Chelsea kept pace with United and Liverpool at the top with a narrow but ultimately comfortable 1-0 over Man City at Stamford Bridge. Michael Essien, on his return after six months out injured, scored the only goal of the game in the 18th minute. They could have had more against a tired looking City side, whose poor away form continued, but in the end one was enough. Chelsea 1-0 Man City.

Arsenal finally found goal scoring form with a four goal rout against struggling Blackburn. Rovers defender Andrei Ooijer put the ball in his own net for the opener before Andriy Arshavin danced his way through the Blackburn defence for the second. Two late strikes from Emmanuel Eboue finished the game off and sent The Gunners back into the last Champions League spot. Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn.

Aston Villa’s faltering form continued as they slipped to a home defeat against Spurs. Jermaine Jenas gave the visitors an early lead before Villa dominated the rest of the half. It was Spurs though who would get the next goal when Darren Bent converted early in the second period. John Carew headed Villa back into the game with five minutes left but Harry Redknapp’s men held on for the win. Aston Villa 1-2 Spurs.

Everton moved to within four points of fourth place with a 3-1 win over Stoke. Brazilian striker Jo grabbed his third goal for the Blues after 18 minutes and defender Joleon Lescott doubled the lead five minutes later. Stoke got back into the game after the break when Ryan Shawcross rose unmarked from a corner to head past Howard. The Potters continued to press before Marouane Fellaini’s deflected effort made the points safe for the Toffees. Everton 3-1 Stoke.

Fulham had only scored three goals away from home all season but they got three in one game against Bolton at the Reebok. Andy O’Brien’s error gifted Andy Johnson the opener though Kevin Davies levelled things up in first half stoppage time. But second half goals from Simon Davies and Diomansy Kamara sealed the points for Roy Hodgson’s men. Bolton 1-3 Fulham.

In a relegation six pointer at the KC Stadium Hull and Newcastle had to make do with a point a piece which does neither side’s safety ambitions much good. Giovanni gave City the lead after just nine minutes but Magpies centre back Steven Taylor converted Nicky Butt’s cross seven minutes before half time to level things up. Obafemi Martins and Jonas Gutierrez both missed chances for Newcastle in the second half but in the end both sides had to settle for a point. Hull 1-1 Newcastle.

Another relegation clash, this time at the Riverside, also finished one a piece between Middlesbrough and Portsmouth. Peter Crouch volleyed Pompey in front in the first half as Middlesbrough’s poor form looked set to continue. But Marlon King’s injury time header rescued a point for Gareth Southgate’s men, though both sides remain in the relegation zone. Middlesbrough 1-1 Portsmouth.

Wigan’s excellent season continued with an impressive away win at Sunderland. Ben Watson put the Latics in front with his first goal for the club after just 12 minutes. Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland made several good saves before Grant Leadbitter finally brought The Black Cats on level terms. However Wigan hit back when Charles N’Zogbia scored his first Latics goal, and what proved to be the winner, just before half time. Sunderland 1-2 Wigan.

Man Utd have faced Tottenham 167 times before in their illustrious history but this weekend’s clash will be the first time the clubs have met in the final of any competition. The 1967/68 Charity Shield comes close but it doesn’t count. Incidentally, that match ended 3 – 3 and the teams were declared “joint winners”.

United have been successful in the past more often than not having won 77, drawn 44 and lost 46 of their past meetings with Tottenham. But their record in the League Cup may well provide Spurs with a glimmer of hope.

The clubs have met six times thus far in the competition with United coming out on top just once compared to Tottenham’s impressive five victories.

Whilst Tottenham have had the upper hand in the past in the League Cup, the last time the clubs met in the competition was back in 1998 when United went out in the fifth round en route to that famous treble.

The clubs have met 23 times since then in all competitions, with the North London outfit managing to pick up just two wins. The last time Tottenham beat United was May 2001.

United Team News

Whilst priorities clearly lie with the Premier League and Champions League, Ferguson looks set to give some of the squad players a run out. DImitar Berbatov and Edwin van der Sar are the highest profile players to be left out of the match day squad.

Leaving Berbatov out of the squad is a good move in my opinion. Berbatov has expressed a desire to win trophies and while question marks remain about his commitment and work rate, keeping the Bulgarian waiting for trophies can only help maintain his desire until the end of the season.

It’s a toss-up in goal between Ben Foster and Tomas Kuszczak with both keepers looking questionable in their performances this campaign. With Edwin’s playing days coming to an end will one of these two be able to step up their game and make the position their own?

Alex Ferguson has given strong indications that both Danny Welbeck and Darron Gibson will start in the match after the pair impressed in matches leading up to the final. Rafael is out but his twin brother Fabio is in contention and could play some part even if he doesn’t start.

Jonny Evans will face a late fitness test but the youngster is desperate to play, even if it means injections. Having been asked to play with injections in Tuesday’s draw at the San Siro, it would be harsh on the youngster if he were to miss out on his first Cup Final.

Anderson had been out of action for five weeks with ankle ligament damage but made a surprising return for United’s Reserves against Manchester City on Thursday night. United won 2 – 1 with Anderson looking impressive for the 45 minutes he was on the pitch. Whilst the Brazilian may not be fit to play the entire match, having played in all five games in the competition so far, you can bet he’ll have some sort of role to play on Sunday.

Possible Starting Line Up

Ben Foster

John O’Shea, Patrice Evra, Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand

Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Darron Gibson, Paul Scholes,

Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney

Liverpool briefly took top spot in the table by beating Portsmouth 3 – 2 at Fratton Park thanks to late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres. Liverpool looked to be sinking to their second defeat of the season, and possibly out of the title race at 2 – 1 down with just 10 minutes to go but Torres’ last gasp winner keeps them within touching distance of the Champions who still have a game in hand. Portsmouth 2 – 3 Liverpool.

Chelsea continued their run of poor form with a scoreless draw at home to Hull City. As expected, Hull started the game with defence in mind and Chelsea dominated proceedings. Once again however, Chelsea’s attack faltered and struggled to create much. Hull had a great chance to nick the game in the second half but Dean Marney was unable to take advantage of the time he was afford in the Chelsea area. Chelsea 0 – 0 Hull.

Arsenal were up against it on their trip to North London rivals Tottenham after losing Emmanuel Adebayor to injury and Emmanuel Eboue to a red card inside the first 40 minutes of the match – and both within the space of a minute. The Gunners dug deep to hang on a take a point which leaves them fifth in the table – 12 points adrift of the leaders having played a game more. Tottenham 0 – 0 Arsenal.

Aston Villa don’t seem happy being part of the “big four” and pushed their way into the top three thanks to an impressive 2 – 0 victory away to Blackburn. Sam Allardyce was still unbeaten as Rovers’ boss prior to kick off but that record was never going to last for long and Villa should probably have handed the new boss his first hammering let alone his first defeat. Milner and Agbonlahor grabbed the goals for Villa whilst new signing Emile Heskey had a goal ruled out and could have scored a few more to boot. Blackburn 0 – 2 Aston Villa.

Newcastle picked up a vital win in the absence of sick manager Joe Kinnear away to West Brom. Duff, Lovenkrands and Taylor all scoring in the first half to see off the Baggies. Duff put the visitors ahead in the second minute before Marc-Antoine Fortune levelled the match 2 minutes later. Lovenkrands gave Newcastle the lead once more just 10 minutes in and Taylor extended the lead just before the break. West Brom pulled one back though Fortune’s second of the game but a comeback never materialised leaving them rooted at the bottom of the table. West Brom 2 – 3 Newcastle.

Both Wigan and Fulham stayed in the top half of the Premier League table after playing out a goalless draw at the JJB. Wigan were hampered with injury problems and were forced to make all three substitutions in the first half. Neither team did enough to warrant a win. Wigan 0 – 0 Fulham.

Everton took the three points when Bolton visited Goodison Park and were good for their 3 – 0 win. New loan signing Jo scored twice, once from the spot and Arteta also scored from the spot to give the three points to the home team. Everton 3 – 0 Bolton.

Sunderland took a big three points from fellow relegation battlers Stoke in what could prove crucial come the end of the campaign. Sunderland left it late but goals from Kenwyne Jones and David Healy sealed the win after Matthew Etherington saw red in the 65th minute after kicking Danny Collins. Sunderland 2 – 0 Stoke.

Middlesbrough continued their terrible form; this time away to City. New boy Craig Bellamy got the only goal of the game after 50 minutes to leave Southgate’s side second from bottom on goal difference only. Manchester City 1 – 0 Middlesbrough.

Liverpool and Chelsea looked set to be heading for a goalless draw until the 89th minute when Fernando Torres nipped in to steal the points. The Spaniard confirmed the win with his second in the fourth minute of stoppage time while Frank Lampard saw red for the Blues on the hour for a high tackle on Alonso. Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea.

Arsenal again failed to make up ground on the top four with a frustrating goalless draw against in form West Ham. Despite having most of the possession they were unable to break down a stubborn Hammers defence who are now eight games unbeaten. Arsenal 0-0 West Ham.

Aston Villa missed out on the chance to go second after drawing at home to Wigan. It was the visitors, who have European ambitions of their own, who had the better of the play early on. But Villa came into it in the second half and bombarded the Wigan goal only to see last ditch tackles; goal-line clearances and the post deny them a crucial victory. Aston Villa 0-0 Wigan.

Bolton eventually came out on top against Spurs in a pulsating game at the Reebok. Goals from Sebastian Puygrenier and Kevin Davies put the Trotters 2-0 up but a quick fire Darren Bent brace got Spurs back on terms. Kevin Davies then pounced late on give Bolton all three points. Bolton 3-2 Spurs.

Fulham’s excellent home form continued with a comfortable win over struggling Portsmouth. Poor Pompey defending let in Andy Johnson for the opener after 14 minutes. Second half Substitute Erik Nevland grabbed two goals to seal the win before David Nugent headed home a consolation late on. Fulham 3-1 Portsmouth.

Hull and West Brom shared four goals in an entertaining game at the KC Stadium. The Tigers were twice in front through Bernard Mendy and Craig Fagan. But goals from Jay Simpson and Chris Brunt gave The Baggies a vital point. Hull 2-2 West Brom.

Middlesbrough and Blackburn are both struggling at the wrong end of the table and it showed as they played out a frustrating goalless draw. There were more bookings than chances, though Jason Roberts did force Boro keeper Brad Jones into two smart saves late on. Middlesbrough 0-0 Blackburn.

Stoke upset the football odds to grab a vital against a Man City side who again failed to perform on the road. Stoke were reduced to ten men in the first half when Rory Delap saw red for kicking out at Shaun Wright-Phillips. It didn’t seem to affect them though as they took the lead in first half stoppage time when new signing James Beattie headed home his second goal in as many games. City failed to get a shot on target as Stoke held on for a massive win. Stoke 1-0 Man City.

A tight and tense Tyne-Wear derby ended all square at St James’ Park. Djibril Cisse put the Black Cats in front in the first half. But the Magpies were awarded a controversial penalty after 69 minutes when Steven Taylor was clipped by Steed Malbranque. Shola Ameobi converted the spot kick to rescue a point for Joe Kinnear’s men but they stay embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle. Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland.

Nearest rivals Liverpool travelled to Wigan and when Yossi Benayoun put the visitors in front after 40 minutes it looked like they were going to secure the three points. That was until the 83rd minute when Lucas Leiva’s terrible tackle on substitute Jason Koumas allowed Mido to mark his Wigan debut with a goal from the spot. Torres had already been taken off at this point and true to his bizarre form, Benitez responded to the goal by taking off Steven Gerrard. Why would you do that? The match ended a draw, Liverpool’s third consecutive in the league and 4th in all competitions. Wigan 1 – 1 Liverpool.

Chelsea kept up their challenge for United’s crown with a 2 – 0 win over Middlesbrough.It wasn’t pretty and the Stanford Bridge crowd were far from impressed with what they saw. Boro defended for their life but were caught out by two set pieces (on 58 & 81 mins); Kalou getting on the end of both. Chelsea 2 – 0 Middlesbrough.

Arsenal could be all but out of the title challenge after needing a rocket from Robert van Persie to rescue a point at Goodison Park. Tim Cahill put Everton in front after he was given far too much space in the area for an Everton corner and headed the opener on the hour mark. Everton held out for the scheduled 90 minutes but in the 2nd minute of stoppage time Robert van Persie found enough space to rifle the ball past former Red, Tim Howard to earn Arsenal a point they probably didn’t deserve. Everton 1 – 1 Arsenal.

Aston Villa are still going strong and a debut goal from Emile Heskey after 20 minutes was enough to give Villa the three points against Portsmouth. Crouch missed a sitter and Nadir Belhadj spat his dummy out, earning himself a second yellow card in a game which sees Portsmouth sitting just 3 points off the bottom of the table. Portsmouth 0 – 1 Aston Villa.

Tottenham played host to Stoke in a comfortable victory which is sure to ease the threat of relegation for the North London outfit. Three goals in the opening 25 minutes did the damage for Spurs with goals arriving from Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Defoe and Micael Dawson. Stoke did pull one back through James Beattie but it was never going to be enough and Stoke still find themselves propping up the table with West Brom. Tottenham 3 – 1 Stoke City.

It was Sunderland who took all the points when Fulham visited the Stadium of Light keeping the Premier League table looking congested in the middle. It was striker Kenwyne Jones who blasted the only goal of the game on 55 minutes. Sunderland 1 – 0 Fulham.

Blackburn Rovers remain unbeaten under new boss Sam Allardyce ut had to fight from two goals down to earn a valuable point. Bolton had taken the lead after 15 minutes through Matthew Taylor’s tap in from close range and then Kevin Davies added to Rovers’ misery for Bolton’s second after 34 minutes. Blackburn didn’t give up though and pulled one back through Stephen Warnock. Rovers were then awarded a penalty when by Jaaskelainen who was already on a yellow card caught Roque Santa Cruz in the arae. The Fin avoided a second card and went on to save from Roberts’ poor kick before Benni McCarthy completed the Blackburn comeback on 86 minutes. Blackburn 2 – 2 Bolton.

West Ham produced an impressive performance to continue their good form by beating Hull City 2 – 0. In truth it could have been more with the Hammers missing a penalty and a host of chances. David Di Michele scored the opener on 33 minutes and Carlton Cole wrapped the game up on 50 minutes. Hull of now lost their last 6 Premier League fixtures as the new boys seems to be hitting freefall at the worst possible time. West Ham 2 – 0 Hull City.

Manchester City started the match against Newcastle with Robinho in the squad and the Brazilian showed his talent by setting up Wright-Phillips for the opener. Craig Bellamy, making his City debut, made it 2 with just under 15 minutes to go. Andrew Carroll pulled one back for Newcastle 4 minutes later but it proved to be no more than a consolation goal. Manchester City 2 – 1 Newcastle.

Both suffered ankle injuries in Tuesday’s victory over Derby and join an ever growing list of casualties at Old Trafford.

“Anderson went for a scan and there is no break,” said Sir Alex Ferguson. “But there was some ligament damage. We think he will be out for three weeks.

“Jonny Evans will also be out for three weeks”.

Rafael was also injured in the match and was forced off after just 41 minutes leaving Darren Fletcher to step in as a make shift right back. Rafael could be out for up to a month and if that wasn’t enough, Nani also picked up a knock and will be out for at least a week.

So how many is that?

“The ones who are out (for the Spurs game) are Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Nani, Rafael, Patrice Evra, Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown, Jonny Evans and Ji-sung Park,” said Ferguson.

All is not doom and gloom though. With Tottenham struggling with injuries and battling relegation, it looks likely they will field an even weaker team than us. Happy days!

United loanee Fraizer Campbell sat on the bench for the enitre match as Burnley put three passed Spurs, making it 4 – 4 on aggregate in the 88th minute!

It looked like Burnley were going to see it through extra time and win on the away goals rule when in the 118th minute Pavlyuchenko struck. Desperately in need of a goal, Burnley threw everyone forward but were caught out moments later by Jermain Defoe and suffered a harsh exit from the cup.

4 – 3, what a proper cup tie!