May 16, 2009, 11:01 pm

Pic: Man Utd celebrate Premier League title win

Manchester United sealed a third successive Premier League title by getting the point they needed against Arsenal - but the Old Trafford celebrations only started after an afternoon gripped by tension.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side knew a draw would ensure they equalled Liverpool's long-time record of 18 titles, but Arsenal ensured they did not earn their prize without a fight.

Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas both wasted opportunities to drag the title race into its final week and leave United with more work to do at Hull City on the last day of the season as nerves jangled in the closing stages.

But United's defence, so often the bedrock of their success this season, delivered another clean sheet when Ferguson needed it most and Old Trafford erupted in ecstasy at the final whistle as an 11th Premier League success was confirmed.

Wayne Rooney missed United's best chance with a first-half header, and there was an intriguing cameo when Old Trafford voiced its resounding disapproval when the popular Carlos Tevez was substituted in what could prove to be his final home appearance.

But nothing could overshadow United's achievement - or the joy of players, fans and management - as the presentations were made after the final whistle with club captain Gary Neville lifting the Barclays Premier League trophy.

United saw off a stirring challenge from an improving Liverpool this season to once again set the standards their rivals must meet, despite a stumble when defeats against Rafael Benitez's side and Fulham threatened to undermine their challenge.

And as so often during this campaign, United got the result they needed when not at their most fluent, with the industry of Darren Fletcher and the defensive solidity of Nemanja Vidic taking centre stage as Arsenal kept Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo on the margins.

United's squad were introduced individually as the presentations began, but the biggest ovation of all was reserved for Ferguson, whose hunger, drive and desire have again been the inspiration for this triumph.

And as the pyrotechnics flashed around Old Trafford, Ferguson could start the preparations for further glory as he attempts to make United the first club to successfully defend the Champions League when they meet Barcelona in the final in Rome.

Tevez's spectacular equaliser at Wigan earned him a starting place ahead of Dimitar Berbatov - with Ferguson clearly unmoved by continued speculation surrounding the Argentine's future.

Andrey Arshavin was restored to Arsenal's side after illness, and he saw plenty of possession in a first 45 minutes that saw Arsene Wenger's side acquit themselves far better than when the pressure was on in the recent Champions League semi-final against United.

The Russian provided an inviting cross for Van Persie after 13 minutes, but he headed off target with United's defence unlocked.

United's response was a Rooney header from John O'Shea's cross four minutes later. He should have at least tested Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski, but directed a low header just wide.

Arsenal had a foothold in the game without putting United's defence under concerted pressure, but there was enough on show to subdue the atmosphere of anticipation inside Old Trafford.

United had one final opportunity as the interval approached, but Ryan Giggs, who would later collect his 11th Premier League title medal, shot well over the top after good work on the left flank by Rooney.

Van Persie had already been booked for a reckless challenge on Ronaldo, and he was fortunate to escape with a lecture from referee Mike Dean early in the second half for another poor tackle, this time on Patrice Evra.

United had struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, but Fabianski had to be alert on the hour to block Tevez, with Ronaldo firing the loose ball yards over the bar.

It was the final contribution for Tevez, who was replaced by Ji-Sung Park. Ferguson's decision was not well received by Old Trafford, in fact it was met with open derision as the popular striker made his way to the touchline.

Tevez milked the situation for all it was worth, waving to all sides of the ground in apparent farewell - going a step further by acknowledging the fans after taking his place on the bench.

Ronaldo thought he had scored the goal that rubber-stamped the title with 12 minutes left, but his 20-yard angled free-kick dipped just wide with Fabianski beaten.

Fabregas almost stunned Old Trafford with seven minutes left and the clock ticking down towards the title triumph. He found space inside the penalty area but, to widespread relief from the home support, could only find the side-netting.

Van Persie then shot straight at Van der Sar as United looked to have settled for the stalemate that would see them retain their crown.

The Dutch striker gave Old Trafford one final scare when his free-kick was bravely blocked by Michael Carrick.

Seconds later, referee Dean sounded the final whistle and United were crowned champions again.

---

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"The great challenge now is to try to win it next year because that would be something special.

"A 19th league title would give us a special place in the club's history."
 

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:
"United are worthy champions. They did well in every single competition and that is very difficult.

"It was a very interesting championship. I think United won it because they got more points at home than any of the other teams in the top four.

"Our ambition was to win the game. United were very cautious, and we did not find an opening.

"We lacked sharpness and quality in the final third but overall we dominated the game.

"United's strength is to defend well and that is what they did today."

---

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney (Anderson 90), Tevez (Park 67).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Berbatov, Scholes, Rafael Da Silva.

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Song Billong, Gibbs (Eboue 76), Nasri (Bendtner 69), Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas, Arshavin (Walcott 69), van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Mannone, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre.

Booked: van Persie, Arshavin, Fabregas, Nasri, Song Billong.

Att: 75,468

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Article Courtesy of the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk

May 7, 2009, 9:02 am
Pic: Mayhem: Barcelona fans go wild after Iniesta's strike

Chelsea 1 Barcelona 1, agg 1-1: Match report from the Champions League semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.

The bitterest of bile can be the only taste in Chelsea mouths this morning. Everyone associated with the Bridge, from dressing room to boardroom, supporters to staff, will feel sick at the injustice of what befell them here during heart-stoppage time on Wednesday night. So that’s why they call it the Blues.

Whether you like Chelsea or not, whether you can stomach the crassness of some of their fans or not, whether their powerful football is to your taste or not, Guus Hiddink and his hard-working collection of players did not deserve this brutal fate: a Champions League semi-final decided by the incompetence of a referee rather than the skill of players.

How sad. Sport is supposed to be a celebration of man’s achievements, of the leadership of John Terry, the relentless running of Frank Lampard, the mesmerising dribbling of Lionel Messi and the spectacular finishing of Michael Essien and Andres Iniesta, last night’s scorers. Instead, this tie will be remembered for Tom Henning Ovrebo’s inability to tell right from wrong.

To lose sight of one clear-cut penalty, a foul by Dani Alves on Florent Malouda inside the box, can be considered a misfortune. To lose sight of a second spot-kick, a shirt-tugging offence by Eric Abidal on Didier Drogba, can be considered carelessness.

But to miss a third offence, a blatant handball by Gerard Pique, had Chelsea fans and players talking openly of a conspiracy against them. (Of the fourth claim, Samuel Eto’o had no chance to move his arm, and had his back to the ball, when Michael Ballack’s volley hit him).

In the anguished-filled minds of many at Chelsea they were robbed of a place in the Rome final with Manchester United because Uefa wanted to break the Premier League’s stranglehold. Nonsense, of course. Uefa’s president, Michel Platini, may have issues with the English, may have been spotted singing along with the Barcelona anthem at the first leg, but Ovrebo’s errors were honest ones. No conspiracy. Just ineptitude.

The Norwegian just had a shocking game, one that will inevitably trigger a debate over whether referees from less competitive leagues should be given such high-profile, high-speed games. The fourth official, Brage Sandmoen, failed to control the anarchy that swept the dug-out for 10 minutes, although the players were ultimately responsible.

Chelsea surrendered some of the moral high ground when a barefooted Drogba went hunting for Ovrebo at the final whistle. No amount of nausea over the unfairness of the situation can condone Drogba’s disgraceful reaction, the Chelsea striker railing manically at Ovrebo, accusing the Norwegian of all manner of calumnies and shouting accusations about cheating into a TV lens, forcing Sky to apologise. Drogba deserves whatever punishment Uefa throws at him.

The sour grapes swirling around Drogba’s mouth, intoxicating him, destroying his composure, was in stark contrast to his manager, Hiddink, who remained a dignified figure despite his frustration, despite being knocked off his feet by jubilating Catalans stampeding down the touchline to their fans like a herd of David Pleats.

Ovrebo’s ineptitude must still not be allowed to cloud admiration for Barcelona’s resilience, for sticking to their rich passing traditions even when Abidal was dismissed for bringing down Nicolas Anelka. For half-an-hour, Barcelona played with 10 men, still passing and probing as if they had a full complement.

If Hiddink winces with one regret, Ovrebo apart, it will be that he did not stretch Barcelona more. He removed the hobbling Drogba after 72 minutes and sent on the more defensive Juliano Belletti. If only Hiddink had enjoyed some wide options to call on. He could have inserted John Obi Mikel into the centre and pushed Essien on.

But the Dutchman can hold his head high today. So can Terry, a colossus at the back. So can Lampard, who ended the game with his shirt stained with sweat and blood still seeping from a mouth wound. So can Ballack, who made clearance after clearance, his reputation damaged only when losing it with Ovrebo at the end. William Shakespeare could have written a book on Ballack’s semi-finals for clubs and country and it would definitely be a tragedy.

All’s ill that ends ill. Yet Chelsea had started well. Essien’s ninth-minute strike was so sensational, so dripping with technique that the visiting stylists from Catalonia would happily have claimed it as their own. Barcelona were undone by a swift attack, Ashley Cole exploiting more poor positioning by Dani Alves, the attack-obsessed right-back who seems to believe defending is for lesser souls. Cole pushed on, slipping the ball down the inside-left channel towards Lampard, ubiquity in blue.

His shot struck Yaya Toure, rebounding out towards Essien. What a response! What a goal! As the ball dropped from the warm night sky, Essien caught it left footed on the volley, the ball arcing through the air, crashing off the underside of the bar and crossing the line: 81 minutes to go, could Chelsea hold on? Tension mounted, Chelsea knowing one mistake would give Barcelona the away-goal edge.

Soon the ball was moving as if bewitched between the magical feet of Messi, Xavi and Iniesta. Yet Barcelona were all possession without penetration. Until the cruel denouement it appeared that Hiddink had again done his homework, setting up Chelsea to give numbers in midfield spiced with a counter-attacking threat. Essien and Ballack anchored, allowing Anelka, Lampard and the busy Malouda to support Drogba.

And so the penalty claims came and went. Drogba went to ground, indicating Abidal had been pulling his shirt. He had. Play on. Then the hapless Alves tried to learn the defensive trade on the hoof, the Brazilian clearly clipping the heels of Malouda just inside the box. Outside said Ovrebo, which was exactly where a few Chelsea fans wanted to take him. “We don’t get penalties now that Mourinho’s gone," fumed one Chelsea fan.

Chelsea were looking good on the counter. Drogba went through on goal after 52 minutes but Victor Valdes saved. Abidal’s party soon ended, the left-back departing for clutching the shirt of Anelka, who eventually fell over. Pique then handled Anelka’s flick. Play on.

Brutal. Barcelona’s clincher stemmed from a mistake by Essien, who lost possession to Messi and Iniesta, arguably the player of the tie, did the rest with a magnificent 20-yarder. Chelsea hearts were broken, their mouths filled with bile over how cruel and unfair football can be.

***The UEFA Champions League 2008–09 is the 54th edition of Europe 's premier club football tournament and the 17th edition under the current UEFA Champions League format. The final will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 27 May 2009. It is the eighth time the European Cup final has been held in Italy and the fourth time it has been held at the Stadio Olimpico . Manchester United are the defending champions .***

Source: Daily Telegraph UK: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

May 6, 2009, 1:52 pm

Preview of Chelsea v Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea (0) v Barcelona (0)
Kick-off: Wed May 6, 2.30pm (EST). Stamford Bridge, London
TV: ESPN 2

Touchline duel Guus Hiddink v Pep Guardiola

Guus Hiddink certainly got the upper hand in last week’s encounter between one of the world’s most experienced coaches and, in Barca’s Pep Guardiola, a relative novice who reacted to the goalless draw with a series of complaints and accusations. Not that Hiddink cared as he countered with his put-down that it was a “man’s game”. It is.

Nevertheless Hiddink knows he will have to devise a whole new set of tactics to combat Barca’s array of attacking talent while Guardiola will use the sense of grievance from the first-leg to spur his players on. There is, however, a genuine sense of respect between the two men with Guardiola even calling Hiddink the best coach in the world because of his serial success. Hiddink is a great admirer of Barca’s sense of style in attack which Guardiola, a former midfielder who was anointed by Johann Cruyff to lead the club, has revived.

Talking tactics

Hiddink will have to decide which formation to use, which could dictate the tempo of the game. Does he keep it tight – or go for jugular? He’s unlikely to opt for the 4-4-2 from the start that he deployed against Fulham but will want to get support up to Didier Drogba more quickly.

The return of Ashley Cole will help the pace and balance of the team while the key remains starving Lionel Messi of possession and pushing Andres Iniesta as far away from goal as possible. Loading up central midfield is likely. Barca will play as high up the field as possible, pressing for possession and trying to play balls inside the Chelsea full-backs for their front three to exploit.

Key battle Ashley Cole v Lionel Messi

Well as Jose Bosingwa did in coping with Messi last week , Hiddink will be pleased that Cole is eligible. The left-back relishes one-on-one duels – witness his battles over the years with Cristiano Ronaldo – but he will have to stay disciplined at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea did well to prevent Messi gaining enough possession to hurt them in the first leg in the Nou Camp. Barcelona may give him a freer role to try to confuse Chelsea’s disciplined defence in the Stamford Bridge return. If he is allowed time and space, Messi will settle the tie.

Key battle Didier Drogba v Gerard Pique

Isolated at the Nou Camp, Drogba still created Chelsea’s clearest opportunity. Hiddink will look for a big game from him to set the tone for the rest of the team. Expect a rampaging, pumped-up performance and indefatigable front-running.

The former Manchester United defender has improved dramatically since moving to the Nou Camp and delivered a strong performance when faced by Drogba last week. In the absence of other more experienced defenders, Barca will be heavily reliant on him, especially in the air.

Key battle Frank Lampard v Andres Iniesta

Despite not being at his best, Iniesta still saw plenty of the ball and used it effectively in the first leg last week. Along with Xavi, Iniesta makes Barca tick and Chelsea’s midfield will have to get close, deny possession but also, crucially, push Iniesta back into his own territory.

Chelsea will look to their tireless England midfielder to be the man to force Barca back and make them worry about their opponents’ goal threat. Lampard needs to be highly disciplined and choose his moments to break forward and harass the opposition.

Team details

Chelsea (probable, 4-3-3): Cech; Boswinga, Terry, Alex*, A Cole; Lampard, Ballack*, Essien; Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.
Barcelona (probable, 4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Marquez*, Pique, Abidal; Xavi, Toure, Iniesta; Messi, Eto'o, Henry.
Referee: T Henning (Norway).

Who's saying what

Pep Guardiola: "All the Chelsea team are a danger. They can play in many different ways and they are tactically very flexible. All the Chelsea team are a danger. They can play in many different ways and they are tactically very flexible."

Didier Drogba: "You can see that the desire to get to Rome is strong, especially after losing the final last year. We have to concentrate on Barcelona because it's not an easy game. After that, if we qualify, we'll have a lot of time to think about the final. We really want to get there again and see if we've learned from the previous Champions League Final. But, again, tonight's game is more important than thinking about the final."

Txiki Beguiristain (Barca technical director): “It’s difficult for me to explain how Barcelona could go out on the pitch looking for a draw. The idea of playing for a score draw doesn’t exist. We want to play our football, the kind we always play.”

Lionel Messi: "We will play in the same way against Chelsea as we did against Real and, playing like that, we will have many chances. If we do things as we did on Saturday then we will score and go through. This was a massive boost. We're going to London with great spirit and desire to fight and with a lot of belief that we'll go through. We've come out of this with a renewed confidence and strength."

Stastistics

• Chelsea, who have not lost any of their last eight matches against Spanish clubs, have beaten Barcelona in four of five previous games at Stamford Bridge. But they have won only one of their last four meetings against Spanish teams in London, all in the Champions League.

• Chelsea have won their last eight Champions League home matches and are unbeaten in 17 though the last team to beat them at Stamford Bridge in the competition was Barcelona, who won 2-1 in the knockout round three years ago.

• Petr Cech is the only player left in the competition who has played every minute of all his team's 11 games to date.

• Barcelona are unbeaten in all five away games this season and have scored five goals in two of those games, winning 5-0 in Basel and 5-2 in Lisbon against Sporting.

• Barcelona have won on four of their last seven visits to England. But they lost the last one, a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in last season's semi-finals after drawing the home leg 0-0. That was the first time they had failed to score in the away leg of a Champions League semi-final.

• Lionel Messi has score eight goals in his last nine games but has yet to score against an English club in nine matches, including five against Chelsea.

***The UEFA Champions League 2008–09 is the 54th edition of Europe 's premier club football tournament and the 17th edition under the current UEFA Champions League format. The final will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 27 May 2009. It is the eighth time the European Cup final has been held in Italy and the fourth time it has been held at the Stadio Olimpico . Manchester United are the defending champions .***

Source: Daily Telegraph UK: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

May 6, 2009, 8:50 am
Pic: No 1: Cristiano Ronaldo fired Manchester United into the Champions League final

Arsenal 1 Manchester United 3 (agg 1-4): Match report from the Champions League semi-final second leg from the Emirates Stadium.

When the final whistle sounded the Last Post on Arsenal’s season, there were as many embarrassing gaps on the terraces as there had been in the hosts’ defence. Manchester United did not just defeat Arsenal, they destroyed them and the Emirates began emptying early and quickly.

It was time for the road home for Arsenal fans, while United’s supporters danced merrily down the road to Rome.

In reaching the Champions League final in the Eternal City, the European champions did to Arsenal what Manny Pacquaio had done to Ricky Hatton, devastating combinations smashing through naïve defending, bringing an early knock-down. Arsenal were out cold, out of the competition that so obsesses Arsene Wenger.

This was not men against boys, this was skilled professors against callow pupils, a mismatch that the referee, the appalling Roberto Rosetti, must have been tempted to step in to spare Wenger’s young charges further punishment. Arsenal’s suffering was that bad. United were that good.

Within 11 minutes, Ferguson’s side were 2-0 up on the night through Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo, 3-0 up on aggregate, leaving Arsenal requiring four goals and divine, arguably military intervention.

When Ronaldo added a third just after the hour, Arsenal supporters flocked in their thousands towards the exits, their hearts filled with despair and heads doubtless pondering when Wenger’s team can catch up Ferguson’s.

The sound of Ferguson voicing commiserations for Wenger afterwards simply highlighted further how the laird of Old Trafford does not perceive Arsenal as a significant threat. Wenger’s players, however richly promising, have some growing up to do before depriving Ferguson’s of the major prizes again.

Once again in this season of gathering glory, Ferguson got his game-plan absolutely right. He flooded midfield, worker-bees called Anderson, Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick buzzing around, harrying Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and company.

Arsenal could hardly breathe, let alone move. Fletcher was typically assiduous in hunting down opponents like Theo Walcott. United rose to the occasion. Arsenal shrank.

Out wide, Wayne Rooney and Park kept tracking back to help form a five-man midfield shield in front of a defence adroitly marshalled by Rio Ferdinand and lent muscularity by Nemanja Vidic. Arsenal could huff and puff all they liked in midfield but United’s backdoor was locked firm. It was like trying to break into Fort Knox with a spoon.

Ferguson’s tactical masterstroke was using Ronaldo’s pace through the middle, meaning that if Kolo Toure and Johan Djourou tried to push up, their high line was vulnerable to the type of speedy counter-attack United specialise in.

Not knowing whether to stick or twist, Arsenal’s backline folded. Ronaldo, the high-speed raider, was involved in the build-up to all United goals, even finishing off two of them as they accelerated towards Rome.

Italian Job for Ferguson. Rebuilding job for Wenger. Sympathy must exist for Wenger; injury deprived him of important defenders, most notably Gael Clichy at left-back where young Kieran Gibbs’s costly slip allowed Park to send United on their way.

Wenger was also let down by Emmanuel Adebayor, the moody striker again disappearing when his team most needed his goals, his line-leading strengths. Arsenal craved a beacon but got only flickers of a once-lauded talent.

The search party looking for Adebayor took time to find him. His name was on the team-sheet but it was difficult to detect his presence on the pitch. Before he finally made himself known, finally reporting to what he deemed duty, United were 2-0 up.

Adebayor was a disgrace to the famous red shirt; uninterested for long periods, the only time he made a mark on the game was when his studs crashed into Carrick’s ankle. If he wants to join AC Milan, Wenger should drive him to Luton and buy him a one-way ticket.

The brutal way the curtain fell on Arsenal’s season will inevitably lead to panic-stricken post-mortems, even question-marks being placed against Wenger’s beloved “project’’ of fostering his young team.

Arsenal’s board will give him time, and Stan Kroenke has a tradition of backing coaches and taking a long-term view with his sporting franchises Stateside.

Arsenal should not take to the life-rafts just yet but they do require some strong men, particularly at centre-half and central midfield, to steer the youngsters out of stormy waters.

Forgive the stuck record but Arsenal need more leaders. The pain for Wenger’s still-developing team had begun in the eighth minute, United landing their first brutal blow and it was all over bar the gleeful shouting in the away section.

Controlling Bacary Sagna’s weak clearance, Anderson released Ronaldo. Arsenal were cut to little red-and-white ribbons, their defenders out of position, out of their depth in some cases.

Poor Gibbs. Full of promise, the home-grown full-back endured an awful moment that will stalk his sleep, turning dreams of Champions League glory into nightmares. He slipped. To the horror of Arsenal fans, their hopes went west as Gibbs went south.

As Gibbs looked up, dismay swept like a dark cloud across his young face. There was Park seizing on his slip and shooting past Manuel Almunia.

Within three minutes, the last rites were being administered to Arsenal’s season. Rosetti awarded United a soft free-kick for a challenge by Robin van Persie on Ronaldo, who went down rather too easily for local tastes. Ronaldo was still so far out, touching 41 yards, that even the watching David Beckham might not have tried his luck with the free-kick.

Calmly, Ronaldo placed the ball down and surveyed Arsenal’s modest wall. Nasri and Fabregas are hardly the Great Wall of China. Nasri even ducked as Ronaldo’s missile came flying in, catching out Almunia. England’s No 1? More like Spain’s No 5.

Then, amazingly, Adebayor turned up, even managing to force a corner. Wonders never ceased. Adebayor even headed a Sagna cross over. False dawn. United raced through the gears again, Almunia twice saving superbly from Ronaldo but having no chance with a box-to-box counter-attacking gem involving Park and Rooney and climaxing with Ronaldo’s exultant finish.

Arsenal, commendably, never gave up. Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner went close before the Dutchman swept in a penalty after Fletcher was harshly judged to have brought down Fabregas when he clearly got the ball first.

The injustice will stoke United’s fire in Rosetti’s homeland on May 27.

Source: Daily Telegraph UK: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

May 5, 2009, 9:22 am
May 5, 2009

Preview of Arsenal v Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final second leg at the Emirates.

If the past is anything to go by, the touchline battle will potentially be as finely balanced as the match. In 38 matches spread over more than 12 years, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have enjoyed 14 victories apiece, while there have been 10 draws.

A genuine warmth is now apparent between the two old adversaries, although that may be associated with Wenger's failure to win a trophy since 2005. Given their longevity and regular involvement in the latter stages of the Champions League, it is surprising that this should be their first clash in Europe.

Talking Tactics

Ferguson won the tactical battle last week with a formation that allowed the industry of Wayne Rooney to help nullify the wide threat of Theo Walcott, while Anderson, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher were dominant across midfield.

Similar tactics can be anticipated tonight, particularly as Ferguson rested his three midfielders against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Wenger is considering a switch to a 4-4-2 formation to provide more support in attack for Emmanuel Adebayor, who often found himself isolated at Old Trafford last week. Robin van Persie has recovered from a groin strain and will be fit.

Key battle Cesc Fabregas v Michael Carrick

Wenger’s use of Fabregas will be one of the pivotal decisions following the Spaniard’s struggle to create chances last week in a more offensive position in support of Adebayor. Robin van Persie’s return means Fabregas is likely to revert to his usual central role.

For United, Carrick sets the rhythm and will again be vital in restricting Arsenal’s possession. United’s more physically imposing midfield took a grip of the game last week but Carrick’s main asset is his range of passing, as he proved when he set up John O’Shea’s winning goal.

Key battle Kieran Gibbs v Cristiano Ronaldo

Although partly to blame for the failure to close John O’Shea for the United goal, Gibbs could take some credit last week for restricting Ronaldo. His pace is a major asset, but Ronaldo will again seek to exploit a sometimes questionable positional sense.

Like Carrick, the Portuguese will be well rested after not featuring against Boro at the weekend. As he showed against Porto in the previous round, the winger can shine on the big European stage and will look to catch Arsenal on the counter-attack.

Key Battle Emmanuel Adebayor v Nemanja Vidic

Adebayor was a peripheral figure at Old Trafford and, while the service to him was limited, he seemed to lack the physical presence really to trouble Vidic. Arsenal need much more from the Togo forward to stand a realistic hope of progressing.

Vidic will be heartened to play once again alongside Rio Ferdinand, who has been passed fit after shaking off a rib injury. The Serb will be confident of keeping the clean sheet which would take United to Rome, while he will also worry Arsenal with his aerial threat from corners.

Teams

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs; Song, Nasri; Walcott, Fabregas, Van Persie; Adebayor.
Manchester United (4-3-3): Van der Sar; O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Anderson, Fletcher; Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney.
Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

Who's saying what:

Arsene Wenger: “I am very confident that the team will produce a magnificent performance and that we will qualify. We are playing a home game where we have a very strong record in the Champions League. For many people we are outsiders but I believe we can do it. There is no Mission Impossible for us. I believe that when we have beaten United at home in the Premier League, there have been plenty of opportunities - and I do not think that would change my belief at all if they score."

Alex Ferguson: "I still expect it to be a very close game and one that’s very difficult to call. It could even go to extra-time or penalties. That’s why I keep stressing the importance of us scoring a goal. There is nothing I don't know about Arsenal and there is nothing they don't know about us. There is nothing you can hide. The challenges and clashes we have had with Arsenal in the past don't reach the proportion of this one."

Patrice Evra: "I think Arsenal will attack more at home than they did at Old Trafford last week and I also think that Robin van Persie will be back. Arsenal need to win so they will attack more, but we want to win as well and we won't be going there to just try and get a clean sheet."

Statistics

• Arsenal have never beaten an English side in Europe. They lost 5-3 to Liverpool in last season's quarter-finals and 3-2 to Chelsea at the same stage four years earlier, both after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

• Arsenal, who have progressed to the final from all six previous European semi-finals, have not conceded a single goal in their last six Champions League home games and have let in just two in the last 12.

• Adebayor has scored eight goals in his last nine Champion League matches.

• United are aiming to extend their European record of 24 unbeaten matches as well as their other records of 151 Champions League games played and 79 victories.

• United have conceded just one goal in their last seven Champions League away games. They have not failed to score in a European game against a fellow-English clubs for more than 45 years - since losing 2-0 to Tottenham in the 1963-64 Cup Winners Cup.

• United striker Carlos Tevez has never finished on the losing team in 20 Champions League matches.

***The UEFA Champions League 2008–09 is the 54th edition of Europe 's premier club football tournament and the 17th edition under the current UEFA Champions League format. The final will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 27 May 2009. It is the eighth time the European Cup final has been held in Italy and the fourth time it has been held at the Stadio Olimpico . Manchester United are the defending champions .***

Source: Daily Telegraph UK: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Apr 30, 2009, 2:24 pm
4/30/2009

The weather forecast for today calls for showers at about 4pm developing into rain by 7pm.  Please monitor your e-mail before leaving or feel free to Coach Winga on (570) 614-8462 to verify practice if in doubt.  Practice will go ahead through downpour unless conditions become severe or there is threat of lightening.  If practice is canceled ahead of time an e-mail will go out at 4:10pm today at the latest.

BTFC Coaching Staff

Feb 23, 2009, 10:15 pm
Coaches:

The newly revised LVYSL Rules of Play are now posted in the Spring 2009 season menu on the website at www.lvysl.org. Here is a direct link: http://www.lvysl.org/notices/notices_display.cfm?NoticeCode=86.

All seasons, including Spring 2009 will be governed by this new version of the Rules of Play as was discussed at the general membership meeting on February 10, 2009.

Please familiarize yourself with them prior to the season starting.


Winga Siwale
BTFC Director Of Coaching
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Jan 26, 2009, 7:00 pm
As BTFC embarks on yet another year of supporting our players and teams we would like all coaches to ask our parents to take the time to read through this very informative article which details some great advice on game day etiquette.  For further reference, please refer to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America website at www.nscaa.com:

Soccer Sideline Etiquette ...

May 13, 2008, 11:52 pm
Tournaments! Tournaments! Tournaments! They are swallowing youth soccer in this country! Everyone wants to play in tournaments!! Soccer America has an entire issue devoted to tournaments. Every soccer publication in this country lists pages of tournaments for our children to attend. Every year the biggest decision a club team makes is... ...

May 13, 2008, 11:30 pm

Potential Causes and Prevention Methods For Dealing with Cramping Muscles

Muscle cramping is not an uncommon problem among athletes. Although it is not entirely clear what causes muscle cramps, they are often instigated by loss of fluids and minerals during a hard workout or game. Sometimes muscle cramps can be serious enough to take a player out of a competition. According

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May 13, 2008, 11:25 pm

The good thing about soccer is the game can be played year round. The bad thing about soccer is the game can be played year round.

I can remember while growing up, playing many pickup games on basketball courts, an open plot of land or a

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Apr 1, 2008, 9:47 pm

What should my diet consist of prior to games?

A healthy diet can only affect your performance in the long-term, while eating the wrong things can degrade it rather quickly. Make sure you consume carbohydrate-rich meals two to three days prior to upco

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Mar 19, 2008, 11:36 pm
Most people underestimate the simple act of drinking water. The human body is about 75% water and everyone knows that proper hydration is important to keep your body functioning at it’s best. Even more important to remember is that the human brain is around 85% water. The brain gets priority when it comes to hydrating, and if you fail to drink enough water it is the rest of the body that suffers first.

Keeping your body properly hydrated is as crucial as maintaining...

Mar 16, 2008, 9:29 pm

CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AT TRAINNING SESSIONS AND GAMES

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