Leeds begins road back with defeat of Manchester United

Entering the day, Leeds United visit of Old Trafford to face nemesis Manchester United in the FA Cup offered a cornucopia of story lines. Yet in a magical moment that seems destined to live in the lore of Leeds, the troubled League One side rose up, against the odds and resurrected the hopes and dreams of its faithful for a gallant 1-0 victory over mighty Manchester United.

The fall of once great Leeds has been a tale that has been told countless times, a great warning for all clubs who suffer financial fallout as they tumbled from the lofty perches of the Champions League to the third division of English football. On the opposite side of the equation, Manchester United with its billowing hardware case and array of international stars, were clearly the heavy favourites of the day. However, as situations as these so often go, today was not one for favourites and predictable events, as Leeds found within their claret a bit a magic in route to the victory.

As the day began, Man Utd’s erstwhile leader, Sir Alex Ferguson was clearly aware that his opposition posed an eye towards playing David to their Golaith. Still with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov in the Reds line-up Leeds was dreadfully out-matched, on paper that is. Leeds, too their credit, took a noteworthy opening stance and pushing aside comments of more defensive approach and instead launched forward with the striking tandem of Luciano Becchio and Jermaine Beckford. Tactically the move seemed both noble as an aggressive stance but equally suicidal, as the third division side would be easy pickings for the hosts.

At the opening whistle, Man Utd showed a sense of belonging, if not belief that they would given their fans the victory they hoped for. Yet slowly the tables turned, just ever so slightly at first as the curmudgeonly Leeds eleven began to press forward. Then finally it struck like a watchtower bell at the eighteenth minute, the 74,000 were shocked as Leeds notched what would become the matches lone goal. Remarkably, in a week that featured the first Premier League match in which not a single player born in the England graced the opening line-up, it was Jonny Howson, the hometown hero who turned the screw. With a magnificent long diagonal ball, he found Jermaine Beckford who once again outdistanced himself from statuesque defender Wes Brown and after chesting the ball down, the striker slid his twentieth goal of the campaign under ‘keeper Tomasz Kuszczak. Man Utd rolled-up its well-appointed sleeves and went to work, intent on the equalizer and only moments later Wayne Rooney’s goal bound effort was cleared from the line by veteran Jason Crowe. The thin margin continued and with much talent at Sir Alex’s disposal, he summoned Ryan Giggs in three minutes shy of the hour with Michael Owen not that long after. Pressure ensued in the Leeds end but despite the many efforts, Leeds clung to the lead. As regulation time ended, young Aiden White, eighteen years of age and a product of the Leeds academy was called upon for Andy Hughes as the Whites desperately held the lead. Tension thickened with five minutes of added-time called, surely an equalizer was in the offing but heroics were in store for Leeds ‘keeper Casper Ankergren with a stunning match saving save in the fourth minute. With the final tick of the clock, the white knuckle affair ended and for the 9,000 Leeds supporters who had made their way along the M62 to the Theatre of Dreams, their side resurrected the glory of the past once more in the greatest of fashions.


To continue reading please visit Europa League News.

City derby

A Derby needs little introduction and within one of professional Football's most notable cities, Manchester, the heated rivalry between the Citizens and Man Utd conjures up grand tales. Whilst the always notable "bragging rights" cannot be understated, particularly given when you're venturing out to the boroughs, this match has will have significant impact upon the table and City's hopes for a Europa League berth.

For Man Utd, they of-course have spent the week polishing off Arsenal with ease in the semi-finals of the Champions League and readying to meet Barcelona, who pirated their way from Stamford Bridge with an ill-gotten draw. That aside, Sir Alex and his cast are far beyond simply called the top shelf of the sport and the utmost reserve. Oddly enough it seems their success is the root of their few problems as the demands from cup final to cup final tax even their hearty stockpile of talent. It is a remarkable comment that they narrowly missed the chances for quintuple despite fielding a team of up and comers against Everton.

All those niceties aside, the match has a decidedly different side as Liverpool is hopeful of a major favour from City, as an upset would provide them a slight opening towards the Premier League crown. For the Citizens that is not such a significant issue as they are dealing with the need to close the gap on seventh place Fulham for the final Europa League spot. While there is little added inspiration needed for match against the Trafford side, a spot in European football is extremely important for the City as they venture into the complex signing market this summer.

Trips to Old Trafford have typically come up empty for City, excluding a bit of magic weaved during Sven-Göran Eriksson's reign. In returning to the scene of last years upset Mark Hughes must not only deal with a side perfectly synchronized but anxious to edge closer to their title celebration. Confidence billows within the Eastlands crew and the Welsh manager is not mixing words as he sounding the war drums that a victory is possible. For the match, he is likely without mercurial Shaun Wright-Phillips and will definitely miss Craig Bellamy, Daniel Sturridge but could see surprise appearances of Dietmar Hamann and Pablo Zabaleta.

too timid at Old Trafford

In the end, the scoreline was deceiving as Everton lost to Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford. Although only a one goal margin, Sir Alex Ferguson's side was in control of the match from the the start. While the Toffees displayed a high energy work rate defending it lacked the venom and confidence going forward that has been seen in prior matches. David Moyes pointed out after the match:

"The players have been terrific but today we dipped a bit below the energy levels we have shown in recent matches.

"I dont think we deserved to get anything out of it. Manchester United were the better side and our keeper played very well and made some great saves, but whilst it was 1-0 we were always in it and we could have nicked something."

Phil Jagielka may have put it more directly when he said:

“We’re a bit disappointed with our first half performance,” revealed Jagielka. “It was quite similar to the home game (against Man United).

“We maybe gave them too much respect.”

“We weren’t playing particularly well. We created a couple of half chances but we are a little bit disappointed because we put in a below par performance compared to our recent games.

From the start of the match, Man Utd went on the attack and rarely did Everton post a serious launch forward till after the break. However with each attempt the American goalkeeper Tim Howard proved up to the challenge and with it looking like the match was heading to the break Mark Halsey decided we were playing non-contact and decided pointed to the spot after Michael Carrick was nudged by Mikel Arteta. It was a sickening call in my opinion but then again I thought this was a sport of men. However that aside I wouldn't expect anything less at Old Trafford and Cristiano Ronaldo converted from the spot to give Man Utd the one goal advantage. After the break Everton tried to find the equalizing goal but it wasn't there and the match ended as it stood at the break, 1-0 in favour of the home side.

David Moyes added:
"I thought the penalty was a bit dubious but that's what happens when you come to big grounds with big crowds - they can do that. Lets hope our crowd do that on Wednesday night against Liverpool.

"When is there a good time to come to Man United? But We were in good form and confident. I'm not disappointed with how we went about it, I'm just disappointed we couldn't nick something from the game.

"I thought we got in a few times and I was disappointed we didn't make more of it buit credit to Leighton Baines for the positions he got into."

It was clear that the quality wasn't there as Man Utd deserved the points however the penalty call was light in my opinion. To Michael Carrick's credit he was man enough not to go the ground and there are few players to say that of.

Everton visits Old Trafford

After the heart-breaking conclusion against Arsenal, David Moyes leads the Toffees to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. With Man Utd, stomping forward and looking very much in control of the trophy race, Everton has quietly crept to sixth in the table.

With a wishful eye towards a Europa bid, the Toffees need to continue to squeeze up points in the most difficult of conditions. Enter Old Trafford because if you're looking for "difficult", it might be the definition of it for their opposition as they have yet to lose once in their home and fell to a draw once. Hence, Old Trafford is "difficult."

Sir Alex Ferguson's highly complimentary words of our David Moyes in Inside United magazine as he singled him out for his work with limited resources will be tested again as Everton, already weighed down with injuries might without both Timmy Cahill and Marouane Fellaini for the match. Both will have late match fitness tests to decide if they can go.

David Moyes said of the concern:

"He’s (Cahill) a doubt for tomorrow - I won’t take any risks with him.

"He’s been for an x-ray and his foot is badly bruised so we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if he’s okay.

"But Fellaini is a doubt as well. He’s had a stud through his shin so we are going to have to assess him tomorrow.

"The sign of a good player is if they can perform in the big games. Tim Cahill performs in the big games. He scores important goals and that’s why he’s important to us.

"Defenders do cope but the timing in the box is instinct and there’s no point in me going out there and teaching him what run to make."

Obviously these issues will have a "major" impact on the lineup and the youth core of Jack Rodwell, Dan Gosling, Lukas Jutkiewicz could be deputized in the most difficult of matches. However, I am confident they will provide tremendous service as always because This is Everton.

Henrik Larsson rumour isn’t really that surprising

With a career that has included notable stops in Feyenoord, Celtic and even a short stint last year with Man Utd it isn’t surprising to hear Henrik Larsson mentioned as a possible solution to the striker crisis at Everton. In-fact while many have bantered the Swedish internationals name as a “shocker”, it shouldn’t be that surprising as he is well known to be one of the better “short-term” solutions in the game today. Naturally at thirty-seven years of age, the best days are behind him but he could be the perfect solution in a very troubling time.

"the kings of Manchester"

Man Utd's Wayne Rooney, who has "upped" his game of late be adding diving to it has stoked the fires a morsel before the derby:

"Sunday is a massive game. Yes, we owe the fans a derby win even though we did win two trophies last season. Losing both games was extremely disappointing. It is a massive game for the players, the fans and the club - especially after what has happened at City with the takeover."

The ex-Everton boy who once swore his loyalty, added:

"It will be nice to show them who are the kings of Manchester. I missed both derbies last season and that was really frustrating having to watch when you cannot do anything about it. I am looking forward to Sunday. It doesn't irritate us that City are getting all this publicity. If they were winning trophies it would irritate me but while they are still lingering in mid-table I am not really too bothered about it."

Sir Alex must be nervous

A mastermind in tactical play on and off the pitch, Man Utd leader Sir Alex Ferguson has definitely launched a shot across the bow heading into Sundays tilt. Clearly it is part of his standard pre-match joust but equally has more than a hint of concern of City's commitment to filling the trophy case:

Said the wily Scot:

“Where are they at the moment — excuse me!

“At this moment in time it is Chelsea and Liverpool who are sitting above us.

“What Sparky Hughes does with the money at City is for the future.”

While City readies to fill Eastlands with top-shelf talent and make a run for the top spot, Man Utd has quietly announced that FK Partizan virtuoso Zoran Tošić has been granted a work permit. Once settled the young Serbian international will have a tremendous impact on the clubs fortune with his tough as nails approach and attacking genius.

Everton plays Man Utd to draw in venomous match

The Toffees came from behind to register a brilliant 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Goodison Park in a venomous match. The match will be remembered not only for David Moyes' squad comeback but Wayne Rooney's intentional inciting of anger with the Everton crowd and will certainly result in flaming the already tense relationship with the club he developed his early skills with.

Man Utd completed dominated the first half and opened the scoring twenty-two minutes after the start as Ryan Giggs fed Darren Fletcher who then patiently tucked the ball away from inside the box. The Everton goal was constantly under siege but 'keeper Tim Howard put forth a stunning display and effectively saved the match of the Toffees. Incredibly with what appeared to be a training exercise at times with Everton being completely dominated, the match went to the break with Man Utd only up 1-0.











Presumably during the break, David Moyes resonated a sense of fire within his squad because in the second-half they emerged as last years club. Tough, physical and refusing the back down from a challenge, Everton scratched a clawed back into the match and the crowd fed off their tenacity. Phil Neville hard challenge of Cristiano Ronaldo, who as you can imagine wailed on the pitch as if harpooned, drew a yellow card that also stoked Everton's play that much more. Finally as Man Utd wilted under the pressure of drive and determination, Phil Neville's cross into the box was headed-in by Marouane Fellaini to level the match.

With twenty-two minutes remaining in the match after being booked for challenge, Wayne Rooney began to interact with the crowd, gesturing to his Man Utd badge, fully aware of how this would incite the crowds anger. As he kissed the badge things situation seemed to be taking a turn for the worse, referee Alan Wiley wisely stepped-in to calm the situation. Fearing his temper getting the worst of him Alex Ferguson substituted Rooney, lest lose him to another yellow or worse. While that may of ended his match, these antics won't be forgotten.

True scoring opportunities were minimal for the remainder of the match and it ended in a 1-1 draw that will certainly boost the morale at Everton.

Zenit wins Super Cup!!!

Sir Alex Ferguson will have to wait for another chance to win the Super Cup as Dick Advocaat’s Zenit Saint Petersburg easily defeated Manchester United 2-1 to win the UEFA Super Cup.

Pavel Pogrebnyak and new-man Danni contributed goals each to give the defending Russian Premier League and UEFA Cup a 2-0 lead before Nemanja Vidic drew one back for Man Utd. However the slick passing and constant movement of Zenit constantly kept the Man Utd at bay and the match was a flattering scoreline for the English club.

The hard-tackling Ukrainian International Anatoly Tymoschuk was ruthless in the midfield and set the tone of match early, fighting for every blade of grass. Talismanic striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who sadly missed the Euro 2008 for Russia due to injury, was a constant threat to score and created numerous opportunities with his movement. His return to fitness bodes well for Russia's hunt for World Cup glory. Danni, who has only been with the club for a few days after coming over from Dynamo Moscow for €30m, fit in easily and leaves all Zenit supporters excited about the Champions League. Aleksandr Anyukov shut-down the Man Utd attack and sprung many counters particularly working-well with fellow international Konstantin Zyryanov, whose movement and pace was too-much for Man Utd. Andrei Arshavin, entered the match at the half, showed his typical attacking prowess and from all inside accounts, appears re-dedicated to the Zenit cause. To pick a man-of-the-match is a near impossible task but I do wish to mention the continued promise of Igor Denisov who set up the first goal, was superb on either end of the pitch. It was a great team victory as Zenit continues to fill its hardware case.

After the match Dick Advocaat commented:
“I think if you see the chances we created it was a deserved win. The start was a bit difficult as for 15 minutes we had some problems with the movement of the strikers. From a certain moment we started controlling things and creating chances, although we didn’t score enough. In the second half when the second central defender went off, we became more dangerous. Overall it was a well-deserved win over the 90 minutes.

I think it is not an easy draw but we did really well in the UEFA Cup so why not in the Champions League? Tonight we gave a warning so people can know what to expect. But the Champions League is different to tonight which in principle was a friendly match, but an important one of course. I have a squad I’m happy with, we still have a good bench, so there’s no need to buy more players – as long as everybody stays. We have spent net €25m this summer which is peanuts compared to the big clubs in Europe.”

Zenit Saint Petersburg v Manchester United Super Cup preview

This is a curious match to preview as while I am hoping for a never-say-die effort by both clubs, I can’t be sure that it is being taken as serious as I’d like. This particularly so in considering Man Utd’s Sir Alex Ferguson’s commentary that has given contradictory indications of his intent:

“I remember the last time we went there I only played half a team. When I saw Lazio celebrating at the end, it was like they had won the World Cup. I was not too pleased (and) that will not happen again.”

Yet he also commented earlier today:

“The Super Cup means no pressure on either team. It’s prestigious but provides a platform for the players to go out and enjoy themselves.”

The key to this comment (and for those who might have more than a passing interest in this match) is “no pressure“, which basically sounds the alarms of nice ribbons being given out after the match and hearty-cheer for the opposition. “No pressure” means a “friendly” or in this situation, a chance to get to Monaco and the local night-life. Nothing that fans have in mind or UEFA I’m sure.

However such is the case with this match and as much as I had hoped and even delayed posting my preview, waiting for some indication, this has all the makings of a easy-going friendly so the crushing mid-field challenges of Anatoliy Tymoschuk might be put on-hold in a free-wheeling non-contact match.

As further ballast of this being a less-than do-or-die match, Man Utd will welcome back Nani from suspension, Ji-Sung Park,Gary Neville and the Canadian who doesn’t play for Canada, Owen Hargreaves from injuries and a number of them are expected in the starting grid. While certainly they all have the ability to occupy their respective position during regular matches, their inclusion signals the match as a use of a “tune-up” and a chance to improve fitness.

However this match will provide fans of the game to watch the extraordinary collection of Football talent that Dick Advocaat has put together at Zenit Saint Petersburg and for that alone it is worth watching. Oddly enough, while many will know primarily of Andrei Arshavin’s superb talents, I’m not positive I would say he is the most valuable member of the club. I might reconsider that comment but the point is, this club has an outstanding array of talent and while clubs consider paying a Kings ransom for Andrei, a review of the lineup reveals player after player who will make a massive impact with any club.

Your new possible favourite midfielder, at least after the match, is quite possibly Anatoly Tymoschuk. A ruthless tackler, who never quits and leads through example, has exemplary vision with the ball. He is said to be valued at £7 on the transfer market, which seems a trace like a Boxing Day sale price to me in todays market and I couldn’t imagine Zenit without him. In-fact, in a match he was recently suspended for, they looked lost and void of the fire he imparts. While clubs hunt and peck for midfield leaders, I’m surprised the twenty-nine year-old Ukraine international isn’t on every clubs short-list.

Equally stated striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is now back from knee injury and if he remains healthy, watch Russia in the World Cup. In my opinion if he hadn’t been injured before the Euro’s, the talk of the Football world would have been around Pavel, who is a classic predator. The twenty-four year-old striker is a remarkable talent and while rarely discussed, is a tremendous leader in the club and role model to fans.

The rich midfield is packed with an assortment of quality pedigree including twenty-two year-old Viktor Fayzulin who plays well beyond his years in all facets of the game, Igor Denisov, an extremely complete player who will excel in-time on the international scene, Konstantin Zyryanov one of Russia’s top Footballers, offensive whirlwind Dani, who just came over from Dynamo Moscow. Up-front with Andrei Arshavin and Pavel Pogrebnyak, Zenit has featured the tenacious and creative attacking Turkish international Fatih Tekke (Turkey) along with Alejandro Domínguez who has consistently shown to be a high level attacker. Defensively Dick Advocaat has continued his assembly of top pedigree with international capped Roman Shirokov (Russia), Ivica Krizanac (Croatia) and Kim Dongjin (Korea) along with recent addition Sébastien Puygrenier.

I will be posting a full review of the match once it concludes.