My Soccer World

LONDON : Manchester United let in their first goal in the Premier League in three months, but still stretched their lead at the top of the table with a 2-1 win against an unlucky Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.

United’s victory means second-placed Liverpool will be eight points adrift of the English, European and world champions when they kick-off at home to Manchester City on Sunday.

England striker Wayne Rooney put United ahead in the 23rd minute.

However, after 1,337 minutes – more than 22 hours – without a dent in their goals against column, United’s defence was pierced after the half-hour mark.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, presumably with an eye on Tuesday’s last 16 Champions League clash with Inter Milan, opted to play Tomasz Kuszczak in goal rather than Edwin van der Sar, who recently broke the British record for most minutes without conceding a league goal.

But Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz, released by Andre Ooijer’s precise pass, rounded Kuszczak before finishing from a tight angle.

Rovers, belying their status as a bottom three club, nearly went ahead just before the hour mark when New Zealand defender Ryan Nelsen hit the post with a well-struck shot.

Two minutes later United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, booked for diving by referee Howard Webb having escaped a yellow card for earlier kicking out, made it 2-1 with a brilliant curling free-kick from the left edge of the box.

Rovers were then denied a legitimate penalty when Morten Gamst Pedersen was pulled back in the box by United full-back Rafael da Silva.

Earlier, Guus Hiddink enjoyed a winning start as Chelsea manager after Nicolas Anelka’s goal clinched a 1-0 victory at Aston Villa.

Hiddink, appointed after Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked last week, saw Anelka’s 19th minute finish from Frank Lampard’s pass lift Chelsea above Villa into third place.

Hiddink, who is combining his work at Chelsea with his job as Russia manager, downplayed suggestions he’d inherited a divided dressing room.

“I did not see what sometimes is suggested about this big division. I have analysed it rather well,” said the Dutchman, who has made it clear he will only be at Chelsea until the end of the season.

Arsenal’s goalless draw at home to Sunderland left them six points off the top four and struggling to qualify for the Champions League.

This was their the Gunners’ third straight goalless league draw, and manager Arsene Wenger did not hide his frustration at Sunderland’s approach.

“Like everybody who comes here they put one striker up front and that’s it,” the Frenchman said.

“You have to give them credit but not go overboard because if everybody plays like that it will be very boring in the Premier League.”

James Beattie was Stoke City’s hero as they moved two points clear of the relegation zone with a 2-2 draw at home to fellow strugglers Portsmouth.

Beattie scored twice as Stoke came from behind in a match where all four goals arrived in the final 15 minutes.

Niko Kranjcar finished off a well-worked move to put Pompey in front but three minutes later Stoke were level when a penalty, controversially awarded for a handball by Glen Johnson, was converted by Beattie. Then, in the 80th minute the striker headed in from close range.

Pompey salvaged a draw that left them five points clear of the drop zone when Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross put through his own net in the 90th minute

Bolton scored twice in two minutes as they beat West Ham 2-1.

Long-range specialist Matt Taylor curled in a free-kick from 22 yards before Kevin Davies made it 2-0. West Ham pulled a goal back through Scott Parker in the 66th minute.

Middlesbrough remained in the bottom three after a goalless home draw with Wigan Athletic.

Sunday’s other matches see Everton travel to Newcastle and Fulham face bottom-of-the-table West Bromwich Albion.

Hull take on Tottenham on Monday.

– AFP /ls

Channel News Asia

LONDON – Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka gave new manager Guus Hiddink the perfect welcome as his hat-trick clinched a 3-1 win over Watford in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.

Hiddink doesn’t officially take charge until Monday after replacing sacked Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari earlier this week, but the Dutchman was watching from the Vicarage Road stands alongside owner Roman Abramovich as Anelka’s late treble denied Championship strugglers Watford a famous victory.

Hornet striker Tamas Priskin had threatened to give Hiddink a headache when he chipped the hosts ahead. But Anelka equalised in the 75th minute, struck again two minutes later and put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time.

Watford took the lead in the 69th minute as Priskin beat Chelsea’s offside trap and dinked a cool finish that deflected over Petr Cech and looped into the net.

But Anelka saved Hiddink from an embarrassing introduction to English football. The France striker scored the equaliser in the 75th minute with a bicycle kick from Frank Lampard’s corner.

With Watford on the back foot, Ashley Cole lofted in a cross towards Anelka, whose header bounced once before beating Scott Loach. Anelka confirmed Chelsea’s place in the quarter-finals with a low finish in the final moments.

Anelka insisted the change of managers was never going to destablise his team.

“We are still strong. Even at a goal down we are capable to come back and win the game. Now we have to do it in the league,” Anelka said.

“The most important thing is not changing the manager, it is to win. We did that so it is good.”

Elsewhere, a stoppage-time equaliser from Christopher Samba prevented Blackburn’s miserable season from taking another turn for the worse and denied Coventry a memorable FA Cup upset.

A dramatic tie ended with Samba firing in from ten yards in a frantic goalmouth scramble to secure a 2-2 draw for Sam Allardyce’s relegation-threatened side.

Hull were also taken to a replay by Championship opposition after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Sheffield United.

Swansea’s meeting with Fulham and the all-Premiership tie between West Ham and Middlesbrough ended in identical scorelines.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz had ensured the perfect start for his side at Ewood Park, fastening on to a Samba flick-on before finding the bottom corner after just two minutes.

Coventry were rewarded for a much-improved performance after the interval with goals from Aron Gunnarsson and Michael Doyle and got to within seconds of what would have been a deserved victory only to be denied by Samba.

Sheffield United also finished the afternoon frustrated having taken the lead against Hull through Greg Halford, who headed in a sixth minute cross from David Cotterill.

Kamil Zayatte got the Premiership club back on level terms ten minutes before the interval when he converted Andy Dawson’s cross and that was how it finished.

Fulham avoided becoming the latest victims of giant-killers Swansea despite being outplayed for long periods in a 1-1 draw with the side that eliminated holders Portsmouth in the last round.

Roy Hodgson’s men took the lead through a fortunate Garry Monk own goal in the first half but Swansea were worthy of at least the equaliser delivered by Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland.

Fulham had reason to be grateful for another fine display from Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, without whom the Premiership side would almost certainly have joined Portsmouth on the Cup scrapheap.

The all-Premiership clash between West Ham and Middlesbrough also went to a replay with the on-form Hammers obliged to conjure up a late equaliser from Congolese defender Herita Ilunga.

Middlesbrough’s first-half display belied their lowly league position and they fully deserved to claim a 22nd minute lead, England wide man Stewart Downing heading in Gary O’Neil’s cross to the back post.

But Herita popped up in the Boro box with seven minutes left to claim an equaliser West Ham just about deserved.

Sunday sees Manchester United travel to Derby while Everton entertain Aston Villa in arguably the tie of the round.

Arsenal have still to get past the fourth round stage with the Gunners due to host Cardiff in a weather-delayed replay at the Emirates Stadium on Monday.

The winners of that tie face Burnley in the fifth round.

– AFP /ls

Channel News Asia

LONDON – Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka gave new manager Guus Hiddink the perfect welcome as his hat-trick clinched a 3-1 win over Watford in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.

Hiddink doesn’t officially take charge until Monday after replacing sacked Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari earlier this week, but the Dutchman was watching from the Vicarage Road stands alongside owner Roman Abramovich as Anelka’s late treble denied Championship strugglers Watford a famous victory.

Hornet striker Tamas Priskin had threatened to give Hiddink a headache when he chipped the hosts ahead. But Anelka equalised in the 75th minute, struck again two minutes later and put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time.

Watford took the lead in the 69th minute as Priskin beat Chelsea’s offside trap and dinked a cool finish that deflected over Petr Cech and looped into the net.

But Anelka saved Hiddink from an embarrassing introduction to English football. The France striker scored the equaliser in the 75th minute with a bicycle kick from Frank Lampard’s corner.

With Watford on the back foot, Ashley Cole lofted in a cross towards Anelka, whose header bounced once before beating Scott Loach. Anelka confirmed Chelsea’s place in the quarter-finals with a low finish in the final moments.

Anelka insisted the change of managers was never going to destablise his team.

“We are still strong. Even at a goal down we are capable to come back and win the game. Now we have to do it in the league,” Anelka said.

“The most important thing is not changing the manager, it is to win. We did that so it is good.”

Elsewhere, a stoppage-time equaliser from Christopher Samba prevented Blackburn’s miserable season from taking another turn for the worse and denied Coventry a memorable FA Cup upset.

A dramatic tie ended with Samba firing in from ten yards in a frantic goalmouth scramble to secure a 2-2 draw for Sam Allardyce’s relegation-threatened side.

Hull were also taken to a replay by Championship opposition after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Sheffield United.

Swansea’s meeting with Fulham and the all-Premiership tie between West Ham and Middlesbrough ended in identical scorelines.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz had ensured the perfect start for his side at Ewood Park, fastening on to a Samba flick-on before finding the bottom corner after just two minutes.

Coventry were rewarded for a much-improved performance after the interval with goals from Aron Gunnarsson and Michael Doyle and got to within seconds of what would have been a deserved victory only to be denied by Samba.

Sheffield United also finished the afternoon frustrated having taken the lead against Hull through Greg Halford, who headed in a sixth minute cross from David Cotterill.

Kamil Zayatte got the Premiership club back on level terms ten minutes before the interval when he converted Andy Dawson’s cross and that was how it finished.

Fulham avoided becoming the latest victims of giant-killers Swansea despite being outplayed for long periods in a 1-1 draw with the side that eliminated holders Portsmouth in the last round.

Roy Hodgson’s men took the lead through a fortunate Garry Monk own goal in the first half but Swansea were worthy of at least the equaliser delivered by Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland.

Fulham had reason to be grateful for another fine display from Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, without whom the Premiership side would almost certainly have joined Portsmouth on the Cup scrapheap.

The all-Premiership clash between West Ham and Middlesbrough also went to a replay with the on-form Hammers obliged to conjure up a late equaliser from Congolese defender Herita Ilunga.

Middlesbrough’s first-half display belied their lowly league position and they fully deserved to claim a 22nd minute lead, England wide man Stewart Downing heading in Gary O’Neil’s cross to the back post.

But Herita popped up in the Boro box with seven minutes left to claim an equaliser West Ham just about deserved.

Sunday sees Manchester United travel to Derby while Everton entertain Aston Villa in arguably the tie of the round.

Arsenal have still to get past the fourth round stage with the Gunners due to host Cardiff in a weather-delayed replay at the Emirates Stadium on Monday.

The winners of that tie face Burnley in the fifth round.

– AFP /ls

Channel News Asia

LONDON : A stoppage-time equaliser from Christopher Samba prevented Blackburn’s miserable season from taking another turn for the worse and denied Coventry a memorable FA Cup upset on Saturday.

The most dramatic of Saturday’s fifth round ties ended with Samba firing in from ten yards in a frantic goalmouth scramble to secure a 2-2 draw for Sam Allardyce’s relegation-threatened side.

Hull were also taken to a replay by Championship opposition after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Sheffield United.

Swansea’s meeting with Fulham and the all-Premiership tie between West Ham and Middlesbrough ended in identical scorelines.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz had ensured the perfect start for his side at Ewood Park, fastening on to a Samba flick-on before finding the bottom corner after just two minutes.

Coventry were rewarded for a much-improved performance after the interval with goals from Aron Gunnarsson and Michael Doyle and got to within seconds of what would have been a deserved victory only to be denied by Samba.

Sheffield United also finished the afternoon frustrated having taken the lead against Hull through Greg Halford, who headed in a sixth minute cross from David Cotterill.

Kamil Zayatte got the Premiership club back on level terms ten minutes before the interval when he converted Andy Dawson’s cross and that was how it finished.

Fulham avoided becoming the latest victims of giant-killers Swansea despite being outplayed for long periods in a 1-1 draw with the side that eliminated holders Portsmouth in the last round.

Roy Hodgson’s men took the lead through a fortunate Garry Monk own goal in the first half but Swansea were worthy of at least the equaliser delivered by Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland.

Fulham had reason to be grateful for another fine display from Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, without whom the Premiership side would almost certainly have joined Portsmouth on the Cup scrapheap.

The all-Premiership clash between West Ham and Middlesbrough also went to a replay with the on-form Hammers obliged to conjure up a late equaliser from Congolese defender Herita Ilunga.

Middlesbrough’s first-half display belied their lowly league position and they fully deserved to claim a 22nd minute lead, England wide man Stewart Downing heading in Gary O’Neil’s cross to the back post.

But Herita popped up in the Boro box with seven minutes left to claim an equaliser West Ham just about deserved.

Chelsea, under the temporary charge of Ray Wilkins pending next week’s arrival of Guus Hiddink, were up against Watford later on Saturday.

Sunday sees Manchester United travel to Derby while Everton entertain Aston Villa in arguably the tie of the round.

Arsenal have still to get past the fourth round stage with the Gunners due to host Cardiff in a weather-delayed replay at the Emirates Stadium on Monday. The winners of that tie face Burnley in the fifth round.

– AFP /ls

Channel News Asia

LONDON : A stoppage-time equaliser from Christopher Samba prevented Blackburn’s miserable season from taking another turn for the worse and denied Coventry a memorable FA Cup upset on Saturday.

The most dramatic of Saturday’s fifth round ties ended with Samba firing in from ten yards in a frantic goalmouth scramble to secure a 2-2 draw for Sam Allardyce’s relegation-threatened side.

Hull were also taken to a replay by Championship opposition after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Sheffield United.

Swansea’s meeting with Fulham and the all-Premiership tie between West Ham and Middlesbrough ended in identical scorelines.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz had ensured the perfect start for his side at Ewood Park, fastening on to a Samba flick-on before finding the bottom corner after just two minutes.

Coventry were rewarded for a much-improved performance after the interval with goals from Aron Gunnarsson and Michael Doyle and got to within seconds of what would have been a deserved victory only to be denied by Samba.

Sheffield United also finished the afternoon frustrated having taken the lead against Hull through Greg Halford, who headed in a sixth minute cross from David Cotterill.

Kamil Zayatte got the Premiership club back on level terms ten minutes before the interval when he converted Andy Dawson’s cross and that was how it finished.

Fulham avoided becoming the latest victims of giant-killers Swansea despite being outplayed for long periods in a 1-1 draw with the side that eliminated holders Portsmouth in the last round.

Roy Hodgson’s men took the lead through a fortunate Garry Monk own goal in the first half but Swansea were worthy of at least the equaliser delivered by Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland.

Fulham had reason to be grateful for another fine display from Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, without whom the Premiership side would almost certainly have joined Portsmouth on the Cup scrapheap.

The all-Premiership clash between West Ham and Middlesbrough also went to a replay with the on-form Hammers obliged to conjure up a late equaliser from Congolese defender Herita Ilunga.

Middlesbrough’s first-half display belied their lowly league position and they fully deserved to claim a 22nd minute lead, England wide man Stewart Downing heading in Gary O’Neil’s cross to the back post.

But Herita popped up in the Boro box with seven minutes left to claim an equaliser West Ham just about deserved.

Chelsea, under the temporary charge of Ray Wilkins pending next week’s arrival of Guus Hiddink, were up against Watford later on Saturday.

Sunday sees Manchester United travel to Derby while Everton entertain Aston Villa in arguably the tie of the round.

Arsenal have still to get past the fourth round stage with the Gunners due to host Cardiff in a weather-delayed replay at the Emirates Stadium on Monday. The winners of that tie face Burnley in the fifth round.

– AFP /ls

Channel News Asia

LONDON : A stoppage-time equaliser from Christopher Samba prevented Blackburn’s miserable season from taking another turn for the worse and denied Coventry a memorable FA Cup upset on Saturday.

The most dramatic of Saturday’s fifth round ties ended with Samba firing in from ten yards in a frantic goalmouth scramble to secure a 2-2 draw for Sam Allardyce’s relegation-threatened side.

Hull were also taken to a replay by Championship opposition after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Sheffield United.

Swansea’s meeting with Fulham and the all-Premiership tie between West Ham and Middlesbrough ended in identical scorelines.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz had ensured the perfect start for his side at Ewood Park, fastening on to a Samba flick-on before finding the bottom corner after just two minutes.

Coventry were rewarded for a much-improved performance after the interval with goals from Aron Gunnarsson and Michael Doyle and got to within seconds of what would have been a deserved victory only to be denied by Samba.

Sheffield United also finished the afternoon frustrated having taken the lead against Hull through Greg Halford, who headed in a sixth minute cross from David Cotterill.

Kamil Zayatte got the Premiership club back on level terms ten minutes before the interval when he converted Andy Dawson’s cross and that was how it finished.

Fulham avoided becoming the latest victims of giant-killers Swansea despite being outplayed for long periods in a 1-1 draw with the side that eliminated holders Portsmouth in the last round.

Roy Hodgson’s men took the lead through a fortunate Garry Monk own goal in the first half but Swansea were worthy of at least the equaliser delivered by Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland.

Fulham had reason to be grateful for another fine display from Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, without whom the Premiership side would almost certainly have joined Portsmouth on the Cup scrapheap.

The all-Premiership clash between West Ham and Middlesbrough also went to a replay with the on-form Hammers obliged to conjure up a late equaliser from Congolese defender Herita Ilunga.

Middlesbrough’s first-half display belied their lowly league position and they fully deserved to claim a 22nd minute lead, England wide man Stewart Downing heading in Gary O’Neil’s cross to the back post.

But Herita popped up in the Boro box with seven minutes left to claim an equaliser West Ham just about deserved.

Chelsea, under the temporary charge of Ray Wilkins pending next week’s arrival of Guus Hiddink, were up against Watford later on Saturday.

Sunday sees Manchester United travel to Derby while Everton entertain Aston Villa in arguably the tie of the round.

Arsenal have still to get past the fourth round stage with the Gunners due to host Cardiff in a weather-delayed replay at the Emirates Stadium on Monday. The winners of that tie face Burnley in the fifth round.

– AFP /ls

Channel News Asia

MANCHESTER, England: Mark Hughes has warned Manchester City’s fans that a proposed world record transfer deal for AC Milan’s Brazilian playmaker Kaka will not be wrapped up quickly.

City will step up their efforts to sign the Brazilian over the next few days with a delegation from the club due to meet in Milan with the player’s father, Bosco Leite, who acts as one of his main advisors.

But Hughes warned that the deal is far from done.

Speaking after watching his side defeat Wigan Athletic 1-0 at Eastlands on Saturday, Hughes said: “It’s well documented that a delegation went to Milan to try and investigate the possibility of bringing an outstanding player to this club.

“It’s very early in the discussions in that regard. From my point of view I’d love to have the opportunity to work with such a talented player.

“But it’s not a simple transfer. It’s not a case of just talking to the club, talking to the player and getting the deal done within 24 or 48 hours.

“If it is to be concluded, it’s very complex.

“There are so many elements to it that it’s not going to be an easy process and it won’t be concluded quickly.

“We have to do it in this window, but will give it the amount of time it deserves.

“The idea is to meet his father. It’s a special situation that we find ourselves in.

“We’re interested in one of the top players in the world. We will give it the time it deserves.”

Hughes had earlier underlined that the pursuit of Kaka was a reflection of the scale of City’s ambitions following last year’s Abu Dhabi takeover.

“Our owners, myself and (chief executive) Garry Cook are intent on making this club into a major presence on the world stage, and I think that we are showing that we are serious in making good on these intentions.”

City officials have become increasingly optimistic that a bid in excess of 100 million euros will enable them to get their man with his current club, AC Milan, having signalled that they are willing to sell.

The key question now is whether Kaka himself is willing to swap the San Siro for a club struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League.

There was a further sign on Saturday that Milan are ready to sell when the club’s owner, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, said he would understand if Kaka opted to take the huge salary being proffered by City.

“Nothing is decided yet but it is very difficult to ask someone to stay and respect his contract when he has been offered such a huge amount of money,” Belusconi said.

Kaka signalled his reluctance to leave Milan last week when he claimed he wanted to grow old at the club and captain the former European champions one day, but the 26-year-old’s thinking may have since been influenced by the club’s apparent willingness to cash in their most valuable asset.

Hughes last week rejected suggestions that City’s Abu Dhabi owners had launched the bid for Kaka without consulting him, the manager insisting that he had drafted plans to integrate the playmaker into his side.

Part of that plan involves bringing Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester with the Paraguayan striker expected to form a strike partnership with Robinho and Kaka playing just behind them.

Blackburn are holding out for an increased offer from City having turned down two bids, the last of which was in excess of 12 million pounds.

But the player is determined to be reunited with former Blackburn boss Hughes and stepped up his campaign to be released by saying he would love to play alongside Kaka.

“Certainly to have a player like Kaka in your side would be great,” he said. “I know City are a team looking to become big in the future. They have a lot of ambition.

“They are looking to bring in some big players and aiming for the Champions League.”

Santa Cruz added: “My agent has been contacted by other clubs but the fact is Mark Hughes is a manager I know.”

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres meanwhile has warned Kaka that he would be making a mistake by joining City.

“Big players want to win trophies and Manchester City is not even in the race for trophies in England,” Torres said.

– AFP/yt

Channel News Asia