Berbatov and City went hand-in-hand

It's 8 o'clock in the evening on August 31st 2008, and two of the three longest-running transfer saga of the summer still have not been resolved. Firstly, Robinho is definitely on his way out of the greatest team of the 20th century, but instead of going to Chelsea, he is now heading towards Eastlands to put his signature on a lucrative contract. And Dimitar Berbatov's future still remains in the balance, as it is unclear which team in Manchester will sign him. City, flexing their muscles at this point, have had a bid accepted by Tottenham, but his heart seems to be set on a move to Old Trafford. Eventually, through some clever wheeling-and-dealing by Sir Alex Ferguson, Berbatov would sign for Manchester United, but in hindsight, maybe City would have been a more appropriate choice.

The Bulgarian has split opinion in Manchester; some hail him as being the heir to Eric Cantona's throne as a true United genius, whereas others see him as a lazy, arrogant waste of money. One of the few times he has left all United fans in awe came against West Ham at Old Trafford. Berbatov chased a hapless ball down the line from Ryan Giggs, before stopping it, twisting his body and flicking it beyond the on-rushing Collins. The turn was fantastic, leaving him through on goal, but he opted to play Ronaldo in who could not miss, two yards from goal.

And that is pretty much all United fans have seen for the 30.75 million pounds that was spent on him. He may have scored 13 goals in this campaign, but none have really needed the ability of a 30 million pound marksman to score. Most have been simple tap-ins and rebounds, and in reality, anyone who plays 36 games as a striker, in a team as creative as Manchester United, has the opportunity to score 13 goals.

To compare the Bulgarian to other strikers in the world, is to see that he simply is not good enough for a team as ambitious as Manchester United. Fernando Torres, for example, cost Liverpool 27 million pounds, and is a much more complete centre-forward than Berbatov, and he, unlike the Bulgarian, has consistently shown the ability to create his own goals. Blackburn a few weeks ago, for example. Drogba has been reborn under Guus Hiddink and single-handedly knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League recently, and cost much less than Berbatov. And Emmanuel Adebayor has become a key player for Arsenal in recent years, and his goal against Villareal in the Champions League recently showed that he too possesses the ability to create his own goals.

One gets the impression United bought Berbatov for buying's sake. After a quite incredible season last year, Manchester United had once again reached the mountain peak by winning the Premier League and the Champions League, and it was hard to see just how they could improve their team. It was more a question of further strengthening an already formidable squad. But ponder this; where would United now be had they signed Franck Ribery or David Villa? Villa, in particular, would seem to fit in perfectly at Old Trafford; something which just does not apply to the lackadaisical Berbatov.

Even if United never had the money to buy Villa, which is doubtful, they could have waited a year, and saved the 30.75 million, to get their man. Instead, they opted to buy a man whose first campaign for the Red Devils was summed up on Sunday at Wembley, when his abysmal penalty allowed Everton to storm back and deny them their quintuple dream.

The most disappointing thing about Berbatov, however, is his age. In a deal similar to Chelsea's purchase of Andrei Shevchenko, United paid 30 million for a player who is not exactly a hot prospect. It is the upsetting state of a game, driven by the high demands of success, that teams now opt to pay such money for players who will never be able to repay the transfer fee. Had Berbatov been 21 years old, there would not be a problem, as the inconsistency seen in Berbatov is common to all young players. As they develop, they usually become more consistent.

It is for such reasons that Berbatov would have perfectly fitted in at the City of Manchester Stadium. The new-age City, backed by Arab oil tycoons, have used their new-found financing to buy over-rated, temperamental players, and Berbatov is no exception. If you have world class ability but do not show it on a regular basis, you are not a world class player, but rather an entertainer, a showman if you will.

Chelsea Defiance trumps Liverpool belief at the Bridge

In a rollercoaster of a second leg, Chelsea invited Liverpool back into the tie before a spirited fightback guaranteed a meeting with Barcelona in the semi-final. Rafael Benitez took his team to Stamford Bridge on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline, but the belief he has in his team was reflected on the pitch, as Liverpool never thought they were out of the game.

Chelsea were extremely complacent in the first half, and allowed Liverpool a passage back into the match on the 19th minute when Fabio Aurelio's well-executed free kick caught Cech completely off guard. It was to be one of them nights for the Czech, who was left completely wrong-footed by the set-piece and had to watch the ball treacle into the net. It was inch-perfect from Aurelio, six inches either side and it would not have been a goal.

And eight minutes later, Liverpool were within one goal of the semi-final after Xabi Alonso was fouled in the box, leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty. Up stepped the felled Alonso, who duly sent Cech the wrong way, instilling belief into a focused Liverpool, and disbelief into a flattened Chelsea. Cue panic.

The Londoners failed to retain possession for meaningful periods in the first half, as they looked as dodgy as the ITV commentary at the back, and equally as toothless going forward. Half time could not have come at a more opportune for Guus Hiddink and his team, who looked completely rattled as they walked off to a chorus of boos from the home crowd.

However, it was not half time that changed the game, but rather a gift from Spanish shot-stopper Jose Reina. Nicolas Anelka done well to a get a delivery in from the right hand side, but the ball seemed to be rolling harmlessly towards Reina. Drogba used his strength to get the slightest of touches onto the ball, which caught Reina completely off-guard as he could only palm the ball into his own goal. It will be recorded down in the history books as a Reina own goal, and the Spaniard showed his disbelief and frustration whilst Drogba was busy showing his elation.

The goal, however, did not significantly change the situation, Liverpool still needed a third goal, yet it was Chelsea who found themselves with a new-found momentum. Drogba's free kick three minutes later deceived most of Stamford Bridge into thinking Chelsea had equalised, but the ball had pummeled into the side-netting instead. It was a fortunate let-off for Liverpool.

They were not to be so fortunate a few minutes later, when Alex powered the ball past Reina from all of thirty yards from another free kick. Chelsea had shown the commitment and spirit that they had lost since the departure of Jose Mourinho to claw their way back to a level scoreline, and this was summed up by Drogba's cheerleading to the crowd after his first goal. It was such an important act, from such a temperamental player, who finally seems to be settled again under Hiddink.

Soon after the hour, Florent Malouda put the Ivorian in again, and he outmuscled Carragher before finding Ballack unmarked in the box. Ballack should have put Chelsea ahead, but fired straight at Reina instead, it was a let-off for a Liverpool side who were living dangerously, as they knew it was the only way to play now.

Fernando Torres showed one piece of magic, as he evaded the Chelsea defence before firing from 30 yards. His shot left Cech stranded as it was curling, dipping and swerving, but not soon enough, as it narrowly missed the target. It was to be an extremely frustrating night for the Spaniard, who was starved of any genuine service, barring that of Benayoun early in the first half.

Chelsea were ahead with just under fifteen minutes to go, as Michael Ballack's pass found Didier Drogba, who had beautifully evaded the Liverpool defence. The combination and timing of such a pass and run was world class, and it left Drogba pitting his wits against Martin Skrtel. Drogba dummied and shimmied and left Skrtel on the floor before playing the ball across the box to Frank Lampard, who bundled the ball past Reina.

The match seemed all but over, and the Torres substitution on the 79th minute showed a rare sign of defeat from the usually defiant Benitez. It was a controlled decision from Benitez, who acknowledged swallowing his pride and taking off the record signing in such an important game would only enhance their chances in the league. It was a decision, which will be criticised and analysed by many, and one that Benitez was left to regret five minutes later, as Liverpool amazingly found themselves 4-3 ahead.

First, Lukas tried his luck from long-range and his effort took a massive deflection off Michael Essien to leave Petr Cech no chance in the Chelsea goal. Then, three minutes later, Albert Riera made himself half a yard on the edge of the Chelsea area against Ivanovic, before firing his cross across goal dangerously. Dirk Kuyt powered in past Carvalho to pummel his header past a helpless Cech. The best script-writers in Hollywood could not write such a story.

In the 89th minute, Chelsea scored yet again, to level the match. Didier Drogba showed his power as he shrugged off the Liverpool challenges to put Anelka in on the side of the penalty area. The Frenchman calmly picked out Lampard on the edge of the box, whose first-time shot flew past Reina and hit two posts before nestling into the net. After the scenes that had unfolded during the 90 minutes, the Chelsea fans could be forgiven for still biting their fingernails, despite Liverpool needing two goals in three minutes.

In an incredible rollercoaster ride of a match, Liverpool nearly landed another blow. Petr Cech steamed off his line but did not come close to collecting the ball as it fell to the substitute Ngog. He showed no mercy for the Czech as he fired ruthlessly at the goal, but Essien was there to header off the line.

Rather fittingly, it was Petr Cech who would have the last touch of the ball before the referee brought an end to proceedings. Liverpool showed tremendous spirit to fight back into the tie; in all honesty, spirit which needed to be shown to the Liverpool faithful after they feebly handed the impetus to Chelsea in the first leg. The Liverpool fans will be proud of what their team mustered up in a fascinating encounter, but will rue the poor perfomance in the first leg. And such is the nature of European competitions, that one cannot afford one bad performance if they harbour serious ambitions.

Credit must be lauded upon Chelsea again, as they showed that same spirit and fight that saw them through at Anfield last week. After going two goals behind within the first half an hour, the players could be forgiven for remembering what Liverpool had done to Milan in Istanbul. Yet they stuck at their task and eventually got their rewards. Drogba was anonymous in the first half but absolutely unplayable in the second, having a part to play in three of Chelsea's four goals. Never has a game encapsulated the nature of Drogba so well, as he failed to hold the ball up and bring people into play in the first half, but completely terrorised Carragher and Skrtel in the second. It will be he who grabs all the headlines.

Man of the Match: Didier Drogba (8)

No-one was particularly outstanding tonight, as both teams shipped four goals and seven different players wrote their names on the scoresheet. Drogba's second half performance was world class and he was a man on a mission, single-handedly winning the tie for Chelsea. Such a performance would usually earn a ten, but he was anonymous in the first half.

Different Manager, Different Story

It was not so long ago that Luis Felipe Scolari's men walked away from Anfield after offering very little threat to Liverpool, and conceding two late Fernando Torres strikes. Tonight, Guus Hiddink took his Chelsea side to Anfield with much more ambition and came away with a 1-3 victory, thanks to a brace from Ivanovic and a Didier Drogba goal. Liverpool's goal was provided by the man who sunk Chelsea earlier in the season at Anfield, Fernando Torres.

The Anfield side started in an attacking mood, as they did against Real Madrid, and could have been a goal up within three minutes, after a Dirk Kuyt volley flashed narrowly past the post upon taking a deflection. It signified the importance of an early goal for Liverpool, who tried to avoid a frustrating deadlock in a match that has seldom produced goals.

And just like they did against Madrid, Liverpool got their goal through Fernando Torres after six minutes. Florent Malouda was caught ball-watching, allowing Kuyt to beautifully find Arbeloa in space with a back heel. Arbeloa picked out Torres in the middle, who placed his shot into the bottom corner beyond Cech with precision. So often Liverpool have enjoyed early leads in Europe, which have led to victories; Daniel Agger and Luis Garcia against Chelsea at Anfield, to name a few.

However, Chelsea are a different kettle of fish now, far from the team that meekly admitted defeat earlier in the season to Liverpool and they could have found themselves level within one minute of the restart. Kalou caught Aurelio on the ball, and found Drogba unmarked in the heart of the Liverpool defence. He shuffled the ball into a shooting opportunity with his first touch, but Reina came out on top in the one-on-one.

Chelsea had the sharp edge that they have so often lacked this season, and they cut the Liverpool defence open once again just after the 15 minute mark. Michael Ballack's volley was scuffed upwards and the ball was on track to find Frank Lampard six yards out. However, Didier Drogba once again let Liverpool off the hook by intercepting the pass, as he was offside and a free kick was awarded.

On the 24th minute, Florent Malouda was played in by Drogba but fired his shot across the goal. Chelsea were displaying the threat that they lacked at Anfield under Luis Felipe Scolari, and at Stamford Bridge after going a goal behind.

Two minutes later, Torres caught Lampard in possession and ran straight at the Chelsea defence, who backed off. The Spaniard shadowed himself with Alex, and tried to curl his effort into the far corner in Bergkamp-like fashion, but the ball did not drop in time. It was gripping end-to-end football, similar to the Manchester United-Porto tie last night.

Just another two minutes after that, Drogba powered past Carragher on the penalty spot controlling the ball on his chest, but blazed his volley into the Kop. It was another great chance for the re-focused Drogba, who was displaying the hunger that he lacked under Scolari and Grant. The last time such fire was in the belly of the Ivorian was under Jose Mourinho.

Ten minutes before the break, the adventurous Arbeloa terrorised Ashley Cole, before curling a similar effort to Torres' but the ball went a yard beyond the far post. Petr Cech, who was solid all game, did not seem worried by the effort.

And three minutes later, Chelsea had the equaliser that they thoroughly deserved. Ivanovic exploited the Achilles heel of the Liverpool side, zonal marking, as he rose in the box in between four Liverpool players, and powered his header beyond Pepe Reina. It was a terrific run by Ivanovic and the celebration that followed displayed the new-found unity of Chelsea under Guus Hiddink.

Similar to the Torres goal, Liverpool could have found their response very soon after. Kuyt stole the ball off Ashley Cole which left him to pit his witts against Petr Cech, but he, like Drogba, came out second. Cech made himself big and deflected the shot behind the goal.

The second half started with Liverpool keeping possession, but it was Chelsea that once again showed their fangs. Dazzling play in front of the Liverpool defence allowed Drogba to run at Carragher. He coasted beyond the defender and slid the ball under Reina, but Carragher got back and rescued Liverpool with a goal-line clearance.

Soon after, Lampard was played in beautifully by the man-mountain Essien, who was outstanding throughout, and shot a low-cross into the heart of the Liverpool box. Kalou was close to making contact, but Liverpool managed to bundle the ball away. It was nerve-racking times for the Liverpool faithful, as Chelsea showed collective and individual endeavour that in truth, was a joy to watch.

However, just a minute later, 'Gernando' combined well on the edge of the Chelsea box to allow Torres a glimpse at goal. Alex moved quick to cover the danger, and Torres could only blaze over into the Kop, much like Drogba in the first half.

John Terry stupidly wrote his name in the referee's notebook just after the hour, after colliding with goalkeeper Reina. He had a slim chance of reaching the ball before the on-rushing Reina, and to pick up a booking, which will keep him out of the second leg, is something he must surely regret.

It was just a minute later when Ivanovic once again exploited Liverpool's marking system to give the London side the advantage. Rising off a Chelsea corner, high above Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, he beautifully placed his header into the Anfield Road net. Pepe Reina showed his frustration at Liverpool's ineptitude to defend set pieces, but it was also a fantastic leap and finish from the Russian, who claimed his second goal for his employers.

Five minutes later, Chelsea carved the Liverpool backline open once again as Ballack beautifully put Malouda through. Malouda's excellent run was matched by an equally skillful cross into Drogba, who evaded Carragher and Skrtel before pounding the ball into the net. It was a superb goal from Drogba, who deserved the goal for the desire and determination he displayed throughout the night. His change in attitude may be the consequence of great player management from Hiddink, and he was a nuisance all night for Liverpool. Credit for such a beautifully-worked goal must also be given to Malouda, who has not enjoyed the best of times at Stamford Bridge so far, but displayed the terrific wingplay the Londoners have been lacking since shipping Robben off to Madrid.

Drogba was replaced by ex-Liverpool striker Nicholas Anelka, but not before causing more trouble in the Liverpool defence. Lampard sprung a quick counter-attack and played Drogba in on the corner of the box, who then flicked the ball to the back post for a team-mate, but Skrtel intercepted. However, the header, aimed at Reina, could so easily have found the back of the net, but instead hit Reina and bounced out of danger.

Liverpool found it extremely difficult to create any sort of chance, and the reason was down to the drive and athleticism of Michael Essien, who completely nullified Gerrard for the 80 minutes he had to. The Ghanaian displayed extreme drive in the 89th minute, when he blocked Ryan Babel off, and drove his Chelsea team forward; it is such drive that his team has lacked in his absence. He then played it to Malouda on the wing before carrying on his run. Malouda played Essien back in, who subsequently measured his pass to Lampard to perfection. Lampard tried to knock the ball past the on-rushing Reina, but could only hit the chest of the Liverpool goalkeeper. It was another let-off from Chelsea, who could have had five or six.

In stoppage time, Liverpool finally managed their first shot on target when Torres stretched for the ball and directed a rather tame effort straight at Petr Cech. Seconds from the end, Xabi Alonso could only find the Russian with a long-range effort, as Cech comfortably tipped the ball over the bar. And such was Liverpool's desperation, Reina, who had kept Liverpool in the match at some periods, dragged himself forward for the resulting corner. The resolute Chelsea defence remained strong yet again, and the whistle was blown to a chorus of cheers from the fans in blue.

The game revolved around Liverpool's ineptitude to defend set-pieces, and the return of the dynamic Michael Essien. Essien nullified the talismanic Gerrard, and Lampard harassed Alonso. One could talk about Liverpool's inadequacies, but tonight was all about the resurrection of Chelsea as a force once again in English football. For a team that has lacked so much for the season, they played with heart and direction, more importantly, throughout the match. Drogba was dynamite, Essien was electric and Ivanovic was incredible; three performances that give Chelsea a major advantage in the tie.

Man of the Match: Michael Essien (10)

Had Lionel Messi not single-handedly destroyed Bayern Munich on the same night, the Ghanaian would be a personal choice for the best player in the world. More consistent than Ronaldo, two good feet, pace, strength, drive, defensively solid and offensively threatening. He nullified Steven Gerrard when he had to, and remained extremely disciplined throughout. Great performance, great player.

English Football Premiership- The Run In (Blarg)

What a strange season we've had so far in the English Premiership football. At the start of the season, teams were taking points off each other and there was no team laying claim to establishing themselves at the top and it was becoming almost impossible to predict how the season would pan out.

Even at the top of the table, we had the likes of Hull (in their first ever season in the premiership) in fourth place and the best team in the world, Man Utd in the bottom half. It was truly bizarre.

It wasn't really until December that things began settling down and we started to get an idea of how the top section of the table would pan out. Aston Villa were doing brilliantly, even having a great slice of luck. Liverpool were challenging for the title along with Chelsea and Manchester Utd finally had a great run of form and joined them. Everton began a great run that saw them rocket up the table to sixth, but the rest of the league continued taking points off each other, meaning relegation was a threat up to seventh place! Unheard of.

So, over the Christmas period and into the New Year, the top six of Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Villa and Everton began moving away from the rest. The bottom three continually changed, until West Brom decided they would like to stay at the bottom. Villa looked strong in fourth as Arsenal had a major injury crisis. Everton had their own injury crisis, playing several games without a recognised striker. It didn't hamper them as they remained unbeaten in 18 games, losing once only to a penalty to new world club champions, Man Utd.

In that period, it looked like Liverpool had lost their chance to take hold of the division as too many draws were costing them. Utd looked supreme, being several points ahead with games in hand over their nearest rivals.

However, all that was to change as a humiliating 4-1 defeat to second placed Liverpool at Old Trafford was followed by a 2-0 loss against Fulham. Liverpool then snuck a win in the last minute against Fulham themselves and they were two points clear at the top, although Utd had two games in hand. But it still looked like Liverpool would hold onto top place as the next day in Utd's game against Villa, they were losing 2-1 at home with just eleven minutes left. But Utd's class managed to overhaul that and win 3-2 thanks to a last minute goal by a seventeen year old Italian, to return to the top. Exciting stuff.

As the season approaches its climax, we are finally getting an idea of where many teams will finish. The current top four of Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal will likely remain that way. Neither Villa (5th) nor Everton (6th) have the resources to mount a serious challenge to break that elite group, although both will of course try. The battle for fifth will go to the wire, and I think Villa might just sneak it. The game at Villa Park in mid April maybe the decider for that.

Relegation wise, West Brom looked doomed. The other two clubs currently in the bottom three, Newcastle and Middlesboro, look like they have the strength to stay up, but of course there are still many over clubs that could yet get sucked in. Even though Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has taken the reigns at St James' Park as manager, I don't think this latest Messiah has what it takes to rescue this poor Newcastle team.

Mid table will be dominated by underachievers such as Spurs and Man City. Both have spent heavily, but neither have a strong team spirit. You only have to look at the likes of Jo to realise this. Bought by Man City for a cool £19 million last summer, he has struggled and so went out on loan to Everton for the remainder of the season. He now wants to stay at Everton rather than return to the cold team spirit of Man City. Whether Everton will be able to afford him is another matter. But it just goes to show, money cannot buy everything.

Of course, over achievers with the likes of Wigan and West Ham look set to finish strongly, but even they have to be careful to be pulled back into the relegation battle. A couple of losses there could see them in dangerous territory.

Many Premiership marketers claim that the Premiership is the best league in the world. Based on this season, they may be right, but in my opinion, there are only seven or eight good teams in it, the rest being a much of a muchness. The rest of the season will be interesting to watch, and finally we may see a great finish to a season.

The author, Richard Hull is the webmaster of Blargins' Injury Time, a light hearted look at all things Everton and general soccer.