Manchester United Are On Their Way To Wembley

Manchester United go through to the Semi Final of the FA cup along with fellow North West club, Bolton Wanderers, after beating Arsenal 2-0 at home.

Arsenal started the first half in front, putting United on the back foot however it was in fact Manchester United who scored first. A slick move started from one of the twins Fabio who played a ball in behind Gibbs for his brother Rafael. Rafael then spun on the ball and pulled it back to Fabio without even looking as if he knew where he was going to be. Fabio then played it into Rooney who put a ball into the box for Hernandez who shot at Arsenals goal keeper Almunia. The ball rebounded out to Fabio who finished the move that he himself started.
Half time came with no real chances then not long after Wayne Rooney headed into a more or less empty net.

Arsenal brought on Chamakh who made Arsenal look more dangerous giving the team another dimension to their game. Arsenal then had the opportunity to pump balls in the box for Chamakh to head.

As the second half was coming to a close both team ended up having chances but both keepers were equal to the shots. Both sets of keepers pulling of really good saves to keep it 2-0.

Arsenal ended the game with 10 men after using all their substitutes yet their CB, djourou had to go off injured with what looked like a shoulder injury. However, Paul Scholes should have been sent off after first off being booked in the injury time then straight after reacted badly to a tackle and dived into to get revenge. He then got up and appeared to push an Arsenal player. The ref had a quick word and decided not to give Scholes another yellow card.

Bolton are going to Wembley!

Bolton are into the FA Cup Semi Finals after beating Birmingham City 3-2 away from home. The winning goal coming from Korean Lee Chung Yong after coming on as a substitute.

The last time Bolton were in the FA cup semi final was back in 2000 however the last time Bolton actually won the FA Cup was back in the 1950's thanks to club legend Nat Lofthouse. Sadly this is the year Nat Lofthouse died, and Bolton will be looking to win the competition in memory of their late star.

Bolton started the game on top, pressuring Birmingham high up the pitch looking for a good start to keep up their tempo. They got that thanks to a goal from swedish striker Johan Elmander, who hasn't scored for the trotters since the FA Cup 3rd round. Going one on one with the brummy keeper and smashing it past him.

Birmingham equalised thanks to a shot that looked to be hit just as hard as the Elmander goal but from the edge of the area after Bolton didnt clear the lines good enough.

After half time Bolton won a Penalty and was scored by captain Kevin Davies who has been compared to former player Nat Lofthouse for his robust way of playing the game. Kevin Phillips then equalised after lobbing Jussi Jaaskelainen who was making his 500th game for Bolton.

It looked tight going into the final 5 minutes however a long ball from left back Paul Robinson was headed across goal from Kevin Davies and left an easy chance for Chung Yong to convert.

Later today Arsenal play Manchester United. United were the team Bolton beat to win the trophy back in the 50's. The draw for the semi finals is on tomorrow at 4pm.

United Finally Using Ronaldo Transfer Fee?

Now for a bit of Transfer gossip!

There are rumours from this morning suggesting that Alex Ferguson is not just lining up a 25 million pounds bid for Everton's young England star, that they have actually agreed a fee. This suggests that the transfer is on the cards and he could end up playing for Manchester United next season.

Manchester United's centre of midfield hasn't looked the most convincing this season and with Paul Scholes getting older by the day, the reports may have a lot of truth in them.

The Red Devils haven't really made a dent into the £80 million transfer fee they recieved a few years back when Real Madrid signed Ronaldo from Old Trafford. So hopefully the United fans will be happy with the pending transfer.

Should John Terry be Captain?

A few years ago now, John Terry was the perfect leader for England. He was a player who rose through the ranks of the England set up and made a name for himself in the Chelsea defence under Mourinho who went on to lift the league title. He wore his heart on his sleeve and the fans loved him as he wasn't afraid to get stuck in.

Then one day it comes out in the press that Terry had been accused of sleeping with the ladyfriend of Man City player at the time and England team member Wayne Bridge behind his back. It came at a somewhat coincedental time as Chelsea were due to play City in the league very soon. It begged the question would the two players shake hands like all players do before every game. To find out what happened in the hand shake saga, click here.

It was a world cup year and all hopes were at the hands of head coach Capello as this was the year the England team had so called peaked. Questions were raised as to whether a player who has cheated like this should be fit to lead our England team out at the world cup. Capello thought not and made Rio Ferdinand captain instead.

Months later, half way through the following season there is talk for John Terry to be given the captains arm band back. The tension surrounding the player has calmed down with most fans not actually caring what he does in his social life. More so concentrating on the fact that JT is a very commited player to both club and country.

Capello has hinted recently that Terry could be made England captain once again. Probably having something to do with the fact that current England Captain Rio Ferdinand is out injured 90% of the time.

OptaJoe Opta Sports 

4 - John Terry lost just four of his 28 matches as England captain, winning 18 (64%). Reinstatement?

FA Cup Quarter Finals

Saturday, 12 March 2011

Birmingham v Bolton, R6, 12:45

Man Utd v Arsenal, R6, 17:15

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Sunday, 13 March 2011

Stoke v West Ham, R6, 14:00

Man City v Reading, R6, 16:45

Today sees the return of the FA cup over here in England. We have reached the quarter final stage which means only 8 teams remain in the competition.

The first game of the round sees Birmingham team who have quite a few injury problems take on an in form Bolton Wanderers. Bolton are said to be even more inspired to win the trophy this year seeing as club legend Nat Lofthouse died earlier in the year. In the 1950's Nat lifted the trophy for the whites who havent been able to win the trophy since.

Arsenal after their poor showing in Spain will be travelling to Manchester United with no Robin Van Persie after he has been ruled out. Both teams want to win this competition to ensure they can bring home some sort of silverware this season for their fans. Arsenal more so after being so close in all competitions but failing towards the end.

The draw will take place at 16:00 over in london at Wembley stadium. England head coach Fabio Capello and Ladies head coach Hope Powell will be making the draw.

To watch the Birmingham City - Bolton Wanderers FA cup quarter finals football match live. Check out the P2P site.
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=107955&part=sports
The Draw Numbers 
1 Stoke City or West Ham United 
2 Manchester City or Reading 
3 Birmingham City or Bolton Wanderers 
4 Manchester United or Arsenal

Ref, Right or Wrong?

Is it right to send off a player for tackling a streaker?

During a Havant & Waterlooville Vs Doncaster match earlier this month a fan appeared on the pitch wearing a Borat thong. Halting the game for seceral minutes the streaker continued to run past players with his hands raised evading stewards attempting to tackle him.

Most players stood by however one of them decided enough is enough and tackled the streaker and wrestled him to the ground until he was caught up to by the stewards. The referee saw this and reached for his pocket, took out a red card and sent the player off for violent conduct.

Well it turns out the referee is actually correct, to the letter of the law...

"He is also guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against a team-mate, spectator, match official or any other person."

Jussi Jaaskelainen, 499 Appearences

35 year old goal keeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen will be in line to make his 500th appearence for Bolton Wanderers if chosen for the FA Cup game at Birmingham tomorrow.

First signed in 1997 by manager at the time Colin Todd when the club were in the old first division, which is now the championship. Born in Finland, Jussi spent his career in Finland before moving to England where he soon established himself in Boltons first team.

Over the years Jussi has been integral in keeping the north west team an established premier league team bailing them out of lots of situations where he has been called upon to make a magnificent save. Often referred to as 'under rated' he has caught the attention of top Premier League teams such as Arsenal and Manchester United. Jaaskelainen also caught the eye of the scouting staff of top european clubs such as Real Madrid, AC Milan and Celtic.

A particular highlight came when Bolton played Blackburn at Ewood Park. Blackburn were awarded two penatlies during the match and the finnish keeper was called upon, and managed to save both. (click here)

Since 1997 Bolton have maintained their status as a top division side as well as competing in the Uefa Cup for the first time in their history. Even when the manager who signed him left, the managers who took over still trusted the keeper to wear the number 22 shirt and do the business. There hasnt been one criticism over the years and still to this day, as a 35 year old doesn't look set to retire.

@OptaJoe‎ 135 - Bolton's Jussi Jääskeläinen made 135 saves in the Premier League in 2010; more than any other 'keeper. Unprotected

@deanholdenuk Former Bolton Wanderers FC player, Dean Holden -  wow, I remember his debut for the reserves against city at altrincham. He had a beast!! Great keeper tho', terrific servant