Tag Archives: FA Cup

Chelsea and Arsenal have not met in an FA Cup final since 2002. The Gunners were victorious that day, with each club having enjoyed numerous Wembley successes since. Didier Drogba has dominated this fixture in the 2000s, but the Ivorian is now no more than a nightmare for Arsenal.

Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are Premier League champions and are shooting for a double on Saturday. Arsenal, meanwhile, remain a club on the cusp of turmoil. Stan Kroenke is a man criticised frequently, Arsene Wenger’s future is unknown and key players are yet to sign on the dotted line.

With defenders missing and off the back of an underwhelming campaign, Arsenal are underdogs. Strong underdogs at that, too, with Wenger a man splitting opinion. Everything can change under the arch, and Arsenal have a good recent record at Wembley, but Chelsea are a fearsome unit led by a manager a driven as anyone in the game.

The man-to-man duels could decide this encounter. We don’t want controversy, we don’t want it to be decided on a foolish red card, we want a classic final showdown. These three matchups will be crucial if that is to happen…

Arsenal enter tomorrow’s FA Cup final in a bit of a mess, as it’s not clear what Gunners side we’re set to witness at the start of next season.

Whilst it’s more than likely Arsene Wenger will extend his contract, the general consensus from the fans is that it’s not what they want and the wealth of uncertainty hovers above North London this summer- with Wenger, key players and the board potentially set for exits.

The Gunners endured a sub-par Premier League campaign, finishing outside of the top-four for the first time in over two decades, and were on the receiving end of a drubbing from Bayern Munich in the Champions League- losing 10-2 on aggregate.

Tomorrow’s FA Cup final won’t heal those wounds but winning the trophy is a crucial step for Arsenal’s rejuvenation, whereas defeat could make their difficult task this summer all the more daunting.

Should Arsenal win tomorrow, they can consider the campaign as partly successful and the fact they’re winning honours will help them keep the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil at the club, as well as helping lure big-names in from elsewhere.

If they were to lose, as many expect, then it could be the final straw for players like Alexis and Ozil, as well as giving the Gunners a battle in their quest to lure potential targets to the Emirates Stadium. Crucially though, it would set-up a poisonous atmosphere around North London.

Failure to win tomorrow would be the latest frustration for Arsenal fans with Arsene Wenger and it would be difficult to spin any sort of positive out of the campaign to justify handing the long-serving Frenchman a fresh deal- so Arsenal are drawing a huge target on their back.

Lift the FA Cup and Wenger maybe, just maybe, be able to save some grace and have some support from the fanbase or, equally, it may allow him to walk away with his head held high after securing yet more success to cap off his fantastic tenure in charge of the Gunners.

Without FA Cup victory and a top-four finish, it would be extremely difficult for Arsenal to justify handing Arsene Wenger a contract extension and the club would be a time bomb, which would be set off at any stage next season when the Gunners endure a blip in form.

Arsenal’s backs are against the walls as they face a huge test to compete with the financial might of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City and, in truth, it’s going to take the Gunners a long time to ever be considered the favourites for Premier League glory once again.

The glory years of Arsenal are a long way gone and any chance of salvaging a decent future in the coming years hangs in the balance ahead of tomorrow’s clash, as the Gunners will find it extremely difficult to keep key players and attract big names without being able to boast a trophy in their locker.

These are Fresh Football’s ratings for the FA Cup Quarter-Final tie between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois – 7

The Belgian came up with a crucial stop in the second period, denying what would have been Manchester United’s equaliser through Marcus Rashford’s left-footed strike at goal.

César Azpilicueta - 6

Impressive at the back, less so going forward.

David Luiz – 7

Luiz was able to boss the circulation of possession, even throughout United’s sharpest spells.

Gary Cahill – 6

Noted as the weak link in Chelsea’s backline, exemplified by the rare surrender of possession in sight of United’s pressing traps, but such pressure was eventually eased on the ex-Bolton Wanderers man.

Victor Moses – 6.5

The former Crystal Palace and Wigan Athletic winger got up and down the flank well, despite it being crowded by a defensive-looking United line-up.

N’Golo Kanté – 8

The man of the match, N’Golo Kanté proved to be the decisive difference between the two FA Cup hopefuls with his goal from range.

Nemanja Matic – 6.5

Positive and tidy in possession, which boded well for Chelsea’s game plan in the second half.

Marcos Alonso – 6.5

Another to put in a decent performance, as his influence on proceedings grew in the second half.

Willian – 7

Sharp, direct and unlucky not to have earned himself a goal and assist along the way.

Eden Hazard – 8

Along with Kanté, Eden Hazard was as expressive as ever in the final third, escaping the aggressive press-traps from Man United and inflicting lasting damage.

Diego Costa – 5.5

This wasn’t the Diego Costa we’ve become accustomed to seeing in recent times, taking the bait when embroiling himself in physical battles with Marcos Rojo and missing a couple of dead-cert goals on another day.

Subs:

Cesc Fabregas – 6

Accentuated Chelsea’s dominance after coming on in the second half.

Kurt Zouma – N/A

Michy Batshuayi – N/A

 

Manchester United

David De Gea – 7.5

The Spaniard was the main reason why Manchester United kept Chelsea away from the lead in the first half, as the Blues dominated proceedings following Ander Herrera’s red card.

Antonio Valencia – 5

Plenty of fouls coming from a man who was visibly frustrated with his team’s performance. Antonio Valencia was a poorer player, as a result.

Phil Jones – 6

The Englishman was fairly sound at pressing higher up the pitch in the early stages, but Eden Hazard and co. soon had his number, as he succumbed to mistimed tackles.

Chris Smalling – 6

Few complaints hang over the centre back’s head as far as the result is concerned, but as a captain, and United boss José Mourinho also joins him in this equation, Chris Smalling perhaps could have done more to prevent his teammates from losing their cool in battle.

Marcos Rojo – 5

Rash and aggressive, Marcos Rojo was another to tread on a fine line with regards to his discipline.

Matteo Darmian – 5.5

Mirroring Phil Jones’ duties in pressing a little higher up the pitch, almost like a fourth centre back, Darmian also collected his fair share of failed attempts.

Ander Herrera – 5

Man United fans may bemoan Michael Oliver’s decision to red card the midfielder in the first half, especially after such a positive impact in the early exchanges, but the visitors should also be disappointed in Herrera’s foolish actions just seconds after the referee’s general warning.

Paul Pogba – 5

Little inspiration came from the French playmaker, in particular after being paired up with Marouane Fellaini.

Ashley Young – 4.5

Totally retracted, whereas Chelsea’s preference to attack down their own left-hand side saw Young come into the picture at a sporadic rate.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5

Appeared fairly lively in and around the box, but the Armenian star was the one to be hooked early in response to Herrera’s red card.

Marcus Rashford – 5.5

Kept Chelsea on their toes, but the striker will be disappointed to have not finished a very good chance he managed to fashion for himself in the second period.

Subs:

Marouane Fellaini – 4.5

The Belgian never got into the game, much to United’s detriment.

Jesse Lingard – N/A

These are Fresh Football’s player ratings for Arsenal’s 5-0 victory away to Southampton in Saturday night’s fourth round tie of the FA Cup:

Southampton

Harry Lewis – 5

A little helpless up against Arsenal’s attacking force, but the young goalkeeper won’t be satisfied with himself after a portion of the goals he conceded.

Cuco Martina - 5.5

Produced a quality opportunity for Shane Long to pull a goal back for Southampton, but, moreover, struggled with the inspired Danny Welbeck on the night.

Florian Gardos – 5

Back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the defender had his work cut out against the pace and creativity of Welbeck, Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott.

Jack Stephens – 5

Much like Gardos, Stephens always looked second best against Arsenal’s on-song attack.

Sam McQueen – 5.5

Sam McQueen was another who struggled greatly with the pace of the Gunners’ attacking transitions, with Walcott and Hector Bellerin both marauding down his flank.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – 6

Perhaps Southampton’s best on the night, despite struggling to place his stamp on the game, but the former Bayern Munich hotshot did threaten Arsenal’s goal on occasions.

Harrison Reed – 5

The Southampton academy graduate was totally dominated and ineffectual versus his midfield counterparts.

Jordy Clasie – 5

Along with Reed, the ex-Feyenoord star looked dwarfed versus a newly-constructed Arsenal midfield, which will stand as a great disappointment to Claude Puel’s side given the vast first-team experience the 25-year-old has to his name.

Josh Sims – 6

The 19-year-old was in and around a handful of Southampton attacking phases, but lacked a bit of finesse when called upon.

Lloyd Isgrove – 5

The wide man looked lively in pressing and causing the Arsenal defence into decisions, but didn’t see enough of the ball to make a noteworthy impact.

Shane Long – 5.5

Feeding off scraps, Long was reduced to just one half-chance versus David Ospina, which was dealt with by the Colombia international.

Subs:

Dusan Tadic – 5

The Saints turned to one of their key performers to salvage something from the game in the 64th minute, but the tide was too much for the Serbian to overcome.

Nathan Redmond – 5

Another who Puel had hoped for inspiration, as his side sunk to a 5-0 defeat.

Arsenal

David Ospina - 5.5

The erratic goalkeeper offered a few scares and miscalculations, but with a clean sheet to his name, it’s one to brush off for the moment.

Hector Bellerin – 6

The Spaniard wasn’t short of opportunities to lay down the marker on the flanks, but lacked that final pass on the night.

Shkodran Mustafi – 7

The leader in the heart of defence, Mustafi dealt with much of the defensive confusion which, at times, threatened to blemish a standout performance by the collective.

Rob Holding – 6.5

Covering for Laurent Koscielny, Holding did well against Long and co. throughout the game.

Kieran Gibbs – 6

Solid, but unspectacular stuff from the Arsenal full back, considering the Gunners’ dominance.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 8.5

Often deployed on the flanks, Wenger trusted the young prospect in the defensive midfield position this time around and his versatility didn’t disappoint, eating up possession alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 9

A lot has been made of Chamberlain’s potential transition into the centre of midfield over the years, and versus his ex-club the Englishman was given the chance to showcase his capabilities. Arsenal fans will now be keen to see more of the explosive star after a man of the match performance.

Jeff Reine-Adelaide – 7.5

Another future prospect thrown into the XI by Wenger, excelling in and around the Southampton area with his playmaking prowess.

Theo Walcott – 8

In the correct place at the right time, as Walcott walked away from his old home with a hat-trick.

Danny Welbeck – 8.5

In his first start of the season, Welbeck took much of the plaudits with a breath-taking first-half performance, topped with two goals and an assist, before making way for Alexis Sanchez in the second period.

Lucas Perez – 7.5

The Spaniard looked typically impressive in combination with Arsenal’s attacking components, with only a goal for the striker evading his great showing.

Subs:

Alexis Sanchez – 7

Came into the game hungry and landed himself two assists in the process, after little more than 25 minutes on the pitch.

Alex Iwobi – N/A

Given the geopolitical spectrum, 2017 promises to be a difficult year for us all to stomach, even by 2016’s standards, but Liverpool fans will be the ones gazing at the skies questioning why they are among the first to be feeling the burn.

Jürgen Klopp’s men enchanted the Premier League world with the German’s infamous ‘Gegenpressing’, imported from his days at Borussia Dortmund, as big results over the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City saw the Merseyside club propel themselves into the hat of potential league winners this season.

Among the charge at the upper echelons of the league table, Liverpool were also fighting for multiple domestic honours too, but that scenario has now changed drastically.

Welcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers to Anfield for a fourth round tie of the FA Cup this Saturday, the visitors were on hand to stun the hosts with goals by Richard Stearman and Andi Weimann, whereas a late Divock Origi goal wasn’t enough to see Liverpool into a draw and subsequent cup replay.

The defeat not only concluded the Reds’ elimination from the FA Cup, but also sees them fall out of a consecutive cup competition, after Southampton’s 2-0 win on aggregate in the EFL Cup in midweek.

Liverpool’s 2017 woes go on, having lost once more versus Swansea City in the league, drawing a further three games and winning just once in seven matches since the turn of the year. That game was a 1-0 victory away to Plymouth Argyle in an FA Cup replay. Glamourous.

As a consequence, social media was awash with criticism for the Scouse outfit’s boss, Klopp, ranging from rival fans to former subscribers of the German’s managerial capabilities, whereas others stayed true to their man.

Jurgen Klopp has found a way to not lose any finals this season. pic.twitter.com/t9SMDnrCK4

— Paul (@Kolology) January 28, 2017

Wolves made seven changes coming into this game and still easily beat Liverpool 2-1. That's Klopp's third loss at Anfield in a row. Oh dear.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 28, 2017

Moyes' win rate at #MUFC: 52.9%
Klopp's win rate at #LFC: 48% pic.twitter.com/5I5G8UfmHh

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) January 28, 2017

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool record in 2017: Played 8 Won 1 (Plymouth at 2nd attempt) Drawn 3 Lost 4.
Tough playing more than once a week. #LFC

— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) January 28, 2017

If you're Klopp Out, get in touch and let us know why!*

*so we can block you.

— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) January 28, 2017

Other more popular figures within Britain’s footballing hub maligned Klopp’s squad selection for the clash versus Wolves, which saw the 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga champion make a total of nine changes to the team that faced Southampton in midweek.

Klopp learning fast that unlike in Germany, strength exists throughout our leagues & the kids just can't cut it…

— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) January 28, 2017

Don't get Klopp playing his reserves with no European football. Shows a lack of knowledge of the depth in English football and respect.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 28, 2017

Despite bearing the blame for chopping and changing too much on this occasion, Klopp has felt the force of complaints coming in the opposite direction in recent days, claiming he overworks his first team too much.

The frenetic, self-proclaimed “Heavy Metal football” has been pinned against the German’s management, suggesting he’s both one-dimensional and culpable for the physical mismanagement of his players’ fitness, meanwhile the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Mamadou Sakho aren’t placed into the same equation anywhere near as much as they should be by Klopp.

With first-placed Chelsea waiting in the wings for Tuesday’s main card in the Premier League, calling on rotation made sense, but Klopp has, nonetheless, claimed full responsibility for Saturday’s additional slip-up in Liverpool’s season.

“We put in a very bad performance, we started badly and could not improve,” Klopp told BT Sport following the 2-1 defeat at home to Wolves.

“We tried, but were not good enough in the first half. The second half was better, but not enough. I am responsible, not the young players. You learn a lot about players in games like this, but I am responsible.”

Onto Tuesday night…

With plenty of games to be played from Friday to Sunday, one of our betting advisors, @OliPriceBates takes a look at where the value lies in the latest batch of fixtures across the globe.

After our first full week of betting, we are boasting an impressive 30.2% ROI on @FreshFootball. Be sure to follow us on Twitter as not all our tips are posted on the website. After recent success in The Americas, I’m going to start with one game from the Argentina Primera and one from Liga MX.

Tip 1 - Racing Club vs. Lanus BTTS @ 2.0 - 1.5pt stake (Friday 11^th – Kick Off: 23:15)
Top of Zone B, Lanus have started the season extremely well. The odds on BTTS are high because of the visitors defensive record so far this season, conceding just three in their first six games. A closer look at the stats though will tell you that they conceded two in a 2-2 draw in their last away game in the Primera. Racing Club have a traditionally strong record at home and I think they’ll at least get on the scoresheet. Their most recent game finished 6-3, although that was away from home. Their last home game was a 1-0 win over Boca Juniors, but Boca have been consistently tight defensively.

Tip 2 – Treble: Wigan DNB, Burton DNB & Swindon vs. Milwall BTTS @ 3.11 – 1pt stake (Saturday 12^th)
Although Fleetwood beat Coventry in their last visit, their away form has been terrible this season. Burton on the other hand have been flying and will want another win to maintain top spot in the division. Like Burton, Wigan are fighting for automatic promotion whilst they travel to Colchester, a team that sit rock bottom and are all but relegated. Swindon and Milwall are two of the highest scoring teams in the division, BTTS looks a good bet. If one/two of the three tipped draw, you’ll still be in profit.

Tip 3 – Everton vs. Chelsea BTTS & Fulham vs. Bristol City BTTS @ 2.58 - 1pt stake (Saturday 12^th)
Everton at home are always good to watch in terms of goals. Leaking them at one end, but scoring for fun – they host a Chelsea side likely to be tired from their midweek endeavours against Paris Saint-Germain. Fulham have scored 55 goals but conceded 61 in their 36 league games, whilst the improved Bristol City have scored in 5 of their last 6 away games. This relegation battle clash in likely to see goals, with both teams needing three points.

Tip 4 – Reading to beat Crystal Palace and BTTS @ 7.0 - 0.5pt stake (Friday 11^th)

Tip 5 – Reading DNB, Northampton DNB @ 3.31 – 1pt stake (Friday 11^th & Saturday 12^th)

Tip 6 – Northampton vs. Cambridge – Northampton to win @ 1.9 – 1.5pt stake (Saturday 12^th)

Tip 7 – Cruz Azul goals over 1.5 vs. Puebla @ 1.72 - 1.5pt stake (Sunday 12^th)

 

We have tipped the following.

Tip 1 – £7.50 @ 2.0 - £15
Tip 2 – £5 @ 3.11 - £13
Tip 3 - £5 @ 2.58
Tip 4 - £2.50 @ 7.0
Tip 5 - £5 @ 3.31
Tip 6 - £7.50 @ 1.9
Tip 7 - £7.50 @ 1.72

Total staked: £40
RETURNS: £28
Loss: £12

DC = Double Chance | DNB = Draw No Bet | BTTS = Both Teams To Score

Note: We use 1pt as £5, but you can scale this up or down depending on your budget. If you used £5 as 1pt in week one of our tips, you will have made over £70 profit.

Make sure you’re following @FreshFootball on Twitter to ensure you see all our tips as we will be posting more throughout the weekend, including some in-play bets.

Angel Di Maria hasn’t had the best of times at Manchester United following his British record transfer fee move last summer but things went from bad to worse last night.

In the 64th minute against Arsenal, Angel Di Maria dived and received a yellow card. In his anger at a supposedly unjustified booking, the Argentine ace grabbed the shirt of referee Michael Oliver and was given his marching orders.

Twitter didn’t have much sympathy for the former Real Madrid ace, who is now absent for United’s key clash with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend.

Not even De Gea could save DI Maria last night pic.twitter.com/mAC2vY9462 (@PrinceGetty)

— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) March 10, 2015

Two yellow cards for diving… Sent off di Maria for dissent… Michael Oliver should take charge of the referee’s association in England!

— 7amkickoff (@7amkickoff) March 10, 2015

Remember slating Welbeck for going to ground easily a few times when he was at United. Di Maria and Januzaj guilty of it tonight. Bugs me.

— StrettyNews.com (@StrettyNews) March 9, 2015

Di Maria dive embarrassing and you can’t lay hands on a referee. Januzaj also dived. All correct decisions from referee #mufc #afc

— James Ducker (@DuckerTheTimes) March 9, 2015

Don’t feel sorry for Di Maria, he got away with so many dives like that for Real Madrid. He could’ve easily stayed on his feet, typical.

— Left Foot (@messileftfoot) March 9, 2015

Summer business not looking the best; Shaw off, Rojo off, Herrera off, Di María sent off and Falcao on the bench.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) March 9, 2015

Stupid reaction from Di Maria. How are United fans complaining about that? Can’t grab the referees shirt and not expect to be booked. Silly!

— TweetChelseaFC (@TweetChelseaFC) March 9, 2015

Stupid from Di Maria. No other way to say it. Even more ridiculous than Smalling’s red card at City.And that’s saying something.

— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonMEN) March 9, 2015

Arsenal fans are happy today after overcoming their Old Trafford hoodoos to beat Manchester United on their soil for the first time in nine years.

Nacho Monreal and Wayne Rooney scored, whilst Angel Di Maria was sent off, but the main talking point of the game was the match winner- with Danny Welbeck scoring against his former side, as Louis Van Gaal kicked him out of the club last summer.

Arsenal paid £16m for the England international and many believe the fee was worth it for the moment last night alone…

I honestly don’t care if Welbeck never scores again. He’s worth every penny of the £16m just for that moment last night.

— Lewis Merrifield (@LewTheFew) March 10, 2015

I just 1-2 thank Welbeck for celebrating only.

— Denoh (@Maksuudi__) March 10, 2015

Welbeck doesn’t have to do anything else for the rest of the season, he’s done enough.

— Duke of FriendZone. (@Gishuvski) March 10, 2015

Welbeck only celebrated as the advertising signs asked pic.twitter.com/W3shxvfWjS

— Bergkamp & Bergkamp (@Orangeiceman10) March 10, 2015

Have not stopped swearing since the full time whistle. Welbeck has given me tourettes.

— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) March 10, 2015

ARGH! Massive missed opportunity tonight. Didn’t deserve to win tbf but sickener to lose it like that… Welbeck.

Arsenal fans have been left furious by the news that their mammoth FA Cup Quarter-Final tie with Manchester United has been moved to Monday 9th March and a 7:45pm kick-off.

The news means that fans travelling to Old Trafford from London will miss the last train back to the capital, which leaves Manchester before the game finishes. In a shocking move from the Football Association and the BBC, fans are understandably furious.

The channel and the governing bodies could have chosen matches between Liverpool and Blackburn or Aston Villa and West Brom for the game, two local derbies, but they decided to screw with the away fans.

7:45pm FA Cup kick off. Fans travelling to Old Trafford shown not respect and the governing bodies simply don’t care. Shocking #AFC

— Josh Challies (@Challies11) February 18, 2015

BBC schedule Man Utd v Arsenal #FACup tie for 7:45pm on 9 March. Last train from Manchester to London leaves 9:15pm #MUFC #AFC #Arsenal

— Jonny Green (@JonnyGreenSport) February 18, 2015

Great stuff from @BBCSport and @FA for putting Utd v AFC on Monday 9th, 7:45pm KO when there are no trains back when the games finishes

— Jasön Mann (@JasonMann_10) February 18, 2015

Absolute joke from the @FA & @BBC Man United V Arsenal 7.45pm Monday night, 9k allocation, no trains back. DISGRACE #AgainstModernFootball

— Robbie Potter (@RobbiePotter) February 18, 2015

The FA Cup quarter-final tie between Arsenal and Man Utd will be played on Monday March 9 at 7:45pm (GMT)… pic.twitter.com/7iSbbZ4GE5

— Eurosport.com (@EurosportCom_EN) February 18, 2015

Putting Manchester Untied vs Arsenal in an FA Cup QF at 7:45pm on a Monday evening is very close to the definition of bonkers

— Alex Klymyszyn (@AlexKlymyszyn) February 18, 2015

Monday 9th March at 7:45pm, well done to the @FA and @BBCMOTD for killing the biggest game of the round

— Stuart McLaughlin (@afcstu1978) February 18, 2015

There were plenty of contentious decisions during Manchester United’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Preston North End at Deepdale last night- but none have caused a debate like the penalty in the closing stages.

With the match delicately poised 2-1 in United’s favour, captain Wayne Rooney surged forward and threw himself to ground for what seemed to be a stonewall penalty. However, replays showed their was no contact and Rooney had, in fact, dived.

A debate then followed, with Martin Keown adding fuel to the fire by saying it was a dive but was also somehow a definitely penalty, as Twitter users had their say on the game’s talking point.

Rooney ‘dive’ at Preston is a tricky one. When opposing manager says it wasn’t a dive, hard to make a case to suggest it was.

— Mark Ogden (@MOgdenTelegraph) February 17, 2015

Rooney didnt dive to get out of the way of the challenge he did it to win a penalty. Get real people

— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) February 16, 2015

Apparently Rooney ‘has to dive’ there. Different rules for English players.

— Chelsea HQ (@Chelsea_HQ) February 16, 2015

Not a dive, the keeper nicked Rooney’s right foot….. Brilliant penalty by Rooney

— One Darren Fletcher (@SemperFiUnited) February 16, 2015

Rooney having to dive to get his first goal of 2015

— The Redmen (@LiamLFCButler) February 16, 2015

That’s a disgraceful dive. Awful from Rooney.

— JG (@Artekkers) February 16, 2015

love how the media will ignore the dive because it’s Rooney, imagine if Costa or hazard or Suarez did that though, media outrage

— ConnorWoolf (@ConnorWoolf) February 16, 2015

Massive dive from Rooney. BBC commentators decide not to call him out on it. Strange that.

— Richard Walker (@rwalkerdotcom) February 16, 2015

10 out of 10 for that dive Rooney….

— Carl Bövis (@CarlBovis_AFC) February 16, 2015

SHOCKING dive from Rooney. Bad form man.

— Jeanette Kwakye (@JNETTEKWAKYE) February 16, 2015

Sunderland fans have begun a gloomy week after their FA Cup adventure was cut short abruptly by League One side Bradford City, who claimed their second Premier League scalp.

Despite the fact the minnows had kept just two clean sheets at home all season, Bradford cruised with relative ease to a 2-0 victory and put their names in the hat for the quarter finals, leaving them just one game away from a Wembley semi-final.

Already infuriated by the performance, Sunderland fans were left furious with Poyet’s post-match comments where he blamed everyone but himself, just days after stating from here on it was only down to him.

Will he be the next Premier League manager to be axed from his position?

Sack Gus Poyet. Now. Too many excuses, not enough fight. Replace him with anyone else…Kevin Ball will do

— James Rankin (@AppSenseBigot) February 15, 2015

Gus Poyet - if he can’t get his Sunderland team firing against Braford then he needs the sack. They’ve kept 2 home clean sheets all season!

— Football Tips Inplay (@NextBetTips) February 15, 2015

I’d sack him mid match, hopefully use the @paddypower manager trap door on Gus Poyet

— Matthew Mallaby (@mMallaby) February 15, 2015

It’s embarrassingly cringey how badly Gus Poyet is trying to get himself sacked, why else would you have sly digs at the club? easy way out.

— . (@MickyJSafc) February 16, 2015

Can’t actually believe I am seeing people on Twitter saying they want poyet out and Sean dyche in. Can’t believe it.

— Dan McCormack (@D_McCormack11) February 16, 2015

Just to put it out there, Ellis Short has got as much clue as Poyet does, we haven’t been the same since Quinn left

— Ell Hahn (@elliothahnn) February 16, 2015

who would we get in if Poyet got sacked? #Safc Nout out there that better then what we have already

— Connor Swainston (@swainyFTM) February 16, 2015

Arsenal fans were treated to a terrific performance from striker Olivier Giroud yesterday, as the Frenchman scored both goals in a 2-0 FA Cup victory against Middlesbrough at the Emirates.

Giroud’s first goal was a brilliant team effort, which resulted in every player on the field touching the ball before the Frenchman fired home the opener. His second, however, was sheer magic as he executed a magnificent volley from a corner to double the lead.

That left Giroud with seven goals and four assists in 11 FA Cup matches and put the Gunners into the quarter-finals, which means they are now just one game away from returning to the stadium where they ended their nine-year trophy drought in May.

Olivier Giroud has scored 10 goals in 15 appearances this season. Robin Van Persie has scored 10 goals in 23 appearances this season.

— Felix Ramos (@BlancoGunnerGH) February 16, 2015

Always defended Olivier Giroud! Quality player!

— George Shrubb (@GeorgeShrubb) February 16, 2015

Every Arsenal player touched the ball for Olivier Giroud’s opener against Middlesborough yesterday. pic.twitter.com/Y5P3bfoPv2

— Uber Football Fact (@UberFootFact) February 16, 2015

Wouldn’t surprise me if Giroud becomes a Dentist after he retires, the guy has so much experience with braces.

— Sam Oliver (@Smoliverrr) February 15, 2015

Olivier Giroud is one of the most underrated strikers in the world!!

— JG (@Artekkers) February 15, 2015

Olivier Giroud: Has now directly contributed to 11 goals in his 11 FA Cup appearances (7 goals, 4 assists) #afc

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) February 15, 2015

Solid double for Giroud against M’Brough. Let’s keep the FA Cup for another year! #COYG #FACUP #Arsenal

— Anthony De Luca (@a_deluca11) February 16, 2015

Giroud hasn’t got better, players around him have. Giroud was/is a, rock solid, level below a worldy & that’s what he’ll be when he dies.

— Just call me Paul (@QuienPagaElige) February 16, 2015

Giroud gets better and better each season hard not to love him

— Tonz (@AmtaSound) February 16, 2015

Giroud & Welbeck goals this season = 17 Falcao & Van Persie goals this season = 14 Speaks for itself really

— Arsenal Focus (@Arsenal_Focus) February 16, 2015

Twitter fans today have been discussing tonight’s FA Cup Quarter-Final draw, which sees just three ‘big’ clubs left in the mix.

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Tonight’s draw takes place ahead of Manchester United’s visit to Deepdale against Preston, where we could see another upset- which would leave just defending champions Arsenal and Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool as the recognised bigger clubs left in the competition.

After claiming another Premier League scalp, Bradford City will be eagerly awaiting their fate- along with Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, West Brom and Reading.

It’s an anxious wait for the clubs involved, as they are now just one game away from a showcase semi-final at Wembley.

London’s clubs have featured in 12 of the last 15 FA Cup finals but Arsenal the only one left ahead of tonight’s QF draw #AFC

— Tim Nichols (@StandardTim) February 16, 2015

So the draw for the FA Cup is tonight and provided Utd beat Preston we’ve got just under a 30% chance of drawing a side from the top half..

— Samuel Morley (@samueldmorley) February 16, 2015

FA cup draw rules for blackburn rovers: 1. Avoid Arsenal

— Roberttttt (@RobertHeyn) February 16, 2015

The world seems so boring when #mcfc are not in the FA cup draw.

— Mac Jerry (@sdread_mcfc) February 16, 2015

Got a feeling that Liverpool are going to draw Preston in the next round #facupdraw @thisisanfield #LFC @LFC

— Ian Money (@Ian_yorks) February 16, 2015

Looking forward to the #FACupdraw tonight. Praying it turns to our favour. First thoh hope Preston does a shocker and eliminate United.

— Abubakar Hussein (@awesomehabibi) February 16, 2015

West Bromwich Albion at home in the #FACupDraw tonight for @ManUtd, heard it here first. #MysticBen

— Ben Pierpoint (@BenPierpoint_91) February 16, 2015

Painfully obvious Liverpool away at Arsenal FA Cup Draw coming up later. Then, even more obvious Man United vs dogshit XI home draw.

— Peter Benson (@PeteBeno) February 16, 2015

FA Cup draw today. Knowing our luck, we’ll probably get Bradford away

— - (@mxsesss) February 16, 2015

Sunday afternoon saw football fans treated to another FA Cup spectacle as Arsenal defeated Brighton 3-2 at the Amex Stadium, in a game full of goals and excitement. However, one bloke managed to ruin it for everyone. Step forward Robbie Savage.

The former Derby County (legend?) spent most of the game screaming at a variety of things- be it someone not fouling the opposition, not clearing it or, my personal favourite, because he failed to comprehend that Championship footballers aren’t as good as those in the top-flight playing Champions League football.

If you missed the game and thought I’m being a bit harsh, you’d be wrong. It was comparable to listening to a wailing cat, nails on a chalkboard and Justin Bieber’s latest album simultaneously- and I have evidence to back it up.

Here’s the population of Twitter wishing that Robbie Savage the commentator wasn’t a thing.

I think it’s funny that not only do Brits have to listen to Robbie Savage, their TV tax pays his salary! Ha ha ha, epic troll.

— 7amkickoff (@7amkickoff) January 25, 2015

BT Sport should cut to Robbie Savage checking his Twitter feed after the game.

— Coral (@Coral) January 25, 2015

Dear @btsport how much will it cost to make Robbie Savage ‘disappear’ ? asking for humanity.

— Chelsea Stats (@ChelseaStats) January 25, 2015

. @RobbieSavage8 your horrific commentary has made me mute my TV. Top work

— Oli Price-Bates (@OliPriceBates) January 25, 2015

Robbie Savage sound like he’s commentating on an earthquake whilst on fire.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) January 25, 2015

For the love of god someone needs to shoot Robbie Savage. Absolutely intolerable human being.

— Ollie (@AFCOllie) January 25, 2015

Robbie Savage is just throwing random words together without any thought. It is just absolute nonsense.

— Tim Lewis (@tim_lewis85) January 25, 2015

Where’s the option on BT Sport to turn Robbie Savage to ‘off’ mode?

— Lyall Thomas (@LyallThomas) January 25, 2015

Savage talking about the benefits of a wall on a free-kick. Insightful.

— Gunnervision (@Gunner_vision) January 25, 2015

We need a new campaign to out @RobbieSavage8! What a joker. Poor footballer, even worse commentator

— Maximus (@beatsman) January 25, 2015

Didn’t think commentary could get any worse than @themichaelowen and then @RobbieSavage8 gives it a go…. #Almostasbadashishair

— Dean Vickers (@deanvickers11) January 25, 2015

If you thought the FA Cup had lost it’s excitement, you were in for a treat today. One of the games that grabbed the attention was Middlesbrough’s sensational 2-0 victory against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Boro were clinical and shocked the Premier League title contenders, and the Twitter world, making a memorable moment for football fans worldwide. On top of this, the Tweets were exceptional, as you would expect.

There was references to Arab money, a previous 8-1 defeat to Boro in history and just general ‘oh my God’ reactions. We’ve got some of the best ones here- long may the magic of the cup continue.

LOOK AT THIS! Man City 0-2 Middlesbrough, and surely Kike’s goal makes it a day full of FA Cup magic!

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 24, 2015

Man City chasing a goal at home to Middlesbrough…no problem… pic.twitter.com/EOJXd9z4hj

— James Maw (@JamesMawFFT) January 24, 2015

Man City be like : So, Chelsea wanna crash out of F.A Cup to concentrate on the League? No way!! we’re going out together!!!

— ♠Jeje♠ (@a_l_a_d_e) January 24, 2015

After seeing mancity and chelsea fall….I forgive manutd for yesterday’s performance

— joel promise (@pijatalks) January 24, 2015

Chaotic stuff from Man City spending all week in Abu Dhabi and not arriving back in Country until 7pm last night.Deserved to lose.

— guy dixon (@guydixon1) January 24, 2015

VIDEO: A Man City fan tweeted he would ‘egg’ his mum if they lost to Boro! So this happened! http://t.co/XYaITfKes0 pic.twitter.com/17x0705m7i

— GeniusFootball (@GeniusFootball) January 24, 2015

Before arab money: Man City 1-8 Middlesbrough After Arab money: Man City 0-2 Middlesbrough Arab money improves the difference by 5 goals

— Transfer Sources (@TransferSources) January 24, 2015

But congrats to Middlesbrough. They taught us a lesson in how to be clinical and take your chances, while we wasted 20-odd attempts.

— City Watch (@City_Watch) January 24, 2015

Man City 0 - 2 Middlesborough #mancity #Middlesbrough #FACup pic.twitter.com/eDOSYSh3E1

— #66 (@hashtagg66) January 24, 2015

The FA Cup unleashed it’s magic today with some astonishing results, with one particular one catching the eye. Step forward League One outfit Bradford City, who defeated Premier League leaders Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.

Remarkably, Chelsea were even 2-0 up in the game before the Yorkshire side achieved one of the most remarkable results in the recent history of the FA Cup. Naturally, Twitter was a place to enjoy- although Chelsea fans started to disappear for a few hours.

There were jokes (lots of them), angry fans, overjoyed rivals and a tweet surfacing from three years ago that bit one Chelsea fan in the bum- although we do have to question why someone was looking at another users Twitter archive from three years back.

Still, the league leaders and Champions League hopefuls are out at the Fourth Round- and Bradford City are in the hat for the next stage of the competition.

Chelsea weren’t in the FA Cup 4-2 long at all

— KING ERIC (@brobread) January 24, 2015

Remember the grief Arsenal got for losing 2-1 at Bradford? Chelsea were at home and leading 2-0…

— Carl Bövis (@CarlBovis_AFC) January 24, 2015

United’s stars disappeared. City up in smoke. Chelsea sawn in half. Now we know why they call it the magic of the cup.

— Danny Baker (@prodnose) January 24, 2015

2 - Chelsea had conceded only two goals in their previous 11 home games before letting in four today. Curveball.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 24, 2015

QUOTE: Jose Mourinho pre-match: “It would be a disgrace if Chelsea lose to Bradford.” pic.twitter.com/Oc4ZFkFvMD

— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) January 24, 2015

Wait Chelsea? What?

— Left Foot (@messileftfoot) January 24, 2015

AND IT’S A GOAL AT CHELSEA!!!! BRADFORD LEAD 4-2 AT THE BRIDGE!!!

— The72 (@FBL72) January 24, 2015

And Chelsea are being humiliated, at home, by League One Bradford City.

— Dan Levene (@BluesChronicle) January 24, 2015

Can’t hear the haters from the top of the table

— Rashad (@Mourinholic) January 24, 2015

First time we have lost at home in the FA Cup in 90 minutes since March 2003.

— Chelsea Stats (@ChelseaStats) January 24, 2015

As long as we beat Liverpool and City now, I won’t mind.

— … (@SequerePecuniam) January 24, 2015

The FA Cup third round draw took place today with many Premier League teams hoping for a friendly draw in order to progress. Liverpool were among those waiting to see who they would draw they got and fans will surely be happy with the news that they drew AFC Wimbledon.

Liverpool have made a bit of a habit of making life difficult for themselves in the early rounds of the FA Cup. In January of 2013, the Reds were on the end of a giant killing as they crashed out of the FA Cup in the fourth round, losing 3-2 to Oldham. Oldham, at the time, were 55 places below Liverpool, who boasted a strike force of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. Liverpool fans will be hoping this years competition runs a little more smoothly.

Here’s how fans reacted to news of the draw:

Happy with that draw in FA cup tbh ! AFC Wimbledon v Liverpool @LFC

— Aaron Skinner (@A_J_Skinner) December 8, 2014

Last time we played a Wimbledon in the FA Cup it went down as one of the biggest upsets of the century. Try and avoid that this time. #LFC

— Luke Dunderdale (@LukeDunderdale) December 8, 2014

Happy Vinnie Jones isn't still playing for Wimbledon haha, decent draw for us. #LFC

— Danny (@DanielHenshall) December 8, 2014

#LFC get Wimbledon in the #FACup Very good draw though I don't envy the defence going up against Akinfenwa though

— Mike McGuire (@McGuire_Mike) December 8, 2014

Liverpool wil play AFC Wimbledon away in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Good draw for us, couldve be home, but its ok #LFC

— Matej Alilovic (@AlilovicM) December 8, 2014

Nice draw for the FA Cup #LFC

— Nikitta Maharaj ♥ (@Nikz_LFC) December 8, 2014

Buzzing after that draw, easy game against Wimbledon