NEWS - FOOTBALL DAILYS

Zaha brace sends Palace to Wembley

2013-05-14T11:11:00.002+07:00

Wilfried Zaha ensured his Crystal Palace farewell party will be at Wembley after his two goals sank arch-rivals Brighton 2-0 in the npower Championship play-off semi-final second-leg.

The winger has already earned Palace £15million after agreeing a switch to Manchester United in January, which will be completed in the summer. And a well-taken double means he could now leave the Eagles a parting gift of a place in the Barclays Premier League next season and the millions of pounds that go with it.

A tense derby encounter was going the same way as the goalless first leg until Zaha broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, just moments after Brighton substitute Ashley Barnes had twice come agonisingly close to giving the hosts the lead. And the 20-year-old England international killed off the Seagulls with a fabulous turn and shot with two minutes remaining.

It means Ian Holloway's Palace, who only secured their place in the top six on the final day of the season following a dismal run of form, will play Gianfranco Zola's Watford in the final in a fortnight.

It was a different story in the first half for Zaha, who struggled to make an impact and became frustrated at some of the close attention he was receiving from Brighton's defenders. Instead the Seagulls bossed the early stages with Julian Speroni having to keep out Will Buckley's drive before David Lopez's shot was deflected narrowly over.

Former England defender Matt Upson headed Andrea Orlandi's corner wide, Dean Hammond was also off target with a fierce, low drive and Orlandi's volley was straight at Speroni. But Palace were a different proposition after the break and Jonny Williams missed a gilt-edged chance to put them ahead when he was sent clean through by Aaron Wilbraham.

The young Wales midfielder's low shot beat the dive of Seagulls goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak but rolled just wide of the far post.

Brighton striker Barnes twice came even closer to breaking the deadlock just a minute after climbing off the bench. He latched onto Leonardo Ulloa's flick-on, only for Speroni to tip his shot onto the crossbar and from the resulting corner saw his header cleared off the line by Dean Moxey.

The fine margins which decide these play-off encounters were brought home to Brighton moments later. Palace sub Yannick Bolasie got the better of Inigo Calderon on the left and swung in a cross which Zaha, who had got in front of Wayne Bridge, met with a firm diving header which crashed into the net.

And as Brighton pushed for an equaliser they left a hole at the back which Kagisho Dikgacoi exposed by playing in Zaha, who turned Gordon Greer before thumping his shot into the roof of the net in front of the jubilant travelling fans.

Premier League - Wenger prepares Arsenal for 'huge' game against Wigan

2013-05-14T11:10:00.002+07:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has braced his players for their "huge" Premier League match with FA Cup winners Wigan on Tuesday.

For Arsenal, failure to defeat Wigan Athletic on Tuesday would leave their hopes of a 16th season in the Champions League in severe jeopardy; for Wigan Athletic, anything other than a win would quickly sour the taste of a memorable FA Cup final shock.

As end-of-season fixtures go, the clash at the Emirates could hardly have more importance to the two sides involved, as Wenger has acknowledged.

"Both teams will go for it, it's a huge game for both of us," Wenger told reporters on Monday.

Arsenal slipped out of the top four on Sunday as neighbours Tottenham Hotspur came from a goal down to beat Stoke City 2-1 in their penultimate match of the season.

Tottenham, who missed out on the Champions League despite a fourth-place finish last season because Chelsea won the competition, have 69 points to Arsenal's 67.

Victory against Wigan and then at Newcastle United on Sunday would guarantee Wenger's side finished above Spurs but there is only a cigarette paper between the north London rivals.

Tottenham, who face Sunderland at home on Sunday, are relying on Wigan or Newcastle to take points off the Gunners and will be encouraged by Wigan's superb display in the 1-0 defeat of Manchester City, although less so by Newcastle manager Alan Pardew's comments that he would not care if his side lost 4-0 to Arsenal now that they had secured top-flight safety.

Wenger believes Arsenal's strong end-of-season run will see them over the line at Tottenham's expense.

"We are on a remarkable run and have been hugely consistent and our destiny is in our hands," said Wenger, whose side have won six of their eight league games since losing 2-1 to Tottenham at White Hart Lane in March.

"Two months ago our destiny was not in our own hands; today it is. So let's finish the job."

The odds are against Wigan's survival, especially after the physical and emotional energy they used up in the Cup final.

They have 35 points, four behind Sunderland who are fourth from bottom and five behind Aston Villa.

However, should they beat Arsenal, as they did last year at the Emirates, they would set up a relegation-decider at home to Villa on Sunday.

Manager Roberto Martinez, who inspired his players to stave off relegation last season, said the Cup final would not hamper his side's chances of another great escape.

"It was a moment that changed the perception of our club for millions of people outside the UK and that is really positive but it doesn't need to affect the next two matches," he said.

Defender Paul Scarner said the match against Arsenal was just as important as Saturday's final.

"We need to win our last two games," he said. "We need to treat this like two more FA Cup finals."

Rooney booed by United fans at trophy parade

2013-05-14T11:06:00.003+07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Sunday that Rooney had submitted a transfer request, although added that it had been turned down. Speaking to MUTV, Rooney did not answer directly a question about what the retiring Ferguson had done for him, and was not asked whether he would be staying or not.

"He has been brilliant for us all," said Rooney. "He is a great manager. He is a winner and to do it for so long is incredible. He is a fantastic manager and a fantastic person."

Rooney received a mixed reception when he boarded the open-top bus at Old Trafford for the start of the parade, although he did play an active part in the celebrations as it made its slow way along the route into the centre of Manchester, where huge numbers of United fans turned out to acclaim their team.

With 20,000 fans packed into Sir Matt Busby Way, roads had to be closed prior to the Red Devils' departure. And whilst there was space along the main route into the city centre, once the bus headed down the main shopping area, Deansgate, supporters found a variety of vantage points to see the team drive past.

Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Young, who at times ditched the crutches he is supposed to be using to nurse an ankle injury that has ended his season, led the singing, with Ferguson also joining in.

There was a moment of humour, as defender Jonny Evans was asked by MUTV interviewer Helen McConnell, who also happens to be his fiancee, whether he was going to have a good summer.

"Yes," replied Evans. "I am getting married, to you Helen."

But mainly, with the heavy rain that poured down just a couple of hours before the parade began, it was just a celebration of United's 20th title.

It is Ferguson's 13th, and last of course. But the revelry was not enough to make the Scot think standing down in favour of David Moyes, who is also believed to have been in Manchester to witness the scenes, was a wrong move.

"You always think about it (whether you are doing the right thing). But I think it is the right time. I really do," said Ferguson, who also challenged his players to repeat the title hat-trick they last achieved between 2007 and 2009.

"We have a young squad, with a lot of good young players, who are going to get better. The big test is to win it three times in a row."

Granada late show hits Socieded hopes

2013-05-14T10:47:00.002+07:00

Real Sociedad's bid to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in a decade suffered a setback when they conceded a late goal and were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Granada in La Liga on Monday.

Imanol Agirretxe nodded Sociedad ahead in the ninth minute at their Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian but Granada levelled six minutes later when Youssef El Arabi crashed a superb volley past home goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

Carlos Vela raced down the left wing and crossed for Agirretxe to chest the ball cleverly into the net to restore Sociedad's lead moments before halftime.

However, after Agirretxe and Vela both struck shots against the frame of the goal relegation-threatened Granada mounted a late fightback and Recio threaded a 93rd-minute shot through a crowded penalty area to snatch a point for the visitors.

The result left Sociedad and Valencia, who won 4-0 at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, level on 59 points in fourth and fifth place respectively with three games left.

Sociedad are above Valencia in the standings as they have a better head-to-head record but they have a tricky run-in to the end of the season and host Real Madrid at the end of the month.

Sociedad and Valencia are five points ahead of sixth-placed Malaga after their 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla on Sunday, while Granada are 16th on 36 points, four above the relegation places.

"It's a shame," Agirretxe said in an interview with Spanish television broadcaster Cuatro.

"We had those two shots against the post so we didn't have any luck in that respect," he added.

"Then we tried to keep the ball but we were the ones suffering towards the end."

Under French coach Philippe Montanier, Sociedad have played some of the most entertaining football of the season and are the only team apart from Real Madrid to have beaten leaders Barcelona.

Their golden period came in the 1980s when they twice won La Liga and reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1982-83, where they fell to eventual winners Hamburg SV.

More recently, they spent three successive years in the second division before winning promotion in the 2009-10 season. Fourth place would be their best result since they were second and qualified for the Champions League in 2002-03.

Granada were in the fourth tier of Spanish soccer as recently as 2006 and after winning promotion to the top flight in the 2010-11 season narrowly avoided relegation last term when they finished one place above the drop zone.

Roma fined over racist abuse of Milan trio

2013-05-14T10:45:00.004+07:00

Roma have been fined 50,000 euros (£42,200) by the Lega Calcio after a section of supporters racially abused three AC Milan players during Sunday night's Serie A game at San Siro.

The match, which finished goalless, was suspended for two minutes shortly after the half-time interval by referee Gianluca Rocchi, allowing the stadium announcer to order offenders to desist before play was allowed to resume.

Rocchi was using a procedure introduced in the wake of Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng's decision to lead his team-mates off the pitch during a friendly game at Pro Patria in January, forcing the abandonment of the match and sparking new debate on the subject of racism in Italian football.

Although the Lega did not specify which three players it believed had been targeted by Roma fans, striker Mario Balotelli was seen raising his finger to his lips in a bid to silence visiting fans.

Roma captain Francesco Totti then approached the away end at San Siro during the suspension to reason with offending Giallorossi supporters.

A statement published on the league's website read: "A fine of 50,000 euros with a warning for Roma, whose supporters continuously addressed racially discriminatory chants to three players of the opposing team, prompting the referee to suspend the game for two minutes in order to make them desist from such reprehensible behaviour."

Roma have issued a statement of their own, condemning racism, and branding the actions of their supporters as 'unacceptable'.

"AS Roma condemns any form of racial abuse," the club said. "This type of behaviour from any football supporters, including ours, is completely unacceptable.

"We are committed to facing this issue head-on to rid our sport of this problem and promote respect for all."

Ancelotti could yet ignore Real Madrid to continue PSG project

2013-05-14T10:43:00.002+07:00

The last few weeks have been marred by speculation surrounding the future of the coach and by on-field disciplinary problems, but Paris Saint-Germain finally won the Ligue 1 title on Sunday and there is no doubt that they are worthy champions.

PSG today claimed they had rejected a bid by Real Madrid to hire coach Carlo Ancelotti as the Spanish champions apparently seek to try and replace the departing Jose Mourinho, but all this speculation should not be allowed to undermine what has been such a poignant season in the French capital.

Ancelotti's side had stumbled once with the finish line in sight, only managing a 1-1 draw at home against Valenciennes last weekend when nerves got the better of them. But they did finally finish the job on Sunday thanks to a deserved 1-0 win in Lyon. A Jérémy Menez goal early in the second half gave them the three points they needed to end any chance, however remote, of Marseille pipping them at the post.

Security fears meant only a tiny number of PSG fans were allowed into the Stade de Gerland, but even the many thousands who were unable to attend were delighted to see their team win the title at the home of the club that won seven consecutive championships in the last decade.

When Olympique Lyon won the last of those titles in 2008, PSG only avoided relegation on the final day of the season. Since then, the club has been utterly transformed, and now they have won the third championship in their history, their first since 1994.

There has been a lot of criticism directed PSG's way this season, and much of it has been merited. Ancelotti's team have not always played to their full potential in the league but this is still a formidable unit, based around an outstanding defence and a frightening ability to punish opponents on the counter-attack.

With two games still to play, Paris have conceded just 21 goals in Ligue 1 and have kept 23 clean sheets, a new record for the French top flight. They have scored more goals than the rest too. They are on course to beat the points tally they set last season.

The individual quality available to Ancelotti has been recognised in the list of nominations for the end-of-season awards. Three of the four names on the shortlist for Ligue 1's Player of the Year prize belong to PSG, with 27-goal Zlatan Ibrahimovic, captain Thiago Silva and midfielder Blaise Matuidi joining Saint-Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Salvatore Sirigu is likely to win the Goalkeeper of the Year prize while Marco Verratti is a contender for Young Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Ancelotti himself has been nominated for Coach of the Year.

Of course, there should not really be any competition. At €300 million (£254m) PSG have a far greater budget than anyone else in Ligue 1, and double that of Lyon, who have had the second-largest budget this season at around €145 million.

"Never has a French league title come at such a price for the owner of a club," wrote sports daily L'Equipe, remembering that Qatar Sports Investments have spent more money in the transfer market than any other European club since buying a controlling stake at the Parc des Princes in June 2011.

Lyon used to dominate, but their impotence against the sturdiness of PSG was all too evident on Sunday. When OL were chasing the game in the second half, coach Rémi Garde turned to his bench and sent on 17-year-old Anthony Martial for just his third top-team appearance before handing a debut to 18-year-old Fares Bahlouhli. Lyon simply cannot compete.

None of that will matter too much to PSG fans. Their team are the sixth different Ligue 1 champions in six seasons but PSG now seem certain to start a long era of dominance domestically. "From now on, it will be a failure for us if we don't win the title," admitted Matuidi, while Ibrahimovic declared: "The future belongs to us."

"We showed that we deserve to be champions," said Ancelotti, who follows in the footsteps of Gérard Houllier and Artur Jorge in leading PSG to the title. Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic dedicated the title win to Nick Broad, the English member of Ancelotti's backroom staff who was tragically killed in a road accident in January.

Days after Broad's death, PSG went to Bordeaux for a game that they didn't want to play. They won 1-0 to go back to the top of the table and they have been there ever since.

Now, rather than fret over Ancelotti's future at the club. It is not outlandish to suggest the former Milan coach could yet stay to build on his success at PSG, as the club's president Nasser al Khelaifi today suggested.

It is is time to celebrate their achievement, as fans gather at the Place du Trocadéro, across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, to see their heroes raise aloft Hexagoal, the silver shield given to the champions.

Where can Rooney go next?

2013-05-14T10:23:00.004+07:00

Where Wayne Rooney wants to go and who actually wants him are not the same thing - despite the England striker's global profile and 214 career goals, the world is not quite his oyster.

A combination of huge wages, a poor 2012/13 season and over 10 years of wear and tear make him a gamble for potential buyers.

So where will he end up?

Bayern Munich - 5/4

The Bavarians have been installed as short-priced favourites as incoming manager Pep Guardiola looks to spruce up his strikeforce. Rooney would certainly represent a major coup, but with Mario Goetze already signed and Robert Lewandowski likely to follow, is there really room at the Allianz Arena?

Chelsea - 11/4

Although Rafa Benitez has revived Fernando Torres's form somewhat, Chelsea still look short of a striker. And in Rooney they have a player who can hit the ground running alongside several England team-mates. Chelsea can afford him, too - but would Rooney really want to burn his bridges with the United fans?

Paris Saint-Germain - 4/1

The newly-crowned Ligue 1 champions are emerging as a serious force. And if their Qatari owners want to make a statement, who better than Rooney who is a big deal across La Manche. While we can't exactly see Rooney speaking French, Paris is only a short hop from home and he might have David Beckham for company.

Real Madrid 20/1

Now we're starting to get into the long shots. Real showed interest early in Rooney's career and want to revamp their attack after a poor season for Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain. But it will all depend on the new man in the dugout in the highly likely event of Jose Mourinho's departure.

Manchester City 25/1

City were hot favourites when Rooney slapped in his first transfer request in 2010 but are among the outsiders now. Although they could do with a forward following Mario Balotelli's departure, Rooney could hardly expect star billing with Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez for company.

Arsenal 33/1

It might have made the back page of a tabloid, but this seems a stratospherically unlikely move. Buying massively-hyped Englishmen with thousands of miles on the clock is the precise opposite of Arsene Wenger's usual policy. So unless the Frenchman leaves the Emirates, this is simply not going to happen.

Barcelona 33/1

He doesn't exactly have the body shape for tiki-taka, but Rooney's skills could conceivably make him a decent fit at the Camp Nou. Nonetheless, he would stick out like a big white sore thumb in Barca's team of petite Latin maestros.

Galatasaray 33/1

They've got money and ambition, as seen by the signings of Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder. Could they land Rooney? In another couple of years, perhaps, but all the kebabs in Istanbul wouldn't land him aged 27, when he is supposedly at the peak of his powers.

Manchester United 7/4

It could well be that Rooney, having surveyed all the options, returns home to his trophy cabinet, looks at his five Premier League and one Champions League winners medals, and decides that there are worse things than being a bit less good than Robin van Persie.

Mancini to join Ferguson in leaving Manchester

2013-05-13T17:20:00.002+07:00

Monday's back pages all share one common theme: both Manchester clubs will have new managers within the space of a few weeks.

"It's goodbye from me... and it's goodbye from him" is the back page lead in The Guardian, with outgoing Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson in tears, and Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini looking anguished.

The Daily Mirror has a similar back page splash beneath the headline "Goodbye to Manchester", while The Times's headline is "Ferguson's tears, Mancini's fears".

Every single paper reports that Mancini will be fired this week, with Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini being lined up to replace him.

Despite the ubiquity of the story The Sun still tries to claim it as an exclusive - though their claim to have Mancini's reaction to being "knifed in the back" is at least unique.

"It is the sly way it has been done which has left him feeling bitter," the paper claims, saying that Mancini was given the news on Sunday afternoon, and that it came as a huge shock following a cordial dinner with club chiefs the night before the FA Cup final.

"It was not until mid-afternoon yesterday Mancini found out his fate second hand," the paper reports.

"And even then nobody from the club had contacted him face to face to either confirm or deny speculation. Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain have secretly been negotiating with Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini behind Mancini’s back for weeks.

"Meanwhile, Mancini had been dealing with the pair over transfer targets for next season and believed he had their full support. He was also convinced Al Mubarak was fully behind him.

"A source close to Mancini said: 'All the dealings Roberto has had with Al Mubarak and Begiristain were positive. He believed unless they were playing the most divisive game then he was their manager for the long term. There is a real feeling he has been knifed in the back.'"

The Times reports that, "Mancini could be dismissed as early as today with no guarantee that he will still be in charge for City’s Barclays Premier League match away to Reading tomorrow night."

The Mirror, meanwhile, claims Mancini will get a year's wages as a pay-off, and reports that successor-in-waiting Pellegrini will meet City bosses on Thursday to negotiate the last few elements of the deal.

It is worth pointing out that Pellegrini has this morning denied that there is any agreement with City - but last time all the papers were this unanimous on this big a story, they were proven right within hours. That was just last week when news of Alex Ferguson's impending retirement broke the night before the club confirmed the news.

As to why Mancini is going? The Mirror claims that there is literally nobody left who wants him to stay: "City chiefs have concluded Mancini does not have what it takes to advance the club in Europe and that a change of manager is needed if they are to make a serious assault on the Champions League. The players are also unhappy at his man-management and the 48-year old will be given his marching orders once a severance package can be agreed."

Pellegrini will be a snap for City considering his £2m release clause, the Mirror adds, and the Premier League runners-up, "will move for the Chilean with the minimum of fuss and ensure he is in position for the club’s pre-season tour of South Africa and the Far East."

Everton give Moyes winning Goodison send-off

2013-05-13T17:18:00.005+07:00

Premier League, Goodison Park – Everton 2 (Mirallas 6, 60) West Ham United 0

Everton marked David Moyes's last home game as manager with a comfortable 2-0 win against West Ham United at Goodison Park thanks to two goals from Kevin Mirallas.

The hosts were dominant from the outset in Moyes’s penultimate game and it was of little surprise when Mirallas gave them a sixth minute lead.

While they dominated the rest of the half they were unable to add to their advantage with Victor Anichebe passing up a pretty presentable opportunity half way through the first period.

Mirallas then doubled his side’s advantage with an hour on the clock as the Toffees continued to dominate but Jussi Jaaskelainen was in inspired form as he denied the third goal the home side's play merited.

Andy Carroll, roundly booed throughout, almost halved the deficit late on but his header came back off the post and Everton closed out a win that ensured Moyes’s men finish above neighbours Liverpool.

No trophies arrived on his watch but Moyes came into his 426th Premier League game as manager of Everton knowing that a victory over West Ham would ensure the Toffees a second successive top-flight finish above Liverpool - something they've not achieved since 1937.

He has restored pride and competitiveness to one of England’s most esteemed clubs and was afforded a rousing send off from the home faithful for his 11 years of service.

His captain, Phil Neville, however, was denied a Goodison swansong by a knee injury but, that aside, Everton were full strength for their penultimate game of the season, so Moyes named an unchanged side from last weekend’s Merseyside derby.

If Moyes was concerned that the weight of emotion would bear heavily on his side he had need not as the Toffees immediately set about pinning back a rudderless West Ham United side.

And there were just six minutes on the clock as Mirallas finished off a flowing team move involving Leighton Baines, Leon Osman and Marouane Fellaini to give the home side the advantage their early supremacy had merited.

Osman, who had been afforded far too much space in midfield, almost added a second with twelve minutes on the clock when he showed a great sleight of foot to escape the clutches of Winston Reid and draw a save from Jaaskelainen.

While Osman’s opportunity had an air of difficulty to it, Anichebe should have doubled his side’s advantage with 23 minutes gone, but, having found himself onside and only seven yards out, the Nigerian international lacked composure and lashed an effort straight at Jaaskelainen.

The Hammers were abject for much of the first half but the advantage of utilising a direct style of play is that it can produce chances from very little.

And that was the case on the half hour mark when Matt Jarvis found Kevin Nolan early on the edge of the box, but Tim Howard was equal to the former Newcastle man’s volley as he pushed it wide of goal.

Despite that chance, Everton’s superiority was never in question and Fellaini was denied by a last ditch block from James Collins on 37 minutes as the hosts re-established their dominance.

Considering the extent of Everton’s excellence, Allardyce will have been happy to go to the interval just the one goal down.

The West Ham manager made a tactical switch at the interval with Carlton Cole entering the fray but, while the attacking nature of the switch was to be applauded, the decision to go from a five man to a four man midfield was puzzling considering the home side’s utter command of the area during the opening half.

Unsurprisingly, the Everton supremacy continued and although their second was fully merited, it was unlucky that the superb Collins was the man whose attempted last-ditch challenge deflected the Mirallas effort past Jaaskelainen in goal.

Jaaskelainen and Collins were the only players who emerged from an abject performance with any credit as first the keeper and then the Welsh international turned efforts from Osman and Steven Pienaar around the post.

The Hammers rallied late on with Joe Cole drawing a smart save from Howard in the Everton goal on 79 minutes before Carroll headed against the post with only four minutes left to play.

It was fitting though that the Toffees managed to keep a clean sheet, and a win next weekend over Chelsea would see Moyes sign off having garnered 66 points – Everton's highest tally in the Premier League era.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Kevin Mirallas – A constant threat getting in behind West Ham, and capped a superb performance with a brace.

PLAYER RATINGS:

Everton: Howard 6, Coleman 7, Distin 6, Jagielka 6, Baines 7,Gibson 7, Mirallas 9, Osman 7, Pienaar 8, Fellaini 6, Anichebe 5. Subs: Hibbert 5, Jelavic 5, Oviedo 5.

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen 6, Demel 5, Collins 7, Reid 5, O'Brien 5, O'Neil 5, Diame 4, Nolan 5, Collison 4, Jarvis 5, Carroll 5. Subs: Noble 5, J.Cole 6, C.Cole 5.

Reaction to Sir Alex Ferguson's final match at Old Trafford

2013-05-13T05:18:00.000+07:00

Reaction after Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's final match at Old Trafford, a 2-1 victory over Swansea City.

He will retire at the end of the season.

Ferguson: "I decided at Christmas. Cathy's sister died. She had lost her best friend and she has been isolated. For 47 years she has been the leader of the family. She has made a lot of sacrifices for me. It was difficult to keep it a secret. Sometimes we nearly blurted it out to the family and we told our sons in March but my brother didn't know until Tuesday. I wanted to tell the players first and also my staff. Unfortunately there were rumours going around on Tuesday so we started to speed it up a bit."

Ryan Giggs, veteran Manchester United midfielder: "Sir Alex just said play the game and not the occasion. He wanted to win the game, wanted it to be an entertaining game and for us to do the things which he has wanted us to as a manager. The memories of him that stick out are when I was younger. When I was 13 playing for Salford Boys and looking to the sidelines and there was Sir Alex Ferguson watching."

Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United captain: "It will be strange not to see him in the dressing room. This is a big club and will always be a big club but it is sad after so many years, without him is going to be sad. Even on the last day he wanted to win the game. He told us this is the mentality you have to have when I go, always fight, always want to win."

Michael Carrick, Manchester United midfielder: "It's been an emotional day for everyone. It was a strange feeling and it's been like that all week. It was a special, special day. Even in the changing room he tried to keep it as normal as possible but in the back of your mind you were thinking this is the last one. With the reception he got, it was amazing."

Robin van Persie, Manchester United striker: "It's an unbelievable day but a sad one as well. I had the honour to work with him for one year and it's been an unbelievable year. He's made such an impact on me. He may be the greatest manager ever and he's such a nice person."

Paul Scholes, retiring Manchester United midfielder: "It's been a good day. We've won the game, that's all that matters. We'll celebrate tonight and hopefully in more years there will be more trophies for these players. Today it was just nice to get through the game. I thought Sir Alex handled it well, he spoke really well and he has done a fantastic job here."

Michael Laudrup, Swansea City manager: "It is a special day. It is one thing that a manager in a big club stops, but this is a lifetime not a small era. It is incredible. I have a lot of respect for Sir Alex to have so many years in the same club, so unique. It is a lifetime."

Adebayor scores crucial late winner for Spurs

2013-05-12T22:51:00.001+07:00

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.

Mancini facing ignominious exit after City stunned by Wigan

2013-05-12T20:04:00.002+07:00

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.

Paul Scholes to retire at the end of the season

2013-05-12T20:03:00.003+07:00

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."

Champions Barca shift attention to transfer market

2013-05-12T20:02:00.001+07:00

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.

Watson winner hands unfancied Wigan FA Cup final glory against City

2013-05-12T20:01:00.002+07:00

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

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

2013-05-12T20:00:00.001+07:00

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

FA Cup - Matchpack: Manchester City v Wigan Athletic

2013-05-11T20:38:00.001+07:00

Team news, manager quotes and match facts ahead of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Wigan at Wembley.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester City have close to a full squad available. Midfielder Yaya Toure is fit after recent concerns about fatigue and playmaker David Silva is in contention to start for first time since suffering a hamstring injury at Manchester United a month ago. Back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, who has played in all the previous rounds, is expected to be selected ahead of England number one Joe Hart.

Roberto Martinez must decide whether to stick with his wobbly defence for Wigan's first FA Cup final appearance. Antolin Alcaraz (hamstring) is rated no more than a 50-50 chance, while captain Gary Caldwell is most at risk following his mistake against Swansea on Tuesday and Roger Espinoza looked ill at ease in the left wing-back role. Ali Al Habsi is expected to return at the expense of on-loan Joel Robles in goal, as he did for the semi-final win over Millwall.

MANAGER QUOTES

Roberto Mancini on the retirement of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "It was a great honour to beat him at Old Trafford and I wish him good luck for his future. I don't think there'll be another manager like him. To win every trophy for 27 years is incredible situation. In Europe, there are other good managers. I don't know if you can say Sir Alex is the best ever but he is the best in the last 27 years. A top club, a big club like United, you can change the manager. Sir Alex built this team but it is a big club with a big history and I don't think it will change something."

Roberto Martinez: “You don’t get many opportunities to enjoy what the FA Cup brings. It’s a historic moment, a moment to be proud of. It’s such an easy game to manage from a mental point of view because it will get over a billion audience, and you’re playing at Wembley so it’s an incredible moment. You don’t need any motivation for that. I know what it means to the fans and to the rest of the footballing world to have our name alongside an FA Cup final playing the champions of England. I think in the last few games [against City] they’ve been games that could have gone either way. We left it for that big occasion to be able to compete against a phenomenal side.”

MATCH FACTS

The two teams have only met twice before in the FA Cup, with City winning both games 1-0 at home, in 1971 in the third round and in 2006 when City won a Fourth Round clash.

Wigan have failed to scored a single goal in each of their last seven meetings with the Citizens (all in the league), losing each of those games.

Carlos Tevez has netted seven goals in 12 appearances against the Latics (all in the Premier League).

City have won 10 of their last 11 FA Cup matches, keeping clean sheets in nine of those games and losing just one.

The Manchester giants have scored in each of their last 18 FA Cup games. Only Chelsea, who City beat in the semi-finals, are currently on a longer scoring run in the competition (30 games).

Roberto Martinez’s charges have only conceded one goal in their last five FA Cup games and only two overall in this campaign.

However, City have shipped just one goal in this season’s FA Cup campaign, a joint-low figure.

Only beaten semi-finalists Chelsea (17) can better City’s haul of 15 goals in the FA Cup this season.

The Latics have enjoyed just two wins in their last six FA Cup clashes with top-tier teams, losing three and drawing one.

This will be Wigan’s first FA Cup final appearance. The last team to win the cup in their first final was Wimbledon back in 1988.

This will be City’s 10th FA Cup final, with the Citizens winning five of their nine finals so far.

The last five FA Cup finals involving two top tier sides have produced a total of just nine goals (three 1-0s and two 2-1s)

13 of the last 17 exclusively top-tier finals have seen one or both sides failed to find the back of the net at all.

David Silva has been involved in four goals (scoring one, assisting three) in his last two FA Cup appearances for the Citizens.

Carlos Tevez has been involved in seven FA Cup goals this season, scoring five and assisting two more (five appearances).

In five FA Cup appearances this season, Costel Pantilimon has kept four clean sheets, conceding just one goal in total.

Jordi Gomez has scored three and assisted three goals in the FA Cup this season.

Wigan Athletic have never lost a FA Cup match when Roman Golobart has played (W4 D1).

Callum McManaman has scored in three successive FA Cup appearances.

Paper Round: Pellegrini to become next Manchester City boss ‘done deal’

2013-05-11T20:34:00.003+07:00

Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini will take over from Roberto Mancini at Manchester City next season, according to a report in Spain.

The piece, published in Spanish daily AS, is emphatic – and has been picked up by the likes of the Guardian and the Daily Mirror this morning ahead of the FA Cup final.

Meantime, the odds on Pellegrini become the next manager at Eastlands have been slashed dramatically, falling as low as 10-1 with some bookmakers.

“Pellegrini will coach City next season”, AS proclaims, saying that the move became concrete on Friday.

City director Txiki Begiristain had been spotted meeting Pellegrini at the end of April, and has subsequently been given the go-ahead to complete the deal by the club’s owner Sheikh Mansour.

Both Mancini and his perpective Chilean replacement are contracted to their current clubs – for four more and two more years respectively – but Pellegrini is believed to have a €4m (£3.4m) release clause that would be no deterrent given City’s riches.

Mancini, speaking in his press conference on Friday ahead of the Wembley final against Wigan, had been phlegmatic when asked about his future.

"I won seven trophies at Inter in four years and they sacked me after four years," said the 48-year-old. "This is football. I know football enough to understand this situation."

AS’s report also says that Pellegrini’s arrival could also herald the signing of Isco, the talented playmaker who has a release clause of just under £30m.

Elsewhere in transfer land, Mancini might not be the only high-profile name heading out of the Premier League – John Terry is being lined up for an extraordinary move to Turkey.

Galatasaray are the interested party, and with a wage package over three years worth a total of £30m, they believe that they can make it worth the former England captain’s while.

The Turkish giants have already splashed out on Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder in recent times, and are looking for European experience to boost their Champions League campaigns, but may be thwarted on Terry.

The Chelsea player is expected to see whether he has a future under the new manager, whoever that turns out to be, before making a decision about any move.

But Wayne Rooney’s options of leaving the country look limited as the Mail claims that there is no interest from Bayern Munich in signing the striker.

The clubs who can feasibly afford the player’s transfer fee and wages are limited, and Bayern were thought to be among Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea as the only teams in the running. But with 'senior Bayern sources’ telling the paper they were not keen, the choices are dwindling.

Retirements are all the rage at Manchester United this week – the Daily Mirror report that Paul Scholes is likely to follow in the footsteps his manager Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the season. Scholes will still be around Old Trafford though, and may take up a coaching position under theDavid Moyes regime.

Another transfer target has emerged for Moyes – Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. Before the Frenchman left Lyon for the Bernabeu he was heavily-linked with a move to Manchester United, but The Sun says Moyes is keen to renew that interest.

£30m will be needed to prise Benzema away from Spain, but the Red Devils will be in the market for a forward should Rooney depart.

And whether they’re dealing with Jose Mourinho over the transfer or not remains to be seen – the same paper adds that there is an impasse in discussions over the Portuguese leaving Real Madrid to rejoin Chelsea.

Roman Abramovich is unwilling to pay the £17m buy-out in Mourinho’s contract to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.

That means that Mourinho must convince club president Florentino Perez to release him without charge – no easy task with that sort of money on the line. But Real Madrid are already planning for life without their manager, and the thought of Mourinho seeing out the remaining three years of his contract is almost unimaginable.

Chelsea hand back FA Cup requiring 80 hours of restoration work

2013-05-11T20:33:00.002+07:00

The FA Cup trophy is ready to be lifted by the victors in Saturday’s final – but only after some remarkable restoration work.

The trophy needed 80 hours of attention from silversmiths Thomas Lyte, led by Kevin Williams, before it looked as it once did.

After a year in Chelsea’s possession, the trophy was returned twice as damaged as the company had come to expect, and the restoration cost around £3,000.

"It was pretty well damaged - so many people wanted a piece of it," Williams said.

"This year it took probably 70 to 80 hours of restoration and polishing, where you would normally allow more like 38 hours to make sure everything's all right.

"The FA, to their credit, let the [winning] club keep the Cup, so it gets a year of going round, being celebrated so it’s therefore going to get knocked and dropped and dented and it’s my job to take those out.

"This year there was a reasonable amount of damage, some big creases, and we managed to get it back to the condition that everybody knows it as The FA Cup.

"It’s a fragile old thing now. It’s had lots of knocks and bumps and so when we repair it the metal gets thinner, so we’re at a very precarious stage that when you’re working on it, you’ve got to be careful that you don’t get it to the point where it’s beyond repair."

Chelsea are not solely to blame for the condition of the trophy – at one promotional event a member of the band Reverend and the Makers put the lid of the cup on his head, as Carlos Tevez had done in the 2010 final, only for it to fall and sustain a sizeable dent.

The current FA Cup is not as old as you might think – it was first used in 1992, and is an exact replica of the previous edition, replaced after 80 years of wear and tear.

Trapattoni interested in Napoli job

2013-05-11T20:31:00.003+07:00

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has said he wouldn’t rule out taking the Napoli job

The 74-year-old Coach won seven Scudetti between Juventus and Inter, plus league titles in Germany, Austria and Portugal before becoming Ireland manager in 2008.

“I always want to win,” he told Il Mattino newspaper. “Even returning to a Serie A side like Napoli – why not?

“Am I putting myself forward for the job? Everyone knows my motto: never say never in football. I also tell club presidents: don’t look at my birth certificate, because that doesn’t reflect my real age.”

Il Trap gave his verdict on Antonio Conte and Walter Mazzarri hesitating over their future unless there are guarantees of improved squads.

"They are bluffing. My young colleagues are simply afraid of not being able to repeat their success. It’s a classic tactic, as in August there isn’t a single club that doesn’t want to do better than the previous season. It’s not easy to achieve that...

"The coaches are only right to want more influence on transfer strategy. Presidents too often work by themselves and when things go wrong they blame the coach.

"I used to get on a plane and personally visit the house of the player I wanted to sign. Now things are different, as there are too many agents and intermediaries. You run the risk of meeting a player for the first time on the day of his presentation to the media.”

Read the original article on Football Italia - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Italian football

Allardyce to sign new West Ham contract

2013-05-11T20:29:00.004+07:00

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he will finally sign his new contract at the start of next week.

Questions over Allardyce's future at West Ham have lingered despite the Hammers boss guiding the club to 10th in the Premier League following their promotion. Allardyce insisted in March that he would be penning a new deal "very soon" after productive talks with owners David Gold and David Sullivan, but the contract has yet to be signed.

The 58-year-old says all that will change next week, though, following the Hammers' penultimate game of the season at Everton on Sunday. Allardyce said: "I will be signing my contract very shortly. Early next week will be the right time."

He added: "We are concentrating on Everton. But by early or next midweek I will be looking to put pen to paper."

Paolo Di Canio's departure from Swindon led to speculation that he could replace Allardyce at the end of the season, but Sullivan recently maintained he could never employ the controversial Italian, who has already been snapped up by Sunderland anyway.

The two-month wait for Allardyce to take up West Ham's offer has raised eyebrows, but the former Bolton and Blackburn manager insists the hold-up has been down to wading through vast swathes of legal jargon and the need to secure top-flight survival, rather than because of any problem with the club's owners.

"There were processes we had to go through and put it together in the right way, which it has now," Allardyce said.

"I never thought there would be any problem - and there hasn't.

"There has been some issue with the legal jargon in the contract which I couldn't understand so that has to go to both sides' lawyers to agree and then it gets signed.

"The size of a manager's contract is pretty substantial in terms of responsibilities."

Schalke snub Benitez, Di Matteo and stick with Keller

2013-05-11T20:27:00.004+07:00

Schalke have confirmed that Jens Keller will remain their coach until 2015.

The 42-year-old was promoted from U17 coach to the top job in December on a six month deal but was expected to be replaced by a bigger name in the summer.

However, he has steadied the ship at the club who are back up to fourth in the Bundesliga table and been rewarded with a two-year deal despite the likes of Stefan Effenberg, Rafael Benitez and Roberto Di Matteo having all been linked with the job.

"Jens took over the team in a very difficult situation last December and despite many people resisting his appointment, he has brought Schalke back on track," said the club's general manager Horst Heldt.

"We are convinced of his abilities because the team has improved in recent months despite some absentees.

"Jens Keller offers a coherent concept, and not just the players, but all decision makers at the club have bought into his work and conviction."

Keller replaced Huub Stevens in the winter and finally led the team up the table despite a bumpy start under his direction.

Chelsea return nothing special for Villas-Boas

2013-05-08T14:31:00.003+07:00

Sacked last year after less than nine months in charge at Stamford Bridge before rebuilding his reputation at Tottenham Hotspur, Andre Villas-Boas said his return to Chelsea for the key Premier League clash on Wednesday was "not very special".

"It's a club that I have gone past," Villas-Boas told a news conference on Tuesday. "I have good and bad memories like everybody else, but it's a pity it didn't finish as I would have liked."

Villas-Boas was fired by Chelsea in March 2012 after a poor run of results amid reports of dressing room disharmony with his coaching methods.

Former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo took over from Villas-Boas and guided the side to an FA Cup final victory and then a memorable first Champions League triumph with a penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich.

Villas-Boas, appointed Spurs manager in July, said he bore no grudge against his former side.

"I've told you in the past that, in a situation like we were in, normally it dictates for a manager to lose his job," he said.

"It's understandable and has happened in various clubs for the same reason with the same effect, which is immediate success afterwards.

"It's nothing new in football and is something that unfortunately works in moments of maximum difficulties.

"You either believe in what you're doing or don't believe. At that time the club had to make a decision that proved successful for them."

Villas-Boas' past and current clubs are embroiled, along with Arsenal, in a three-way battle for a top-four finish and a Champions League place.

Chelsea, on 68 points from 35 games, can effectively guarantee finishing in the top four if they beat Spurs, who are fifth on 65 points from 35 and have a far inferior goal difference. Fourth-placed Arsenal have 67 points from 36 games.

"It is still very, very open because of the remaining fixtures," said Villas-Boas.

"Obviously if Chelsea win they are in (third) which means one less spot available and we wouldn't be depending on ourselves to achieve (a top-four finish)."

Mousa Dembele and Aaron Lennon, both substituted in Tottenham's 1-0 victory at home to Southampton on Saturday because of niggles, are in the squad.

"Mousa and Aaron will be selected, whether or not they will be available is something we prefer to hold onto and let people know when we get there," said Villas-Boas.

"They had discomfort and tightness against Southampton and we decided not to risk them."

Liverpool skipper Gerrard out for season

2013-05-08T14:30:00.003+07:00

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is to have an operation on his left shoulder which will rule him out of the rest of the season.

The England skipper will also miss the national team's two friendlies against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on May 29 and Brazil on June 2.

Gerrard will go under the knife later this week and is expected to return in time for Liverpool's pre-season programme.

Gerrard, 33 later this month, has had his best season fitness-wise and his appearance in 220th Merseyside derby was his 36th consecutive Premier League start - equalling his previous longest run set between April 2006 and April 2007.

He has played with the shoulder injury for several months but after an early collision with Everton midfielder Leon Osman on Sunday he looked in obvious discomfort.

However, it did not prevent him completing 90 minutes - Gerrard has missed only 17 minutes of the league season after being forced off against Newcastle just over a week ago after feeling some pain in the shoulder - and putting in another impressive performance.

But with little to play for in their remaining two matches at Fulham and QPR Liverpool have decided it makes more sense for Gerrard to have an operation now to give him an additional couple of weeks' rehabilitation.

"Liverpool have confirmed Steven Gerrard will undergo surgery on a recurrent shoulder problem this week," said a statement from Liverpool.

"The captain's injury has progressively worsened in recent weeks and requires an operation to cure it.

"Gerrard will now miss the final two games of 2012-13, but he is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season training this summer."

Benitez drops huge Mourinho to Chelsea hint

2013-05-08T14:29:00.002+07:00

Rafael Benitez, one win away from sealing a top-four finish for Chelsea in the Premier League and one more from a European trophy, ruled out extending his stay at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, saying the identity of his successor was an open secret.

The Spaniard, still unpopular with a section of Chelsea's support from his days with Liverpool, has impressed as the club's interim manager and victory at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday would all but secure a place in at least the qualifying round for the Champions League.

"You know that next year another manager will be here and I think every one knows who will be here," Benitez said in a televised news conference, when asked if his success at the club could lead to a longer stay.

Self-proclaimed "Special One" Jose Mourinho is the hot favourite to return to Chelsea from Real Madrid, having won two Premier League titles for the club during his first stint in charge which ended in 2007.

"It's not my concern what will happen here next season, I'm just concentrating on doing my job," Benitez, who will lead the side against Portuguese club Benfica in the Europa League final in Amsterdam this month, said.

Interim manager since the sacking of Roberto di Matteo in November, Benitez said he would not be considering his next move until his Chelsea mission was complete.

"I'm just thinking about Tottenham now," he said. "

Chelsea will have Eden Hazard available after he missed Sunday's 1-0 win at Manchester United through injury.

Tottenham have not won a league game at Chelsea for 23 years and defeat would leave them six points behind Chelsea and two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with two games remaining.

"Both teams will want to win, it's a game we've been looking forward to and we'll certainly be going there to win," Tottenham defender Michael Dawson said.

"We'll have to earn it. We'll go there full of confidence and hopefully get the three points."