SCORPION CUP FINAL
BROMPTON FC 0 BAR ONE 0 (aet)
(Bar One won 4-3 on penalties)
By Ricky Butler at the Calvert Stadium
Highlights of this match can be viewed here
GOALKEEPER Chris Gray was the hero for Bar One on Thursday evening as they won the Scorpion Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out success against Division Three champions Brompton FC.
After 120 minutes of tense action at the Calvert Stadium there was nothing to choose between the sides that had finished first and second in the league. But after Gray saved James Horsfield's sudden-death penalty, the goalkeeper then beat Brompton counterpart Hayden Miles to give Bar One the cup.
On his penalty shoot-out heroics, a delighted Gray said: "I am absolutely ecstatic. I didn't know where it went actually. I saved it with my feet and looked behind me. I actually thought Brompton had scored as I heard everyone cheering but I was well happy it went wide."
Brompton nearly got off to the perfect start when Steve Pratt headed over from close range after Gray had kept out a 2nd minute free kick from Horsfield, but Bar were the better side in the first half. They dominated for long periods and won a succession of corners, but the nearest they came to a breakthrough was a header from Dan Hill which came back off the post.
Brompton improved after the break and began to show the form that had seen them pip Bar to the title. But with Gray in imperious form, they were unable to find the goal they were looking for. Adam Wilson was twice denied by the Bar 'keeper before substitute James Marriott fired agonisingly wide of the far post.
With players from both sides suffering with cramp in extra time, the final became a war of attrition. Brompton probably had the better of it but after Gray kept out another effort from Marriott with his legs, a penalty shoot-out was required to decide the destiny of the cup.
Brompton had the early advantage when Ben Wood and Paul Humphreys both missed for Bar One while Pratt and Dave Clarkson put the champions 2-0 ahead. It would have been all over had Stu Dunn scored with Brompton's third kick, but he hit the post and Bar made the most of that reprieve as Hill and Richard Hammerton levelled it up.
Brompton led again with a confident kick from Ryan Wilson but Callum Sherridan made no mistake for Bar, so after five kicks each it was 3-3. But then came the dramatic conclusion. Gray saved Horsfield's effort with his legs before slamming home the winning penalty to give Bar the cup.
Winning manager Brett Adcock said: "When we were 2-0 down [in the shoot-out] I didn't think we stood a chance. But I can't take anything away from them. They were aching and playing through the pain barrier but I take my hat off to them. Brilliant!
"{Chris] has been saying for a couple of weeks that he wanted to take a penalty for us if it happened and he said he was brilliant at them, but we'd never seen him take one. Today he came good so its party time."
It proved to be a night of double celebration as Brompton were presented with the league championship trophy before Bar One collected the cup. These two sides can now look forward to a relaxing summer break before planning for a Division Two campaign next season.
BROMPTON FC - Miles, Clarkson, Toman (L), Pratt, Brennan, Horsfield, Wilson (A), Caisley, Johnston, Dunn, Toman (G). SUBS - Wilson (R), Marriott, Watson, Dawson, Jackson.
BAR ONE - Gray, Anderson, Adamson, Hammerton, Simpson, Carson, Humphreys, Sherridan, Manamley, Wood, Hill. SUBS - Thornborough, Harrison, Kenningley, Reynard, Rudd.
REFEREE - J. Havelock
ATTENDANCE: 336
Friday, 18 April 2014
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Old guns back in the groove
ARSENAL 3 WEST HAM UNITED 1
By Ricky Butler at the Emirates
ARSENAL moved back into the top four last night as two goals from Lukas Podolski and a superb strike from Olivier Giroud saw off the challenge of West Ham United at the Emirates.
Without a league win for almost a month, a run which had seen Everton move ahead of them in the race for a Champions League place, the last thing Arsene Wenger's side needed was to go behind again.
But after Matt Jarvis headed the Hammers in front five minutes before the break, the finishing power of Podolski and Giroud finally gave Arsenal the points.
A delighted Wenger said: "The mental aspect of the team was tested but I felt we were disciplined, determined, played well and overall we had a very convincing win tonight.
"You could see that the fact we won on Saturday had an impact on the morale of the team, so hopefully we can keep that high now until the end of the season."
After the physical and mental strain of Saturday's penalty shoot success in the FA Cup, Wenger made five changes in a bid to freshen up his side.
So in came Wojczcesh Szcezsny, Laurent Koscielny, Kim Kallstrom, Tomas Rosicky and Giroud, with Thomas Veramelen moving to left back in absence of injured pair Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal. It was the oldest side Wenger had selected for a Premier League match in over 10 years.
But it appeared the rigours of Wembley had taken its toll in a first half performance devoid of energy and ideas.
Giroud did have a golden opportunity to give Arsenal the lead after half an hour. A lovely ball from the impressive Santi Cazorla sent the Frenchman clear, but he tried to finish with his favoured left foot instead of his right and it was a simple save for Adrian.
That looked even more costly when West Ham, still in need of the points themselves in their bid to avoid the drop, went in front five minutes before the break. Szcezsny did well initially to deny Antonio Nocherino but the ball fell invitingly for Jarvis to nod home from close range.
You could feel the tension all around the Emirates but Arsenal dug deep and pulled themselves level just before half time.
Again it was Cazorla at the heart of its creation with a neat ball through to Podolski in the inside left channel, and the German drilled a shot on the turn across the West Ham 'keeper into the far corner of the net. Crisis averted.
The mood was now very different as Arsenal began to find their old fluency in the second half, and they completed the turn around ten minutes after the restart.
West Ham thought they had cleared their lines following a Cazorla corner, but when Vermaelen recycled the ball back into the penalty area, Giroud controlled instantly with his left foot before drilling home with his right; a goal of the highest quality and a 20th of the season for the much-maligned Frenchman.
Wenger's men could now relax and it was simply a case of how many more they might get. A Podolski free kick brought a sprawling save from Adrian before Cazorla almost capped his fine night's work with a magnificent solo effort.
But Arsenal did grab a third, 11 minutes from time. Giroud's cross from the left was nodded into the path of Podolski by substitute Aaron Ramsey, and the German smashed a left-footed shot into the roof of Adrian's net.
On Podolski, Wenger said: "He is a natural finisher and that is why it is always difficult to position him on the pitch. You want him in the box, in front of goal, as well as wide. But I think tonight he moved better, more, and got into some very interesting positions.
"West Ham defended well so we had to be patient, intelligent and resilient. Our picture is quite clear now. We have to win every single game, that is the only way we can manage to do what we want to do."
West Ham manager Sam Alladyce, who still requires another three points to guarantee Premier League survival, said: "After doing so much to get ahead, not going in 1-0 up at half-time was a big disappointment. The second goal sickened me because the performance meant nothing after that. We didn't create enough.
"We've fallen behind in pre-season planning - contracts to new players, along with players in and players out. As soon as you're safe, the planning has to start. That way I don't get shouted at by the wife when I'm on the phone for six hours a day on my holidays."
Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Hull City on Sunday in a dress rehearsal for the forthcoming FA Cup final, while the Hammers face a relegation six-pointer against Crystal Palace.
ARSENAL - Szczesny, Sagna, Metersaker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Kallstrom, Rosicky (Ramsey, 71), Cazorla (Jenkinson, 87), Podolski, Giroud.
WEST HAM UNITED - Adrian, Demel, Tomkins, Armero, Reid, Diame, Noble, Jarvis (Vaz Te, 78), Nocerino, Downing (Cole (J), 78), Carroll (Cole (C), 84).
REFEREE - K. Friend.
ATTENDANCE - 59,977
By Ricky Butler at the Emirates
 |
| Lukas Podolski seals the points against West Ham |
Without a league win for almost a month, a run which had seen Everton move ahead of them in the race for a Champions League place, the last thing Arsene Wenger's side needed was to go behind again.
But after Matt Jarvis headed the Hammers in front five minutes before the break, the finishing power of Podolski and Giroud finally gave Arsenal the points.
A delighted Wenger said: "The mental aspect of the team was tested but I felt we were disciplined, determined, played well and overall we had a very convincing win tonight.
"You could see that the fact we won on Saturday had an impact on the morale of the team, so hopefully we can keep that high now until the end of the season."
After the physical and mental strain of Saturday's penalty shoot success in the FA Cup, Wenger made five changes in a bid to freshen up his side.
So in came Wojczcesh Szcezsny, Laurent Koscielny, Kim Kallstrom, Tomas Rosicky and Giroud, with Thomas Veramelen moving to left back in absence of injured pair Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal. It was the oldest side Wenger had selected for a Premier League match in over 10 years.
But it appeared the rigours of Wembley had taken its toll in a first half performance devoid of energy and ideas.
Giroud did have a golden opportunity to give Arsenal the lead after half an hour. A lovely ball from the impressive Santi Cazorla sent the Frenchman clear, but he tried to finish with his favoured left foot instead of his right and it was a simple save for Adrian.
That looked even more costly when West Ham, still in need of the points themselves in their bid to avoid the drop, went in front five minutes before the break. Szcezsny did well initially to deny Antonio Nocherino but the ball fell invitingly for Jarvis to nod home from close range.
You could feel the tension all around the Emirates but Arsenal dug deep and pulled themselves level just before half time.
Again it was Cazorla at the heart of its creation with a neat ball through to Podolski in the inside left channel, and the German drilled a shot on the turn across the West Ham 'keeper into the far corner of the net. Crisis averted.
The mood was now very different as Arsenal began to find their old fluency in the second half, and they completed the turn around ten minutes after the restart.
West Ham thought they had cleared their lines following a Cazorla corner, but when Vermaelen recycled the ball back into the penalty area, Giroud controlled instantly with his left foot before drilling home with his right; a goal of the highest quality and a 20th of the season for the much-maligned Frenchman.
 |
| Olivier Giroud puts Arsenal ahead last night |
But Arsenal did grab a third, 11 minutes from time. Giroud's cross from the left was nodded into the path of Podolski by substitute Aaron Ramsey, and the German smashed a left-footed shot into the roof of Adrian's net.
On Podolski, Wenger said: "He is a natural finisher and that is why it is always difficult to position him on the pitch. You want him in the box, in front of goal, as well as wide. But I think tonight he moved better, more, and got into some very interesting positions.
"West Ham defended well so we had to be patient, intelligent and resilient. Our picture is quite clear now. We have to win every single game, that is the only way we can manage to do what we want to do."
West Ham manager Sam Alladyce, who still requires another three points to guarantee Premier League survival, said: "After doing so much to get ahead, not going in 1-0 up at half-time was a big disappointment. The second goal sickened me because the performance meant nothing after that. We didn't create enough.
"We've fallen behind in pre-season planning - contracts to new players, along with players in and players out. As soon as you're safe, the planning has to start. That way I don't get shouted at by the wife when I'm on the phone for six hours a day on my holidays."
Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Hull City on Sunday in a dress rehearsal for the forthcoming FA Cup final, while the Hammers face a relegation six-pointer against Crystal Palace.
ARSENAL - Szczesny, Sagna, Metersaker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Kallstrom, Rosicky (Ramsey, 71), Cazorla (Jenkinson, 87), Podolski, Giroud.
WEST HAM UNITED - Adrian, Demel, Tomkins, Armero, Reid, Diame, Noble, Jarvis (Vaz Te, 78), Nocerino, Downing (Cole (J), 78), Carroll (Cole (C), 84).
REFEREE - K. Friend.
ATTENDANCE - 59,977
Friday, 11 April 2014
Dale and Nicholson too strong for Village as Coopers lift the cup
HAMBLETON LEAGUE DIVISION TWO BOB SEYMOUR TROPHY FINAL
THREE COOPERS 3 CATTERICK VILLAGE 0
By Ricky Butler at the Calvert Stadium
Highlights of this match are available here
TWO goals from Danny Dale and one from Paul Nicholson gave Three Coopers the Bob Seymour Trophy on Thursday evening as they beat Catterick Village at the Calvert Stadium.
The two form sides in Division Two were expected to produce a closely-contested final but it was Coopers' extra fire power that saw them lift the cup.
Dale capitalised on a mistake by Village goalkeeper Karl Latcham to give the Bedale-based side a 31st minute lead before Nicholson fired home a superb second just before the break.
Catterick fought hard to get back into the final in the second period but Dale was on hand to score again 16 minutes from time and there was no way back after that.
Coopers' manager Tony Ross said: "I am absolutely delighted. I thought it was a first class performance, brilliant from all the lads. I can't fault their effort and commitment, and it was just wonderful to see.
"Credit to Catterick. They really made a game of it. They came at us and they battled for the full 90 minutes. We had to match them in every department.
"I think we were the better side and we tried to play the football. We always try to play football. We had the better chances, particularly in the first half. Today everything went well and we are happy with the 3-0."
Both sides came into the final on the back of a good run; Coopers were unbeaten in 12 matches while Village had lost just once in 20. And it was the Catterick side who should have taken an early lead. Danny Allen did well down the left but Stew Fotheringham somehow managed to fire wide of a gapping goal.
That proved crucial when Coopers went ahead just past the half-hour mark. Latcham failed to hold a cross and when Mark Patchett recycled the ball into the penalty area, Dale was on hand to tap home with his left foot.
Coopers were on top now and Adrian Woodward headed just wide before Nicholson doubled their advantage two minutes before the break - skipping past a couple of challenges down the left before firing low past Latcham.
Catterick looked more of a threat in the early stages of the second half but the Coopers defence was not prepared to give anything away and the better chances were all at the other end. Nicholson was denied by a fine save by Latcham before Dale and Jack Reynard both came close.
But it was game over 16 minutes from time. Village momentarily switched off from a throw-in and Dale turned his man before beating Latcham at the second attempt.
Village substitute Michael Ingram did have the ball in the net soon after but his celebrations were cut short by the assistant's offside flag as it proved to be Coopers' night.
Liverpudlian Dale, who dedicated his goals to the Hillsborough victims battle for justice, said: "I've never had a good game in a final so it was decent to get a couple of goals. We didn't play like we can do usually. [Catterick] played long ball a lot which took our midfield out the game, but we got the win and that's all that matters."
Coopers face Catterick again in May what could well prove to be a league title decider and Dale remains confident his team will come out on top again.
"We've been unbeaten in the league since November now so hopefully we can push on and finish that off."
THREE COOPERS - Woodward (D), Woodward (A), Allison, Adams, Parker, Toman, Rayner, Reynard, dale, Nicholson, Patchett. SUBS - Kitchenman, Thomas, Robinson, Coombs, Hodgson.
CATTERICK VILLAGE - Latcham, Kinsley, Smith, King, Ewart, Hodgkinson, Wooff, Lister, Fotheringham, Allen, Rudd. SUBS - Dees, Ingram, Mant-Smith.
REFEREE - P. Scott
ATTENDANCE: 162
THREE COOPERS 3 CATTERICK VILLAGE 0
By Ricky Butler at the Calvert Stadium
Highlights of this match are available here
TWO goals from Danny Dale and one from Paul Nicholson gave Three Coopers the Bob Seymour Trophy on Thursday evening as they beat Catterick Village at the Calvert Stadium.
The two form sides in Division Two were expected to produce a closely-contested final but it was Coopers' extra fire power that saw them lift the cup.
Dale capitalised on a mistake by Village goalkeeper Karl Latcham to give the Bedale-based side a 31st minute lead before Nicholson fired home a superb second just before the break.
Catterick fought hard to get back into the final in the second period but Dale was on hand to score again 16 minutes from time and there was no way back after that.
Coopers' manager Tony Ross said: "I am absolutely delighted. I thought it was a first class performance, brilliant from all the lads. I can't fault their effort and commitment, and it was just wonderful to see.
"Credit to Catterick. They really made a game of it. They came at us and they battled for the full 90 minutes. We had to match them in every department.
"I think we were the better side and we tried to play the football. We always try to play football. We had the better chances, particularly in the first half. Today everything went well and we are happy with the 3-0."
Both sides came into the final on the back of a good run; Coopers were unbeaten in 12 matches while Village had lost just once in 20. And it was the Catterick side who should have taken an early lead. Danny Allen did well down the left but Stew Fotheringham somehow managed to fire wide of a gapping goal.
That proved crucial when Coopers went ahead just past the half-hour mark. Latcham failed to hold a cross and when Mark Patchett recycled the ball into the penalty area, Dale was on hand to tap home with his left foot.
Coopers were on top now and Adrian Woodward headed just wide before Nicholson doubled their advantage two minutes before the break - skipping past a couple of challenges down the left before firing low past Latcham.
Catterick looked more of a threat in the early stages of the second half but the Coopers defence was not prepared to give anything away and the better chances were all at the other end. Nicholson was denied by a fine save by Latcham before Dale and Jack Reynard both came close.
But it was game over 16 minutes from time. Village momentarily switched off from a throw-in and Dale turned his man before beating Latcham at the second attempt.
Village substitute Michael Ingram did have the ball in the net soon after but his celebrations were cut short by the assistant's offside flag as it proved to be Coopers' night.
Liverpudlian Dale, who dedicated his goals to the Hillsborough victims battle for justice, said: "I've never had a good game in a final so it was decent to get a couple of goals. We didn't play like we can do usually. [Catterick] played long ball a lot which took our midfield out the game, but we got the win and that's all that matters."
Coopers face Catterick again in May what could well prove to be a league title decider and Dale remains confident his team will come out on top again.
"We've been unbeaten in the league since November now so hopefully we can push on and finish that off."
THREE COOPERS - Woodward (D), Woodward (A), Allison, Adams, Parker, Toman, Rayner, Reynard, dale, Nicholson, Patchett. SUBS - Kitchenman, Thomas, Robinson, Coombs, Hodgson.
CATTERICK VILLAGE - Latcham, Kinsley, Smith, King, Ewart, Hodgkinson, Wooff, Lister, Fotheringham, Allen, Rudd. SUBS - Dees, Ingram, Mant-Smith.
REFEREE - P. Scott
ATTENDANCE: 162
Monday, 7 April 2014
Everton - the aftermath
LISTENING to many of the comments from Arsenal fans recently, you would think that this late season collapse is a regular occurrence. But the opposite is actually true.
In 13 of the 17 seasons under Wenger, the club's league position has actually improved between February and April. 13 out of 17. So in actual fact these late season collapses are the exception to the rule.
In fact this is only the third time we have let a title challenge slip in the spring. In 2008 we fell apart after the Eduardo game at Birmingham and an FA Cup thrashing at Old Trafford. Lack of squad depth perhaps the reason.
Then in 2011 when we were chasing a possible quadruple, we lost to Birmingham again, this time in the Carling Cup final, and another collapse of Biblical proportions followed. But these have not been the norm. Far from it.
In fact the last two seasons have seen us recover from a slow start to finish strongly; both times overhauling a big Spurs advantage to pip them to the final Champions League spot. So a late season collapse is very rare.
Another myth going around is that we were only top of the table earlier in the season because we had an easier run of games. Well lets look at that shall we.
We were top after 19 games, the halfway point in the season and a time when everyone had played everyone else once. So we had in fact played all the same teams as everyone else. Not sure how we had easier fixtures then.
But I guess it is easy to look at the negative in everything following what was an unacceptable performance at Goodison Park yesterday. And coming on top of other poor displays at Chelsea, at home to Swansea and away at Liverpool.
Much of the slump has been down to the injuries suffered to key players. Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil have all been out so is it any wonder the attacking play has been so pedestrian.
Of all our recent poor displays though, this one at Goodison was the least painful. Everton are a decent club who do things the right way. They have not tried to buy success, it has been built on solid foundations and they have developed many great young players. It doesn't feel quite so bad losing to a club like them because their philosophy is the same as ours.
So much so in fact that I believe we saw the future of Arsenal yesterday. Martinez looks the perfect fit to replace Wenger when he finally calls it a day.
Everton play some good football and on Sunday they fully deserved their victory. They were better than us in all areas of the pitch. But the game is decided by small margins, and had Podolski's effort just before half time gone in, or Giroud's just after the restart, it may have been a different story.
But in the end it was poor defending that once again cost us away from home. With Vermaelan and Monreal at the back, we were always going to struggle. I am not sure what has happened to the Vermaelan from a few years ago. That guy was awesome. But now he a shadow of his former self and why he is still captain is something only Wenger can answer.
Poor Monreal, on the other hand, has never been good enough. Exposed time and time again. To be fair he did put in some useful deliveries from forward areas but I would prefer to see Sagna at left back if Gibbs is unfit.
Speaking of Sagna, he was once again our best and worst player. The guy is phenomenal but gets no cover whatsoever. So every time he goes forward, which he has to do on a regular basis as we have no other attacking threat down the right in the absence of Walcott; no one covers for him. No one. So when we lose the ball, as we inevitably do, there is a massive space behind him to exploit. So he constantly looks out of position.
Cazorla and Rosicky are not interested in covering. Mertersaker is often forced to pull across, thus leaving us exposed on the left side of our defence. Yesterday, the combination of Vermaelan and Monreal was an accident waiting to happen and unsurprisingly two of the three goals came from that area.
Everton got their tactics spot on. Every time their full backs attacked; and in Baines and Colman they have two of the best attacking full backs in the county, the wide men dropped in. It was seamless. Of course our one-paced attack helped them, but even so. Everton was a team who were in tune with each other and worked together as a unit. Arsenal, by comparison, looked like a bunch of strangers.
Despite such a poor performance though, I was shocked by some of abuse handed out by the travelling fans. Giroud, who admittedly was woeful, as he has been since his off the field antics came to light, was booed nearly every time he touched (mis-controlled) the ball and this reached a crescendo when he was substituted in the second half. And as for Wenger. Well he is public enemy number one. Not sure how any of that helps though.
Moreover, you have to ask; are things really that bad? Looking at our remaining fixtures there is every possibility we will finish the season with 79 points. One more than when we won the league in 1998. Yes, one MORE. There is also a very real chance we could win the FA Cup. Would that be a bad season? But it seems that a large section of the fans have already made up their minds.
But what happens if we blow it, as many expect us to do? What if we lose to Wigan this weekend and then finish 5th? Actually, I do not think that would be the disaster many are predicting.
If we do not win the FA Cup, I actually hope we finish 6th and do not qualify for Europe at all. As Liverpool have shown this season, no Europe can lead to fresher players at this crucial stage of the season. And the Europa League? Do me a favour.
Next season, I believe we will be serious challengers. All the signs are there. We have the basis of a very good squad. Players like Koscielny, Metersacker, Sagna, Wilshere, Ramsey, Ozil, Ox, Podolski, Walcott. With the right additions; a new goalkeeper, left back, cover at centre half, a defensive midfielder and two strikers, and we could be champions in 2015.
But something has to change. We have been nearly men for too long. This season has shown we are not far away. Not very far at all. But Wenger has probably taken us as far as he can. It seems the players are no longer buying into his ideas. It needs freshening up.
So I hope he can go out on a high. He deserves that. Winning the FA Cup and finishing 4th will mean he can go this summer with his head held high and give the new man something positive to build on.
Of course defending the FA Cup was something Martinez was never able to do at Wigan. Maybe next season he will be able to fulfil that ambition at the Emirates. After yesterday's events, we could certainly do a lot worse.
In 13 of the 17 seasons under Wenger, the club's league position has actually improved between February and April. 13 out of 17. So in actual fact these late season collapses are the exception to the rule.
In fact this is only the third time we have let a title challenge slip in the spring. In 2008 we fell apart after the Eduardo game at Birmingham and an FA Cup thrashing at Old Trafford. Lack of squad depth perhaps the reason.
Then in 2011 when we were chasing a possible quadruple, we lost to Birmingham again, this time in the Carling Cup final, and another collapse of Biblical proportions followed. But these have not been the norm. Far from it.
In fact the last two seasons have seen us recover from a slow start to finish strongly; both times overhauling a big Spurs advantage to pip them to the final Champions League spot. So a late season collapse is very rare.
Another myth going around is that we were only top of the table earlier in the season because we had an easier run of games. Well lets look at that shall we.
We were top after 19 games, the halfway point in the season and a time when everyone had played everyone else once. So we had in fact played all the same teams as everyone else. Not sure how we had easier fixtures then.
But I guess it is easy to look at the negative in everything following what was an unacceptable performance at Goodison Park yesterday. And coming on top of other poor displays at Chelsea, at home to Swansea and away at Liverpool.
Much of the slump has been down to the injuries suffered to key players. Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil have all been out so is it any wonder the attacking play has been so pedestrian.
Of all our recent poor displays though, this one at Goodison was the least painful. Everton are a decent club who do things the right way. They have not tried to buy success, it has been built on solid foundations and they have developed many great young players. It doesn't feel quite so bad losing to a club like them because their philosophy is the same as ours.
So much so in fact that I believe we saw the future of Arsenal yesterday. Martinez looks the perfect fit to replace Wenger when he finally calls it a day.
Everton play some good football and on Sunday they fully deserved their victory. They were better than us in all areas of the pitch. But the game is decided by small margins, and had Podolski's effort just before half time gone in, or Giroud's just after the restart, it may have been a different story.
But in the end it was poor defending that once again cost us away from home. With Vermaelan and Monreal at the back, we were always going to struggle. I am not sure what has happened to the Vermaelan from a few years ago. That guy was awesome. But now he a shadow of his former self and why he is still captain is something only Wenger can answer.
Poor Monreal, on the other hand, has never been good enough. Exposed time and time again. To be fair he did put in some useful deliveries from forward areas but I would prefer to see Sagna at left back if Gibbs is unfit.
Speaking of Sagna, he was once again our best and worst player. The guy is phenomenal but gets no cover whatsoever. So every time he goes forward, which he has to do on a regular basis as we have no other attacking threat down the right in the absence of Walcott; no one covers for him. No one. So when we lose the ball, as we inevitably do, there is a massive space behind him to exploit. So he constantly looks out of position.
Cazorla and Rosicky are not interested in covering. Mertersaker is often forced to pull across, thus leaving us exposed on the left side of our defence. Yesterday, the combination of Vermaelan and Monreal was an accident waiting to happen and unsurprisingly two of the three goals came from that area.
Everton got their tactics spot on. Every time their full backs attacked; and in Baines and Colman they have two of the best attacking full backs in the county, the wide men dropped in. It was seamless. Of course our one-paced attack helped them, but even so. Everton was a team who were in tune with each other and worked together as a unit. Arsenal, by comparison, looked like a bunch of strangers.
Despite such a poor performance though, I was shocked by some of abuse handed out by the travelling fans. Giroud, who admittedly was woeful, as he has been since his off the field antics came to light, was booed nearly every time he touched (mis-controlled) the ball and this reached a crescendo when he was substituted in the second half. And as for Wenger. Well he is public enemy number one. Not sure how any of that helps though.
Moreover, you have to ask; are things really that bad? Looking at our remaining fixtures there is every possibility we will finish the season with 79 points. One more than when we won the league in 1998. Yes, one MORE. There is also a very real chance we could win the FA Cup. Would that be a bad season? But it seems that a large section of the fans have already made up their minds.
But what happens if we blow it, as many expect us to do? What if we lose to Wigan this weekend and then finish 5th? Actually, I do not think that would be the disaster many are predicting.
If we do not win the FA Cup, I actually hope we finish 6th and do not qualify for Europe at all. As Liverpool have shown this season, no Europe can lead to fresher players at this crucial stage of the season. And the Europa League? Do me a favour.
Next season, I believe we will be serious challengers. All the signs are there. We have the basis of a very good squad. Players like Koscielny, Metersacker, Sagna, Wilshere, Ramsey, Ozil, Ox, Podolski, Walcott. With the right additions; a new goalkeeper, left back, cover at centre half, a defensive midfielder and two strikers, and we could be champions in 2015.
But something has to change. We have been nearly men for too long. This season has shown we are not far away. Not very far at all. But Wenger has probably taken us as far as he can. It seems the players are no longer buying into his ideas. It needs freshening up.
So I hope he can go out on a high. He deserves that. Winning the FA Cup and finishing 4th will mean he can go this summer with his head held high and give the new man something positive to build on.
Of course defending the FA Cup was something Martinez was never able to do at Wigan. Maybe next season he will be able to fulfil that ambition at the Emirates. After yesterday's events, we could certainly do a lot worse.
Friday, 4 April 2014
When the Bell tolls - Sporties leave it late to retain cup
FRANK BAINBRIDGE CUP FINAL
SPORTSMANS FC 3 NORTHALLERTON POLICE 2
By Ricky Butler at the Calvert Stadium
Highlights of this match can be viewed here
A DRAMATIC last-gasp winner from defender James Bell on Thursday evening saw Sportsmans FC retain the Frank Bainbridge Cup in a thrilling final against old rivals Northallerton Police.
Division One leaders the Police had looked on course to snatch the trophy from their neighbours after strikes from Liam Darville and Jason Newall saw them overturn a first half own goal from Gary Shardha. But Sportsmans captain Sam Grainger equalised with six minutes to go before Bell's dramatic last-kick intervention.
Sporties manager Carl Kelly said: "I'm delighted. The lads deserve it. We've had a long way to go this season, struggling to get a squad together.
"We all know we didn't play at our best; it's probably the worst we've played since I took over. I thought the Police were the better to be honest. I think in the last 15 minutes our fitness probably told rather than that we played any better.
"We've played more cup games than we have league games so we have a lot to play. Yes, we can still win the league but no talk of the treble. We don't want to put a jinx on it. But we've got the first hurdle done."
In Aintree week it was surprisingly referee Mark Ullyott who was first to fall. Suffering with kidney stones, the official had to be replaced by assistant David Homes after just 16 minutes. But it was first blood to holders Sportsmans in this clash of the Hambleton League heavyweights.
Colin Anderson had already hit the post midway through the first half when the unfortunate Police defender Shardha turned a 27th minute cross from the Sporties danger-man past his own goalkeeper with Scott McNichol waiting to pounce.
But the lead lasted barely four minutes. A long ball out of defence by Newall fell to Laim Darville in the penalty area and he neatly clipped it past Jed Clarkson from 8 yards to make it 1-1 at the break.
The Police came out strongly at the start of the second period and they deservedly took the lead six minutes after the restart. A corner from the left by Chris Walker found the head of Newall, and although his connection was not as clean as he would have liked, the ball somehow found its way into the net.
The Police were now rampant and they came close to sealing the cup when first Sam Vernalls and then Ashley McInerney came close to doubling their advantage.
But it was the holders that dragged themselves level with just six minutes left on the clock. A corner from McNichol was only half cleared and Grainger dived in bravely to send a header into the bottom left-hand corner of Adam Cunningham's net.
There is usually very little to choose between these sides and it now looked as though extra time would once again be required. But deep into stoppage time, the Sporties won it.
Again it was the set-piece delivery of McNichol that created confusion in the Police penalty area and left back Bell arrived to fire a right-footed shot past Cunningham from 10 yards. There was barely time for the game to restart when referee Holmes blew the final whistle and the Sporties celebrations could begin.
Match-winner Bell said: "It's definitely the high point of my season so far. To come through 3-2 in the last minute; it doesn't get much better than that does it.
"All I remember about the goal was; right foot, didn't look, back of the net! That's all the matters."
With a County Cup final against Cleveland Arms to come next week at Stokesley, this could be the first of an historic cup double for Kelly's heroes. The Police meanwhile, will hope to retain the league title as compensation for this heart-breaking late defeat.
SPORTSMANS FC - Clarkson (Je), Pratt, Lambert, Grainger, Bell, McNichol, Butterworth, Ramsbottom (An), Jackson, Ramsbottom (Aa), Anderson. SUBS - Caisley, Calvert, Dawson, Clarkson (Jo).
NORTHALLERTON POLICE - Cunningham, Ryan, Newall, Pinkney,Walker, Shardha, Darville (L), McInerney, Gunnell, Vernalls, Darville (B). SUBS - Pattison, Schofield, Cooke, Morris, Wright.
REFEREE - M. Ullyott/D. Holmes.
SPORTSMANS FC 3 NORTHALLERTON POLICE 2
By Ricky Butler at the Calvert Stadium
Highlights of this match can be viewed here
A DRAMATIC last-gasp winner from defender James Bell on Thursday evening saw Sportsmans FC retain the Frank Bainbridge Cup in a thrilling final against old rivals Northallerton Police.
Division One leaders the Police had looked on course to snatch the trophy from their neighbours after strikes from Liam Darville and Jason Newall saw them overturn a first half own goal from Gary Shardha. But Sportsmans captain Sam Grainger equalised with six minutes to go before Bell's dramatic last-kick intervention.
Sporties manager Carl Kelly said: "I'm delighted. The lads deserve it. We've had a long way to go this season, struggling to get a squad together.
"We all know we didn't play at our best; it's probably the worst we've played since I took over. I thought the Police were the better to be honest. I think in the last 15 minutes our fitness probably told rather than that we played any better.
"We've played more cup games than we have league games so we have a lot to play. Yes, we can still win the league but no talk of the treble. We don't want to put a jinx on it. But we've got the first hurdle done."
In Aintree week it was surprisingly referee Mark Ullyott who was first to fall. Suffering with kidney stones, the official had to be replaced by assistant David Homes after just 16 minutes. But it was first blood to holders Sportsmans in this clash of the Hambleton League heavyweights.
Colin Anderson had already hit the post midway through the first half when the unfortunate Police defender Shardha turned a 27th minute cross from the Sporties danger-man past his own goalkeeper with Scott McNichol waiting to pounce.
But the lead lasted barely four minutes. A long ball out of defence by Newall fell to Laim Darville in the penalty area and he neatly clipped it past Jed Clarkson from 8 yards to make it 1-1 at the break.
The Police came out strongly at the start of the second period and they deservedly took the lead six minutes after the restart. A corner from the left by Chris Walker found the head of Newall, and although his connection was not as clean as he would have liked, the ball somehow found its way into the net.
The Police were now rampant and they came close to sealing the cup when first Sam Vernalls and then Ashley McInerney came close to doubling their advantage.
But it was the holders that dragged themselves level with just six minutes left on the clock. A corner from McNichol was only half cleared and Grainger dived in bravely to send a header into the bottom left-hand corner of Adam Cunningham's net.
There is usually very little to choose between these sides and it now looked as though extra time would once again be required. But deep into stoppage time, the Sporties won it.
Again it was the set-piece delivery of McNichol that created confusion in the Police penalty area and left back Bell arrived to fire a right-footed shot past Cunningham from 10 yards. There was barely time for the game to restart when referee Holmes blew the final whistle and the Sporties celebrations could begin.
Match-winner Bell said: "It's definitely the high point of my season so far. To come through 3-2 in the last minute; it doesn't get much better than that does it.
"All I remember about the goal was; right foot, didn't look, back of the net! That's all the matters."
With a County Cup final against Cleveland Arms to come next week at Stokesley, this could be the first of an historic cup double for Kelly's heroes. The Police meanwhile, will hope to retain the league title as compensation for this heart-breaking late defeat.
SPORTSMANS FC - Clarkson (Je), Pratt, Lambert, Grainger, Bell, McNichol, Butterworth, Ramsbottom (An), Jackson, Ramsbottom (Aa), Anderson. SUBS - Caisley, Calvert, Dawson, Clarkson (Jo).
NORTHALLERTON POLICE - Cunningham, Ryan, Newall, Pinkney,Walker, Shardha, Darville (L), McInerney, Gunnell, Vernalls, Darville (B). SUBS - Pattison, Schofield, Cooke, Morris, Wright.
REFEREE - M. Ullyott/D. Holmes.
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Walker goal not enough as Richmond suffer more cup heartache
NORTH RIDING SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL
MIDDLESBROUGH 3 RICHMOND TOWN 1
By Ricky Butler at Central Avenue Stadium
Highlights of this match are available here
RICHMOND TOWN last night suffered a third cup semi-final defeat in less than two weeks as a late brace from Jordan Jones gave a young Middlesbrough side victory at Billingham.
Richmond had been the better side in the first half and took a 41st minute lead when Chris Walker fired home at the far post after an inviting right-wing cross from Kalumn Holbrook. But Lewis Sirrell equalised three minutes later before Jones' late intervention gave Boro victory.
Richmond manager Chris Lax said: "I am delighted with the performance. I thought in the first half we were the best team. I am really pleased for the lads. They have put in a shift and a half. [Boro] came out the blocks a bit quicker in the second half and passed it about sharper, and we tired in the last 20 minutes."
After beating York City 3-0 to reach the last four, Richmond arrived at Billingham Synthonia's historic ground full of confidence that they could claim a second Football League scalp. Indeed it was hard to tell which side were the full time professionals and which from the Wearside League in a keenly contested first half.
It may have been a different story had Boro skipper Johnny Burn had not headed an early chance over the top, but Richmond took confidence from that escape and were the better side for long spells.
Holbrook sent a dipping shot from distance just over the top while Adam Palmer's header was saved by goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler. But it was underdogs that scored first, four minutes before the break.
Boro defender Nathan McGinley was caught in possession by Holbrook on the right and Walker arrived at the far post to send a volley flying into the roof of the net. Suddenly another shock looked on the cards.
But the Dalesmen switched off momentarily just before the break and were made to pay. Bradley Halliday was given too much time to pick his pass and he sent Sirrell away to coolly slot past Town goalkeeper Adam Cunningham.
Boro came out strongly at the start of the second half but they ran into a Richmond side determined not to lose a third semi-final in 10 days. Cunningham made a great save to deny Bradley Fewster while defenders threw their bodies on the line to block efforts from Jones and Sirrell.
But Richmond could have regained the lead just past the hour. A free kick from Holbrook was not sufficiently cleared and Ben Darville saw his shot roll agonisingly just the wrong side of the far post.
That proved to be decisive as Boro went in front 12 minutes later. Cunningham did well to deny Fewster initially but when the ball was retuned into the penalty area, Jones made mistake from 12 yards.
Richmond now looked tired but they dug deep and almost dragged themselves level two minutes from time. Michael Layfield found substitute Scott Guy down the left and his drilled centre would surely have been turned home by Darville had it not been for a superb last-ditch tackle from McGinley.
That led to a thrilling finale. Almost immediately Boro broke and Fewster was up-ended in the penalty area by Palmer but Cunningham guessed right to keep out Jones' spot kick.
"I watched him last week against Redcar and he went the same way," said Cunningham on the penalty save.
But that proved to be merely a temporary reprieve. Just seconds later substitute Jake Fowler released Jones and this time to he made mistake to seal Boro's progress to the final of a competition they have won 53 times.
Lax said: "I am proud of the lads. They have battled hard and they have done Richmond Town and the Wearside League very, very proud.
"The score has probably flattered [Boro] but I am pleased with the performance and the attitude of the lads in there. [Boro] are professional footballers. They will be coming in for a rub down tomorrow; our lads will be back at work on the farm."
The Dalesmen will now be hoping this performance can give them a boost ahead of tough run-in as they look for a top three finish. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have a final against Guisborough Town of the Northern League to look forward to.
MIDDLESBROUGH - Luetwiler 7, Halliday 7, Coleby 9, Burn 7, McGinley 7, Tinkler 6, Sirrell 8, Maloney 7, Fewster 7, Griffiths 6, Jones 8. SUBS - Weledji 7, Wheatley 7, Fowler 8, Kitching, Fryer.
RICHMOND TOWN - Cunningham 8, Palmer 7, Ryan 7, Newall 7, Pinkney 9, Holbrook 8, Layfield 7, Darville (L) 8, Darville (B) 7, Walker 8, Knox 7. SUBS - Thompson 7, Guy 7, Shardha, McNichol, White.
MEN OF MATCH -
Coleby (Middlesbrough) - Superb performance from the right back both defensively and going forward. One to watch.
Pinkney (Richmond Town) - An absolute rock at the heart of the Richmond defence. On a night of heroes in blue, his performance stood out above the rest.
REFEREE - I. Turner
ATTENDANCE: 170
MIDDLESBROUGH 3 RICHMOND TOWN 1
By Ricky Butler at Central Avenue Stadium
Highlights of this match are available here
RICHMOND TOWN last night suffered a third cup semi-final defeat in less than two weeks as a late brace from Jordan Jones gave a young Middlesbrough side victory at Billingham.
Richmond had been the better side in the first half and took a 41st minute lead when Chris Walker fired home at the far post after an inviting right-wing cross from Kalumn Holbrook. But Lewis Sirrell equalised three minutes later before Jones' late intervention gave Boro victory.
Richmond manager Chris Lax said: "I am delighted with the performance. I thought in the first half we were the best team. I am really pleased for the lads. They have put in a shift and a half. [Boro] came out the blocks a bit quicker in the second half and passed it about sharper, and we tired in the last 20 minutes."
After beating York City 3-0 to reach the last four, Richmond arrived at Billingham Synthonia's historic ground full of confidence that they could claim a second Football League scalp. Indeed it was hard to tell which side were the full time professionals and which from the Wearside League in a keenly contested first half.
It may have been a different story had Boro skipper Johnny Burn had not headed an early chance over the top, but Richmond took confidence from that escape and were the better side for long spells.
Holbrook sent a dipping shot from distance just over the top while Adam Palmer's header was saved by goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler. But it was underdogs that scored first, four minutes before the break.
Boro defender Nathan McGinley was caught in possession by Holbrook on the right and Walker arrived at the far post to send a volley flying into the roof of the net. Suddenly another shock looked on the cards.
But the Dalesmen switched off momentarily just before the break and were made to pay. Bradley Halliday was given too much time to pick his pass and he sent Sirrell away to coolly slot past Town goalkeeper Adam Cunningham.
Boro came out strongly at the start of the second half but they ran into a Richmond side determined not to lose a third semi-final in 10 days. Cunningham made a great save to deny Bradley Fewster while defenders threw their bodies on the line to block efforts from Jones and Sirrell.
But Richmond could have regained the lead just past the hour. A free kick from Holbrook was not sufficiently cleared and Ben Darville saw his shot roll agonisingly just the wrong side of the far post.
That proved to be decisive as Boro went in front 12 minutes later. Cunningham did well to deny Fewster initially but when the ball was retuned into the penalty area, Jones made mistake from 12 yards.
Richmond now looked tired but they dug deep and almost dragged themselves level two minutes from time. Michael Layfield found substitute Scott Guy down the left and his drilled centre would surely have been turned home by Darville had it not been for a superb last-ditch tackle from McGinley.
That led to a thrilling finale. Almost immediately Boro broke and Fewster was up-ended in the penalty area by Palmer but Cunningham guessed right to keep out Jones' spot kick.
"I watched him last week against Redcar and he went the same way," said Cunningham on the penalty save.
But that proved to be merely a temporary reprieve. Just seconds later substitute Jake Fowler released Jones and this time to he made mistake to seal Boro's progress to the final of a competition they have won 53 times.
Lax said: "I am proud of the lads. They have battled hard and they have done Richmond Town and the Wearside League very, very proud.
"The score has probably flattered [Boro] but I am pleased with the performance and the attitude of the lads in there. [Boro] are professional footballers. They will be coming in for a rub down tomorrow; our lads will be back at work on the farm."
The Dalesmen will now be hoping this performance can give them a boost ahead of tough run-in as they look for a top three finish. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have a final against Guisborough Town of the Northern League to look forward to.
MIDDLESBROUGH - Luetwiler 7, Halliday 7, Coleby 9, Burn 7, McGinley 7, Tinkler 6, Sirrell 8, Maloney 7, Fewster 7, Griffiths 6, Jones 8. SUBS - Weledji 7, Wheatley 7, Fowler 8, Kitching, Fryer.
RICHMOND TOWN - Cunningham 8, Palmer 7, Ryan 7, Newall 7, Pinkney 9, Holbrook 8, Layfield 7, Darville (L) 8, Darville (B) 7, Walker 8, Knox 7. SUBS - Thompson 7, Guy 7, Shardha, McNichol, White.
MEN OF MATCH -
Coleby (Middlesbrough) - Superb performance from the right back both defensively and going forward. One to watch.
Pinkney (Richmond Town) - An absolute rock at the heart of the Richmond defence. On a night of heroes in blue, his performance stood out above the rest.
REFEREE - I. Turner
ATTENDANCE: 170
Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Below-par Arsenal pegged back by Lallana equaliser
SOUTHAMPTON 2 ARSENAL 2
By Ricky Butler at St. Mary's
TEN-MAN Arsenal saw their title chances dealt a blow last night as a second half equaliser from Adam Lallana saw them held by an impressive Southampton on the South Coast.
Trailing at the break to a controversial goal from Jose Fonte, Arsene Wenger's Barclays Premier League leaders rallied with strikes from Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla within six minutes of the restart.
But Saints captain and England's new star, Lallana, responded almost immediately before Mathieu Flamini was shown a late red card for a two-footed lunge on Morgan Schniederlin to leave the North-Londoners frustrated.
However, Wenger remained upbeat at the whistle. He said: "Southampton had a great first half, they played at a great pace and we had problems to get into the game.
"The second half we responded very well and came back in a convincing way, we were 2-1 up, but the double disappointment we have is to concede as quickly as that, and secondly to finish the game with ten men.
"We have shown a lot of character and resilience to come back, and overall I would say it is a difficult point but a fair point."
Arsenal was late arriving at the ground due to traffic problems but that could be no excuse for what was a lacklustre first half display. Although the goal that gave Southampton a 21st minute lead was shrouded in controversy - Fonte appearing to push Nacho Monreal as he rose to head home Luke Shaw's left-wing cross - there was no question the Saints deserved to be ahead at the break.
In fact had teenager striker Sam Gallagher not fluffed his lines when presented with a golden opportunity soon afterwards, the match may well have been beyond Wenger's men. But the Gunners showed their full title potential in the early moments of the second half.
This was far from vintage Arsenal, in fact it would be fair to say this was their poorest performance for quite some time, but they have quality in abundance and two pieces of magic saw them turn the match on its head.
They were level two minutes after the resumption when Bacary Sagna's driven cross from the right was flicked home by Giroud with a clever back-heel, and the turn around was complete four minutes later.
Mesut Ozil laid the ball off to Cazorla on the edge of the penalty area and the little Spaniard arrowed a low, left-footed shot into the bottom corner of Boruc's net - his 4th goal in the last three matches.
But before Arsenal could consolidate their position, they were pegged back almost immediately. Having been so strong defensively all season, it was somewhat of a surprise to see them momentarily switch off at the back, allowing Lallana time and space to finish a low cross into the box by Jay Rodriguez.
The game ebbed and flowed after that but the best opportunities fell to the leaders. Ozil saw an effort deflected onto the crossbar after a strong burst into the area, before Monreal shanked an effort wide with only Boruc to beat.
But their chances of finding a winner were over 10 minutes from time. Flamini was shown a straight red card by referee Lee Mason for a two-footed challenge on Schniederlin, and only a fine double save from Wojciech Szczesny, denying Shaw and Fonte, ensured the Gunners left with at least a point.
"It was a very good football game," said Wenger. "And Southampton deserve some credit. I felt we were a little unfortunate on the decision for the first goal but the first half was not good enough.
"We tried to push on for the third goal but after we went down to ten men it was important to come home with a point."
Arsenal could drop down to third tonight if Chelsea and Manchester City win against West Ham and Spurs respectively, but there is every chance this could prove to be a very important point in the final reckoning.
A trademark of champions is to get results when not at their best and Wenger's side has certainly developed a knack this season of doing just that. But with tougher tests to come in the next few weeks, performances will have to improve if they are to stay at the top.
SOUTHAMPTON - Boruc, Chambers, Fonte, Schniedelrin, Shaw, Yoshida, Cork, Davis (Do Prado, 89), Lallana, Rodriguez, Gallagher (Ward-Prowse, 70).
ARSENAL - Sczcesny, Sagna, Mertersacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Arteta, Gnabry (Oxlade-Chamberlain, 70), Cazorla (Gibbs, 86), Ozil, Giroud (Podolski, 89).
REFEREE - L. Mason.
MAN OF MATCH - Lallana (Southampton) - Could be a real star in Brazil this summer.
ATTENDANCE: 31, 284
By Ricky Butler at St. Mary's
 |
| Adam Lallana celebrates his equaliser at St. Mary's last night |
TEN-MAN Arsenal saw their title chances dealt a blow last night as a second half equaliser from Adam Lallana saw them held by an impressive Southampton on the South Coast.
Trailing at the break to a controversial goal from Jose Fonte, Arsene Wenger's Barclays Premier League leaders rallied with strikes from Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla within six minutes of the restart.
But Saints captain and England's new star, Lallana, responded almost immediately before Mathieu Flamini was shown a late red card for a two-footed lunge on Morgan Schniederlin to leave the North-Londoners frustrated.
However, Wenger remained upbeat at the whistle. He said: "Southampton had a great first half, they played at a great pace and we had problems to get into the game.
"The second half we responded very well and came back in a convincing way, we were 2-1 up, but the double disappointment we have is to concede as quickly as that, and secondly to finish the game with ten men.
"We have shown a lot of character and resilience to come back, and overall I would say it is a difficult point but a fair point."
Arsenal was late arriving at the ground due to traffic problems but that could be no excuse for what was a lacklustre first half display. Although the goal that gave Southampton a 21st minute lead was shrouded in controversy - Fonte appearing to push Nacho Monreal as he rose to head home Luke Shaw's left-wing cross - there was no question the Saints deserved to be ahead at the break.
In fact had teenager striker Sam Gallagher not fluffed his lines when presented with a golden opportunity soon afterwards, the match may well have been beyond Wenger's men. But the Gunners showed their full title potential in the early moments of the second half.
This was far from vintage Arsenal, in fact it would be fair to say this was their poorest performance for quite some time, but they have quality in abundance and two pieces of magic saw them turn the match on its head.
They were level two minutes after the resumption when Bacary Sagna's driven cross from the right was flicked home by Giroud with a clever back-heel, and the turn around was complete four minutes later.
Mesut Ozil laid the ball off to Cazorla on the edge of the penalty area and the little Spaniard arrowed a low, left-footed shot into the bottom corner of Boruc's net - his 4th goal in the last three matches.
But before Arsenal could consolidate their position, they were pegged back almost immediately. Having been so strong defensively all season, it was somewhat of a surprise to see them momentarily switch off at the back, allowing Lallana time and space to finish a low cross into the box by Jay Rodriguez.
The game ebbed and flowed after that but the best opportunities fell to the leaders. Ozil saw an effort deflected onto the crossbar after a strong burst into the area, before Monreal shanked an effort wide with only Boruc to beat.
But their chances of finding a winner were over 10 minutes from time. Flamini was shown a straight red card by referee Lee Mason for a two-footed challenge on Schniederlin, and only a fine double save from Wojciech Szczesny, denying Shaw and Fonte, ensured the Gunners left with at least a point.
"It was a very good football game," said Wenger. "And Southampton deserve some credit. I felt we were a little unfortunate on the decision for the first goal but the first half was not good enough.
"We tried to push on for the third goal but after we went down to ten men it was important to come home with a point."
Arsenal could drop down to third tonight if Chelsea and Manchester City win against West Ham and Spurs respectively, but there is every chance this could prove to be a very important point in the final reckoning.
A trademark of champions is to get results when not at their best and Wenger's side has certainly developed a knack this season of doing just that. But with tougher tests to come in the next few weeks, performances will have to improve if they are to stay at the top.
SOUTHAMPTON - Boruc, Chambers, Fonte, Schniedelrin, Shaw, Yoshida, Cork, Davis (Do Prado, 89), Lallana, Rodriguez, Gallagher (Ward-Prowse, 70).
ARSENAL - Sczcesny, Sagna, Mertersacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Arteta, Gnabry (Oxlade-Chamberlain, 70), Cazorla (Gibbs, 86), Ozil, Giroud (Podolski, 89).
REFEREE - L. Mason.
MAN OF MATCH - Lallana (Southampton) - Could be a real star in Brazil this summer.
ATTENDANCE: 31, 284
Sunday, 26 January 2014
Its a muddy Hell for York as Richmond reach last four
NORTH RIDING SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINAL
RICHMOND TOWN 3 YORK CITY 0
By Ricky Butler at Earls Orchard
Highlights of this match can be viewed here
RICHMOND TOWN reached the semi final of the North Riding Senior Cup on Saturday with this incredible victory over Skybet League Two club York City on a mud-bath of a pitch at Earls Orchard.
A first half goal from Richard Thompson was added to by Ben Darville after the break before Kallum Holbrook sealed an historic victory from the spot, seven minutes from time.
It may not have been a first choice York City side - the first team were playing up at Hartlepool United - but it did contain three full time professionals amongst the U18 Academy lads and should have, on paper on least, been good enough to see off the upstarts from the Wearside League.
But not only was the awful pitch a leveller, York never got to grips with the hunger and desire of the Richmond side and that proved decisive in the end.
"I was delighted with how we played," said Richmond manager Chris Lax. "I just thought our attitude and commitment was exactly what we needed.
"York are not used to playing on a pitch like that but they had class, you could see that. They were very good technically but the conditions did not allow them to play.
"We are quite a tough team, mentally and physically, and the league that they are playing in is more football but this is more physical, especially playing on a pitch like this."
Hear the full Chris Lax interview here
The ground at Richmond has been described as one of the most scenic in the country with the imposing figure of the castle overlooking the action, but the pitch was a far from welcoming sight for the York youngsters.
Having seen the match called off the previous week due to a waterlogged pitch, the last thing Richmond needed was more rain. But despite overnight downpours the ground-staff worked hard to ensure the game went ahead this time.
After a slow start during which Shaquille McDonald and Ollie Smith came close to giving York the lead, Richmond settled and dominated for long periods.
They should have gone in front just after the half-hour mark when Darville capitalised on a defensive mistake but his shot from a tight angle came back off the outside of the right-hand upright. However, the breakthrough did arrive moments later.
Again the York defence was unable to clear their lines and Thompson took full advantage with a fine, first-time finish from 10 yards.
And that proved to be the decisive. As the condition of the pitch deteriorated in the second half, York's talented young side cleared looked as though they wished they were somewhere else and Richmond took full advantage.
There was 51 minutes on the clock when the Dalesmen doubled their lead. Holbrook floated a free kick into the penalty area and Ben Palmer nodded down for Darville to drill past goalkeeper Josh Archer from close range.
It was now just a case of how many Richmond would score. Scott Ryan, impressive down the left, was denied by Archer before Darville came close to a second.
But Richmond did put the gloss on their big day with a third goal, seven minutes from time. Darville was nudged over in the penalty area by Tom Allen and Holbrook coolly slotted home from the spot.
Captain Jason Newall was full of praise for his side. He said: "This is the first time Richmond has ever played a professional side so it was a good occasion. The pitch was a bit of a leveller but we just wanted it more than they did."
Goal-scorer Holbrook was equally delighted. "I've missed a couple of penalties this season so there was a bit of pressure on me," he said. "But the captain gave me some good advice. He said just pick my spot and put my foot through it and I was very pleased when it went in the back of the net."
Richmond will now be hoping this victory can be the springboard to promotion to the Northern League. But before that is a possible meeting with another Football LEague club, Middlesbrough, in the semi final. The draw takes place next Saturday.
RICHMOND TOWN - Cunningham, Palmer, Ryan, Newall, Radford, Holbrook, Pattinson, Darville(L), Darville(B), Thompson, Layfield.
YORK CITY - Archer, Green, Outerbridge, Banks, Morley, Allen, McDonald, Coates, Murray, Chamberlain.
RICHMOND TOWN 3 YORK CITY 0
By Ricky Butler at Earls Orchard
Highlights of this match can be viewed here
RICHMOND TOWN reached the semi final of the North Riding Senior Cup on Saturday with this incredible victory over Skybet League Two club York City on a mud-bath of a pitch at Earls Orchard.
A first half goal from Richard Thompson was added to by Ben Darville after the break before Kallum Holbrook sealed an historic victory from the spot, seven minutes from time.
It may not have been a first choice York City side - the first team were playing up at Hartlepool United - but it did contain three full time professionals amongst the U18 Academy lads and should have, on paper on least, been good enough to see off the upstarts from the Wearside League.
But not only was the awful pitch a leveller, York never got to grips with the hunger and desire of the Richmond side and that proved decisive in the end.
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| Richmond prepare for what was the biggest game in the club's history |
"York are not used to playing on a pitch like that but they had class, you could see that. They were very good technically but the conditions did not allow them to play.
"We are quite a tough team, mentally and physically, and the league that they are playing in is more football but this is more physical, especially playing on a pitch like this."
Hear the full Chris Lax interview here
The ground at Richmond has been described as one of the most scenic in the country with the imposing figure of the castle overlooking the action, but the pitch was a far from welcoming sight for the York youngsters.
Having seen the match called off the previous week due to a waterlogged pitch, the last thing Richmond needed was more rain. But despite overnight downpours the ground-staff worked hard to ensure the game went ahead this time.
After a slow start during which Shaquille McDonald and Ollie Smith came close to giving York the lead, Richmond settled and dominated for long periods.
They should have gone in front just after the half-hour mark when Darville capitalised on a defensive mistake but his shot from a tight angle came back off the outside of the right-hand upright. However, the breakthrough did arrive moments later.
Again the York defence was unable to clear their lines and Thompson took full advantage with a fine, first-time finish from 10 yards.
And that proved to be the decisive. As the condition of the pitch deteriorated in the second half, York's talented young side cleared looked as though they wished they were somewhere else and Richmond took full advantage.
There was 51 minutes on the clock when the Dalesmen doubled their lead. Holbrook floated a free kick into the penalty area and Ben Palmer nodded down for Darville to drill past goalkeeper Josh Archer from close range.
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| Ben Darville (far right) makes it 2-0 |
But Richmond did put the gloss on their big day with a third goal, seven minutes from time. Darville was nudged over in the penalty area by Tom Allen and Holbrook coolly slotted home from the spot.
Captain Jason Newall was full of praise for his side. He said: "This is the first time Richmond has ever played a professional side so it was a good occasion. The pitch was a bit of a leveller but we just wanted it more than they did."
Goal-scorer Holbrook was equally delighted. "I've missed a couple of penalties this season so there was a bit of pressure on me," he said. "But the captain gave me some good advice. He said just pick my spot and put my foot through it and I was very pleased when it went in the back of the net."
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| Kallum Holbrook slots home the third from the penalty spot |
RICHMOND TOWN - Cunningham, Palmer, Ryan, Newall, Radford, Holbrook, Pattinson, Darville(L), Darville(B), Thompson, Layfield.
YORK CITY - Archer, Green, Outerbridge, Banks, Morley, Allen, McDonald, Coates, Murray, Chamberlain.
*Pictures courtesy of William James
Sunday, 19 January 2014
Heart-breaking end to Richmond C of E's Wembley dreams
RICHMOND C of E Primary School were denied the dream chance of playing at Wembley on Saturday morning after an unfortunate defeat in the final of the U11's North Yorkshire School Games at York Sports Village.
Having won the Swaledale Alliance League in December with 8 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, Richmond qualified for the regional finals at York, where victory would send them through to the northern finals at Chesterfield in March; one step from Wembley.
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| Richmond C of E School celebrate winning the Swaledale Alliance League title. L-R; Uchenna Anyadaiegwu, Lewis Riggs, Harry Davies, Max Collins, Emerson Butler (capt.), Charlie Stephenson, Ben Dale, Sam Potter. |
The competition was split into 2 groups; 1 of 5 teams and 1 of 4 - all winners of their area league titles. The two group winners would meet in the final to decide who would go to Chesterfield. Richmond were drawn in Group 2 alongside Hutton Rudby, Stakesby, Westfield and Breckenfield.
The squad of 8 that travelled to York, all year 5 and 6 pupils at Richmond C of E School, was as follows; captain Emerson Butler, goalkeeper Charlie Stephenson, twins Max and Edward Collins, Ben Dale, Uchenna Anyadadiegwu, Sam Potter and Lewis Riggs. Meanwhile, Harry Davies, who had played in the Swaledale Alliance League success, was unable to play due to injury, although he came along to support his team-mates.
Richmond's first match was against Hutton Rudby where goals from Max and Edward Collins secured a 2-0 victory. Stakesby were next up and Edward Collins scored twice before Uchenna Anyadadiegwu sealed a 3-1 victory to put Richmond in charge of the group.
Game 3 against Westfield would prove crucial. Having just beaten favourites Breckenfield 3-2, another win for local side Westfield would have sent them through. It looked bad for Richmond when they went 1-0 down late on but Edward Collins scored a great equaliser to earn them a 1-1 draw, meaning that victory over Brakenfield would put them in the final.
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| The squad prepare for the regional finals at York back row L-R; Ian Maculloch (head of PE), Sam Potter, Ben Dale, Emerson Butler (capt.),Edward Collins, Uchenna Anyadadiegwu, James Newcombe (coach). front row L-R; Max Collins, Charlie Stephenson, Lewis Riggs. |
Uchenna Anyadadiegwu made it 2-2 before Edward Collins brought the final within reach with his 6th goal of the tournament. Then, in the final few seconds, Uchenna sealed the 4-2 victory leading to great celebrations.
The final would pit Richmond against Robert Wilkinson School from York, a team of York City Academy lads. Looking tired after their tough group matches, Richmond were slow out of the blocks in the final and found themselves 2-0 at half time.
But the second half saw them revitalised and they dominated from the off. Chance after chance went begging until finally, with a minute to go, Ben Dale's deflected shot brought Richmond within one goal of extra time. But it was too late. Robert Wilkinson held on to lift the trophy.
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| The boys pose with their runners-up medals after a heart-breaking end to a great season. L-R; Uchenna Anyadadiegwu, Emerson Butler(capt.), Lewis Riggs, Ben Dale, Harry Davies, Charlie Stephenson, Sam Potter, Edward Collins, Max Collins. |
Edward Collins finished with 18 goals while Uchenna Anyadadiegwu scored 11. Captain Emerson Butler provided a solid barrier at the back in front of goalkeeper Charlie Stephenson, while Ben Dale and Max Collins added grit and determination to the midfield. Meanwhile Lewis Riggs, Sam Potter and Harry Davies all played a big part in what a tremendous team effort.
If these boys continue to develop over the next few years then it will surely only be a matter of time before they get to fulfil their Wembley dreams.
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