Adebayor scores crucial late winner for Spurs

Premier League, Britannia Stadium - Stoke City 1 (Nzonzi 3) Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Dempsey 20, Adebayor 83)

 

Emmanuel Adebayor scored a late winner for Tottenham as they came from a goal down to beat Stoke City 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium and move ahead of Arsenal into fourth place.

Steven Nzonzi headed Stoke in front after only three minutes but Tottenham laid siege to the home side's goal, Clint Dempsey pulling them level on 20 minutes with a clever instinctive finish to beat the stranded Asmir Begovic.

Stoke's hopes of taking a point were fatally damaged when Charlie Adam was dismissed after only a minute of the second half when being shown a second yellow card, even if Tottenham had to wait until the 83rd minute to claim their winner.

Benefitting from a fortunate deflection in the box, Adebayor built on his fine performance in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea in midweek when sweeping the ball home at the back post to put Spurs two points ahead of Arsenal having played a game more.

Had Tottenham been held to a draw, Arsenal would have only needed to beat Wigan at home on Tuesday to effectively secure a top-four spot with a game remaining. Thanks to the intervention of their former player, though, the pressure is now firmly back on the red half of North London and the battle for fourth will go to the final day.

Spurs brought Dempsey into the team at Lewis Holtby's expense in one of two changes, while Stoke replaced Cameron Jerome with Matthew Etherington in a first XI that lacked potency - indeed, only QPR had scored fewer than Stoke's 32 goals in 36 games.

Tony Pulis's side can be neutered effectively if they are denied the oxygen of set-pieces in advanced positions, which made it perplexing when Dempsey gave away a silly free-kick with only three minutes on the clock when kicking an opponent.

Adam stood over the ball and dropped a delicious delivery in to the near post, where Nzonzi had freed himself of his marker to direct a header at goal. Hugo Lloris got his glove to the ball but couldn't wrap his fingers around it and prevent it sneaking in.

The goal temporarily threw Spurs off their stride, but with the double player of the year in their ranks it was not long before Stoke were on the back foot once more. Gareth Bale, performing through the centre again, saw one wicked effort from 25 yards tipped over by Begovic and threatened on a number of other occasions.

Still, it was Dempsey who got Spurs back level, minutes after having an effort ruled out for offside when he flicked a shot past Begovic. Scott Parker chipped a pass through midfield and as Begovic came to the left of the box to claim the ball, Marc Wilson slid in to send it right, the ball rolling to Dempsey who spooned it home first time with a cute improvised finish from 25 yards.

Tottenham continued to dominate and their supremacy was hardly dented by a red card shown to Adam within a minute of the second half. Having already been rather harshly booked for a clumsy knock into Jan Vertonghen, he tripped the same player to concede a rather more blatant foul.

Vertonghen, who provided so much energy from left-back, then went close to claiming a second for his side when he got free at the back post to meet a free-kick and headed over the bar. Dempsey also saw a 20-yard piledriver touched over by Begovic, while Bale flashed a right-footed effort just wide from the vicinity of the penalty spot, as Stoke continued to soak up pressure.

Robert Huth wasted a rare chance for the home side when heading over from a dangerous free-kick after 81 minutes and Stoke were to be punished when Adebayor settled the tie for the visitors. The ball took a fortunate deflection to find Dempsey in the box and his cross was converted at the back post by the striker.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Clint Dempsey: A goal and an assist for the American, who for once outshone Bale in the trio behind the lone striker.

PLAYER RATINGS

STOKE: Begovic 6, Shotton 6, Shawcross 7, Huth 6, Wilson 5, Whitehead 5, Nzonzi 7, Adam 5, Etherington 5, Walters 6, Crouch 5. Subs: Jerome 6, Wilkinson 7, Cameron 6.

SPURS: Lloris 6, Walker 6, Dawson 7, Caulker 6, Vertonghen 8, Huddlestone 7, Parker 6, Lennon 5, Bale 6, Dempsey 8, Adebayor 8. Subs: Dembele 6, Defoe 6, Sigurdsson 6.

 

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Mancini facing ignominious exit after City stunned by Wigan

If this is to be the end for Roberto Mancini, then what a desperate one: beaten, quite unexpectedly yet entirely deservedly by Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final. After a morning in which his position at Manchester City was placed in extreme doubt, a horrid performance in the afternoon may have extinguished any hopes he had of remaining at the club.

The day just never felt right for Mancini. Reports of Manuel Pellegrini’s supposedly imminent arrival were ill-timed, casting a cloud over the day; his surprising decision to start Joe Hart instead of Costel Pantilimon, who had been nominated as the keeper for the 132^nd FA Cup final, hinted at indecision; and a supine performance from his City side was, on such an occasion, inexplicable.

And as Wigan, inspired by the electric Callum McManaman, cut through City once more, Mancini only needed to let his gaze lift upwards at Wembley, where a huge arch bisected the darkening sky, for a symbolic reminder of football’s soaring highs and plunging lows – the totality of his managerial experience at City which could, and perhaps should, be brought to an end.

Cutting a distinctive slash into the London skyline, sweeping up and down over the home of football like a line on a graph, this steel lattice also served as a reminder of the word that doomed Mark Hughes, and may yet Mancini too: ‘trajectory.’

Mancini was clandestinely recruited in December 2009 when City decided that the ‘trajectory’ Hughes had the club travelling on was insufficient for a club of such wealth and ambition. A slight upwards curve was not enough. Three and a half years later, and after a cup final defeat which ensured a trophyless season, Mancini may suffer a similar fate, with Malaga’s Pellegrini next in the line of succession. Life by the sword, death by the sword. And this felt like a death.

Mancini is beloved by City fans - who chanted his name incessantly during the pre-match pageantry and, rather pointedly, sung “you can stick your Pellegrini up your arse” – but the hierarchy may feel he has reached the end of the line. There was not even the masking agent of a final flourish in May to disguise rank underachievement in Europe and disappointment in the league. City have flatlined this season.

Mancini, though he offered a half-hearted defence of his season by claiming only a handful of clubs have had better campaigns than City, nevertheless admitted, “I am disappointed personally, because I used to play to win every year.”

With Mancini failing to bring the best of out of his expensively-assembled group of players with his famously uncompromising managerial style, it seems those who hold the power at the Etihad Stadium – sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano - have decided that Pellegrini is the man ahead of the curve, not Mancini.

In a rather fractious press conference, he even criticised City for failing to end speculation over his future – “I don’t know why the club didn’t stop this. I don’t think that was correct” – before admitting that, “if [the Pellegrini rumours are] true, we will see in the next two weeks.” He criticised the press for reporting “stupid things”, yet conceded he himself will look rather silly if Pellegrini is indeed appointed. It made for a muddled picture.

If this is to be his final act as City manager – and he remained adamant that “we did a good job in these three years” - his impact at the club will not be forgotten: getting that banner torn down at Old Trafford after winning City's first trophy in 35 years; the 6-1; a first league title in 44 years. But losing this final will be a bitter aftertaste. City simply didn’t turn up.

Wembley witnessed a first half which showcased the best of Wigan. Lining up in what remains an unconventional 3-4-3 formation, for English football at least, Roberto Martinez’s side displayed far superior intelligence and application. First to every loose ball, they continually troubled City with their clever manipulation of the ball and dangerous movement. Callum McManaman was a chaotic influence on the right, tricking his way past Gael Clichy on numerous occasions and failing to convert with two fantastic opportunities.

Shaun Maloney, operating intelligently between the lines as usual, carved out two chances of his own while Roger Espinoza, patrolling the left, could have won a penalty when he went to ground under a challenge from Pablo Zabaleta after 34 minutes. City only attacked in spurts, Yaya Toure lacking his usual menace at Wembley, though they had greater potency in front of goal with only a fine save from the toe of Joel Robles preventing Carlos Tevez from putting his side in front.

A strangely limp performance from City went unaddressed after the break as McManaman’s reign of terror continued. Having already attracted bookings for Pablo Zabaleta and Matija Nastasic, the winger surged through the middle to draw Zabaleta into a horribly clumsy foul and the Argentine was shown a second yellow to become only the third man to be dismissed in an FA Cup final after Kevin Moran and Jose Antonio Reyes.

That McManaman was the man of the match, by some distance, felt fitting. A youth team graduate, he has had some raw but thrilling performances cajoled out of him by an enthusiastic Martinez. His season will be marked by that awful challenge on Massimo Haidara, but this was a blinding reminder that a devastating player lurks inside him.

As Martinez put it: "I have always said Callum McManaman is one of the diamonds of English football. He doesn't care about wearing the best shoes or driving the best car, but give him a football and he's happy.”

It was fitting, too, that Maloney claimed the assist just as the clock moved over into injury time. Martinez recently said the Scottish playmaker could “play in any team”, and his corner was perfect, dropping onto the head of Ben Watson who diverted it past Hart and inside the far post.

Martinez, who dodged questions over his own future and possible interest from Everton, even had time to pay tribute to the under-siege Mancini. “That’s the nature of being at a big club,” he said of the Pellegrini reports. “I have incredible respect for Roberto Mancini – what he has done in the last three years is remarkable. I only have admiration for him. Whatever happens around the football club is unfortunately what a manager has to accept at a top club.”

Mancini, though, may not have to suffer it for much longer.

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Paul Scholes to retire at the end of the season

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has announced that he is to retire at the end of the season.

 

The former England midfielder initially quit in 2011 but was persuaded to return for Manchester United in January last year. However, the 38-year-old, who is expected to make his first appearance since January in Sunday's Premier League encounter with Swansea, feels it is time to bow out.

"Yes I am finally hanging up my boots for good," he said. "Playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United, under the greatest manager of all time, has been an honour."

Given how much affection the 38-year-old is held in by Sir Alex Ferguson, it is fitting both men are bowing out at the same time.

"This is it," Scholes told Sky Sports. "It's not been the season I would have liked to have gone out on... the last four months have been quite difficult with injury, with my knee trying to get back fit again.

"I'm totally convinced (this time). I was convinced last time, to be honest... but I know now in my head I've gone as far as I possibly can physically."

Scholes added: "The team has the right balance and will continue to thrive under the leadership of David Moyes."

Regarded by team-mates and opponents alike as one of the finest players of his generation, Scholes will be making his 498th Premier League appearance for United on Sunday, meaning he will fall just short of the magical 500.

In total, he has made 716 appearances for the Red Devils and scored the last of his 155 goals against FA Cup winners Wigan last September. Many will argue his decision to turn his back on England at the criminally early age of 29 robbed the Three Lions of the most talented player at their disposal.

Fabio Capello thought so, hence his decision to try to coax Scholes out of retirement ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Scholes eventually opted against, although he latter admitted he regretted the decision.

"Paul is a truly unbelievable player," said Ferguson.

"He has always been fully committed to this club and it has been a real privilege to work with him for so many years. Paul will play at Old Trafford on Sunday against Swansea and will collect an unbelievable but well-deserved 11th Premier League medal."

 

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Champions Barca shift attention to transfer market

Barcelona were turning their attentions to strengthening the squad for next season after second-placed Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Espanyol on Saturday, to gift them a fourth La Liga title in five years.

 

Barca, who play at third-placed Atletico Madrid later on Sunday, have an unassailable lead in the table as Jose Mourinho's team trail them by seven points with only two games left to play.

"There'll only be a few changes," Barcelona vice-president Josep Bartomeu told Barca TV. "It's a very competitive team and it's very difficult to substitute the pieces."

"(Spain goalkeeper) Victor Valdes has told us he doesn't want to continue, so we will try to find a replacement this summer. Also a central defender and a forward."

Coach Tito Vilanova's team made a record-breaking start notching 55 of a possible 57 points in the first half of the season, but have faltered in the knockout competitions over the last couple of months as injuries and fatigue took their toll.

Defeats to Real in the King's Cup semi-finals and a thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich in the last four of the Champions League had many predicting the end of Barcelona's recent glittering run of successes.

A string of injury problems for 35-year-old captain Carles Puyol, and Eric Abidal's long recovery from a liver transplant left Barca short of options in defence, which were compounded when Javier Mascherano and Adriano Correia also picked up injuries.

The inconsistency of forwards David Villa and Alexis Sanchez have meant Barca have been more reliant than usual on World Player of the Year Lionel Messi to score goals, especially in the big games.

"People talk of a cyclical change but we have returned to win the main title, the one that rewards consistency," Barca sports director Andoni Zubizarreta said.

"If we look at our squad, 80 per cent of the players that would interest us are already part of our team. As always, we'll analyse what needs to be improved but the base is solid and we've already got it."

The champions will have a victory parade through the streets of Barcelona on Monday.

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Watson winner hands unfancied Wigan FA Cup final glory against City

FA Cup final, Wembley Stadium - Wigan 1 (Watson 90+1') Manchester City 0

 

Ben Watson came off the bench to score in injury time as Wigan Athletic condemned 10-man Manchester City to a 1-0 loss in a huge FA Cup final upset at Wembley Stadium.

In the biggest shock in the showpiece match since Wimbledon's 'crazy gang' upset Liverpool 1-0 in 1988, midfielder Watson secured Wigan a thoroughly deserved win over the multi-millionaire performers of City as Roberto Mancini's side ended the season without a trophy.

It came 12 months after their rousing Premier League success in the death throes of last season when Sergio Aguero's winning goal against QPR handed them the title. This outcome was every bit as miraculous with Pablo Zabaleta rightly red carded.

The performance and attitude of some of the City players must place huge question marks over the future of Mancini in his job. It was a slipshod performance from a side that started the match 4/11 hot favourites against a Wigan team priced at 9/1.

Shaun Maloney swept in a corner at a sodden national stadium and Watson - back in action after several months out with a broken shinbone - rose to power a header high into the net that left England goalkeeper Joe Hart with no chance.

In truth, City can have few complaints about this result. They looked disjointed for large swathes of the match as Wigan carried off their first FA Cup in a first appearance in the final.

Zabaleta became only the third player to be sent off in an FA Cup final when he clattered the excellent Callum McManaman with a late sliding challenge on 82 minutes after the sloppy Gareth Barry had needlessly lost possession with an impoverished pass.

It was a second booking for Zabaleta after he had taken out McManaman on 61 minutes, but one that could easily have earned him a straight red card.

Roberto Martinez's team dominated the final 10 minutes and made their one-man advantage count in the first minute of three added on as Watson rose highest to convert eight minutes after he had replaced Jordi Gomez.

There was barely time for City to reply as Wigan dropped deep to defend with the same sort of effect they had managed for most of the afternoon.

The rain tumbled down over London to reflect the grim mood among the City camp at the full-time whistle.

Wigan will be on soft drinks tonight to celebrate with their crucial visit to Arsenal looming large at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

They could yet end the season winning the FA Cup and suffering the ignominy of relegation from the Premier League.

Depending on results in the Premier League on Sunday, Wigan need at least a point from Arsenal before hosting Aston Villa in their final game of the season at the DW Stadium next Sunday.

But at least they will have the boost of being FA Cup holders, a feat that always seemed possible with City never gaining control of the contest as many commentators had predicted.

They can also look forward to competing in the Europa League having conceded just two goals in seven FA Cup games this season.

For Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, it was a perfect return to an FA Cup final after he had snapped his leg at the age of 23 playing for Blackburn Rovers against Wolves in the 1960 match.

Rovers lost 3-0 and Whelan's career was finished, but this provided an altogether different outcome for Whelan, 76, in a watching capacity.

Mancini was quick to rubbish reports afterwards that he will be replaced by Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini during the close season.

The disappointment was etched on his face with his captain Vincent Kompany conceding that City did not play well enough to repeat their 1-0 win over Stoke City in the 2011 final.

Carlos Tevez forced Wigan goalkeeper Joel Robles to somehow nudge a shot over the bar with a leg on 28 minutes, but Wigan were every bit as sprightly in the first period.

McManaman burst into the City box, but saw a shot blocked by an opposition player after Hart had come off his line and failed to collect the ball.

Zabaleta was fortunate to avoid the concession of a penalty moments earlier when he clearly felled Roger Espinoza in his box, but referee Andre Marriner decided to wave play on.

Maloney knocked a free-kick off the top of the bar in attempting a cross from out wide as the match raged towards a conclusion, but Wigan won the match with their first attempt on goal of the afternoon.

Unlike Maloney's free-kick, there was nothing fortunate about the day's somewhat seismic happenings.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Callum McManaman (Wigan) - An outstanding performance from the youngster, whose pace and trickery prompted Pablo Zabaleta's sending off eight minutes from time. Overshadowed City players with his desire and hunger.

MATCHCAST: FULL COMMENTARY AND MATCH STATS

PLAYER RATINGS

Manchester City: Hart 6, Zabaleta 5, Nastasic 5, Kompany 7, Clichy 4, Barry 5, Yaya Toure 6, Nasri 5, Tevez 5, Silva 5, Aguero 5. Subs: Rodwell 6, Milner 6, Dzeko 6

Wigan Athletic: Joel 7, Boyce 7, Alcaraz 7, Scharner 7, Espinoza 7, McCarthy 7, Gomez 7, McArthur 7, McManaman 8, Kone 7, Maloney 7. Subs: Watson 8

 

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Lampard becomes Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer in win at Villa

Premier League, Villa Park - Aston Villa 1 (Benteke 15) Chelsea 2 (Lampard 61, 88)

 

Frank Lampard became Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer with a second-half double that sunk Aston Villa 2-1 in a frantic match that saw two red cards.

Belgian striker Christian Benteke had given the home side the lead in the 15th minute with a 23rd goal of the season, but soiled his day when he joined Ramires of Chelsea in seeing red for picking up a second yellow card 10 minutes after the break. Both men went for dangerous play in ill-advised high boot incidents.

Chelsea had been struggling, but seized the day as Lampard equalised on 61 minutes with a fierce hit from the edge of the box from Eden Hazard's pass before slipping the ball into the net two minutes from time to convert Hazard's cutback.

It was Lampard's 202nd and 203rd goal for Chelsea in all competitions 12 years at the club – overtaking Bobby Tambling’s all time record for the club.

Chelsea should have moved 2-1 clear with 18 minutes left as Yacouba Sylla blocked on the line before Ashley Westwood cleared the ball after Demba Ba had flicked on a Gary Cahill effort.

Replays showed that it was over the line while there was also a hint of a handball by Nathan Baker, but the incident happened so quickly that the referee and linesman could hardly be criticised for waving play on.

Chelsea are almost over the line in making sure of Champions League qualification in third place in the table. They are five points clear of Arsenal and six ahead of Spurs with one league game remaining, but they have worries ahead of the Europa League final against Benfica in Amsterdam on Wednesday night.

John Terry was carted off injured after falling awkwardly in the Villa box. It seemed to be an ankle injury while Hazard pulled up in eight minutes added on for stoppages with a hamstring problem as Chelsea held on with nine men. Both men await the result of scans to determine the extent of the damage.

Chelsea fans spilled onto the pitch to greet Lampard's late winner as the Villa fans looked on in a sort of stunned disbelief.

It was heartening to see the Villa captain Stilian Petrov accept the applause of the home fans after announcing his retirement earlier this week with his leukemia in remission.

But their side are not yet out of the woods in trying to stay afloat in the Premier League despite having 40 points. They must hope Wigan on 35 points lose at Arsenal on Wednesday after they come off today's FA Cup final with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

Villa head for Wigan on the final day of the season next Sunday.

There was little doubt that Benteke's red card changed the mood of the match in showing the best and worst of his character.

His finish to accept Sylla's pass and finish at the near post of the goalkeeper Petr Cech from a bounding run was superb.

But he dropped his side in deep trouble after an unnecessary high boot challenge on César Azpilicueta saw him sent off. He was booked for elbowing Azpilicueta earlier in the match.

Ramires walked seconds before the break after he collected a second booking for a late high boot aimed at Gabriel Agbonlahor. He had been booked on 22 minutes for a late challenge on Benteke, who was destined to join him in walking late on.

Elsewhere in an incident-packed afternoon, Villa manager Paul Lambert felt that Terry should have walked for a last-man challenge on Sylla moments before Ramires was sent off, but there looked to be Chelsea defenders in covering positions as Sylla threatened to race in on goal.

Chelsea conclude their season when Everton visit next Sunday.

They will hope to celebrate winning the Europa League and Champions League qualification by that stage in what is likely to be Rafael Benitez's last match as head coach.

Chelsea fans will hope it isn't Lampard last appearance for the club with his thumping finish for the equaliser giving Brad Guzan no chance in the Villa goal before he sped into the opposition box to finish off a delightful winning move by the outgoing European champions.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Frank Lampard (Chelsea) - Superb goals and real drive from Lampard, who is set to bow out of the club in style this summer.

MATCHCAST: FULL COMMENTARY AND MATCH STATS

PLAYER RATINGS

Aston Villa: Guzan 7, Lichaj 6, Vlaar 6, Baker 6, Bennett 6, Westwood 6, Delph 7, Sylla 6, Weimann 7, Agbonlahor 7, Benteke 5

Chelsea: Cech 7, Cole 7, Cahill 6, Terry 5, Azpilicueta 5, Ramires 7, Lampard 8, Moses 6, Mata 7, Hazard 8, Ba 6..subs: Ivanovic 6, David Luiz 6, Torres 6

 

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