went into this with a psychological edge, especially after racking five goals past Villa the week before.  But, they may have underestimated Spurs and Harry Kane.  Kane was the top Premier League scorer in all competitions after a double at West Brom took him to 18 goals, more than Aguero, more than Diego Costa and more than Alexis Sanchez.  In Kane they boasted one of the hottest talents in the country who was playing in his first Derby.  Arsenal had scored inside two minutes when they last visited Spurs, this time they took 11 minutes to beat Hugo Lloris.  A swift break led brilliantly by Danny Welbeck ended with Mesut Ozil volleying over Lloris as the away fans went into raptures.  However, Spurs controlled the rest of the game with possession, chances and territory.  David Ospina continually thwarted Spurs until he flapped a corner to the feet of, Kane.  His first goal in the derby brought a deserved equaliser and led a rally from Spurs for a winner.  Then, when Nabil Bentaleb picked the main man out, he excellently guided the header into the top corner to win the game for Spurs.  Arsenal were dejected as Derby Day belonged to Spurs.  The Merseyside Derby was less action-packed but the spotlight was on Steven Gerrard as he played his last derby.  Gerrard very nearly wrote his script by scoring but his superb overhead kick went just over.  Jordan Ibe lit up Goodison in his first derby after a promising loan spell at Derby as he rattled the post from a solo run and shot.  Ross Barkley entered the fray and nearly set up a winner for Seamus Coleman but Simon Mignolet came to the rescue.  Another stalemate in the battle of the Mersey duo means Everton seem to be turning a corner with an impressive defensive display.

Credit: ibtimes.com

Elsewhere, Manchester City faltered in their pursuit of Chelsea by having to rescue a point against Hull City but reacted by turning on the style in a 4-1 win at Stoke.  Chelsea have pulled seven points clear with wins over Villa and Everton as Jose Mourinho’s mean look unstoppable.  It was the end of a miserable away run for QPR as caretaker bosses Chris Ramsey and Kevin Bond managed to topple Sunderland and end the winless travels.  Southampton and Manchester United maintain top four places with Sadio Mane delivering a goal in the nick of time at Loftus Road.  United were saved by Daley Blind’s volley after some ‘direct tactics’, is that okay Louis?  Leicester continued to rue bad luck with valiant performances in defeats to Crystal Palace and Arsenal and it seems Nigel Pearson is feeling the heat after his shocking outburst at Palace’s Jason McArthur.  The stand-out tie of the midweek games was at Anfield as the ever controversial Mario Balotelli finally scored a Premier League goal in a five-goal thriller where Liverpool held off two fight-backs from Spurs.  The top four fight looks to be the tightest in Premier League history as up to six teams are vying for just two spots, the promised land of the Champions League is awaiting.



Sam Tonks

The Review- Bantams at The Bridge

The Sport Space’s Football Analyst Sam Tonks returns for a review of the past week’s action in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup.

It is well known that the FA Cup is a competition famous for upsets, shocks and giant-killings with historic results including Wrexham beating Arsenal, Leeds shocking Manchester United and of course the Crazy Gang defying the Culture Club.  So when the 4^th Round swung in to action this weekend, Bradford City, Middlesbrough, Brighton and Cambridge were looking to add themselves to the famous list with big name killers.  As well as this, the Capital One Cup final line-up was to be decided with the second-legs at Stamford Bridge and Bramall Lane host to two very close, exciting and enthralling semi-final deciders.

FA Cup

Let’s start on Friday night and the Abbey Stadium.  Cambridge United are in the middle of their first season back in the football league, but that was put on hold as the record FA Cup winners and English League title winners Manchester United were in town.  76 places separated the sides, the biggest gulf of a 4^th Round tie this year and with United running out their big guns, it looked very bleak for Cambridge.  Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind were just a few star names turning out at the Abbey Stadium, with most not likely to have experienced anything quite as hostile, bobbly or enclosed in their professional careers so far.  You knew Cambridge couldn’t go pound for pound with Louis Van Gaal’s Reds in terms of attacking quality, but they could definitely soak up the pressure, throw their bodies in the way and defend like lions to earn that money spinning replay the fans and players desire just as much as the possibility of winning.  They were indeed lions on the pitch and despite Manchester United having 75% possession and 16 shots to 6 of Cambridge, they couldn’t breach the barrier that was Chris Dunn in goal.  United came closest in the final minutes as Adnan Januzaj weaved into the box superbly only to see his shot cannon away off Dunn.  Another shot came in, blocked by the excellent Josh Coulson.  Then the ball dropped to Di Maria and the end looked nigh for Cambridge, until the sprawling Dunn saved again.  Robin Van Persie spurned a sitter in the second half as did Falcao, but Cambridge back to front were sensational.  The work ethic, energy, determination and commitment to the cause was unquestionable and they deserved their dream replay at Old Trafford.  United were far from impressive and looked a side devoid of cutting edge and lacked quality to break down a side newly promoted to League 2, but the focus should be on just how well Cambridge played.  The fact that the Cambridge players couldn’t swap shirts as there were no replacements so they would’ve had to pay £40 to replace it, sums up the gulf between the two and how great this result was to Richard Money’s men.

Credit: thesportspace.org

Cambridge set the tone for the weekend, Bradford and Middlesbrough went in to their games with some confidence and hoped that they could go one step further.  Chelsea and Manchester City, the Premier League’s top two were overwhelming favourites, but Bradford have history of being a cup giant-killer and Boro were flying high in the Championship.  At the Etihad, City were leaving nothing to chance and started the regulars such as David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho.  City seemed shaken from their loss to Arsenal the week before but chose to fly off to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp, even if they arrived just 20 hours before the match.  This may have seemed arrogant and obnoxious from City’s point of view but it’s part of their commercial deal.  Boro were not turning up to be whipping boys and in Lee Tomlin had a man constantly toying and troubling City’s defences.  Tomas Meijas was a former player under Manuel Pellegrini at Real Madrid and came back to bite as he produced great saves in the first half to keep Boro in the tie, most notably from David Silva.  In the second half, Boro came to the party and Tomlin ran the game.  After countless City chances in the first, Boro quickly made those misses count.  Fernando gave it to Albert Adomah who managed to clip the ball over Willy Caballero.  As Fernando chased to clear the ball away, in came Paddy Bamford to block the ball in, the away fans went nuts behind the goal and the upset was on.  Frank Lampard came on and nearly wrote his name into another City match but his effort deflected onto the post.  Tomlin had similar luck, his majestic roll of the ball past the helpless Eliquem Managala couldn’t be finished as he bended the ball onto the inside of the post.  Yet, Boro were to seal the deal, a slick break cut open the Premier League champions.  Bamford rolled in Kike who finished with aplomb to complete the cup shock, City out to a Championship side for the second year running. 

Credit: telegraph.co.uk

Then, Stamford Bridge.  Jose Mourinho said on Friday, “For me, it would be a disgrace it you lose to a lower league team.”  Enter Bradford.  Chelsea rested the likes of Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, John Terry and Diego Costa but still had a very strong side.  Bradford have proven they are up to the big occasion, knocking Arsenal and Aston Villa over two legs out of the Capital One Cup two years ago.  So, when Chelsea strolled into a 2-0 first half lead, everyone thought it was over.  If Bradford were to add Chelsea to their scalps, it would be the biggest shock in FA Cup history.  Just before half-time John Stead incredibly fired a goal back after Chelsea cleared a corner.  Bradford sensed a chance and came out ready to take Chelsea on in the second half.  Into the last 15 minutes, still 2-1.  Bradford were becoming more dangerous and won a throw-in by the corner flag.  James Hanson flicked on the throw, but Petr Cech denied Billy Knott.  As the ball came out, the ex-Chelsea youth Filipe Morais smashed the ball into the gaping net, from 2-0 down, Bradford had levelled.  You’d of thought that was that, the lower league side would hold for a replay, oh no!  City came again, great work down the right put fans on the edge of their seat, TVs were back on and Bradford fans up in belief.  John Stead once again involved as he laid off for Andy Halliday who beautifully curled the ball into the far corner, it was too good to be true.  Chelsea 2-3 Bradford City.  The Bradford fans couldn’t contain themselves, Captain Andrew Davies had jumped onto his team-mates on the bench, but the game was not finished.  As Soccer Saturday announced a sixth goal, surely it had to be a Chelsea equaliser with the big guns on, far from correct.  Bradford picked Chelsea apart as Stead again played a part, Mark Yeates the recipient of a brilliant spin and pass, Mourinho had conceded four for the first time in his career.  The greatest FA Cup upset ever was complete, Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City.

Credit: thesportspace.org

Elsewhere, the holders Arsenal edged a thrilling tie as they beat Brighton 3-2, showing they seem the team to beat this year.  Liverpool and Sunderland were made to go to replays by Bolton and Fulham.  Leicester dumped Spurs out as Crystal Palace stunned Southampton.  West Ham and Aston Villa avoided replays and Reading made it past fellow Championship side Cardiff.



Capital One Cup
It was breath-taking, exciting, dramatic and edgy but finally, it was Chelsea and Spurs who reached the first cup final of the season.  Chelsea needed extra-time to see off a dogged Liverpool who arguably deserved the win over two legs.  Spurs held off a second-leg comeback from Sheffield United to send themselves to an all-London final on March 1^st.



Sam Tonks

The Premier League Review- Away Days Masterclass

The Sport Space’s Football Analyst Sam Tonks is back for the latest in a weekly supply of football reviews, this time covering the Premier League and Capital One Cup semi-finals.

It was a weekend of great away days in the Premier League, with a record 7 away wins over the weekend and a draw, making the travelling away supporter’s trip worthwhile.  In the Capital One Cup, it was the big guns and a David versus Goliath tie as Liverpool faced Chelsea and Spurs entertained cup specialists Sheffield United.

Premier League
It was a weekend which narrowed down the fight for European football further.  With up to 7 teams fighting for three spots in the Champions League next season and it’s becoming impossible to call.  Southampton have shocked us all with their character, resilience and quality in how they not only kept pace with the chasers, but maintained their unbelievable start by holding on to a Champions League place up to now.  West Ham have defied the odds to even be in the top half, never mind put their name in the hat for spot, which just emphasises how good a job Big Sam has been doing from when he brought the Hammers up from the Championship.  Then the experienced veterans Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are amongst it as always despite heavily inconsistent seasons.  Their experience in Champions League scraps and end of season twists puts them ahead of the rest in the race.  Then Spurs, the club who doesn’t quite know where they belong.  Every season, the Champions League is the Holy Grail, yet a realistic push would be for the top six.  But, every season they find some form and hopes get rejuvenated of a possible tilt at that top four again.  After arguably the result of the season toppling leaders Chelsea 5-3, they have momentum which makes them a force against any side and they must be considered.

So, there really is only one place this week’s reviews can pin its focus on, the Etihad, Manchester City, Arsenal, Pellegrini and Wenger.  It was a clash which could change Arsenal’s season and possibly people’s view of them and Monsieur Wenger.  Arsenal’s record against the ‘big teams’ has been heavily quoted, mentioned and thrown around in the media, they’ve only won once against Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and City in the last 9 visits, that was a 2-0 win over Liverpool in 2012.  That record was just worsened with last season’s abominations at Anfield, Stamford Bridge and indeed the Etihad conceding 17 goals in three games, scoring 4.  Surely, after so long playing ambitious, daring football and getting blown away time after time, Wenger must settle for a more defensive minded strategy with pressure mounting on his job and tactics more than ever.  Injuries have only contributed to Arsenals worst starts under Wenger and fans calling for his head.  Despite this he’s stayed as calm and professional as ever and maintains faith in his players, some questionably.  Wenger gave starts to youngsters Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin, the latter who has revelled in faith shown to him since his return from a loan spell at Charlton because of injuries.  But, this was a test some thought would be too great for him in David Silva.  The playmaker has been instrumental in City’s catch-up with runaway leaders Chelsea, making this game just as important to City as Arsenal.  Everyone knew what Arsenal needed to do, could they do it?  Could Coquelin handle Silva?  Would Aguero or Sanchez steal the show? 

Credit: theguardian.com

 Well, as it goes Arsenal delivered.  The performance Arsenal fans had been calling for, the team work, determination, fight and quality all came together and City couldn’t handle it.  Possession may have been in City’s favour, but in chances and goals Arsenal were the victors.  No Yaya Toure means City don’t win these days, defeats to Stoke and West Ham and a home draw to Burnley has been without their man mountain.  Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany were rushed back and clearly not fit enough as Arsenal suffocated Aguero out of the game and terrorised Kompany.  Arsenal controlled the game without the ball, if that makes sense.  City didn’t once cause panic in the Arsenal rear-guard and every counter spelled danger for the champions.  It proved that Coquelin could be more than a match for Silva and was like a rash all over him.  Arsenal have been calling for a defensive midfielder for nearly a decade, Coquelin’s performance against the champions has given hope of a future prospect for the vacancy.  Sanchez wasn’t at his best but his work rate covers for that and makes his performances at a consistent standard.  But, one man has been the catalyst for the last two months, Santi Cazorla.  His performances have been improving game after a game and has been the star of the side.  On Sunday I reached new levels and was arguably his best game in an Arsenal shirt, 101 touches, 91% pass accuracy, a penalty and the assist for Olivier Giroud capping an extroadinary day for Arsenal.  City have work to do, its crunch time in two weeks, a visit to Chelsea.

 

Elsewhere, Chelsea showed their best bits in embarrassing and humiliating Swansea in a 5-0 humbling.  Wilfried Bony has gone and Swansea need a plan B, could that be Bafetimbi?  Alan Pardew produced the comeback of the season at Turf Moor with his new Crystal Palace team 2-0 down, Dwight Gayle and Jason Puncheon combined to turn it around and get back-to-back wins for Pardew, something Newcastle will be ruing.  They lost again, 2-1 to the ever improving Southampton as the managerial mystery doesn’t seem to be resolving itself at St James’.
Finally, there was drama at Goodison as Everton’s dreadful season continued and was summed up with a penalty fiasco.  Kevin Mirallas self-elected penalty taker missed the crucial kick with regular take Leighton Baines bemused and baffled along with the rest of the players, staff and fans, he ended being subbed off at half time.
Capital One Cup
The first-leg of the semi-finals occurred as the chance of a Wembley final started to become a vision to the players of the four teams involved.  Liverpool were outstanding but unable to beat down Chelsea and were held to a 1-1 scoreline with Thibaurt Courtois superb.  Sheffield United have made their name as the cup specialists with QPR, Aston Villa and Southampton all on the end of cup shocks and Spurs struggled to a 1-0 lead going to Bramall Lane.  Both are in the balance and could go either way with the second legs next week.

Credit: thesportspace.org

Sam Tonks