Andy Carroll finally repaid the first chunk of that massive £35 million price tag as he scored two of the goals that helped Liverpool condemn Manchester City to their worst possible preparation for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.
A disastrous evening for the Blues that put their top-four hopes in the balance again was only made worse as Carlos Tevez suffered a hamstring injury that seems certain to rule him out of the Wembley showdown with old club Manchester United. Continue reading
There was no Grand National glory for Sir Alex Ferguson but Manchester United continue to power their own way towards the Premier League title.First-half strikes from Dimitar Berbatov – his 22nd of the season – and Antonio Valencia with his first since August allowed United to surge ten points clear of nearest challengers Arsenal. And, if they can keep a steady course over the final six hurdles, United will achieve what Ferguson’s Aintree hopeful What A Friend was unable to and finish ahead of the chasing pack. Continue reading
Arsenal were left with a sense of injustice after seeing Robin van Persie controversially sent off as they were knocked out of the Champions League again by Barcelona in the Camp Nou following a 3-1 loss.The Dutchman was a shock inclusion for the Gunners, who led 2-1 from the first leg, having recovered quicker than expected from the knee injury he sustained in the Carling Cup final. Continue reading
Ivan Klasnic clambered off the Bolton bench to snatch his side a stunning late win over Aston Villa after Ashley Young’s missed penalty cost the visitors dear.Klasnic rammed home the winner four minutes from time to wrap up a stirring comeback from the home side, who twice battled back from behind to take the points. But Villa were left to rue Young’s saved 70th-minute spot-kick which had he converted would have put Gerard Houllier’s men 3-1 up and surely home and dry. Continue reading
Bullish league leaders Manchester United tightened their grip on the title race after pushing aside Wigan to move four points clear of Arsenal.Relegation-threatened Wigan shone early on but Edwin van der Sar stood solid.Javier Hernandez cleverly clipped in rampant Nani’s cross after 17 minutes as the visitors gradually took control.Mexican striker Hernandez slotted a cool second 15 minutes from time before a Wayne Rooney tap-in, then substitute Fabio’s free shot, added a late gloss. Continue reading
Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been named the FIFA Men’s World Player of the Year for 2010.Messi was on a three-man shortlist with Barca team-mates Xavi and Andres Iniesta but, despite Spain’s World Cup triumph, the Argentina forward came out on top in the voting.He becomes the first winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or, which merges France Football magazine’s European Footballer of the Year prize with the FIFA World Player of the Year. The awards were based on the votes of the coaches and captains of national sides as well as global journalists. Continue reading
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