Final
Result: Champions 1-0 Chumps
An unbeaten start to 2005 was brought
to an end at Highbury earlier tonight with a goal by Dennis
Bergkamp on 19 minutes enough to seal a win for the
Champions and although the score-line suggests it was a tight
game, it was anything but. Shay Given produced a string of world-class
saves and the back-four defended admirably to deny Henry and
Co. from running riot where as up front Souness' men failed
to notch any noteworthy attempt at goal in a disappointing performance.
Only Shay and a few in defence could hold their heads high.
Off the pitch it appears that Souness and Bellamy have had another
spat of some sorts with the Welshman not featuring at all today.
To make matters worse Boumsong limped off having pulled his
hamstring and could be out for up to six weeks.
Teams:
Arsenal: Almunia, Lauren, Campbell, Toure,
Cole, Pires, Vieira, Flamini, Reyes (Fabregas 89), Bergkamp,
Henry. Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Van Persie, Cygan, Eboue.
Booked: Reyes, Vieira.
United: Given, Taylor (Hughes 45), Boumsong
(Andrew O'Brien 67), Bramble, Bernard, Dyer, Bowyer, Jenas,
Robert (N'Zogbia 56), Ameobi, Shearer. Subs Not Used: Kluivert,
Harper.
Booked: Taylor, Bowyer, Jenas.
Att: 38,137
Ref: Steve Dunn
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Toon
History - It Happened On This Day: 1909
96 years ago to this day Newcastle United
crushed Notts County 4-0 at Meadow Lane on their way to their
second League Championship win. Centre-forward Albert Shepherd
grabbed all 4 goals in an amazing game that saw the 5 ft 8 in.
powerful striker leave the field with 10 minutes to go. Before
the match he had struck up an agreement with club officials
that if he scored 4 goals he could exit the game quickly as
he had a train to catch at Nottingham Train Station. If he played
the full 90 minutes he would miss his train and have to get
one at a later time, meaning he would arrive at his relatives
home in Bolton at midnight.
The officials agreed he could leave the game early if he delivered
his side of the bargain, believing he wouldn't. With the game
all square at 0-0 at half-time it looked as if Shepherd would
miss his train but remarkably he was as good as his word - as
were the Directors. 4-0 up and coasting United's record buy
feigned injury, hobbled off, jumped in a Taxi and got on his
train.
After his record £850 transfer from Bolton Wanderers midway
through the 1908-09 season , Shepherd had become a true darling
of the crowd, although he had his moments where he would incur
the wrath of United fans. 23-years of age and with a lethal
shot the England International found the net as regular as clock-work,
scoring 15 goals in 21 games as United chalked up a total of
81 to win the League. Clinching the title despite a 9-1 defeat
at St. James' Park to Sunderland and a dressing room revolt
at the start of the campaign which saw all the big names dropped
from the first-team.
Shepherd was a true character of the day and once walked off
the field of play after receiving some stick from supporters
for having a bad game. A temperamental player who would often
frustrate team-mates, fans and Directors alike, but when it
came to making the net bulge he was as good as any. In 123 appearances
for United he scored 92 goals and stands 12th in the all-time
top goalscorers chart.
Just one of many truly great characters and goalscorers to have
played for the Toon.
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Sunday
Papers Round-Up - Toon Rumours:
News Of The World -
According to the paper Newcastle are monitoring Walter Pandiani's
situation at La Liga club Deportivo La Caruna.
Jermaine Jenas has claimed he can be England's Patrick Vieira.
Craig Bellamy has been told he is not to be sold by both Freddy
Shepherd and Graeme Souness. "Craig is definitely not up for
sale. The manager and I have had a meeting with him and told
him that."
Harry Redknapp is lining up a £1.5m swoop for Olivier Bernard
apparently.
Daily Star -
Shay Given has pleaded with Alan Shearer to stay on for one
more year.
The paper claims Amdy Faye will be a Toon player soon.
The People Sports Paper -
Craig Bellamy has been assured his future lies at Newcastle.
Nicolas Anelka has apparently rejected a £6m move to the Toon.
Amdy Faye will complete a £2.2m move tomorrow.
Sir Bobby Robson to take Newcastle to the Premier League's compensation
court.
Yakubu will hand in a transfer request if his 'dream move' to
the Toon falters.
Michael Chopra is being watched by Norwich apparently.
Lee Bowyer could be on his way to former club Charlton but Souness
is likely to keep a hold of him until the Summer.
Sunday Mirror -
The paper also go with the Anelka story, with the fee at £8m
this time.
Jenas is happy to be dubbed the new Vieira they report.
Mail On Sunday
Steve Bruce wants to sign both Bernard and Andy O'Brien.
Read into it what you will... |
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