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180 days ago
By Shaun Orange English champions Manchester United were startled by a brilliant performance by Spanish giants, Barcelona, who claimed the Champions League trophy in a 2-0 win in Rome. While Alex Ferguson’s men were outplayed in an entertaining encounter by a composed Barcelona line up, this resulted in the Old Trafford side being stripped of Europe’s top prize. Notwithstanding United’s domineering reign throughout their campaign, the Red Devils were dealt an early shocker from Barcelona’s Samuel Eto'o, when he put his team up in the 10 th minute. With Barcelona’s ability to hold on to the ball, getting back into contention for the United side was not going to be an easy task. With United on the back foot, frustration looming, and an emphatic showing of football by Pep Guardiola’s squad, things were not looking good for them. It only took Messi, in the 70 th minute to head home what would be the decisive factor in the game, with United unable to gain any ...
182 days ago
By Shaun Orange Everton manager David Moyes has been given an excellent boost going into their FA Cup final clash against Chelsea scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 th May. The Toffees manager was awarded the League Managers' Association 's (LMA) manager of the Year award. An award sponsored by Barclays is Moyes’ third time to scoop this accolade, the first in 2003 followed by the next in 2005. The 46 year old Scotsman, who has shown a significant amount of resilience in his tenure with the club and has played an instrumental role in Everton’s success since his arrival at Goodison Park in 2002, and deserves the acknowledgment for his efforts. His residence at the club has not been one without difficulties, but through all the tough times, Moyes still managed to show optimism and is one who has utilized whatever resources he had at his disposal to the best of his ability. However, Everton for a long time now have not ...
183 days ago
By Shaun Orange The moment that everyone has been long awaiting has finally come. A Champions League final between two of the world’s king pins in football to be held at the Stadio Olimpico has all the ingredients of what is conceived to be the best contest of the year. Both giants go into the encounter after safely sealing their respective domestic leagues, with this both Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola had the luxury of resting their key players ahead of their battle. Guardiola, who for his part rested nearly his whole first line picks in their penultimate La Liga fixture on Saturday where they lost 1-0 to Osasuna. While Sir Alex Ferguson’s controversial decision to field a weaker squad, still managed to thump Hull City in their last league match, and this is just a mere demonstration of the strength of the Old Trafford side. What makes this final so special boils down to the fact that both these teams share ...
184 days ago
By Shaun Orange While an action packed Sunday marked the end of an exciting Premier League season, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough were dealt some harsh consequences for what could be deemed as a poor season for the duo. Additionally, Hull City and Sunderland managed to escape the deadly drop, though in an unconvincing manner but nevertheless, they are still in it among the best in the world. Going into Sunday’s fixture, Hull were under a lot of pressure to perform against United. Furthermore, Ferguson’s methods were questioned while preparing for the encounter, but with Red Devils’ victory with a weakened line-up, all that was be put to rest. Despite Hull’s loss in their 1-0 encounter, they were spared the embarrassment of regulation with both the Magpies and Boro failing to get a result. With this, it also put Sunderland to safety even though they were dealt a 3-2 beating by Chelsea. Gareth ...
185 days ago
By Shaun Orange Chelsea ’s stand in manager Guus Hiddink has reaffirmed his departure from Stamford Bridge after their FA Cup final against the Everton on May 30. While most Blues' fans are disappointed with Hiddink’s departure, mainly due to the fact that the team was shaping up considerably under his command, the Dutchman is only keeping to his word and his agreement. Hiddink, who was appointed as Chelsea manager following Luiz Felipe Scolari’s sacking in February, has clearly put across to everyone that he has enjoyed his time in England and with the club but the viability of him extending his contract is simply not feasible. He also pointed out that Chelsea are a big team that require a lot of attention and nurturing especially if they are to achieve the success which they so much desire, the main one would be to have some silverware to show off for their efforts. Indeed this is true and quite understandable. ...
