Chelsea Wins, Final Week to Decide it All: Premier League Finale Preview

The most exciting Premier League race in its history sees the title still undecided. There is a possibility that this will be the first season in the Premier League (not Division One for those about to correct me), where two teams are deadlocked in points and have to go to goal differential.

Manchester United fans were rooting for Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle side to hold Chelsea, 3 points down coming into today’s game, to at least a draw. A loss would have clinched the title for United unless there is a dramatic turn of events in goal differential.

It was not to be at St. James’ Park, as the Blues pressed and pressed and cruised to a 2-0 win. This means that both United and Chelsea will be scoreboard watchers.

Chelsea face Bolton at Stamford Bridge, and at the same time, Manchester United will go to Wigan on Sunday the 11th. The Chelsea/Bolton game holds much more significance because they are the title chasers while Bolton could still be relegated if Reading can make up an 11 goal difference (they face Derby so….).

Wigan is guaranteed another year of Premier League football, and they have held their own against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, drawing all of them. Last week, they stunned Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park. Considering Chelsea’s home record, the Red Devils probably have to win outright to win the title again.

Meanwhile, on the relegation side:

Derby County can play spoiler if they can get win number….2 against Reading. A loss for the Royals and they go from one point shy of the UEFA Cup, to being relegated. The Rams, after a 3-1 loss to Blackburn, are now the worst Premier League team ever, earning just 11 points and have a -65 goal differential.

Fulham travel to Portsmouth, who have fallen off the radar recently. Roy Hodgson’s squad will have to do everything in their power to can 3 points, as they are currently tied with Reading in points, but are out of the drop zone due to GD again. They can pull off a great escape with their 2nd consecutive road win, but anything else that doesn’t garner maximum points, and they will end up rooting for Derby County.

Over to St. Andrews, where Birmingham need a win and either Fulham or Reading to draw, against Blackburn Rovers. Alex McLeish’s side really has struggled and lost a huge relegation game to Fulham at Craven Cottage. They have not found their scoring touch and may end up having a 1 year stay in top flight football. It’s not going to help that Brad Friedel is one of the Premiership’s elite goalkeepers.

Games that has European football implications on it:

Aston Villa really were dealt a blow losing to Wigan at home. A win last Saturday and they would’ve taken control of 5th place and a UEFA Cup spot. Instead, they have to win at Upton Park against West Ham and hope that Everton lose to Newcastle at Goodison Park.

Speaking of which, Everton fell to Arsenal at the Emirates 1-0 on a Nicolas Bendtner header. It was not too long ago they were talking about the Champions League, but that fell apart after losing the Merseyside Derby to Liverpool at Anfield.

Sven Goes Home?

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s tenure lasted just one year, and rather unfairly if you ask me. He accomplished a rare sweep of rivals Manchester United and lifted Man City from nearing relegation to 8th place. His swan song will be at the Riverside, where they will face Middlesbrough.

Enjoy your Premier League finale, by Sunday afternoon, I know I will….because United will have won the title by then!

It’s All-England in Moscow!

Manchester United hang on to beat Barcelona 1-0 on aggregate after a tremendous goal by Paul Scholes, while Chelsea win in extra time 3-2 and 4-3 on aggregate.

It was an emotional moment as Frank Lampard scored the go-ahead goal on a penalty kick, just days after the death of his mother. After he scored he went to the corner flag and sunk to his knees with tears of joy as the Blues were only one step away from the final. Didier Drogba took care of that, as he scored his 2nd goal to make it 3-1 in the game, and 4-2 on aggregate. Ryan Babel had his shot deflected in for the Reds but it was too late. Another day, another Chelsea opponent ousted at Stamford Bridge.

It’s still possible for both teams to earn a Cup double, as they are currently tied for first place (the Red Devils have a massive goal difference though, so they hold the tiebreaker) with 81 points and just 2 games to go. A loss for either team essentially means doom for them. United face West Ham tomorrow at Old Trafford, a team they have lost to 3 straight times, while Chelsea face Newcastle on Monday at St. James’ Park.

The final will be held on May 21st.

I Interview The Beautiful Game

This is the first of a series of interviews for my other blog, and this one happens to be about a football blogger. Josh Mayers is the writer for The Beautiful Game, and he took the time to answer my questions.

1. When did you decide it was time to join the blogging world?

How crazy does one have to be to start a soccer blog in the U.S.? It’d probably garner as much interest as a VCR/Discman repairman these days.

Anyways…

It must have been early in 2007, I got a random Facebook message from a former high-school teammate. He saw that I’d gotten into the sportswriting field and casually said “Hey, you should start a soccer blog!”

It made perfect sense.

I’ve always loved the sport, it’s the only one that I’ve played competitively and it could be a great way to keep informed and keep my writing fresh.

It’s been fun.

2. Do you have a strong soccer background in your family?

Not really. My dad played casually and loved watching games when I was young. That exposure really got me interested in the international stars like Ronaldo, Dennis Bergkamp, Zidane.

My little brother, like myself, played through high school. But not much else.

3. What is your favorite league to cover?

<epic anthem style>The Champions!</epic>

I love the Champions League, which isn’t a domestic league, but it’s awesome, so there. Otherwise I spend most of my attention to the Premiership, which has all the money, the stars and, oh yeah, three of the four semifinalists in the UCL. (And I can read England’s newspapers)

I’m trying to get more into the MLS, especially with Seattle getting a team, but it’s a work in progress.

4. What can Bob Bradley do to improve the US Men’s National Team?

‘Roids.

The USMNT would be unstoppable if all the guys were on the juice. It’s the great equalizer. Other countries have loaded talent pools and passion for the sport, we need some help.

5. Have you bought into “Beckhammania” at all (like most people)?

As a soccer fan in this country, I’m thrilled that Beckham is here.

He’s set a precedent for European stars to come over in the future. (you reading this Thierry? Zinedine?) He’s gotten all the ESPN heads and media folk talking about the game. And he’s still a phenomenal player, with service second to none.

Some soccer purists think he’s a sideshow, but I think American soccer is a better and more entertaining product with him here.

6. Who wins the title? Manchester United or Chelsea?

Man. U.

Despite a dip in form of late, I still think the Red Devils will get the two wins. They got the tiebreaker (goal differential) locked up, obviously that’s work.

Oh yeah, Cristiano’s on the juice. That’ll help.

7. What are some soccer blogs that you recommend?

I love the soccer beat-writers’ blogs: The Soccer Insider, Soccer by Ives and Sideline Views.

101 Great Goals always has the highlights and awesome videos for me.

Some other favorites: Center Holds It, Goal! NY Times, Kickette, MLS Rumors, The Offside, The Offside Rules, The Spoiler and Who Ate All the Pies?

8. Do you think Seattle Sounders FC will threaten to move (like the Sonics and Mariners) if not granted a new stadium?

I can’t see that happening.

The Pacific Northwest is one of the best markets in the country, and people love soccer up here.

I appreciate what the league is doing, stressing the importance of soccer specific stadiums, but in Seattle I think it’s win-win with or without one.

Plus, I’ve been to many games at Qwest. In my opinion it’s a great soccer venue.

9. Finally, if you had one ticket to go to any international match in the world, where would it be and why?

It’s not very creative or original, but being the stands for a World Cup final would be out of this world.

It’s a soccer players dream, so it’s got to be a soccer lover’s dream too, right? 100,000 fans going nuts for 90 minutes. The pinnacle of the beautiful game puts the world on pause.

Where legends are made. I’d love to be there live blogging.

Thanks to Josh for the interview and you can check out his website at http://jmayers.blogspot.com

Liverpool Flop at Kop End Again

Liverpool give Chelsea an away goal. They also gave them the equalizing own goal at the kop end of Anfield. John Arne Riise probably lifted the Blues into the Champions League Final, as no one has beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in over 3 years. A 1-1 draw, and it looks like Avram Grant will have a chance at one trophy now.

I love the shock of the announcer (Clive Tyldesley), brilliant stuff.

FM Note: Won’t post anything until Monday on a mini vacation.

The Folks at the MLS Website Did Not Watch the Toronto FC Game

Toronto FC grab their 2nd win of the season in a tight 1-0 contest over Real Salt Lake. One problem though….

Amado Guevara didn’t score at all. It was Laurent Robert with the rocket strike to give TFC the win. And how do you confuse Guevara with Robert? That’s pathetic on the part of mlsnet.com. The LAST thing you want to do is give credit to a guy who didn’t even touch the ball on that play.

Top Notch Own Goal

Juventus get a 3-0 win over Parma in a Serie A match. The last goal probably ranks as a fantastic own goal. Not often do you see own goals scored from 25 yards out.

Hat tip to The Beautiful Game.

Derby Don’t Feel Like Losing in the US

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a team like Derby County do so badly at the top level. Just 11 points in 34 games and 1 lucky win against Newcastle. They still need 5 points to avoid being called the worst Premier League team ever, and that includes winning against West Ham this weekend, as well as facing Arsenal the week after. Now Paul Jewell’s side will not tour in the US, according to the BBC:

Derby County have cancelled their plans for a close-season tour of the United States and will instead go to Holland.

“We wanted to go to America for obvious reasons. But logistically it wasn’t going to work so we have decided to stay in Europe,” said Jewell.

“It’s a pity for the American owners but the important thing in pre-season is preparation of the players.”

That’s a pile of garbage to me. It really means “We’re trying to get America to kinda like soccer and once they realize we really suck…it’s safe to just go to Holland.”

Enjoy the rest of the season boys!

Reason #60 Why Landon Donovan is Better Than Me

He misses the ball so well….Donovan seems to get the hang of it quite well.

BREAKING NEWS: Ronaldinho to AC Milan; Club to Rename Itself Team Brazil

An absolutely huge deal came about today, as Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho will apparently be off to AC Milan from F.C Barcelona. The deal is said to be worth $47,000,000. The report from FOX Sports says:

An ‘outline agreement’ has reportedly been reached between the two European powerhouses.

The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and World Cup winner in 2002 has only to agree terms with the transfer in order to complete the massive move.

The supremely gifted midfielder who led Barcelona to the 2006 Champions League title has fallen out of favor in recent months with head coach Frank Rijkaard after a string of injuries and inconsistent performances.

If the deal does indeed go through, Ronaldinho will join fellow Brazilians Kaka, Ronaldo, Alexandre Pato, Emerson and Dida, all who are currently on the books with AC Milan.

So my April Fools Joke ended up being not too far off. Not surprised Ronaldinho was moved, but goodness AC Milan how many Brazilians do you need?

What I’ve Missed

Certainly a very interesting week of football just now….and it’s not over, Manchester United vs. Arsenal may very well decide Arsenal’s fate and United’s title chances.

Portsmouth vs. Cardiff City in the FA Cup Final

Both Cardiff and Portsmouth won in er….very boring 1-0 games over Barnsley and West Brom respectively, and Portsmouth’s win confirms the Premier League will have one team in the FA Cup Final again. I certainly never envisioned either team making it past the quarterfinals but here they are and have pulled off miraculous runs. It’s good every once in a while that we don’t have the likes of Liverpool or Chelsea of the Premiership coast their way to Wembley.

Champions League Final 4

Manchester United will face Barcelona after hammering AS Roma 3-0 (2-0, 1-0), in their quest for a Cup Double. Barcelona are looking for something to raise their heads about as their La Liga chances are all but dashed.

Liverpool vs. Chelsea blah blah blah…I’m sick of seeing that series.

Arsenal/Liverpool 1-1

Before the classic encounter at Anfield in which the Reds won 4-2 on Tuesday, Arsenal could not put away Liverpool twice at the Emirates and suffered 1-1 draws. Arsene Wenger can pretty much kiss any trophy goodbye with a loss or even a draw this weekend at Old Trafford.

Canada’s Women’s Team Qualifies For Olympics

A first in Canadian football as the ladies qualify for their first ever Olympics after a 1-0 over Mexico, the team that knocked them out during qualification in 2004. They will join the USA, who as you know, steamrolls through everyone in CONCACAF. The men had a chance to qualify as well but they lost to the U.S in the semifinal 3-0.

And Seattle’s New MLS Team Will Be Called…..

(Photo from Seattle Times)

Seattle Sounders FC? Way to go out on a limb Seattleites and go with the name of the USL side (Seattle Sounders) and sticking an FC in there. Oh well, that will do, the Emerald City will have their first MLS game in March 2009.

Yay, Beckham Scores

Well I’m glad that that part of the plan to make soccer popular in the US is out of the way, as David Beckham finally scores his first MLS goal against the new San Jose Earthquakes, who, judging by the way they play, are on their way to becoming the worst team in the league.

US media has given this little attention, which all but confirms Beckhammania has died down.

But good for him, good for the Galaxy as they won 2-0.

Ronaldinho Wants Out of Barcelona

Looks like our star Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho wants to leave FC Barcelona. He stated that he wanted to play in either the Barclays Premier League or go back home to Brazil to play for Santos once the La Liga season ends.

Last year there was quite the speculation that Ronaldinho was headed to Chelsea, but talks came crashing down.

This one is true, as the report from Sky Sports says:

The 28 year old Barcelona star has had some off the field issues with fellow teammates and the manager. He wants to move on from this, and go back to a club that can win, and not settle for 2nd best, as his club is all but assured defeat in La Liga yet again.

Ronaldinho said, “I’ll think about this once the season is over, but right now, I’m exploring my options, and maybe I can play for the likes of Chelsea or Manchester United. I could even go back to Brazil and play for Santos, continue the tradition of great Brazilian footballers playing with the famous club.” FC Barcelona have denied all rumours, and one spokesman says that Ronaldinho is here to stay.

I’m quite surprised by this, but if thats what he wants, good luck for him.

I Like Playing Football in the Snow

Canada does not…..a 2-0 loss to Estonia in a FIFA Friendly was played in a snowstorm, but they played on and Estonia (ESTONIA!!!!) beats Canada.

That’s got to be the most fun weather to play in….

Well Done England

 

Pretty humiliating stuff from Fabio Capello’s England team. A relatively stale game saw France win at home against the Three Lions 1-0 on a Franck Ribery penalty kick in the 32nd minute.

England created few chances in this game and will look to rebound against the US, who destroyed Poland 3-0 on FIFA International Friendly Day.

Note: Hopefully I can find a video soon, but Estonia/Canada was played in a wicked snowstorm!

Honduras Beat USA in U-23s, Both Qualify For Olympics

Honduras is celebrating not only qualifying for the Olympics in Beijing, but beating the US U-23s in Nashville, Tennessee 1-0 to win the CONCACAF U-23 Championships.

Canada finished in 3rd place with a 0-0 (5-3 pen) win over Guatemala, but for some ridiculous reason, CONCACAF is only allowed 2 teams.

The Kevin Keegan 40 Points of Glory Watch

SUCCESS!!!! Kevin Keegan and Newcastle finally get a win….okay, it came against Fulham (2-0), but 40 points gets you safe.

Yes, him saying it 50 times a week has actually stuck that statement into my brain and it won’t get out.

Look out for this series as Keegan’s road to 40 points is only…8 points away!

Alan McInally Refuses to Be Shut Up

Soccer Saturday seems to be the best program to watch in England when you need unscripted laughter. Alan McInally, a rather failed footballer who used to play for Aston Villa will not stop interrupting everyone as he is watching the Birmingham/Derby game from a couple of months back. Tony Gale, Jeff Stelling (the host), unable to shut him up, Charlie Nicholas gave him a comment to keep him quiet.

Kevin Keegan: 40 Points

We need to get to 40 points we need to get to 40 points……and they could only manage a draw against Birmingham 1-1 to keep their winless stretch intact and only 4 points above the relegation zone.

But remember, Kevin Keegan says 40 points…because that is all he has been saying for weeks now.

FA Cup Semifinal Set

By far the most intriguing FA Cup in years as all of the giants are gone.

Liverpool? They lost at home to Barnsley in the 5th round.

Manchester United? Pompey beat them at Old Trafford in the quarterfinals.

Chelsea? YES!!!!! THEY ARE OUT!!! Barnsley stunned them at Oakwell also in the quarterfinals.

Arsenal? Manchester United pounded them 4-0 in the 5th round.

So if all of the giants are gone, who are the teams that made it?

West Bromwich Albion

The Championship squad jockeying for that Premier League promotion ran Bristol Rovers out of the country with a 5-1 thrashing on Sunday. They will face Portsmouth at Wembley on April 6th with a chance to win their first FA Cup since 1968.

Portsmouth F.C

The only Premier League side to advance to Wembley have a chance of a lifetime to win a major cup trophy. Pompey are clinging to a top 10 finish in the Premiership and after a famous win against Manchester United, Harry Redknapp’s squad will face W.B.A as the favorites to win it all.

Cardiff City F.C 

Another Championship squad that defied all odds and dominated Middlesbrough at the Riverside 2-0 to earn a chance to win their first FA Cup win since 1927. Let me be honest with you, I didn’t even know this Welsh team existed. But congrats to them, as they’ve spared us from watching the painful football of Boro, and will go to Wembley to face Barnsley.

Barnsley F.C 

Perhaps the most unlikely team to advance to the FA Cup semifinal. It’s who they have beaten that has made this run one of the most remarkable in history. At Anfield, against heavily favored Liverpool, Barnsley stunned the Reds with the winning goal in front of the Kop to win 2-1. They were rewarded with a home match against Chelsea, the defending champions. It seemed as if the two teams were headed for Stamford Bridge for a replay, but 65 minutes in Kayode Odejayi gave Championship, relegation fighting Barnsley, a dramatic win over the Blues.

What a run this has been, and it can only get better as we may see an All-Championship Final. That has not happened since….I can’t remember.