LOS ANGELES (AP) - A couple of soccer jerseys timely goals by a fourth-line forward and a pair of stellar defensive plays by one of Chicago's few healthy defensemen helped the Blackhawks move into a tie with San Jose for the Western Conference lead.
Tomas Kopecky scored twice in a 3:20 span in the third period, and Antti Niemi made 17 saves for his fifth career shutout in the Blackhawks' 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.
"We knew they have a good team and we focused on defense," Kopecky said. "Everything starts with the defense."
Despite losing one of their defensemen to an injury in each of the previous three games, the Blackhawks overcame the absence of Kim Johnsson, Brian Campbell and Brent Seabrook and outshot Los Angeles 37-17.
Chicago came in with an average of 9.5 more shots on net than its opponents, leading the league with 34.2 per game and allowing a league-low 24.7. The Kings were held to just three shots on net in the second period. They had only two against the Blackhawks in the third period Nov. 9 at Chicago.
"I think the team showed that we really wanted to win tonight," Niemi said.
Kopecky, the right wing on Chicago's fourth line, had the second multigoal game of his career and helped the Blackhawks avoid losing four consecutive games for the first time this season. Troy Brouwer opened the scoring in the second period.
"We worked hard as a team, but those guys came through for us and really got us that win," captain Jonathan Toews said.
"It was nice to see them moving the puck the way they can. They got more opportunities tonight, as far as ice time goes, and they definitely deserved it because they've been working hard. It's frustrating for them when they don't get as many chances to get on the ice as they would want, but they definitely took advantage of it tonight and made a huge difference."
So did defenseman Jordan Hendry, who made a nice play to break up a 2-on-1 rush by the Kings after Wayne Simmonds got a return pass from Michal Handzus a few feet from the crease with about 12 minutes left in the second period.
Hendry also started the play that led to Brouwer's goal at 11:36 of the period, forcing a turnover in the neutral zone by Kings captain Dustin Brown. The puck eventually got to Patrick Kane, who was thwarted at the right of the crease by Jonathan Quick. But Quick couldn't control the rebound, and Brouwer jammed it home after Rob Scuderi made a desperate attempt to swipe the puck out of danger as it lay in the crease.
"Jordan chipped the puck up and allowed us to go on a 3-on-2 the other way, and that's what caused that goal," Toews said. "He's been skating well and playing well, and it's great to see the confidence he's playing well. He's a big part of our blue line, and one of the guys who have been stepping up. We need them to, especially with the injuries we've had."
Brouwer's 20th goal gave the Blackhawks at least five players with 20 or more in consecutive seasons since 1990-91, when they accomplished the feat for the third straight year. Kane's 52nd assist eclipsed the career-high total he had two seasons ago, when he won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie.
The Kings were shut out for only the second time this season. Quick stopped 34 shots _ including a breakaway 41 seconds into the third period by Patrick Sharp, who had 13 goals in just 15 previous games against Los Angeles.
Kopecky made it 2-0 at 2:48 of the third, beating Quick to the glove side with a seemingly harmless wrist shot from outside the left circle. He added his sixth of the season on a short wrist shot from the slot at 6:08, after defenseman Jack Johnson tried to clear the puck in front of the net and put it right onto Kopecky's stick.
"I think ultimately, everyone could be better here," Brown said. "I turned the puck over twice on one shift, and it led to a goal. That kind of set the tone for the rest of the game. I think it's important for this team, at this time of year, to hit the reset button and get back to basics. I think we need to take a look in the mirror individually and collectively."
2010年5月7日星期五
2010年5月6日星期四
Kulemin's OT goal rallies Leafs past Rangers
TORONTO (AP) - Nikolai Kulemin scored 39 seconds into overtime and Jonas Gustavsson made 36 saves to outduel Swedish counterpart Henrik Lundqvist in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-2 comeback victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday night. soccer jerseys
Gustavsson extended his winning streak to seven games, the longest run by a Maple Leafs goalie since Ed Belfour won seven straight from Nov. 22-Dec. 6, 2003. Gustavsson hasn't lost since before the Olympics, where he and Lundqvist were teammates on the Swedish team.
Toronto won for the first time this season after trailing going into the third period. Lundqvist made a gaffe on Tomas Kaberle's goal late in the game to allow the Maple Leafs to tie it. John Mitchell had the other goal for the Maple Leafs, who have won nine of 12.
P.A. Parenteau and Brandon Dubinsky scored for New York, which had a two-game winning streak snapped. The 10th-place Rangers are four points behind eighth-place Philadelphia with seven games left.
Parenteau stole the puck high in the Leafs zone and beat Gustavsson with a shot along the ice at 10:25 of the opening period. It was the second career NHL goal for the 27-year-old rookie, who was recalled from AHL Hartford on Friday.
New York extended its lead after more sloppy play in the Toronto zone. Dubinsky skated behind the goal and tucked the puck in with 10.6 seconds left in the first to make it to 2-0.
Mitchell got the Leafs on the board 1:33 into the second, beating Lundqvist with a high wrist shot after receiving a backhand pass from Mikhail Grabovski. It was his sixth goal.
The Rangers mounted a quick counterattack, but Gustavsson stretched out his left pad to rob Sean Avery on the doorstep.
As the period wore on, some bad blood between the teams emerged.
Dion Phaneuf and Avery shoved one another after a whistle before the Rangers agitator was knocked out of the game on a hit by Luke Schenn. Avery appeared to favor his left knee when he hobbled to the dressing room with seven minutes to play in the second.
Kaberle got the Maple Leafs even when the defenseman fired a shot from the corner that found its way through at 16:25 of the third period.
NOTES: The Leafs sat out Garnet Exelby and Wayne Primeau. ... Rangers rookie D Matt Gilroy was scratched for the first time and was replaced by veteran Anders Eriksson. ... Phil Kessel remained at 29 goals. Mats Sundin and Alex Mogilny are the only Maple Leafs players to reach the 30-goal mark in 10 years. ... The exterior lights at Air Canada Centre were kept off in observance of Earth Hour.
Gustavsson extended his winning streak to seven games, the longest run by a Maple Leafs goalie since Ed Belfour won seven straight from Nov. 22-Dec. 6, 2003. Gustavsson hasn't lost since before the Olympics, where he and Lundqvist were teammates on the Swedish team.
Toronto won for the first time this season after trailing going into the third period. Lundqvist made a gaffe on Tomas Kaberle's goal late in the game to allow the Maple Leafs to tie it. John Mitchell had the other goal for the Maple Leafs, who have won nine of 12.
P.A. Parenteau and Brandon Dubinsky scored for New York, which had a two-game winning streak snapped. The 10th-place Rangers are four points behind eighth-place Philadelphia with seven games left.
Parenteau stole the puck high in the Leafs zone and beat Gustavsson with a shot along the ice at 10:25 of the opening period. It was the second career NHL goal for the 27-year-old rookie, who was recalled from AHL Hartford on Friday.
New York extended its lead after more sloppy play in the Toronto zone. Dubinsky skated behind the goal and tucked the puck in with 10.6 seconds left in the first to make it to 2-0.
Mitchell got the Leafs on the board 1:33 into the second, beating Lundqvist with a high wrist shot after receiving a backhand pass from Mikhail Grabovski. It was his sixth goal.
The Rangers mounted a quick counterattack, but Gustavsson stretched out his left pad to rob Sean Avery on the doorstep.
As the period wore on, some bad blood between the teams emerged.
Dion Phaneuf and Avery shoved one another after a whistle before the Rangers agitator was knocked out of the game on a hit by Luke Schenn. Avery appeared to favor his left knee when he hobbled to the dressing room with seven minutes to play in the second.
Kaberle got the Maple Leafs even when the defenseman fired a shot from the corner that found its way through at 16:25 of the third period.
NOTES: The Leafs sat out Garnet Exelby and Wayne Primeau. ... Rangers rookie D Matt Gilroy was scratched for the first time and was replaced by veteran Anders Eriksson. ... Phil Kessel remained at 29 goals. Mats Sundin and Alex Mogilny are the only Maple Leafs players to reach the 30-goal mark in 10 years. ... The exterior lights at Air Canada Centre were kept off in observance of Earth Hour.
Isles top Blue Jackets for first time in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Josh Bailey scored 2:58 into overtime to send the soccer jerseys New York Islanders to a come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.
In the extra period, Columbus defenseman Mike Commodore got caught pinching deep in the Islanders zone. Mark Streit broke down the ice on an odd-man rush, sliding the puck into the slot for John Tavares, who dropped it to Bailey. The speedy center wasted little time snapping a low-shot past Mathieu Garon from inside the left circle for his 15th goal of the season.
Kyle Okposo, Sean Bergenheim and Jon Sim scored in regulation for New York, which won for the first time at Nationwide Arena in its sixth attempt. It was the only NHL arena where the Islanders had not registered a victory.
New York picked up only its second road victory since Jan. 18 despite squandering a two-goal lead. The Islanders are (2-10-1) away from home during that span.
Rick Nash had a goal and an assist, and R.J. Umberger and Grant Clitsome scored for Columbus.
Trailing 2-1 heading into the third, Nash and Clitsome scored 45 seconds apart early in the period to give the Blue Jackets a 3-2 lead. Nash put home a giveaway by Streit just 33 seconds into the third on a pass from Kristian Huselius for his 31st goal. Clitsome followed with a wrist shot from the left circle for his first NHL goal.
Sim evened it up with his 11th from the top of the crease, redirecting Jack Hillen's centering pass from the left corner three minutes later.
The Islanders struck twice 62 seconds apart early in the first period to take the lead.
On a strange sequence, Matt Moulson fired a long shot from the left boards off the post that ricocheted to Okposo at the right circle. He launched another long shot, this one beating Garon high and under the crossbar. The puck quickly sprung off the inside netting while Garon bumped the goal cage off its mooring with his shoulders trying to make the save. The play was reviewed and goal upheld.
Tim Jackman wiggled free from defenseman Clitsome and let loose a spin-around shot from near the slot that was redirected by a tightly marked Bergenheim, who stuck out his stick blade for a goal.
Umberger put Columbus on the board just 52 seconds into the second period, redirecting Nash's shot from the right point for a power-play goal.
Late in the period, Roloson robbed Nash from the doorstep while down on the ice, reaching backward to make the glove save on what may have been the play of the game.
NOTES: The Blue Jackets were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs on Friday. ... Columbus leads the all-time series 7-2-3. ... Beset by injuries to their blue line corps, Islanders D Anton Klementyev made his NHL debut as the second emergency recall in three days for New York. ... New York was a season-high three games above .500 and in the playoff chase before their road woes began. ... The Blue Jackets were not whistled for a penalty, marking a first in franchise history.
In the extra period, Columbus defenseman Mike Commodore got caught pinching deep in the Islanders zone. Mark Streit broke down the ice on an odd-man rush, sliding the puck into the slot for John Tavares, who dropped it to Bailey. The speedy center wasted little time snapping a low-shot past Mathieu Garon from inside the left circle for his 15th goal of the season.
Kyle Okposo, Sean Bergenheim and Jon Sim scored in regulation for New York, which won for the first time at Nationwide Arena in its sixth attempt. It was the only NHL arena where the Islanders had not registered a victory.
New York picked up only its second road victory since Jan. 18 despite squandering a two-goal lead. The Islanders are (2-10-1) away from home during that span.
Rick Nash had a goal and an assist, and R.J. Umberger and Grant Clitsome scored for Columbus.
Trailing 2-1 heading into the third, Nash and Clitsome scored 45 seconds apart early in the period to give the Blue Jackets a 3-2 lead. Nash put home a giveaway by Streit just 33 seconds into the third on a pass from Kristian Huselius for his 31st goal. Clitsome followed with a wrist shot from the left circle for his first NHL goal.
Sim evened it up with his 11th from the top of the crease, redirecting Jack Hillen's centering pass from the left corner three minutes later.
The Islanders struck twice 62 seconds apart early in the first period to take the lead.
On a strange sequence, Matt Moulson fired a long shot from the left boards off the post that ricocheted to Okposo at the right circle. He launched another long shot, this one beating Garon high and under the crossbar. The puck quickly sprung off the inside netting while Garon bumped the goal cage off its mooring with his shoulders trying to make the save. The play was reviewed and goal upheld.
Tim Jackman wiggled free from defenseman Clitsome and let loose a spin-around shot from near the slot that was redirected by a tightly marked Bergenheim, who stuck out his stick blade for a goal.
Umberger put Columbus on the board just 52 seconds into the second period, redirecting Nash's shot from the right point for a power-play goal.
Late in the period, Roloson robbed Nash from the doorstep while down on the ice, reaching backward to make the glove save on what may have been the play of the game.
NOTES: The Blue Jackets were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs on Friday. ... Columbus leads the all-time series 7-2-3. ... Beset by injuries to their blue line corps, Islanders D Anton Klementyev made his NHL debut as the second emergency recall in three days for New York. ... New York was a season-high three games above .500 and in the playoff chase before their road woes began. ... The Blue Jackets were not whistled for a penalty, marking a first in franchise history.
2010年5月5日星期三
Tottenham Want To Sign Vicente
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 -- Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur are eager to import Spanish talent in January, according to latest reports in the British press.
The Daily Mail reports that Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is looking to sign Spanish winger Vicente from La Liga side Valencia in two or so months' month.
Spurs have struggled to have proper cover on the left side of their pitch and Redknapp appears to have identified Vicente as his man. The 28-year-old has been gradually recovering his fitness and has yet to feature regularly for NBA jerseys Unai Emery's side.
The Daily Mail reports that Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is looking to sign Spanish winger Vicente from La Liga side Valencia in two or so months' month.
Spurs have struggled to have proper cover on the left side of their pitch and Redknapp appears to have identified Vicente as his man. The 28-year-old has been gradually recovering his fitness and has yet to feature regularly for NBA jerseys Unai Emery's side.
2010年5月4日星期二
Who will win between Barcelona and Inter Milan
The Nou Camp will be play host to NHL jerseys a mouth-watering clash between the defending UEFA champions league and Spanish champions, FC Barcelona up against Inter Milan, Italian champions. Their first encounter played on match day one at the San Siro ended on a barren draw. Both teams will be aiming for a win since their group opponents, Rubin Kazan and Dynamo Kiev can easily overtake them.
Although the Italian sides are slightly disadvantaged since they are playing away, they know quite well that Barcelona is beatable, thanks to Rubin Kazan. The newly crowned Russian champions stunned the world by beating Barcelona at their very own backyard, on match day three.
Barcelona, the defending champions are coming into that game having conceded the lead at the top of the La liga to their arch rivals Real Madrid. However, the main worry for the Catalan side will be how to cope without the services of Ibrahimovic and the sensational Lionel Messi, who are likely to miss due to injuries.
Inter Milan on the other hand, are in very good form, they have shown excellent consistency which has helped them establish a comfortable lead at the peak of Serie A standings. Despite their dominance in domestic competition in the last four seasons, Inter Milan haven’t managed to replicate the same success in Europe’s most coveted silver ware.
An interesting thing to note in that game is the return of Samuel Eto’o to his former club. It’s while playing at Barcelona, the Cameroonian international became one of the best strikers to ever emerge in the game. So influential was he such that, if the history of Barcelona is to be written his name can’t be left out.
Although the Italian sides are slightly disadvantaged since they are playing away, they know quite well that Barcelona is beatable, thanks to Rubin Kazan. The newly crowned Russian champions stunned the world by beating Barcelona at their very own backyard, on match day three.
Barcelona, the defending champions are coming into that game having conceded the lead at the top of the La liga to their arch rivals Real Madrid. However, the main worry for the Catalan side will be how to cope without the services of Ibrahimovic and the sensational Lionel Messi, who are likely to miss due to injuries.
Inter Milan on the other hand, are in very good form, they have shown excellent consistency which has helped them establish a comfortable lead at the peak of Serie A standings. Despite their dominance in domestic competition in the last four seasons, Inter Milan haven’t managed to replicate the same success in Europe’s most coveted silver ware.
An interesting thing to note in that game is the return of Samuel Eto’o to his former club. It’s while playing at Barcelona, the Cameroonian international became one of the best strikers to ever emerge in the game. So influential was he such that, if the history of Barcelona is to be written his name can’t be left out.
2010年5月2日星期日
Megson Latest Victim In Relegation Battle
Gary Megson was sacked as manager of struggling Bolton on Wednesday, as the English Premier League’s relegation candidates gear up for an almighty battle.
Bolton are currently languishing in the drop zone, in 18th, after they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against 19th placed Hull City on Tuesday.
It was the last straw for Megson, who has had a strained relationship with the Bolton faithful ever since his arrival in October 2007.
But as the Premier League turns into the back end of the campaign, the relegation stragglers need to get busy to ensure their top flight status survives.
Already last month cellar-dwellers Portsmouth sacked Paul Hart and replaced him with former Chelsea boss Avram Grant.
The Israeli boss led Pompey to a memorable 2-0 win over Liverpool soon after his appointment although they still remain rooted to the bottom of the table after a woeful start to the season under Hart.
But Pompey fans will have some optimism Grant has enough time at the helm to dig the side out of their hole. Portsmouth are still four points out of the drop zone.
The other battlers include the aforementioned Hull City along with a long list of clubs who are all realistically in danger including West Ham (17th), Wolves (16th), Wigan (15th), Burnley (14th), Blackburn and even Stoke City.
Gianfranco Zola’s Hammers have had a slow start to the campaign after an excellent term last time out in the Italian’s first year in charge.
Carlton Cole has been crucial for West Ham this campaign, but Alessandro Diamanti’s recent emergence is encouraging for Zola’s team. Indeed, Zola’s reign at Upton Park isn’t fully assured and a storm up the table is required for his future there.
Phil Brown’s Tigers are battling better than some expected after their dramatic slide after the turn of the year last season. Brown, though, has had his moments with the game over Stoke a big day for him.
Brown had been on the chopping block going into that contest, but a 2-1 win ensured he remained at the club for a little bit longer, at least. But a few more poor results and Brown could be on his way.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has had a few detractors this season especially following his decision to field a second-string side at Old Trafford. And Wolves, with the second-least goals scored this term, have plenty of work to do, so McCarthy’s job is hardly safe.
Wigan’s Spanish manager Roberto Martinez has offered glimpses of his vision at times this season (including a 3-1 win over Chelsea) in his first term in charge at the DW Stadium. But too many negative results have his side languishing.
Burnley boss Owen Coyle is one of the few managers down the wrong end who seems safe in his job. Coyle did brilliantly getting Burnley into the top flight, let alone taking them on an impressive run which sees them sitting 14th. But their away form is a major worry and if their home form slips, the Clarets may need to act.
Above them on the table are Sam Allardyce’s blunt Blackburn and Tony Pulis’s goal-shy Stoke City. Both bosses seem safe, but they need to find a route to goal otherwise they could have problems.
Indeed, so often we see desperate chairmen opt for a swift change of management and the challenges which face so many of these bosses is clear.
Who is next, though, isn’t so clear but it seems likely at NFL jerseys this stage of the season, someone will go soon enough.
Bolton are currently languishing in the drop zone, in 18th, after they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against 19th placed Hull City on Tuesday.
It was the last straw for Megson, who has had a strained relationship with the Bolton faithful ever since his arrival in October 2007.
But as the Premier League turns into the back end of the campaign, the relegation stragglers need to get busy to ensure their top flight status survives.
Already last month cellar-dwellers Portsmouth sacked Paul Hart and replaced him with former Chelsea boss Avram Grant.
The Israeli boss led Pompey to a memorable 2-0 win over Liverpool soon after his appointment although they still remain rooted to the bottom of the table after a woeful start to the season under Hart.
But Pompey fans will have some optimism Grant has enough time at the helm to dig the side out of their hole. Portsmouth are still four points out of the drop zone.
The other battlers include the aforementioned Hull City along with a long list of clubs who are all realistically in danger including West Ham (17th), Wolves (16th), Wigan (15th), Burnley (14th), Blackburn and even Stoke City.
Gianfranco Zola’s Hammers have had a slow start to the campaign after an excellent term last time out in the Italian’s first year in charge.
Carlton Cole has been crucial for West Ham this campaign, but Alessandro Diamanti’s recent emergence is encouraging for Zola’s team. Indeed, Zola’s reign at Upton Park isn’t fully assured and a storm up the table is required for his future there.
Phil Brown’s Tigers are battling better than some expected after their dramatic slide after the turn of the year last season. Brown, though, has had his moments with the game over Stoke a big day for him.
Brown had been on the chopping block going into that contest, but a 2-1 win ensured he remained at the club for a little bit longer, at least. But a few more poor results and Brown could be on his way.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has had a few detractors this season especially following his decision to field a second-string side at Old Trafford. And Wolves, with the second-least goals scored this term, have plenty of work to do, so McCarthy’s job is hardly safe.
Wigan’s Spanish manager Roberto Martinez has offered glimpses of his vision at times this season (including a 3-1 win over Chelsea) in his first term in charge at the DW Stadium. But too many negative results have his side languishing.
Burnley boss Owen Coyle is one of the few managers down the wrong end who seems safe in his job. Coyle did brilliantly getting Burnley into the top flight, let alone taking them on an impressive run which sees them sitting 14th. But their away form is a major worry and if their home form slips, the Clarets may need to act.
Above them on the table are Sam Allardyce’s blunt Blackburn and Tony Pulis’s goal-shy Stoke City. Both bosses seem safe, but they need to find a route to goal otherwise they could have problems.
Indeed, so often we see desperate chairmen opt for a swift change of management and the challenges which face so many of these bosses is clear.
Who is next, though, isn’t so clear but it seems likely at NFL jerseys this stage of the season, someone will go soon enough.
2010年5月1日星期六
Slick City Expose Chelsea's Problems
Beyond the distraction of the 'John Terry-Wayne Bridge would-he won't-he handshake', Saturday saw an EPL game and Chelsea went down. And perhaps too did there title hopes.
Indeed, Manchester City's 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Saturday's early Premier League kick-off certainly was a result which will be noticed everywhere.
The home side looked in control in a first-half which lacked anything special before Chelsea finally took the lead courtesy of Frank Lampard's neat finish.
NFL jerseys
But with the Blues preparing to go into the break with a healthy lead, Carlos Tevez drove forward pouncing on a sequence of Chelsea errors, before sneaking a mishit shot into the back of the net.
The reaction around the ground said it all as Chelsea players and fans threw their heads back in disbelief.
What was to follow left Chelsea without the answers.
Another Chelsea mistake allowed Craig Bellamy in to put City ahead early in the second-half.
Suddenly after two errors, the Premier League leaders, hoping to extend their advantage at the top of the table this weekend, were 2-1 down.
They needed to respond. But they didn't seem to know how.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said after the game: "We were focused on the game and played a good first half.
"We made a mistake at the end of the first half and the start of the second half and that is why we lost the game."
But their response at 2-1 wasn't good enough.
The best chances the Blues could create were mostly long-range efforts and City stopper Shay Given was more than up to that task.
Ancelotti and Chelsea needed to come up with something and you sensed they might do so, considering in-form Didier Drogba's seemingly optimistic body language. Normally, Chelsea would turn to Drogba in this situation, but it didn't happen this time.
But when Juliano Belletti clipped the heels of Carlos Tevez in the box, City grabbed a penalty and the Brazilian saw red, before the Argentine completed the double-blow by converting the spotkick.
Down by two goals and with a man down, Chelsea were gone.
Michael Ballack's cynical second booking said it all as well, highlighting his side's frustration when he was given his marching orders on 81 minutes.
Bellamy added a fourth, before Lampard pulled one back from the spot.
Ancelotti went on: "We are not happy because we lost a game where we had a good performance in the first half.
"It was not a good day and we have to look forward. We are top of the league but it will be more difficult for us.
"I have confidence in this team and we are having a good season."
Injured goalkeeper Petr Cech's absent was felt with his deputy Hilario not having the best day and that's a worry with the Czech stopper out for the next month.
Ancelotti responded: "I don't want to criticise him because all the team lost balance when we conceded."
And with Ghanaian rock Michael Essien still on the sidelines, Manchester United will be very enthused by this result.
You sense it says more about Chelsea's frailty than Manchester City's brilliance. The Sky Blues remain too inconsistent to challenge, but Chelsea have their problems.
And while Ancelotti may argue this just wasn't their day, they can't afford too many more off-days. There are worries which need fixing, so Ancelotti has work to do.
Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend
Here’s the weekly guide for which football matches NOT to miss this weekend as Europe’s top leagues head towards a climax.
NFL jerseys
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
Aston Villa v Manchester United
English Carling Cup
Sunday, 4pm (Central European Time)
The Carling Cup final takes place this Sunday, with last season’s winners Manchester United taking on five-time champs Aston Villa at the new Wembley Stadium.
The Red Devils will be the favourites with Wayne Rooney in sparkling form but Villa, currently 7th in the Premier League, are a good side and manager Martin O’Neill enjoys this competition. Don’t forget, Villa beat and drew with United this season in the league too.
Rangers v Celtic
Scottish Premier League
Sunday, 1.30pm (CET)
Every Old Firm clash gets the blood boiling in Glasgow, and Sunday’s match will be no different despite Rangers enjoying a firm upper-hand in the current SPL title race. Rangers are seven points ahead of Celtic, with the Gers also holding a game in hand. But, as per usual, both sides will desperately want to win.
Chelsea v Manchester City
English Premier League
Saturday, 1.45pm (CET)
With champions Manchester United not playing in the league this weekend, leaders Chelsea get the chance to extend their advantage at the top of the table to four points. But the visit of fifth-placed Manchester City won’t be easy. Didier Drogba may be firing and Frank Lampard may be back, but there are no guarantees against cashed-up City.
Udinese v Inter Milan
Italian Serie A
Sunday, 3pm (CET)
Inter’s ordinary Serie A run of three draws in a row can be forgotten this weekend when they travel to Udine to face struggling Udinese. But a change of coach may have happened at the wrong time for Inter, with Pasquale Marino taking over at Udinese this week. With Serie A topscorer Antonio Di Natale in the side, Udinese could be ready for an upset.
Bayern Munich v Hamburger SV
German Bundesliga
Sunday, 5.30pm (CET)
Last weekend the Bundesliga title race took an interesting turn with the leading pair both drawing after an impressive run of wins. Bayern will hope to return to winning ways on Sunday, but the visit of fourth-placed Hamburg SV will be tough. Bayern, though, are undefeated at home in the league this season and in-form. HSV did travel to the Netherlands midweek, which may help the Bavarians.
Indeed, Manchester City's 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Saturday's early Premier League kick-off certainly was a result which will be noticed everywhere.
The home side looked in control in a first-half which lacked anything special before Chelsea finally took the lead courtesy of Frank Lampard's neat finish.
NFL jerseys
But with the Blues preparing to go into the break with a healthy lead, Carlos Tevez drove forward pouncing on a sequence of Chelsea errors, before sneaking a mishit shot into the back of the net.
The reaction around the ground said it all as Chelsea players and fans threw their heads back in disbelief.
What was to follow left Chelsea without the answers.
Another Chelsea mistake allowed Craig Bellamy in to put City ahead early in the second-half.
Suddenly after two errors, the Premier League leaders, hoping to extend their advantage at the top of the table this weekend, were 2-1 down.
They needed to respond. But they didn't seem to know how.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said after the game: "We were focused on the game and played a good first half.
"We made a mistake at the end of the first half and the start of the second half and that is why we lost the game."
But their response at 2-1 wasn't good enough.
The best chances the Blues could create were mostly long-range efforts and City stopper Shay Given was more than up to that task.
Ancelotti and Chelsea needed to come up with something and you sensed they might do so, considering in-form Didier Drogba's seemingly optimistic body language. Normally, Chelsea would turn to Drogba in this situation, but it didn't happen this time.
But when Juliano Belletti clipped the heels of Carlos Tevez in the box, City grabbed a penalty and the Brazilian saw red, before the Argentine completed the double-blow by converting the spotkick.
Down by two goals and with a man down, Chelsea were gone.
Michael Ballack's cynical second booking said it all as well, highlighting his side's frustration when he was given his marching orders on 81 minutes.
Bellamy added a fourth, before Lampard pulled one back from the spot.
Ancelotti went on: "We are not happy because we lost a game where we had a good performance in the first half.
"It was not a good day and we have to look forward. We are top of the league but it will be more difficult for us.
"I have confidence in this team and we are having a good season."
Injured goalkeeper Petr Cech's absent was felt with his deputy Hilario not having the best day and that's a worry with the Czech stopper out for the next month.
Ancelotti responded: "I don't want to criticise him because all the team lost balance when we conceded."
And with Ghanaian rock Michael Essien still on the sidelines, Manchester United will be very enthused by this result.
You sense it says more about Chelsea's frailty than Manchester City's brilliance. The Sky Blues remain too inconsistent to challenge, but Chelsea have their problems.
And while Ancelotti may argue this just wasn't their day, they can't afford too many more off-days. There are worries which need fixing, so Ancelotti has work to do.
Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend
Here’s the weekly guide for which football matches NOT to miss this weekend as Europe’s top leagues head towards a climax.
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Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
Aston Villa v Manchester United
English Carling Cup
Sunday, 4pm (Central European Time)
The Carling Cup final takes place this Sunday, with last season’s winners Manchester United taking on five-time champs Aston Villa at the new Wembley Stadium.
The Red Devils will be the favourites with Wayne Rooney in sparkling form but Villa, currently 7th in the Premier League, are a good side and manager Martin O’Neill enjoys this competition. Don’t forget, Villa beat and drew with United this season in the league too.
Rangers v Celtic
Scottish Premier League
Sunday, 1.30pm (CET)
Every Old Firm clash gets the blood boiling in Glasgow, and Sunday’s match will be no different despite Rangers enjoying a firm upper-hand in the current SPL title race. Rangers are seven points ahead of Celtic, with the Gers also holding a game in hand. But, as per usual, both sides will desperately want to win.
Chelsea v Manchester City
English Premier League
Saturday, 1.45pm (CET)
With champions Manchester United not playing in the league this weekend, leaders Chelsea get the chance to extend their advantage at the top of the table to four points. But the visit of fifth-placed Manchester City won’t be easy. Didier Drogba may be firing and Frank Lampard may be back, but there are no guarantees against cashed-up City.
Udinese v Inter Milan
Italian Serie A
Sunday, 3pm (CET)
Inter’s ordinary Serie A run of three draws in a row can be forgotten this weekend when they travel to Udine to face struggling Udinese. But a change of coach may have happened at the wrong time for Inter, with Pasquale Marino taking over at Udinese this week. With Serie A topscorer Antonio Di Natale in the side, Udinese could be ready for an upset.
Bayern Munich v Hamburger SV
German Bundesliga
Sunday, 5.30pm (CET)
Last weekend the Bundesliga title race took an interesting turn with the leading pair both drawing after an impressive run of wins. Bayern will hope to return to winning ways on Sunday, but the visit of fourth-placed Hamburg SV will be tough. Bayern, though, are undefeated at home in the league this season and in-form. HSV did travel to the Netherlands midweek, which may help the Bavarians.
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