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The Race for Europe: Liverpool's dream recedes further as Manchester City fire five past Birmingham
Mancini's goal-getters strengthen hold on fourth...
12 Apr 2010 12:11:00
By Jamie Dunn
Two teams in the hunt for the fourth and final Champions League qualification place - Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa - were not involved in Premier League action this weekend, giving Manchester City the chance to pile the pressure on the chasing pack.
Liverpool, meanwhile, had the opportunity to gain some ground on Spurs and distance themselves from Villa. It was a weekend of delight for some, and disappointment for others - join Goal.com UK in analysing the movers and shakers in the race for Europe.
4th Manchester City - 62 points
Played: 33
Goal Difference: +28
After leapfrogging Tottenham last weekend by winning 6-1 against Burnley at Turf Moor, Manchester City took the opportunity to extend their lead over their rivals with an equally stunning 5-1 victory over a usually resolute Birmingham City.
Roberto Mancini's side have now notched 11 goals in their last two games and are seemingly scoring for fun. Manchester United await next, in a derby that carries perhaps its biggest significance for a number of years for both sides. A loss would allow Spurs the chance to gain some ground, while a win would signal the Citizens' intent.
STAR MAN
FIGHTING TALK
Roberto M
ancini: "If we have 1-0 victories in the next five games that will be good for us.
"Of course we have respect for [Manchester] United but we want to win this game as it is an important one for us."
REMAINING FIXTURES
Manchester United (H) Saturday 17 April, 12.45 PM
Arsenal (A) Saturday 24 April, 5.30 PM
Aston Villa (H) Sunday 1 May, 3.00 PM
Tottenham Hotspur (H) Wednesday 5 May, 8.00 PM
West Ham United (A) Sunday 9 May, 3.00 PM
INJURIES
City will remain without Joleon Lescott [hamstring], Wayne Bridge [groin] and Michael Johnson [knee] for the Manchester derby, though Stephen Ireland and Martin Petrov may return to give Mancini a welcome selection headache.
5th Tottenham Hotspur - 58 points
Played: 32
Goal Difference: +26
It has been touted as the most important fortnight of Tottenham Hotspur's recent history, and it couldn't have got off to a worse start. While Manchester City were dominant at Eastlands, Spurs were crashing out of the FA Cup at the semi-final stage to relegated Portsmouth in a 2-0 defeat after extra-time.
Harry Redknapp must rally his troops and look for an immediate response, as a fiery north London derby with Arsenal awaits on Wednesday. The meeting at White Hart Lane is Tottenham's game in hand on City and could take them within a point of fourth once again. It gets no easier for Spurs; Chelsea await on Saturday.
STAR MAN
The glimmering light in what was otherwise a day to forget, Gareth Bale ran Portsmouth ragged, constantly venturing forward and providing crosses. The Welshman will be hoping for more fruit for his labours from Spurs' strikers at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.
FIGHTING TALK
Harry Redknapp: "We've still got a big chance. It will be tight. We've got the toughest fixtures and the biggest injury list, but we're still right in there.
"I wouldn't rule Aston Villa out yet, but we've got as good a chance as anyone."
REMAINING FIXTURES
Arsenal (H) Wednesday 14 April, 8.00 PM
Chelsea (H) Saturday 17 April, 5.30 PM
Manchester United (A) Saturday 24 April, 12.45 PM
Bolton Wanderers (H) Saturday 1 May, 3.00 PM
Manchester City (A) Wednesday 5 May, 8.00 PM
Burnley (A) Sunday 9 May, 3.00 PM
INJURIES
Tottenham will be buoyed by the return of Vedran Corluka, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson on Saturday, and they could all be fit to face Arsenal on Wednesday. Ledley King [thigh], Jermaine Jenas [groin] and Aaron Lennon all face a race against time to be ready for midweek.
6th Liverpool - 56 points
Played: 34
Goal Difference: +21
In what could be a dress rehearsal for this year's Europa League final, Liverpool fluffed their lines against Fulham on Sunday. The Reds were dominant at Anfield, but once again, no Fernando Torres meant no goals, as David Ngog, Alberto Aquilani and Maxi Rodriguez failed to beat Mark Schwarzer.
The potential loss of Torres is another blow in a season full of setbacks for Liverpool, and manager Rafael Benitez, who previously promised he would guide the club to fourth place, has now admitted Champions League football could prove to be a bridge too far this season.
STAR MAN
The continued fitness of Glen Johnson is one plus for Rafael Benitez; the full-back ran with intent at Jonathan Greening, who perhaps should have been sent off in the first half for felling the defender after receiving an early yellow card. How different it could have been had Fulham been reduced to ten men.
FIGHTING TALK
Rafael Benitez: "It [finishing fourth] will be very difficult. It's not in our hands. Maybe the difference is too much now. You have to be realistic.
"But we have to keep going because it's always important to do your best and finish as high as possible."
REMAINING FIXTURES
West Ham (H) Monday 19 April, 8.00 PM
Burnley (A) Saturday 24 April, 3.00 PM
Chelsea (H) Saturday 1 May, 3.00 PM
Hull (A) Sunday 9 May, 3.00 PM
INJURIES
Fernando Torres will see a knee specialist this week to have the extent of his injury assessed. Fabio Aurelio [thigh] could be available again at the weekend, but Martin Skrtel [ankle] faces a slightly longer absence.
7th Aston Villa - 54 points
Played: 32
GD: +12
Like Spurs, Aston Villa were out of league action and out of the FA Cup this weekend, losing 3-0 to Chelsea to add another Wembley disappointment after the League Cup final defeat to Manchester United earlier in the season.
Villa are currently the furthest adrift of Manchester City, but Liverpool's draw with Fulham means Martin O'Neill's side have two games in hand on the Reds and could leapfrog them with a win over Everton on Wednesday. Defeat, however, would see the Toffees within a point of Villa.
STAR MAN
Villa were well-beaten on Saturday, but James Milner continues to grow into his relatively new central midfield position and turned in another decent performance. His versatility has been roundly acknowledged this season, and could be his ticket to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
FIGHTING TALK
Martin O'Neill: "It is incontestable. Even the Chelsea players knew, you could tell by their reaction it was a penalty.
Everton (H) Wednesday 14 April, 7.45 PM
Portsmouth (A) Sunday 18 April, 4.00 PM
Hull (A) Wednesday 21 April, 7.45 PM
Birmingham (H) Sunday 25 April, 12.00 PM
Manchester City (A) Saturday 1 May, 3.00 PM
Blackburn Rovers (H) Sunday 9 May, 3.00 PM
INJURIES
Villa are boasting a virtually clean bill of health currently as Nigel Reo-Coker has recovered from his knock.
Everton did not play at the weekend and so their optimistic late charge up the table has been put on hold until Wednesday, when they can close in on Aston Villa and Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
Birmingham City's heavy defeat at Manchester City has dealt their challenge for a top-seven finish a major blow, while a point for Stoke City in a goalless draw with Wolves has done the Potters few favours in their assault on the top half.
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Liverpool, meanwhile, had the opportunity to gain some ground on Spurs and distance themselves from Villa. It was a weekend of delight for some, and disappointment for others - join Goal.com UK in analysing the movers and shakers in the race for Europe.
4th Manchester City - 62 points
Played: 33
Goal Difference: +28
After leapfrogging Tottenham last weekend by winning 6-1 against Burnley at Turf Moor, Manchester City took the opportunity to extend their lead over their rivals with an equally stunning 5-1 victory over a usually resolute Birmingham City.
Roberto Mancini's side have now notched 11 goals in their last two games and are seemingly scoring for fun. Manchester United await next, in a derby that carries perhaps its biggest significance for a number of years for both sides. A loss would allow Spurs the chance to gain some ground, while a win would signal the Citizens' intent.
STAR MAN
Start the Car | Argentinean is in ruthless form
On a day when former club Manchester United failed to find the net, Carlos Tevez continued his impressive form in front of goal. The Argentinean has scored a sensational 28 goals in his first season at City, and could have a huge say in the outcome of the derby on Saturday.FIGHTING TALK
Roberto M
ancini: "If we have 1-0 victories in the next five games that will be good for us."Of course we have respect for [Manchester] United but we want to win this game as it is an important one for us."
REMAINING FIXTURES
Manchester United (H) Saturday 17 April, 12.45 PM
Arsenal (A) Saturday 24 April, 5.30 PM
Aston Villa (H) Sunday 1 May, 3.00 PM
Tottenham Hotspur (H) Wednesday 5 May, 8.00 PM
West Ham United (A) Sunday 9 May, 3.00 PM
INJURIES
City will remain without Joleon Lescott [hamstring], Wayne Bridge [groin] and Michael Johnson [knee] for the Manchester derby, though Stephen Ireland and Martin Petrov may return to give Mancini a welcome selection headache.
5th Tottenham Hotspur - 58 points
Played: 32
Goal Difference: +26
It has been touted as the most important fortnight of Tottenham Hotspur's recent history, and it couldn't have got off to a worse start. While Manchester City were dominant at Eastlands, Spurs were crashing out of the FA Cup at the semi-final stage to relegated Portsmouth in a 2-0 defeat after extra-time.
Harry Redknapp must rally his troops and look for an immediate response, as a fiery north London derby with Arsenal awaits on Wednesday. The meeting at White Hart Lane is Tottenham's game in hand on City and could take them within a point of fourth once again. It gets no easier for Spurs; Chelsea await on Saturday.
STAR MAN
New Welsh Wizard? | Bale rampant on Spurs left
The glimmering light in what was otherwise a day to forget, Gareth Bale ran Portsmouth ragged, constantly venturing forward and providing crosses. The Welshman will be hoping for more fruit for his labours from Spurs' strikers at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.
FIGHTING TALK
Harry Redknapp: "We've still got a big chance. It will be tight. We've got the toughest fixtures and the biggest injury list, but we're still right in there. "I wouldn't rule Aston Villa out yet, but we've got as good a chance as anyone."
REMAINING FIXTURES
Arsenal (H) Wednesday 14 April, 8.00 PM
Chelsea (H) Saturday 17 April, 5.30 PM
Manchester United (A) Saturday 24 April, 12.45 PM
Bolton Wanderers (H) Saturday 1 May, 3.00 PM
Manchester City (A) Wednesday 5 May, 8.00 PM
Burnley (A) Sunday 9 May, 3.00 PM
INJURIES
Tottenham will be buoyed by the return of Vedran Corluka, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson on Saturday, and they could all be fit to face Arsenal on Wednesday. Ledley King [thigh], Jermaine Jenas [groin] and Aaron Lennon all face a race against time to be ready for midweek.
6th Liverpool - 56 points
Played: 34
Goal Difference: +21
In what could be a dress rehearsal for this year's Europa League final, Liverpool fluffed their lines against Fulham on Sunday. The Reds were dominant at Anfield, but once again, no Fernando Torres meant no goals, as David Ngog, Alberto Aquilani and Maxi Rodriguez failed to beat Mark Schwarzer.
The potential loss of Torres is another blow in a season full of setbacks for Liverpool, and manager Rafael Benitez, who previously promised he would guide the club to fourth place, has now admitted Champions League football could prove to be a bridge too far this season.
STAR MAN
Fighting fit | Glen Johnson is back to his best
The continued fitness of Glen Johnson is one plus for Rafael Benitez; the full-back ran with intent at Jonathan Greening, who perhaps should have been sent off in the first half for felling the defender after receiving an early yellow card. How different it could have been had Fulham been reduced to ten men.
FIGHTING TALK
Rafael Benitez: "It [finishing fourth] will be very difficult. It's not in our hands. Maybe the difference is too much now. You have to be realistic. "But we have to keep going because it's always important to do your best and finish as high as possible."
REMAINING FIXTURES
West Ham (H) Monday 19 April, 8.00 PM
Burnley (A) Saturday 24 April, 3.00 PM
Chelsea (H) Saturday 1 May, 3.00 PM
Hull (A) Sunday 9 May, 3.00 PM
INJURIES
Fernando Torres will see a knee specialist this week to have the extent of his injury assessed. Fabio Aurelio [thigh] could be available again at the weekend, but Martin Skrtel [ankle] faces a slightly longer absence.
7th Aston Villa - 54 points
Played: 32
GD: +12
Like Spurs, Aston Villa were out of league action and out of the FA Cup this weekend, losing 3-0 to Chelsea to add another Wembley disappointment after the League Cup final defeat to Manchester United earlier in the season.
Villa are currently the furthest adrift of Manchester City, but Liverpool's draw with Fulham means Martin O'Neill's side have two games in hand on the Reds and could leapfrog them with a win over Everton on Wednesday. Defeat, however, would see the Toffees within a point of Villa.
STAR MAN
Run of the Miln | Star turn from England hopeful
Villa were well-beaten on Saturday, but James Milner continues to grow into his relatively new central midfield position and turned in another decent performance. His versatility has been roundly acknowledged this season, and could be his ticket to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
FIGHTING TALK
Martin O'Neill: "It is incontestable. Even the Chelsea players knew, you could tell by their reaction it was a penalty.
"The referee has chosen to ignore it because of the possible consequences. The referee bottled it against Manchester United and we have had the same today."
REMAINING FIXTURESEverton (H) Wednesday 14 April, 7.45 PM
Portsmouth (A) Sunday 18 April, 4.00 PM
Hull (A) Wednesday 21 April, 7.45 PM
Birmingham (H) Sunday 25 April, 12.00 PM
Manchester City (A) Saturday 1 May, 3.00 PM
Blackburn Rovers (H) Sunday 9 May, 3.00 PM
INJURIES
Villa are boasting a virtually clean bill of health currently as Nigel Reo-Coker has recovered from his knock.
Everton did not play at the weekend and so their optimistic late charge up the table has been put on hold until Wednesday, when they can close in on Aston Villa and Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
Birmingham City's heavy defeat at Manchester City has dealt their challenge for a top-seven finish a major blow, while a point for Stoke City in a goalless draw with Wolves has done the Potters few favours in their assault on the top half.
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