News, commentary and ticket information for the FA Cup.
Arsenal‘s mental condition is apparently in a deep mess after their major Champions League defeat against Ac Milan as it was shown on their recent FA Cup showing at Sunderland, where Arsene Wenger’s side went out of the competition rather surprisingly.
Getting battered 2-0 by Martin O’Neill’s side obviously isn’t a positive sign from Wenger’s boys but their French manager remain calm and promised that things can improve in upcoming matches.
Chelsea‘s failure in beating Birmingham City provides more pressure for Andre Villas-Boas side ahead of their Champions League clash against Italian side, Napoli, in the midweek as the Portuguese coach admitted that his side’s confidence is rather low at the moment.
Villas-Boas hopes that his players can overcome that mental problem as they will be facing much more difficult task in Southern Italy rather than their recent FA Cup tie against Birmingham that ended 1-1.
It was a disappointing day for Chelsea and Arsenal fans in the FA Cup fifth round. Chelsea were held at home by championship side Birmingham City while Arsenal’s miserable week continued as they lost 2-0 at Sunderland.
A week after an added time Thierry Henry goal have Arsenal a 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Martin O’Neil’s team gained their revenge to cap off a horrible four days for Arsenal who were ripped apart at the San Siro in midweek.
Blackpool’s reward for a scintillating 3-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough is a trip to Everton in the FA Cup fifth round.
The game was effectively won in the opening 15 minutes as Matt Phillips continued his red-hot scoring streak with a precise finish and Lomana LuaLua curled in a superb effort soon after.
The Seasiders produced an outstanding attacking display and they made it three shortly after the break with another goal of sheer quality, Ludovic Sylvestre bending in from the edge of the area.
Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday Highlights
Crashing out in the FA Cup against their bitter rival, Liverpool, obviously left a bitter taste for Manchester United especially since they were not actually outplayed in the match but lose out due to a defensive error.
The club’s manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, was the one who voived out his disappointment and disbeliefs with the Red Devils’ failure in advancing from the competition especially since the tactician believes that his team played better than their opponent.
Chelsea’s succes in overcoming Queens Park Rangers on Saturday apparently brought some negativity for them as one of their important players, Ramires, was forced to leave the pitch with what looked to be a knee injury.
This situation is apparently worrying for the Blues’ manager, Andre Villas-Boas, who tried to be optimistic with his Brazilian midfielder’s condition, hoping that it won’t be a very serious knee problem for the ex-Benfica man.
Goals from Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt saw Liverpool get revenge for last season’s FA Cup at Old Trafford as they beat Manchester United 2-1 at Anfield. Elsewhere Chelsea beat QPR and Newcastle were shocked by Brighton.
While the clash at Anfield got all the headlines this week, the biggest story took place on the coast as Brighton boss Gus Poyet once again haunted Newcastle in the FA Cup.
Puyot cored two goals for Chelsea in the 2000 semi-final against Toon as the Blues went on to lift the trophy and today he saw his side stun the Premier League high-fliers to reach the last 16 for the second year running.
Having left a pretty bad mark in their latest meeting with Manchester United, Liverpool apparently wants their upcoming meeting against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in the FA Cup returns as a memorable fixture in a footballing way.
This wish is being revealed by the Reds’ captain, Steven Gerrard, who felt that what happened in both clubs’ previous meeting have pretty much gave more negative aspect towards his team which is obviously not related with football.
Chelsea‘s up coming against Queens Par Rangers will be the first meeting for both John Terry and Anton Ferdinand since claims that Terry racially abused Ferdinand surfaced last October.
And according to chief racism campaigner, Lord Herman Ouseley, he expects the duo to diffuse the tension surrounding the incident by shaking hands during the customary pre match formalities.
Terry’s case is due to be heard in the next few days, in fact 3 days after the crunch fixture slated for Saturday and many are waiting with bated breathe to see the reaction the home fans will give Terry.
Two big wins tonight in the FA Cup for Bolton and QPR, two sides that have been struggling for wins in the league this season.
Bolton beat fourth-tier Macclesfield 2-0 to reach the competition’s last 32. First-half goals by striker Kevin Davies and Bulgaria winger Martin Petrov set up an all-Premier League match against Swansea on Jan. 28.
QPR were not as convincing as they needed a goal from defender Danny Gabbidon in the 73rd-minute goal to beat MK Dons. QPR will now play Chelsea at home in the fourth-round.
