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Tag: FA Cup

  • FA Cup to implement semi-automated offside technology for the first time

    FA Cup to implement semi-automated offside technology for the first time

    Semi-automated offside technology will make its debut in English domestic football during the FA Cup fifth round.

    The Football Association confirmed on Thursday that the system will be implemented in seven matches hosted at Premier League stadiums.

    The FA added that “following successful live operation in the Emirates FA Cup, the Premier League will look to implement the system later this season”.

    The Premier League is set to introduce advanced technology to minimize human subjectivity in offside decisions by automating key aspects of the review process.

    Currently, when a goal is scored in a marginal offside situation, officials in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room must manually assess three critical factors: the exact moment the ball was played, the positioning and angle of the defender’s body, and the corresponding position of the attacking player.

    With the new system, artificial intelligence will handle these decisions automatically, tracking ball and player movements in real time to determine whether an offside violation has occurred.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Nw-ZkAW6U

    Specialized cameras have been installed under the roofs of all 20 Premier League stadiums to capture precise data on player positioning during close offside calls.

    Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to implement this semi-automated offside technology for the 2024-25 season, initially targeting an October 2024 launch. However, the rollout was postponed to allow for additional testing and refinement.

    The system follows UEFA’s lead, as European football’s governing body introduced a similar technology in the Champions League at the start of the 2022-23 season.

    The FA said: “Semi-automated offside technology will provide more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and produce virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.

    “The operation of semi-automated offside technology does not change the accuracy of the decision making but enhances the speed and efficiency of the process.”

    Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be utilized in all eight FA Cup fifth-round matches, including the game at Championship side Preston. During these matches, referees will make in-stadium VAR announcements.

    The fifth round fixtures are slated for the weekend of Saturday, March 1.

  • Ten Hag still ‘restless’ about potential dismissal despite FA Cup win – Source

    Ten Hag still ‘restless’ about potential dismissal despite FA Cup win – Source

    Erik ten Hag is still uncertain about his future at Manchester United despite securing an FA Cup victory, sources told ESPN.

    Ten Hag led his team to an unexpected 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

    However, the Dutchman, who began his holiday on Sunday, remains anxious about his position as the club prepares for its end-of-season review.

    According to a source, the review will start this week, with Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford leading the process, which typically takes around four days.

    Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Brailsford, and new technical director Jason Wilcox are dedicated to evaluating every aspect of United’s season, including Ten Hag’s performance and future.

    Club sources told ESPN that a final decision on Ten Hag’s future has not yet been made and will depend on the review’s outcome.

    The decision will be based on on-field performance and whether Ten Hag fits into the club’s new leadership structure, including accepting a reduced role in player recruitment.

    Ten Hag, who has one year left on his contract, wants to stay.

    However, sources indicate that informal talks have been held with representatives of Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank as potential alternatives.

    There is also interest in Gareth Southgate, but he remains focused on leading England in this summer’s European Championship.

    In his post-match news conference at Wembley, Ten Hag defended his tenure, stating that the team he inherited in 2022 was “a mess” and that winning two trophies is a solid achievement over his two years at Old Trafford.

    Nonetheless, sources close to Ten Hag are worried that neither Ratcliffe nor Brailsford have guaranteed his job security, even after the FA Cup win.

    Ratcliffe, present at the final with Brailsford, released a brief statement that evening but did not specifically mention Ten Hag.

    Those close to Ten Hag doubt that the FA Cup victory has significantly altered Ineos’ perspective on the club’s future, especially after an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

    But sources have told ESPN that victory over City has made the decision harder for Ratcliffe and Brailsford.

    A source has told ESPN that if Ten Hag does leave he will go with “his head held high.”

    Winning the FA Cup has secured Manchester United a spot in the Europa League next season.

    Sources informed ESPN that if Ten Hag is dismissed, he is now entitled to a larger compensation package than he would have been if United had failed to qualify for European competition.

  • Ghanaian celebrates Man Utd’s FA Cup victory in testimony at Asankare Emmanuel Methodist Church

    Ghanaian celebrates Man Utd’s FA Cup victory in testimony at Asankare Emmanuel Methodist Church

    A Ghanaian Manchester United fan recently delivered a special Thanksgiving at the Asankare Emmanuel Methodist Church in the Asante Akim South Municipal of the Ashanti Region to celebrate the club’s English FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.

    The fan, representing a male church member, expressed gratitude to God for Man United’s victory, attributing their success to divine intervention. She humorously noted that with God on Man United’s side, even her appetite for food improved.

    In a video circulating online, the fan went on to pray for blessings upon Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, and local club Asante Kotoko, wishing them the same success as Manchester United.

    Manchester United secured their 13th FA Cup title by defeating Manchester City 2-1 in the 2024 final at Wembley Stadium. Goals from United Academy graduates Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in the first half gave the Reds a commanding lead.

    Although City’s Jeremy Doku scored a late goal in the 87th minute, United held on to secure the victory. This win also guarantees them a spot in the Europa League next season, marking their first FA Cup triumph since 2016.

    The victory was a remarkable achievement for United, especially under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, with many pundits considering their chances unlikely prior to the match.

  • Man United beat City to win FA Cup

    Man United beat City to win FA Cup

    Manchester United have claimed the FA Cup for the 13th time in the club’s history after defeating Manchester City 2-1 in the 2024 final at Wembley Stadium.

    This victory secures the Reds a spot in the Europa League next season, as a reward for winning English football’s most prestigious knockout competition for the first time since 2016.

    First-half goals from two United Academy graduates, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, in the 30th and 39th minutes respectively, put the Reds in control of the match.

    Although City substitute Jeremy Doku pulled one back for the Premier League champions in the 87th minute, Erik ten Hag’s men defended valiantly through the remainder of the game, securing a triumph that some pundits had considered unlikely in the build-up.

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “It is a glorious feeling to win the FA Cup final at Wembley. Manchester United clearly were not the favourites to win today but they played with total commitment and skill and overcame one of the great teams in football. We are all very proud of the players and the staff who work tirelessly to support them.”

    Erik ten Hag commented: “After a year with so many setbacks and injuries, the team showed so much resilience and I am so proud of them. I am proud of the fans too. They are incredible. We have the best fans in the world.”

    Bruno Fernandes held the FA Cup aloft as United captain and said afterwards: “It was our last chance to get something positive from the season.

    “Last year, we were not good enough go up the stairs and lift the trophy, so we had to see them doing that. This season is the other way around.

    “We had to suffer, we had to sacrifice, but we also had to put some quality into the game. And we did great things.”

  • Pep says he ‘completely agrees’ with Erik ten Hag in his ‘struggles’; he tells why

    Pep says he ‘completely agrees’ with Erik ten Hag in his ‘struggles’; he tells why

    Pep Guardiola expressed considerable sympathy for Erik ten Hag following Manchester United’s worst Premier League season to date.

    Heading into the FA Cup final, City are heavy favorites, having secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

    In stark contrast, United recorded their lowest league finish since 1990 and ended the season with a negative goal difference.

    The disastrous campaign is likely to cost Ten Hag his job. However, Guardiola acknowledged that United’s struggles were exacerbated by relentless injury problems, and he felt for their challenging situation.

    “He has done many good things, I have huge respect for his job in the past and now at United I completely agree when I listen to him when he says they have not had a full squad this season and had a lot of injuries,” Guardiola told a press conference.

    “I think this is the most important thing they have to think about because I am always focused that we have to be fit, fit, fit – otherwise we cannot use the players.

    They had a lot of problems and when that happens the manager suffers a lot. The squad is really good but the problem is when you cannot use them. This is a big disadvantage.”

    Guardiola said that United can never be counted out despite their problems and singled out Bruno Fernandes as their most influential player.

    “The brilliant players they have up front, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund. The influence of Bruno on that team is outstanding. His creativity is one of the best I have ever seen.”

    Ten Hag has faced over 60 injuries this season, resulting in players being unavailable for more than 350 games combined. For the final, United will be without Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.

    In contrast, City have no injury concerns apart from Ederson, who wouldn’t have played regardless since Stefan Ortega is the first-choice goalkeeper for cup competitions.

    City can make more history by becoming the first English side to win back-to-back doubles of the league title and FA Cup. Guardiola added:

    “The history gives us a chance to do what hasn’t been done before, why not try it? Maybe it is an extra motivation for the players, I don’t speak about it but like I said to them, just to play to win.

    No team had won four [titles] in a row, when they have not done back to back FA Cups it is because it is not easy. At the same time, what’s next? That is the mentality the big teams have to show, go for it with all they have.”

  • Worsening of cedi to dollar is due to foreign sports content in Ghana – FA Cup Chairman

    Worsening of cedi to dollar is due to foreign sports content in Ghana – FA Cup Chairman

    The owner of Division One League side Skyy FC and Chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee, Wilson Arthur, has attributed the depreciation of the cedi against the dollar to the prevalence of foreign sports content in sports journalism.

    He highlighted the dominance of European football in over 75% of local media sports coverage as a contributing factor to this economic challenge.

    Speaking on Oyerepa FM, Arthur emphasized the importance of promoting local sports to mitigate these economic concerns.

    “The foreign sports content on our local media spaces is over 75% and that is the major reason why the cedi is performing poorly against the dollar and the media is largely part of this problem,” Arthur said.

    Despite the prevailing economic concerns and the low patronage of local sports, Arthur is eagerly anticipating the upcoming FA Cup semi-final matches.

    The fixtures will feature holders Dreams FC against Bofoakwa Tano, and Legon Cities against Nsoatreman FC, with both games set to take place at the WAFA Park in Sogakope.

  • Ghana FA Cup 2023/24 final to be hosted at UG Stadium

    Ghana FA Cup 2023/24 final to be hosted at UG Stadium

    University of Ghana (UG) Sports Stadium in Legon has been selected as the venue for the final of the 2023–24 Ghana FA Cup, bringing excitement to football fans nationwide.

    As the competition advances to the semi-finals this week, intriguing matchups are scheduled at the WAFA Park in Sogakope.

    Nsoatreman FC will take on Legon Cities on Saturday, May 11, 2024, while Bofoakwa Tano will face defending champion Dreams FC on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

    Wilson Arthur, Chairman of the FA Cup Committee, confirmed the choice of the University of Ghana Sports Stadium as the final venue and elucidated the decision-making process.

    “After further discussions and considerations, we have opted for the Legon Stadium to host this season’s final,” Arthur stated in an interview with Akoma FM.

    Arthur highlighted the logistical hurdles encountered, including the unavailability of the Tarkwa TNA Stadium, leading to the fallback plan of hosting the semi-finals in Sogakope.

    He stressed the importance of the Legon Stadium and the committee’s intent to consider it for future semi-final and final matches, subject to ExCo approval.

    Defending champions, Dreams FC, clinched their title with a 2-0 victory over King Faisal in the finals, securing a coveted spot in Africa.

    The University of Ghana Sports Stadium, inaugurated on March 2, 2024, has swiftly established itself by successfully hosting matches of the Africa Games Men’s Football tournament in Accra just two months ago. Additionally, it is set to host the upcoming 2024 U-17 WAFU Zone B competition, solidifying its reputation as a premier venue for football events in the region.

    The selection of the University of Ghana Sports Stadium underscores the Ghana Football Association’s commitment to enhancing the footballing experience for players and fans, promising an electrifying atmosphere for the climax of the FA Cup season.

  • Man Utd’s Maguire in a race to regain fitness ahead of the FA Cup final

    Man Utd’s Maguire in a race to regain fitness ahead of the FA Cup final

    Manchester United’s Harry Maguire has been sidelined for the remainder of the Premier League season due to injury.

    The defender sustained a muscle problem during training, ruling him out of the team’s final four league matches against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Brighton.

    Despite this setback, Maguire remains optimistic about his availability for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.

    Additionally, he hopes to be fully fit for England’s campaign at the upcoming European Championship, which kicks off against Serbia on June 16.

    Maguire’s absence adds to the defensive woes of manager Erik ten Hag, who is already missing Lisandro Martínez, Victor Lindelöf, Raphaël Varane, and Willy Kambwala.

    Jonny Evans, who has been out for nearly two months due to injury, has returned to training ahead of the match against Crystal Palace.

    With several central defenders unavailable, Ten Hag has deployed midfielder Casemiro in the center-back position in recent games.

    Despite being out of contention for next season’s Champions League, United remains eager to secure points to ensure qualification for European competitions.

    However, recent wins for Newcastle and Chelsea have left United in eighth place in the Premier League table, jeopardizing their chances of qualifying for the Europa League or Europa Conference League.

    The FA Cup remains United’s avenue to Europa League qualification, with victory in the tournament securing their spot.

  • Graeme Souness slams Garnacho for wearing ‘two earrings’ in Man Utd warm-up

    Graeme Souness slams Garnacho for wearing ‘two earrings’ in Man Utd warm-up

    Alejandro Garnacho faced criticism for wearing “two earrings” during his warm-up at Manchester United, while Antony’s celebrations in the FA Cup were labelled as “naff.”

    United faced Coventry in the semi-finals at Wembley on Sunday, where they struggled despite initially holding a three-goal lead.

    Erik ten Hag’s side eventually secured victory on penalties, but Graeme Souness and others were unimpressed by the demeanour of some United players.


    The Liverpool legend has taken aim at Garnacho in particular, telling talkSPORT of the Argentina international winger: “Garnacho, for me, is an exceptionally talented young man. But I worry about it. It’s just an observation—call me old-fashioned, call me a dinosaur—but he’s got two earrings in the warm-up on the pitch.

    He’s a young boy just learning the game. Coming back to the point that Joe Cole would have made about good senior pros, pointing out to younger guys how you live your life, how you act, how you train, and your attitude towards life.

    And I just worry—it’s an age-old thing; it’s not a new thing at Manchester United—they have always been the most glamorous club in this country, and just like Bayern Munich in Germany is called FC Hollywood, I think you can use the same term to talk about Manchester United.

    They get too much too soon at Manchester United. They get so much attention, Manchester United players, and I think it’s to their detriment.

    Especially in the modern game, when the kind of rewards these boys get, they get far too much far too soon. I think Marcus Rashford is a case in point. He’s 26; he should just be approaching his best years, but it looks like his best years have gone.”

    Souness has also blasted Brazilian forward Antony for his penalty shootout celebrations, which saw him cup his ears in the direction of devastated Coventry players.

    The Scot added: “For a player to act like that, it’s naff. You just don’t do that as a Manchester United player. It wasn’t Real Madrid you’d just knocked out. It was Coventry, a team from the Championship. It’s not the first time I’ve seen it from him, doing daft stuff.”

    While questions continue to be asked of United in what has been another inconsistent campaign, with speculation suggesting that Ten Hag may not be in a job at Old Trafford for much longer, the Red Devils are now looking forward to another FA Cup final derby date with arch-rivals Manchester City on May 25.

  • Chelsea beat Aston Villa in FA Cup game

    Chelsea beat Aston Villa in FA Cup game

    Chelsea delivered a stunning 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, advancing in the FA Cup and alleviating pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino.

    Enzo Fernandez’s remarkable free-kick, along with first-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson, secured the win.

    Despite Moussa Diaby’s injury-time goal for Villa, Chelsea remained in control throughout the match. With this victory, Chelsea now prepares to host Leeds in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

    After recent disappointing performances, including losses to Wolves and Liverpool, Chelsea’s resurgence brought back memories of their dominant displays under former owner Roman Abramovich.

    With upcoming fixtures in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, Chelsea has the opportunity to salvage success this season, despite their struggles in the Premier League.

    On the other hand, Villa faced questions about their consistency following a second consecutive home defeat. Despite manager Unai Emery’s emphasis on crucial fixtures, Villa failed to mount a comeback against Chelsea after an initial bright start.

    Chelsea took control early in the match, with Gallagher opening the scoring before Jackson doubled the lead with a precise header. Fernandez’s stunning free-kick extended Chelsea’s advantage further.

    Although Villa attempted to rally, they were unable to mount a significant comeback, with Diaby’s late goal serving as mere consolation. Chelsea’s dominance on the field reflected a marked improvement from their recent performances, signaling renewed hope for the remainder of the season.

  • Arsenal unveils statue of ex manager, Arsene Wenger

    Arsenal unveils statue of ex manager, Arsene Wenger

    The Emirates Stadium now boasts a bronze statue commemorating former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lifting the Premier League trophy.

    Wenger, who guided the Gunners from October 1996 to May 2018, achieved three top-flight titles and a remarkable seven FA Cup victories during his tenure.

    Overseeing 1,235 matches, he played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s historic unbeaten run during their 2004 league triumph.


    Under Wenger’s management, Arsenal enjoyed an impressive streak of 20 consecutive seasons in the Champions League, even reaching the final in 2006, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Barcelona.

    On Friday morning, a magnificent 3.5-metre statue of the 73-year-old, skillfully crafted by the acclaimed sculptor Jim Guy, was unveiled outside the North Bank Stand.

    Arsenal’s executive vice-chairman, Tim Lewis, expressed their delight in acknowledging and celebrating Arsene Wenger’s exceptional leadership and remarkable career at Arsenal Football Club.

    “Arsene’s contribution to, and achievements with, the club mark him out as the club’s greatest manager.

    “He treated the club and its supporters to many trophies and fantastic memories and brought a revolution in the running of the club, an unbeaten season and the move to Emirates Stadium.

    “It is fitting, therefore, that as a mark of the club’s enduring respect and gratitude a magnificent statue of Arsene now stands outside Emirates Stadium.”

    Wenger is set to be the guest of honour for the Emirates Cup match against Monaco on Wednesday, and he is also scheduled to visit his statue in the upcoming days.

    The newly unveiled statue of Arsene Wenger now stands alongside five others, honoring the legendary figures of Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Herbert Chapman, Ken Friar, and Thierry Henry, all adorning the podium around the Emirates Stadium.

  • Transfer conundrums to face Man Utd this summer

    Transfer conundrums to face Man Utd this summer

    During the media conference following Manchester United‘s loss in the FA Cup final on June 3rd, manager Erik ten Hag was posed with a question regarding his plans for the summer.

    Specifically, he was asked if he had prepared two different strategies: one assuming the long-awaited takeover had occurred and another in the event that it had not.

    Ten Hag’s response was decisive.

    “I have only one plan and that is to improve this club and improve this team, and that I will fight for,” he said. “I have my ideas but also I have to work with my staff and my players to do better.”

    It feels like the only clear vision to come out of United in what has turned into a tortuous summer.

    The modifications made to a squad that was widely perceived as ill-prepared for the challenges it faced have been minimal.

    Mason Mount is finally set to sign after Chelsea rejected three previous bids, while Zidane Iqbal has been sold to Dutch side Utrecht, despite limited first-team experience.

    Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe have departed due to expired contracts.

    However, the ownership situation and David de Gea’s contract situation remain unresolved, and there has been no new signing for the number nine position.

    As pre-season training approaches, Ten Hag will encounter a familiar squad but faces challenges due to the active transfer activities of rival clubs.

  • Elton John welcomes and join City players celebrate FA Cup win

    Elton John welcomes and join City players celebrate FA Cup win

    When Manchester City arrived at Manchester Airport after winning the FA Cup at Wembley, singer Elton John was there to welcome them.

    As the team deplaned from their plane late on Saturday, the club posted videos of the group posing for photos with the 76-year-old on the tarmac.

    Pep Guardiola said in advance of the final, which City won 2-1 against Manchester United to secure the second leg of a possible treble, that he had attended John’s concert in the city last week as he sought to take his mind off a defining period in the club’s history.

    The club’s Twitter feed headed one of the videos “you can tell everybody we have won the FA Cup”, a reference to a line from the 1971 hit Your Song.

    City were victorious at Wembley thanks to a goal in either half from Ilkay Gundogan – his first the fastest in FA Cup final history – as they added the trophy to the Premier League title they won in May.

    They face Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul on Saturday seeking to become only the second English club after Manchester United to have won all three major trophies in a single season.

  • Guardiola acknowledges that Man Utd is driven by the desire to thwart City’s treble pursuit

    Guardiola acknowledges that Man Utd is driven by the desire to thwart City’s treble pursuit


    Pep Guardiola is of the opinion that preventing Manchester City from achieving a treble could serve as added motivation for Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

    In a highly anticipated clash between the two neighboring rivals at Wembley on Saturday, there is more than just a trophy and local bragging rights on the line.

    For City, who have already secured the Premier League title, a victory in the FA Cup final would be a crucial step towards a potential triumphant treble, with the Champions League final scheduled for the following week.

    United on the other hand – as the only side to have won all three of those competitions in the same season, back in 1999 – will be anxious to stop them and protect their place in history.

    City manager Guardiola said: “I could understand that. It belongs to them, that’s normal. Sport is like that.

    “’That belongs to us – we don’t want anyone else to do it,’ it’s normal, that feeling. It’s completely understandable. But it’s a football game, who will be better will win.”

    United boss Erik ten Hag, however, has played down the party-pooping aspect of his side’s task.

    The Dutchman has enjoyed an encouraging first season at Old Trafford having won the Carabao Cup and reclaimed a Champions League spot.

    “I know what is the thinking from the fans,” Ten Hag said.

    “But what we want is to restore Manchester United by winning trophies. We have an opportunity to win a trophy and we don’t want to be distracted by anything.

    “If it’s important for the fans then it’s important for us, so we will give everything to win the cup.”

    Guardiola insists the treble is not part of his thinking yet. He has spent the week preparing to face United and will switch focus to playing Inter Milan in Istanbul next week.

    “We didn’t speak once about Inter these days,” he said. “We’ll have Sunday off, and after we’ll have three or four days training.

    “We’ll introduce what we believe Inter are, to try to beat them, then. We have time. Saturday to Saturday is a long time to prepare for a game.

    “United and the FA Cup deserve the full attention and commitment. The players are completely aware of that.”

    City could have a fully-fit squad with Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji, who all missed last week’s game at Brentford, having since returned to training.

    Guardiola has confirmed second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega will start, as he has in all domestic cup fixtures this season.

    United are without striker Anthony Martial due to a hamstring injury and winger Antony is also a major doubt.

  • Players with the most FA Cup wins

    Players with the most FA Cup wins

    The FA Cup, established in 1871, holds the distinction of being the oldest football trophy in the world.

    Throughout its history, the competition has served as a platform for numerous football icons to make their mark.

    This esteemed list includes notable stars from various positions, such as midfield generals from Arsenal and top stoppers from Chelsea.

    Take a closer look to discover which renowned players have graced this prestigious tournament.

    1. Ashley Cole (seven wins)

    Ashley Cole is the most successful player in FA Cup history after picking up a record seven winners’ medals — a haul that will take some beating.

    The England left-back spent most of his decorated career at London clubs Arsenal and Chelsea. 

    He won three times with the Gunners (2002, 2003, 2005) before joining their rivals and adding four to his collection (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012).

    He even scored a rare goal as Derby fell out of the competition with a 2-1 fifth-round defeat to Brighton in 2019 — his final appearance in the famous tournament.

    2= Petr Cech (five)

    Petr Cech has lifted the FA Cup five times
    Petr Cech has lifted the FA Cup five times

    Indisputably one of the best keepers of all time, Petr Cech’s career was full of trophies.

    He won four FA Cup medals at Chelsea with former team-mate Cole before heading to North London and taking another crown with old foes Arsenal.

    Cech’s most iconic moment in the tournament was an incredible save from Liverpool’s Andy Carroll in the final minutes of the 2012 final, which kept the score at 2-1 and secured victory for his side.

    2= John Terry (five)

    John Terry was the defensive rock of a trophy-laden era at Stamford Bridge. 

    In addition to five Premier League titles and a Champions League win in 2012, his illustrious career saw him lift the FA Cup five times during his time in West London.

    Legendary skipper JT won his first Wembley final against Aston Villa in 2000 before defeating Manchester United, Everton, Portsmouth and Liverpool in subsequent finals.

    2= Patrick Vieira (five)

    Ashley Cole and Patrick Vieira won numerous trophies together
    Ashley Cole and Patrick Vieira won numerous trophies together

    Patrick Vieira’s stellar career included five FA Cup wins with all but one secured during the Arsenal legend’s time with the Gunners.

    The fearsome midfielder’s final triumph came during a short spell with Manchester City, where he offered an experienced hand to Roberto Mancini’s side.

    Fittingly, Vieira came off the bench for a brief cameo in the final to win a trophy in his final game as a player before embarking on a managerial career which has seen him take the Crystal Palace job.

    5= 21 players (four)

    A total of 21 players have won four FA Cup medals, including a number of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea greats.

    Here is a list of all 21: 

    Dennis Bergkamp, Clayton Blackmore, Sol Campbell, Didier Drogba, Paulo Ferreira, Ryan Giggs, Olivier Giroud, Mark Hughes, Salomon Kalou, Roy Keane, Martin Keown, Lauren, Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel, Gary Neville, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mesut Ozil, Ray Parlour, David Seaman, Paul Scholes, Stuart Taylor.

    Source: Livescore

  • De Bruyne and Jack Grealish may play FA Cup final

    De Bruyne and Jack Grealish may play FA Cup final

    Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that he is uncertain about the availability of Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish for the upcoming FA Cup final next weekend.

    In Manchester City’s final-day 1-0 defeat against Brentford, De Bruyne, Grealish, and defender Ruben Dias were all sidelined due to injuries.

    As they strive to complete the second leg of a historic Treble, facing Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday, the Premier League champions suffered defeat courtesy of Ethan Pinnock’s late goal.

    With the absence of De Bruyne and Grealish, and Erling Haaland left on the bench, Manchester City fielded a makeshift lineup, and even the presence of established stars like Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez failed to make a significant impact.

    But Guardiola said: “Congratulations to Brentford for the victory. It’s difficult to faze them, how quick they play, how aggressive they are in all departments. 

    “I’m pretty sure we would have behaved a little bit different if we needed the points. 

    “I don’t have any complaints of how we behaved. I said to the players after the game, ‘Today we finished the Premier League you deservedly won. Enjoy two days with your families, don’t see each other and on Wednesday we’ll prepare for the first final’. 

    “The guys who didn’t play who normally play were exhausted yesterday. They needed to rest to arrive with the right energy to face United.” 

    When asked if the players who missed out would be fit for Wembley, Guardiola said: “I don’t know right now. Hopefully. 

    “Ruben, Jack and Kevin couldn’t play. It is what it is. I think they will be ready but it’s hard to get ready in training. That’s why I had to see the players who played today.” 

    Pinnock’s 85th-minute strike made Brentford the only team to do the double over City this season — and only the fifth since Guardiola took over in 2016. 

    The Spaniard added: “They are the best team by far at set-pieces, they are exceptional. What Thomas Frank has done for years is amazing and the unity of his squad is there for all to see. 

    “Hopefully we can do better and beat them like we did last season, so we have a target for next season already.” 

  • Skinner adopts professional approach to the Women’s FA Cup final

    Skinner adopts professional approach to the Women’s FA Cup final

    Manchester United manager Marc Skinner believes that approaching the sold-out Women’s FA Cup final against Chelsea as a business-like event will give his team the best chance to win their first major trophy.

    The match, which is set to break attendance records, will take place at Wembley.

    Skinner draws lessons from his previous experience when Manchester City defeated his Birmingham team 4-1 in the 2017 FA Cup final, emphasizing the need to strip away emotions and focus on the task at hand.

    Skinner said: “What we got wrong at Birmingham is that we made it a massive event. We made it bigger than it should have been.

    “Everyone knows it’s a big deal, but we put quotes on the wall from players and families. We made mistakes, and that was naivety.

    “It became an emotional event rather than a clear business-like event.

    “You can celebrate after if you win the cup and be as emotional as you want, but the reality is there’s going to be enough emotions in the game that we need to save them up.

    “I’ve learned from that and we have to manage stages of the game better than we did at Birmingham. These are the factors we are looking to develop for this one.”

    United’s women’s team have had a remarkable rise since their formation in May 2018.

    They were promoted from the Championship in their inaugural season and currently top the Women’s Super League, holding a one-point lead over serial winners Chelsea who have a game in hand.

    Emma Hayes’ Chelsea are chasing a third successive league and cup double, but Skinner insists the Wembley clash will have no bearing on the title race.

    He said: “I’m not thinking about that at all. I am solely focused on a one-off game.

    “For the first time I’ve allowed our players to separate the games and we are looking at this before two difficult games in the league (against Manchester City and Liverpool).

    “This has no effect in our league and we are going to treat it as such, play it as the one-off event that it is.”

    Skinner is adamant there is no extra pressure on him on Sunday, even though women’s football will be under a fierce spotlight both in the stadium and around the country with a nationwide television audience.

    “It’s not pressure I don’t have every day,” said Skinner. “I even think there’s more pressure on us than Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City because we are Manchester United.

    “I feel that because every Manchester United fan will want us to win and we are huge around the world.

    “I’m sure there will be some nerves, but I’m fuelling my focus and attention to maximise this because, if we win, it will be massive.”

    United captain Katie Zelem is available after suspension as Norway defender Maria Thorisdottir misses out with the foot injury that ended her season prematurely.

  • Ten Hag questions Fernandes’ fitness ahead of Tottenham showdown

    Ten Hag questions Fernandes’ fitness ahead of Tottenham showdown

    Erik ten Hag has stated that  Bruno Fernandes‘ fitness is  “a question mark” prior to Manchester United’s Premier League matchup with Tottenham.

    The midfielder was forced off with an ankle injury during United’s FA Cup semifinal victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. He was afterwards photographed wearing a protective boot.

    The loss of Fernandes would be detrimental to Ten Hag’s team going forward, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane also out due to injuries, dealing a blow to United’s defensive.

    But on the eve of the trip to Spurs, the manager could not confirm whether Fernandes would be available.

    But the Dutchman is not ready to reveal whether the midfielder will sit out their crucial encounter with Spurs or if he could yet be available to feature.

    “There are some unavailable,” he said. “Martinez, Varane. We have to see how Bruno Fernandes is. We don’t know yet. He is a question mark.

    The win on penalties at Wembley was an effective tonic for an ailing United side after they had lost emphatically at Sevilla to crash out of the Europa League three days earlier.

    David de Gea and Harry Maguire both committed costly errors leading to goals in that game, but Ten Hag has continued to talk up their character as the pair recover.

    “They are resilient,” he said. “They are able to do it. It’s not easy, but they can do it. You can have a bad setback but show your character to bounce back.

    “I am the Manchester United manager. I have to make sure our players are ready tomorrow against a good opponent, good team, good players. I have to focus [and make sure] they have energy.”

    Now, United will face a Tottenham team reeling from a 6-1 rout at the hands of top-four rivals Newcastle United last time out.

    Harry Kane, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, scored the only Spurs goal.

    “It’s quite clear, his impact on the game for Spurs,” Ten Hag said of Kane. “We have a plan for that. You have to defend as a team. He’s a clever player, he can have a big impact on the game.”

  • Varane likely to make United return for FA Cup final – Ten Hag confirms

    Varane likely to make United return for FA Cup final – Ten Hag confirms

    Raphael Varane should be ready to play in Manchester United’s FA Cup final match against cross-town rivals Manchester City, according to Erik ten Hag.

    Varane was taken out at halftime of United’s Europa League quarterfinal match against Sevilla after suffering an ankle injury in the first leg, which the Red Devils lost 5-2 on aggregate.

    Ten Hag has recently had to utilise an improvised backline because to the season-ending metatarsal fracture that Varane’s central defensive partner Lisandro Martinez sustained in the same game.

    With club captain Harry Maguire suspended, Luke Shaw partnered Victor Lindelof in the centre of defence as United reached a record-equalling 21st FA Cup final with Sunday’s penalty shoot-out win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

    United will now face treble-chasing rivals City in a Wembley Stadium final on June 3, and the Red Devils are hopeful of having Varane available.

    Asked whether Varane could feature in United’s second domestic cup final of the season, Ten Hag told talkSPORT: “I think so, yeah. Varane, for the cup final, he can return.”

    Varane has made a total of 27 starts for United this campaign, having also been sidelined with ankle and leg injuries prior to last year’s World Cup.

    United have fared well in Varane’s absence, winning 20 of their 25 games without him in the starting lineup across all competitions (L5), compared to 16 of their 27 with the Frenchman involved from the off (D7 L4).

  • Man Utd can do well with right positioning – Eriksen after full injury return

    Man Utd can do well with right positioning – Eriksen after full injury return

    After making a full recovery from his injury, Christian Eriksen anticipates that Manchester United will fight to the end of a demanding season.

    The 2-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday marked the Danish international’s first start since January.

    After appearing off the bench against Everton and Sevilla, Eriksen is back to help United compete for additional hardware in the FA Cup and Europa League.

    But he says it is imperative Erik ten Hag’s side do not neglect the league, as they aim to secure Champions League football for next season.

    “Every game now until the end is going to be very important,” he told MUTV. “Someone is going to drop down, [and] someone’s going to go in front.

    “So if we stay on the front foot like we are now, we’re going to be in a very good position and be safe for the Champions League before the season is done.”

    A post-EFL Cup wobble looks to be behind United, though they conceded twice late on against Sevilla in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg.

    Victory over Forest, particularly with several key stars on the sidelines, emphasised what Eriksen feels to be a strong squad ethos over recent months.

    “They’ve impressed me,” he added. “They’ve kept the intensity, they’ve kept the level for how they play. The games, everything, even from the outside, has been looking good.

    “If you take into account how we started [the season], it’s a completely different feeling around the club and also on the pitch. The feeling around the boys is really good.”

  • Top clubs’ absence won’t affect attractiveness of FA Cup final – Wilson Arthur

    Top clubs’ absence won’t affect attractiveness of FA Cup final – Wilson Arthur

    Wilson Arthur, the chairman of the MTN FA Cup, believes the remaining matches will still be thrilling despite the absence of the major clubs.

    In the 2022–23 MTN FA Cup, Dreams FC, King Faisal, Nsoatreman FC, and Skyy FC have advanced to the semifinals.

    However, Arthur argued that the elite teams’ early exit was a result of their subpar tournament play.

    “If the big teams are the best teams, they will stay in the competition and get to the final,” he told Citi Sports.

    “This year’s narrative is different. Dreams FC kicked out the defending Champions Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium in a competitive match.

    “Kotoko also lost to the league leaders Aduana FC and it means they are not the best teams at the moment.

    “Aduana FC also lost to King Faisal, so that is it.

    “We always work with the clubs that progress at the moment and we do not have expectations with who gets to the finals.

    “We only have to focus on the quality of the games and that is what we have now on our hands. The competition is about the best teams of the moment.

    “It is what the competition is about. It is the MTN FA CUP, so we should be happy that we have surprises in the cup competitions,” he added.

    The semi-finals will be hosted at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese on the weekend of May 13 and 14.

    The winner of this season’s MTN FA Cup will represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

  • FA Cup semifinals to take place at Dr Kwame Kyei Stadium

    FA Cup semifinals to take place at Dr Kwame Kyei Stadium

    The FA Cup semifinals will be organised at Dr. Kwame Kyei Stadium, according to FA Cup committee member George Ofosuhene.

    King Faisal advanced to the semifinals in the quarterfinal matches by defeating Ghana Premier League leaders Aduana Stars 3-1 on penalties. Skyy FC defeated Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs 1-0 in the second minute on Eric Antwi Konadu’s goal, advancing them to the semifinals.

    Nsoatreman FC, a newcomer to the Premier League, also scored in the first half to defeat Real Tamale United, a three-time finalist, and secure a spot in the semifinals.

    Dreams FC defeated Legon Cities 1-0 in overtime to advance to the semifinals.

    “Well, the semifinals we will play the two here it will be a doubleheader here and I think it is going to be one of its kind. Abrankese Dr. Kyei Sports Stadium because if you look at this stadium and we want to develop football I think we should also promote things like this,” he is quoted to have said on Peace FM.

    “So that the whole world will see what is also happening here. And I must say that you see flood lights working everything is intact those visiting us everybody is impressed so I must say you see I am happy it is exciting,” he added.

  • Man Utd fined £65,000 by FA misconduct towards referee in last month’s FA Cup tie

    Man Utd fined £65,000 by FA misconduct towards referee in last month’s FA Cup tie

    Manchester United has been slapped with a  £65,000 for encircling the referee during their FA Cup match against Fulham last month.

    ‘Failing to ensure players handled themselves in an orderly manner,’ United has acknowledged.

    Following a handball by Willian in the penalty area in the second half, United players complained to referee Chris Kavanagh about it.

    When the penalty was eventually awarded, Willian and Fulham manager Marco Silva received red cards in response to their indignation at the decision, which was made following a VAR check.

    Aleksandar Mitrovic was also later sent off and handed an eight-match ban after shoving Kavanagh. 

    Both Mitrovic and Silva later apologised to Kavanagh for the incident, with the striker admitting he ‘should not have put his hands on him’. 

    There were no punishments for United players at the time, but the FA has now given details of the club’s fine after charging them two weeks ago.

    A statement issued by the FA on Thursday read: ‘Manchester United FC has been fined £65,000 after its players surrounded a match official during the 71st minute of their tie against Fulham FC in the FA Cup on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

    ‘The club admitted that it failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and do not behave in a way which is improper.

    ‘Manchester United FC’s fine was imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission following a subsequent hearing.’

    United trailed 1-0 at the time of the incident, but the Cottagers fell apart after having two players sent off and eventually lost 3-1 after two goals from Bruno Fernandes and one from Marcel Sabitzer. 

    Erik ten Hag’s side will next play in the competition against Brighton in the semi-final on April 23, with Man City set to face Sheffield United in the other final four clash a day earlier. 

    Despite patchy league form in recent weeks, the Red Devils could still secure an unlikely treble if they add FA Cup and Europa League medals to their League Cup success in February.

  • We will still win the FA Cup, League – Aduana Stars assist. head coach

    We will still win the FA Cup, League – Aduana Stars assist. head coach

    Notwithstanding the stadium restriction, Aduana Stars assistant coach W.O. Tandoh predicts that his team would win the Ghana Premier League and FA Cup.

    The Tamale City team bus was attacked after the play against Aduana FC on Matchday 25. This regrettable occurrence resulted in the Ghana FA temporarily banning the home stadium of the two-time Ghana Premier League winners.

    In response to the occurrence, the GFA Executive Council immediately imposed the ban.

    W.O. Tandoh, however, has denounced the decision as biased in their dealings by the nation’s football regulatory body.

    According to Tandoh, his outfit can still win the league and the FA Cup despite being ban from playing at their favourite home ground.

    As per audio aired on Angel FM, Tandoh said, “I condemned whatever happened after the game but truth be told, the incident happened outside the stadium. What did the 90 police personal we brought to the stadium to protect Tamale City upon their request do?

    “In the first leg in Tamale, a lot of things happened there, Tamale City did the same thing to us. Let call a spade a spade, the FA should not listen to one side”

    “Were they (FA) asleep when such incident happened in Tamale. Personally, I have called the General Secretary and the President of the FA but they are responding to my calls, they should not destroy the game for us. Mark my words, am not speaking for Aduana but then, I am an employee of Aduana, the FA should sit up”

    “Those who took the decision against Aduana did not help our game, the bring back the love tag was not executed here, what did they do when Tamale City did the same thing to Aduana, even biting a players’ finger on the field of play”

    “Even if we play our games at their bath rooms, Aduana Stars will win the league. Again, if they like they should let us play at guest house we will also win the FA Cup, I emphasized”

    Aduana FC required a penalty in the 90+10 minute of their last game to win 1-0 and extend their lead at the top of the standings to 44 points, which is three points ahead of Bechem United in second place.

  • Wenger is Premier League’s most influential manager – Mikel Arteta

    Wenger is Premier League’s most influential manager – Mikel Arteta

    After the former Arsenal manager was inducted into the competition’s Hall of Fame, Mikel Arteta referred to him as the most influential manager in Premier League history.

    After 16 players had already been added, Wenger and Alex Ferguson were inducted on Wednesday, making them the first managers to enter the Hall of Fame.

    During his lengthy tenure as Arsenal’s manager, Wenger led the team to three Premier League championships, including the 2003–04 “Invincibles,” and seven FA Cup victories.

    His revolutionary football philosophy, which included a dedication to playing attacking football, is well known.

    “I don’t think any other managers have had a more impact,” Arteta said.

    “Some managers have brought different ideas, different characters, different competitions. 

    “He opened the Premier League to the world in a different way to other managers. He had a vision that was much wider than any other manager had at the time.

    “England and the Premier League have to be very grateful forever to this man.”

    Arteta played under Wenger for five seasons between 2011 and 2016, before becoming Arsenal boss himself in 2019.

    After winning the 2020 FA Cup, Arteta has the Gunners leading the Premier League by eight points with 10 games to go.

    On track for Arsenal’s first title in 19 years, Arteta has credited Wenger for helping him as a player and then in the next step of his career.

    “I had a dream to play for this club and that was because of the way Arsenal played,” added Arteta.

    “It was so attractive. I had a phenomenal time with him. He pushed me as well at the end of my career to become a coach.

    “We had a conversation and I asked him what he would do in my position because I had doubts in my career over whether I wanted to continue my journey as a coach.

    “He helped me at the club and at the academy to do my badges and again, he was an inspiration.”

  • United and Wrexham will face off in the United States

    United and Wrexham will face off in the United States

    Wrexham is travelling to the United States to play Manchester United with the help of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

    The friendly will take place on July 25 at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium.

    With the recent signing of former United goalkeeper Ben Foster, Wrexham is vying for National League promotion.

    They are three points ahead of Notts County and advanced to the FA Cup fourth round before losing to Sheffield United, who later advanced to the semifinals.

    The Welsh club were bought by Hollywood A-listers Reynolds and McElhenney in 2020.

    “We’re looking forward to being able to play in the United States for the first time in the club’s history,” said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.

    Wrexham last faced United in an FA Cup tie in 1995. The Red Devils’ team will be mainly made up of academy players.

  • Hojbjerg wants Conte to ‘elaborate’ on his outburst that put him in danger of being fired

    Hojbjerg wants Conte to ‘elaborate’ on his outburst that put him in danger of being fired

    Antonio Conte was admonished by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to “elaborate” on the extraordinary outburst that put him in danger of losing his job as Tottenham manager.

    The fiery Italian boss said he saw “selfish players” who “do not want to play under pressure” after his side were pegged back in a 3-3 Premier League draw by Southampton on Saturday.

    Conte also sounded like he was taking aim at the club’s leadership when he said: “20 years there is the owner and they never won something. Why?”

    Spurs are now anticipated to make their move during the break in international play. Hojbjerg said he can understand Conte’s annoyance over Sheffield United and Milan’s disappointing exits from the FA Cup and Champions League, respectively, but believes there should be a clearer message to  help the team get to where they want to be.

    “We’ve all seen it,” Hojbjerg told reporters while on Denmark duty. 

    “[It was a] very honest and very open press conference he gave. It is because he is not satisfied. You don’t do that if you’ve reached the quarter-final of the Champions League and if you’re in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

    “It comes from the fact that, unfortunately, we did not get the results we as a team and club wanted. We are still where we want and need to be in the Premier League. But yes, it’s hard, I should say.

    “I understand that if you want to be successful as a team, you need 11 men who are committed to a project and a culture. But I think he has to elaborate on how he feels before you as a player can start measuring and weighing.

    “The coach has not been satisfied, and that is what I will take with me. You do what you can to please him. What I do know about myself is that I am an honest player. I am a player who always gives 100 per cent of myself for the team.”

    When asked if he felt Conte was right to take the course of action he did, Hojbjerg replied: “Fortunately, I am not the one to judge it.

    “If that’s how he sees it, then you have to be a little more precise in order for you as a player to take it to heart.”

    He did confirm, though, that Conte did not give his players prior warning of the tirade that was to come.

    “He didn’t tell us what he wanted to say at the press conference,” he said.

    “But it is clear that you work with each other every day, you want the best for each other and you want to be successful together. And sometimes the waves go high in football.”

    Spurs are fourth in the table but each of Newcastle United, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion own games in hand in a congested fight for Champions League football.

    They return to action at home to Everton on April 3.

  • Man Utd to face Brighonton at Wembley for FA Cup semi-finals

    Man Utd to face Brighonton at Wembley for FA Cup semi-finals

    In the FA Cup semifinals, Manchester City will play Sheffield United, and Manchester United will play Brighton.

    The result of Sunday’s draw puts a Manchester derby in the final squarely on the table.

    Although though City enters the match against the Blades as heavy favorites, Pep Guardiola’s team will not be taking anything for granted.

    In a 6-0 thumping of Burnley on Saturday, Erling Haaland notched his sixth hat-trick of the year to help City advance to the semi-finals for the fifth consecutive year.

    Carabao Cup champions United earned their second trip to Wembley this season after defeating nine-man Fulham 3-1 at Old Trafford.

    Sheffield United, meanwhile, scored twice late on to beat fellow Championship side Blackburn 3-2 on Sunday at Bramall Lane. 

    City loanee Tommy Doyle netted the Blades’ winner in stoppage time but will be unable to feature against his parent club in the last four. 

    James McAtee is another regular who is on loan from the Premier League champions.

    Evan Ferguson became the top-scoring teenager for a Premier League club across all competitions this season (seven) as he netted twice in Brighton’s 5-0 thrashing of Grimsby.

    The semi-final ties will be played at Wembley across the weekend of April 22 and 23.

    FA Cup semi-final draw

    Brighton vs Manchester United 

    Manchester City vs Sheffield United

  • FA Cup: Haaland works another hat-trick to push Man City to semis

    FA Cup: Haaland works another hat-trick to push Man City to semis

    In order to go to the FA Cup semifinals, Manchester City destroyed Vincent Kompany’s Burnley 6-0 with yet another hat-trick from Erling Haaland.

    As City mercilessly destroyed the Clarets at the Etihad Stadium, the prolific Norwegian added his sixth treble of the year to his five goals against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

    World Cup champion Julian Alvarez scored twice to celebrate his new deal, and 20-year-old Cole Palmer also scored, but former City captain Kompany had a dreadful homecoming to his former stadium.

    A large portion of the buildup to the game had been focused on Kompany, who had a statue outside the stadium and had a dazzling playing career with City, where he won 10 major championships.

    The 22-year-old has now scored a remarkable 42 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions this term.

    Burnley, the runaway Championship leaders, started confidently and Stefan Ortega was almost caught out as he was rushed into a pass and gifted the ball to Ian Maatsen.

    Rico Lewis raced back to avert danger and Ortega made amends somewhat a few moments later when he pushed away a long-range effort from Nathan Tella.

    Yet as uneasy as City looked at times in their own half, they were confident and slick at the other end.

    Burnley had an escape when Haaland misdirected a header from a Phil Foden cross and it took a good tackle from Jordan Beyer to prevent Alvarez shooting.

    Such was City’s quality they could punish Burnley at any moment and a quickfire Haaland double just after the half hour put the game beyond the Clarets.

    Haaland was fed on the edge of the area by Alvarez and, although Bailey Peacock-Farrell rushed out, he instinctively poked the ball beyond the keeper.

    It was a smart finish but his next just moments later was even sweeter.

    This time Foden was the provider after a charge down the left. His low ball into the area arced invitingly for Haaland and he lifted it neatly over Peacock-Farrell.

    Burnley tried to respond and Maatsen forced a good save from Ortega just before the interval but City and Haaland were in no mood to relent.

    Peacock-Farrell blocked a Riyad Mahrez volley and then beat away a Haaland strike but he could not stem the tide for long.

    Haaland completed his treble just before the hour when, as usual, he was in the right place at the right time to pounce on a rebound after Foden hit the post.

    He gave Peacock-Farrell no chance as he rifled home and the score quickly became 4-0 as Kevin De Bruyne burst into the area and squared for Alvarez to tap home.

    As he was in midweek, Haaland was taken off in the 63rd minute. That meant his contribution for the week totalled eight goals from just 126 minutes of action.

    There was still no respite for Burnley as Foden’s cross was pushed into the path of Palmer and the substitute turned in.

    The sixth came soon after as Alvarez raced onto a De Bruyne through ball and turned inside Ameen Al-Dakhil to thump home.

    City coasted through the final few minutes and can now look forward to another trip to Wembley next month.

  • ‘Never go back’: Carragher warns Poch not to return back to Spurs

    ‘Never go back’: Carragher warns Poch not to return back to Spurs

    Jamie Carragher thinks Mauricio Pochettino would be wrong to return to Tottenham because doing so would be like Kevin Keegan going back to Newcastle United.

    Tottenham’s coach Antonio Conte is under increasing pressure following a desperate run that dashed their chances of taking home a trophy this year.

    Spurs entered the top four in the Premier League after back-to-back wins, but after losing at Wolves in the league, the FA Cup at Sheffield United, and a miserable goalless draw at Milan, they were eliminated from the Champions League.

    Conte’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, so it seems likely that the former manager of Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter will soon leave Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    Pochettino, who spent five years at the club, would be a popular appointment for many fans, and he remains out of work after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

    But Liverpool legend Carragher sees concerning parallels with Keegan’s 2008 homecoming at Newcastle, where he soon left following a dispute with owner Mike Ashley.

    “Never go back. That is what they say in football,” Carragher wrote in The Telegraph.

    “Mauricio Pochettino would be wise to remember that if he is tempted to return to Tottenham Hotspur.

    “Don’t do it, Poch. All parties need to move on. Comebacks are usually more romantic than logical.

    “Pochettino may see Spurs as the best chance to return to the Premier League. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could curry favour with the supporters by re-appointing a popular ex-manager.

    “They must know how rarely old magic is recreated in football.”

    While noting Carlo Ancelotti has enjoyed a successful second spell at Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho won the title after rejoining Chelsea, Carragher added: “Pochettino returning to Spurs would be like Kevin Keegan going back to Newcastle United.

    “Like Keegan’s Newcastle in the mid-90s, Pochettino’s Tottenham charmed neutrals without winning trophies.

    “Keegan’s re-appointment in 2008 was greeted like the second coming, but he walked into different conditions and was gone eight months later.”

    Tottenham finished second under Pochettino in 2016-17, their best performance since the 1960s, and also came third twice.

    He was unable to end their wait for silverware, however, losing in the Champions League final in 2019 and EFL Cup final in 2015.

  • FA Cup: Utd fans admire Marcus Rashford’s reaction, after team lost to West Ham

    FA Cup: Utd fans admire Marcus Rashford’s reaction, after team lost to West Ham

    Marcus Rashford’s response after his team’s FA Cup match loss to West Ham on March 1 was something that Manchester United supporters could not help but admire. The United team overcame a goal deficit to defeat the struggling Hammers 3-1 in the Premier League.

    Said Benrahma gave David Moyes’ team the lead in the 54th minute, but they were soon beaten when Nayef Aguerd scored an own goal while under pressure from Wout Weghorst.

    As the game lurched towards a draw, Alejandro Garnacho rose to the occasion and curled a stunning goal past Alphonse Areola. Midfielder Fred then sealed the victory by steering in a goal in stoppage time.

    Rashford was ready for action It was yet another win for Erik Ten Hag’s side, who are now unbeaten in 19 games at Old Trafford. The win was a bit different from what fans have gotten used to in recent months, as Rashford was not on the scoresheet this time.

    However, the 24-year-old was ready for action as soon as United conceded the first goal. An interesting photo has emerged online showing Rashford asking Anthony Elanga for his shirt as he prepared to come on for his side, who were trailing at the time.

    The photo, shared on ESPN’s Twitter, was a clear demonstration of the elite mentality Rashford currently has and the confidence that scoring for his team has brought to his game. Rashford clearly believed he was going to come on and score and help his side to extend their unbeaten run at Old Trafford.

    The England forward currently has 25 goals this season across all competitions. Meanwhile, United’s quadruple hopes are still alive as they will face Fulham in the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

  • Man City cruise into FA Cup quarters

    Man City cruise into FA Cup quarters

    Manchester City defeated tenacious Bristol City 3-0 at Ashton Gate to go to the FA Cup quarterfinals.

    In front of a large crowd in the West Country, Phil Foden scored twice, and Kevin De Bruyne added a late flourish as the six-time FA Cup champions halted Bristol City’s 12-game winning streak.

    The final score was unfair to the hosts because they trailed after Foden’s goal in the seventh minute and remained competitive deep into the fourth quarter.

    Yet 16 minutes from time, Foden’s deflected goal and a beautiful De Bruyne finish guaranteed the visitors’ spot in the round of eight.

    De Bruyne, who had missed two games due to illness, made five changes to the Manchester City lineup from the team that defeated Bournemouth on Saturday.

    England midfielder Kalvin Phillips made only his second start since leaving Leeds last summer as Ederson, Erling Haaland, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish and Rodri began the night on the bench.

    Phillips was clearly determined to impress after his injury troubles and only 63 seconds had elapsed when he struck the crossbar from 25 yards.

    In a frantic opening Manuel Akanji’s slip gave Sam Bell a shooting opportunity that ended up being deflected wide and the visitors were ahead soon after.

    Riyad Mahrez worked a clever one-two with De Bruyne and the Algerian’s cross to the far post was swept high into the net by Foden, who scored for the second successive game.

    Bristol City’s response was a loud penalty shout after Mark Sykes tangled with Rico Lewis. It appeared a legitimate appeal but referee Andre Marriner was unmoved and, with no VAR in operation, home fans were left frustrated.

    Julian Alvarez miskicked in front of the home goal from Foden’s cross, but Bristol City were acquitting themselves well and getting a fair amount of joy down their left flank.

    Alex Scott shot straight at Stefan Ortega and Bell fired over after Tomas Kalas caught De Bruyne in possession.

    Manchester City’s threat was also evident as Mahrez saw his volley headed off the line by Kalas and Ruben Dias tested Max O’Leary with a header.

    Mahrez was making his 400th appearance in English football and Robins boss Nigel Pearson, who signed him for Leicester in 2014 from French club Le Havre, could not resist having a word with the Algerian when he went to ground following a touchline challenge from Cameron Pring.

    Ederson replaced Ortega at half-time and Manchester City took charge of the contest without working O’Leary until Alvarez forced him into a save low to his right.

    Foden was caught late and took instant retribution on Sykes to earn a yellow card and a word from his manager Pep Guardiola to stay focused.

    The temperature was rising both on and off the pitch as the contest became more balanced and Bristol City fans urged their players to seize the moment.

    It almost arrived when Scott dispossessed Dias for Andreas Weimann to send over a cross which Bell headed just wide.

    But it was all over when De Bruyne played a wonderful through ball to Nathan Ake before Alvarez helped it on to Foden, and the Belgium midfielder ensured he would have the last word from 20 yards.

    Source: Livescore

  • Too early to say Man Utd are back -Andrew Cole

    Too early to say Man Utd are back -Andrew Cole

    The right foundation is being laid by Erik ten Hag to get Manchester United back in contention for the top prizes, but according to him, it is still too early to declare the Red Devils’ return.

    In the EFL Cup final on Sunday at Wembley, United defeated Newcastle United 2-0 to win their first significant trophy in six years. Goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford in the first half were enough to secure the victory.

    It is Ten Hag’s most recent victory. Despite being eight points behind league-leading Arsenal, Ten Hag’s team still has FA Cup and Europa League aspirations, and a title challenge is not out of the question.

    While acknowledging the upward trajectory Ten Hag has the club on, Red Devils legend Cole, a member of the illustrious 1999 treble-winning United team, cautioned there is still a long way to go to catch up to rivals Manchester City, who have won the title in four of the past five seasons and are only two points behind the Gunners this time around.

    “We need to remember a lot of teams [used to] disregard the League Cup, now the League Cup has become a big competition,” Cole told Stats Perform.

    “I’m very, very happy obviously we won the League Cup and with Ten Hag, but let’s put things into perspective here, it’s his first season. We’ve got to be very honest, we know there’s a big gap between ourselves and Manchester City.

    “We can talk about at the present moment there’s only five points difference but if we look at the whole of the last few seasons we’ve not been close. 

    “So, I’m not going to look at this year and say, ‘we’re back’. It’s fantastic that we’ve had the opportunity to win the cup, but I think we’re still a little bit away. If we keep improving like we are at the moment, it won’t be too much longer.”

    Cole, who scored 121 goals in 275 appearances for United, believes the EFL Cup triumph is only part of the process of getting the club challenging regularly for league titles once again.

    “I was sitting here watching the game and hoping that this is the start of something new,” he added.

    “To win the league you’ve got to be the best team for 38 games. So that’s the process; that takes time; that’s not going to take you one or two years, it’s going to take a little bit longer. 

    “If you look at for instance, Manchester City, they’ve won the League Cup numerous times, then they’ve gone on to win the league numerous times.” 

    “I think he’s [Ten Hag] building blocks. If you look at his building blocks, obviously Manchester United are in a position where they’ve won the League Cup. But let’s build on that. Get from now until the end of the season, finish in the Champions League spot. And then you go to the next season. 

    “I’m not going to sit here and say Manchester United are going to win the league next season. I know how difficult that’s going to be. Just because we won the League Cup this season, I don’t believe we’re going to win the Premier League next season by 15 points. No, it doesn’t quite happen like that; everything is a process.”

    United have had plenty of false dawns since legendary manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, with the likes of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all ultimately falling short in their attempts to restore past glories – even though the two former coaches did win trophies.

    Cole believes Ten Hag can lean on Ferguson for advice but ultimately step out of his shadow.

    “I think with Ten Hag we all know he’s got a pinch on the game and how he wants to run the football club, he’s very good with discipline,” he said.

    “From the outside looking in, I could say possibly that’s what Ten Hag is doing at Manchester United – leaning on Sir Alex Ferguson for his knowledge. 

    “But at some stage you’re going to look at things and address things in a totally different way. So, I think to take it on board that Sir Alex Ferguson is there and he’s going to be there period.

    “There’s no point to try to fight against him because I think when people try and fight against it then it seems to cause more problems than anything else, it seems like they’ve got a very good relationship which is only a positive thing.”

  • Leeds expected to march into the fourth round

    Leeds expected to march into the fourth round

    Jesse Marsch asserts that struggling Leeds will put everything on the line to defeat Cardiff tonight.

    The Whites overcame a two-goal deficit earlier this month to force a rematch in their FA Cup third-round match against the Championship team.

    And Marsch has assured the Elland Road crowd that his players are up for the battle, despite the fact that he could probably do without the distraction of a cup tournament at a time when his team is only two points above the Premier League relegation zone.

    He said: “We’re absolutely going out to win the match. We need to go match by match now in the league and the FA Cup.

    “It won’t be easy but we’re at home. For me, we need to get another complete performance, we need conviction, we need a win.”

    Joel Bagan was given the boot in the 80th minute, and Cardiff concluded the first game with 10 men.

    When he was dismissed, the hosts had a 2-1 advantage, but a dramatic late Sonny Perkins goal prevented Marsch’s team from making a humiliating early exit.

    And the 49-year-old American anticipates a stronger Bluebirds team for this evening’s game against the team without a manager.

    Jesse Marsch has not always enjoyed himself in the Leeds dugout

    Jesse Marsch has not always enjoyed himself in the Leeds dugout

    He added: “We dug ourselves a hole in that match. But by many standards, in the second half, we were absolutely dominant.

    “I think we’ll see a stronger side. They played a lot of reserve players [in the first match], so I think we will see more of the team that they played against Wigan at the weekend.

    “But I think where we are in this tournament, we can have hope to handle our business.”

    With Mark Hudson relieved of his duties in the wake of Cardiff’s 1-1 draw with the Latics last Sunday, Dean Whitehead has been placed in charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis. 

    And the former Sunderland and Stoke midfielder is confident his side will cope with the intense atmosphere that awaits in Yorkshire. 

    Whitehead, 41, said: “The boys are ready. Everybody is fit and we’re looking forward to it. It’s a good game for us. 

    “The atmosphere is going to be really good and we’ve got to put in a performance for our travelling supporters. 

    “It’s an amazing amount of people who are going to come and support us on a Wednesday night away in Leeds. We have to wear the shirt with pride.”

    Leeds vs Cardiff kicks off at 7.45pm and viewers can follow the action live on ITV4 and ITVX. 

    The winners of tonight’s clash will face Accrington Stanley or Boreham Wood in the FA Cup fourth round. 

  • BBC renders apology for sex noise heard during live coverage of FA Cup

    BBC renders apology for sex noise heard during live coverage of FA Cup

    BBC has issued an apology following the interruption of the FA Cup on live air by sexual noises.

    Moaning was heard while Gary Lineker presented the third-round replay between Wolves and Liverpool on Tuesday.

    The football pundit later posted a picture of a mobile phone he said was “taped to the back of the set”.

    “We apologise to any viewers offended during the live coverage of the football this evening,” the BBC said.

    A spokesperson said the BBC was investigating the incident.

    Lineker tried to laugh off the incident as he presented the programme in a studio at Wolverhampton’s Molineux Stadium alongside pundits Paul Ince and Danny Murphy.

    As he cut to colleague and fellow former England striker Alan Shearer in the commentary gantry, he said: “Somebody’s sending something on someone’s phone, I think.

    “I don’t know whether you heard it at home.”

    When the match started, he shared a picture of a mobile phone on Twitter and three laughing emojis alongside the words: “Well, we found this taped to the back of the set.

    “As sabotage goes it was quite amusing.”

    The incident did not go unnoticed by viewers, with clips of the moment widely shared on social media on Tuesday evening.

    YouTube prankster Daniel Jarvis claimed he was behind the stunt, posting a video on Twitter that appeared to show him at Molineux.

    He was handed a suspended sentence last October after being convicted of aggravated trespass over an incident where he collided with England cricketer Jonny Bairstow after invading the Oval pitch in south London during a Test.

    And he was given an eight-week prison sentence suspended for two years and was banned from attending any venue where a sporting fixture is being held in England and Wales for two years.

    He was also banned from travelling abroad for 12 months and made subject to a rehabilitation activity requirement.

    Source: BBC

  • FA investigates homophobic chant during United’s FA Cup tie with Everton

    FA investigates homophobic chant during United’s FA Cup tie with Everton

    An alleged homophobic shout heard during Manchester United’s FA Cup match against Everton is being looked into by the Football Association (FA).

    At Old Trafford on Friday, United defeated their fellow Premier League team 3-1 to advance to the fourth round.

    Homophobic chants were heard from some home fans, who were believed to be targeting Everton manager Frank Lampard.

    Following the game, the FA acknowledged that it is looking into the situation in a statement.

    “We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this term,” the statement read. 

    “Part of our work in this area has been to provide the relevant authorities with impact statements from LGBTQ+ supporters, detailing how chants of this nature affects their experience and feeling of inclusion at football matches, so that a clearer stance and understanding on the chant can be established.

    “We stand firmly against all forms of discrimination and we are striving to ensure our game is a safe environment for all, which truly embraces diversity and challenges hateful conduct both on and off the pitch.”

    After Antony’s early goal, Conor Coady pulled Everton even, but the defender subsequently buried the ball in his own net before Marcus Rashford’s late penalty gave United the victory.

    United also denounced the yelling from their supporters in a widely circulated statement they made on Friday.

    “Homophobia, like all forms of discrimination, has no place in football,” the statement read. “Manchester United is proud of our diverse fan base and the work we have done to reduce instances like we sadly heard today.

    “We will continue to campaign for inclusivity and to tackle discriminatory abuse whether inside stadiums or online. This includes working with fan groups to educate fans on the offence which discriminatory language causes.”

    The incident comes less than a week on from Nottingham Forest launching an investigation into allegations of homophobic chanting directed at Chelsea fans in a 1-1 draw.

  • Gillingham snatch victory against 10-man Dagenham

    Gillingham beat a determined 10-man Dagenham 3-2 in their FA Cup replay to reach the third round.

    Hakeeb Adelakun was the last-gasp hero.

    The hosts struck deep into stoppage time after the visitors had equalised. They did so late on through George Saunders.

    With a home tie against 2021 FA Cup winners Leicester awaiting in the next round, both sides had chances in a hectic start.

    There are only 14 places between the two teams and it was the non-league club who struck first.

    Matt Robinson fired home a superb 20-yard strike in the 15th minute.

    But Ipswich loanee Elkan Baggott leapt highest to level just before the half-hour mark.

    Gillingham led for the first time when Max Ehmer headed home with 13 minutes left, and two minutes later Dagenham’s Harry Phipps was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Lewis Walker.

    The visitors seemingly salvaged extra time when Saunders rounded Jake Turner and scored from a tight angle.

    But there was late heartache when Adelakun finished off a flowing counter in the fifth minute of time added on.

  • GFA confirms date for 2022–23 MTN FA Cup Competition Championship

    The Ghana Football Association has declared that the 2022–23 MTN FA Cup Competition’s championship game would take place on June 17, 2023 at an unnamed stadium.

    Given the impressive final matches played at Accra and Baba Yara Stadium in the previous two competitions, the FA Cup Organising Committee is anticipated to announce a location for this year’s edition of the renowned knockout competition.

    Before the final match, the semi-finals matches will also be played on May 13 & 14, 2023.

    These were announced by the Ghana Football Association in its revised calendar for the competition.

    The knockout competition will bounce back in the week of Christmas with mouthwatering Round of 64 matches scheduled to be played from December 20-29, 2022 at various match venues across the country.

    Winners from this round will advance to the Round of 32 which will be played from January 20-23, 2023.

    Below is the revised calendar for the MTN FA Cup competition.

  • They want praise but not criticisms- Hearts Supporters Chief hits at Odotei and Akambi

    Leader of the supporters fronts of Accra Hearts of Oak, Elvis Herman Hesse has urged board members, Alhaji Akambi and Sowah Odotei to accept criticisms in good strides when things go south

    Hearts of Oak supporters have constantly called for the sack of the duo owing to Hearts’ poor performance both on the local and continental fronts.

    The pressure on the two board members became intense after the Phobians got kicked out from the CAF Confederations Cup against Malain side Real Bamako in Accra.

    The Rainbow club had gone eleven seasons without a domestic league title but managed to overcome that two seasons ago when former coach Samuel Boadu led them to the double – winning the league  and the FA Cup.

    Management were praised for the achievement by supporters but Elvis Herman Hesse want them to also accept the blame if things does not go well with the club.

    “When it goes well, when we are winning, when the right things are being done, their posture to the supporters looks like they are doing all the good things and so when things go bad, they should accept criticisms”.

    “Because you won’t be able to identify their portfolio in the club. They are supposed to be top managers, board members and their role is to implement policies at the top and direct the club”.

    “But when they decided to come down and communicate to the supporters that they are doing everything and making things work,when it goes wrong then supporters will blame theme,” Elvis Herman Hesse told Untold stories TV GH.

    Source: Footballghana

  • Ghanaian forward Enoch Andoh scores as St Ives Town make history with win in FA Cup

    Ghanaian forward Enoch Andoh was on target for St Ives Town in their 3-1 win over Chasetown in the FA Cup.

    The 29-year-old put up an impressive display as he helped his side qualify for the next round of the competition.

    With just 19 seconds on the clock, St Ives went straight on the offensive and a cross into the box caught the visitors napping as Jonny Edwards tapped home.

    The Scholars recovered quickly though and Luke Yates had a shot deflected behind for the first of a quick succession of half a dozen corners, the last of which was curled in by Kris Taylor and bulleted home by the head of Joey Butlin.

    The Cambridgeshire side regained the lead when Enoch Andoh came in from the left hand side to net beyond Chasetown keeper Curtis Pond.

    Within two minutes, Greg Kaziboni almost steered in at the far post as Ives looked to extend their advantage.

    St Ives reached the fourth qualifying round for the first time in their history with a third goal before the end when Johnny Herd drilled across the keeper to make it 3-1.

  • De Bruyne doubtful for Manchester derby – Pep

    Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt for Sunday’s Manchester derby after missing City’s FA Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday with a shoulder injury, according to manager Pep Guardiola.

    Guardiola said the Belgian landed awkwardly on his back and shoulder in the latter stages of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final victory over Aston Villa at Wembley.

    The 28-year-old did not travel to Hillsborough for Wednesday’s fifth-round tie, which City won 1-0, and Guardiola is unsure if he will be fit for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports Premier League.

    Speaking in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: “Kevin had a problem here [points to shoulder]. He was not fit.

    “In the last game, the last minutes he fell down in a bad position and had a problem in his back. We don’t know how long [he will be out]. Hopefully not much.”

    Asked if he would be fit for the derby, Guardiola added: “I don’t know.”

    City were not overly troubled by their Sky Bet Championship hosts at Hillsborough but were made to work hard for their victory by the spirited hosts.

    A firm left-foot finish from Sergio Aguero, which squirmed under goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith on 53 minutes, proved the difference and means City, the holders, will travel to Newcastle in the quarter-finals.

    “This is our fourth game away in a row and we have another one on Sunday at Old Trafford,” Guardiola added. “We spent a lot of mental energy in the last games and then came here.

    “But the players were absolutely ready, we didn’t concede one shot on target and that means a lot for our capacity to read the game. At the end we scored a goal and could have scored much, much more.”

    Guardiola felt the game would put City in good heart for the derby, adding: “It’s better to go there winning games, being in the FA Cup, than being out.

    “Tomorrow we’re going to watch a little bit of United versus Derby to analyse what they have done the last game, and we’re going to go there to try to win.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Football FA Cup holders Man City go to Newcastle in QFs

    Holders Manchester City have been drawn away to Newcastle in the FA Cup quarter-final draw.

    City are aiming to win back-to-back FA Cup trophies for the first time in their history, while Newcastle are into the last eight of the competition for the first time since 2006.

    Leicester’s reward for beating Birmingham is a visit from Chelsea as third in the Premier League take on fourth.

    Arsenal go to Sheffield United in what was the first tie pulled out of the hat.

    Norwich will play the winners of Thursday night’s remaining fifth round tie between Derby County and Manchester United.

    Full FA Cup quarter-final draw

    Sheffield United vs Arsenal

    Newcastle vs Manchester City

    Norwich vs Derby County or Manchester United

    Source: skysports.com

  • Klopp not worried by Liverpool form after Chelsea loss

    Jurgen Klopp played down concerns over Liverpool’s form after they were knocked out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

    Goals from Willian and Ross Barkley consigned Liverpool – unbeaten in the Premier League until Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Watford – to a third defeat in four games in all competitions.

    It represents a significant dip for a side who had only failed to win one of their previous 12 games, but Klopp insisted he is not worried about their loss of momentum in his post-match press conference, adding that he was pleased by his side’s overall performance.

    “Losing 2-0 is not good, but in this case it’s relatively easy to explain,” he said. “We made two massive mistakes around the goals.

    “The performance tonight was completely different to the performance against Watford. Against Watford, it was really bad. Tonight, it was not bad.

    “I liked the reaction. I liked the way we played. There was some good stuff.

    “It was a super intense game. We made seven changes because we knew it would be intense. But I’m not concerned about momentum. It’s football.

    “We never thought that it would be an easy season, that it would be an easy period, that it would be an easy game tonight. Nothing. It was always difficult, but we did very well. We were just not good enough in decisive moments, and that’s what we have to accept.”

    The questions over their form are unlikely to go away, however.

    Liverpool retain a 22-point advantage over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, but their FA Cup hopes are over and next week they must overturn a one-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid in order to keep their Champions League challenge alive.

    Klopp accepts that defensive improvement is required if they are to turn the recent results around.

    “It went our way for so long because we defended outstanding,” he said of Liverpool’s season. “Usually, you don’t get a lot of chances against us. Now, we have to admit that in the last three or four games we have conceded too many goals.”

    Frank Lampard, meanwhile, felt Chelsea’s performance showed their potential to compete with the top sides.

    “It was an impressive performance,” he said. “It is hard to be comprehensive against Liverpool because of the team that they are, but I couldn’t have asked for any more with the spirit, the work ethic and the quality.

    “You’ve got to defend well to keep a clean sheet against them because of the team that they are, but we deserved to win the game.

    “I think we may have played some better football in the two previous games against Liverpool, but today we had an extra spirit about us and we need to take the positives from that. We can compete against the big teams.

    “Wins or losses can come down to what you do in both boxes, and we got a slice of luck today. We took two chances that won us the game. We are still in transition and working towards closing the gap on [Liverpool], and to do that we have to find consistency.”

    “We are not the Chelsea of different ers gone by with Hazards, Costas and Terrys. We are in a different place with young players, and some older players, and we are trying to bridge the gap upwards,” he added.

    “It is important to know that unless we work hard every day in training and unless we go home and all we think about is how we improve then we can’t make that jump up.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Almiron helps take Newcastle into FA Cup quarters

     

    Miguel Almiron scored twice to help Newcastle into the last eight of the FA Cup, despite West Brom almost mounting a late comeback in a terrific encounter.

    Newcastle are into the quarters for the first time since 2006 after winning 3-2 at The Hawthorns on Tuesday night, but Championship leaders Albion pushed their Premier League opponents all the way.

    Both teams had early chances as Kyle Edwards tested Magpies goalkeeper Karl Darlow from range and Allan Saint-Maximin struck the crossbar, before Almiron scored twice in 12 minutes before the break.

    His first was a fine clipped finish on the run after Saint-Maximin’s through ball, before Joelinton back-heeled a pass inside the box and Almiron smashed home his second.

    Immediately after the restart, Valentino Lazaro bundled in a third from close range, before Matt Phillips pulled one back for West Brom and Kenneth Zohore netted a second late on in a very open cup tie.

    Player Ratings
    West Brom: Bond (5), Furlong (5), O’Shea (6), Bartley (6), Gibbs (5), Brunt (6), Barry (5), Harper (6), Phillips (7), Austin (6), Edwards (7)

    Subs: Krovinovic (6), Zohore (7), Tulloch (n/a)

    Newcastle: Darlow (6), Manquillo (6), Schar (7), Lascelles (6), Rose (7), Bentaleb (6), S Longstaff (7), Lazaro (8), Almiron (8), Saint-Maximin (8), Joelinton (7)

    Subs: Shelvey (6), Gayle (n/a), Lejeune (n/a)

    Man of the Match: Allan Saint-Maximin

    Source: skysports.com

  • Sokratis, Nketiah send Arsenal to quarters

    Goals from Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Eddie Nketiah either side of half-time sent Arsenal through to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win at Portsmouth.

    Arsenal were fortunate to go into the break a goal up, and it came from an unlikely source as Sokratis controlled a volley into the bottom corner from Reiss Nelson’s dangerous cross (45+4).

    Nelson created the second shortly after the break, taking on his man on the right before delivering for Nketiah to bundle home from close range (51).

    Arsenal are now in the quarter-finals for the first time in three seasons, with the last-eight draw taking place on Wednesday evening.

    Arsenal made nine changes in total, including giving January capture Pablo Mari a debut at centre-back, but Portsmouth themselves also rung the changes, making six having played on Friday evening.

    Kenny Jackett’s side started the stronger at Fratton Park, forcing Arsenal into some desperate last-ditch defending, and registering eight shots on the opposition goal in the first half, but without testing Emiliano Martinez.

    Lucas Torreira was taken off on a stretcher with a worrying ankle injury, replaced by Dani Ceballos, and Arsenal should have taken the lead with Gabriele Martinelli struck over at close range from a good Nelson centre.

    Nelson tried again during first-half stoppage time from the right flank, and this time it resulted in the opener as his superb, whipped delivery was met by Sokratis 10 yards out, the defender placing a fine volley into the bottom right corner.

    Nelson was causing problems again six minutes into the second half, easing his way past Steve Seddon before crossing for Nketiah, who netted at the second attempt after not quite connecting with his first effort.

    Arsenal loosened up further and looked for a third, but goalkeeper Alex Bass did superbly to tip over Bukayo Saka’s left-footed swinging effort.

    At the end of the game, Portsmouth were singing about their own trip to Wembley for the Leasing.com Trophy final against Salford in April, but for Arsenal, this competition represents their only chance for silverware this season as Mikel Arteta looks to bring success back to the Emirates.

    Source: skysports.com

  • FA Cup R64 Draw: Kotoko face Deportivo, Hearts to play Danbort

    The draw for the round of 64 of the 2019/20 MTN FA Cup was held on Tuesday with some interesting pairings.

    The round of 64 scheduled from February 21-24 was done on regional bases with some thrilling derby matches.

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko would face Division One side Asokwa Deportivo while Accra Hearts of Oak have been paired with against Division One side Danbort FC.

    It’s will be a Premier League affair as resurgent Aduana Stars lock horns against Bechem United.

    All teams participating in the round of 64 would get Ghc 2000 each as participation fees as well as Ghc 500 worth of airtime.

    Below are the full fixtures for the Round of 64:

    Greater Accra Region

    Mighty Jets vs. Great Olympics

    Attram De Visse vs. Tema Youth

    Legon Cities vs. Inter Allies

    Emmanuel FC vs. Uncle T FC

    Danbort FC vs. Hearts of Oak

    Accra City FC vs. Liberty Professionals

    Volta Region

    Akache All-Stars vs. Lekpe Heroes

    Heart of Lions vs. WAFA

    Eastern Region

    Akosombo Krystal Palace vs. Vision FC

    Okwawu United Blue Skies Pelicans

    Phar Rangers Dreams FC

    Central Region

    Dwarfs vs. Star Madrid

    All Blacks vs. Elmina Sharks

    Unistar Academy vs. Skyy FC

    Venomous Vipers vs. Suamponman United

    Western Region

    FC Samartex vs. Nkwantaman United

    Eleven Wise vs. Nzema Kotoko

    Karela FC vs. Medeama SC

    Ashanti Region

    Thunderbolt FC vs. King Faisal

    Achiken FC vs. AshGold

    Asante Kotoko vs. Asokwa Desportivo

    Pacific Heroes vs. BYF Academy

    Northern Region

    RTU vs. Young Zombia

    Tamale City FC vs. Kintampo FC

    Upper East

    Paga Crocodiles vs. Zuarungu FC

    Upper West

    Wa Suntaa FC vs. Was Yasin FC

    Brong Ahafo Region

    Aduana Stars vs. Bechem United

    BA United vs. Bofoakwa Tano

    Unity FC/Berekum Arsenal vs. Berekum Chelsea

    DC United vs. Wamanafo Mighty Royals

    Kenyase New Dreams FC vs. Eleven Wonders

    Kintampo Top Talent vs. Young Apostles

    Source: GNA