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07/04/2004
London Blues gun down Arsenal’s European dream
Underfire Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri secured his place in the club’s hall of fame last night after dramatically steering the club to its first European Champions league semi-final.
In a thrilling end-to-end encounter, Chelsea came from behind to beat their London arch-rivals Arsenal in a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over the Premiership leaders at Highbury.
The victory was never guaranteed as Chelsea were unable to breakdown a stubborn Arsenal defence throughout the first half. The highlight of the half for the Blues came when the tireless Damien Duff set off on another mazy run and unleashed a spectacular strike that missed by mere inches.
Throughout the period Arsenal were the better team, and the Chelsea defence had to be on form to cope with the pace and guile of the Gunner's attack. However, Jose Antonio Reyes' strike from close range put the home side ahead just on the stroke of half-time.
The introduction of Jesper Gronkjaer, on for Scott Parker after the break, gave Ranieri's men renewed vigour and it was his pace on the right flank that constantly asked questions of the Arsenal defence.
Then only six minutes into the half an error by the erratic Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann gifted an opportunity to England midfielder Frank Lampard, who wasted no time in slotting home the equaliser.
Chelsea continued to apply the pressure on a disintegrating Arsenal side and despite the appearance of Joe Cole and Hernan Crespo, the Blues were unable to capitalise on their superiority until a textbook one-two with Eidur Gudjohnsen sent Wayne Bridge into the Arsenal area to end the game with a strike three minutes from time.
The goal laid to rest a 17-match hoodoo for Chelsea, who haven't beaten the Gunners since 1999. The Super Blues now find themselves favourites to beat Monaco and progress to the Champion’s League Final.
Arsenal were left rueing several wasted first-half chances - and the end of the dream of a silverware-laden season.
(GB)
In a thrilling end-to-end encounter, Chelsea came from behind to beat their London arch-rivals Arsenal in a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over the Premiership leaders at Highbury.
The victory was never guaranteed as Chelsea were unable to breakdown a stubborn Arsenal defence throughout the first half. The highlight of the half for the Blues came when the tireless Damien Duff set off on another mazy run and unleashed a spectacular strike that missed by mere inches.
Throughout the period Arsenal were the better team, and the Chelsea defence had to be on form to cope with the pace and guile of the Gunner's attack. However, Jose Antonio Reyes' strike from close range put the home side ahead just on the stroke of half-time.
The introduction of Jesper Gronkjaer, on for Scott Parker after the break, gave Ranieri's men renewed vigour and it was his pace on the right flank that constantly asked questions of the Arsenal defence.
Then only six minutes into the half an error by the erratic Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann gifted an opportunity to England midfielder Frank Lampard, who wasted no time in slotting home the equaliser.
Chelsea continued to apply the pressure on a disintegrating Arsenal side and despite the appearance of Joe Cole and Hernan Crespo, the Blues were unable to capitalise on their superiority until a textbook one-two with Eidur Gudjohnsen sent Wayne Bridge into the Arsenal area to end the game with a strike three minutes from time.
The goal laid to rest a 17-match hoodoo for Chelsea, who haven't beaten the Gunners since 1999. The Super Blues now find themselves favourites to beat Monaco and progress to the Champion’s League Final.
Arsenal were left rueing several wasted first-half chances - and the end of the dream of a silverware-laden season.
(GB)
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27 February 2007
FA charges Arsenal and Chelsea over Carling Cup brawl
Premiership teams Arsenal and Chelsea have both been charged with misconduct by the Football Association over following a brawl during Sunday's Carling Cup final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, which saw three players sent off.
FA charges Arsenal and Chelsea over Carling Cup brawl
Premiership teams Arsenal and Chelsea have both been charged with misconduct by the Football Association over following a brawl during Sunday's Carling Cup final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, which saw three players sent off.
13 April 2011
Women’s Super League Launched
The Women's Super League (WSL) has been launched today in a bid to professionalise women’s football and attract more women and fans to the game. The launch comes as new research from The FA showed that a further 180,000 women aged 16 to 34 are considering taking up football in the next year.
Women’s Super League Launched
The Women's Super League (WSL) has been launched today in a bid to professionalise women’s football and attract more women and fans to the game. The launch comes as new research from The FA showed that a further 180,000 women aged 16 to 34 are considering taking up football in the next year.
08 May 2006
Surprise inclusion for Walcott in England squad
Arsenal reserve Theo Walcott has been named in Sven-Goran Eriksson's provisional World Cup squad. The 17-year-old striker, who has not played for Arsenal's first team since joining from Southampton at the start of the year, was one of four strikers named in the 23-man provisional squad by Eriksson today.
Surprise inclusion for Walcott in England squad
Arsenal reserve Theo Walcott has been named in Sven-Goran Eriksson's provisional World Cup squad. The 17-year-old striker, who has not played for Arsenal's first team since joining from Southampton at the start of the year, was one of four strikers named in the 23-man provisional squad by Eriksson today.
02 June 2005
Cole, Mourinho and Chelsea all fined in ‘tapping up’ probe
Ashley Cole, Jose Mourinho and Chelsea football club have all been reprimanded by the Premier League for their role in the ‘tapping up’ saga. Chelsea were found guilty on Wednesday of 'tapping-up' Arsenal defender Cole and were handed a suspended three-point deduction as well as a £300,000 fine.
Cole, Mourinho and Chelsea all fined in ‘tapping up’ probe
Ashley Cole, Jose Mourinho and Chelsea football club have all been reprimanded by the Premier League for their role in the ‘tapping up’ saga. Chelsea were found guilty on Wednesday of 'tapping-up' Arsenal defender Cole and were handed a suspended three-point deduction as well as a £300,000 fine.
26 April 2004
Unbeaten Arsenal take Premiership title
Arsenal picked up their second premiership title on Sunday after their closest rivals Chelsea were undone by an Alan Shearer wonder strike at St James's Park. Going into yesterday's fixtures, the Gunners knew that if Chelsea failed to win, a draw or a win would be enough to lift the title. And so it proved.
Unbeaten Arsenal take Premiership title
Arsenal picked up their second premiership title on Sunday after their closest rivals Chelsea were undone by an Alan Shearer wonder strike at St James's Park. Going into yesterday's fixtures, the Gunners knew that if Chelsea failed to win, a draw or a win would be enough to lift the title. And so it proved.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
