FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal player ratings: Declan Rice puts in machine-like performance but makeshift defender looks uncomfortable

      by

      ARSENAL managed everything but score – and were made to pay for their wastefulness.The Gunners racked up a staggering 18 attempts against Liverpool in their blockbuster FA Cup third-round clash at the Emirates.
      Wasteful Arsenal were dumped out of the FA CupCredit: Getty

      But after seeing so many chances go begging, Jakub Kiwior was the unlucky man who inadvertently headed a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross into his own net.
      And as Arsenal tried to find an equaliser deep into injury time, Luis Diaz sealed Liverpool’s place in round four with an emphatic finish.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Mikel Arteta’s men at the Emirates…
      AARON RAMSDALE – 8
      Back in goal and providing with ball at feet inside the first three minutes. Unlucky not to have an assist to his name.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Did not have to make a save until mid-way through the second half, then made an amazing stop to deny Diaz at his near post. 
      Nothing he could do about Kiwior’s calamity and a Diaz breakaway screamer.
      JAKUB KIWIOR – 5
      Looks uncomfortable at left-back in an Arsenal shirt, not that Arteta had much choice.
      Struggled to contain Diaz after the break, then scored an own goal. A poor showing.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      GABRIEL – 7
      Another fine display at the heart of Arsenal’s defence and almost got on the end of a Havertz cross to open the scoring.
      WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
      A few iffy passes out from the back but recovered well.
      Was otherwise a rock, in particular a superb tackle on Nunez in the box. His yellow card was a harsh one.
      BEN WHITE – 8
      Pin-point long throws high up the pitch giving team-mates great platform to attack and had a thump of his own that forced a good save from Alisson.
      Long ball over the top in the second half almost teed up Saka. Finally looks fully fit and back to his best.
      Aaron Ramsdale could have had an assist thanks to his brilliant kickingCredit: AFP
      Jakub Kiwior headed into his own net to put Liverpool in frontCredit: Reuters
      William Saliba made a superb tackle on Darwin NunezCredit: Getty
      DECLAN RICE – 9
      Does this guy ever have an off night?
      Another machine-like performance, covering every blade of grass and mopped up any mess. Did not put a foot wrong.
      JORGINHO – 7
      Marshalled the midfield well and kept them ticking over. Made way for Nketiah with ten minutes remaining.
      MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
      Seriously unlucky not to open the scoring with his effort smacking the bar and was at his creative and energetic best. Drove the team forward and kept them pushing.
      Unfortunately gave away the free-kick that led to Liverpool’s late goal.

      Reiss Nelson went round Alisson but couldn’t find the finishCredit: Reuters
      Martin Odegaard crashed an effort against the crossbarCredit: Reuters
      BUKAYO SAKA – 7
      Like at Anfield, was getting the better of Gomez down the right with darting runs outside and inside.
      But was later guilty of missing a glaring volley from a brilliant set-piece move.
      REISS NELSON – 7
      Had chance to nick the lead from a Ramsdale goal kick, rounding Alisson but hitting the side-netting. Looked sharp on and off the ball in the first half.
      Some neat touches after the break and unlucky to be brought off on the hour mark.
      KAI HAVERTZ – 8
      Did everything but score. Fluffed chances at the back post from two Saka corners and an Odegaard reverse pass but was involved heavily in all of Arsenal’s big moments.
      Continued to be influential after the break with a cute dinked cross that should have been stuck away by Saka.
      Read more on The Sun
      SUBS
      GABRIEL MARTINELLI (NELSON 62) – 7
      Looked lively with a point to prove. Did Alexander-Arnold for pace on several occasions.
      EDDIE NKETIAH (JORGINHO 80) – 6
      Usually so good at making an impact off the bench, but was quiet tonight.
      EMILE SMITH ROWE (HAVERTZ 88) – N/A
      LEANDRO TROSSARD (KIWIOR 88) – N/A

      Kai Havertz had a host of good chancesCredit: Getty
      Bukayo Saka was unable to find the netCredit: Getty
      Luis Diaz rounded off the win deep into injury timeCredit: Reuters
      The Colombian rifled into the top corner in styleCredit: Reuters More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Real FA Cup magic got TV snub.. bosses at the BBC and ITV should hang their heads in shame

      by

      TV bosses at the BBC and ITV should hang their heads in shame after snubbing the magic of our much-loved FA Cup.It is either through ignorance, arrogance or sheer incompetence — or all three — that they have scheduled some of the most dull and uninspiring collection of games ever seen in the third round.
      Maidstone boss George Elokobi and goal hero Sam Corne celebrates making FA Cup history by reaching the fourth round — but BBC and ITV snubbed televising them
      For me, this week every year is one of the most exciting in the football calendar.
      It is when the FA Cup really comes to life as the plumbers and builders or lower-league pros dine on the same table as the superstars.
      It is what makes this competition unique — not just here in the UK but across the globe.
      As a proud man of Kent, I simply could not miss going to watch little Maidstone United of the National League South host League One high-fliers Stevenage.
      Read More Football
      And the lowest-ranked team left in the competition caused the biggest shock and story of the round by producing a brilliant performance to stun Steve Evans’ men at their neat but small Gallagher Stadium.
      More than 1,000 joyous fans swamped the pitch at the end to celebrate one of the biggest achievement’s in the town’s 127-year football history. Yet the game was not picked by the dullards in the ivory towers of the Beeb and ITV.
      No, they believed the magic of the Cup lay on a Thursday night at Selhurst Park where Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace and Everton slogged out a goalless bore.
      And they felt the all-Premier League tie between Tottenham and Burnley would win the hearts of the nation on Friday night.
      Most read in FA Cup
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Around 1,000 Maidstone fans swamp the pitch in joy after historic win
      Fans celebrated with the Maidstone team on the pitch after they beat Stevenage
      Aside from Pedro Porro’s stunning winner at the end for Spurs, the game was a snooze-fest.
      Sunderland v Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime was a fair enough selection with it being a North-East derby — but even that proved to be an underwhelming and boring mismatch as the Toon cruised to a 3-0 win.
      Middlesbrough hosting Aston Villa was a pretty tepid affair on Saturday evening, too.
      Arsenal taking on Liverpool yesterday was an all-Premier League heavyweight clash so, to be fair to the BBC execs, that one deserved to be on the box.
      And tonight ITV are screening Wigan v Manchester United, which is a decent tie.
      But let’s not pretend they made that decision because they love the idea of League One club Wigan creating more Cup magic to add to their stunning 2013 triumph when they won it.
      No, tonight’s game is only on screens because it’s Manchester United. Every single round they are still in the competition, we have to endure having Erik ten Hag’s team forced down our throats.
      I’ve nothing against anyone at United — but personally cannot wait for them to be knocked out each year because it’s so excruciating listening to all the hype that surrounds them.
      Not one match at the weekend featured a team below the Championship — and even the two games that did involve second-tier clubs, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, were up against top-flight sides.
      AGGREGATE CROWDS 2023-24THE number of people who have passed through the turnstiles in the top six tiers of English football so far this season.
      PREMIER LEAGUE: 7,483,909
      CHAMPIONSHIP: 6,928,003
      LEAGUE ONE: 2,854,803
      LEAGUE TWO: 1,790,684
      NATIONAL LEAGUE: 822,432
      NATIONAL SOUTH: 417,508
      NATIONAL NORTH: 371,385

      Our football culture is not based only in the golden bubble of the sanitised Premier League.
      In fact, most people who go to football matches week in, week out go to games OUTSIDE the top flight.
      I’ve done some number crunching. So far this season, according to my A-level maths knowledge at least, an aggregate of 7,483,909 have passed through the turnstiles to watch Premier League football this season.
      Yet a staggering 13,184,815 punters have passed through the gates to watch either the EFL or the top two divisions of non-league football — nearly SIX MILLION more than the top division.
      People who defend the TV execs say that even if they did select a non-league side against a pro team, like Maidstone v Stevenage, they cannot guarantee an upset.
      One person on social media argued to me that a few years ago non-league Marine took on Tottenham and who was still watching as the Premier League side went 5-0 up? Well, how many people — my Geordie friends aside — were still watching when Newcastle went 8-0 up at Sheffield United in the Premier League in September?
      And if you went by that logic Ronnie Radford’s stunner for Hereford that helped knock Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 would never have been televised — and maybe the then 26-year-old commentator John Motson would not have gone on to have the great career he had.
      Of course, you cannot guarantee upsets in football — that is the whole beauty of it.
      TV execs decided that Crystal Palace v Everton was a ‘must-watch’ FA Cup tie that bored anyone unfortunate enough to watch it on Thursday
      When it does happen, like it did in Kent on Saturday, it makes it extra special.
      Thankfully, here at your favourite newspaper, we were at the Gallagher Stadium to capture it all — and will continue to champion ALL levels of our wonderful pyramid.
      As Wolves cult hero and Maidstone manager George Elokobi said on Saturday: “The magic of the FA Cup lives on.”
      Even if it doesn’t for those spoilsport TV execs who, quite frankly, have no clue about the heartbeat of our national game.
      By George, what a great bloke
      WHAT a guy George Elokobi is.
      After Maidstone’s stunning win on Saturday, the Wolves cult hero did not want to miss out a single person that has helped behind the scenes to make the club tick and set up one of the greatest days in their history.
      The emotional Stones boss said: “It’s not just one of the greatest days for me, my players, assistant Craig Fagan, goalkeeper coach Zach Foster-Crouch, backroom staff, the owners and director of football Bill Williams  — but everyone who works behind the scenes.
      “I’m talking about Ben and the media guys, John Gooch behind the scenes, Ian Tucker in the office, Helen, Bob, Helen Cooper who takes the photos, credit to all of them …. and I’m not forgetting Louise and Andy in the office. I’m trying not to forget anyone. We want to enjoy all these moments together.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Elokobi gets non-league football. He started and ended his playing career there. And as a manager he can go a long way — because he knows how to treat people. Everyone wants to work and play for him. It’s a huge asset to have.
      Oh, and he knows a thing or two about football. More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2: Gunners crash out in FA Cup third round AGAIN as Arteta’s side pay price for lack of striker

      by

      WHAT price Ivan Toney? What price any striker with an eye for goal?Because Arsenal’s season is in danger of sinking without trace after they squandered a hatful of chances before a Jakub Kiwior own goal and an injury-time Luis Diaz strike sentenced them to an FA Cup third-round exit.
      Jakub Kiwior’s own goal put Liverpool in frontCredit: EPA
      Luis Diaz added a late second with the last kick of the matchCredit: Reuters
      The Reds are through to the FA Cup fourth roundCredit: Reuters
      Martin Odegaard was one of several Arsenal stars guilty of missing chancesCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta’s side have now produced 48 attempts on goal in their last two home matches without scoring in either.
      And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was delighted to avoid a third-round replay and another trademark moan about fixture congestion as his side sneaked an undeserved win.
      Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were the worst culprits for wasteful Arsenal before Klopp’s side staged a strong finish to snatch victory.
      But the Gunners have now mustered just one win, and five goals, in their last seven matches – a run which has left them five points adrift of Liverpool in fourth place in the Premier League.
      Gabriel Jesus missed this with a knee injury but the Brazilian is no prolific striker.
      So while Brentford insist Toney will only be sold for a ridiculous fee, it is worth Arsenal asking exactly how ridiculous they mean.
      After failing to convert 30 chances in their 2-0 home defeat by West Ham, they were almost as profligate again here.
      Liverpool, top of the league and facing Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, are still going for a quadruple this season – despite rarely touching the heights of their title-winning campaign four years ago.
      Most read in FA Cup
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      As well as Mo Salah and Wataru Endo, away on international duty, Klopp was without Virgil Van Dijk through illness.
      In the absence of Jesus, Arteta moved Havertz to centre-forward and brought in Reiss Nelson and Jorginho, as well as Aaron Ramsale in goals.
      Yet the line-ups still suggested these two title-chasing managers were taking the cup seriously enough.
      Arsenal, wearing all white as part of their ‘No More Red’ anti-knife crime initiative, were almost in front in the third minute when Ramsdale’s long ball sent Nelson clean through but, after rounding Alisson, he shot into the side-netting.
      Showing an impressive early response to their back-to-back league defeats, Arteta’s men began with verve and urgency.
      Havertz was twice denied by Alisson in quick succession – at the back stick from a Saka corner then with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
      When Joe Gomez was robbed by Saka and Havertz cut back, Martin Odegaard thumped a shot against the bar and the league leaders were rocking.
      The Gunners couldn’t make their lighting start count, though, and Darwin Nunez – a striker who’d struggle to locate a cow’s backside with a banjo just now – headed a Harvey Elliott corner wide from close range.
      Arsenal have now lost three games on the bounceCredit: AFP
      Kai Havertz was one of several wasteful Gooners
      Arsenal had 18 shots but failed to find the net
      Diaz was one of Liverpool’s star performers
      Still apart from that it was all Arsenal, with Saka rediscovering his customary vigour, having looked fatigued of late.
      Declan Rice won a strong tackle to dispossess Alexis Mac Allister high up the pitch but Havertz scuffed his shot horribly.
      Next Ben White let rip with a fierce drive, which Alisson tipped over and from the resulting Saka corner, Havertz screwed a free header wide.
      The German was having one of his infuriating days and soon shot meekly at Alisson after Nelson had won possession impressively.
      After waves of Arsenal pressure, Liverpool skipper Trent Alexander-Arnold rocketed a shot against the bar as Klopp’s men finished a tough half on a high.
      The visitors raised their game early in the second period and when Alexander-Arnold picked out Nunez, he drilled an angled shot narrowly wide.
      After William Saliba’s crucial saving tackle denied Nunez, Mac Allister fouled Jorginho deep in the Liverpool half and Odegaard’s cute free-kick released Havertz, who chipped to the back post where an off-balance Saka volleyed over.
      Alisson was soon forced to push away a Havertz cross which had taken a dangerous deflection but Saka made a hash of the rebound.
      Arteta sent on Gabriel Martinelli for Nelson, as Klopp introduced Diogo Jota and Ryan Gravenberch.
      Liverpool were still offering a threat on the counter but when Nunez and Luis Diaz were sent through two-on-one, the Uruguayan botched his pass to his unmarked Colombian team-mate.
      Klopp then called for midfielder Bobby Clark – the teenage son of former Newcastle midfielder Lee – and Northern Ireland right-back Conor Bradley.
      Ramsdale had to wait until the 77th minute before he was asked to make a save of note but he denied Diaz with a brilliant stop at the far post.
      From the resulting corner, Jota headed against the bar and Nunez squandered another presentable chance.
      Read more on The Sun
      Bukayo Saka was sloppy in possession
      Both sides had ample opportunities to win the game
      For the first time in the match, Liverpool were on top, and when Odegaard fouled Gravenberch on the left wing, Alexander-Arnold delivered a wicked free-kick which Kiwior headed beyond his own keeper.
      And in the dying seconds, Liverpool broke swiftly and, with the Gunners defence stretched, Jota fed Diaz who lashed into the roof of the net. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      One-cap England star turns into ‘prime Didier Drogba’ with ‘Puskas contender’ that leaves opposition players stunned

      by

      LEEDS star Patrick Bamford left fans and the opposition gobsmacked with a wondergoal on Sunday afternoon.The striker has been out of form this season but proved class is permanent with perhaps the best goal of the round in the FA Cup.
      Patrick Bamford took the ball on his chest
      He then unleashed a powerful drive that hit the top corner
      Peterborough defender Jadel Katongo was left stunned
      Leeds visited League One high-flyers Peterborough and brushed them aside easily, winning 3-0.
      Bamford, 30, doubled the lead for his side in the second half with an incredible strike from distance.
      A long ball was played up to Bamford, who took the ball on his chest with his back to goal.
      He then unleashed a powerful volley on the spin and the ball flew into the top corner.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The travelling faithful went wild and Posh players looked stunned, with one covering his mouth in shock.
      Bamford, who won one England cap in 2021, was praised by fans on social media.
      One said: “That Bamford Goal… Prime Drogba goal.”
      Another added: “Puskas contender!”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      A third wrote: “James Rodriguez vibes.”
      And another commented: “What an amazing goal! Absolute stunner.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Thiago Silva’s wife shows off outrageous restaurant bill as Chelsea star takes Wag out to swanky London restaurant

      by

      THIAGO SILVA’S wife shared her shock at a huge restaurant bill as the couple celebrated Chelsea’s FA Cup joy – by posting a picture of it.And below her Instagram snap of the £900.30 bill, Isabelle da Silva wrote: “A simple family dinner” – adding an astonished emoji.
      Outspoken Isabelle da Silva and Thiago Silva enjoyed a costly meal out after Chelsea’s 4-0 third-round win over PrestonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Isabelle showed her feelings as she shared a pic of the billCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Thiago Silva enjoyed scoring Chelsea’s second goal as they ran riot in the FA Cup after the interval against Championship side PrestonCredit: Getty
      Silva service doesn’t come cheap at the Novikov Restaurant in London’s Mayfair – but fellow football legends like Paul Pogba and Harry Kane can vouch it’s nothing personal.
      Wayne Rooney, Neymar, John Terry, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Robin van Persie and Alexis Sanchez have also dined there.
      Thiago won’t have minded too much – having scored as Chelsea feasted in the second half to thump Preston 4-0 earlier on Saturday and as he also earns over £100,000 a week.
      He and Isabelle appeared to be just as ravenous that evening – with a £95 King Crab leg and £85 Peking Duck part of their packed order.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      The restaurant, which has a “smart and elegant” dress code, offers both Italian and Asian menus.
      You could scrimp on a salad starter or pasta dishes –  starting for ‘only’ £20 – or opt for £130 “Novikov Royal Caviar” at the other end of the price list.
      And in fact the Italian lunch menu costs only £29 for three courses.
      Meanwhile, 39-year-old Thiago remains the key man in Chelsea’s defence.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The 113-cap Brazilian even headed the Blues’ second goal against mid-table Championship side Huddersfield.
      So his manager Mauricio Pochettino might think Silva was entitled to pouch, or Poch, some top-notch posh nosh afterwards. More

    • 113 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      When are the FA Cup 2023/24 third round replays?

      by

      FA CUP replays make the iconic competition that little bit more intriguing – and it’s safe to say that there will be several of them in the third round.Premier League rivals Wolves and Brentford were the first pair to kick-start the need for a replay in this season’s competition.
      Bristol City have forced a replay against West HamCredit: AFP
      And since then, SIX more matches have ended in a draw and will have to be played again.
      But fans want to know when exactly these replays are taking place.
      When are the FA Cup replays?
      The FA Cup replays will commence on Monday, January 15.
      But matches could get played up until Thursday, January 18 depending on how many fixtures there are.
      Read more on FA Cup
      Are there FA Cup replays for every round?
      In 2020/21 and the 2021/22 season, all replays were scrapped due to a fixture congestion.
      But they were brought back in the 2022/23 campaign. for the third and fourth rounds.
      However, from the fifth round onwards, there will be NO replays which means that all matches have to be concluded on the night even if it takes extra time and penalties.
      What matches need to be replayed for 2023/24 third round?

      Wolves vs Brentford
      Eastleigh vs Newport County
      Bristol Rovers vs Norwich
      Birmingham vs Hull
      Bristol vs West Ham

      Most read in FA Cup More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Wigan won the FA Cup and could have avoided relegation three days later if we’d celebrated properly, says Paul Scharner

      by

      PAUL SCHARNER is proud to be the only Austrian to have won an FA Cup final.But that glorious day for Wigan at Wembley in 2013 is tinged with deep regret for the former defender.
      Paul Scharner shows off his 2013 FA Cup winners medal and shirt he wore that day against Manchester City at home in Austria
      Austrian ace Paul Scharner proudly holds aloft the FA Cup at Wembley
      That is because Scharner believes then boss Roberto Martinez and owner Dave Whelan’s decision not to let the team celebrate that weekend contributed to their relegation from the Premier League three days later.
      And as a consequence the club have suffered dark days since — going into administration and yo-yo’ing between the Championship and League One.
      Scharner flew home and refused to go on an open-top bus parade with the trophy when the team were finally allowed to enjoy their historic 1-0 win over Manchester City nine days later.
      And the Latics cult hero, now 43, told SunSport: “I was too hurt. Winning the FA Cup was the biggest achievement in Wigan’s history but we had been relegated.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      “I skipped the bus parade and flew home. I watched the videos later but couldn’t imagine I’d stay on the bus celebrating like we’d won the league.
      “Of course, I missed something because half of Wigan was on the streets celebrating but I couldn’t throw away my sad emotions and celebrate like we’d only had success.”
      Wigan celebrate winning the FA Cup with boss Roberto Martinez
      It had been a bizarre sequence of events caused by the FA Cup final being played one week before the domestic league season finished.
      Wigan, who host Manchster United in the third round on Monday night, had written one of the most glorious chapters in FA Cup history after Ben Watson’s injury-time winner stunned Roberto Mancini’s Premier League champions.
      Most read in Football
      But they had to win at Arsenal in their penultimate game of the season three nights later or drop into the Championship.
      So the decision was made for Martinez and his players to travel home by coach that evening with alcohol banned so champagne was replaced by Lucozade.
      We should’ve had a big celebration until Sunday evening before starting preparations on Monday.It would’ve brought more energy for the Arsenal matchPAUL SCHARNER
      And Scharner recalled: “Dave Whelan came into the dressing room after the game and said, ‘Congratulations, boys  — but we need to concentrate on Tuesday.’
      “We’d made history for Wigan and pulled off one of the biggest cup final shocks.
      “It was the same with Martinez, ‘The focus must be on Arsenal.’
      “But looking back, had I been the manager, I’d have stayed in London and not travelled back until after the Arsenal game on Tuesday.
      “We should’ve had a big celebration until Sunday evening before starting preparations on Monday. 
      “It would’ve brought more energy for the Arsenal match. When you’re in this unbelievably happy moment after such a big win, you must focus on the emotions and keep the energy you had on the pitch on Saturday because we’d won the FA Cup. 
      “I don’t think it was the best decision to go back to Wigan with no celebration.”
      The team, having travelled home with the flattest celebration ever, then had to come all the way back to North London a couple of days later.
      And despite a spirited first-half performance Wigan were thumped 4-1 by the Gunners.
      Wigan were relegated from the Premier League at Arsenal three days after the biggest win of their history
      Scharner sighed: “Theo Walcott killed us in the second half. It was difficult for me because one of the main targets I had in my career was never to have a relegation on my CV.
      “All the things that have happened to the club since were a consequence of that season.”
      The Austrian was on loan for the second half of the FA Cup-winning season from Hamburg to help Martinez shore up his leaky defence — but he had previously enjoyed four seasons at the club from 2006 to 2010.
      And he believes Wigan never fully fulfilled their potential when they were in the top-flight because Whelan was not ambitious enough.
      Scharner points to the 2008-09 season when the club were flying high under Steve Bruce and sitting sixth halfway through the season with European football a realistic target.
      He said: “Whelan was so happy with Premier League status. He only looked at that.
      David Whelan was not ambitious about European football and sold his best players
      “He didn’t grow his target and that’s why Wigan stopped developing.
      “A good example was in 2008-09 when we were sixth after Christmas and he sold Emile Heskey and Wilson Palacios, our main players, during the January transfer window to Aston Villa and Tottenham.
      “And that is because Whelan wasn’t interested in Wigan playing European football. I can tell you now: we had definite potential at that time to compete in the top third of the table.”
      Scharner revealed the mental pressure made him feel ill on the morning of the final — and he added: “During the game, my body temperature skyrocketed but I couldn’t stop because I wanted to win the trophy.
      “I was near to having some tears when walking out. You cannot allow emotions to overwhelm you but also need to keep some for on the pitch.
      “During my career, I set up two or three special mental tricks to stop it. One was to put a stop sign in my mind to immediately stop negative thoughts.”
      Scharner, famed for his wacky haircuts and dress sense, never played senior football again after Wigan’s final game in 2013 against Aston Villa — deciding to retire after failing to get a look-in when he returned to Hamburg.
      The Austrian now runs his own business called “Lighthouse – Partners for Life” where he works as a “personal coach”. 
      He said: “I help young players learn what it takes to become a pro — not just on the pitch but lifestyle things and the mental side of the game.”
      Paul Scharner returned to Wigan for a special 10th anniversary event including a charity football match
      Scharner returned to Wigan last year for a special 10th anniversary gala and charity football match as well as reacquainting himself with former team-mate and current Latics boss Shaun Maloney.
      And the Austrian believes the new owners  and investors led by local businessman Mike Danson have started a brighter chapter for the club.
      He said: “Hopefully, their finances have stabilised for the next decade to focus on promotion again at least to the Championship. Wigan is definitely a Championship team and one that sometimes can go for promotion to the Premier League. 
      Wigan heroes support Joseph’s Goal charityPAUL SCHARNER and the Wigan’s 2013 FA Cup heroes support a family-charity called Joseph’s Goal.
      Formed in 2012 , it helps fund research into the rare genetic disorder NKH. Joseph Kendrick was Wigan Athletic’s lucky mascot at the 2013 FA Cup final. He was given days to live after being born but is now 14 and an inspiration for everything. There’s an annual legends game at Wigan which Scharner, Roberto Martinez, Shaun Maloney, Antonio Valencia and Bryan Robson have played in.

      “Because of the foreign investors they had for the last couple of years, they’re now happy to have Wigan-based ones that belong to the heritage. 
      “And the club has created with their past players a group where we can always communicate, and we are always invited to the home games.
      “It’s vital for a club like Wigan to build some heritage and get some support for their long-term success.”
      I threw away my cup losers medal – then got a Christmas card from fan who caught it
      WIGAN legend Paul Scharner threw his League Cup runners-up medal away after losing to Manchester United in the 2006 final.
      United thumped the Latics 4-0 at the Millennium Stadium and so Scharner was so cross he threw his medal into the crowd.
      And he said: “I was so disappointed with the set-plays that I threw my medal away. 
      “The final was in February but what was funny is that I got a Christmas card later that year from a Wigan fan who caught the medal. 
      “I got a big thank you and it was written like it was the best day of his life!”
      Wigan could well be excused for losing by a similar scoreline on Monday night in the FA Cup against a United team two divisions above them.
      Read more on The Sun
      But Scharner believes United can be beaten.
      He said: “I guess they will rest some players for the Premier League game and there’s an opportunity to win the game and surprise many people. Let’s hope so.” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City 5 Huddersfield 0: Kevin De Bruyne returns after five months out as FA Cup holders thump Championship strugglers

      by

      HE’S back – and needed no time to return to doing what he does best.Kevin De Bruyne made his long-awaited comeback to the Manchester City team after almost five months out due to hamstring surgery.
      Kevin De Bruyne provided an assist as he returned off the benchCredit: PA
      Jeremy Doku celebrates notching Man City’s fifth goalCredit: Getty
      He was only on the pitch for 35 minutes but was still able to have a hand in two goals in another rout for the FA Cup holders.
      No wonder Jurgen Klopp said the whole country was shaking about the brilliant Belgian coming back into the fold.
      You can stop shaking now, Jurgen – and start worrying because the early signs are he can have a huge say on the final few months of the season.
      The only question is where will Pep Guardiola play him – because Phil Foden has been relishing the central role he normally occupies.
      The Three Lions ace was superb again here – scoring twice as City awoke from a slow start and ran riot.
      It was always going to be a tall order for a team on the edges of the Championship relegation zone to come to the home of the newly-crowned world champions.
      But in addition, Huddersfield boss Darren Moore had to pick a team without 12 players – due to injury and international call ups.
      Guardiola opted to shake up his team despite having a rare midweek off in the build up.
      Most read in Sport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Ederson, Kyle Walker and Rodri were among those to be stood down – and they were soon joined on the sidelines by Manuel Akanji.
      A thumping challenge from Alex Matos earned himayellow cardbut ended the afternoon of the Swiss defender in the 18th minute.
      His replacement Matheus Nunes perked up the home side who had struggled to get going in the opening exchanges.
      A shot from Oscar Bobb which deflected wide off team-mate Rico Lewis summed up their early efforts.
      But two goals in the space of four minutes just after the half hour put the tie beyond the visitors.
      First a shot from Julian Alvarez was blocked but the loose ball fell nicely into the path of  Foden who hammered it past Lee Nicholls from a tight angle.
       Town were still dusting themselves down when City struck again as Nunes played a neat one-two and burst into the box.
      His pull back reached Lewis whose connection was not what he wanted but Alvarez was able to divert it on target and over the line.
      “We want 10” chanted the home fans.
      For all that has happened since, the day back in 1987 when City hit double figures against the Terriers has not been forgotten.
      The loudest cheer of the day was reserved for KDB when he replaced Alvarez 10 minutes after the re-start.
      As ever things started to happen with the Belgian on the pitch – although surprisingly he was not involved as City added to their lead.
      A long ball forward from Mateo Kovacic was plucked out of the sky by Nunes and he played into the path of Bobb.
      The Norwegian youngster’s clever chip over Nicholls kissed the underside of the bar on its way in  
      Sorba Thomas fluffed the chance to give Town’s noisy away fans a consolation when he wriggled free of Ruben Dias but Ortega saved with his feet.  
      And De Bruyne was involved as City scored a fourth as he rolled a pass to Sergio Gomez who nudged it on to Kovacic.
      The Croatian found Foden on the edge of the box and he swept a low shot into the corner.
      The England starlet has relished his role in the middle in recent weeks – maybe because he’s had the old master KDB breathing down his neck.
      A goal for their beloved Belgian was what the crowd realy wanted but he whistled a 25 yard effort just over the angle.
      Yet an assist was the next best thing and he produced one of them as he swapped passes with Bobb before clipping a cross to the back post.
      Read more on The Sun
      His fellow Belgium international and sub Jeremy Doku – himself returning from injury – was there to sweep home on the half volley.
      How they have missed their main man – and what a tonic for City to get him back.   More