FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea 0 Leicester 1: Watch Youri Tielemans net absolute ROCKET to fire fantastic Foxes to first ever FA Cup crown

      by

      WHEN the moment arrived, 63 minutes in, it felt like an assault on the senses. The beauty of a rising, bending 30-yarder, the bulging of the net, the roar of the crowd and the frenzy of wild limbs. 
      Jubilant Wes Morgan and keeper Kasper Schmeichel hold aloft the FA Cup as Leicester finally win a final at the fifth attemptCredit: Reuters
      Leicester stars toasted boss Brendan Rodgers after their first-ever FA Cup triumphCredit: AP

      A nightmare for Foxes’ sub Wes Morgan, centre, soon became heaven for their whole team as his late own-goal equaliser was ruled out by VARCredit: AFP
      Ben Chilwell is ruled offside by the smallest of margins as he crossed the ball as VAR denied Chelsea a late leveller in the FA Cup final
      Man of the moment Youri Tielemans rightly gets his hands on the FA CupCredit: Getty
      Chelsesa boss Thomas Tuchel can’t believe the late VAR agony for his sideCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
      It felt as if football had woken from a 14-month coma. 
      The doors are open, the fans are back, a group of European Super League snakes have been slayed, Gary Lineker is sobbing with joy, and happy days are here again. 
      Youri Tielemans won the FA Cup – Leicester’s first success in five finals, the last way back in 1969 – with an absolute screamer met with absolute screams. 
      Then a moment of extraordinary drama in the 89th minute as Chelsea were denied an equaliser by a tight VAR call and the Foxes fans went potty again, seconds after believing their dreams had been dashed.
      Brendan Rodgers has his first major trophy in English football – a reward for two seasons of thrilling over-achievement.   
      Jamie Vardy has completed his unique journey from the preliminary rounds to Wembley glory. 
      And even if this was not a great match, the passion of the crowd and the quality of the winner made this a day to savour. 
      Many of us feared Leicester could end a wonderful campaign without a trophy or Champions League qualification. 
      Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount reacts after their late equaliser is ruled out after video replays showed Ben Chilwell was narrowly offsideCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
      Leicestr players hail midfield marvel Youri Tielemans after his wonder goalCredit: Getty
      Youri Tielemans surged forward to take advantage of the space Chelsea gave him with a brilliant breakthrough goal on 63 minutes in the FA Cup finalCredit: AFP
      Tielemans netted a worldie to win the FA CupCredit: AFP
      Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga paws the air in vain as Youri Tielemans thunders his historic goal for the Foxes at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and manager Brendan Rodgers point to a bright new future after at last winning an FA Cup final
      But Chelsea, so relentless under Thomas Tuchel until their midweek defeat by Arsenal, are the team suddenly threatening to blow it.  
      They face Leicester against at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in a six-pointer for a top-four finish and then they meet Manchester City in the Champions League Final in Porto. 
      But this defeat – their second in successive FA Cup Finals, both of which they started as favourites – will have bruised them. They are no longer a team with momentum. 
      Leicester were far from their best – but Wesley Fofana was magnificent in defence, after the early withdrawal of Jonny Evans; teenager Luke Thomas was outstanding at wing-back, Tielemans was masterful and Kasper Schmiechel made one outstanding late save.  
      Finally, here was a proper crowd – 22,000, the largest attendance at a British match since March of last year. 
      And a proper Cup Final – a choir and a brass band for Abide With Me, a (handshake-free) pre-match line-up for Prince William and public urination on Wembley Way.  
      For Leicester supporters, in particular, this was a day of days – a first FA Cup Final in 52 years and a first chance to watch their heroes in 14 months.   
      Some of them appeared to have been attempting 14 months worth of drinking in one day but who could blame them? 
      Chelsea sub Ben Chilwell celebrates what he thinks is an equaliser from his cross, only for VAR to intervene and rescue LeicesterCredit: Reuters
      Leicester share their goal joy with their supporters at Wembley
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer
      Leicester fans enjoy their return in large numbers and especially the feeling of finally winning an FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Another view of the historic hammer of a winner for Youri TielemansCredit: Reuters
      Jonny Evans was passed fit but lasted just 32 minutes before he was replaced by Marc Albrighton. 
      James Maddison was left on the bench with former Leicester man Ben Chilwell and the in-form Kai Havertz the most notable omissions from Thomas Tuchel. 
      Chelsea’s German boss stationed Reece James in a back three to combat the pace of Jamie Vardy – and James soon blocked a Vardy shot. 
      But as the rain hosed it down, Chelsea were getting a grip on proceedings – Mason Mount swivelling past Caglar Soyuncu and having a shot deflected wide. 
      Then Kante won possession and fed Timo Werner who skied an effort into the jeering Leicester fans, before Cesar Azplicueta failed to connect from close range after Werner headed on a Thiago Silva cross. 
      Werner had two shots blocked by Wesley Fofana and was promptly booked for a frustrated lunge at Luke Thomas.
      After Evans withdrew, Timothy Castagne moved into Leicester’s back three and a dozy pass from wing-back Albrighton sent Werner scurrying through for a shot which was deflected wide. 
      Leicester showed very little going forward – Soyuncu and Vardy both heading tamely wide but Chelsea looked stronger across the pitch. 
      It was the perfect day for Foxes’ supporters as they hail Youri Tielemans’ winnerCredit: Getty
      Supporters were back in force at Wembley for one of the greatest days in Leicester’s history
      This is the moment Chelsea surely knew the FA Cup final would not be their dayCredit: BT Sport
      Leicester began the second half with more intent – Fofana bullish in defence, Tielemans visionary in midfield and Chelsea were being pinned back. 
      Then when James had a pass out of defence intercepted Luke Thomas squared for Tielemans to send a bending, rising 25-yarder past Kepa Arrizabalaga and into the net. 
      It was Leicester’s first effort on target – indeed the first meaningful such effort for either side – but it was worth the wait, an instant Cup Final classic. 
      Rogers responded by sending on Maddison for Kelechi Iheancho, who had been well-shackled by Toni Rudiger, while Tuchel introduced Christian Pulisic and Chilwell. 
      And Chilwell was soon heading against the post as Chelsea prepared a late onslaught.  
      Mount then drilled in a volley and Schmeichel plunged low to his left to save brilliantly. 
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Then the moment of mayhem as Schmeichel failed to gather a Chilwell cross, Soyuncu lunged at the loose ball, which crossed the line off veteran club captain and sub Wes Morgan. 
      Chelsea celebrated wildly but they had not accounted for VAR, which judged that Chilwell was fractionally offside with his initial run. 
      A minute later, Leicester’s supporters had soared from the depths of despair to another bout of unadulterated joy as VAR Chris Kavanagh had his decisive say. 
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Leicester celebrate with the trophy after they win the FA Cup More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea players slammed for ditching FA Cup suits for tracksuits at Wembley before FA Cup final clash by Ian Wright

      by

      IAN WRIGHT was appalled with the Chelsea squad for turning up in tracksuits to the FA Cup final.It is tradition for players to dress in suits for the prestigious fixture, and indeed that is what Leicester City’s players did.
      Ian Wright was unimpressed with Chelsea’s attire for the FA Cup final
      Ian Wright slams Chelsea players for wearing tracksuits at Wembley before FA Cup final clash vs Leicester
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Wright, 57, declared his support for Leicester for that reason alone, suggesting the Blues had been disrespectful.
      The pundit was part of BBC’s Match of the Day Live coverage, and Gary Lineker asked Wright what he thought of Chelsea wearing tracksuits.
      Wright replied: “I don’t like to see people turning up to the FA Cup in tracksuits.
      “It’s not what this game is about, we saw all the lead-up, the suits is what it is about.
      “Leicester I’m so pleased, that’s why I’m supporting Leicester, they’re respecting it.
      “You’ve got to wear suits to the final, this is the day!”
      Ashley Cole then chipped in to mention he still has his eight FA Cup final suits, having appeared in the fixture for both Chelsea and Arsenal.

      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer

      The squad turned up in tracksuits and trainers for the most prestigious match in England
      Some weren’t impressed with Chelsea’s lack of Cup final suits

      Wright found that quip funny, but he was otherwise unamused by Chelsea’s showing ahead of kick-off.
      The former Gunners striker knows a thing or two about FA Cup finals himself, having won the competition on two occasions.
      He also has four final goals, with his double against Manchester United in the 1990 FA Cup almost giving Crystal Palace a famous win.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup final substitutions: How many changes can Chelsea and Leicester make today?

      by

      CHELSEA are facing Leicester in the FA Cup final this afternoon.And alongside the match being played in front of a limited number of fans, there is also a change into how many subs the teams can make in the big final.

      How many substitutes can the teams make in the final?
      Since the restart of football following the first phase of the pandemic last year, teams have been able to make five substitutes per match in the FA Cup.
      This is to counter fatigue with such a high amount of games in a short time.
      Though for the FA Cup final today, teams will be able to make one additional sub if the match goes to extra-time as had been the case before.
      So teams can make a total of SIX substitutions in today’s FA Cup final – if it goes past 90 minutes, and if either side has a player who needs to come off due to a head injury.
      In addition to this, Chelsea and Leicester can make one concussion sub if required and an additional change if the opposition has to make a concussion sub. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Leicester LIVE: Stream free, TV channel, score, kick-off time, and teams – FA Cup final latest as Kepa starts

      by

      CHELSEA are taking on Leicester in the FA Cup final and Thomas Tuchel has decided to stick with Kepa in the starting line-up.The Blues’ record signing came lost his place under former boss Frank Lampard but edges out Edouard Mendy for today’s game.
      Tuchel has been with the Blues for less than four months but has a chance to win a first trophy as their manager today.
      Leicester meanwhile have not reached an FA Cup final since 1969 and have never won the competition.
      But they’ll have their fans at Wembley supporting them today, with the match to be played in front of 21,000 supporters of both teams.
      That’s the highest capacity in UK sport since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

      The FA Cup final will kick off at 5.15pm BST.
      Chelsea vs Leicester is live for free on BBC One in the UK. You can also watch on BT Sport.
      If you want to live stream, the BBC iPlayer and BT Sport apps will allow you to watch on your mobile, tablet or laptop.
      You can also get a three-month free trial of BT Sport if you have an EE phone contract or get it included if you have Smart Benefits.
      Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso, Ziyech, Werner, Mount
      Leicester XI: Schmeichel, Castagne, Soyuncu, Evans, Fofana, Thomas, Ndidi, Tielemans, Perez, Iheanacho, Vardy

      THAT’S A KEEPER
      This is a big day for Leicester star Kasper Schmeichel…
      It’s also a big day for goalkeepers in English football.
      Schmeichel is the first keeper to start as captain since David James for Portsmouth in 2010.
      More below:

      KEL-ING IT
      Jamie Vardy is Leicester’s top danger man but Kelechi Iheanacho has been a major force in the FA Cup.
      Since the start of the 2015-2016 campaign, Iheanacho has scored more FA Cup goals than any other player.
      The striker has netted a total of 14 crackers, which means Chelsea will have to keep an extra eye on the Nigeria international.
      The ex-Manchester City ace has registered a total of 18 goals and seven assists in 36 matches across all competitions this season
      GETTY IMAGES
      NICE TUCH
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel makes history tonight as he becomes the first ever German manager to coach in an FA Cup Final.
      Tuchel has turned things around ever since replacing Frank Lampard at the Blues’ dugout in January as he has won a whopping 17 out of all his 26 matches across all competitions, of which he has only lost a mere three.
      The 47-year-old boss has also amassed 11 clean sheets out of all of his 17 Premier League matches, which makes the west Londoners one of the toughest teams to score against.
      However, he has never faced Leicester before and today marks his first ever meeting with Brendan Rodgers in all of his 14 years in management.
      Tuchel told BT Sport before the game: ““I’ve had worse days in my life, clearly, it cannot get much better than this.
      “I’m grateful to arrive in the maybe the most prestigious cup final in the world with a strong team and strong club. It’s quite a big day, but the job is not finish. We absolutely want to win, we arrive to win, it’s going to be tough, but the mindset is clear. We want the trophy.
      “We cannot get the points back from Wednesday’s defeat to Arsenal, but we can play sharper and show we learned a lesson. It’s a cup final, we want to be at our very best, and we will have to against a strong Leicester side”
      GETTY IMAGES
      LEICESTER FORMATION
      Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 as well with only one change to the team that beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
      Kasper Schmeichel starts in goal with Wesley Fofana, Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans, who replaces Marc Albrighton, in defence.
      Timothy Castagne starts as a right wing-back with Luke Thomas on the other side, while Youri Tielemans and Wilfred Ndidi link up in defence.
      Ayoze Perez, Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy lead the attack
      CHELSEA FORMATION
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel appears to have opted for a 3-4-3 formation with five changes to the team that lost to Arsenal at home on Wednesday.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal with captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger, who replaces Kurt Zouma, in defence.
      Reece James plays as right wing-back with Marcos Alonso, on for Ben Chilwell on the other side, while Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, who takes Billy Gilmour’s place, team up in midfield.
      Masoun Mount, Timo Werner, who replaces Christian Pulisic, and Hakim Ziyech, who takes Kai Havertz’s place, lead the attack
      LEICESTER SUBS
      12 Ward, 5 Morgan, 18 Amartey, 21 Ricardo, 20 Choudhury, 24 Mendy, 26 Praet, 10 Maddison, 11 Albrighton.
      CHELSEA SUBS
      16 Mendy, 21 Chilwell, 33 Emerson, 15 Zouma, 23 Gilmour, 29 Havertz, 20 Hudson-Odoi, 10 Pulisic, 18 Giroud
      LEICESTER XI
      1 Schmeichel; 27 Castagne, 4 Soyuncu, 6 Evans, 3 Fofana; 33 Thomas, 25 Ndidi, 8 Tielemans; 17 Perez, 14 Iheanacho, 9 Vardy

      CHELSEA XI
      1 Kepa; 28 Azpilicueta, 6 Silva, 2 Rudiger; 24 James, 7 Kante, 5 Jorginho, 3 Alonso; 22 Ziyech, 19 Mount, 11 Werner

      THE TEAM SHEETS ARE IN!!!
      FANS ARE BACK
      The FA Cup Final won’t be taking place with empty stands at Wembley Stadium as a total of 21,000 fans will be in attendance.
      That means that the legendary ground, which holds up to 90,000 fans, will be at an approximate 23 per cent capacity for the clash between Chelsea and Leicester.
      The allocation is made up of supporters from both teams as well as local residents and NHS staff, who were offered tickets as a way of saying thank you for their tireless work during the coronavirus pandemic.
      But the supporters had to take a Covid-19 test two or three days prior to the match before another one on the day of the final.
      Fans were also allowed to attend last month’s Carabao Cup Final between eventual winners Manchester City and Tottenham, although Wembley that day was at 8,000 capacity

      GETTY IMAGES
      GATTY IMAGES
      GETTY IMAGES
      LEICESTER STATS
      Leicester are third in the Premier League table with two points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea.
      The Foxes have been impressive in the FA Cup as they have scored 12 goals, one more than the Blues, and conceded a mere two.
      Brendan Rodgers’ men have won 20 out of 36 Premier League matches and lost 10, which makes it the joint-worst return of the top four.
      Leicester have scored a total of 65 goals and conceded 44, which means that Kasper Schmeichel has picked up the ball out of his own net more times than anyone else in the top five
      GETTY IMAGES

      CHELSEA STATS
      Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table with four points separating them from fifth-placed Liverpool and two from third-placed Leicester, whom they will also face in the Premier League at home on Tuesday.
      The Foxes have their work cut out as the Blues hold the joint-highest number of clean sheets (18) in the Premier League and have only conceded one goal in all of their five FA Cup matches, where they have scored 11 goals.
      The west Londoners have won a total of 18 out of 36 matches in the Premier League where they have lost eight times, which is the joint-worst return of the top four.
      However, they have scored a total of 55 goals in the top flight and conceded a mere 33, which is the second lowest tally behind Manchester City
      GETTY IMAGES
      HEAD -TO-HEAD
      Chelsea and Leicester’s first ever encounter took place way back in 1905 during a second division match in the East Midlands that the Blues won 1-0.
      Since then, the two sides have faced off a total of 118 times across all competitions with the west Londoners winning a majority of 57 games, compared to the Foxes’ 27 victories.
      The two Premier League giants have met nine times in the FA Cup and Chelsea won seven of the exchange whereas Leicester have yet to beat their Wembley opponents in the competition.
      The Blues overcame Brendan Rodgers’ men in the sixth round last year with a score of 1-0 thanks to Ross Barkley’s winner.
      However, Leicester should still be feeling confident as they defeated Thomas Tuchel’s men 2-0 in their Premier League clash five months ago in Frank Lampard’s penultimate match in charge

      TEAM NEWS
      It is a glorious day at Wembley as a total of 21,000 supporters return to the stands for this major clash between the Blues and the Foxes after a long absence due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will get the opportunity to win his first piece of silverware in west London after turning things around at Stamford Bridge five months ago when he replaced Frank Lampard at the helm.
      But Tuchel is facing the prospect of missing midfield star N’Golo Kante, who’s suffering Achilles trouble that kept him out of the midweek defeat by Arsenal.
      Andreas Christensen also poses as a doubt as he is dealing with a tendon problem and the same goes for Mateo Kovacic after his recent bout with a hamstring injury.
      Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, on the other hand, will be without long-term absentees Harvey Barnes and James Justin who are both out with a knee injury.
      Meanwhile, Jonny Evans is hoping to recover in time from a recent foot injury while star midfielder James Maddison is expected to return to the starting line-up after overcoming a hip problem
      GETTY IMAGES
      FAN-TASTIC
      Isn’t this a sight for sore eyes?
      The first fans descending on Wembley after over 14 months without watching their teams.
      These Leicester City supporters have already seen their team cause arguably the biggest shock in football history by lifting the Premier League title in 2016.
      And they’ll be looking for their team to defy expectations once again as they face Champions League finalists Chelsea.

      BLUE IS THE COLOUR
      It’s a battle of the Blues as Chelsea take on Leicester in the FA Cup final.
      The West Londoners are looking for a first trophy under Thomas Tuchel as they take on the Foxes at Wembley.
      And with victory they can go one better than they managed under Frank Lampard when they were edged out 2-1 in last year’s final.
      Leicester meanwhile have not appeared at an FA Cup final since 1969.On that day, they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City.
      But the club has big ambitions and are looking for a first trophy under Brendan Rodgers.
      This match will also mark the largest capacity at an English football match since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis last year.
      21,000 fans will be out in force cheering their teams on at Wembley today.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Wembley welcomes 21,000 fans for Chelsea vs Leicester FA Cup final in biggest UK crowd since coronavirus lockdown

      by

      LEICESTER and Chelsea fans are enjoying a big day out at the football once again as Wembley opened its doors for the FA Cup final.Some 21,000 supporters are attending Saturday’s clash between the Premier League clubs in the capital.
      Wembley Way was back in business on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Leicester fans enjoyed their first FA Cup final in decadesCredit: Getty
      It is the biggest crowd welcomed into a live event since the coronavirus pandemic led to lockdowns and games being played behind closed doors.
      Those trekking up Wembley Way were asked to take a Covid test in the days prior to the game before a lateral flow test this morning.
      The game kicks off at 5.15pm as Leicester look to win their first-ever FA Cup final after four defeats in the showpiece, the most recent in 1969.
      Chelsea meanwhile have enjoyed great success in the competition, winning it eight times.
      Several test events have been held across the UK in recent weeks including the 8,000-strong crowd at the Carabao Cup final and the snooker fans entering the Crucible for the World Championship.
      And from May 17, the Government is giving the green light to crowds nationwide of up to 10,000, or 25 per cent of a venue’s capacity.
      It wouldn’t be the FA Cup without a foil-wrapped trophyCredit: PA
      The Foxes attended their first FA Cup final since 1969Credit: PA
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer
      Fans were able to enjoy Wembley Stadium for another showpiece eventCredit: Getty
      One fan donned a very topical shirt name and numberCredit: Getty
      The day however came amid warnings that the Government may have to delay further reopenings of the country.
      The ‘Indian variant’ of the Covid disease has been detected in the UK and there are fears it is more transmissible than other variants.
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden stated on Saturday: “The crucial road map date for theatres, music venues and sports has always been step 4.
      “So I understand this is an anxious time as we assess the situation over the next couple of weeks.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

      “We continue to make good progress with the vaccine rollout and with testing the safe return of audiences through the Events Research Programme, but must accept we enter a period of heightened vigilance with the new fast-moving variant.
      “We will keep engaging with, and updating, organisations to allow everyone to plan their full reopening.”
      PM Boris Johnson admitted in the week that ‘hard choices’ may have to be made with regard to the June 21 date.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rangers star Alfredo Morelos films fans welcoming team bus back to Glasgow with giant banner and fireworks display More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie Vardy reveals he considered quitting Leicester to become Ibiza party rep ahead of Foxes’ FA Cup final vs Chelsea

      by

      JAMIE VARDY revealed he considered quitting Leicester to become an Ibiza party rep and laughed: ‘Thank God I didn’t.’Vardy was struggling for goals in the Championship after signing from Fleetwood for £1million in 2012.
      Jamie Vardy considered quitting Leicester to become an Ibiza party repCredit: Rex
      The striker was so down in the dumps, he requested to be loaned back before even contemplating packing it in all together for a life on the party isle.
      Ahead of Leicester’s FA Cup final with Chelsea, Vardy, 34, said: “Moving to Ibiza felt a good idea at the time.
      “It felt a really good idea. Thank God I didn’t. It was one of those things.
      “I’d never been in that environment — playing in the Championship, struggling, the performances and the goals not coming and it does make you think.
      “I had a chat with Nigel Pearson at one point and I was trying to get him to loan me back to Fleetwood, just because I’d had success there.
      “He said, ‘Listen, you’re good enough, just knuckle down, you can play a lot higher’.
      “At that stage I knew he believed in me and after that it all clicked together. It was a learning curve.
      “The big jump in standard took a bit of time getting used to and then the season after we got promoted.”
       WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      If Vardy by his own admission was not ready for top-flight football, he said it was nothing compared to when the Foxes pulled off a 5000/1 upset to become Premier League champions in 2016.
      He explained: “Winning the league probably set us back a bit because it wasn’t supposed to happen so we probably weren’t ready for it, on and off the field.
      “I couldn’t see any of this happening when I signed but it’s where the club wanted to go and what they wanted to achieve.
      “The owners were brilliant and always wanted to go up and up, and keep progressing.
      “If you look at the nine years since I’ve been here that’s all it’s ever done. It’s carried on progressing.”

      Jamie Vardy signed for Leicester from FleetwoodCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jamie Vardy lifted the Premier League title in 2016Credit: PA:Press Association
      The league title was the last piece of silverware the forward lifted, but the Foxes have the chance to defy the odds again at Wembley against Chelsea.
      They are also third in the table, two points above the Blues who they play in their next league match, and Vardy is not yet prepared to close out his remarkable story.
      He added: “If I didn’t have football, I’d probably still be working in a factory making splints for people with foot drop.
      “If we won the Cup I wouldn’t want it to end there. I’d want to be coming back again next year to try to win it again.”
      Brendan Rodgers says Jamie Vardy is a natural striker More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Matt Piper backs Rodgers & Co to end Leicester City’s FA Cup hurt and finally give ex-Foxes star something to celebrate

      by

      MATT PIPER is desperate to make some good FA Cup memories… eventually.The former Leicester City winger, 39, has suffered heartbreak in the world’s oldest cup competition as a fan, player and pundit.
      Matt Piper has endured his fair share of hurt through the FA Cup over the yearsCredit: The Sun
      The former winger played for Sunderland in the 2004 semi-final but lost to Tim Cahill’s winner for MillwallCredit: PA
      In 2001, seven months before his first-team debut, he was at Filbert Street to witness Roy Essandoh’s injury-time header send third-tier Wycombe Wanderers into the semis.
      Three years later, after two fourth-round exits with the Foxes, Piper’s Sunderland reached the semi-finals before losing 1-0 to Millwall at Old Trafford.
      And since taking up the microphone with BBC Radio Leicester, he had to endure Claude Puel’s Newport humiliation.
      This year, though, he hopes it is a different story.
      Piper told SunSport: “Growing up as a Leicester fan, we never did well in the FA Cup.
      “Being a player getting to the semi-finals and the debacle at Newport, maybe the FA Cup and I are never meant to be!
      “We were crying at full-time in 2004. It was all those emotions coming out of being let down in the FA Cup.
      “It still has that romance, it is a special trophy but you’ve always been disappointed as a Leicester fan.

      “I have a feeling we can do it against Chelsea. If we play really well, we win. Other than Manchester City, it is rare this team plays well and loses.
      “The manager takes it seriously with a talented squad so we are hopeful but because of the club’s history you think maybe not.”
      For many Leicester fans, Piper included, the FA Cup is the ‘one’ missing.
      City have lost all four of their previous appearances in the final, in 1949, 1961, 1963 and 1969.
      It is an unwanted record Brendan Rodgers will be looking to shake today.
      In the last five years alone, the Foxes have won the Premier League – beyond many’s wildest dreams – reached the Champions League quarter-finals and the Europa League knockouts to add to their three League Cups.
      Piper continued: “In our poll the FA Cup won over Europa League hands down. Everyone wants to win the FA Cup. Some want it over top four.
      “It seems crazy but we have won most of the others. The FA Cup is missing.
      Piper was in the stands at Filbert Street when Roy Essandoh headed Wycombe into the semi-finalsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Leicester’s miserable FA Cup record hit a new low with defeat to Newport in 2019 under Claude PuelCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I agree with that. But because I run a business, I know top four is huge financially and mentally.
      “I want this club to keep growing and progressing. To finish in the top four and an FA Cup final… wow, what a season.”
      The ex-player was one of the few Foxes supporters inside Wembley to see Kelechi Iheanacho fire his side through to a first final in 52 years.
      Now Leicester’s No1 goalscorer this term, it has been a remarkable turnaround for the FA Cup’s top-scoring African.
      The Nigerian could be crowned Leicester’s player of the season but there are plenty of candidates.
      Piper, who was in tears at full-time of the semi-final, said: “It didn’t feel like an important day or big occasion because of the fans not being there.
      “Brian Deane texted me to ask ‘What alien has taken over Kelechi Iheanacho?’ At Crystal Palace, he missed a penalty. I thought maybe he’s not the guy.
      “He’s got wonderful talent but maybe not the mentality. He would get booed for warming up!
      In-form Kelechi Iheanacho scored the only goal of the semi-final and enjoying life under Brendan RodgersCredit: Reuters
      James Justin was on course to get Leicester’s player of the season and go to the Euros before his injuryCredit: AFP
      “I’m so happy he’s turned it around. He’s clearly a confidence player, his performances have been unbelievable, his goalscoring record is ridiculous, his finishing ability – my word! He’s endeared himself with his interviews like dedicating the hat-trick to the mums.
      “Kelechi has thrown his hat in the ring for Leicester’s player of the season.
      “This is Kasper Schmeichel’s best season, Wilfred Ndidi a monster, Jonny Evans magnificent, Timothy Castagne wicked, Harvey Barnes was having a great time.
      “I’m going to pick James Justin because he was so good, he would definitely have gone to the Euros and was on course to get it by a country mile.
      “If I’m not going for an injured player, Youri Tielemans. He’s the guy that makes it all happen.”
      Piper’s professional playing career, over by 24, was decimated by 14 knee surgeries, limiting him to 48 league appearances across six years.
      His own standout memory came 19 years ago last Tuesday, with his diving header against Spurs in 2002 the last goal scored at Filbert Street and his only Foxes strike.
      ‘Pipes’ has spoken openly about his struggles with alcohol and drugs but is now in a much better, healthier place – both personally and professionally.
      Piper came through at the academy of his beloved Foxes and made 16 league appearancesCredit: Raymonds Press Agency
      This diving header was the last goal scored at Filbert Street and Piper’s only one for his boyhood clubCredit: Raymonds Press Agency
      The winger joined Sunderland in 2002 in a £3.5m deal but his career was hampered by a series of knee injuriesCredit: Keith Perry
      His FSD Academy in Leicester, founded in 2017, is booming and expanding.
      They started with 21 kids but now have more than 90 across the various sport and education schemes, including BTEC courses and alternative provision for 14-16s expelled from school.
      Managing director Piper added: “The power of our academy is the environment we have created. You don’t want to bring anyone in not aligned to that.
      “It’s a golden problem. I try to draw inspiration from Brendan in how I operate.
      “I’ve spread myself a bit too thin. Because we’re understaffed I need to throw my trackie on and take a session, 15 minutes after being in a big business meeting.”
      As well as helping youngsters reach their potential, Piper’s activism and openness surrounding racism is commendable.
      He was in full support of the social media blackout but knows the fight continues.
      The reaction to the European Super League was both disheartening and a reason for hope.
      I thank my lucky stars my kids are classed as white because of some of the c**p I’ve put up with over the yearsMatt Piper
      If the uproar & unity from us all against the #SuperLeague , was replicated against racist behaviour…we’d be a lot further forward in the fight against racism!That’s the type of fight & unity it will take to make real change moving forward!Action!…….Yields results 🙌🏾— Matt Piper (@_mattpiper) April 20, 2021

      The Leicester-born star said: “The majority of people aren’t racist. It’s one thing saying you’re against it, it’s another taking action when it doesn’t directly affect you.
      “It’s difficult. It’s not going away, it’s only getting worse.
      “The blackout is another step but we still need more. It felt like a movement of crossing borders with greater action. Taking the knee was a big step but has lost a bit of its intended outcome so you have to go again.
      “When everyone comes together of different races, religions, colours – that’s when you get more change and forward progress.
      “It was highlighted with the ESL. Everyone came together for one cause and said ‘no’.
      “I had to highlight that on Twitter. Imagine if people came together with such action over racism and homophobia? We wouldn’t eradicate it overnight but we’d be so much further down the line.
      “Massive credit to Patrick Bamford. It’s one thing for me to write on my social media, it’s entirely different for Bamford to say it with his profile right after a Premier League game.
      “This is terrible to say but it’s true: sometimes I thank my lucky stars my kids are classed as white.
      “I’m a mixed-race guy, my ex-partner is white so my kids pass as white and sometimes I’m thankful for that because of some of the c**p I’ve put up with over the years.”
      Piper supports taking a knee and social media blackouts but says more needs to be done in the fight against racismCredit: The Sun
      Leicester’s amazing new world-class £100m training ground More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Can FA Cup final go to extra-time or will it go straight to penalties?

      by

      CHELSEA take on Leicester TODAY’S FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium and 21,000 fans are set to be present for the event. Both the Blues and the Foxes have been two of the Premier League’s best teams this season, so fans can expect a tight encounter in south west London later today.
      Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea are looking to win another FA CupCredit: Getty
      That leaves all the room in the world for a draw after 90 minutes of action, meaning a potentially nervy ending to the game for fans of both teams.
      Will FA Cup final go to extra-time or penalties?
      This season’s FA Cup format has seen a few changes thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
      Replays were scrapped in order to put at ease the teams competing under a hectic football schedule.
      But extra-time throughout this season’s competition as remained.
      Brendan Rodgers will be looking to win his first trophy as Leicester bossCredit: PA
      So if Chelsea’s final clash with Leicester ends in a draw after 90 minutes of action, both sides will remain on the pitch for at least another 30 minutes.
      Penalties, like usual, will only be needed if the game is still drawn after the full 120 minutes.
      There hasn’t been an extra-time period played in the FA Cup final since 2016, when Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-1.
      And the last time penalties were needed in the FA Cup final was 2006, when Liverpool overcame West Ham after a 3-3 draw.

      What channel is the FA Cup final on and can it be live streamed?

      Chelsea’s showpiece clash with Leicester will be shown live on BBC One, as well as BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Extra.
      You can live stream the game from the BBC iPlayer app and the BT Sport app, both of which can be downloaded onto a mobile or tablet device.
      The game is also available for live streaming on your Smart TV. More