Irvine axed by Owls

Boss pays the price for alarming slump

Alan Irvine has been sacked by underperforming Sheffield Wednesday.

A 5-3 defeat to Peterborough on Tuesday proved to be the final straw for an Owls board growing increasingly concerned with recent results.

Wednesday were expected to be among the League One frontrunners this season, having slipped out of the Championship in 2009/10.

A bright start bode well, with the club reaching the third tier summit on the back of a four-match unbeaten opening.

However, a slump in form soon saw them slip off the pace, raising initial concerns.
Wobble

A revival in fortune helped to carry the club back into the promotion pack, but the wheels have fallen off spectacularly of late.

The Owls have gone six games without a win and now find themselves in mid-table, eight points adrift of the play-off places.

Irvine has paid the price for that wobble, with his Hillsborough tenure brought to an abrupt end after 13 months.

The Scot was appointed in January 2010 but was unable to prevent Wednesday from succumbing to the drop.

Having failed to stop the rot, the former Preston boss leaves after 59 games in charge, of which he won just 24.

Arsenal 2 Huddersfield Town 1: match report

A full match report of the FA Cup fourth-round tie between Arsenal and Huddersfield Town at the Emirates on Sunday Jan 30 2011.

Arsène Wenger had used his programme notes to claim that he now has a 25-man Arsenal squad of unprecedented and identical quality, but this was still a sobering reminder that some of his players are rather more equal than others.

Take Samir Nasri. He has been the outstanding player this season, not just for Arsenal but arguably in the entire Premier League, so the sight of him hobbling from the pitch after just 32 minutes while clutching his hamstring was particularly alarming.

Nasri’s departure coincided with a loss in momentum for Arsenal on Sunday but far more serious is the news that he is expected to be out for around three weeks so is almost certain to miss the first leg of the Champions League tie against Barcelona on Feb 16.

For Wenger, the frustration was compounded by the fact that he had originally intended to rest Nasri ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League match against Everton.

“It looks a serious hamstring injury,” said Wenger. “I have regrets now. The plan was to play Tomas Rosicky but he was still too weak because he was sick so I took a gamble on Nasri. It backfired. It is a big blow. We are at the stage where we play so many games, so to lose bodies is very difficult for us.”

Another lost body for at least one match is Sébastien Squillaci who, having returned to play for the first time in more than a month, was again unconvincing and lasted only 42 minutes before being deservedly dismissed for blocking Jack Hunt as he ran clear on goal.

It leaves Arsenal with only two senior centre-backs for the game against Everton but, having again concluded that most Premier League defenders are over-priced, Wenger is unlikely to do any business before the transfer window closes.

Despite it being their ninth match in January, Arsenal started fairly brightly, with Andrei Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner both creating a flurry of first-half chances.

Bendtner was particularly profligate, shooting wide from the edge of the six-yard box and then missing the ball completely when Nasri had split the Huddersfield defence with a brilliantly-lofted pass. That miss attracted derision from the Huddersfield supporters but they were silenced in the next attack when Bendtner’s shot fortuitously deflected off Peter Clarke and flew past goalkeeper Ian Bennett. Replays also suggested that Marouane Chamakh had handled the ball in the build-up to the goal.

Bendtner, though, still could not resist running past the visiting supporters with one hand cupped against his ear.

Huddersfield responded admirably and, with Nasri off and Arsenal down to 10 men following Squillaci’s red card, they placed their opponents under sustained pressure.

Anthony Pilkington, Jamie McCombe and Joey Gudjonsson all missed good chances while Alan Lee forced one outstanding diving save from Manuel Almunia, playing his first match since September.

With Huddersfield dominating, the equaliser was thoroughly merited, and it was predictable that it should come from a set-piece.

Pilkington’s corner was well directed to the edge of the six-yard box and, with Abou Diaby failing to get much height on his jump, Lee headed powerfully past Almunia.

Wenger responded by introducing Cesc Fabregas and Arsenal duly resumed control. The winner, though, was also controversial, with McCombe getting the wrong side of Bendtner after Fabregas’s cute pass. The subsequent contact was minimal but it was enough to disrupt Bendtner and persuade referee Mark Clattenburg to award a penalty.

Fabregas then did little for his own popularity by furiously encouraging Clattenburg to brandish his second red card of the match, before scoring with ease from the spot.

The bad blood engendered by that moment spilled over after the game, when Pilkington used his Twitter account to allege that Fabregas had sworn at and refused to exchange shirts with some of his team-mates. However, Pilkington quickly withdrew the message and his account was closed down.

Victory preserved Wenger’s record of never having lost an FA Cup tie against a lower-league club. “It shows how seriously we take the competition,” he said.

FA Cup fifth round draw

Crawley get Utd, Orient handed Gunners test, Hammers face Burnley

Crawley Town have been handed a dream clash with Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The only non-league side left in the competition will make the trip to Old Trafford in the pick of the last-16 ties.

Manchester United survived a scare against Southampton on Saturday and they will now face the lowest ranked side still in the cup in a real fairytale tie.

Elsewhere, League One Leyton Orient have been rewarded for their win over Swansea with a London derby against Arsenal.

Brighton, who have already beaten Portsmouth and Watford in the competition so far, face a trip to Stoke in the fifth round.

Manchester City will take on Aston Villa at home if they can overcome Notts County in their replay.

Holders Chelsea will have a home clash with Reading if they can beat Everton in their replay at Stamford Bridge.

There will be an all-Premier League tie with Fulham taking on the winners of the Bolton v Wigan replay at Craven Cottage.

Carling Cup finalists Birmingham have been handed a home tie with League One Sheffield Wednesday.

West Ham, who dispensed of Nottingham Forest in the fourth round, take on another Championship side in the shape of Burnley in the fifth round at Upton Park.
FA Cup fifth round draw:

West Ham v Burnley

Notts County or Manchester City v Aston Villa

Stoke City v Brighton

Birmingham City v Sheffield Wednesday

Leyton Orient v Arsenal

Everton or Chelsea v Reading

Man Utd v Crawley Town

Fulham v Bolton or Wigan

Southampton 1 Manchester United 2: match report

a full match report of the FA Cup fourth round game between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's on Saturday Jan 29 2011.

threatened to repeat their famous 1976 Wembley win over Manchester United when Richard Chaplow gave them a deserved half-time lead against the much-changed Premier League leaders.

But, as in Tuesday night's dramatic comeback at Blackpool, the introduction of the veteran Ryan Giggs helped change the game, with goals from Michael Owen and Javier Hernandez putting the visitors into the last 16.

Having admitted making a mistake by fielding a weakened side in last season's shock third-round home defeat to Leeds, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had gone strong against Liverpool earlier this month.

But he appeared to forget the lessons of the Leeds loss in picking his team today.

Buoyed by not having to face the likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and facing a makeshift defence and rookie goalkeeper, Southampton sensed an upset from the off.

The former Premier League stalwarts were almost given even greater cause for optimism in the eighth minute when the ball deflected through to Dan Harding, who coolly clipped home.

Unfortunately for him, the assistant referee's flag was already up.

But that did not deter the League One high-fliers, who almost profited from slack United defending when Rickie Lambert curled too close to debutant keeper Anders Lindegaard.

Liverpool-born striker Lambert also fired two free-kicks narrowly over, while captain home captain Jose Fonte failed to get proper contact on a corner which was pouched by Lindegaard.

United, meanwhile, were looking very much like a side which had rung the changes.

Making his first start for almost four months in a withdrawn role, Owen provided an early threat, steering Fabio's inside pass narrowly wide before clattering the far post with a mishit cross.

But that was as good as it got for the visitors as the in-demand Alex Chamberlain, reportedly a target for United, began to come more and more into the game.

The 17-year-old was involved in what should have been an opener a minute before the break when Guly nodded over Danny Butterfield's cross from six yards.

But Chaplow spared his team-mate's blushes moments before half-time when he broke into the United box and slammed the ball into the roof of the net at Lindegaard's near post.

If United fans were expecting the cavalry to arrive for the second half, they were initially disappointed as Wes Brown replaced Fabio in a defensive reshuffle.

With no sign of an equaliser in the opening 13 minutes, Ferguson sent on Giggs and Nani for Anderson and Darron Gibson, controversially ignoring Rooney and the on-fire Berbatov.

However, the double-substitution was quickly vindicated, Jonny Evans nodding Giggs' free-kick too close to Bartosz Bialkowski and Owen flicking Nani's low cross over the bar.

The equaliser soon followed in the 65th minute, with Gabriel Obertan's drilled cross deflecting right into the path of Owen, who nodded home his first goal since September.

Southampton came roaring back and marauding left-back Harding lashed a cross-cum-shot inches wide.

Saints sent on Ryan Dickson for Lee Barnard for the final 18 minutes before Nani fired a low half-volley straight at Bialkowski.

But the keeper was helpless as United completed their latest comeback 14 minutes from time, Fonte's slip allowing Javier Hernandez to receive Giggs' through ball and ghost an improvised finish into the net.

Southampton threw on Dany N'Guessan for Guly before Lindegaard flapped at a Harding cross and Chaplow left the field to a standing ovation, with Oscar Gobern coming on.

If the changes were meant to give Southampton a second wind, they failed to have the desired effect as United comfortably saw out time.

FA Cup - Saturday preview

Toffees tackle the holders, while the Red Devils face the Saints

Saturday brings 11 games in the fourth round of the FA Cup, including three all-Premier League ties.

The current top flight leaders will also be in action, while Crawley Town fly the non-league flag.

The action gets under way at Goodison Park, with Everton playing host to Premier League foes and current cup holders Chelsea.

Swansea are also in lunchtime action, as they welcome League One outfit Leyton Orient to the Liberty Stadium.

Next to get under way are Aston Villa, who will be hoping their recent return to form allows them to dispose of Blackburn.

Birmingham and Coventry meet in a Midlands derby at St Andrews, with the hosts likely to be in buoyant mood after booking their place in the Carling Cup final.

Bolton and Wigan lock horns in another all-top flight tussle, with local pride and a place in round five up for grabs at the Reebok Stadium.
Impressive scalp

Eddie Howe will get his first taste of knockout competition as Burnley boss when the Clarets entertain fourth tier Burton Albion.

Sheffield Wednesday have hit an alarming slump of late and will want to get their season back on track when they take on Hereford.

Stevenage dumped Newcastle out in round three and will be eyeing another impressive scalp when they play host to Championship promotion chasers Reading.

Crawley Town, who saw off Derby in the last round, are the sole survivors from the non-league ranks and will fancy their chances of making further progress when they go to Torquay.

Watford face a tricky test at home to League One table-toppers Brighton and will need to be at their best against the high-flying Seagulls.

The final fixture on a busy afternoon of action sees Southampton attempt to cause the upset of the round when unbeaten Premier League leaders Manchester United roll into town.

Kirkland leaves loan behind

Latics keeper looking to push on after frustrating spell with Foxes

Chris Kirkland admits his loan move to Leicester did him few favours, but is now hoping to push on at Wigan.

The England international opted to take in a spell with the Foxes after falling out of favour at the DW Stadium.

He endured a nightmare month with the Championship outfit, with a couple of niggling knocks restricting him to just two-and-a-half appearances for his hometown club.

Kirkland is refusing to dwell on the difficult experience, though, and hopes he can soon oust Ali Al Habsi from Roberto Martinez's first-team plans.
Concentration

"The move didn't start or end the way I hoped it would, and I'm just sorry it didn't work out better for all parties," Kirkland told the Wigan Observer.

"I'm grateful to Sven-Goran Eriksson and Leicester for giving me the chance, and it was great to play for my hometown team.

"But I'm back now and I just need to concentrate on getting back into the Wigan team."

On his short-term goals with the Latics, Kirkland added: "It was so frustrating but there you go, you've got to keep going and I'll be doing that.

"The aim of going out was with a view to coming back and getting in the Wigan team, and that's still the aim. It is good to be back and I just want to help the team as best I can."

Bhasera in Blackpool talks

Full-back could make move permanent in summer

Plymouth full-back Onismor Bhasera is in talks with Blackpool over a loan deal that will see him stay until the end of the season.

Argyle boss Peter Reid confirmed that the player had gone to the Premier League club to discuss terms, with the deal having the possibility of being made permanent in the summer.

The Zimbabwean has been a success since moving to Home Park on a free transfer in March, making 32 appearances and playing in a more advanced role on the left under Reid this season.

He scored his first goal for the club in spectacular fashion against MK Dons early in January, going on a 40-yard dash with the ball before smashing it into the roof of the net as he reached the penalty area.

"He's up there (Blackpool) at the moment," Reid told Plymouth's official website.

"From what I've been told the deal should go through. We get a fee on that as well, which helps what we're trying to do in terms of paying the tax man."

Andy Gray sacked: Richard Keys in firing line after new Sky Sports footage emerges

Andy Gray was sacked on Tuesday by Sky Sports while the position of his fellow presenter, Richard Keys, is under increasing doubt after the emergence of more shocking off-air footage.

Hot Sports has seen a further clip in which Keys speaks offensively about a former girlfriend of Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp. That new footage was briefly posted and then removed from YouTube on Tuesday, although it is not clear when it was filmed. 

The Telegraph has seen the clip, which was filmed at Stamford Bridge, but has deemed the language too distasteful to repeat.

Keys is already on an official warning from Sky for his sexist remarks about assistant referee Sian Massey in the game between Liverpool and Wolves on Saturday. He also derided West Ham chief executive Karren Brady for raising the issue of sexism in football in her newspaper column.

The clip of Keys follows the dismissal of Gray for "unacceptable behaviour" in footage that was filmed last December but only came to light on Tuesday.

The offending clip of Gray was filmed during the Sky Sports Christmas Special. In it, Gray fiddles with his trousers and says, "Charlotte could you tuck this in here for me". The comment is ignored by his fellow presenter Charlotte Jackson, although does provoke laughter from Keys.

Gray and Keys had already both been stood down from Monday's match between Chelsea and Bolton for their remarks about Massey. Sky Sports' managing director, Barney Francis, also personally oversaw the action that was taken on Tuesday against Gray.

"Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour," he said. "After issuing a warning, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information."

A Sky statement added: "The decision, which is effective immediately, was made in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour. The new evidence, relating to an off-air incident that took place in December 2010, came to light after Andy Gray had already been subjected to disciplinary action for his comments of Jan 22, 2011."

Gray has now instructed his lawyers, Schillings, over the termination of his contract. The Scot, who was believed to be on a seven-figure annual salary, recently began legal action related to the News of the World phone hacking allegations. Sky and the News of the World are both part of Rupert Murdoch's media empire.

Betfair, the online betting company, have also said that they are "reviewing" Gray's involvement with their company.

Gray made no public comment but his fiancée, Rachel Lewis, did speak from their home. "He's wanted to apologise for the last few days, desperately," she said. "He was told not to by Sky."

Keys telephoned Massey on Sunday on behalf of both presenters and his apology has been accepted by the 25 year-old schoolteacher.

Sky does not regard the issue of who made the apology as relevant and has simply taken action on the basis of the footage.

Four separate off-air incidents involving Gray or Keys have now entered the public domain, but it is understood that there will be no investigation at Sky into how such sensitive material appears to have been leaked.

Sam Matterface, a former Sky Sports presenter, believes that Gray was not popular among colleagues. "He had an aura; an air about him of being untouchable," said Matterface. "I'm not really surprised that another incident has come to light. I always had the feeling, even though I had cordial exchanges with him, that he wasn't very popular among the people he worked with."

Gray, who has been Sky Sports' main football pundit since the launch of the Premier League in 1992, was also involved in a second incident at the Wolves v Liverpool match that showed him making further sexist remarks about Massey.

That footage occurred before the match. In it, reporter Andy Burton claims a colleague described Massey as a "bit of a looker".

"He says she is all right," Burton added. "Now I don't know if I should trust his judgment on that?"

Gray replied: "Nah, I wouldn't. I definitely wouldn't."

Burton has also been warned about his conduct.

Andy Gray and Richard Keys suspended by Sky Sports over sexist comments

Sky Sports have suspended presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray for sexist comments made about Premier League official Sian Massey.

Keys and Gray were scheduled to present Sky's Monday Night Football show from the Reebok Stadium tonight where Bolton will host Chelsea. But the broadcaster has now confirmed that both men will be stood down from the game in the wake of a furious reaction to their comments.

“I have spoken directly to both Richard Keys and Andy Gray this morning," said Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports.

“It has been made clear to each of them that their comments were totally unacceptable. Those views are entirely inconsistent with our ethos as a business and employer, and will rightly offend many of our customers, our people, and the wider public. They are inexcusable from anyone at Sky, regardless of their role or seniority. “We have dealt with this matter by taking immediate disciplinary action. As with any employee it would not be right to go into detail on those proceedings.

“However, they have been clearly warned about their behaviour and reminded of their responsibilities. In addition, Richard and Andy will not be involved in any way with tonight’s live Monday Night Football.”

Sports minister Hugh Robertson criticised the pair this lunchtime, saying he was "disapponted to hear these comments at a time when we are trying to get more women participating in football."

And England captain Rio Ferdinand added on Twitter: "I'm all for women refereeing in football - discrimination should not happen in our game at all. Prehistoric views if you think otherwise."

Keys and Brady were recorded mocking Massey, saying "someone needs to go down there and explain the offside rule to her."

Keys also criticised Karren Brady, the West Ham director, saying: "See the charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour, love."

Brady told Five Live this morning: "It makes my blood boil, if I'm absolutely honest. Forget myself for a second, because what was said about me is a personal opinion and everyone is entitled to that.

"What really upsets me is the fact only females in our industry are judged by their gender. And that is categorically wrong."

She added: "I'm genuinely disappointed. It never would have occurred to me that they had those views, whether public or private."

Leeds United 1 Arsenal 3: match report

Read a full match report of the FA Cup third round replay between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on Wednesday Jan 19 2011.

  

As this pulsating FA Cup tie drew to a close, as Arsenal finally ended the magnificent resistance of Simon Grayson's men, Elland Road reverberated to a chorus of "we're Leeds and we're proud of it".

Whatever the disappointment of bowing out of the Cup, particularly after Bradley Johnson's stunning strike had made it 2-1, a performance full of belief should give Leeds hope for the future. They stood toe to toe with a real Premier League heavyweight, absorbed painful combinations and punches, and kept coming back for more.

They refused to surrender when Samir Nasri, again outstanding, and Bacary Sagna, giving one of his finest displays for Arsenal, drove Arsenal into a seemingly untouchable lead. They revelled in the thunderbolt unleashed before half-time by Johnson, a sweet moment for the Hackney-born midfielder having been released by Arsenal as a teenager.

They forced Wenger to send on Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, who headed in Nicklas Bendtner's excellent cross and the great escape was over. Arsenal's class had told. Surely now Elland Road would fall silent.

No chance. Like their fans, Leeds refused to go quietly. The final minutes were pure helter-skelter, pure drama as Max Gradel, Jonny Howson and Robert Snodgrass tried to find a way through. Kasper Schmeichel even echoed his dad by storming upfield, like a blond thunderbolt, attempting to score from a corner.


The mission proved impossible but their guts and stamina against Arsenal will provide warming memories for Leeds in the vital months ahead. Next stop Portsmouth. Another challenge on the road to the promised land of the Premier League, meeting Nasri, Van Persie and company on a more regular basis.

Arsenal were worth their win because of the quality of their football, particularly in the first half, much of it emanating from Nasri, who was applauded from the field by Leeds fans. Arsenal now face Huddersfield Town in the fourth round, doubtless stirring plenty of Herbert Chapman retrospectives.

For the 3,000 Arsenal supporters who made the journey north, there were the encouraging signs of Wojciech Szczesny's promise in goal, of Bendtner putting in an increasingly influential shift on the right and a thrilling reminder of the class of Nasri, who took his season's tally to 14.

On the debit side for Arsenal was another off-colour contribution by Andrei Arshavin, whose shooting was wayward at best. If anyone in the Beeston area of south Leeds discovers a stray ball nestling in the shrubbery of their back-garden, please return to A Arshavin, c/o Arsenal FC, The Emirates, London.

Watching a Premier League star sending a shot spiralling out of the ground triggered much mirth amongst the locals, and surely some belief. For all the hype of the Premier League, even such luminaries as Arshavin can struggle for form, although Arsenal should be worried about the length of the Russian's poor run.

Arshavin had started on the left of Wenger's attacking quartet, attempting to join the central Nasri and right-sided Bendtner in supporting Marouane Chamakh. Until Johnson's sensational 30-yarder, Arsenal were in total control with Nasri running the show.

Within five minutes, Arsenal were sweeping the ball between receptive feet, building towards their opening goal. Kieran Gibbs, Arshavin and Chamakh were all involved, working the ball to Nasri. The Frenchman glided through before rolling the ball past Schmeichel.

Arsenal were bewitching, Leeds bewildered. After Sagna was tugged back, Nasri whipped over a free-kick that Chamakh met with a strong, downward header, drawing a magnificent right-handed save from the Leeds keeper. Chamakh v Schmeichel was not Pele v Banks but it wasn't far away.

The atmosphere was electric. Leeds fans became particularly enervated when Arshavin went to ground far too easily, prompting chants of "are you Walcott in disguise?". Then they began twirling white scarves above their heads, generating a marvellous sight to accompany the unebbing noise.

Walcott's place on the right was taken by Bendtner, who failed to turn in an inviting ball from Sagna. "That's why you're 52," chorused the Leeds supporters. Arsenal's fans responded, taunting the club of Lorimer, Hunter and Gray with chants of "You're not famous any more".

Arsenal's control was soon confirmed with a second goal. As Chamakh and Bendtner carried the ball into Leeds' box, Sagna moved up on the right. As Andy O'Brien's clearance dropped his way, Sagna pounced. Steaming in at pace, Sagna arrived like a latter-day Carlos Alberto, belting the ball past Schmeichel.

It seemed all over. The presses prepared to roll on the obituaries of Leeds' Cup fortunes for another year. The ball seemed to belong to Nasri. But Grayson's passion-players, marvellously, had other ideas.

Willed on by their fans, who certainly never accepted Arsenal's superiority, Leeds embarked on what appeared a rescue mission. First, though, they had to make the acquaintance of the ball.

Howson, a local lad responding to the adrenaline shots pumped from the terraces, never stopped believing. Nine minutes before the break, Leeds captain laid the ball off to his accomplice in central midfield, Johnson. His response was majestic, the ball drilled past a startled Szczesny.

Game on? Elland Road was convinced. Gradel and Snodgrass began making good ground down the flanks but how Leeds missed Luciano Becchio, who failed a fitness test on his back before kick-off.

As Grayson replaced Billy Paynter with Davide Somma in attack, Wenger was sending on his A-listers. "Who needs Cesc Fabregas? We've got Rob Snodgrass" came the instant response from the Leeds lyricists.

Even with Fabregas now involved and Nasri still influential, Arsenal could never relax. Not with Howson in midfield. Not with Snodgrass looking to make bustling little breaks. But then Fabregas found Bendtner, who hoisted a superb cross to the far-post. Van Persie leapt high and headed in a a header that Frank Stapleton or Alan Smith would have been proud of. A lot of pride swirled around Elland Road last night, amongst victors and vanquished alike.

Fàbregas accuses Ipswich of 'rugby' tactics

Arsenal captain Cesc Fàbregas accuses Ipswich Town of 'rugby' tactics following Carling Cup semi-final defeat

Cesc Fàbregas, the Arsenal captain, has said his side must deal with whatever "rugby" tactics teams throw at them - and warned Ipswich Town they will be handed a real football lesson in the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final at Emirates Stadium.

Ipswich, who were thrashed 7-0 at Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday, battled to a narrow 1-0 advantage after a late strike from Tamas Priskin in Wednesday's first leg at Portman Road, where new manager Paul Jewell watched from the stands. 

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, labelled his team "naive" with "no spark or creativity" as a strong side struggled to breakdown the Championship strugglers, who last week sacked Roy Keane.

Fàbregas - in the starting XI along with England duo Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott - accepts Arsenal have to learn to cope with all situations, having been undone by a long ball from Colin Healy which split their centre-backs and set Priskin through to score what could yet prove a crucial strike.

The Spaniard, however, has insisted it will be a whole different ball game for the second leg in a fortnight's time as Arsenal aim for their first trophy since 2005.

"I don't know it if it is long ball or it is a rugby kick, but it worked for them," Fàbregas said.

"In England, a lot of teams play like that and it works for them, they create chances like that and it is their football.

"We just have to put the ball on the floor and try to play football, that is what we do.

"I can only remember two opportunities for them, but it was from a long, long ball because playing football they could not really get behind us or attack us.

"It is a bit disappointing because I think we were the much better team.

"Credit to them because they played well, but Arsenal made the football, the other team refused to play football, they were lucky to score with a long ball.

"But it was one of those nights and now we have to make it at the Emirates in two weeks."

Fàbregas added: "It is a 1-0, and of course we did not want to lose, but it is not a 3-0 or 4-0 so we are confident at home we can make it back.

"It is not the same to play at Stamford Bridge as it is to come here.

"Here they play in front of their fans, they are more motivated, the pitch is not as good as Stamford Bridge, so they play their game.

"They know how to do it and did it very well, so credit to them.

"Now we will see how they cope at the Emirates against us.

"We are confident we can do it there."