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United win the season curtain raiser

Manchester United triumphed in an uneventful opener to the Premier League season by defeating FA Cup holders Portsmouth 3-1 on penalties.

United had much the better of the game, dominating Pompy at times, but couldn’t make the most of their chances. In the shootout in was Portsmouth who faltered in front of goal, missing three penalties, handing victory to the Premiership champions.

For United, both Darren Fletcher and Carlos Tevez missed gilt edged chances for United, with David James in fine form. With Rooney and Ronaldo both absent today, and from the first game of the season next Sunday against Newcastle, it was clear from today’s performance that United need more firepower upfront.

Giggs was partnering Tevez in attack, but made little impact on the Portsmouth defence. Creating chances wasn’t United’s problem; it was finishing them they were having trouble with.

Nani looked impressive the whole game, but all too often his work lacked an end product.

Sulley Muntari looks to join Inter for £12.7 million

Sulley Muntari, the Portsmouth midfielder, looks likely to sign for Italian giants Inter Milan for £12.7 million in the next day or two. According to reports the Ghana international has penned a four-year deal with the Italian champions.

Muntari is just 23 and signed for Pompey for £7 million in 2007. He has played just one season for Pompey, and helped them win the FA Cup this year.

This could spell good news for Chelsea, as it means Inter and Jose Mourinho may now not be looking to sign Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard. It’s widely regarded that Mourinho wanted Lampard, but considered Muntari as an acceptable second best.

Harry Redknapp will not want to let his prized midfielder leave Fratton Park, but the cash injection will be welcome to the wheeler dealer manager.

Muntari will be leaving Pompey to play Champions League Football, for the champions of Italy under one of the best managers in the game. It was too much to resist.

Peter Crouch to join Portsmouth for £9 million

Liverpool’s lanky striker Peter Crouch looks set to join Portsmouth this week for £9 million. Initially Liverpool had slapped a £15 million price tag on the player, but have been forced to reduce their price as he only has a year remaining on his contract, meaning he could leave for free next summer.

It is believed that the fee could rise to £11 million depending on appearances.

Liverpool today announced:

We have reached a verbal agreement with Portsmouth and have given them permission to speak with Peter.

Crouch played for Pompey six years ago, and will form a new-look front line for the south coast side with former Liverpool target Jermain Defoe.

Crouch’s chances at Liverpool have been limited this season, starting just nine league games for the Anfield outfit. Despite having his chances restricted, Crouch has remained very popular with fans, as he’s scored an impressive 40 goals in just 135 appearances for Liverpool, many of those as a substitute.

FA Cup Celebration Photo’s

The dust has settled from the FA Cup win yesterday, the Portsmouth players were out till the late hours this morning and this afternoon participated in the traditional open bus parade around the city. From the weekend there has been some great pictures taken and heres the pick of the bunch.

Portsmouth win the F.A. Cup

A single goal from Kanu was enough for Portsmouth to beat Cardiff in this afternoon’s F.A. Cup. The games wasn’t the greatest but Championship Cardiff did have a good go at the Premier League outfit.

Cardiff settled well in the game and had the first chance of the half Joe Ledley slid Paul Parry through, his low shot was saved by David James. Portsmouth nearly took the lead when Kanu turned his marker in the box, rounded Cardiff stopper Peter Enckelman and with an open goal hit the outside of the post.

Kanu didn’t let the miss get him down, John Utaka cross was only parried by Enckelman and Kanu was on hand to score from close range much like his semi final goal. In the second half Cardiff pressed on but didn’t really make any clear cut chances.

Sir Bobby Robson handed the trophy to Sol Campbell who lifted the trophy for Pompy for the first time since 1939.

Portsmouth 0 - 0 Newcastle

After cracking form Newcastle were looking for another win while Pompy looked for a good follow up from reaching the F.A. Cup Final.

It turned out to be a bit of a non event, poor finishing form both sides meant for the draw, Defoe missed for the home side will David James pulled of a string of saves throughout the match the pick being when Owen first from two yards at James who saved with his head / afro.

Pompy beat WBA to secure FA Cup Final place

Portsmouth secured their place in the FA cup final yesterday beating Championship side West Bromwich Albion to ensure a top flight team in the cup final. WBA did have much of the possession in the game but were unable to great any real clear cut chances.

It was only in the second half when Portsmouth turned up and scored thanks to a former Wesy Brom player Kanu. The build up to the goal was controversial when Milan Baros appeared to handle the ball in the area, his shot was saved by Dean Kiley but Kanu was on hand to tap in from a couple of yards.

West Brom went for a equalizer but the closest they came was a Robert Koran shot from outside the area which clipped the top of David James’s bar.

Overall it was closer than expected but West Brom were unable to show that cutting edge which has helped them in the championship. Portsmouth now reach the final for the first time since 1939 and await the winners of the other semi-final Cardiff V Barnsley.

Portsmounth 2 - 0 Aston Villa

David James was once again in good form saving form Maloney early on. Jermaine Defoe grabbed his sixth goal in as many games, a long ball from Johnson found Defoe who lobbed Carson who was in no-mans land. James then continued his form saving a Young free kick. The second one was a brilliant own goal, Carson cleared a ball as Defoe ran through on goal, but his clearance smashed against Reo-Coker and back into the empty net, classic.

In the second half Agbonlahor missed a sitter from a Maloney cross. James then saved another Young save, this time low to his left. Late on Muntari received his second yellow card of the match as the home side ended the game with 10 men, then Mellberg received a second yellow card a minute before time.

James extends Portsmouth stay

Portsmouth have rewarded veteran goalkeeper David James for some wonderful performances of late, with a two and a half year contract.

The England stopper was already under contract at Fratton Park until 2009 but this has been extended, keeping him at the club until 2010.

James moved to Pompey from Manchester City back in 2006 and has experienced arguably the best form of his career at the club. The 37 year old still harbours ambitions of keeping goal for England during the next World Cup in South Africa, and is currently well within Fabio Capello’s short term plans at least.

Formerly of Liverpool and Aston Villa, James has worked hard over recent times to rid himself of the “Calamity” tag which came as a result of many bloopers in high profile matches. Despite this however he overtook Arsenal legend David Seaman’s record of clean sheets in the Premier League (141) last year to etch his name into the history books.

Speaking to Portsmouth’s official website, James commented –

“I’m delighted to get the opportunity to sign a new contract…..I’m enjoying being at Pompey - it is a fantastic environment.”

James has refused to comment about his side’s chances of lifting the FA Cup this season despite being the only Premier League side left in the competition. Instead he chooses to focus on tonight’s home tie with Birmingham City

FA Cup Semi Final Draw

After one of the most exciting Quarter Finals in history the draw for the Semi Finals took place this dinner time, Barnsley face Cardiff and West Brom face Portsmouth. We knew that we were going to see a non-Premiership team in the final but the draw means that one of the smaller teams will be in the final considering WBA are miles better than Barnsley or Cardiff.

The games will take place at Wembley on 5 and 6 April.

Barnsley v Cardiff
West Brom v Portsmouth

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