Luis Suarez makes a shameless gesture in celebration of his “wrist” ball.
Today, the third round of the FA Cup included two very different matches. Arsenal and Swansea, both English Premier League teams, exhibited a Spanish “beautiful game” style of play. Liverpool vs. Mansfield Town was a frustrating show-down between an EPL giant and a 5th level league team.
The FA Cup is the only realistic option for Arsenal to win a trophy. The club are desperate to win something this season considering the former league leader hasn’t won a trophy in almost eight years. Today’s draw with Swansea means another match-up against the Swans, which is not exactly an ideal path to trophy territory for the Gunners.
Spotty and inconsistent throughout the season, Arsenal morale has been suffering and there is much work to do. The absence of Robin van Persie has been sharply felt, especially considering he has been acting as the savior of Manchester United, keeping them at the top of the league almost single-handedly.
The second match of the day between Liverpool and Mansfield Town was a much more exciting and controversial game. Everything about the Mansfield host team and town screamed underdog. The former mining town residents, hit hard by the economy, showed the same undying football passion as their players. One couldn’t help but support them.
Being part of a fifth level team means the Mansfield players all have full time jobs that aren’t part of football. They are like a glorified rec team which advanced to the third level of the Cup to face one of the most decorated clubs in English football. And they could have tied or even won.
Even though the Reds scored first, it was the second goal, a contentious goal, that should have taken the life out of the hosts. Luis Suarez’s blatant hand-ball, leading to a second goal, was pure injustice. The fact that after the goal, the striker had the nerve to kiss his wrist should get the player fined or even banned in my opinion. It was the third Liverpool handball that hasn’t been called, but somehow the Stags didn’t lose their resolve.
Down two goals, Mansfield finally got one back late in the second half. I believe they had enough fight and determination to carry them through to the fourth round, had it been a fair match. But such is the life of football. It is difficult to watch games like these, yet the final score was 1-2 and Liverpool advanced.
Michael Thomas (top) and Tony Adams combine efforts and make history for English football in 1989
If you’ve followed the English Premier League long enough to remember when it was called the First Division, then you would definitely remember this great moment in soccer history.
It was already an anticipated match considering it was the final week of the 1988-89 season. And by uncanny coincidence, the two teams vying for the league title were playing each other. You’re probably not surprised to learn that one of the teams was Arsenal (since I am their number one fan!) and the other was Liverpool.
Coming off the high of an FA Cup victory only one week earlier, for this match, the Reds were playing at home and had an advantage in goal differential. This title race was so close, said to be one of the tightest for almost 100 years, that in order for Arsenal to be named Champions, they had to win by at least two goals.
I’m sure you’ll be shocked to learn that despite being considered the underdogs, Arsenal pulled out a 2 – 0 win over Liverpool and in dramatic fashion. A last minute, injury time goal was scored by midfielder Michael Thomas, which gave the Gunners their Ninth First Division championship, while denying Liverpool their second Double. After wiping off the looks on their dumbfounded faces, the match concluded with a standing ovation from Anfield.
Unless we watched this match live, I don’t think we can appreciate the energy of the crowd sitting on their edge of their seats with every touch of the ball. But at least we have this video to get a feel for that emotional game that made history.
If we told you two months ago when Andre Villas-Boas was let go from Chelsea that the Blues would win the FA Cup, you’d probably spit your beer in our faces laughing. But that’s exactly what happened, as Chelsea defeated Liverpool 2-1 Saturday to claim the title. Dirty Tackle has photos and video from the celebration, including Didier Drogba’s “dressing room dance party.”
It was a big day in MLS on Saturday, with seven league matches, including an ESPN prime time clash between the New York Red Bulls and the L.A. Galaxy. The Red Bulls were down two of their stars, Thierry Henry (hamstring) and Rafa Marquez (suspension), while the Galaxy was bringing their big guns after resting Beckham and Keane against the Sounders a week earlier. On paper the match looked to be in the Galaxy’s favor, but just two weeks after getting absolutely demolished by D.C. United, the Red Bulls’ back line pulled a complete 180, holding up a 19′ goal from Joel Lindpere. Rookie keeper Ryan Meara had the game of his life, saving numerous Galaxy chances, and posting a clean sheet for the second week in a row. Get match highlights and a full recap at newyorkredbulls.com.
Some fans wear face paint. Others wear scarves or toot vuvuzelas. Fans of Hartlepool United support their team by dressing in costume for the final match of the season. Last season it was Ooompa Loompas. This season? Smurfs.
Check back throughout the day for more news and recaps from EPL and MLS, and follow @AerysSoccer on Twitter for the latest reactions to all the weekend’s matches.
Within the past hour, the Associate Press reported that Muamba is now speaking again. A friend of his said Muamba has spoken minimal words, in both English and French. Incredibly uplifting news. We at Aerys Soccer wish him all the best in his recovery.
Another piece to add to this developing story, a sports cardiologist that was supposed to test one or two Tottenham players today for potential heart defects has said he will now be testing the entire Spurs squad. He said the players demanded to to all have a cardiac screening today. The players who saw Muamba collapse Saturday taking a good precautionary measure, and honestly, I don’t see why every player doesn’t get a screening like this.
Major League Soccer
It was a great weekend of action in MLS, and if you missed any of it, our own Trista Lutgring has a recap for you here. Now that the games are over, it’s time to vote! There are some fantastic goals up for Goal of the Week. Check them out and vote here. In my opinion, it’s Ryan Johnson’s to lose. What. A. Goal.
It’s a pretty somber day today in the footy world. With the news of Bolton’s Muamba, there has been little else taking the forefront, which only proves that when something as tragic as this happens, teams and fans also come together in support. We do have a few headlines from the EPL for you today, in case you missed the match ups, and what’s happened in MLS. Here’s your Saturday Daily Kick Around.
FA Cup
If you haven’t heard about the tragic collapse of Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba during the FA Cup game again Tottenham, our own Dana Wagner has been keeping an eye on the story with great updates. So far the news is that he is in critical condition after collapsing during today’s match. The ladies of Aerys Soccer send our thoughts and prayers to him and his family and hope he fights through this unfortunate event.
Speaking of City, with the arrival of Carlos Tevez back in the ranks, everyone is wondering what will happen now with the Argentinian. Former City striker Rodney Marsh’s suggestion is to keep Tevez out of the first team line up.
If you missed the two matches held today in the EPL, Swansea City had a killer match against Fulham, notching three goals and keeping a clean sheet for the win. Wigan and West Brom also faced off, but ended the match in a tie.
Major League Soccer
Expansion team Montreal Impact had something to prove today as they hosted their home opener against Chicago Fire today. It was a record crowd, drawing out more than 58,000 fans for the game. It was pretty heated and definitely worth it for the fans that attended, but the Fire were able to hold the new team to a 1-1 tie. I have to say, I’m loving the fact that these opening games for MLS 2012 are getting record numbers. Always great to see the game grow in the US!
There are still matches carrying on right now, and even more tomorrow. If you want to catch the late night games, at 10 p.m. ET, Real Salt Lake and our Midweek Muscles pick Chris Wingert will take on New York and Seattle and Toronto FC will face off. Even later, at 10:30 ET, you can watch Chivas USA and Vancouver take to the pitch. Tomorrow’s game schedule can be viewed here, and keep with Aerys Soccer for your round up of the MLS weekend!
The quarterfinal FA Cup match between Bolton and Tottenham was abandoned just before the end of the first half, after Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the field in the 40th minute, with the match tied at 1-1. FOX Soccer reported via Twitter that Muamba suffered a “cardiac incident” and it was reported by ESPN that he was not breathing. The 23 year old midfielder was attended to with CPR for 10 minutes on the field, as players from both teams crowded around and prayed. Muamba was was carted off the field by medics and taken to the London Chest Hospital.
Fans at White Hart Lane watch as Bolton's Fabrice Muamba was carted off the field following a heart attack.
Words of support and prayers for Muamba and his family poured in from fans, players and clubs all over the world as we awaited the news of his condition. To the great relief of everyone, within two hours of the incident Sky Sports News reported via Twitter that Muamba was in “stable condition.” They have since reported that he is in critical condition:
Bolton have confirmed that Muamba suffered a heart attack on the field of play and is currently being cared for by specialists.
“Bolton Wanderers can confirm that Fabrice Muamba has been admitted to the heart attack centre at London Chest hospital where he is currently in a critically ill condition in intensive care,” read a statement on the club’s official website.
“No further information will be issued at this stage. The club has requested the media to respect his family’s privacy at this time.”
Around a minute before the incident, he had attempted to play a sideways pass to Martin Petrov on the edge of the Tottenham area that had been intercepted by Kyle Walker. Shortly after 6.10pm, in the 41st minute of the game, Tottenham were on the attack. Muamba, some way behind the play, appeared to be jogging back into his own half. Around 45 yards from goal, he suddenly dropped to the turf.
There was no simpler way to describe it. His legs appeared to crumple underneath him and he fell face first to the pitch. For a few seconds after he hit the ground, his right ankle appeared to convulse slightly.
The game will be resumed at a later date. Our prayers are with Muamba and his family, and we hope for a speedy recovery. Follow @AerysSoccer on Twitter for updates as we continue to follow this story.
As you can tell from this late afternoon post, we have a bit of the Monday blues today at Aerys Soccer. But never fear! We still got some headlines for you! San Jose could be the newest MLS team with a brand spankin’ new stadium, predictions are coming in for the USMNT roster against Italy and some kid … well, he showed his appreciation for Messi in a very unique way. Here’s your DKA!
World Soccer
Okay, I’ve seen fans do some crazy things for their teams. There was the Manchester City wedding dress remember? Well, this might take the cake. This kid loves Messi so much, he decided to have his face cut into his hair. Yeah, you totally read that correctly. Check out this video. You won’t be disappointed. I’m a little creeped out.
USMNT
Next Wednesday, the U.S. Men’s National Team are set to face off with European giants Italy in Genoa. An official roster hasn’t been released yet, but the predictions are already coming out. Personally? I am really hoping for a Dempsey-Donovan hook up. We haven’t seen them together much since Jurgen Klinsmann took the helm and Italy seems like a perfect opportunity.
Major League Soccer
As MLS continues to expand through out the country, one thing we’re starting to see more of is teams building their own stadiums. Last season, it was Kansas City who were lucky, Houston is getting one this season, and it looks like San Jose Earthquakes could be the next to receive a stadium slotted with a cost of a whopping $60 million. The vote before the city’s planning commission is scheduled for Wednesday, so cross your fingers!
It’s Saturday Game Day folks! There’s tons going on in the footy world, per usual, and we’ve got lots of headlines for you today! From Leeds United getting a new manager, Balotelli adding a racial complaint to the news and trouble in China as the country’s former deputy soccer chief heads to jail. It’s here in today’s DKA!
Will he or won’t he? It seems that instead of asking who will lead England’s National team in the coming months, the real question is if Harry Redknapp will take the job. After insisting he doesn’t want the command of the Three Lions’, Redknapp now is “opening the door” to talks of managing the squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 tournament. Hmmm….
If you’re a regular reader of DKA, you know MLS has been moving and shaking things up all off season. The Bleacher Report has a nice article outlining the 10 most important moves MLS teams have made during their months off.
Apparently Leeds United have finally settled on a new manager; former Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock. And ol’ Neil is already making an impression as Leeds was able to notch a late win over Doncaster today at home. Side note: US International Robbie Rogers made his debut with the squad, only to be stretchered off 5 minutes later after a horrid collision with Tommy Spurr. Apparently, Rogers suffered a concussion, but Leeds has not issued an official statement. Here’s hoping both Robbie and Tommy Spurr are all right!
It’s Monday morning and we’re still recovering from the weekend highs and lows in the footy world. But no rest for the weary!
The U.S. bulldozed their way through the Olympic qualifiers, but it’s the only good news we have for women’s soccer today. Arsenal got booed off the pitch in the first half but rallied for a thrilling comeback win, while UEFA turns to social media to engage fans around the Europa League. Let’s get straight to it.
U.S. Women’s National Team
The U.S. defeated Canada 4-0 last night in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Final. The Americans scored 38 goals in the tournament, allowing zero, and Abby Wambach’s two first-half goals moved her ahead of Kristine Lilly to become the second leading scorer in international soccer, behind Mia Hamm, with 131. But the story of the night was Alex Morgan, who scored two goals and assisted on both of Wambach’s in just her third international start. My full story has all the details.
U.S. Captain Christie Rampone hoists the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Trophy.
On the U.S.’s dominating run through the tournament, and its fitting climax, All White Kit presented this summation:
There’s something about big events that brings the best out of this team. It’s almost like we must view the other substandard matches and performances in a vacuum: this is the USWNT eager to present itself to the world. When it really matters. Pia makes us (me) look like hypercritical worrywarts once more.
E-mail to players: Legal battle with owner Borislow “has diverted resources from investment in the league” & forced WPS to suspend season.
Cue me banging my head against the wall.
As soon as we have more news on the situation, we’ll post about it.
FA Cup
Did you miss Arsenal’s stunning comeback win over Aston Villa yesterday? Our own Toni Stone has the details!
MLS
The New York Red Bulls have signed former Chicago Fire defender Wilman Conde in exchange for allocation money to the Fire. Can the 2009 MLS Best XI defender and MLS All Star regain his form? Per newyorkredbulls.com on the signing:
“One of our offseason priorities was to solidify our defense and adding Wilman certainly does that,” said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “During his stint in Major League Soccer, Wilman quickly established himself as one of the League’s top defenders and he will play an immediate role in our back line. He is strong, physical and experienced and he will be a tremendous addition to our club.”
UEFA
UEFA as announced a campaign where they will tap into Facebook with a new app for the Europa League in February. During each round of the tournament, a new way for fans to interact will be introduced, from a mosaic of the trophy using fan profile photos in the round of 32, to fans given a chance to receive an autographed match ball after the final for voting for their favorite player.
What a wild weekend of footy action! There were a number of fantastic FA Cup match-ups, including a thriller today at the Emirates. With the FA Cup fourth round nearly completed, the fifth round draw is out! And while Real Madrid increased their lead in the league table, could “The Special One” be on his way out? Plus, with the USMNT January camp all wrapped up, who increased their stock with Jurgen Klinsmann, and who faded to the background? All that and more, here’s your Daily Kick Around!
FA Cup
After an abysmal first half in which the Arsenal squad was booed off the pitch at halftime — at home — the Gunners stepped up their efforts in the second half, sealing a come-from-behind win over Aston Villa. The Gunners will move on to the fifth round of the FA Cup, facing off against the winner of the Sunderland vs Middlesborough replay.
With the majority of the fourth round complete and fifth round contenders determined, the draw for the next round of the FA Cup has been set. There won’t be any marquee match ups like the fourth round had, but here’s to hoping some of the underdogs give the top teams a run for their money!
One of the fourth round headline-grabbing games was Manchester United at Liverpool. It was Patrice Evra’s first time facing the Reds since the Luis Suarez racism row. Let’s just say, the fans at Anfield were not too kind to Evra. He was booed with every touch, but one fan took it to a despicable level when he was caught on camera making a monkey gesture. This picture was making the rounds on Twitter yesterday, with calls for police to take action. Well, I have good news: they did. A man was arrested following the incident. Hopefully justice will be served — there is no place for racism in soccer, or anywhere for that matter.
La Liga
Despite their ability to crush Real Madrid every time they face the La Liga giants, Barcelona struggles to find results against lesser teams. A goalless draw yesterday against Villarreal did not help Barca in gaining ground on Madrid in the league standings. Why is it that Barca can dominate Madrid, but fail to defeat teams they should be destroying?
Despite his La Liga success this season, reports today are suggesting the Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid this summer and go back to coaching somewhere in England. He is “sick and tired of the situation at Madrid,” according to a source close to Mourinho. It’s hard to say I blame him; the amount of unnecessary drama in La Liga would be unbearable for most.
US Men’s National Team
Now that the USMNT January camp has come to a close and the players head into MLS pre-season, it’s time to reflect on which guys performed well enough to get call up for Olympic qualifiers, and who just didn’t cut it. SI Soccer’s Steve Davis gives us his break down of player performances.
on the field of play and is currently being cared for by specialists.
