Sunday Summary: English Ups and Downs

By: Daryl | May 13th, 2007

Most inevitable goal by an Argentine: Carlos Tevez
Two important bits of defending by Yossi Benayoun, who’s reputation lies more in going forward, and then that man Tevez did the business. Whatever the legal rights and wrongs, there’s no doubting the Argentine has given everything to the cause in the last couple of months.

Won’t sleep well tonight: Phil Jagielka
Wigan needed a win, Sheffield United could get away with a draw. Paul Scharner opened the scoring with a beauty, Jon Stead kept Sheffield alive with his head. Then in stoppage time, poor Phil Jagielka couldn’t keep his hands to himself and gave away a pen, which former Blade David Unsworth stepped up to put away. Wigan win, and Sheff Utd are relegated by a goal difference of one.

Most possibly offside goal: Robbie Keane
And is that Pascal Chimbonda celebrating with him, still wearing gloves??? Spurs finished 5th with this 2-1 win, and get another crack at the UEFA Cup next season.

Top Volley: Craig Gardner
The young Villa midfielder hit a sweet volley in the 2-2 draw with Bolton. It looks OK the first time but check out the replay from behind the goal to appreciate the technique. Bolton finished 7th and get the final UEFA Cup spot.

How not to play the off-side trap: Gary Breen
Cracking Black Country derby between Wolves and West Brom in the Championship Play-Off semi-final, but Gary Breen delivered a masterclass in how not to defend, passing straight to Kevin Phillips for WBA’s first, then ruining a perfectly good offside trap for Diomansy Kamara’s winner. Second leg is on Wednesday.

The Clarence Seedorf award for long range shots: Clarence Seedorf
The man is deadly from a distance, this is from Milan’s 1-1 tie with Catalina.

and a little something from Saturday…

Most blatant penalty: Pele
Andrew Surman has been studying Seedorf’s long rangers and came up with one of his own for Southampton in the other Championship Playoff Semifinal. But Steve Howard equalized and then Pele disgraced the name with a very very silly shirt pull, gifting Steve Howard the winner from the spot. Second leg is on Tuesday.

Most headed goals in a Cup final: Marseilles 2-2 Sochaux
The 2007 French Cup Final produced four goals, all with the head. Sochaux upset Marseilles by winning 5-4 on penalties.