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Lampard and Gerrard ready for the battle of Britain III

Chelsea’s Frank Lampard is back for the Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool on Tuesday, while the reds should welcome back captain Steven Gerrard from a neck injury.

Lampard has missed the last two games due to his mothers illness. Gerrard had a neck problem which forced him out of the weekends action but the midfielder was able to train today.

The two sides meet in the semi-final of the European Cup for the 3rd time in four years, with Liverpool securing wins in both previous meetings. Arvan Grant is confident that his team can progress third time round with his team not thinking of getting revenge. While Liverpool boss Benitez seens no difference in the Blue’s under Grant from the Mourinho team “There’s no difference between this year’s Chelsea and last year’s. I think it’s more or less the same. It could be they have less spirit than under Jose Mourinho.”

The difference this time around could be the first leg will be played at Anfield and the second at Stamford Bridge, the Reds will be looking to take a lead into the second leg. The game kicks off at 19:45 Tuesday, with the second leg being in a week on the Wednesday.

Manchester United 2 - 1 Arsenal - Title won?

A great afternoon of football ended 2-1 with Manchester United coming from 1-0 down to secure a win which might secure them the title. It was a cracking game of football with both teams having a hat-full of chances, but Arsenal once again gave away a lead and didn’t capitalise on numerous opportunities.

The first half was goal-less but it was Arsenal who had the first chance of the match when Emmanuel Adebayor’s shot was blocked by Rio Ferdinand. United chance of the half came when Wayne Rooney went one-on-one with Jens Lehmann, the ball from Ronaldo found Rooney on his own, fighting off Toure his shot clipped the ankle of Lehmann and went just went wide of the far post.

Two minutes after the break the away side took the lead, a short free kick found Robin van Persie who crossed from the line to find Adebayor. Ferdinand stepped back thinking Van der Sar was going to claim, instead Adebayor put the ball in the back of the net using his fore-arm.

Due to the position of referee Howard Webb he didn’t see the hand ball and there was no protests from the home side.

Arsenal nearly doubled the league when an attempted clearance by Rio Ferdinand forced Van der Sar into an abrupt save. It was clear to see that Arsenal wouldn’t have the ability to hang on and from taking the lead it was only four minutes till the equaliser.

Owen Hargreaves ball into the box was hand balled by Gallas, Ronaldo had to take the penalty twice as the first was stopped to encroaching, both times he smashed the ball in the bottom left corner.

Tevez and and Anderson were introduced, Evra was tripped up on the edge of the area and Owen Hargreaves took the ball from Ronaldo and delightfully lofted the ball over the wall from 25-yards into the net, 2-1, giving Lehmann no chance.

Arsenal had a few chances to grab a second with two golden opportunities falling to sub Bendtner.

The result puts United six points ahead of Chelsea who face Everton on Thursday.

Three English teams into the semi-finals

It’s been a good couple of nights for the English teams in Europe with three teams going into the Champions League semi finals. Arsenal were the only losers 4-2 to Liverpool on the night going out 5-3 on aggregate. Chelsea turned around a first leg defeat against Fenerbahce winning 2-0 on the night to go through 3-2, Ballack and Lampard with the goals.

Many fans though that the performance wasn’t great but Avram Grant’s team have managed to make a 3rd semi final against Liverpool in 4 years.

Manchester Untied sealed their place last night with a 1-0 win over Roma to get a 3-0 overall win. United’s place in the next round was never in doubt and Roma even missed a penalty in the first half before Tevez stuck the only goal of the night.

In the four tie Barcelona beat Schalke 04 thanks to a goal from Toure Yaya, the Spaniard’s going into the next round thanks to a 2-0 aggregate score.

The semi final line up has already been arranged and Liverpool will meet Chelsea, the first leg at Anfield. Manchester United meet Barcelona playing at the Nou Camp in the first leg.

Liverpool V Arsenal – Third time round?

It’s a third meeting for the sides in quick succession and tonight there will be a winner after three 1-1 draws so far this season. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg of this Champions League quarter final the game will be decided and extra time is there if needed.

Liverpool will be without winger Jermaine Pennant who has suffered a hamstring injury. He joins Daniel Agger and Harry Kewell who have long term injuries. Javier Mascherano, who has sat out the domestic games due to a ban will play in the middle of the park for the home side.   Gerrard and Torres will return after sitting out the league match on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger will have Robin van Persie in the squad after a thigh injury in the first leg and Abou Diaby is fit too.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Lucas, Torres, Voronin, Crouch, Kuyt, Itandje.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Diaby, Fabregas, Toure, Senderos, Gallas, van Persie, Hleb, Flamini, Song, Gilberto, Clichy, Almunia, Adebayor, Bendtner, Eboue, Hoyte, Walcott.

Advantage Liverpool

Liverpool edged closer to the semi finals of the Champions League this evening with a hard fought draw at the Emirates Stadium.

The “Battle of Britain” clash was a more mundane affair than many had expected, yet this suited the Merseysiders who not only avoided a first leag defeat but also claimed a vital away goal.

The hosts started brightly and took the lead on 23 minutes when leading goalscorer Emmanuel Adebayor powerfully headed home a cross from Robin van Persie. This was the Gunners’ 99th goal in all competitions this season.

Yet the lead was to be short lived as just three minutes later Steven Gerrard launched a powerful run to the byline and his cross along the six yard area was met by a sliding Dirk Kuyt to level the tie.

Both sides had chances to win the match yet the hosts always looking the more likely to score with Nicolas Bendtner seeming clearing an attempt off the Liverpool goal line mid way through the second half.

The Gunners continued to press with Alexander Hleb blatently impeded by Kuyt in the area in the latter stages of the match – time will tell how crucial the referees decison was to wave his protest away.

The Reds surely now have the advantage and with a full house guaranteed at Anfield, it would take a brave man to bet against them now.

Champions League set for Battle of Britain clash

Arsenal and Liverpool are all set for this evenings “Battle of Britain” first leg tie at the Emirates Stadium and are looking to give themselves a good cushion to take to Anfield next week.

The Gunners have been boosted by the news that leading marksman Emmanuel Adebayor is fit to play and should claim his place in the starting line up. After being sent of against Bolton Wanderers at the weekend, Abou Diaby is also likely to feature due to the fact that his suspension does not apply in European competitions.

For the Reds, Javier Mascherano looks set to start after serving his one game ban whilst defensive pair Alvaro Arbeloan and Fabio Aurelio are declared fit following their recent injuries.

The two sides embark on a run of three successive games against each other with the Premier League encounter taking centre stage this weekend.

Winning is Everything cant wait for tonight’s clash although we have a sneaky feeling that the actual contest will not be as free flowing and attacking as everyone is expecting. Be prepared for a low scoring match with plenty of one on one battles characterising the tie.
As far as predictions go – I expect a low scoring draw – possibily even a nil nil.
Tell us what you think – leave a comment!

United move further ahead as Chelsea go above Arsenal

It was billed as Super Sunday on Sky Sports, for me it was a super time 6 hours in the pub about 6 pints and then two pizzas afterwards and some good football! It turned out to be an important Sunday in the race for the title. Chelsea came from behind to move ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United romped to a 3-0 win after Javier Mascherano was sent off for two yellow cards, the second one for dissent.

Manchester United 3 - 0 Liverpool

The first game of the day ended in a win for the home side helped by Javier Mascherano who was sent off in the first half for two bookings. United should have taken the lead earlier on when Wayne Rooney had two one-on-one against Reina. They did take the lead when Wes Brown won the ball in the middle of the park and then found himself on the end of a Rooney cross to head past Reina. The Liverpool keeper was in no man’s land which allowed Brown to head into an empty net.

Mascherano was booked first for a rash challenge on Paul Scholes, his second was given for dissent just before the break. The Argentinian ran 20 yards to referee Steve Bennett and despite being told to go away he continued to argue and received his marching orders. It was a stupid half for the midfielder who never looked like staying on the park with constant fouling and petulant arguing with Bennett, rather silly after the mid-week antics of Ashley Cole.

United had to wait till late on the second half when Ronaldo headed in from a corner and then substitute Nani struck from 20 yards to seal the 3-0 nil win.

Chelsea 2 - 1 Arsenal

Chelsea held onto their unbeaten home run coming from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 and move into second place in the league. After a dull first half the away side took the lead from a corner at the near post. Frank Lampard was caught napping as Sagna headed in just after the second half kick off.

Avram Grant then made a double substitutions bringing on Bellitti and Anelka. The change worked as three minutes later Drogba stuck a lose ball away. Then on 82 the substitutes combined to create the winner. Bellitte’s cross was flicked on by Anelka to find Drogba who shot on the turn to give the home side the lead.

All in all a good day of football, Javier Mascherano’s sending off will be a talking point but Sir Alex will be sitting happy tonight five points clear of second place Chelsea.

United go top as Arsenal stutter again

Today saw Manchester United return to the top of the league due to Arsenal dropping two points to Middlesbrough.

Derby 0 - 1 Manchester Untied

Manchester United gave a debut to Ben Foster and rested Calos Tevez for their match against bottom of the league Derby County. Cristiano Ronaldo hit the post in the first half which started the trend for the match with Derby on the back foot. He then had a shot saved by ex-Untied keeper Roy Carroll. Derby did have the best chance of the first half Kenny Miller had a shot saved by the debutant when Miller was through on goal.

In the second half it was more of the same with Carroll making a double save at a corner, a free kick from Ronaldo. It seemed that it would be a afternoon of frustration for the away team but 15 minutes from time Ronaldo grabbed his 31st goal of the season poking home a Rooney Cross, a cruel defeat for Derby.

Arsenal 1 - 1 Middlesbrough

After three straight draws for the Gooners they needed to win to regain their top stop after United win. Adebayor has goal disallowed for offside early on, on second inspection the ball was passed by Boro midfielder George Boatang. A long ball and cross from Tuncay found former Arsenal striker Aliadiere who tucked away the ball to take the lead on 25 minutes.

Fabregas had a great chance in the second half to draw level when he went one-on-one with Schwarzer. With five minuets to go Toure headed in from 8 yards to grab the equalizer, it appeared that Schwarzer was blocked by his own player as he went to save the ball. Mido was sent off late on for raking his studs down Clichy’s face, the defender has to go off on a stretcher

Reaction to “Battle of Britain” draw

Arsenal and Liverpool face a battle of Britain tie in the quarter finals of the Champions League after being drawn together in this mornings draw.

1999 winners Manchester United will face Roma, who disposed of Real Madrid in the last round whilst Chelsea face Fenerbahce. The other tie of the round paired Schalke 04 with Barcelona.

In terms of the semi final draw the winner of the Arsenal v Liverpool tie will face Chelsea or Fenerbahce whilst Manchester United or Roma will face either Schalke 04 or Barcelona.

Looking a little deeper into matters, if Chelsea dispose of Fenerbahce which they should do with some ease, England will be guaranteed a place in the final of Europe’s elite competition.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool personnel have acted quickly to convey their disappointment at drawing each other rather than a continental side. Speaking to the BBC, Liverpool CEO Rick Parry stated –

“I think we’d hoped to avoid an English team. But, statistically, an all-English tie was bound to happen and it’s happened to us. I guess at least we’ve avoided a trip to Turkey.

Quite right Rick – think of all those air miles you will save whilst providing the good old arm chair fan with some compelling viewing.

The Pieman cant wait for the Champions League to take centre stage again and believes that the winner of the impending Manchester United v Barcelona semi final will ultimately lift the trophy in May.

Do you agree with The Pieman’s prediction – leave us a comment!

Eduardo interview - He’s walking about

It’s been a couple of weeks since the injury and the Arsenel forward suffered the double compound fracture and broken ankle after a poor tackle from Martin Taylor. He’s had his first interview its not in English but it does show him hobbling around on his crutches.

There are loads of videos on Youtube of the incident but my favourite is this one from Rusmatic who recreated the incident on Pro Evo.

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