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Monday, April 16, 2007

Man Utd vs Chelsea in Everything?

It has been a fact that Man Utd and Chelsea always competing against each other on and off the pitch. From finacial, players signing, promoting popularity to the football field, these two teams just trying their best to outdo each other. But it has been quite different this season. Both teams are vying for the Premiership title and after another dramatic weekend, both teams are playing each other in the FA Cup final at the new Wembley Stadium. More than that, both are in the last four of European cup semi-finals and stand a good chance to progress to the Final in late May where the season finale comes to an end.
Man Utd 4 Watford 1
Villa Park, Birmingham, England, UK
14th April 2007
The last time that the FA Cup semi-finals are going to play in the neutral venues kicked-off at Birmingham where Man Utd played relegation-threatened Watford. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a brilliant 20-yard drive. Although being outplayed by United players for most of the time, Watford showed alot of determination and resillince. Their effort paid off in the 26th minute when Hameur Bouazza scored a spectacular overhead kick. Cristiano Ronaldo swiftly restored United's lead two minutes later. The 22-year old Portuguese winger, who just signed a five year extension to his contract with the Premiership leaders ending the speculation of him being sold to Spanish giants Real Madrid or Barcelona in this summer, bundled in Rooney's cross from close range. United suffered a blow just before half-time when defender Rio Ferdinand was taken off for suspected damaged groin but it was later found that the injury was not as serious as first thought. The England international could be back to play against Sheffield United in a league match in midweek. Rooney's close-range finish wrapped up the win after 66 minutes and substitute Kieran Richardson chipped in a fourth. Sir Alex Ferguson again paid tribute to his fantastic United side, branded the game was as good as Tuesday's night demolition of Roma in European cup quarter-finals. He's proud of his players especially Rooney who played his best game in the season so far. Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd said the scoreline didn't clearly reflect the difference between the two sides on the pitch today. He was disappointed with his side that couldn't take their chances well early in the second half before Rooney's strike made the game more difficult for them.
Blackburn Rovers 1 Chelsea 2 (AET)
Old Trafford, Manchester, England, UK
15th April 2007
Frank Lampard put Chelsea in front after 16 minutes as Chelsea dominated early on and Blackburn made a sluggish start. After the break, Mark Hughes' side were the better team, with Rovers having numerous chances to draw level. Blackburn striker Jason Roberts got the reward for their good play just after the hour mark, flicking home from Morten Gamst Pedersen's free-kick. Petr Cech made a series of fine saves for Chelsea before the game went into extra time. And, after Blackburn's defence failed to clear a cross in the 109th minute, German midfielder Michael Ballack reacted quickest and fired hom the winner with his left foot. It sets up another end-of-season showdown in May, with the Reds already facing a trip to Stamford Bridge in the Premiership's penultimate match of the campaign, while both teams are vying for a place in the Champions League final.
Premiership Results:
14th April 2007
Arsenal 2 Bolton 1
Man City 0 Liverpool 0
Middlesbrough 1 Aston Villa 3
Portsmouth 2 Newcastle 1
Reading 1 Fulham 0
Sheffield United 3 West Ham 0
15th April 2007
Everton 2 Charlton 1
Wigan 3 Tottenham Hotspur 3

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