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Carling Cup: Arsene Wenger praises 'maturing' Arsenal
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Gunners duo heap praise on Ipswich
Coverage: Watch highlights on BBC Sport website later tonight and on The League Cup Show, BBC Two 2320-0000
Arsene Wenger feels Arsenal's growing maturity helped them overturn a first-leg loss to reach the Carling Cup final with a 3-1 aggregate win over Ipswich.
Nicklas Bendtner and Laurent Koscielny scored three minutes apart in the second half, before Cesc Fabregas sealed a 3-0 second-leg victory.
"One or two years ago we would have been nervous as the match wore on," Gunners boss Wenger told BBC Sport.
"But we kept our game going. We have matured on that front."
Arsenal, who will face either West Ham or Birmingham in the final on 27 February, have not won a trophy since they won the FA Cup in 2005.
Wenger revealed that the dearth of silverware had "preyed" on his mind and admitted that winning the Carling Cup could be the catalyst to greater success.
"I get the same question every time, so I say 'we try to win everything we can', but on the other hand it can more get the pressure off the team to deliver in the other competitions," added the Frenchman.
606: DEBATE
Will Arsenal end their barren run without a trophy?
"It is not the only target we have of the season, we have even bigger targets, but it can help us to achieve the other targets.
"What I am convinced is we will go with the same heart for everything.
"We have a chance to deliver, but it will be down to delivering the needed performance on the day. That is part of mental strength as well."
Meanwhile, Wenger paid tribute to Championship strugglers Ipswich for their performances over the two legs.
"We played Leeds [in the FA Cup] and Ipswich and in fairness the Championship has improved a lot in the last five, six years," he continued.
If we could have kept it at 2-0, then maybe in the last 15 minutes, then who knows?
Ipswich boss Paul Jewell
"Physically they do not weaken at all, they keep going and when we analyse the physical performance of Ipswich they are at the level of the Premier League, no problem."
Striker Bendtner agreed with his manager's sentiments.
"Ipswich deserve all the credit. They played really well and made it very difficult for us but we always knew we'd have the chances and it was just a case of finishing them off," said the Denmark international.
"We do everything we can in every match to win a trophy and now we're in one final and we'll do everything we can to try to win it."
Town boss Paul Jewell was disappointed with the goals conceded but praised his side's effort on the night.
"We knew they would have all the ball and we would soak it up and make it difficult, but we have held them and also had that bit of luck," he said.
"For an hour we looked all right, however the manner of the goals were disappointing.
"But I cannot fault the players because their effort was outstanding.
"If we could have kept it at 2-0, then maybe in the last 15 minutes, then who knows? But it was not meant to be.
"We always knew we were going to be under the cosh here, but you have got to give the players credit because they were not disgraced over two games."
Chelsea fail in £52m bid for Atletico's Aguero & Godin
Aguero has scored seven league goals this season
Chelsea have denied making a £52m double bid for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero and defender Diego Godin.
Atletico claimed the club had rejected two bids, one from Chelsea and a £39m offer from Real Madrid for Aguero.
"Atletico have said no to the two offers because they believe in these two players," said majority shareholder Miguel Angel Gil.
But PA Sport reported Chelsea had not made any attempt to sign the duo in the January transfer window.
A Chelsea spokesman said: "We never comment on transfer speculation, no matter how wild it is."
Argentina international Aguero, 22, has scored seven league goals this season, while Uruguay international Godin, 24, has won 43 caps.
Aguero, whose father-in-law is Argentina legend Diego Maradona, joined the Spanish side from Independiente for a club record fee of £20m in 2006, while Godin joined the Madrid club from Villarreal in August 2010.
Chelsea are also thought to have been unsuccessful with a £17m bid for Benfica defender David Luiz in December but remain hopeful of securing a deal for the 23-year-old Brazil international.
Meanwhile, Atletico have responded to speculation about the future of their coach Quique Sanchez Flores following a run of bad results.
The Europa League holders have been knocked out of this season's competition as well as the Spanish Cup, while on Sunday they lost 1-0 at struggling Sporting Gijon on Sunday to slip 10 points off the Champions League qualification slots.
But Gil told the Atletico website: "Sanchez Flores will be coach until the end of the season.
"At the end of the campaign we will talk."
Scottish FA block Grella transfer
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Updated Jan 21, 2011 2:21 PM ET
MOTHERWELL, Scotland (AP)
Motherwell manager Stuart McCall has suffered another transfer blow after a loan move for Leeds striker Mike Grella was scuppered by FIFA rules.
Motherwell announced on Thursday that Grella had signed on loan until the end of the season, but the Scottish Football Association have blocked the transfer under the FIFA regulation that forbids a player from turning out for three clubs in one season.
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The 23-year-old made two substitute appearances for Leeds early in the season before joining Carlisle on an emergency loan in October and playing 11 times for the npower League One club.
A Motherwell statement read: "It was both clubs' understanding that emergency loans do not count when calculating the number of clubs a player has played for.
"However, whilst completing clearance formalities with the Scottish Football Association, they highlighted an issue due to the cross-border nature of the transfer and his move from the Elland Road club will now not be allowed to be completed."
Chief executive Leeann Dempster added: "Our focus now is to provide Stuart McCall with all the tools he needs to bring in additional players."
Grella will now seek an English club to join on loan while McCall continues to look for a striker.
The Motherwell boss has lost Nick Blackman, Alan Gow, Marc Fitzpatrick and Mark Reynolds this month and let Bob McHugh join Partick Thistle on loan after announcing loan deals for Grella and Walsall winger Steve Jones.
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- Report Abuse LiverpoolOC
Good luck to the lad. Behind Becchio and Somma, it's proven to be extremely difficult for him to find a place even on the bench at times. Interesting though, last season he found the back of the net a majority of the time after being brought during the 2nd half.
- Report Abuse Yankshire_Pud
Grella was going to be a top MLS draft pick but decided to drop out and head to England rather than get trapped in the MLS system.
He signed for Leeds as a reservist and was quickly promoted to first team. He can be great at times but doesn't seem to have the consistency or physicality to establish himself. Hope he gets more playing time somewhere, I think he has a big potential upside.
- Report Abuse donovanfan3456
Never heard of him and I'm a fan! I think that's good though
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway baffled by penalty decision
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Holloway 'gutted' after Man Utd defeat
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway bemoaned the decision by referee Peter Walton not to award his side a penalty during Tuesday's loss to Manchester United.
Holloway's side were 2-0 up when United defender Rafael da Silva appeared to bundle Luke Varney to the ground.
United went on to win 3-2 with two late goals from Dimitar Berbatov and one from substitute Javier Hernandez.
"They [United] might have come back but how can he [Walton] not see it was a penalty?" said Holloway.
Holloway felt the result hinged on that second-half incident with his side leading through goals from Craig Cathcart and DJ Campbell.
606: DEBATE
It was a blatant penalty
JJ
"We are absolutely gutted," added Holloway. "We are devastated to lose. I will wake up on Wednesday and feel like I have been kicked in a very delicate place.
"I will have a horrible ache for a while and then it will be gone."
"We needed the penalty. That would have really thrown a grenade into it."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side had been unable to cope with the set-piece delivery of Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam, whose corners led to goals for former Red Devils defender Cathcart and striker Campbell.
The visitors were still labouring 20 minutes from time but the introduction of Hernandez for Wayne Rooney on 66 minutes transformed the contest.
Hernandez levelled two minutes after Berbatov had hauled United back into the game and the match was heading into 10 minutes of injury time when the Bulgarian struck again in the 88th minute - his 20th goal of the season and his fifth in two games.
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Terrific fightback pleases Phelan
"We were deep in the mire in the first half," admitted Ferguson.
"We just couldn't handle Charlie Adam's free-kicks and corners.
"We were all over the place. His corner kicks are worth £10m in themselves.
"The boy is an incredible striker of the ball. But the rhythm of our game was poor in the first half. Our penetration wasn't right.
"I just wonder if they were over confident before the game.
"They got a rude awakening but this is a result industry and we got a result which may have a big impact on the league at the end of the season."
U.S. women fall to Sweden in China
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Updated Jan 21, 2011 1:45 PM ET
CHONGQING, China (AP)
The U.S. women's team began World Cup preparations by losing a match in which it led for the first time in more than eight years.
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Carli Lloyd's goal off an 11th-minute corner kick was offset when Stina Segerstrom scored in the 16th and Kosovare Asllani in the 60th to give Sweden a 2-1 victory over the Americans on Friday in the opening game of the Four Nations Tournament.
The Americans had not taken a lead and then lost since March 5, 2002, a 3-2 defeat to Norway at the Algarve Cup.
''Very, very disappointed,'' American midfielder Shannon Boxx said. ''We don't have the excuse of a long season. We had good rest, and coming back into our first tournament we need to step it up. I think everyone knows what we need to do. It's mainly coming together as a team and the attitude that we present every game needs to be better.''
In this World Cup warmup tournament, the U.S. plays Canada on Sunday and China on Tuesday.
The Americans will play Sweden at the World Cup in Germany on July 6 in their last opening-round match, after games against North Korea on June 28 and Colombia on July 2.
''Obviously, it's a pretty disappointing first game on the road to the World Cup,'' defender Christine Rampone said. ''At the same time, we have to take the positives away from it. The team has a lot of work to do and we really need to start coming together, clicking and becoming one unit. We have to start that defensively. I think we are doing well individually, but we have to work as a team.''
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The Americans, who needed to win a pair of playoffs to qualify for the World Cup, were missing star forward Abby Wambach because of a heel injury and top goalkeeper Hope Solo, still recovering from shoulder surgery in September.
Forward Sydney Leroux entered in the 86th minute, her first match for the senior women's team.
''Our speed of play wasn't good enough,'' U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. ''One thing as a team that we need to get much better at is moving without the ball. This game today tells us many things that we need to work on, but I am confident that we have enough time and enough games to prepare for the World Cup. This was just the first one.''
NOTES: In the second game, Canada beat China 3-2 on goals by Candace Chapman, Melissa Tancredi and Christine Sinclair. You Jia scored twice for China.
Chelsea's Gael Kakuta on verge of Fulham loan move
Winger Kakuta joined Chelsea in 2007 from French side Lens
Chelsea's France Under-20 international Gael Kakuta is on the verge of joining local rivals Fulham on loan.
The 19-year-old was at the centre of a major row in 2009 when he was accused of breaking his contract with Lens two years before in order to join Chelsea.
Both Kakuta and Chelsea were given bans that were subsequently overturned.
The Lille-born winger signed a new four and a half year deal with Chelsea only last month but has now undergone a medical at Fulham.
Last week, the Fulham manager Mark Hughes said of Kakuta: "He's a player I know and I like the qualities he has."
The same day Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said he was considering whether it was a good idea "for a young player to have experience on loan for six months".
Fellow Chelsea youngster Patrick van Aanholt could also be about to go out on loan, with Leicester City a likely destination.
The 20-year-old left-back spent most of last season on loan at Coventry and Newcastle.
Kakuta's time at Chelsea has not always been a happy one.
He has made 16 appearances for Chelsea but only five starts and was an unused substitute in Monday night's 4-0 Premier League win over Bolton.
In 2009, he suffered a fractured ankle which kept him out of action for six months.
606: DEBATE
is there a plan being set in place for our better youth players to get as much first team action as possible before next season?
CFC_Steve
Later that year, he was banned from playing for four months and given a fine of more than £670,000 by Fifa for allegedly breaking his contract with former club Lens.
Chelsea were also fined and banned from any activity during two transfer windows.
The club appealed against their punishment, claiming that Kakuta did not have a valid contract with the French club.
The sanctions were lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in February 2010.
Kakuta has played for France at every level from Under-16 to Under-20 and in December 2009, aged 18, became the youngest ever player to represent Chelsea in the Champions League.
Ospreys door still open for James Hook
Hook made his Ospreys debut in the 2006/2007 season
James Hook is set to reveal which club he will join next season on Wednesday, but the Ospreys say the door remains open to the Wales star.
Hook has called a press conference in north Wales where he is expected to say he is moving to a French club.
Perpignan, Toulouse or Toulon are the three clubs vying for his services.
"The door's always open for James. He is an Ospreys through and through, and it will never be closed to him," said Ospreys coach Filo Tiatia.
"We'd love James to stay here [at the Ospreys].
"When I first joined here it was his second season and he was still a young man then.
"To see James move on is very sad for me because I've built up a very good relationship with James.
"It's just the nature of the beast at the moment. There are so many different clubs with a lot money.
"If you have got the talent then clubs will want to chase you, and unfortunately James has that talent."
The Ospreys revealed in November, 2010 that they had offered 25-year-old Hook an ''unprecedented'' deal to stay at the Liberty Stadium.
But Hook's desire to play in France is not only motivated by money. He would be following other Welsh stars like Stephen Jones, who have had spells in France before returning back to Wales.
The problem for the Ospreys is that Hook is not the only star player to leave. Gavin Henson moved to Saracens in November, 2010 and Lee Byrne has been linked with a move away from the Liberty.
I don't think it's change of guard at the Ospreys
Ospreys coach Filo Tiatia
But Tiatia denied that the Ospreys were going through a shake-up in personnel.
"I don't think it's change of guard at the Ospreys, I think it's one of those things that rugby is all about," he said.
"There's a lot of player movement.
"As you can see I'm playing in Wales from New Zealand. I've played in Japan it's just the way the market is at the moment."
Sao Paulo signs former Brazil playmaker Rivaldo
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Updated Jan 23, 2011 8:20 AM ET
Sao Paulo says it has signed former Brazil and Barcelona playmaker Rivaldo until the end of the year.
The 38-year-old Rivaldo arrives on a loan from small Brazilian club Mogi Mirim, where he became the team's president after returning to Brazilian football last year. He had been playing for Uzbekistan club Bunyodkor.
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Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.
Financial details were not released, but Sao Paulo says it has the option of signing the 1999 world player of the year to a one-year contract extension.
Rivaldo was instrumental for the Brazil side that won the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
He has also played for Deportivo La Coruna, AC Milan and Olympiakos, among othe
Cricket World Cup: Andrew Flintoff warning for England
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Flintoff concern over England line-up ahead of World Cup
Ex-captain Andrew Flintoff has told BBC Sport that England need to settle on their ideal team as soon as possible to maximise their 2011 World Cup chances.
"We need to find our best team as fast as we can and play it," Flintoff said.
"Out of the three World Cups I played in, four weeks before we never quite knew our best XI. It's a bit concerning to see England in the same boat."
However, he added: "I don't think they'll be favourites by any stretch, but England do have a definite chance."
The 33-year-old, who retired from all forms of cricket in September 2010, called for a change in England's batting line-up before the tournament, which takes place in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from 19 February to 2 April.
They're 3-0 down but they can still win the series. It's a bit of a mountain to climb but they can do it
Andrew Flintoff
"They've recalled Matt Prior at the top of the order - personally I'd put Ian Bell up there, I think he's our best player at the moment," the former all-rounder told BBC Sport.
Flintoff captained England in 11 Tests and 14 one-day internationals.
With regular skipper Michael Vaughan injured, the talismanic all-rounder led England to a 5-0 Ashes defeat by Australia in 2006-07 - although they won the subsequent one-day tri-series involving Australia and New Zealand.
But Flintoff is concerned that some of the players may be suffering from burn-out - and believes the likes of Paul Collingwood need time away from the game to rediscover their form and fitness.
"Sometimes you can try too hard," Flintoff explained.
"When it's not happening, you practice and you work so hard and you're thinking about it, you're dissecting your technique and you're thinking about what's going on.
"I found from time to time, just to get away from it, go and play with the kids or play golf, do whatever you do.
"Just have a break. It's amazing when you come back, everything you thought was going wrong just disappears."
606: DEBATE
Has there been much planning for these ODIs and World Cup? All the planning has been centred on the Ashes
battingforbell
After retaining the Ashes down under this winter, England have struggled against Australia in the ongoing one-day international series.
England trail their hosts 3-0 in the seven match series but their former skipper has not written off their chances of turning things around down under.
"It was going to be hard. After all the emotion and euphoria of winning and then going into a one-day series afterwards," Flintoff commented.
"I'm sure they're doing their best and wanting to win but I think inevitably there's an Ashes hangover to some degree.
"They're 3-0 down but they can still win the series. It's a bit of a mountain to climb but they can do it."
However, the former Lancashire player dismissed suggestions England had played too much cricket this winter as they head into the World Cup.
"I don't think they'll be overcooked," Flintoff stated.
"It is going to be tough with the schedule they've had. However, I think being in a World Cup is just going to lift them again.
"We saw in the World Twenty20 that they're a fine side and they can rise to the big tournaments."
Mexican League Roundup, Jan. 23
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Updated Jan 24, 2011 3:44 AM ET
Hector Mancilla scored a stoppage-time winner to give UANL Tigres a 2-1 win at America on Sunday in the third round of the Mexican Clausura championship.
Lucas Lobos gave Tigres the lead after escaping in the box and shooting past Guillermo Ochoa in the 37th minute, but Montenegro equalized five minutes after halftime. Mancilla stole the points with almost the game's last kick.
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"I'm very happy and I'd like to thank my teammates for putting in a great effort to earn this important achievement," said Mancilla, who scored his second goal for Tigres since joining from Toluca in the midseason break.
A minute before Mancilla's goal, Angel Reyna had an opportunity to put America ahead but was bundled off the ball amid appeals for a penalty. Replays suggested the contact was minimal.
Elsewhere, Puebla won 2-0 at home against Estudiantes Tecos, while Toluca had a 2-0 home win against Chiapas.
In Friday and Saturday results, it was: Necaxa 0, Atlas 1; Cruz Azul 3, UNAM Pumas 3; Monterrey 1, Atlante 0; Queretaro 0, Morelia 3; Guadalajara 1, San Luis 1; and Santos 1, Pachuca 1.
San Luis is currently the only team with maximum points.
In Toluca, Nestor Calderon opened the scoring against Chiapas with a dipping shot from 30 yards (meters) that flew over goalkeeper Jorge Villalpando and into the top corner in the 61st minute.
A minute later, Jaime Ayovi advanced into the box, cut inside his marker and hit a diagonal shot into the corner to make it 2-0.
Also Sunday, Puebla took the lead against Estudiantes Tecos when Edgar Lugo fired into the roof of the net in the 57th minute.
Felix Borja added a second after racing onto a long ball and heading past Christian Martinez in the third minute of stoppage time.
After three matches, the Primera Division is still taking shape.
In Mexico, the 18 clubs are split into three groups as well as a general table. At the end of the tournament, the top two teams in each group along with the two best-placed teams in the general table that haven't qualified directly contest end-of-season playoffs to decide the champion.
Reigning title holder Monterrey registered its first win of the new tournament with Saturday's 1-0 home win against Atlante.
So far in the Clausura standings, Tigres leads Group 1 with seven points, Atlas tops Group 2 with nine, while Pumas heads Group 3 with five points.
Rafael ruled out of Manchester United FA Cup tie at Southampton
• Full-back concussed in collision at Blackpool
• Javier Hernández regrets failure to score hat-trick
- Press Association
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 26 January 2011 11.03 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Edwin van der Sar stands over Rafael after the full-back's collision with Marlon Harewood at Bloomfield Road. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images The Manchester United full-back Rafael will miss Saturday's FA Cup tie against Southampton. He was carried off on a stretcher at Blackpool last night.
The Brazilian defender has suffered concussion. He was involved in a collision with Marlon Harewood and was taken to hospital for X-rays. He was given the all-clear and was able to return to Manchester with his team-mates after the dramatic 3-2 win.
However, as in all cases of concussion, United will ensure that Rafael takes the correct break from all physical contact. The 20-year-old will therefore not travel to the south coast for this weekend's fourth-round tie.
Javier Hernández said he should have scored a hat-trick at Bloomfield Road. The Mexican scored United's equaliser, 16 minutes from time, having failed to beat Richard Kingson with a similar opportunity not long after his introduction as a second-half substitute for Wayne Rooney. The goal took his tally for the season to 10.
"I could have had a hat-trick," he said. "But I always say the most important thing is that the team wins and we get the three points. It doesn't matter who scores. We just want the championship."
Dimitar Berbatov scored United's other two goals at Blackpool, taking him to 20 for the season, which includes five in the last four days after a hat-trick against Birmingham on Saturday.
"Dimitar's form is unbelievable," said Hernández. "He is a great player. He is improving every day on the training ground and also in the games. He is an excellent help for us."
Rafael ruled out of Manchester United FA Cup tie at Southampton
Full-back concussed in collision at Blackpool
Javier Hernández regrets failure to score hat-trick
- Press Association
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 26 January 2011 11.03 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Edwin van der Sar stands over Rafael after the full-back's collision with Marlon Harewood at Bloomfield Road. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images The Manchester United full-back Rafael will miss Saturday's FA Cup tie against Southampton. He was carried off on a stretcher at Blackpool last night.
The Brazilian defender has suffered concussion. He was involved in a collision with Marlon Harewood and was taken to hospital for X-rays. He was given the all-clear and was able to return to Manchester with his team-mates after the dramatic 3-2 win.
However, as in all cases of concussion, United will ensure that Rafael takes the correct break from all physical contact. The 20-year-old will therefore not travel to the south coast for this weekend's fourth-round tie.
Javier Hernández said he should have scored a hat-trick at Bloomfield Road. The Mexican scored United's equaliser, 16 minutes from time, having failed to beat Richard Kingson with a similar opportunity not long after his introduction as a second-half substitute for Wayne Rooney. The goal took his tally for the season to 10.
"I could have had a hat-trick," he said. "But I always say the most important thing is that the team wins and we get the three points. It doesn't matter who scores. We just want the championship."
Dimitar Berbatov scored United's other two goals at Blackpool, taking him to 20 for the season, which includes five in the last four days after a hat-trick against Birmingham on Saturday.
"Dimitar's form is unbelievable," said Hernández. "He is a great player. He is improving every day on the training ground and also in the games. He is an excellent help for us."
Dimitar Berbatov sinks Blackpool and keeps Manchester United unbeaten
Premier League
Blackpool 2
Manchester United 3
- Berbatov 72,
- Javier Hernandez 74,
- Berbatov 88
- Daniel Taylor
- guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 25 January 2011 21.48 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Javier Hernández, right, celebrates with Dimitar Berbatov after scoring Manchester United's second goal against Blackpool. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA In every season, every title race, there is always one moment when everything falls into place and, for Manchester United, this was possibly that night. Two-nil down with not even 20 minutes of normal time to play, it had looked like being a bruising experience for Sir Alex Ferguson's team, but that would be to under-estimate the competitive strengths of this side and the enduring qualities that now see them five points clear of their nearest challengers.
As feats of escapology go, it was a remarkable comeback, culminating in Dimitar Berbatov scoring the decisive goal after 88 minutes, the vast majority of which United had been penned into their own half. Berbatov, increasingly the pivotal figure in United's quest for a record 19th title, had begun the recovery, with the substitute Javier Hernández drawing United level within two minutes.
They had been outplayed at times, fortunate only to be trailing by two goals, via the former United reserve Craig Cathcart and DJ Campbell, but their unbeaten league run now stands at 28 matches, stretching to last April. They showed the collective spirit here that defines champions and they had a player, in the form of Ryan Giggs, who oozed football intelligence. It was Giggs's introduction at half-time that swung this game in United's favour and put in place the kind of comeback for which Ferguson's men have made a speciality over the years.
It was difficult, though, not to feel for their opponents. The beauty of Blackpool this season is that they have not shown the Premier League even a flicker of trepidation and, in the first half, it is no exaggeration to say there was a clear gulf between the sides. Ian Holloway's men played with width and penetration, quick to the ball, attacking in numbers. United huffed and puffed but lacked wit and control and, in some cases, they were simply overwhelmed.
There were several images from that period which will linger in the memory, from Charlie Adam nutmegging Darren Fletcher to Nani pulling out of a tackle with Elliot Grandin. Blackpool were magnificent, full of running and energy and invention. It was extraordinary to see a side at the top of the table being dismantled in such a way.
It might also have been a very difficult outcome had the referee, Peter Walton, not waved on play when Rafael brought down Luke Varney inside the penalty area early in the second half. Rafael was later taken off on a stretcher, leading to 10 minutes of stoppage time, and there will be concern for the Brazilian, who suffered concussion.
A perfectionist such as Ferguson will have been aggrieved at the way Blackpool scored twice from Adam's corners, Cathcart heading in the first after 15 minutes and Campbell repeating the trick shortly before half-time after Darron Gibson had inadvertently flicked the ball on.
"We couldn't handle Adam, his corner kicks alone are worth £10m," Ferguson said mischievously of the player coveted by Liverpool. "The first half we were battered. We were terrible."
Wayne Rooney, in particular, looked a listless figure, deployed in the left-wing role he dislikes and, eventually, making way for Hernández. His erratic form continues to be a worry but, ultimately, the good outweighed the bad for United and the celebrations at the final whistle were long and raucous. "We changed it at half-time, brought on Giggs, started to penetrate and, in the end, ran out deserved winners," Ferguson said. "The team kept going, playing their football, penetrating, and they got their reward."
Berbatov turned in the first from the six-yard area after Fletcher's low delivery and, after that, the whole tone of the match changed. A hitherto jubilant crowd were suddenly shrouded with tension as, from United's next attack, Giggs floated a ball into Hernández's path and the Mexican swept his shot past Richard Kingson.
Suddenly Blackpool's defence, hardly tested until this point, looked nervous and hesitant, allowing their opponents time on the ball.
Berbatov was one of the few United players who had performed well throughout and, with large gaps appearing, he ran on to Scholes's pass and won the game with a left-foot finish.
"I'm gutted, devastated and I will be waking up feeling like I have been kicked somewhere very delicate," Holloway said. Yet there was a sense of injustice, too, as he reflected on the penalty decision. "It's stonewall. And if we go three up, who knows what would have happened?" United being United, they may have won 4-3.
Australian Open 2011: Andy Murray sees off Alexandr Dolgopolov threat
• Victory in four sets ensures semi-final spot for Murray
• Dominant win lines up clash Nadal conqueror David Ferrer
- Kevin Mitchell in Melbourne
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 26 January 2011 07.53 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Andy Murray moves comfortably into the semi-finals of the Australian Open after beating Alexandr Dolgopolov in four sets. Photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA A year to the day since he put Rafael Nadal out of this tournament, Andy Murray handled an altogether different challenge in seeing off the powerful young Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the second year in a row.
Now, David Ferrer waits for him after he upset compatriot Nadal 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 on the 10th day of the tournament.
Last year Nadal struggled with knee injuries that threatened his career; Dolgopolov's handicap today was his impetuosity. Yet it was that very quality of unabashed freedom that made this an enthralling contrast in style and attitude, a tussle that started in a whirlwind descended into a dogfight and finished in a blur. Murray won 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 after 184 minutes, the first time in the tournament he has had to go more than two hours.
The opening stanza on Rod Laver Arena was one of those special sporting cameos, a tennis match that turned into a fight of wills, power and wit. Although they are separated in age by only a year or so, Murray clearly was the top gun and Dolgopolov, who arrived with a face few recognised and a name not many could pronounce, was looking to take him out.
Ranked 46 in the world, he went looking for a shoot-out as he fired in blistering ground strokes and a string of aces that nudged the speed clock over the 200kph mark.
Murray broke and dropped serve in the first quarter of an hour then resumed his quiet slaughter of an opponent who plainly had taken to heart the entreaties of his British-born coach from South Australia, Jack "I'm a high-class bum" Reader.
Reader, who lived on the fringes of the circuit as a player and totally fell on his feet when he hooked up with Dolgopolov through an agent in Italy, has been an Australian citizen for eight years. He talks and thinks like one, too, which is apparent in Dolgopolov's tennis. There are no doubts, no second thoughts and a ton of intuition.
His serve, not unlike Andy Roddick's, must be a nightmare to read. He has a very short ball-toss and a violently twisting delivery of a flat racket that propelled the ball wickedly through the cool air for 10 aces in the first set, to Murray's two.
They duked it out on even terms until Murray produced the shot of the day, a pass down the line from a smash that left Dolgopolov flummoxed for set point. The Ukrainian saved that one and three more before another Murray backhand clinched it for 7-5.
Murray was brilliantly boring. For all that critics demand he up his aggression, he correctly identified that his defensive skills were the best way to blunt the searing physicality of his opponent.
Although Reader probably gave Dolgopolov his best chance of hurting Murray by encouraging him to go for his shots, he was too casual at the start of the second set and found himself 4-1 down and hanging on after missing three horrendously easy shots. Going for a behind-the-back flick on the run that hit the net, Dolgopolov should have been reminded that this was not an exhibition match.
Murray, a far more disciplined technician, stuck rigidly to his game plan, waiting patiently for his opponent to succumb to the temptations of showboating tennis.
The Scot was getting 75% of his first serves in and took the second set unflustered; Dolgopolov looked increasingly ragged, his footwork letting him down as fluffed one easy shot after another.
Leading 5-2, Murray still had not lost a service point: 16 from 16. The excitement had died. This was the business end of the fight
Dolgopolov saved two break points to hold for 5-3 down, but the drip-drip tide of Murray pressure was rushing against him. The world No5 served out (losing his first two points on serve as went for the quick kill) and the end looked imminent after an hour and a half.
When Murray broke him early in the third set, the gulf in quality became more obvious. Dolgopolov could not handle the consistency of Murray's returns, nor his subtle shifts in tactics, the Scot moving ever so slightly wider to receive the young hitter's booming serve to the backhand, where he'd had such success in the first set.
His ace count dropped to zero in the second set and he blasted just three past Murray in the third. It was a crucial strategic change by Murray, one of the smartest players on the circuit.
Murray's speed and anticipation also forced Dolgopolov (a born gambler, who has spent a few hours relaxing in the casino here), to push closer to the line in a desperate grab for winners.
He kept at it, though, and broke back for 3-3 with some unreachable passing shots. Murray now found himself behind in the serving cycle, adding a hint of anxiety to the mix. Mistakes crept in; winning chances went begging and the crowd favourite Dolgopolov found new life in his arms and legs and drove the set on to a tie-break; he'd won 13 out of 23 in his career, Murray 80 from 135 – but those stats counted for nothing as Murray faltered under pressure with a double fault and a loose final forehand to hand the set to Dolgopolov.
Then the match swung wildly back towards Murray, who won the first 12 points of the fourth set to go 3-0 up, then another two before Dolgopolov got on the scorecard. "What just happened?" asked Reader, who'd returned to the court after a break only to see his charge on the ropes. In a twinkling it was 4-0. Dolgopolov, who'd come through long five-setters against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Robin Soderling to get this fire, had little left to give, but he kept punching.
By the time Murray closed the set out, the kid's admirable gamble was lost, and Murray knew he was in the best possible shape for the bigger challenges that stand between him and a first grand slam.
Australian Open 2011: Andy Murray sees off Alexandr Dolgopolov threat
Victory in four sets ensures semi-final spot for Murray
Dominant win lines up clash Nadal conqueror David Ferrer
- Kevin Mitchell in Melbourne
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 26 January 2011 07.53 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Andy Murray moves comfortably into the semi-finals of the Australian Open after beating Alexandr Dolgopolov in four sets. Photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA A year to the day since he put Rafael Nadal out of this tournament, Andy Murray handled an altogether different challenge in seeing off the powerful young Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the second year in a row.
Now, David Ferrer waits for him after he upset compatriot Nadal 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 on the 10th day of the tournament.
Last year Nadal struggled with knee injuries that threatened his career; Dolgopolov's handicap today was his impetuosity. Yet it was that very quality of unabashed freedom that made this an enthralling contrast in style and attitude, a tussle that started in a whirlwind descended into a dogfight and finished in a blur. Murray won 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 after 184 minutes, the first time in the tournament he has had to go more than two hours.
The opening stanza on Rod Laver Arena was one of those special sporting cameos, a tennis match that turned into a fight of wills, power and wit. Although they are separated in age by only a year or so, Murray clearly was the top gun and Dolgopolov, who arrived with a face few recognised and a name not many could pronounce, was looking to take him out.
Ranked 46 in the world, he went looking for a shoot-out as he fired in blistering ground strokes and a string of aces that nudged the speed clock over the 200kph mark.
Murray broke and dropped serve in the first quarter of an hour then resumed his quiet slaughter of an opponent who plainly had taken to heart the entreaties of his British-born coach from South Australia, Jack "I'm a high-class bum" Reader.
Reader, who lived on the fringes of the circuit as a player and totally fell on his feet when he hooked up with Dolgopolov through an agent in Italy, has been an Australian citizen for eight years. He talks and thinks like one, too, which is apparent in Dolgopolov's tennis. There are no doubts, no second thoughts and a ton of intuition.
His serve, not unlike Andy Roddick's, must be a nightmare to read. He has a very short ball-toss and a violently twisting delivery of a flat racket that propelled the ball wickedly through the cool air for 10 aces in the first set, to Murray's two.
They duked it out on even terms until Murray produced the shot of the day, a pass down the line from a smash that left Dolgopolov flummoxed for set point. The Ukrainian saved that one and three more before another Murray backhand clinched it for 7-5.
Murray was brilliantly boring. For all that critics demand he up his aggression, he correctly identified that his defensive skills were the best way to blunt the searing physicality of his opponent.
Although Reader probably gave Dolgopolov his best chance of hurting Murray by encouraging him to go for his shots, he was too casual at the start of the second set and found himself 4-1 down and hanging on after missing three horrendously easy shots. Going for a behind-the-back flick on the run that hit the net, Dolgopolov should have been reminded that this was not an exhibition match.
Murray, a far more disciplined technician, stuck rigidly to his game plan, waiting patiently for his opponent to succumb to the temptations of showboating tennis.
The Scot was getting 75% of his first serves in and took the second set unflustered; Dolgopolov looked increasingly ragged, his footwork letting him down as fluffed one easy shot after another.
Leading 5-2, Murray still had not lost a service point: 16 from 16. The excitement had died. This was the business end of the fight
Dolgopolov saved two break points to hold for 5-3 down, but the drip-drip tide of Murray pressure was rushing against him. The world No5 served out (losing his first two points on serve as went for the quick kill) and the end looked imminent after an hour and a half.
When Murray broke him early in the third set, the gulf in quality became more obvious. Dolgopolov could not handle the consistency of Murray's returns, nor his subtle shifts in tactics, the Scot moving ever so slightly wider to receive the young hitter's booming serve to the backhand, where he'd had such success in the first set.
His ace count dropped to zero in the second set and he blasted just three past Murray in the third. It was a crucial strategic change by Murray, one of the smartest players on the circuit.
Murray's speed and anticipation also forced Dolgopolov (a born gambler, who has spent a few hours relaxing in the casino here), to push closer to the line in a desperate grab for winners.
He kept at it, though, and broke back for 3-3 with some unreachable passing shots. Murray now found himself behind in the serving cycle, adding a hint of anxiety to the mix. Mistakes crept in; winning chances went begging and the crowd favourite Dolgopolov found new life in his arms and legs and drove the set on to a tie-break; he'd won 13 out of 23 in his career, Murray 80 from 135 but those stats counted for nothing as Murray faltered under pressure with a double fault and a loose final forehand to hand the set to Dolgopolov.
Then the match swung wildly back towards Murray, who won the first 12 points of the fourth set to go 3-0 up, then another two before Dolgopolov got on the scorecard. "What just happened?" asked Reader, who'd returned to the court after a break only to see his charge on the ropes. In a twinkling it was 4-0. Dolgopolov, who'd come through long five-setters against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Robin Soderling to get this fire, had little left to give, but he kept punching.
By the time Murray closed the set out, the kid's admirable gamble was lost, and Murray knew he was in the best possible shape for the bigger challenges that stand between him and a first grand slam.
Injured Rafael Nadal beaten by David Ferrer at Australian Open
• World No1 injured in third game of first set
• Ferrer wins 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and will play Murray
- Agencies
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 26 January 2011 11.36 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Rafael Nadal is out of the Australian Open. Photograph: Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images The top seed and world No1, Rafael Nadal, has been beaten by another Spaniard, David Ferrer, in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
Nadal, 24, who was aiming to become the third man to hold all four grand slam titles at one time, was hampered by injury after the third game of the first set. Ferrer will play Britain's Andy Murray in the semi-finals on Friday.
A year ago to the day, a knee problem forced Nadal to pull out of the Australian Open, when he was two sets down to Murray in the quarter-finals. He went on to win the 2010 French Open, Wimbledon and US Open men's singles titles. Australia's Rod Laver, in 1969, is the last man to have held all four grand slam titles at the same time.
Injured Rafael Nadal beaten by David Ferrer at Australian Open
World No1 injured in third game of first set
Ferrer wins 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and will play Murray
- Agencies
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 26 January 2011 11.36 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Rafael Nadal is out of the Australian Open. Photograph: Daniel Sorabji/AFP/Getty Images The top seed and world No1, Rafael Nadal, has been beaten by another Spaniard, David Ferrer, in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
Nadal, 24, who was aiming to become the third man to hold all four grand slam titles at one time, was hampered by injury after the third game of the first set. Ferrer will play Britain's Andy Murray in the semi-finals on Friday.
A year ago to the day, a knee problem forced Nadal to pull out of the Australian Open, when he was two sets down to Murray in the quarter-finals. He went on to win the 2010 French Open, Wimbledon and US Open men's singles titles. Australia's Rod Laver, in 1969, is the last man to have held all four grand slam titles at the same time.
Australian Open 2011: Roger turns into the real Federer to reach semis
• Federer crushes fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1, 6-3, 6-3
• World No2 will play Novak Djokovic for place in final
- Kevin Mitchell
- guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 25 January 2011 07.22 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Roger Federer believes there is still room for improvement after his convincing win. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters It took a little while, but Roger has turned into Federer at last, and this Australian Open has been blown wide open again.
There were some who reckoned he was vulnerable going into today's quarter-final against his Swiss compatriot, Stanislas Wawrinka, given the world No2 had given up four sets and been broken nine times in five matches.
So, after a first-round stroll to bat away Lukas Lacko, a desperate, five-setter against Gilles Simon in round two, another quick workout over Xavier Malisse and a minor dip in getting past Tommy Robredo in four sets, the Swiss took his revenge on the field and the critics by beating up his friend, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 in an hour an 47 minutes, just three minutes longer than Andy Murray took to beat Jürgen Melzer the day before.
The evidence for Federer's decline might not have been totally compelling but it was there; now, one win way from reaching the final, he looks awesome again.
"I'm not quite there yet," he said, acknowledging that his tennis is getting more attacking by the game. "I prefer to play aggressive. I don't overdo it either, because that's not the point, just storming to the net, hit clean winners on every shot. It's about building up the right plays and having the right game plan. That's what I seem like I'm having."
He said earlier in the week, "I don't care about unforced errors," after making 40 of them (including 14 in the set he lost) against Robredo, an imperfect performance that encouraged his rivals to imagine the owner of 16 grand slams might not be in the best shape to grab his 17th.
Today, he brought his error count down to 24 in three sets. Wawrinka? He sprayed 30 of them all over the court as his run in this tournament ended in a downbeat seventh career loss to Federer.
Wawrinka, alert and sharp putting Andy Roddick away on Sunday, played here as if sucked down into the court. Federer sprouted wings again, comfortable in all departments; he upped his serve to bang down five timely aces and getting 77% of his first serves in. Those figures alone told a tale of ease and contentment.
But, as he says, statistics are fine; it is the performance and the result that count. There was nothing wrong with either. His movement, composure and shot selection were too much for Wawrinka, who panicked under pressure and smashed a racket along the way.
Clearly Roger knew Stan's game better Stan knew Roger's – or his own. Wawrinka employs Federer's former coach, Peter Lundgren, but even the odd nod and a wink from courtside could do little to help his charge as the first set went by in 29 minutes.
Wawrinka, normally so full of fight, was subdued – and Federer picked up on his body language. There was brief resistance in the second, token resistance in the third.
"He was just too good," Wawrinka said. "Roger is always the same: when he comes to a tournament, he can always win."
Federer will now face Novak Djokovic in the semi-final after the Serbian beat Tomas Berdych 6-1 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 this morning.
On the other side of the draw, Rafa Nadal, still favourite, plays his Spanish compatriot David Ferrer in Wednesday's evening match, which starts at 8.30am GMT. Murray is on third against the Ukrainian Aleksandr Dolgopolov (about 5am GMT).
Australian Open 2011: Roger turns into the real Federer to reach semis
Federer crushes fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1, 6-3, 6-3
World No2 will play Novak Djokovic for place in final
- Kevin Mitchell
- guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 25 January 2011 07.22 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Roger Federer believes there is still room for improvement after his convincing win. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters It took a little while, but Roger has turned into Federer at last, and this Australian Open has been blown wide open again.
There were some who reckoned he was vulnerable going into today's quarter-final against his Swiss compatriot, Stanislas Wawrinka, given the world No2 had given up four sets and been broken nine times in five matches.
So, after a first-round stroll to bat away Lukas Lacko, a desperate, five-setter against Gilles Simon in round two, another quick workout over Xavier Malisse and a minor dip in getting past Tommy Robredo in four sets, the Swiss took his revenge on the field and the critics by beating up his friend, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 in an hour an 47 minutes, just three minutes longer than Andy Murray took to beat Jürgen Melzer the day before.
The evidence for Federer's decline might not have been totally compelling but it was there; now, one win way from reaching the final, he looks awesome again.
"I'm not quite there yet," he said, acknowledging that his tennis is getting more attacking by the game. "I prefer to play aggressive. I don't overdo it either, because that's not the point, just storming to the net, hit clean winners on every shot. It's about building up the right plays and having the right game plan. That's what I seem like I'm having."
He said earlier in the week, "I don't care about unforced errors," after making 40 of them (including 14 in the set he lost) against Robredo, an imperfect performance that encouraged his rivals to imagine the owner of 16 grand slams might not be in the best shape to grab his 17th.
Today, he brought his error count down to 24 in three sets. Wawrinka? He sprayed 30 of them all over the court as his run in this tournament ended in a downbeat seventh career loss to Federer.
Wawrinka, alert and sharp putting Andy Roddick away on Sunday, played here as if sucked down into the court. Federer sprouted wings again, comfortable in all departments; he upped his serve to bang down five timely aces and getting 77% of his first serves in. Those figures alone told a tale of ease and contentment.
But, as he says, statistics are fine; it is the performance and the result that count. There was nothing wrong with either. His movement, composure and shot selection were too much for Wawrinka, who panicked under pressure and smashed a racket along the way.
Clearly Roger knew Stan's game better Stan knew Roger's or his own. Wawrinka employs Federer's former coach, Peter Lundgren, but even the odd nod and a wink from courtside could do little to help his charge as the first set went by in 29 minutes.
Wawrinka, normally so full of fight, was subdued and Federer picked up on his body language. There was brief resistance in the second, token resistance in the third.
"He was just too good," Wawrinka said. "Roger is always the same: when he comes to a tournament, he can always win."
Federer will now face Novak Djokovic in the semi-final after the Serbian beat Tomas Berdych 6-1 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 this morning.
On the other side of the draw, Rafa Nadal, still favourite, plays his Spanish compatriot David Ferrer in Wednesday's evening match, which starts at 8.30am GMT. Murray is on third against the Ukrainian Aleksandr Dolgopolov (about 5am GMT).
Australian Open 2011: Roger turns into the real Federer to reach semis
Federer crushes fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1, 6-3, 6-3
World No2 will play Novak Djokovic for place in final
- Kevin Mitchell
- guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 25 January 2011 07.22 GMT <li class="history">Article history
Roger Federer believes there is still room for improvement after his convincing win. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters It took a little while, but Roger has turned into Federer at last, and this Australian Open has been blown wide open again.
There were some who reckoned he was vulnerable going into today's quarter-final against his Swiss compatriot, Stanislas Wawrinka, given the world No2 had given up four sets and been broken nine times in five matches.
So, after a first-round stroll to bat away Lukas Lacko, a desperate, five-setter against Gilles Simon in round two, another quick workout over Xavier Malisse and a minor dip in getting past Tommy Robredo in four sets, the Swiss took his revenge on the field and the critics by beating up his friend, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 in an hour an 47 minutes, just three minutes longer than Andy Murray took to beat Jürgen Melzer the day before.
The evidence for Federer's decline might not have been totally compelling but it was there; now, one win way from reaching the final, he looks awesome again.
"I'm not quite there yet," he said, acknowledging that his tennis is getting more attacking by the game. "I prefer to play aggressive. I don't overdo it either, because that's not the point, just storming to the net, hit clean winners on every shot. It's about building up the right plays and having the right game plan. That's what I seem like I'm having."
He said earlier in the week, "I don't care about unforced errors," after making 40 of them (including 14 in the set he lost) against Robredo, an imperfect performance that encouraged his rivals to imagine the owner of 16 grand slams might not be in the best shape to grab his 17th.
Today, he brought his error count down to 24 in three sets. Wawrinka? He sprayed 30 of them all over the court as his run in this tournament ended in a downbeat seventh career loss to Federer.
Wawrinka, alert and sharp putting Andy Roddick away on Sunday, played here as if sucked down into the court. Federer sprouted wings again, comfortable in all departments; he upped his serve to bang down five timely aces and getting 77% of his first serves in. Those figures alone told a tale of ease and contentment.
But, as he says, statistics are fine; it is the performance and the result that count. There was nothing wrong with either. His movement, composure and shot selection were too much for Wawrinka, who panicked under pressure and smashed a racket along the way.
Clearly Roger knew Stan's game better Stan knew Roger's or his own. Wawrinka employs Federer's former coach, Peter Lundgren, but even the odd nod and a wink from courtside could do little to help his charge as the first set went by in 29 minutes.
Wawrinka, normally so full of fight, was subdued and Federer picked up on his body language. There was brief resistance in the second, token resistance in the third.
"He was just too good," Wawrinka said. "Roger is always the same: when he comes to a tournament, he can always win."
Federer will now face Novak Djokovic in the semi-final after the Serbian beat Tomas Berdych 6-1 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 this morning.
On the other side of the draw, Rafa Nadal, still favourite, plays his Spanish compatriot David Ferrer in Wednesday's evening match, which starts at 8.30am GMT. Murray is on third against the Ukrainian Aleksandr Dolgopolov (about 5am GMT).
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