In Manchester most of the focus has been on Gary Neville and Carlos Tevez's little spat. Shame really, as the two probably couldn't get into a real spat without a translator and because the first leg League Cup semi-final proved a great match. The goals themselves weren't much to look at – Giggs being at the right place at the right time, City's penalty should have been a free kick - but Rooney's dominance in the latter stages and Given's incredulity at refusing United an equalizer meant that even neutrals could be forgiven for slipping off the edge of their seats. Both teams will feel they can take the second leg and set up a date with Villa at Wembley. The real question is whether or not Ferguson will rest anyone ahead of their league match against Arsenal on the weekend.
The Milan derby provided one of the best matches this season. Inter surged out of the gates, tearing away at Milan's injury hit and aging defense. They were rewarded with a Milito goal early on but things took a bizarre twist when the referee sent off Wesley Sneijder with a straight red card for nothing more sinister than a bit of sarcasm. Milan failed to capitalise, Inter scored another, Mourinho went a bit mad on the touchline and after the final whistle the unused substitute, and eternal pantomime villain, Marco Materazzi pranced around the pitch in a Point Break-esque Berlusconi mask. The only thing missing was a Super Pippo goal celebration.
Somehow the FA Cup managed to squeeze excitement out of every single tie. The pick of the lot going to Leeds' further revolt against Premiership big boys – this time against Spurs at White Hart Lane. Defoe missed an early penalty and the ubiquitous transfer target Jermaine Beckford scoring two equalizing goals, the second coming in the ninety fourth minute. Heroics from Leeds' keeper Casper Ankergren ensured a mouth watering replay at Elland Road as the consensus among fans and critics seems to be that the cup magic has returned.
The only true downer of the weekend cup ties was Arsene Wenger fielding a very weakened Arsenal side. Yet every cloud has a silver lining and Stoke City easily beat Arsenal's kids (and in football terms, a grandfather, as Sol Campbell made his return to the Arsenal first team) by three goals to one.
Anyway, I could go on and on about this week, there were really that many talking points but to maintain your sanity and my employment I'll finish the update with the week's funniest moment: Arjen Robben tumbling around on the sidelines with a rather reluctant Louis van Gaal.
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