by : Sam Cullen
Aston Villa also win a derby, beating West Browich Albion 2-1 in a lunchtime kick-off. Steven Davis opens the scoring for Villa before former Villain Steve Watson equalises for the Baggies. However, it is Watson’s late handball which gifts the penalty from which Milan Baros settles the issue;
“We played well. Full credit to the players.” says an unusually happy Villa manager David O’Leary.
Arsenal and Manchester United virtually concede the title to Chelsea with a goalless draw lacking in enthusiasm and ambition at Highbury on January 3.
In the absence of both Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane from the fixture both sides revolutionise football by opting to play almost without a central midfield unit, with the result being too slightly bored and tired sides settling for a draw. Even the managers can’t be bothered to discredit each other very much;
“I think we had the better chances, but Arsenal had more of the possession, so a draw was probably a fair result.” says Sir Alex Ferguson, eyes firmly fixed on the Premiership runners-up spot;
“I felt it was very close to a penalty on Fabregas when Neville tackled him from behind in the area.” retorts Arsene Wenger, saying something and nothing really.
Fulham sign New Zealand international Simon Elliot on a free from US outfit Columbus Crew;
“He is a solid midfield player and is experienced.” claims Cottagers boss Chris Coleman;
“He'll add strength and depth to the squad.” he adds. That means he is no better than Sylvain Legwinski then.
West Ham also get in on the transfer activity, officially unveling Israeli striker Yaniv Katan who joins from Maccabi Haifa for £100,000;
“All my life I have dreamed of playing in England.” says an excitable Katan, adding;
“This is a very happy day for me.”
Easily pleased, some people.
Tottenham continue to press their claims for a Champions League qualification place beating Manchester City 2-0 at the City of Manchester Stadium on January 4.
Egyptian striker Mido returns to his homeland for the African Cup of Nations this week and signs off with the opening goal for Spurs after a calamitous error from Sylvain Distin. Robbie Keane seals the win in the second half. There’s controversy as City defender David Sommeil’s tackle sees Tottenham’s South Korean international Lee Young-Pyo stretchered off. However, this does not dampen the mood of Spurs boss Martin Jol;
“I am delighted. To have 40 points in the first week of January is a dream when you start the season.” he gushes, as his side cement fourth place in the Premiership table.
City boss Stuart Pearce is not so much angry as baffled by his side’s disastrous festive form;
“For some unknown reason we are showing a lack of confidence at the moment.” he complains. City stay 9th in the table as a result of the defeat, and could be on the cusp of another inauspicious slide towards mediocrity.
January means transfers these days, and who else but Harry Redknapp could be leading the way in the wheeling and indeed the dealing stakes? Harry first boots Laurent Robert out of the Fratton Park exit door, shipping him off to the surprise destination of Champions League hopefuls Benfica.
The Portuguese champions sign the 30 year-old on a three and a half year contract, and the former Newcastle winger and some time liability is understandably disbelieving of his luck;
“To be able to play in the Champions League is fantastic and that's why I am here.” says Robert, still smiling at the prospect of swapping Pompey’s relegation scrap for such dizzy heights. Getting rather carried away, Robert then sets his sights on a place in the French World Cup squad;
“The World Cup might seem a long way off for a player like me, but I haven't given up hope.” he states;
“I still think I could do a job for my country and I'd love another chance to prove it.” he insists, perhaps offering to carry the luggage or drive the coach to the airport.
As one goes out another comes in as Poland’s Nigerian-born international striker Emanuel Olisadebe arrives at Fratton Park following a recent trial. The 27 year-old joins until the end of the season, and trots out the usual bile about what an honour it is to play in the Premiership;
“I am excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League which is the best in the world.” he insists, having not yet tasted the delights of a midweek trip to Sunderland in the driving snow.
Liverpool are busy too, finally completing the swap deal with Villarreal which sees Josemi go back to Spain and Dutch international Jan Kromkamp arrive at Anfield. The 25 year-old is set to be unveiled on Thursday (January 5) while Josemi is already expressing his delight at the deal;
“I wasn't given all the chances I had hoped I would get at Liverpool.” claims the Spaniard, sounding like a thousand other Anfield failures on the occasion of their departures.
Chelsea make what manager Jose Mourinho insists will be their one and only acquisition of the January window, bringing in Portuguese midfielder Maniche from Dynamo Moscow. The 28 year-old arrives on loan until the end of the season with a view to a £5million permanent move in the summer, and is re-united with Mourinho who coached him at both Benfica and FC Porto;
“Mourinho is the key to me signing. He has been after me for some time. He is my maestro.” suggests Maniche, offering yet another superlative on Mourinho for the already fawning and salivating media to delight in.
Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce goes out panic buying a day later. The former Manchester United captain brings in Celtic has been Chris Sutton on a free transfer until the end of the season, in a desperate bid to lift the Blues out of the Premiership drop zone.
For his part, Sutton is brimming with enthusiasm at the prospect of heading to St.Andrews;
“It has been very disappointing for me to leave Celtic.” he moans, adding;
“Under the circumstances I felt that I had been left with no choice.”
“Good defenders win you things.” suggests Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, announcing the £7million arrival of Spartak Moscow’s Serbia and Montenegro international defender Nemanja Vidic;
“You need good defenders and that is exactly what this lad is.” adds Ferguson. Are you paying attention, Ferdinand?
Across Manchester Stuart Pearce brings in Espanyol winger Albert Riera on loan until the end of the season;
“It's another new face and he's of a good age at 23.” says Pearce, clearly sick of looking at Danny Mills’ mug day after day.
Shonky businessman Harry Redknapp is at it again, smashing the Portsmouth club transfer record to bring in the unpronounceable Zimbabwean international striker Benjani Mwaruwari for £4.1million from French club Auxerre. The deal is subject to the 27 year-old passing a medical, but Harry reveals that this particular purchase comes highly recommended;
“I spoke to Arsene Wenger about him last week. He told me if you can get him, get the next plane over there and bring him back.” confirms Redknapp, before learning that Mwaruwari will be unavailable during the forthcoming African Cup of Nations and storming out of the press room. Meanwhile Mwaruwari reveals that he shares his new manager‘s persecution complex;
“Although I signed a four-year contract four months ago, I think the Auxerre board wants to sell me.” he claims, at least sparing us the Redknapp-esque mantra about how often he has saved his team and what state they were in before he arrived and blah blah blah.
England announce two more fixtures as part of their World Cup warm-up schedule, with Uruguay arriving at Anfield on March 1 before Sven’s men take on Jamaica on June 3 at the new Wembley. As is his wont, Sven succumbs to boring generalisations about how teams from the same part of the world play a similar style of football;
“Jamaica will have a similar style to Trinidad and Tobago.” he claims, hopefully.
Not content with that, he then compares Uruguay to Paraguay, and he isn’t talking about spelling;
“They will be tough and a similar challenge to our group opponents Paraguay.” says the man whose team are awfully similar in style to Scotland don’t you know? No, I didn’t know that either. Must be true though eh?
Just a day after the signing of Nemanja Vidic, Sir Alex Ferguson moves to shore up his rickety back line even further, announcing a deal for the arrival of left-back Patrice Evra from Monaco.
The 24 year-old is due to have a medical on Monday (January 9) and it is thought will cost the Old Trafford club £5.5million;
“We have been looking at him for some time since Gabriel Heinze was injured in September.” explains Sir Alex, all the while refusing to comment on the future of Mikael Silvestre. In the file marked ‘Any Other Business’ at Manchester United, former Celtic midfielder Liam Miller is allowed to go out on loan to Championship Leeds United, while Chris Eagles is loaned to Watford after a recent spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
January 7 is FA Cup third round day, with most of the plaudits going to non-league outfits Nuneaton Borough and Tamworth. Nuneaton earn a 1-1 home draw with Premiership Middlesbrough thanks to a late Gez Murphy penalty, while Tamworth hold Stoke City to a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium.
An honourable mention goes to Torquay United also, who share a goalless draw of their own against Birmingham City.
Elsewhere most of the big guns progress, with the game of the day coming at Kenilworth Road where Luton Town take a 3-1 lead against Liverpool, only to lose out 5-3. Among the many highlights is Xabi Alonso’s audacious strike from his own half late in the game, with the Hatters goalkeeper having pushed into the Liverpool half in search of an equaliser.
Holders Arsenal see off Cardiff City 2-1 at Highbury, while Premiership champions Chelsea beat Huddersfield Town 2-1. Alan Shearer scores in Newcastle United’s 1-0 win over Mansfield Town, while there are convincing 3-0 wins for Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers over Queens Park Rangers and Watford respectively.
It’s not often Scottish football makes the lead in the diary but on a day of cup shocks both north and south of the border Clyde’s 2-1 win over Celtic on January 8 has to rank as the biggest.
The match was billed as the long awaited Celtic debut of Roy Keane, but at the end of 90 minutes of high energy football it is the first division side who grab all the attention. In a manic first half Clyde score through Craig Bryson and Eddie Malone to rock the Bhoys, and even find time to have two goals harshly disallowed and for Stephen O’Donnell to miss a penalty;
“I think both myself and (player/assistant manager) Joe Miller have tears in our eyes.” admits a weepy Clyde boss, former Rangers defender Graham Roberts;
“We could have won by four or five.” he suggests, not unreasonably;
“I wish Clyde all the best, they played with great spirit and deserved their victory.” agrees Hoops boss Gordon Strachan, after watching Maciej Zurwaski score to bring his side back into the game with seven minutes remaining.
Back in England two Premiership teams bow out at the what for them is the first hurdle, the most notable of which is Tottenham Hotspur. Martin Jol’s men lead 2-0 at Leicester City thanks to Jermaine Jenas and Paul Stalteri, and appear to be cruising. That is until Elvis Hammond, Stephen Hughes and Mark De Vries complete a stunning comeback for Craig Levein‘s foxes;
“We have played well in a lot of games without getting a result.” he points out, as if even he expected the turnaround. Meanwhile Jol is left only with the oldest football clich in the book;
“We now have to concentrate on the league.” he states. No, really, he does;
Fulham’s exit is less dramatic though no less unexpected, as they are humbled 2-1 at home to League Two promotion chasers Leyton Orient. The Cottagers find themselves 2-0 down at half-time with Craig Easton and Joe Keith on the mark for the O’s, but are handed a lifeline by Collins John’s second half strike. However, it is John who fluffs Fulham’s big chance of a reprieve, as he sees his spot-kick saved by Glyn Garner;
“We passed the ball against a Premiership side. No-one can put the win down as a smash-and-grab.” says Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling, adding;
“We're having our Christmas do after this match.”
Meanwhile it is ‘bah, humbug’ if your name happens to be Chris Coleman;
“The defeat was down to a sense of arrogance, a lack of effort and enthusiasm.” insists the Fulham boss;
“God knows where the arrogance came from because we can't afford to approach any game like that.” he adds.
Burton Albion also grab their share of the limelight as they manage a 0-0 draw with Manchester United. Sir Alex decides he can do without the likes of Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Ronaldo, Rooney and van Nistelrooy along with many other established names, enabling Nigel Clough’s men to do an Exeter and earn a replay against the Red Devils;
“It was pretty even in the first half and we never feared the worst.” shrugs Clough, experiencing that feeling you get after a dentist appointment which is not nearly as bad as you had feared;
“It seems we are good at keeping teams alive in the FA Cup. We gave Exeter a great pay day last year and the same has come true for Burton.” says the ever generous Fergie, experiencing that feeling you get when you go to the only dentist in your town who doesn’t believe in anaesthetic.
Sunderland winning is newsworthy in itself, and they see off Northwich Victoria 3-0 to progress to the fourth round with goals from Neil Collins, Dean Whitehead and Anthony Le Tallec. Boss Mick McCarthy can easily contain his joy;
“We weren't ever going to take any credit out of it because we had to win and were expected to.” he comments.
The groans can be heard the length and breadth of the country after a fairly uninspiring FA Cup fourth round draw on January 9.
Perhaps the happiest of the weekend’s headline makers will be Leyton Orient. The O’s conquered Premiership Fulham on Sunday (January 8) and are handed another Premiership opponent from the capital in the shape of Charlton Athletic.
Burton Albion may not have to worry about it with the small matter of a trip to Old Trafford on the horizon, but should they pull off the miracle to end all miracles against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men they will be rewarded with an entirely under-whelming visit to Molyneux to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nuneaton Borough probably won’t get past Middlesbrough in their replay either, but should they manage it they also face Championship opposition in Coventry City. Torquay United held Birmingham at the weekend and the winners of that replay face West Bromwich Albion or Reading in the last 32.
Least exciting of all is perhaps the dodgy carrot awaiting Tamworth if they can see off Stoke City in a replay, as the delights of either Barnsley or Walsall await.
Cheltenham Town and Chester City will be happy with the prospect of hosting Newcastle United, and there is Premiership opposition for Brentford who meet Sunderland and Port Vale who travel to Aston Villa.
Unlike the third round there are one or two all-Premiership encounters at this stage. Most notable is perhaps Arsenal’s visit to Bolton Wanderers. The Gunners have a notoriously poor record at the Reebok in the Premiership but won there in the quarter-finals of last year’s FA Cup.
Portsmouth versus Liverpool is another top flight tie which looks half way interesting, while West Ham United take on Blackburn Rovers also. There are other possible all-Premiership clashes between Manchester City and Wigan, and Everton and Chelsea provided the Latics and the Toffeemen can negotiate tricky replays against Leeds United and Millwall respectively.
All Championship ties include Crystal Palace versus Preston North End and Leicester City hosting Southampton. Colchester United’s reward for removing Sheffield United in round three is a home tie with Derby County.
The Carling Cup semi-final first leg between Wigan Athletic and Arsenal on January 10 is something of a non-event, but it is Paul Jewell’s side who emerge with a slim advantage.
The most exciting point of proceedings comes when the JJB Stadium floodlights fail, delaying the game for around 15 minutes. When play resumes, Austrian debutant Paul Scharner wakes the meagre Wigan crowd from its coma, notching the winning goal with a far post header on 78 minutes;
“We were awful to say the least in the first half.” admits Jewell, continuing with;
“It just looked like they (the Wigan players) didn't care in the first half and I told them so.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not try to sex up the performance of his side;
“The most disappointing thing is we didn't score and did not create a lot of chances in the game.” he confesses, after selecting a team featuring several inexperienced players. Despite being just one good game away from a major final, Wenger insists his selection policy in the competition will not change dramatically for the second leg;
“At the moment we are short of players and will stick to the team I have unless we have some recoveries.” he says, although the chances of Jose Reyes and Freddie Ljungberg waking up in time for the return at Highbury appear slim.
Meanwhile Antti Niemi ends up at the unlikely destination of Fulham. The Cottagers get their man from Championship Southampton on a two and a half year deal, with the fee thought to be in the region of £1million;
“Antti is an intelligent goalkeeper of great ability and with proven credentials at the very highest level.” crows Fulham boss Chris Coleman, while Niemi contents himself with saying all the right things about Southampton;
“I am still sad to be leaving Southampton. I have had a great time and some wonderful memories.” he comments. He shouldn’t have to wait too long to return to St.Mary’s in the league if the way that the Fulham defence is playing currently is any indication.
Blackburn Rovers meet Manchester United in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final on January 11, drawing 1-1 at Ewood Park. Louis Saha puts United in front after half an hour but Rovers are back on level terms within five minutes thanks to Morten Gamst Pedersen.
Other than that the game is most notable for an embarrassing melee featuring uber-villain Robbie Savage and his apprentice Wayne Rooney.
Savage is hacked down by Alan Smith before Rooney joins in the fun, trying but failing to land a blow to the head of the Blackburn midfielder. In the end, referee Rob Styles is knocked down in the confusion, while Savage resorts to his usual tactics of holding his face in the manner of a man who has just had two red hot pokers pushed into his eyes;
“It's a 90-minute game and sudden death at Old Trafford now. It's not finished.” says Sir Alex, presumably referring to the second leg of the cup tie rather than any future instalments of Rooney v Savage, for whom sudden death might be too good.
Meanwhile, Blackburn boss Mark Hughes gives his views on the Smith tackle and resultant tomfoolery;
“Maybe another referee would have given it a different interpretation.” he claims, waving a large red card high above his head;
“I was more upset that he booked Robbie as well when he was on the deck.” he goes on, obviously having failed to spot Savage grab hold of Rooney before thinking better of it and deciding finally upon yet more disgraceful and unconvincing play-acting.
On a relatively quiet January day transfer-wise, Liverpool confirm that they are close to a deal to sign Danish international defender Daniel Agger from Brondby. The player has been on Merseyside for a medical and is expected to sign for the Anfield club for around £5.8million;
“We've been told he's one of the best centre-halves in Denmark for 20 years.” says Reds’ boss Rafa Benitez. Does this mean that Benitez hasn’t actually seen him play?;
“I think he is a very clever type of defender. His positional sense is very good, for example, and he reads the game well.” adds Benitez hastily. You think?
Nothing like a bit of controversy to start your Thursday as Luton Town manager Mike Newell makes fresh and startling revelations about corruption in football on January 12.
The former Everton and Blackburn Rovers striker suggests that the practise of agents taking “bungs” during transfer negotiations is rife in football, and insists he can back up this audacious claim;
“I have no problem substantiating what I have said and I have no problem digging people out.” he says, wielding a large spade.
The FA, led by chief executive Brian Barwick, are adopting their usual stance of threatening to investigate;
“These are serious claims. If he has evidence, we will investigate fully.” says Barwick.
A hopefully bung-free selection of transfers take place today, with the most notable business being that which takes not one, not two, but THREE Tottenham Hotspur players to Portsmouth. Sean Davis, Pedro Mendes and Noe Pamarot all join Happy Harry’s Russian revolution at Fratton Park, after all strugged to make an impact at White Hart Lane recently;
“The side desperately needed improving and I always knew I had to put a team together that will get us out of trouble and back on track.” explains the heroic Redknapp, adding;
“I've never signed three from one club before all at once but these are top Premiership players and will be a massive asset to us.”
Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce also joins in the fun, allowing striker Walter Pandiani to agree a deal with Espanyol. The Uruguayan will cost the La Liga outfit £1million and has agreed a deal until 2008.
Walsall experience one of the more unusual ways to lose a player in the transfer window when it is announced that player-coach Steve Staunton is all set to become the new manager of the Republic of Ireland. The move has been touted for a few days but was held up until an agreement could be found over the former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Coventry City man’s contract at the Bescot Stadium;
“He obviously made a great contribution to the Republic of Ireland team as a player, and I'm sure he will do the same as manager.” says Walsall chief executive Roy Whalley upon releasing his man, which is rather like saying that Gary Lineker should be the next England boss.
Disaster for Manchester United on January 14 as they are beaten 3-1 by cross-city rivals Manchester City at Eastlands. Stuart Pearce’s men take the lead through Trevor Sinclair before Darius Vassell doubled their money before half-time. Ruud van Nistelrooy brings United back into the game with a quarter of an hour remaining, only for Robbie Fowler to enter the fray and smash in City’s third with the usual unerring accuracy in the dying moments.
Arsenal heap a shed-load of misery on Middlesbrough boss Steve McLaren, drubbing the Teessiders 7-0 at Highbury. Thierry Henry helps himself to a hat-trick, and even Phillipe Senderos gets his name on the score sheet against woeful Boro.
Liverpool edge out Spurs 1-0 thanks to Harry Kewell’s first goal since the reign of Queen Victoria, while Steed Malbranque’s goal gives Fulham all three points against an increasingly hapless Newcastle. Charlton Athletic beat Birmingham City 2-0 to leave Steve Bruce’s side in deep trouble near the foot of the table, but no such worries for West Ham United who score an impressive 2-1 win at Aston Villa.
Everton win 1-0 at Portsmouth with Leon Osman on target, and it is goalless at Ewood Park between Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.
On January 15 Sven Goran Eriksson finds yet another interesting and complex way to endear himself to the English public ahead of this year‘s World Cup finals in Germany. The Swede fins himself splashed all over the front and back pages of the News Of The World newspaper for all the wrong reasons, having been lured to Dubai to a meeting with reporter Mazher Mahmood posing as a Sheikh interested in setting up football academies.
In the article it is claimed that Eriksson encouraged the man dubbed “the fake Sheikh” to attempt to buy Aston Villa Football Club and appoint him as manager. Eriksson also suggested that it might be possible to lure David Beckham to Villa Park with him, and made several other comments about England players Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.
Sven’s agent Athole Still describes the sting as “disgraceful entrapment” which is ironically the very thing that has convinced the FA to keep the Swede at Soho Square for the last five years. Commenting on the Aston Villa discussion, Still adds;
“There were never any negotiations, it was all just fantasising.”
Sven fantasising? Who would have thought it?;
“The people we spoke to seemed totally plausible.” concludes Still, adding;
“Lily Savage is really a man in a dress? Get out of town!”
The Premiership’s bottom three will be that little bit more nervous after West Bromwich Albion’s surprise 1-0 triumph over Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium.
The result, the Baggies first away league win of the season, means that the trio occupying the drop zone are now cut five points adrift of safety. It is a victory made all the more unlikely by the first half dismissal of Albion defender Darren Moore for a second yellow card, and by the appearance on the score sheet of his replacement, substitute Martin Albrechtsen;
“It wasn't about bad luck. We had loads of possession, but we didn't really test their goalkeeper until the end of the match.” admits Latics boss Paul Jewell, while Baggies assistant manager Nigel Pearson praises his side’s endeavour;
“It's (having a man sent off) a situation you don't want to go through too often, but the players come out of it with a lot of credit.” he remarks, as the Midlands club leapfrog Middlesbrough to take 16th spot in the Premiership table.
Leaders Chelsea’s win at Sunderland is rather more predictable, but comes only after the shock of going behind to a 12th minute Liam Lawrence strike. Hernan Crespo pulls the champions level before half-time before Arjen Robben nets the winner in customary Chelsea fashion, via a deflection. His joy is short-lived however, as referee Chris Foy issues him with a second yellow card for jumping into crowd to celebrate;
“If my team concedes a goal, I am not happy, but at the same time, that goal woke up a team which was sleeping, because we started the game sleeping.” says Jose, stifling a yawn;
“It hurts to lose to a deflected goal but there is nothing you can do.” says Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy. Again.
Republic of Ireland unveil their new management team at a press conference on January 16. Former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender Steve Staunton, who played a record 102 times for Ireland, takes charge with Sir Bobby Robson in a consultancy role alongside coaches Kevin McDonald and Alan Kelly;
“I always knew there was another job in me. I turned some jobs down in the last year because they were not quite right for me.” says former England boss Sir Bobby, sticking two knitting needles up his nose, placing a pair of underpants on his head and shouting “wubble”.
Sir Bobby reveals that he rejected the opportunity to become head janitor at a girls’ school and a mega-bucks offer to become Lee Bowyer’s publicist.
Meanwhile Staunton eliminates all doubt about who is running this particular ship;
“I am the boss and whatever I say goes. The buck stops with me.” says Staunton, adding;
“Isn’t that right, Bobby?”
“Wubble.” replies Sir Bobby, naturally.
The January transfer business continues and it looks like one player in and one player out at Charlton Athletic. Arriving at The Valley should be Everton striker Marcus Bent after the Addicks agree a £2.5million fee with the Goodison club;
“Marcus has been given permission to go to London to discuss personal terms.” says Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, offering to drive Bent there himself. The former Ipswich Town striker will link up with another former Portman Road striker, namesake Darren Bent. The jokes write themselves.
In the absence of any major shocks in the January 17 FA Cup third round replays, Tamworth’s hard luck story at home to Stoke City has to take top billing.
The Conference side draw 1-1 after extra time with their Championship opponents at The Lamb, only to finally lose out 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out. Tamworth take the lead on 42 minutes through Nathan Jackson, and it is not until ten minutes from time that City strike back through Paul Gallagher.
After a goalless extra period, the unfortunate Michael Touhy sees his spot-kick saved by Stoke goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, allowing Belgian Carl Hoefkens to notch the winning penalty.
If not quite a shock, Reading’s 3-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion is a surprise. It is made all the more so by the fact that the Baggies take a 2-0 lead into the half-time break thanks to a first half double from Richard Chaplow. However, a second half hat-trick from Leroy Lita puts the Championship leaders through and ensures that Bryan Robson’s side become the third Premiership outfit to bite the dust at the third round stage.
Game of the night is arguably at Elland Road, where Leeds United and Wigan put on a thrilling if technically inept television spectacular. Three times the Premiership outfit lead as Andreas Johansson, and two Jason Roberts goals threaten to take the spoils. Yet on all three occasions Kevin Blackwell’s side fight back with David Healy scoring twice, and Gary Kelly walloping home a rare scorcher in extra time.
Despite his earlier brace, one of which comes from the penalty spot, it is Healy who cannot convert from 12 yards in the all-important shoot-out which follows, before Graham Kavanaugh coolly slots home to set up a fourth round tie at Manchester City for Paul Jewell’s men.
If it is goals you are after these days head down to watch Middlesbrough. Steve McLaren’s side recover from their 7-0 mauling by Arsenal on Saturday (January 14) to put five past Nuneaton Borough at the Riverside. Chris Riggott and Yakubu are on target in the first half, before Stuart Parnaby, Yakubu again and Mark Viduka score to open up a 5-0 lead.
To their credit Nuneaton fight back with two goals from Gez Murphy, but it is the Premiership outfit who will travel to Coventry City in round four.
Perhaps the biggest winners of the night in terms of the prize which awaits are Cheltenham Town. The Gloucestershire club see of Chester City 1-0 thanks to Kayode Odejayi’s 52nd minute strike, and will host Newcastle United in the last 32.
Also winners on the night are Birmigham City, whose 2-0 victory over Torquay United sets up a fourth round clash with Reading. Jiri Jarosik is City’s top scorer this season and it is he who opens the scoring, before Mikael Forssell’s third of the season completes formalities.
Walsall beat Barnsley 2-0 to set up a trip to Stoke City, Michael Leary and Kevin James on target in the win.
As expected Manchester United cruise through their FA Cup third round replay with Burton Albion at Old Trafford on January 18. The Red Devils coast to a 5-0 victory with Guiseppi Rossi on the mark twice, and Louis Saha, Kieran Richardson and Ryan Giggs also scoring.
Even though they are nowhere to be seen, Sir Alex Ferguson cannot resist a dig at his Premieship rivals, thinly disguised as high praise for the Conference outfit;
“We've had European and Premiership teams come here and never show that kind of positive attitude. Most teams come here, stick one up front, fill the midfield and bore the pants off everyone.” says the man whose repeated attempts to emulate Chelsea’s playing system have arguably contributed to United’s current Premiership and Champions League predicament.
Meanwhile Burton boss Nigel Clough reflects on the Old Trafford experience;
“We had a lot of young lads playing out there and I really hope that they enjoyed themselves. They have got memories for the rest of their lives now.” he says, which may or may not suggest that amnesia was a problem among the Brewers’ squad before tonight.
Less interestingly Everton are through to play host to Chelsea in round four after beating Championship strugglers Millwall 1-0. Tim Cahill, who played an instrumental role in the Lions’ run to the 2004 FA Cup final, nets the only goal for David Moyes’ side;
“The priority is trying to stay in the Championship.” points out Millwall boss David Tuttle, perhaps trying to hide his disappointment at being denied a money-spinning visit from the champions.
There are mass protests at St.James Park where Newcastle United are humbled 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers courtesy of Morten Gamst Pedersen’s goal on January 21. Graeme Souness appears to be running out of time to put things right on Tyneside as a relegation struggle zooms into view.
Somehow Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp finds himself under considerably less pressure despite a 5-0 hammering by relegation rivals Birmingham City at St.Andrews, while another side in trouble lose again as Middlesbrough are beaten 3-2 at home by Wigan Athletic.
At the other end of the table Arsenal’s hopes of securing a Champions League qualification slot take a knock when they are beaten by James Beattie’s goal at Goodison Park. That result might let in Bolton Wanderers who beat Manchester City 2-0, with Tottenham still very much in contention after a goalless draw with Aston Villa.
Bottom club Sunderland achieve a rare win, an own goal by West Brom defender Steve Watson giving the Black Cats only their second league success of the season.
Rio Ferdinand grabs a last-minute winner for Manchester United against Liverpool in a dull encounter on January 22. The victory gives the Red Devils the inside rail for the all-important runners-up spot in the Premiership which guarantees automatic qualification for the group stages of the Champions League.
United may be able to set their sights even higher as Chelsea are held 1-1 at home to Charlton Athletic the same day, Eidur Gudjohnsen’s opener cancelled out by recent Addicks’ signing Marcus Bent.
The Sven Goran Eriksson soap opera comes to a predictable and inevitable conclusion on January 23, as it is announced that the Swede will stand down as England manager after this summer’s World Cup finals in Germany.
Eriksson’s contract runs until 2008, but a compensation deal has been agreed between the 57 year-old and the FA for the remaining two years of his contract;
“I am happy that we have reached this agreement and can now continue our preparations for the World Cup.” says Eriksson, counting his money. The former Lazio, Sampdoria and Roma coach can now openly flaunt his dubious wares around to any interested parties, perhaps also finding time to look for a new job should the mood take him;
“This is the right outcome and I would like to thank Sven and his advisors for their tremendous co-operation.” says FA chief executive Brian Barwick. Meanwhile, the diary would like to thank the News Of The World for their contribution to Eriksson’s premature exit, pausing only slightly to lament the fact that they didn’t sting him two years ago.
Before the night’s Premiership clash with Fulham West Ham United parade their new signing, striker Dean Ashton who arrives from Norwich City for £7million;
“I would concede that at this time and at this particular stage in his career we have paid slightly over the odds.” says Hammers manager Alan Pardew of the 22 year-old, which is rather like saying that the £21million spent on Shaun Wright-Phillips by Chelsea might not have been a bargain;
“The size of the bid, coupled with Dean's desire to make the move happen, meant that after talking it through with the board and the lad himself, we have decided to accept this offer.” says Norwich boss Nigel Worthington, showing that Sven Goran Eriksson is not the only manager who is adept at convincing people to part with unreasonable sums of money against their better judgement..
Ashton’s presence in the Upton Park stands may or may not have inspired his new team-mates, but the east London club heap yet more away day misery on cross-city rivals Fulham. An outrageous volley from Anton Ferdinand puts the Hammers in front before an audacious Yossi Benayoun chip gives the home side a two-goal cushion.
Heidar Helguson pulls one back for the Cottagers who later have a valid penalty appeal turned down by referee Uriah Rennie;
“It was a penalty but it's easy to say that and it is papering over the cracks.” says Fulham boss Chris Coleman, running out of paper;
In Egypt the African Cup of Nations continues apace, with Group D getting under way. The Nigerian Super Eagles edge past Ghana with a late strike from Taye Taiwo after both sides miss several chances to open the scoring, while it is a similar story for Senegal who finally overcome Zimbabwe with second half goals from Wigan’s Henri Camara and substitute Issa Ba.
Wigan Athletic reach the first major cup final in their history after a last-gasp effort at Highbury sees off Arsenal in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg on January 24.
Leading by a single Paul Scharner goal from the first leg, Latics see that advantage disappear when Thierry Henry opens the scoring on the night after 65 minutes. That follows Jose Antonio Reyes’ missed penalty, one of a string of impressive saves from Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollit which keep Paul Jewell’s men in the contest.
As the game heads into extra time substitute Robin van Persie executes a stunning free-kick to put the Gunners ahead in the tie, and a place in the final seems inevitable. However, Arsene Wenger’s men reckon without Jason Roberts, who bullies and fights his way into space a minute from time to slot the all-important away goal past Manuel Almunia;
“It is difficult to put into words. Getting into the Premiership was the biggest thing but this is a wonderful bonus.” beams an almost excited Jewell at the end.
Ivory Coast become the first team to make it into the last eight of the African Cup of Nations in Egypt. The Elephants beat Libya 2-1 thanks to goals from Didier Drogba, and Yaya Toure either side of Abelsalam Khamis’s header for the underdogs.
In Group A’s other game the host nation and Morocco cannot muster a goal between them, spurning several clear-cut chances. Egypt can now guarantee qualification for the quarter finals with victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday (January 28), while the Moroccans must beat Libya and hope that Egypt suffer a defeat large enough to overturn the current goal difference deficit of four.
The following night Manchester United do what Arsenal could not and reach the final of the Carling Cup. The Red Devils will meet Wigan Athletic in the Cardiff showpiece on February 26 after a 3-2 aggregate victory over Blackburn Rovers.
The semi-final tie was finely balanced at 1-1 before tonight’s second leg at Old Trafford and it is United who take an early advantage through Ruud van Nistelrooy’s goal. However, nothing if not competitive Blackburn fight back, and some strange goings on in the United defence allow Steven Reid to fire past Edwin van Der Sar for the equaliser.
There’s more drama before half-time when United are awarded a penalty for an alleged handball by Zurab Khizanishvili, only for van Nistelrooy’s effort to be parried away by Brad Friedel. Shades of Wigan’s epic victory of 24 hours ago then?
Well, no actually. Early in the second half Wayne Rooney crosses for Louis Saha to notch what proves to be the winning goal. There’s just time for a Blackburn penalty appeal to be turned down and for Mark Hughes to donate more of his hard earned cash to the FA;
“We're frustrated by the referees. They get caught up in the celebrity status. He (referee Graham Poll) thought 61,000 had come to see him.” says Hughes, while former mentor and current tormentor Sir Alex Ferguson comments;
“I thought we were a bit casual in the first half and maybe getting a goal a bit early can do that here.”
Further away Cameroon book their place in the quarter finals of the African Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Togo, who are eliminated at the group stage. Deadly striker and part-time phlegm thrower Samuel Eto’o is on target in the win, as is the wonderfully named Albert Ze Meyong.
The runners-up spot in Group B is just about up for grabs still after the Democratic Republic of Congo are held 0-0 by World Cup qualifiers Angola. This is partly due to the 19th minute dismissal of Congo’s Tresor Mputo for kicking out at Angolan defender Kali.
Congo now need a point from their final group game against Cameroon, while Angola must beat Togo and hope that the Indomitable Lions can do them an indomitable favour.
FA Cup holders Arsenal are dumped out of the competition on January 28 as Bolton Wanderers win 1-0 at the Reebok. Stelios Giannakopoulos heads the winner nine minutes from the end of a scruffy encounter.
In the shock department Sunderland are dismissed 2-1 by League One outfit Brentford as the name of DJ Campbell enters the public consciousness for the first time. The former Yeading striker scores both goals for the Bees with the help of some Boumsong-esque defending from Gary Breen in particular, leaving Mick McCarthy’s men with only the Premiership’s wooden spoon to play for.
Derby County also suffer their share of FA Cup ignominy as they lose 3-1 to Colchester United, also of League One. Neil Danns scores twice for the U’s before Richard Garcia opens up a three-goal lead. Tommy Smith’s penalty on 78 minutes is little consolation for the beleaguered Rams.
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness continues to keep the wolf from his door as the Magpies beat Cheltenham Town 2-0 thanks to strikes from Michael Chopra and Scott Parker, while former Toon striker Andy Cole nets the only goal for Manchester City against Wigan Athletic.
Another Athletic are through, as Charlton beat Fulham’s third round conquerors Leyton Orient 2-1 at The Valley, and Aston Villa prove too strong for Port Vale, winning 3-1 at Villa Park. Southampton snatch a late winner at Leicester City from Kenwyn Jones.
West Ham United see off Premiership opposition beating Blackburn Rovers 4-2 at Upton Park, and Stoke City kill off Walsall’s cup run 2-1 at The Britannia Stadium.
Chelsea cannot find a way past Everton at the first time of asking, falling behind to James McFadden’s goal before Frank Lampard earns a replay. Middlesbrough must also replay their tie with Coventry City after a 1-1 draw, a scoreline which also afflicts Preston North End and Crystal Palace aswell as Reading and Birmingham City.
Manchester United sail through to the last 16 of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on January 29.
It takes only four minutes for Kieran Richardson to open the scoring, and the game is effectively over as a contest when Louis Saha latches on to Nemanja Vidic’s pass to make it 2-0 just before half-time. Richardson heads his second of the game after the break before leaving the scene with an ankle knock shortly afterwards;
“All week we worked on things but I felt we contributed to all three goals with poor defending.” admits Wolves’ boss Glenn Hoddle, as his side pay dearly for their sins;
Liverpool are also through, but make rather heavier weather of disposing of Premiership rivals Portsmouth 2-1 at Fratton Park. The game is dismal until a distinctly accidental looking handball by Dejan Stefanovic gives Liverpool a penalty, duly converted by Steven Gerrard. Moments later Jon Arne Riise arrows in a fierce shot past debutant Pompey stopper Dean Kiely to give the Reds a flattering half-time advantage.
Sean Davis heads Portsmouth back into the game early in the second half, and despite Rafa Benitez’s interesting substitution policy (Finnan on for Gerrard), an unconscious Liverpool cling on for the win without ever looking likely to add to their lead;
“If we continue to work as hard as that we've got a real chance of staying in the Premiership.” claims Pompey big cheese Harry Redknapp, for once changing tack from the usual lecture about the state of his squad and their limited English language skills;
Rafa ‘the pot’ Benitez calls the kettle black;
“The pitch was hard and they played lots of long balls.” he moans.
Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd denies having any contact with soon to be ex-England manager Sven Goran Eriksson over a possible vacancy at St.James Park. Reports suggested that Shepherd had sent the Swede a text message, sounding him out over the manager’s job;
“I must have amnesia as I can't remember sending a text message to Mr Eriksson.” claims Shepherd, adding;
“Sven who? Who was it again?”
Of course, Shepherd’s involvement with the Craig Bellamy - Alan Shearer text row last season suggests that he is telling the truth this time, as everyone knows that he doesn’t know how to use mobile phone technology.
The Democratic Republic of Congo qualify for the quarter finals of the African Cup of Nations despite a 2-0 loss to Cameroon. Two names familiar to European football fans are on target for Cameroon, as Samuel Eto’o and Geremi warm up for their Champions League dust-up in a few weeks time with the goals that seal the win.
Congo’s qualification comes at the expense of Angola, whose 3-2 win over Togo is not enough to overhaul the goal difference between themselves and Congo. For the record Flavio nets twice for the Angolans, and after Togo twice reply it is left to Maurito to claim an ultimately fruitless winner.
It’s an interesting fifth round FA Cup draw for Gary Neville on January 30, as the England defender will take his Manchester United side to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the last 16.
Neville is currently on an FA charge for improper conduct after his exuberant celebration of Rio Ferdinand’s winning goal in the Premiership meeting between the two at Old Trafford on January 22. No doubt the welcome mat is being dusted off at the time of writing.
Colchester United’s reward for their 3-1 win over Derby County could also be a trip to Merseyside to face Everton, or an even more mouth-watering, cash-till ker-chinging visit to Stamford Bridge to take on Premiership champions Chelsea.
The other remaining League One side Brentford also get Premiership opposition, as they face Charlton Athletic at The Valley.
Manchester City’s trip to Aston Villa and West Ham’s visit to Bolton Wanderers are intriguing ties also, while Graeme Souness’s quest to save his job with silverware will be aided by Newcastle’s home draw with Southampton.
Stoke City play host to either Birmingham City or Reading, while there are a lot of ifs and ands to be resolved before we know whether it will be Preston North End or Crystal Palace who face Coventry City or Middlesbrough.
With only a day left for transfer business Manchester City are rocked by Joey Barton’s decision to hand in a transfer request. The 23 year-old midfielder has refused to pen a new deal at the City of Manchester Stadium, but the club are adamant that they want to retain him;
“A second round of negotiations between the club and the player's representatives took place on Monday and Manchester City wishes to continue those talks.” says a club statement.
Better news for the club comes in the shape of Georgios Samaras’ confirmed arrival from Dutch outfit Herenveen for £6million. The 20 year-old striker is thought to have signed a four and a half year deal.
The Master and Commander of the Good Ship Portsmouth is at it again, as Harry Redknapp brings in yet more recruits to try to avoid that sinking feeling. Tottenham must be as sick of the sight of Redknapp as this writer, as winger Wayne Routledge becomes the fourth Spurs player to move to Fratton Park in January, joining on loan until the end of the season.
Accompanying him for the same period will be Serbia and Montenegro international midfielder Ognijen Koroman;
“We are crying out for a wide man and to get someone in the mould of Wayne is tremendous because he will really give us the width we have been missing.” says Redknapp. The pair take Pompey’s recruitment drive to eight new players in January. What price the fact that there are ‘too many new players and it takes time to gel’ being the main thrust of Redknapp’s post-match interview following their next league defeat?
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan adds to his alluring mixture of old pals and old men, killing both of those unattractive birds with one stone with the surprise capture of Dion Dublin from Leicester City. The 36 year-old striker or defender arrives at Celtic Park on a free transfer from the foxes, and can’t believe it any more than anyone else can;
“Although I am 36, I feel fit and I am ready to go. I'm just happy to get the chance. When you get to play for Celtic, it is an incredible experience.” he says. And when you are this far ahead of the increasingly mediocre competition, it seems you get the chance to sign your mates regardless of age, ability or any of those other complex and annoying factors that govern football rationality;
“I know Alan Thompson from Villa, Paul Telfer from Coventry and Roy Keane from my Manchester United days.” adds Dublin, reinforcing the point with a hefty slam.
No such grace afforded to Derby County manager Phil Brown. The former Bolton Wanderers assistant is sacked by the Pride Park club after just seven months and 33 games in charge, following their FA Cup humbling at Colchester at the weekend.
Only the Group C leadership is on the line in tonight’s African Cup of Nations action from Egypt. Guinea spring a surprise, taking the honours from favourites Tunisia with a 3-0 drubbing of Roger Lemerre’s side. Ousmane Bangoura opens the scoring, before Pascal Feindouno and Kaba Diawara compete the win;
“It is a failure and I assume responsibility for it.” says Lemerre, at which point we can only hope that Harry Redknapp is listening and taking heed. The Tunisians qualify for the last eight in second place, but both they and the Guineans must wait until tomorrow’s Group D action to find out their quarter final opponents.
Zambia win the dead rubber against South Africa to take third place in Group C, with Christopher Katongo netting the only goal.
Tottenham’s push towards Champions League qualification stutters on the final day of the month as they are beaten 1-0 at Fulham. They crash to Carlos Bocanegra’s last-minute goal at Craven Cottage, only hours after selling midfielder Michael Brown to the Cottagers on transfer deadline day;
“I think we deserved at least a point. Aaron Lennon was always a threat.” claims Spurs boss Martin Jol, who saw his side go down to ten men after Michael Dawson’s second half dismissal for a second yellow card.
Brown takes no part in the game following his transfer across London, but has this to say on the move;
“I'm very excited to be joining Fulham and I'm looking forward to the challenges that this new opportunity brings.”.
Off-setting his loss, Tottenham beat the deadline by minutes to bring in Charlton Athletic’s former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy for a fee believed to be in the region of £2million;
“Spurs has always been a club that has attracted me.” claims the 29 year-old, who turned down a move to White Hart Lane in the summer of 2004 in favour of a switch to The Valley.
Meanwhile Murphy’s former team-mates at Charlton are held 0-0 at home by West Bromwich Albion in one of the less memorable Premiership encounters of recent times. The Baggies’ point is achieved after they decide to sell striker Robert Earnshaw to Norwich City for £3.5million. The Welsh international moves to Carrow Road on a three and a half year deal;
“This is a new chapter in my life to enjoy.” suggests Earnshaw. That must be some book.
Sunderland are movers in the transfer market also, but their season gets ever more shocking as they are despatched 3-0 at home to fellow north east strugglers Middlesbrough. Emanuel Pogatetz opens the scoring for Steve McLaren’s side before Stuart Parnaby’s first goal for the club and a Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink strike seal the points;
“It is a tough league and a lot of our players did not have Premiership experience prior to this season.” explains Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy. The same Mick McCarthy who blew the summer budget on players who had no Premiership experience prior to this season.
Closing the gate long after the horse has bolted, McCarthy brings in Rory Delap on a free transfer from Southampton. A Republic of Ireland international, Delap has Premiership experience with both the Saints and Derby County, and joins on a two and a half year deal.
Wigan Athletic and Everton draw 1-1 at the JJB, with Duncan Ferguson and Jason Roberts both sent off in the second half. Leon Osman’s shot is credited as an own goal to David Thompson to put the Toffeemen in front, before Paul Scharner continues an impressive start to his Wigan career with the equaliser close to half-time;
“Duncan Ferguson deserved to be sent off. I can't defend him.” is the view of Everton boss David Moyes.
The final day of the group stage of the African Cup of Nations is one of the most dramatic, with Nigeria and Senegal finally qualifying from Group D after a surge of second half activity in both of today’s fixtures. Trailing to Souleymane Camara’s strike, Nigeria hit back with two goals from Inter Milan striker Obafeme Martins to defeat Senegal 2-1 and win the group. However, the Senegalese are offered a reprieve after Ghana suffer a shock 2-1 reverse to supposed whipping boys Zimbabwe.
Issah Ahmed puts Zimbabwe in front on 59 minutes, and ten minutes later Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari doubles the advantage. The Ghanains rally with Baba Adamu’s goal, but cannot capitalise on Senegal’s defeat and go home early.
It all means that Nigeria have the dubious honour of taking on Tunisia in the quarter finals, while Senegal pit their wits against surprise Group C winners Guinea in the last eight.
As the transfer window clangs shut for another six months, other prominent deals include the trimming of the Arsenal squad performed by Arsene Wenger, and the strengthening of the Blackburn Rovers strike force. Wenger extends Jeremie Aliadiere’s loan at Wolves, and allows Quincy Owusu-Abeyie to seek first team football with Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee. David Bentley‘s loan at Ewood Park becomes a permanent move for another mystery fee, while Mark Hughes takes Liverpool striker Florent Sinama Pongolle on loan also.
Stephen Orford
8 February 2006The FA Cup 5th round saw another moment of disappointment for Manchester United, as they stumbled to a weak 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. It could even be argued that the score line flattered United are they were perennially on the back foot for the majority of the game and, especially in midfield, lacked that extra cutting edge and winning touch. Perhaps the most interesting point to come out of the game is Liverpool and where they take their season from now.
Before this week one of the few criticisms, aside from the strikers, that could be levelled at Liverpool was their inability to take points and results off fellow Premiership heavyweights. Witness their last minute defeat at Old Trafford, or their 2-0 deficit at Chelsea despite starting as the strongest side. This week however has seen them help to dispel this myth.
Earlier this week Arsenal came to Anfield amongst speculation that the Liverpool squad had burnt out, due to the fact their season had started in July with the preliminaries to the Champions League, talk which was exacerbated with their miserable 2-0 defeat at Charlton. The match initially seemed to sum up with the deficiencies with Liverpool’s season, as they had far more possession than Arsenal but were unable to score, partly due to the exceptional form of Jens Lehmann. In the 87th minute Liverpool finally got their deserved breakthrough with a Luis Garcia goal, giving them 3 vital points and a psychological boost over one of their traditional rivals.
The clash against Man United at Anfield was always going to be filled with passion and intensity even before Gary Neville’s antics or the fact that both sides are battling for 2nd place in the league. When the much maligned Peter Crouch scored the opening goal on 19 minutes, it became increasingly clear United were unlikely to equalise as they toiled away to little effect. Full credit to Liverpool however, as their midfield controlled and dominated the game, showing little sign of being in action during midweek.
Winning these two games has undeniably shown a mettle to Benitiz’s side which has previously been lacking in past Liverpool outfits, the real conclusions can be drawn come may. Should the side finish 2nd then it will be real progress on last seasons hit and miss league form. The FA Cup will also give answers, the chances are if Liverpool continue to progress in the competition, they will once again lock horns with Chelsea. All but the statistical mathematicians have conceded that the blues and not the reds will be picking up the Premiership, but the Cup tie could still serve a valuable purpose, it could show Mourinho that it wont be that easy next time around. And if that’s true, then well, I don’t see anyone outside of Chelsea not raising their glasses to that!
Sam Cullen
18 February 2006
