EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

After the end of the English Premier League season Manchester City went to Asia to play games with Club teams there. Their first game was against the Thailand-Premier All Stars. Unfortunately for City, they lost 3-1 to them as the former Primer Minister of Thailand and current owner of City Thaksin Shinawatra watched. Sven-Goran Eriksson is still managing City and is digging himself into a hole. The last game of the season City lost 8-1 against Middlesbrough. Then to top off the voyage to Asia, City played South China XI and again lost 3-1. All these losses help justify Shinawatra’s decision to sack Eriksson which we can expect to happen soon.

Manchester United versus Chelsea

United started with their strongest lineup with one unusual change: Hargreaves started in right midfield. In the 26th minute Scholes had the ball on the right wing. He was surrounded by 2 players until Brown came in to help, Scholes made a quick pass back to Brown (only a few yards away), who then passed it back and then made a run, Scholes immediately one touched it perfectly into Browns run who then took a touch and then made a curling cross. Ronaldo, covered by Essien, jumped into the air and then perfectly headed the ball with machine-like accuracy into the left side of the goal inches away from the post .

Minutes later, Ballack ran onto the box during a cross with Rio Ferdinand defending between Ballack and the goal. Ballack pushed Ferdinand’s head downwards almost forcing him into scoring an own goal. Ferdinand used great strength to keep his head up and head the ball over the goal. The ball came back into play near the United goal and Rooney stole the ball from Ballack. He took a step and then kicked the ball across almost the entire field to Ronaldo who ran all the way to the other side of the field with one defender on him. Rooney’s ball curled in to Ronaldo somehow perfectly who then made a short cross to Tevez who headed the ball low to the left of Cech from about 6 yards away. Somehow Cech managed to block it and it rebounded, rolling on the ground out of the penalty box. Carrick ran on it and fired away; the perfect opportunity for a center mid, Carrck shot it too close to Cech who once again blocked the ball.

In the 40th minute Tevez got a great ball from Rooney who crossed it by megging a defender. Tevez should have had it but missed the ball by inches. 2 minutes later Ferdinand elbowed a defender outside the box and got a yellow card and United got a free kick. Ballack took the shot but it went high over the wall and goal.

In the 45th minute, after a good amount of possession by Chelsea, Essien took a shot which deflected and landed into Lampard’s path (right in front of the goal) who then put the ball in. The lucky deflection gave Chelsea the chance to frustrate United.

In the 57th minute UEFA thought really hard about replacing the ball on the field because Ballack ripped a shot from 29 yards out when he got a clear opening on the goal. The ball went wide by a yard as it curled but it was a good time to take a shot and force United to pull their defense out more.

Chelsea really began to possess and push United back in the 2nd half and they probably got more opportunities. Ronaldo played largely perfect throughout most of the game and beat Essien multiple times on the wing.

But chances were available throughout the game just like when Drogba got the ball at the top of the United box and while falling, kicked a curling shot which hit the United right post. However, the game was destined to go into overtime with Giggs coming on for Scholes (who had a bleeding nose) 6 minutes before OT.

Three minutes in OT Lampard got the ball within the box, spun around and shot the ball to the top right and hit off the post. In the 96th minute the camera showed a bunch of really drunk Russian soldiers taking off their Jerseys and putting on United jerseys.

In the 100th minute Giggs got a clear shot on goal when Evra won the ball just outside the Chelsea box and pass it right backwards right over the PK area. Terry was there however and headed the ball over the goal preventing it from going in.

In the 116th minute, after every single player spread his legs and started stretching for some odd reason (after anyone thought they made a dumb foul they started stretching), an argument erupted between Tevez and every other player on the field. Tevez ended up getting a yellow card, Drogba a red card and Ballack a yellow card. Everyone seemed to be pushing each other as rain started falling with the referees trying to break it up. Drogba did lightly slap a United player in the face as the referee came up behind him. The arguments were an escalation of the entire game as their were many bad fouls and stupid tackles.

The game proceeds to Penalty Kicks:

Tevez took the first shot and kicked it the the right with Cech (wearing bright orange with his safety pad headpiece) diving to the Left.

Ballack fired esentially the same way as Van der Saar

Carrick, this time to the left. (The rain continued to fall)

Beletti (who just got subbed in for this purpose), this time to the right against Van der Saar.

Ronaldo against Cech, he kicked it to the left and Cech dove and blocked it!

Frank Lampard, to the right and Van der Saar almost stopped it!!

Hargreaves against Cech and he kicked it to hte upper left, Cech dove the right way but couldn’t get to it.

Ashley Cole against Van der Saar, he kicks it to the right and Saar almost stopped it, it may have been because of the rain.

Nani puts in an excellent kick against Cech.

John Terry against Van der Saar (for the win): HE MISSED!! He slipped last second and it hit off the right post!

It continues!!!

Anderson puts it in against Cech.

Malou puts it in against Saar.

Giggs puts it in against Cech.

Anelka shoots but its stopped by Edwin Van der Saar.

UNITED HAVE WON THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!!!!! THEY HAVE OBTAINED THE DOUBLE!!! Players sag in relief and complete fatigue! Terry cries in the rain hugging Grant. Ronaldo falls to the ground.

Manchester United vs. Chelsea

In the first all English Champions League Final, Chelsea and Manchester United will battle in Moscow to earn the right to call themselves the best European Club Team.

Last night while Chelsea were practicing at the Luzhiniki Stadium Ashley Cole was injured by a tackle from Claude Makelele. The right back defender sustained an ankle injury but according to Chelsea officials he may be able to play today in the Final.

“In a challenge with Claude Makelele in front of hundreds of cameras and the world football press, Ashley Cole hurt his right ankle. He was treated, it was tested, then strapped - but after consultation between Grant, club doctor Bryan English and physios Dave Hancock and Thierry Laurent - Cole resumed and took full part in the final training game - only disappearing down the tunnel after the players had listened to Avram’s address and been stood-down for a final kickaround.” English International Wayne Bridges was ready to play in his stead if Cole was unable to.

Terry was being resolute and indifferent to any pre-game wagers. “It’s a different ball game to the league. They deserved to win (the title) but it’s a one-off game tomorrow. There are no underdogs or favourites. We’re hoping we are going to be on our game, fully fit and determined to lift the trophy. They have a lot of quality players in their side and hopefully it’s a good game but if it’s a bad game so be it. It’s about getting our hands on the trophy.”

Though some people have complained about the pitch, none of the players, coaches, or UEFA officials seem to think anything is wrong with it. ”

Ferguson thought the stadium and pitch were fine. “I think UEFA have done their best. The fact they have relaid it from Astroturf to turf is a big delight to me. We are happy in that sense. You have to remind yourself that Old Trafford in January or February is not the best in the league.”

“The pitch is the same for both sides and if get the footwear right we will be fine. We are not worrying about that at all.” said Terry.

Lampard continues to mourn for his mother Pat Lampard who died between the two semi-final legs against Liverpool; he went to go see Harry Redknapp lift the FA Cup at Wembley. Redknapp’s wife was Pat Lampard’s twin sister and both families have been completely distraught. “I was at Wembley on Saturday to see Harry win the FA Cup. It was a great day for the family and Harry in his career. He deserved that for what he has given to the game. I was fully supporting him on Saturday and I’m sure he and all the Redknapp family will be supporting me. I hope we can make it a family double.”

While Manchester United did win the Premier League they are surely still smarting from the loss at Stamford Bride. “Chelsea are physically stronger than most of the Premier League teams but we do not need to match that. We have to play with our main strength, our movement and our passing, our ability to create openings in the game. We are in good shape and I do not want us to change too much. Maybe we don’t have the overall experience like Chelsea in terms of age but we have courage” said Feguson.

“Part of the plan is to have Carlos Tevez at the club in the long term. There is no question we want him to stay. I think David Gill (chief executive) is progressing on that as best he can. One of the reasons we are here in Moscow and won the title is because of Carlos. He has that ability to score important goals for us, just like Eric Cantona used to do. Carlos has been a revelation for us and is a fantastic professional. The final is a big challenge for every one of my players. I depend on them all to be at the top of their game. That way we have a massive chance.”

Ferdinand described the emotion and importance of the Champions League very well: “The pressure comes from within, from your own personal pride in wanting to do well. The history of Old Trafford, the characteristics of the club from the past and the manager all work as an inspiration. You want to become part of the furniture, to be remembered in the history of Manchester United. To do that we know we have to win big things. Tonight we have a great chance to do that and become part of the history.”

“This match is the stuff of dreams. These opportunities do not come around every weekend. You have to step up to the moment when it comes. The main thing is to approach it as we would do any other game, not to do things differently. If the occasion gets to us or we change the way we approach the game then that will be to the detriment of the team.”

Just as ready was Peter Cech, Chelsea’s goalkeeper. “Having won the title, you would say it’s a big boost from them and they celebrated, which in one way can be distracting. When you know you’ve already won something, even if you don’t want to, you can relax. In the back of your mind, you have already that you have succeeded. This could be the advantage for us. Cech is expecting a tight game tomorrow because the two sides know each other so well. If you ask me if we can surprise each other, I say no, because we have played them so many times over the last years and both teams haven’t changed much.”

However, prepared as he is he agreed that Cristiano Ronaldo could be the deciding factor in the game. The way he scores the goals is unbelievable,’ Cech said. “Because he can score from the free-kick, he can score from the penalty, he can score with a header from a corner, and he can score with both feet.”

“You need to remember as well they have a great team. They have an attacking threat, with (Wayne) Rooney, you’ve got (Carlos) Tevez, you’ve got (Ryan) Giggs. They can use the ball quickly and they change position, they rotate a lot. That is why they are dangerous and can score a lot of goals because not everyone can cope with that.”

The Champions League Final is being held in Russia, Moscow, at the Luzhinki Stadium Wednesday.

I’m not sure why anybody would think for a moment that Cristiano Ronaldo would leave Manchester United; nor do I understand why anyone would think why United would let Ronaldo go. But, I might as well address the idiotic rumors that have been circulating.

“He’s got four more years (on his contract) until 2012, he’s been with us for five years and we’re sure he’ll be with us for many years to come. He’s clearly one of the best players in the world and he’s at a great club, winning trophies. He enjoys it immensely here, you can tell that when you speak to him privately. Why would he want to leave? We have no intention of letting him go, we will make sure that he’s very happy here, as we do with all our top players. Manchester United is not a club that sells its main assets. In order to service our debts we need a very successful team on the pitch, and you don’t achieve that by selling Cristiano Ronaldo.” said Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill.

United currently has a debt of €764 million to various banks. There are provisions in Uefa licences that deal with clubs being able to meet their obligations, you have to give forward-looking accounts for coming years to show you can meet them, which is quite right,” he said. “Look at the debt in isolation and, yes, it’s a concern, but look at our income generation. Our revenue is well over £200m. Banks wouldn’t loan those sums unless they were fairly confident they’d get their money back and if we didn’t have a business plan which showed they’d get it back. In Manchester United, we have one of the best clubs in the world and we have a significant amount of income which can service those debts, so let’s not just look at one side (of the equation).” It’s truly astounding to think what many people consider to be ‘the most successful’ club teams in the world could have such an astounding debt.

United was taken over by American billionaire Malcolm Glazer in 2005 when he bought up 75% of Uniteds stock.

By the end of the 2007/2008 season Bolton barely avoided relegation by only one point. After Bolton’s miserable season, it seems like several players feel like they no longer belong with Bolton and have decided to leave. Three of the clubs midfielders including Andranik Teymourian, Stelios Giannakopoulos, and Ivan Campo have left. “Ivan, Stelios and Andranik have all done well for Bolton Wanderers and I’d like to express my gratitude to them. It’s time for them to move on and I wish them all the best.” said the Bolton manager Gary Megson.

Not only that but Jussi Jaaskalanen and Ricardo Gardner’s contracts will be expiring at the end of June; Megson, of course will be trying to stem the tide of fleeing players who sense the danger of relegation. “Jussi and Ricardo have both been excellent servants and are still very much part of my future plans for this football club. Hopefully, we can get them secured on new deals as soon as possible.” said Megson.

Wayne Rooney is determined to show fans that Manchester United is the best club team in the world by winning the Champions League Final against Liverpool. Liverpool won the Champions League during the 2004/2005 season against AC Milan; the score was 3-3 with Liverpool winning in penalties 3-2. Any Manchester United fan would hate to see Liverpool take the Champions League from them especially if they could earn a “double” by winning the Champions League and Premier League. Rooney could think of nothing better than downing Liverpool in the Champions League. “It is difficult when you see one of your rivals winning things. When Liverpool took the trophy, it was hard to take. Because they haven’t really been challenging for the league in the last few years, they’ve had chances to rest players before big Champions League games and that helped them. By Liverpool winning the Champions League, it’s made us want to win it even more.”

“We just need to go out there and try and enjoy ourselves. If we enjoy playing, I’m sure we will do well. If we go out there thinking a bit negative then it becomes harder. The players are well educated in the history of the club. When you walk around the training ground, you see the players from 1958, 1968 all the way through to today.” He insists that there’s always room for improvement in his game, despite having scored 18 goals this season. “I can score a few more goals, possibly with my left foot and a some more headers. I keep working on all different things, my passing, my fitness and scoring. I’ve changed my game a little bit. Instead of playing in the hole or off one forward, I’ve mainly been the striker looking to get in behind. I’ve enjoyed doing it this year - to be honest a lot more than I thought I would. It has brought me a few goals in different games.”

Wayne Rooney seems to be ready for the game, in shape but dreading the anticipation. “It’s a horrible feeling waiting for the final. I’d like to go to bed tonight and wake up on Wednesday. It’s a bit like Christmas when you’re a kid, so I just can’t wait. I’ve been playing FIFA on X-Box with my mates. My girlfriend’s not too happy with me, but it keeps me occupied. I’ve played in three cup finals, winning one and losing two, so hopefully I can even that out.”

After the great season they had it would be ridiculous for the young duo to separate. “I hope the partnership will continue for years. Ronaldo is a great player and it will be brilliant if we can keep him at the club for as long as possible. He’s an unbelievable player” said Rooney. “What he’s done for United in the last few years is brilliant and it makes you work hard. For Ronaldo to score those goals is helping the team. I’ve got no problem if he scores 60 goals in a season and I don’t get anywhere near that” he said.

Chelsea has agreed to sign Portugese International Jose Bosingwa from FC Porto; however, he still has to agree with the personal terms of the contract. Bosingwa joined FC Porto in 2003 and played under Jose Morinho and has been considered by Chelsea for signing for the past few seasons. “Chelsea can confirm it has reached agreement with FC Porto for the transfer of Jose Bosingwa. The player is now in England to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.” Bosingwa can play either as a right fullback or less frequently as a winger. He will likely sign a 5 year contract for about €16 million. Chelsea already has several competing defenders for the position including Julian Belletti, Michael Essien, and Paula Ferreira (who recently signed a 5 year deal). United have stated their interest in Bosingwa who would replace Gary Neville as an attack minded defender. 25 year old Bosingwa is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa; however, he moved to central Portugal (Seia) when young and played for Boavista in midfield and later played for FC Porto, he will be playing for Portugal in Euro 2008.

The last few games of the season ended with Manchester United obtaining their 10th League Title. United played Wigan who were at home; some wondered if Heskey could once again cause an upset as e did against Chelsea. Ronaldo scored a penalty kick in the 33rd minute (his 31st EPL goal) and Giggs scored in the 80th minute (his 758th appearance for United). United enjoyed 67% of possession. Chelsea needed to win their own game and have United to lose or tie their game; in the end Chelsea was unable to get the win against Bolton, who they tied 1-1. United obtained the League Title by 2 points with 87, Chelsea had 85, Arsenal 83.

Other struggles were underway on the last day of games in the EPL; Tottenham had the opportunity to reach 10th place in the upper half of the League Table. Tottenham had 46 points in 11th place and West Ham had 48 points in 10th place. Both teams were fighting to earn an extra €720,000 in extra merit payment from the League. Tottenham were unable to secure the coveted upper tier table position because they lost to Liverpool 2-1 with Torres scoring his 33rd goal in all competitions. Benitez was proud of Fernando and exclaimed how his prolific scoring justified his approximately €20 million cost. “Always when you sign a player you do not know if he will settle down and how he will do in the Premier League, but Torres is a young player who is hungry and wanted to do well. Sometimes you sign a player for a free transfer and people say he is bad signing. Then other times you can sign a player for a lot of money and he does well and everyone is happy, so lucky for us he is a good signing. He is one of the best strikers in the Premier League and is the best for us. We had spoken about the record. After the last game he said he wanted to play in this one and score here.” West Ham managed to tie Aston Villa (who were fighting for a position in the UEFA Cup, they needed Everton to lose against Newcastle, however Newcastle lost 3-1) 2-2 in an exciting game with multiple great goals by Nolberto Solano, Dean Ashton, and Ashley Young. The extra money will certainly bolster West Ham for the coming season and transfer season.

For Liverpool this season has been a disappointment, despite all of Torres’ goals they were unable to produce any Trophies. “Torres, he was terrific at scoring and 76 points is a good total for us. There are a lot of positive things from this season, but the most important thing is we did not win a trophy. Our idea is to finish as high up as possible and to win trophies was a priority, but we know this season has been very difficult for us. We are working hard to improve the squad. Throughout the whole season we are watching players and trying to sign the players we need. We want to sign the best players as soon as possible and I think we will get investment from the owners, so we can go forward. Some of the players here are under contract and they are our players and we are waiting now to see if clubs are interested in them.” In the meantime we can certainly expect Peter Crouch to leave Liverpool, he wasn’t even on the bench and hasn’t played very many games this season. At least they finished with a win beating the Spurs 2-0.

In the meantime Fulham was fighting to stay in the Premier League. Reading and Fulham were both tied at 33 points (Fulham had them beat with on goal differential by 3). Fulham played Portsmouth, and Reading played Derby. Reading managed to destroy Derby (probably the worst team to ever play in the EPL) 4-0, and they would have stayed in the EPL if Fulham had lost or tied their game. Unfortunately for Reading, Fulham managed to win the game 1-0 with a season winning header by Danny Murphy.

Birmingham succeeded in winning against Blackburn 4-1 while at home; it mattered little because both Fulham and Reading won their games forcing Birmingham into relegation. However, if either Fulham or Reading had lost their games Birmingham could have stayed in the Premier League.

Sven-Goran Eriksson ended his season in humiliation as Manchester City lost a stunning 8-1 against Middlesbrough. “You can use whatever word you want and I would probably agree.” said Eriksson. “It started badly when Benjani was injured after just a couple of minutes. A little bit later penalty and a red card for our captain. I don’t think he (Dunne) tried to foul him. I think they crossed but it is difficult to be the ref in this case. It was a collision and it was the wrong place. I don’t think the ball has gone to the striker, it has gone straight to Isaksson but I think the referee maybe must send him off in a place like that.” Alfonso Alves scored 3 goals, Stewart Downing scored 2 (one off a penalty where Richard Dunne received a red card for a foul in the box in the 15th minute).

Emmanuel Adebayor
Arsenal

Age: 24

Birthday: February 26th, 1984

Birthplace: Lome, Togo (Africa)

Position: Striker

2007/08 Goals: EPL- 24; total- 30

Biography:

Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor was born in the city of Lome in Togo or the Togloese Republic (located in North West Africa, a small French speaking country though many other languages are spoken). Football is the most popular sport in Togo. During the last World Cup Emmanuel Adebayor and two other players were dismissed from the national team over a dispute concerning financial pay for the players. He helped Togo qualify for the World Cup by scoring 11 goals in the qualifiers.

Adebayor began playing at a football training camp in Loume; he made it to the U-15 level and was soon signed on by French FC Metz in 1999. For two years he developed on the U-17 team until he advanced to the starting lineup. During the first season he scored 2 goals out of 9 games that he played. However, in his 2^nd year (2002/03) he scored 17 goals out of 35 games. As a result AS Monaco signed him in 2003; he reportedly had strained relationship with Monaco’s manager Francesco Guidolin. He continued to score goals and helped Monaco reach the Champions League finals.

In 2006 Arsenal signed Adebayor for an unknown fee (supposedly about 7€ million).When he started to play he had little style and was scrappy. Towards the end of the 2007/2008 season it was rumored that he could leave Arsenal. However he said, “I am very happy here. Reports which suggest I have threatened to quit are rubbish. I love the club and the fans. We have a great set of players here with a fantastic team spirit. We have had a good season, but next year we want to go one better by winning a trophy.” Adebayor scored a total of 30 goals for Arsenal in all competitions (with 26 in the EPL) suring the 07/08 season and refined his technical abilities. Wenger described Emmanuel as a great acquisition: “Adebayor is a great addition to our squad. He has shown in his performances with Monaco and Togo that he will add great quality to our offensive game. He is tall, good in the air and makes good runs.”

Upon arrival to Arsenal Adebayor said “This is a great day for me, I am looking forward to working very hard for the team and I hope I can give the Arsenal fans a lot of enjoyment in the future.”

Manchester City has a total of 8 appearances in the final with 4 FA Cup wins. The last FA Cup win for Manchester City was in 1969 against Leicester City. Their most recent FA Cup final appearance was against Tottenham in 1981.

Manchester City FA Cup Appearances and Wins: