Bad day at the office: Pellegrini's side were well below their best
Manuel Pellegrini was understandably disappointed after his side crashed out of the FA Cup to Wigan at the Etihad.
The Chilean could not hide his disappointment after his hopes for a Quadruple were ended by the Latics
Bad day at the office: Pellegrini's side were well below their best
Manuel Pellegrini was understandably disappointed after his side crashed out of the FA Cup to Wigan at the Etihad.
City blew their chances of securing a domestic treble as the championship side repeated their shock FA Cup heroics.
And the Chilean manager was quick to look ahead to the Champions League after a below-par display against the championship side.
Pellegrini
told BT Sport: "It's disappointing because we cannot be eliminated from
the FA Cup at home by Wigan. We had three or four chances to get a draw.
"I
don't like to divide the defence and attack. We could have done more
with the two Wigan goals, but we didn't do enough in attack until they
were 2-0 up.
"We are in the last part of the season,
but it's very important to react. We must go to Barcelona and try to
continue in the Champions League, although it will be difficult."
The Citizens must now focus on their away trip to the Nou Camp as they seek to overturn Barcelona on Wednesday.
Manchester
United bounced back from defeat in Greece to hand a heavy defeat to
Pepe Mel and West Brom, who remain in deep trouble following their
first defeat at home since Norwich in December.
Goals
from Phil Jones, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck ensured three vital
points for David Moyes' men, after plenty of criticism in recent weeks.
Albion
captain Chris Brunt pulled through to lead the home side out after
there were suggestions midweek he wouldn't be fit for the fixture.
Victor Anichebe, Claudio Yacob and Zoltan Gera also returned to the
starting eleven.
David Moyes recalled the previously
ineligible Juan Mata, while Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj also
started in an attacking line-up.
Prior to kick-off,
there were touching tributes to two Hawthorns greats in the form of
Laurie Cunningham and Stan Rickaby, before Albion started the brighter,
Morgan Amalfitano and Gera closing down United's defence well.
The
visitors grew into the game slowly, Michael Carrick and the tricky Juan
Mata finding the ball with increasing regularity, before Victor
Anichebe's surge into the opposing penalty area had the crowd on their
feet. Chris Smalling was able to gain ground, however, and the moment
was gone. Januzaj was booked soon after for deliberate handball.
Youssouf
Mulumbu was forced to clear a header off the line as the Red Devils
continued to lay siege on the hosts' area, with Anichebe feeding on
scraps whenever Albion attempted to counter. The home fans, however,
were doing all they could early on to provide their team with a base on
which to build.
While Amalfitano's header was easily
claimed by David De Gea, Ben Foster was required to produce quite a bit
more to keep out Rafael's. The former United stopper somehow managed to
push the Brazilian right back's onto the bar from an obscure angle.
The
away side weren't to be denied for long, though. Robin van Persie's
free kick was met with a free, bullet header from Phil Jones that
Foster this time was unable to keep out.
Fellaini's
foul soon meant the end of the game for the recently returning Yacob,
with James Morrison replacing him. Anichebe then used his brute
strength with his back to goal to fend off Jones before dragging a shot
just wide of the far post.
There was a moment of
controversy in the closing stages of the opening half when an innocent
Juan Mata ball forward should have been dealt with by Foster, but his
failed control saw the ball bounce up and hit his arm outside of the
area- a let off for the struggling hosts.
H-T: 0-1
Van
Persie was booked in the early stages of the second period for a nasty
tackle on Amalfitano, before a neat interchange between Gera and
Anichebe ended in a tame effort from the former. A sign of things to
come?
5 minutes later and Dutchman 'RVP' was extremely lucky not to receive his marching orders for a late lunge on Steven Reid.
Albion
were outraged, and this led to a period of sustained pressure, where
Anichebe continued to worry United's defence. His ball across the face
of goal was diverted away, before Mulumbu's ultimate follow-up was
blocked.
Stephane Sessegnon was introduced for Reid
with Amalfitano converting to right back, while Danny Welbeck replaced
the hot-headed van Persie as the substitutions began to take place.
As
Saido Berahino was prepared to replace the injured Chris Brunt,
Amalfitano switched off at the back post and allowed Rooney a free
header to double the lead.
The game descended into a
lull from there, as United were content with their significant
advantage and Albion struggled to go forward with much venom. The
impressive Anichebe was doing his best, and laid in Gera for another
effort on goal that De Gea palmed away.
Welbeck
rounded off proceedings after finishing well following a period of Red
possession late on. Harsh on the home side, who have trouble scoring
goals and keeping them out at the moment.
It's a game
that won't define West Brom's season, but it was as good an opportunity
to complete the double over United for the first time in a long time.
United's three points keep them in the hunt for European football next
season.
A spokesman for supporters' group Stretford End Flags says that fans just want to see good performances from their club
ances from their club
John Peters
Try again: Fans say David Moyes must do better than an open letter
Manchester United fans have warned David Moyes he must turn around
the club’s fortunes – after he wrote a letter apologising for the
season.
The under-fire Old Trafford boss was told the support he
still has will be eroded unless there is a positive finish to one of
United’s worst campaigns of modern times.
Andrew Kilduff, from
Stretford End Flags, said the letter from Moyes – sent to season-ticket
holders – was ill-timed and claimed it was performances, not words of
apology, that were needed from the United boss.
“It’s a big month
for Moyes and with every performance, result and team selection
analysed, the words and body language he is portraying are a battle for
himself,” said Kilduff.
“Analysed by both media and fans, his
words need backing up on the pitch or it won’t be long till the fans
vocally turn against him.” The front page of the Daily Mirror's football pullout
Kilduff, spokesman for the independent supporters group, said
information on season ticket renewals came out in February, three
months earlier than usual.
He added: “It wasn’t the best PR move
by the club, as the team in most seasons are still challenging for the
league in February and in most years challenging in Europe. That’s not
the case this season and the prospect of Europa football is putting
some fans off renewing.
“With those renewals usually come words
from Sir Alex, words full of optimism and promise. These have been
replaced by words of apology. Words promising a turnaround in the
future but words echoing the feeling of fans who are gradually
beginning to turn against the manager.
“I’m fully behind Moyes,
his defining moment isn’t now but in 12 months’ time when we can assess
the summer and January 2015 transfer window.”
Neil McLeman discusses the former British No 1 who will need to call on
all the fight she's shown over the years in her battle with liver cancer
El of a fighter: Baltacha has overcome years of struggling with injury
Elena Baltacha had the sporting fortune to be the daughter of a
former pro footballer and an Olympic-standard pentathlete. But the
former British No 1 was cursed by illness and injury throughout her
tennis career even before the terrible news of her liver cancer was announced today.
The
former British No 1 and world top 50 player was a regular at Grand
Slams, a stalwart of the Fed Cup team and lived her dream of playing in
the Olympic Games in 2012. She won 11 tournaments on the ITF Circuit
over 11 years. Yet her stop-start career was always hampered by ill
health, with today's announcement the latest obstacle she will have
conquer.
Baltacha, 30, retired in November last year saying: "My
body has taken such a bruising over the last 16 years and that's
finally taken its toll.
"I have had some amazing experiences
through playing tennis - some incredible highs and some very low lows -
and I wouldn't change any of them."
Baltacha was born in Kiev but
moved with her family to the UK in 1989 when her father Sergei, a
Soviet international, signed for Ipswich Town. He then signed for St
Johnstone - and later Inverness Caley - and Elena became a proud Scot
and Brit. She was delighted to get the chance to represent Team GB at
2012 as her mother Olga had been denied the chance to compete at her
home Olympics in Moscow in 1980 because she could not find childcare
for her son Sergei - who went on to play for St Mirren and Millwall.
Baltacha
first came to national fame when she reached the third round of
Wimbldon in 2002 after beating the seeded Amanda Coetzer. She also
reached the third round twice at the Australian Open.
All her
achievements are remarkable considering she was diagnosed with a rare
and incurable liver condition at the age of 19 after two liver
biopsies. She then had to take eight tablets twice a day to stay
symptom-free.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), is a disease of the ducts that channel bile from the liver into the intestines.
Although controlled by medication, PSC is incurable and gets worse over time.
She
enjoyed telling the story of how one specialist suggested she had an
alcohol problem and said she was "drinking more than George Best".
In
2010 after becoming a patron of the Children's Liver Disease
Foundation, Baltacha said: "The liver condition is still there but I
push it to the back of my mind. I have been told I have a 50 per cent
chance of developing jaundice and I have to take medication every day."
She
needed to take six months but her comeback was hit by a hereditary back
condition and she needed keyhole surgery for a prolapsed disc in 2006.
Baltacha underwent ankle surgery after the Olympics but played on for another year before retiring.
Her new focus has been a tennis academy with her husband - her former trainer Nino Severino - in Ipswich.
Back
in November, she said: "We believe that no matter what background you
are from, that all children, rich or poor, should have the opportunity
to play tennis. Hopefully we'll produce a champion one day."
After a goalless first half, Jose Mourinho's charges scored four unanswered goals to put Spurs to the sword at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea turned in a fine second-half performance to see off Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.
Samuel
Eto'o and Eden Hazard set the wheels in motion fore the Blues, before
ten-man Spurs conceded twice more in the final few minutes.
Fernando
Torres pulled up with a knock in the warm-up, meaning Eto'o was thrust
into the side at the last minute. Andre Schurrle kept his place in
midfield, with Oscar and Willian both on the bench after travelling to South Africa with the Brazil squad. For the visitors, Roberto Soldado dropped to the bench, with Kyle Walker playing an unfamiliar role in midfield.
The first chance of the game fell to Jose Mourinho's side, Eto'o sliding a lovely pass into the path of Hazard, who nimbly rounded Hugo Lloris but could only find the side netting.
It
would be Spurs who shaded the early exchanges, however, and it took a
fine save from Petr Cech to repel a fierce drive from Sandro on 22
minutes. Nabil Bentaleb also dragged an effort wide from a good
position, while Eto'o flashed wide at the other end. Neither side,
though, could find a breakthrough before the interval.
Spurs were
the architects of their own downfall after the break, gifting Chelsea
the opening goal. Jan Vertonghen slipped in possession and hacked the
ball back in the vague direction of Lloris, only to watch in horror as
Eto'o stole in to collect the ball. The Cameroonian made no mistake, tucking his finish into the corner.
Things
soon went from bad to worse for the away side, referee Michael Oliver
awarding a penalty for Younes Kaboul's challenge on Eto'o. The defender
was dismissed and Hazard converted coolly from the spot.
Chelsea
substitute Demba Ba gave the scoreline sheen in the dying minutes,
twice pouncing on Tottenham errors - Sandro and Walker the respective
culprits - to plunder two goals in as many minutes.
AC Milan last won the Scudetto in 2010-11, their first in seven years, but since then Rossoneri haven't looked anything like the team that won the UEFA Champions League in 2007.
The team, who beat Liverpool 2-1 in Athens, included the likes of captain Paolo Maldini, Kaka, Filippo Inzaghi, Massimo Ambrosini, Dida and is considered by some to be one, if not, the best AC Milan side ever.
Milan is known as the fashion capital of Italy, but the club who have won 18 Serie A titles haven't graced either Serie A or Europe with the quality of what you would expect. Nothing like when you stroll down the streets of the magnificent city where the shops are elegantly aligned with designer labels.
Milan might still be in the competition they last won six years ago, but they are in danger of not qualifying for any European competition at all next season. They currently sit 10th in the league, six points behind Inter Milan who occupy the last European place. But more worryingly is the fact they are 17 points behind Napoli who sit 3rd in the final Champions League spot.
Manchester United target Matthias Ginter has said recently that he is pleased to be linked with the sides after being questioned over reported interest from a number of top clubs including David Moyes Old Trafford side.
In a interview that was published by the Metro, Ginter, who is also sought after by German side Bayern Munich and Manchester United's Premier League rivals Arsenal, spoke of how 'honoured and proud' he was to be linked with such high profile club's.
"If it is true, I am of course honored and excited."
"On the other hand, there is still a long way to the summer."
This no doubt gives the impression that the highly-rated 20-year-old would jump at the chance to play for either Manchester United, Bayern Munich or Arsenal.
Manchester United manager David Moyes is looking for a new defender after club captain Nemanja Vidić announced he will be leaving Old Trafford in the summer. A number of defenders have been linked with a move to fill the void left by the Serbian international's eventual departure, and Ginter's youth and skill could make him a top priority for for United in the summer.
The young Freiburg defender would likely command a fee around £10m.
Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher has come out with the ridiculous statement that managers shouldn’t be sacked during a football season and this should be a new rule. As of now, 52 per cent of English teams have a manager who has been in charge for under a year and eight Premier League managers have been sacked so far this season.
Despite playing in front of a largely partisan Mexican crowd, the Super Eagles held their own and came out with good lessons learnt in the work out in Atlanta
ANALYSIS
By Solace Chukwu
Nigeria and Mexico played out a third consecutive stalemate, with neither side hitting the back of the net in Atlanta on Thursday morning. The Mexicans were on top for long periods, but made little of it.
El Tri went with the expected 3-5-2. Andres Guardado was given the nod over Miguel Ponce at left wing back, and Javier Hernandez surprisingly partnered Oribe Peralta upfront.
Coach Stephen Keshi sprung a surprise, handing Michael Uchebo a debut from the start in an unusual 4-4-1-1 shape. The Cercle Brugge man mountain played just off Emmanuel Emenike, with Ahmed Musa getting the nod on the right. The rest of the side picked itself.
The game started at a frantic pace, and immediately highlighted a key problem area. The Super Eagles defence was up against two strikers, and found it impossible to play out from the back as there was no spare man. Whenever the ball was played back, Vincent Enyeama had to hoof it upfield hurriedly; there was no option for a pass.
In this sense, Keshi’s decision to play without a designated holder was puzzling. The best way to beat the press from a front two is to have the holding midfielder drop in between the centre backs and push the full backs forward. This ensures that there is a spare man to a. help play around the pressing and b. spread the play to the advanced full backs.
TAKE THAT star Gary Barlow teamed up with a host of other celebrities and former footballers to record England’s official World Cup song.
ON SONG: Kenny Sansom, Michael Owen, Carlton Palmer, Glenn Hoddle, David Seaman, Geoff Hurst, Dion Dublin, Martin Keown, Gary Mabbutt and Gary Pallister join Katy B and Kimberley Walsh at recording [PH]
Gary, 43, was joined for the session by a squad which included Kimberley Walsh, 32, Katy B, 24, and Emma Bunton, 38, along with World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst, 72, and fellow England legends Michael Owen, 34, and Gary Lineker, 53.
They got together in London yesterday to film the video for the as-yet unnamed track. It will be shown on Sport Relief night on BBC One on March 21, with the single released later.
Here JAMES MOORE rounds up some of England’s other top tournament tunes.
World Cup Willie – 1966 World Cup
Crooner Lonnie Donegan sang the ditty celebrating the World Cup mascot and England were inspired to lift the trophy on home soil.
The lyrics: “He’s tough as a lion and never will give up, that’s why Willie is favourite for the cup.”
Back Home – 1970 World Cup
The squad topped the charts for three weeks. But they failed to bring the cup home from Mexico, being knocked out in the quarter-finals by West Germany.
The lyrics: "Back home. They'll be watching and waiting and cheering every move. Back home.”
WAYNE ROONEY could become the new Manchester United captain before the end of the season.
SKIPPING ROO: £300k-per-week striker Wayne Rooney could be handed the United armband before Nemanja Vidic heads to Italy [AFP]
United boss David Moyes needs to appoint a new skipper following the news Nemanja Vidic has agreed to join Inter Milan.
Vidic has agreed terms with the Italian outfit and will quit United at the end of this season and move to the San Siro on a free transfer.
His departure is a huge blow to Moyes, who knows he needs a new leader to take the team forward in these troubled times at Old Trafford.
Moyes has spoken in glowing terms of Rooney’s maturity and leadership qualities in recent months and believes he is the ideal candidate to replace Vidic.
But now the Serbian’s move to Inter has been confirmed, Moyes could be set to bring his plans forward and hand Rooney the armband this month.
ON HIS WAY: Nemanja Vidic will join Inter Milan [GETTY]
The Manchester United captain, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season and had agreed his exit with boss David Moyes.
Inter
president Erick Thohir said: "Vidic is a world-class player. I'm
extremely happy to have completed this deal to bring Nemanja to Milan.
"He's
one of the world's best defenders and his qualities, international
pedigree and charisma will be an asset to the team and help bring
through our younger players.
"He will bring added value to the club and is another piece of the great Inter side we are building.
"I
would also like to take this opportunity to thank Manchester United,
Nemanja and his entourage for the professional and cooperative approach
they have shown throughout the negotiations."
In this exclusive interview, the Brazilian talks candidly about his career, his World Cup dream and... his kitchen
PepsiCo
Artwork of David Luiz created by Brazilian artist Ricardo AKN,
who was one of the six street artists commissioned by PepsiMax as part
of the brand’s “The Art of Football” collection. #FutbolNow
The Chelsea defender's
gaze is unbroken, his interest genuine and his answers thoughtful.
Peering out from underneath his bubble bath of tightly-curled hair, his
eyes flick away for the first time to the looming ten-foot square
canvas upon which his image is the centre of attention. "I would love
to take it home," he laughs, "but I don't think it will fit in my
kitchen."
This somewhat sets the tone, and David Luiz is a warm,
engaging character who - once he has got over his artfully-enhanced
mirror image staring down at him - is completely at ease talking about
a range of subjects from his humble beginnings in Sao Paulo province to
lifting a trophy at the Maracana, draped in the yellow of Brazil.
This
year, of course, he will hope to repeat those scenes from the
Confederation Cup in the one that really matters, and hopefully without
the backdrop of widescale protests. It has been a curious few years for
the Selecão, with the seemingly harsh sacking of Mano Menezes
signifying the end of Brazil's first cohesive long-term plan in years
and also a massive risk so close to two immensely important tournaments on home soil.
In
came Luiz Felipe Scolari, a World Cup winner no less, but a manager who
had recently guided one of Sao Paulo's biggest clubs, Palmeiras, to
relegation into Brazil's Serie B. Despite such a fresh blot on his
record, Scolari's grumpy-but-lovable patriarch persona is the sort of
character that goes down well with Brazilian fans and positive results
soon saw him backed by the masses.
Of course, they weren't truly
won round until Scolari led the Canarinha to Confederations Cup glory
but, along with Carlos Alberto Parreira, Brazil now have a management
team that has a trophy to go with the backing of the players, and it is
the experience they bring that appears to inspire the most confidence
in Luiz.
The TV star gave her (supposedly) tongue-in-cheek opinions
on the Wimbledon winner, Gary Lineker and Paula Radcliffe while
speaking at Leeds Trinity University
Under fire: Logan joked about Murray, Radcliffe and Lineker while talking to students
Gabby Logan may come under fire after calling tennis star Andy Murray "the moodiest most miserable b****** I've ever met."
The BBC Sport presenter
was speaking to students at Leeds Trinity University when she took a
swipe at the 2013 Wimbledon winner, as well as her current BBC
colleague Gary Lineker.
Talking about the Men's Olympic tennis champion, Logan said: "I was a big fan.
"Then at the Olympics, he had just won a silver [medal] with Laura Robson. And he was the moodiest most miserable b****** I've ever met in my life because he only won a silver.
"If I wasn't on live telly I'd have gone 'cheer up'."
