United Battle Back to Overcome Saints Threat in Cup

A second string Manchester United side progressed to the 5th round of the FA cup after coming from behind against an exciting Southampton side. The Saints had taken a deserved lead late in the first half after Richard Chaplow blasted home an emphatic finish from inside the box past Manchester United debutant Anders Lindegaard. Much has been made of the arrival of United's new keeper following the announcement by Edwin Van Der Sar that he will retire at the end of this season - but the Dane could do nothing to prevent Chaplow's emphatic finish. However, instinctive second half finishes by United forwards Owen and the lively Hernandez broke Saints hearts.

     In the build up to the game there had been a great deal of hype surrounding Southampton's young star Oxlade-Chamberlain who has already been making a big impact for the League 1 side this season - with Gunner manager Arsene Wenger publicly announcing his interest in the pacey prodigy earlier in the week and rumours having circulated that Arsenal had tabled a substantial £10 million bid for the Southampton starlet. The winger produced a competent if not spectacular display, but it was Southampton's team performance and patience that were rewarded to give the side a warranted lead at the break. United had offered little in a first half display that had relied heavily on the lung bursting runs of left full back Fabio Da Silva - although recalled Michael Owen had earlier unintentionally struck the bar with a looping cross. With all of the club's regular back 4 absent for the trip to Saint Mary's it was perhaps understandable that United would look jittery but a highly competent footballing display from Southampton had put them under some serious pressure.
     After issuing the hair drier treatment to his inexperienced lineup during the break, Alex Ferguson opted to bring out the cavalry for the second half The introduction of the evergreen Ryan Giggs and the pace and trickery of winger Nani just before the hour mark had a particularly noticeable impact on the flow of the tie. After 65 minutes Michael Owen did what he does best, finishing instinctively from close range following Obertin's cross. The former England star had been playing in a deeper role than was expected in the first half - but in spite of a quiet game proved he is still a fox in the box by drawing United level.  

     With the goal you could immediately sense the direction of the tie had immediately turned and suddenly Southampton looked a shadow of the side they were in the first half. United could sense the weakness and began to up their game. And it was only 10 minutes later that Hernandez put the visitors into the lead. The "little pea" timed his run to perfection after being fed by a wonderfully weighted pass from Ryan Giggs and in spite of having seemingly lost his balance at the vital moment managed to slide the ball home into the bottom corner beyond Bialkowski. 

Blackpool Heap More Misery on Liverpool

The latest chapter in the ongoing terrifying saga of humiliation and mediocrity for Liverpool football club unfolded last night in front of a jubilant crowd at Bloomfield Road. The Seasiders – enjoying the first taste of top flight football in their history – completed an improbable double over their North Western counterparts to pile further misery on Kenny Dalglish and his beleaguered side, winning 2 – 1 in front of their home fans.

     The match had started well for the visitors when Fernando Torres showed Liverpool fans what they had been missing in recent weeks – clinically smashing the ball home after being put in the clear by one of Liverpool’s hopes for the future; Martin Kelly. The full back has showed promise in recent games having stepped in for England international Glenn Johnson who’s form has seemingly deserted him in recent weeks and with the opening goal coming inside 3 minutes it looked as though Liverpool had perhaps started to turn a corner under new boss Kenny Dalglish.

     However, after such a promising start, things went rapidly downhill for Liverpool. Shabby defending allowed Gary Taylor-Fletcher to level matters for the home side. Liverpool looked shell shocked and as the match wore on the confidence and self belief that had been instilled in their players from their early lead soon evaporated as they descended into the kind of abject performance they have subjected their fans to on numerous occasions away from Anfield this season.

     Liverpool’s misery was complete when more abysmal defending allowed DJ Campbell to head hoe from close range in the 69^th minute, with the result condemning the Merseysiders to a 5^th successive away defeat – unthinkable for a club of such stature in English football. Even with an Anfield legend at the helm having replaced Roy Hodgson, it seems on the evidence of recent displays against Blackpool and Manchester United there is little to suggest that Liverpool will improve significantly on their lowly 13^th position in the Premier League.

Blackburn's Samba Request Move Away from Ewood

Blackburn centre back Chris Samba has requested a move away from Ewood Park in the wake of the sacking of former manager Sam Allardyce by the club's new owners and the growing unrest within the squad. Seemingly disillusioned by the recent unfolding of events at the Lancashire club, the giant defender has stunned fans and new manager Steve Kean alike by requesting a move away from Rovers. Arguably ranking as one of the Premier League's most underrated defenders, Samba has established himself at Rovers on the back of displays of supreme strength and aerial dominance which has been a potent weapon for Rovers as part of the club's defense and attack in the previous couple of seasons.

 

But now it seems the Blackburn man is set for pastures new - with high flyers Arsenal apparently interested in signing the Blackburn powerhouse as manager Wenger seeks to add some much needed steel to their stylishly assembled squad during the forthcoming January transfer window. The 26 year old defender’s desire to leave Ewood is also very much on the radar of Fulham manager Mark Hughes who had previously signed Samba for Blackburn when he managed there in 2007. The loss of Samba would be a big blow for Blackburn and their ambitious new owners who stated they are looking to finish in the Europa League places in this year's Premier League.

Football Holidays in South Portugal

Portugal, which shares parts of the Iberian Peninsula of southern Europe with Spain, is a country rich and unique in culture. The cities are lively, and its beautiful countryside is famous the world over.  There are numerous Lisbon hotels that you can stay in when visiting the country from the more affordable variety to 5-star luxury hotels.  Being one of the more popular areas in which to enjoy a holiday, there are also several Cheap Hotels in Algarve that you can choose from.  However, with football being the major sport of the country, south Portugal is an excellent setting for football holidays and vacations.

Family Attractions Close to Lisbon

Portugal is one of the more family-oriented countries in Europe, allowing for plenty of family attractions within close distance to Lisbon, as well as in the city itself.  Holidaymakers will easily find numerous activities and entertainment venues for teens and tots alike, while the city is filled with play areas for younger children as well.  Some of the recommended attractions include:

Parque das Nações – with numerous attractions suitable for all age groups, this district is known as the entertainment centre of Lisbon.  This traffic-free district with its many riverside paths and walkways is the ideal setting for a family day out.

Colombo Shopping Centre – if shopping is your passion, this is the primary venue to explore.  Take the kids as well because there is a huge children’s play area on the top floor of this shopping mall.

Estrela Gardens – with its exotic plants, numerous ponds, and a children’s playground on the premises, this is another must-see family venue.

Football Season in Portugal

The popularity of football in Portugal began in the latter part of the 19th century, when Portuguese students returned from England and brought the sport home with them.  For the most part, the football season in Portugal lasts about 8 months starting in September and continuing into April.  However there are competitions and playoffs that continue through the summer.  During the regular season, a number of monthly awards are handed out such as Fair Play Award, Player of the Month, and Young Player of the Month.

The Current Football Leagues and Score Tables, Upcoming Games, and Rivalries

The 2010-2011 season is now underway and it should be an exciting one again as it has been in past years.  Along with the Portuguese National team there are two entities in the league systems which are:

Primeira Liga – founded in 1934 and comprised of 16 teams, this is the primary domestic competitive league of the country with Futebol Clube do Porto, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, and Sporting Clube de Portugal being the dominating clubs of the league. 

Liga de Honra (League of Honour) – there is also 16 teams in this league which has been in operation since the 1990-91 season.

One of the things that make the sport of football so exciting is the rivalries that occur every year.  In Portuguese football, the two biggest rivalries are Benfica versus Porto and Benifica versus Sporting.  Known for continual animosity between Benifica and the other two clubs, these always prove to be major clashes whenever these teams compete.

Owls Tax Deadline Extended by 28 Days

League One side Sheffield Wednesday have been given a boost in their bid to avoid administration and a mandatory 10 point deduction having been granted an extra 28 days to come up with the cash they need for an unpaid tax bill to HMRC. The South Yorkshire club were staring down the barrel of another winding up order from the taxman who is chasing £1.4 in unpaid bills, but the High Court has granted a 4 week extension in what it has called exceptional circumstances. The Owls are desperately seeking a buyer to help clear their total debts that are thought to be in the region of around £27 million, and to inject new cash into the club to buy players that can help launch them back to the upper levels of English football.

Although there have been several interested parties, only Leicester city chairman Milan Mandaric has so far shown proof of funds that were required by the clubs main creditor the Cooperative Bank – but he has now seemingly shied away from the deal having failed to make an arrangement with former Wednesday chairman Dave Allen over a reported £2.4 million pound debt. In spite of such public off the field financial problems Wednesday have made a reasonable start in League One following their relegation from The Championship last season and currently lie in 9th position - just 2 points outside the playoff places.

Geordie Powerhouse Carrol Ready for England Call

Geordie powerhouse Andy Carroll looks likely to receive his first England call up by national team manager Fabio Capello when the Italian selects his next squad for their friendly match with France at Wembley on the 17th of November. The Newcastle United striker has made an excellent transition from Championship football to life in the Premier League and has already netted 6 league goals this season - with his most recent the winner against Arsenal at the Emirates stadium. In spite of numerous recent problems in his private life that may have hit the form of some other well known English strikers in recent months (not mentioning any names of course!), Carroll has maintained his excellent start to the season with continuing consistent displays of power and aerial dominance.

Capello may see the 21 year old as an excellent option as a target man for England - and with the striker also banging in the goals at club level it is understandable that the Geordie born star has caught the England manager’s eye. Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has been keen to keep Carroll’s feet on the ground, but would not begrudge his young star for making his debut for England in the coming months: "He has still got a long way to go. Andy is working hard on all aspects on his game and he is certainly going in the right direction…For me, being picked for Newcastle United is the most important. Anything which comes from that means he has earned it." If he can keep a lid on his temperament it is almost certain Andy Carroll will be one to watch for the future.

Arrogant Platini Turns Nose Up at Technology

Eufa president Michel Platini has arrogantly snubbed the use of modern technology in football suggesting that it widespread implementation could result in what he called "Playstation football". Football’s world governing body FIFA had recently performed a major U turn on the subject of goal line technology after initial tests had proved poor and ineffective, but in the wake of Frank Lampard’s “goal” against Germany at the 2010 World Cup there had been great pressure for the technology to be scrutinised further.

However, former French superstar Platini dismissed Fifa’s decision to re-investigate the possibility of goal line technology as “nonsense”, instead suggesting that employing extra referees to assist the man in the middle was instead the best way of moving football officiating forward. Platini was quoted as saying "One referee is not enough, not in the modern era where you have 20 cameras…It is a logical step with so many cameras that can pick up incidents: the more eyes there to assist the referee, the better the chance of spotting those incidents."
Such a casual dismissal of advanced technology is sure to incense England fans who felt their chances of success in the World Cup were dashed by a poor decision from the assistant referee leading to Lampard’s strike not to stand when replays showed it had clearly crossed the goal line.

Hatters Highlight Holes in Liverpool Squad as the Future Looks Bleak at Anfield

Although following another devastating blow for the club, Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson was humble and decent enough to unreservedly apologise for his side’s latest shambolic cup exit to lower league opposition at the once “fortress” of Anfield, this defeat was merely the tip of a significantly greater iceberg when the true and harsh realities of Liverpool Football Club’s plight is continued to be further scrutinised under the ever present microscope of English football’s fans and media. Hodgson himself will no doubt have known that the task that lay before him once he took over the reigns from Rafa Benitez at the Merseyside club was sure to be no picnic, but after watching the latest chapter in the football horror show that has been played out over the past few seasons, even Roy himself must have been left scratching his head and delving deep for inspiration.

Liverpool die hards would argue that the 11 players Hodgson selected for their the League Cup encounter with Northampton Town (a club who at the time lay in 17th position in League 2) was one that bore no resemblance to the side that had in itself looked largely laboured during the previous match against a determined Manchester United side, there was surely little doubt that a team that included several multimillion pound signings, blended with supposedly promising prospects from the clubs academy and also numerous players who had represented their countries at full international level would be sufficiently strong to professionally dispose of what would surely have been fully expected to be a fired up, but nonetheless inferior opposition - particularly in front of their own fans.

But it wasn’t to be - and this time there could be no excuses. Taking nothing away from the Hatters, who had themselves put in fine and energetic display that defied their lowly league position, scoring twice at Anfield before battling through extra time to give themselves a fair shot at beating one of English football’s big hitters in a penalty shoot out, surely Hodgson’s men would still have found the courage and composure to bury their spot kicks in front of the world renowned cop end? However, the Merseysiders again fell short of the mark, and as a cool headed Abdul Osman fired the winner for Northampton, sending the team and their already jubilant fans into dreamland, the damp weather and gathering storm clouds circling above Anfield seemed to some up the club’s current position and mood of their suffering fans.

With well documented off the field problems in the boardroom, ongoing financial strife and a playing squad that looks alarmingly short of depth, Hodgson - as talented and experienced football manager as he is - will know he has his work cut out if he is to avoid a season of total humiliation for Liverpool. Qualification for the Champions League has become a minimum requirement for the reds in recent years - but even achieving a Europa League spot may yet be beyond a club who currently lie 16th in the Premier League with just 5 points from their first 5 matches. Managing the fans and shareholders expectations now becomes as much a priority for Hodgson as motivating his team to perform on the pitch - and the ongoing rumors surrounding the departure of star striker Fernando Torres will surely not help his side to settle. Unless Hodgson can string some wins together soon and make progress back up the Premier League table, with the new football season barely underway, it already looks like it may be all but over for Liverpool Football club.

Everton’s Season in Deep Trouble following Double Injury Blow

Everton’s already disappointing start to the season has taken another turn for the worst today following news of a double injury blow for strikers Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe. The Toffees have been in poor form so far in the Premier League, picking up just 2 points from a possible 15 so far this term and were also recently subjected to a humiliating League Cup penalty shoot out defeat to League 1 minnows Brentford earlier this week.

Latest news reports from Merseyside suggest that long term injury absentee Saha is set to see a specialist in France and his return to first team action will be delayed for another few weeks. Meanwhile young forward Anichebe faces around 6 weeks on the sideline following surgery on his knee injury. The news will come at the great dismay of Everton boss David Moyes who has seen his side lack a clinical edge in front of goal having failed to score away from home in the Premier League this season and struggled to break down Brentford in mid week – resulting in extra time and eventual penalty humiliation.

Big Sam Backtracks on “Managing Worlds Top Clubs” Claims

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has today backtracked on his somewhat outrageous claims made earlier this week that he would be fit to manage any of the worlds top clubs and “would win the double or the league every time”. Big Sam has however claimed that his somewhat amusing comments had been purely meant as a tongue in cheek way of expressing his personal desire and driving ambition to improve as a manager and ultimately drive his managerial career to the highest levels in world football.

Blackburn have enjoyed a solid start to the new Premier League season under Allardyce and remain unbeaten so far, but his claims that his combative and often direct “long ball” style of football under which his teams tend to operate would be welcome at the likes of Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United has been a source of great banter and debate by English football fans and the media alike this week. However, as ever Big Sam remains unperturbed and will look to drive his Blackburn side forward when they face Aston Villa in tonight’s League Cup 3rd round clash at Villa Park.