Last nights Carling Cup action was even more exciting than the first. It saw 3 all Prem ties so we would lose 3 Prem clubs. But no one expected Liverpool to go out, like their Mersyside neighbours, to a league in a league below them. Unlike Everton, Liverpool lost to a league 2 divisions below them. Let me tell you about it. Liverpool looked like they had this one in the bag when Jovanovic gave them an early lead. But Northampton scored an equaliser and at 90 minutes they couldn't be separated. So it went to extra time and Northampton took the lead in the Ist period. It looked like Liverpool would be going out but N'gog scored a late goal to send it to penalties. N'gog missed his penalty and so did another Liverpool player, I don't know his name, That gave a Northampton player,another name I don't know, a chance to win the shoot-out. He scored and Liverpool were out. After the game Roy Hodgson apologised to his supporters about the defeat. I think Liverpool will struggle to get back into the top 4 this season because they can't string a good run of wins together.
Chelsea also fell at the first hurdle losing 4-3 to Newcastle. Chelsea took the lead with Van Aanholt's first goal for the club. But Newcastle equalised through Ranger. Just before the break Taylor scored a great free-kick to put the Magpies infront. Aneobi scored at the start of the second half to give Newcastle a 2 goal cushion. Chelsea fought back and Anelka scored a goal to bring the Premiership champions back in the game. When Alex went over in the box, rather cheaply for my liking, Anelka stood up and brought Chelsea level. It looked to be heading for extra time when all of a sudden Aneobi scored in stoppage time to send Newcastle through. This proves for me that Chelsea can be beaten. Yes they didn't play their first team but if you keep on pushing they will crack. If you look at their fixtures so far they have been easy. When they start to play teams closer to them then we will see if they are still champions.
Man City lost away to WBA with a side that had 6 inexperienced youngsters starting. It is a massive blow to City because I see this as one of the tournaments that they could win, as well as the FA Cup. City have had a slow start and will be hoping to turn it round at the Bridge on Saturday.
Villa beat Blackburn 3-1 at Villa Park in a repeat of last years semi-final. It is Villa's first win under their new manager and they will hope that continues for months to come.
Wigan are also through after beating Preston North End 2-1 at the DW. It will be important for Wigan to have a good cup run so that the fans won't have to fear the drop.
Man Utd had a small scare at Scunthorpe. They went behind but managed to turn it round before half time making it 2-1. It ended 5-2 to Utd and they progressed into the next round. Utd will be hard to beat this Carling Cup. Now that
Tottenham, Chelsea, Man city and Liverpool are out. The only team you could see beating them is Arsenal but Wenger always sticks to the young lads even if its the final. While Fergie will play his first team in the final. The question is will he change because he knows he needs silver wear. Against Spurs he played a pretty decent starting XI with reserves on the bench if he needed them. I wonder what he is playing?
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