Champions League: Celtic vs Arsenal

I just wanted to send out a reminder about tomorrows Champions League clash between Celtic and Arsenal, I have a feeling it will be a classic clash! Not often do you get the opportunity to see two huge teams from different leagues play this early in the Champions League, especially in the qualifiers! Both teams had good wins over the weekend, but Arsenal's was without a doubt the most impressive, a 6-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Lets be honest, it has to be one of the best ever Premier League wins, and I think Arsenal will need to be wary as they head north to Parkhead. Celtic had a morale boosting 2-0 win away to Dinamo Moscow in the last round, there first away from home in the Europe for over 6 years. With that being said, I actually fancy a tie in this game, with a few goals thrown in. I reckon a 2-2, since both teams are in goal scoring mood. Make sure you check it out if you have some free time around midday tomorrow!

Manchester United Win Premier League

For the third time in a row, Manchester have been crowned Premier League Champions - equalling Liverpool's record of 18 league titles! Arsenal were the ones to play United in the midday kickoff at Old Trafford. There were limited chances in the game, and in the end a 0-0 result was all United needed. When the final whistle went there were huge celebrations on the field, with United now knowing that the Champions League will complete a fantastic quadruple. United now have the World Club Champions, League Cup and Premier League trophies.
After the game, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson gave United players and fans even better news by announcing he is going to stay coaching Manchester United well after this season. He said he was not contemplating retirement, and it would be his health that decided that. When the commentator commented that that could be well over 5 years, Ferguson nodded his head and agreed. Ferguson at United for another 5 seasons? United are sure to reach the 20 League title marks! I am in awe of the squad Ferguson has put together, and there are not many coaches who can boast 35 titles in 35 years as a manager! When Ferguson does decide to retire I think United will struggle to find a replacement, just as they struggled to find a goalkeeper after Schmeichel decided to leave the club. All United fans will be hoping that Ferguson stays healthy, and continues to coach for DECADES to come! Here is the Ferguson interview.


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Trouble at Stamford Bridge

What a semi final it turned out to be at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Barcelona. After a pretty boring 0-0 draw last week in Spain, this tie turned out to a very entertaining affair. Chelsea took the lead in the 9th minute through a spectacular Michael Essien volley, soon after they had a clear penalty appeal turned down when Malouda appeared to be taken down in the box. In the second half, Drogba appeals for a penalty when the ball clearly strikes Pique's hand, before Abidal sees a red card for taking down Anelka just outside the area. With 10 men Barcelona continued to try find a way through only to see a wall of Chelsea players each and everytime. In the 90th minute, Barcelona had NO SHOTS ON GOAL, and with 10 men Chelsea are on the way to Rome, right? Wrong! Iniesta scored a screamer deep into inury time when the ball was fed to him at the top of the box. The away goal sent Barcelona through to the Champions League final where they will play Manchester United.

After the game, all hell broke lose. After Barcelona had scored, Chelsea sent everyone forward and had another clear penalty appeal turned down when Michael Ballack's rocket clearly hit a Barcelona defenders arm. The ball was cleared, but Michael Ballack had alot to say about the referee's decision to not call a penalty. Chasing the referee, he clearly threw his arms around the official, screaming at him. When the final whistle went, Didier Drogba who had been subbed in the second half, had to held back from the official, Ovrebo, as the Chelsea striker shouted into a television camera: ‘Are you watching this? It is a f****** disgrace.’Drogba, sent off against United in last year’s final defeat in Moscow, had to be restrained by manager Guus Hiddink before storming off to the dressing room.

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Fletcher Suspended for Champions League Final

Darren Fletcher will not be able to appeal against the red card he received in the Champions League win over Arsenal. In what was a great night for Manchester United, Fletchers red card was the only negative point. A ball into the United area, saw Fletcher stretch across Arsenals Cesc Fabregas and seem to win the ball while taking Fabregas down. Replays show that Fletcher did in fact win the ball, taking it away from Fletchers body. In defence of the referee, he really could not see Fletcher striking the ball, and it did look like he took Fletcher down.

Although the Football Association have moved towards a position where referees regularly rescind red cards, both UEFA and FIFA strictly maintain the rules that match officials' decisions should remain sacrosanct. Thus, unless Fletcher was red carded when it was someone else who commited the foul, it can not be appealed. It is unfortunate for Fletcher who stayed on the bench for last seasons final. "He's one of the most honest players in the game and to miss the final, it's a tragedy," said Ferguson. If there is anyone who can console Fletcher it will be team mate Paul Scholes who, along with Roy Keane, had to sit out the 1999 final when Manchester United beat Bayern Munich.

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Champions League Semi Final First Leg's

The semi final of the champions League took place this week- with more English teams playing than goals scored! Without a doubt, four of the top clubs in Europe battled it out, trying to get a foot into the Final that will take place in Rome. Barcelona entertained Chelsea in a huge battle Tuesday night. Even with some of the best attacking talent on show, neither team could find a way through. Chelsea came closest when Didier Drogba got a one on one with the Barca keeper, but what a rare chance that was for Chelsea. The advantage will definitely be with the Stanford bridge outfit in next week’s second leg.
In the other semi Final, John O’Shea was the unlikely hero, as he belted in a half volley mid way through the first half. United absolutely pummeled the Arsenal goal and should have scored more goals. It could very well come back to haunt them as they go to Highbury for the return leg next Tuesday. Could it be a repeat of last season final - Chelsea vs Man Utd? I would not be surprised, and what a game that would be!