Ramsey and Shawcross went lunging for a 50-50 ball in the 66th minute at the Britannia Stadium, with Shawcross coming in very late. What ensued was a nightmarish deja vu for Arsenal players such as Cesc Fabregas, who witnessed a similar gruesome injury to teammate Eduardo in 2008.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ramsey. He has shown moments of his vast potential during limited first-team action with Arsenal and it would be a shame if this injury cost him a career. His injury is still being reviewed by doctors, so it remains to be seen how long he will be out of action.
Here's a video of the horrific injury below (you may want to look away):
Attention Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa: it's time to start playing some of your best soccer.
While the entire Premier League was sitting and waiting to see just how the Wayne Bridge/John Terry situation would play out, the real story was found with Carlos Tevez as the Argentinean was foreman of the 4-2 demolition of Chelsea.
Tevez bagged a double after returning from his homeland after a 10-day respite to care for his sick child. After a soft goal to end the first half (an epic fail by Chelsea keeper Hilario), Tevez put the game out of reach with a penalty in the 76th minute.
Chelsea was victimized all day by Shay Given's goalkeeping, as well as Manchester City's counterattack. The Blue also fell out of favor with referee Mike Dean, as the West London club ended the game with nine men (Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti saw red).
But as mentioned earlier, the build-up to the game was fueled by all the tabloid attention surrounding Bridge and Terry. The game itself was mostly empty of any sort of conflict. The opening handshakes were something else though; Bridge declined to shake Terry's hand, providing for a moment of awkwardness between the two:
After the game, Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy took a shot at Terry saying:
''You guys [the media] make a lot more of it you know. I know what JT is like and nothing surprises me about it, so I'm not going to comment on that. I think everybody in football knows what the guy is like, but that's off the field. On it he's an outstanding player. He's a great captain for Chelsea. It's always going to be difficult when you play him and his team.''
But this blogger was impressed with City's performance at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea lost for only the third time in 115 EPL games. The top-four certainly looks like a real possibility for Roberto Mancini's squad.
As promised, here is a photo from the Nike national team kit release in London. How about those new Slovenia kits (far left)? Pretty sweet if you ask me.
I must say too that Nike's initiative to make these uniforms more enivronmentally-friendly is pretty commendable. Each jersey worn by a player will be made from nearly eight recycled plastic bottles.
According to Businesswire.com, Nike’s fabric suppliers sourced discarded plastic bottles from Japanese and Taiwanese landfill sites and then melted them down to produce new yarn that was ultimately converted to fabric for the jerseys.
Who knows, maybe this will get Adidas to follow and create some sort of recyclable/jersey combination.
The third day of Champions League Round of 16 action begins at 2:45 p.m. ET here in the United States, and Xtra Time has the previews and predictions for both matches.
Inter Milan vs. Chelsea
The most anticipated match of the day sees Inter manager Jose Mourinho face his old club at the San Siro. Mourinho left Stamford Bridge in 2007 after serving as the club caretaker for three years. This storyline will surely dominate heading into the game, but one cannot overlook the recent form of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. If Inter are not careful, Drogba could easily poach the crucial away goals needed to put the Blues into the next round. As for Inter, the status of starting goalkeeper Julio Cesar is in question after the Brazilian was involved in a car accident on Sunday. The fact that Inter's goalkeeping options are unsure at the moment makes it to hard to pick against Drogba and Chelsea.
Prediction: Chelsea wins, 2-1
Here's a recent interview where Mourinho talks about facing Chelsea:
CSKA Moscow vs. Sevilla
The day's other contest sees Sevilla come in as strong favorites, as CSKA let up the most goals of any team that advanced from the group stage. Sevilla will be led by striker Frederic Kanoute who is returning from injury, but will be without star forward Luis Fabiano after the Brazilian picked up a chest injury in a recent La Liga game versus Mallorca. Despite this, the Spanish side should progress as they take on the wintery elements and a determined CSKA squad.
"From a secret location in London, Nike will write a new chapter in soccer history. A world-first in Mercurial technology. The latest Nike+ Soccer Training Program. And a revolution in national team kit design."
Sounds pretty epic. Nike is also paying for 300+ journalists to stay in London and cover the event hoping to create as much buzz as possible. Unfortunately, this blogger did not get a call.
But part of Nike's secret has already been revealed. The guys at MLS Talk have gotten ahold of leaked photos showing the new World Cup kit for the United States national team. Check them out before the release here!
The big striker said, "I have extended my contract for another two years and that will be the last of my career...I want to give my all, have fun and finish with some major achievements."
A two-time World Cup winner and three-time FIFA World Player of The Year, Ronaldo has not been without his struggles. He has battled knee injuries and weight issues, as well as taking flak for a well-publicized scandal involving transvestite prostitutes in Rio de Janiero.
But despite this, in his heyday he was one of the most feared players of all-time, combining brute strength with nimble moves and underrated agility.
Here's a video clip of some of his best highlights:
It's milestone post time, as number 100 is here. I would just like to thank everyone who has ever read my blog or has ever clicked on my link.
Now to serious business: Major League Soccer is facing the real possibility of a work stoppage as negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players have come to a standstill.
The deadline for the old CBA has been extended and re-extended numerous times, with the latest agreed extension set to end on Feb. 25. Who knows what will happen? It's going to be interesting to say the least, as all signs point to a very low chance of success.
It's a veritable staring match between the league and its players. Who will blink first? I have to think that play will go on this season, with the new Philadelphia franchise entering the league and a high-level of soccer interest among the public that will peak with this summer's World Cup. But it's going to take some serious compromise from both sides, and so far all attempts have been unsuccessful.
Below is a clip from Jan. 29 of MLS Players Union representatives James Riley and Taylor Graham from the Seattle Sounders talking about negotiations:
Apparently Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has not completed his Jedi training.
The young Pole was at fault for both of FC Porto's goals yesterday, as the Portuguese side defeated Arsenal 2-1 in the Champions League. You could chalk it up to inexperience; that would be a fair argument. Fabianski is only 24 and has had very limited first-team action at Arsenal.
But picking up a back-pass from your own teammate? That's inexcusable. More like a brain-fart.
Along with the suddenly-incompetent Manuel Alumnia, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been left scratching his head over his goalkeeping options. He doesn't have much experience left after Fabianski, with young Vito Mannone the only other alternative on the bench. Why not give Mannone a shot? Certainly he can't be worse than Fabianski was last night in Porto...can he?
The next round of Champions League action kicks off tomorrow, with two games on the schedule.
At the San Siro in Milan, Manchester United faces AC Milan in one of the most anticipated match-ups in the competition. In France, Lyon will do battle with Real Madrid. Here are some previews and predictions for tomorrow's action.
AC Milan vs. Manchester United
David Beckham will be reunited with his boyhood club when Milan face-off against the red-hot Red Devils. United are riding an eight-game undefeated streak in all competitions while the Rossoneri are sitting disappointed in third place in Serie A. A win over United is just the momentum boost Milan needs, but the Red Devils are not going to make it easy. Wayne Rooney has been in scintillating form all season, tallying 21 goals total in the English Premier League. Striker Alexandre Pato will return for Milan after a brief injury spell, while Rio Ferdinand should be fit on defense for United. But I don't think the return of Pato will be enough for Milan, even with Ryan Giggs and Nemanja Vidic out for United. Prediction: Manchester United wins 2-1.
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Madrid comes into the game looking to get the proverbial monkey off its back, having been eliminated in the Round of 16 each of the past five years. Madrid supporters will feel better knowing that one of their star acquisitions, striker Karim Benzema, looks to be fit to face his former club. Lyon have been having a disappointing season by their standards, currently sitting fourth in Ligue 1. The French outfit have been paced by striker Lisandro Lopez, who was signed from FC Porto this summer for $32.5 million. It's star power with Madrid (Ronaldo, Kaka, Alonso, Benzema etc.) versus a scrappy Lyon squad with nothing to lose. Even though the match will be played at Stade de Gerland, home of Lyon, I still think that Madrid have what it takes to rectify five years of frustration. Prediction: Real Madrid wins 3-0.
These teams will then meet again on March 16, with the winners advancing based on aggregate goals.
The first features Robinho, the former Manchester City and Real Madrid striker, back at his boyhood club of Santos in Brazil. Watch as he scores a classy winner against Sao Paulo from close range.
This one features a long-range strike from nearly 100 yards! Mohammad Massad, captain of the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli Jeddah, shows that David Beckham and Xabi Alonso aren't the only ones that can catch the keeper napping.
One small step for FOX, one giant leap for soccer coverage in America.
It was announced in press release today that FOX will broadcast the Champions League final on May 22 from Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The coverage will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET.
FOX is available in all U.S. households (which is equivalent to about 115 million). This is great news for soccer fans in America, as well as for the sport's awareness in the States.
It's no secret that the profile of the sport has risen in recent years in the U.S., spurred on by the arrival of David Beckham with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. Heavily-viewed programs such as SportsCenter now feature more soccer news and updates, while in 2009 Major League Soccer secured a broadcast deal with ESPN.
This move by FOX ensures that those in America with a television will be able to view one of international soccer's most prestigious events.
(For the last time Didier: yes, you are one of the world's best)
How was your weekend? If you're a New Orleans Saints fan, it must have been great; if you're an Arsenal supporter, it was hell.
Here is some insight into what can be taken from the most recent batch of games in the English Premier League:
The Premier League championship is a two-horse race
A day after Manchester United thumped Portsmouth 5-0 behind three Pompey own goals, Chelsea dismantled Arsenal on Sunday 2-0. The Gunners, who were hoping to challenge for a title, have seen their fortunes take a massive hit after being shutout by the Blues for the second time this season. Chelsea now sit two points ahead of United for first in the league, with a seven-point gap between the Red Devils and third-place Arsenal. After watching both performances this weekend, there is a definite talent gap that separates Chelsea and United from the rest of the pack. Both contenders will now set their sights on the Apr. 3 matchup at Old Trafford that will be pivotal in deciding this outcome.
Arsenal must turn their sights to Champions League
Arsenal have now firmly put themselves out of the Premier League race after losing twice to United and Chelsea this season. You have to beat the best to challenge for a title. With the Gunners also having been eliminated from the FA Cup and the Carling Cup, the only chance for silverware rests in the Champions League. Arsenal have been given a fairly easy draw vs. FC Porto in the Round of 16, so they must not waste the opportunity. Gunners supporters hope that this comes true, or else they risk losing their talisman Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona this summer.
Didier Drogba should be mentioned in the same breath as Messi and Ronaldo
The Ivory Coast international is an absolute beast, and has been on spectacular form this season. He has been a thorn in the side of Arsenal and single-handedly ended Arsenal's title hopes yesterday with his two goals. The 31-year-old has scored 17 goals in 20 games in the Premier League this year while leading Chelsea to another title run. Watch out for him in the World Cup this summer.
Here are the highlights from yesterday's game featuring Drogba's excellent play:
Liverpool sneak back into fourth place
Quietly, Liverpool have gone from the outside-looking-in to their usual spot within the top four. Granted they are only a point in front of Tottenham, but with the injury to Fernando Torres and the media firestorm surrounding manager Rafael Benitez, I have to congratulate the Merseyside club for their improving play. It's been a rough year at Anfield; already the club has been eliminated from the Champions League and faces economic turmoil. But Saturday's 1-0 win against bitter rivals Everton have given those around the club a reason to smile. It remains to be seen if they have what it takes to hold onto fourth place, but for a brief moment all is well again at Liverpool.
Knowing the media's preoccupation with England's failures at the World Cup, this was also something that could be a distraction. Removing Terry from the captaincy ensured that at least part of the tabloid firestorm can die down.
Besides, there is no way in hell that you could keep a married, father-of-two as your captain after he had a steamy affair with a teammate's ex! Captains are extensions of the manager on the field and Terry lost all legitimacy after these revelations.
Good job Capello, for the smart and timely decision. Now for the important task of choosing your next field general for South Africa. My money would be on Rio Ferdinand or Wayne Rooney for the position.
Just when you thought you've heard of everything...
Don't look now, but AC Milan midfielder David Beckham will soon be found on the shelves of your favorite bookstore. Not as an autobiography, as one would think, but as the main character in a comic book.
It seems that Beckham will be featured in a Fame Biographic Comic from Bluewater Productions. The series, which will feature other celebrities such as 50 Cent and Lady Gaga, looks to profile the lives of the rich and famous.
Don't worry people; Beckham won't be donning a cape and tights while saving the world from oblivion. Instead, the comic book will profile the highs and lows of his career and will have a "gritty and real" feel. Batman or the X-Men shouldn't have to worry about their status as comic book elites because I think this Beckham experiment is going to fail.
And just for the record: I will NOT be picking up a copy. Stick to your soccer, Becks.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp talked with Sky Sports this afternoon regarding the loan deal that sent striker Robbie Keane to his "boyhood dream" club. Check it out below:
Here's a great part of ESPN Soccernet that lists all the transfers from all the levels of English soccer. A very comprehensive guide to the winter deadline.
--Tottenham's Robbie Keane has been linked with Celtic for a loan deal. However the Scottish transfer window closes at 7 p.m. ET so hold on for more information.
-Manchester City has been looking to close a few deals, with names like midfielder Fernando Gago of Real Madrid the most notable. It was also confirmed that winger Adam Johnson has completed a move to the Eastlands from Middlesbrough.
Overshadowing Arsenal's 3-1 win over Stoke City today was the horror injury to young Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey. Ramsey was the victim of a absolutely horrendous challenge from Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross.
