Woodgate shines as Tottenham Hot Spurs lift their spirits with Carling Cup

It looked a typical Chelsea game after Didier Drogba nailed one in at the back of the net in the first half, his tenth of the season and an important one too. Chelsea looked set to make it their second carling cup in a row and things looked good for them as well until the Wayne Bridge handled the ball. The referee pointed the spot and in form Dimitar Berbatov finished things off. The fans got out of their seats and a good football match was under way. What seemed liked yet another boring game of soccer where Chealsea was to dominate, quickly saw the minnows and the premiership struggling side pre- Juande Ramos era get in to it.

The game was end to end till the 90^th minute whistle. Both teams showed some really good game play and the Spur coach made some good changes, even though our cry baby of the week, Pascal Chimbonda, did not agree. Regardless the substitution paid off.

Come over time Tottenham Spurs did not waste any time. They were quickly into it again, the man of the match Jonathan Woodgate got a fortunate header which was blocked by Petr Cech on the first attempt and went past him on the second. From there on, the entire Spurs 11 were moved back into their half of the field and they defended their hearts out. Paul Robinson played for the life and position in the side.

And when it was all set and done the Spurs came out on. It was one of the best feelings in the world to see a good side as theirs which has gone through such a rough patch lately come out victorious. I was extremely impressed by Robinson’s performance and a bit disappointed by Chimbonda’s reaction. At the end of the day, this game had everything one could wish for.

Arsenal Focused On A.C Milan

Arsene Winger insisted that Arsenal were concentrating on their game against A.C Milan and not thinking about the F.A Cup defeat against Manchester United. He admitted that the mood around the Arsenal camp had been somewhat quiet after the 4-0 defeat but claimed that the players will be motivated A.C Milan and will look to go back to playing their style of exciting football.

Arsene Wenger said that the game against A.C Milan is so big that the players can forget about Saturday and focus entirely on their opponents for the Champions League knockout round.

Praising his teams mental strength and ambition he stated that he was confided that the players would be able to bounce back and produce a result that they could defend in the San Sire for the return leg of the game.

Arsene Wenger understood how important it would be for the team to play at its best saying that they were facing the current Champions League holders, a team with quality and experience.

They key to getting the required result according to Wenger is to play without the handbrake on and go into the match with desire.

"We have to play free of pressure and I believe we will do that.” He said.

Chelsea Held At Athens

Chelsea managed to secure a goalless draw at Athens against Olympiacos and in turn gave themselves a realistic chance of progressing into the last eight of the Champions League.

Even though it was poor performance by the Londoners, failing to create even one clear-cut chance of scoring, they remain favourites to progress into the quarter finals of the Champions League when the two sides meet again for the second leg of the tie at Stamford Bridge.

Avram Grant left both Frank Lampard and Captain John Terry on the bench taking a huge Euro gamble for the game against the Greek champions but in the end his plan worked as Chelsea carved out a boring goalless draw making a mockery of his plan to establish Chelsea into one of the most free flowing sides in Europe.

Olympiacos had to qualify to the knockout stage from a group that included Lazio, Real Madrid, and Werder Bremen thus proving that they are no pushovers.

Neither side seemed up for the game and lacked fluidity and failed to entertain resulting in a showing which was far from the free-flowing football Grant promised at Chelsea.

Chelsea now have to finish the job at Stamford Bridge in order to progress into the quarter finals of the Champions League, a tournament Avram Grant and Chelsea are desperate to win.

Rafa Remains Cautious Even After A Convincing Win

Under-fire manager Rafa Benitez will be breathing a sigh of relief as Liverpool took a crucial two goal lead in the first leg of the knockout stages of Champions League. Bouncing back from the embarrassing defeat against Championship side Barnsley, Liverpool managed to score two goals in the last five minutes through Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard to give them a much needed win at Anfield.

Although the result came as a surprise to many Rafa Benitez insisted that he always had confidence in his team. He went on to say that the players needed this win and that it would be great for their confidence.

"I'm really pleased with the attitude of the players, for the supporters and the club," he said.

"I had confidence because the team was playing well. We had passion and we were passing the ball and trying to create chances. We knew that it could come late and in the end to score two goals was fantastic."

After this two goal lead ahead of the second leg, Rafa believes that Liverpool now have a chance of progressing into the Quarter Finals of the Champions League but insists that it’s not over yet.

“even though Inter Milan had 10 men for a long spell, they were still formidable opponents who were organised, defended well and were always capable of scoring on the break.” He said.

“'It gives us a great chance in the second leg, but we must be careful because Inter are a very good side and they will make it very difficult for us at the San Siro.'”