High 5!

Championship leaders Birmingham City sent Newcastle crashing out of the FA Cup with a 5-1 win in their third round replay at St James' Park.

City got off to a flying start when Gary McSheffrey fired them ahead with just five minutes gone - and with the Magpies failing to raise themselves, they extended their lead through Nolberto Solano's own goal on the stroke of half-time.

James Milner briefly gave the home side hope with a 56th-minute strike from distance, however, defender Steven Taylor was sent off seconds later for tripping DJ Campbell - and the revival was over.

With the subsequent free-kick, Bruno N'Gotty restored the visitors' two-goal advantage on 59 minutes, and late efforts from Sebastian Larsson and Campbell completed Newcastle's humiliation.

The home crowd began to disappear with still twenty minutes left on the clock, and Roeder had no excuses despite his long list of 1st team injuries.

"I apologise to the fans," Roeder said. "I think apologies are due after such a lack of performance from everybody."

Meanwhile Steve Bruce and his side were ecstatic at the thought of playing Reading in the fourth round.

"Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think the team could come here and beat Newcastle in their own back-yard 5-1."

Elsewhere, Wayne Routledge capped an amazing Fulham comeback by scoring an injury-time winner to end Leicester's brave fight and book a home tie against Stoke in round four.

Matt Fryatt opened the scoring for City before Brian McBride equalised from close range. Gareth McAuley then headed his first goal for the Foxes and James Wesolowski struck from 18 yards to make it 3-1. But Fulham substitute Vincenzo Montella scored twice from close range before Routledge's darting run and finish sent Craven Cottage wild.

Fulham manager Chris Coleman said: "The scoreline was great, lots of goals and excitement, but the first half performance was woeful. We deserved to go in 2-1 down."

Meanwhile, in last night's other tie, Spurs had a more comfortable passage than Fulham as they ran out 4-0 winners against Cardiff. Spurs booked a fourth round home clash with Southend thanks to goals from Aaron Lennon, Robbie Keane, Steed Malbranque and substitute Jermain Defoe.

Tottenham manager Martin Jol said: "I thought we bounced back well from disappointment at the weekend. We started well and we played some terrific football."

Calderon Criticises Beckham

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has publicly criticised David Beckham, saying 'he messed the club around' over his future. The former England captain announced last Thursday he would not be extending his contract with Real, but would join Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season instead.
In comments that added yet more hype to the most internationally publicised transfer in history, the club's president also stated that David Beckham signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy because there were no other takers. Thus adding further friction between Beckham and the Spanish club. Calderon told Cadena COPE radio station that the English midfielder was making the move to Major League Soccer because none of the world's top soccer teams wanted him.

"The proof that our technical staff was correct not to retain him has been borne out by every other technical staff in the world not wanting him even though he was out of contract"
This alone is hard to believe as many footballing professionals have supported and rated him as an international sporting figure, who can still perform at the highest level.

After club coach Fabio Capello said the midfielder would only train with the side and not play for the rest of the season, Calderons comments come as no surprise: "I didn't like the way Beckham conducted himself, announcing publicly that he had another team...For months he was messing us around". Sources in Major League Soccer have suggested Beckham may now try to bring forward his departure from Real to coincide with the start of the season in the United States in April. However Spanish reports suggest that Real will only allow this in exchange for £5 million. Beckham has signed a five-year deal with the Galaxy which will be worth about $250-million excluding existing sponsorship deals, and is due to arrive at the MLS club in August. Meanwhile, Calderon also confirmed that Brazil striker Ronaldo did not feature in Capello's plans along with Beckham and Italian striker Antonio Cassano.

Oba The Moon

After a gruelling battle at White Hart Lane, it was an Obafemi Martins wonder-strike that helped to eventually seal a needed win for the Toon Army.

The tone of the match was immediately set in the opening ten minutes, when Newcastle received a constant bombardment of Tottenham attacks only for the once-again incredible Shay Given to get in the way of. With Newcastle playing with much of their youth academy as a result of multiple injuries within the first team squad, it was down to a back four of Solano, Taylor, Ramage, and Huntingdon to provide a brave line of defence.

Spurs opened the deadlock on thirteen minutes with a Steed Malbranque run down the left before squaring to Defoe who converted his 13th goal of the season. At this Tottenham thoroughly deserved to be ahead, and could have been four or five up on the Tyneside club.

Nevertheless, they held their lead for barely two minutes with the inexperienced Paul Huntingdon dropping off the back post only to drive the ball underneath the unlucky Paul Robinson subsequent to a James Milner set piece.

Then came half-time which saw a bizarre array of incidents. Previously Given had become incensed over Dimitar Berbatov repeatedly kicking towards him at every opportunity. Although, referee Steve Bennet failed to recognise this as did his assistants. Therefore, Given - the captain, tried to argue his case before going down the tunnel only to be waved away by Bennet. In spite of this, Pascal Chimbonda became involved, whilst Butt also stepped in to trigger mayhem. Chimbonda slapped Butt face and the former Man Utd player responded with a shove right under the officials nose. Yet, Butt's teammate James Milner was forced to step in order to cool the incident.

Both Butt and Chimbonda were eventually booked.

When the football finally resumed it was Spurs who reacted better out of the two sides, and seven minutes after the break Berbatov volleyed home to send White Hart Lane crazy.

There were more fantasy moments to come, however, in this battle of attrition it was Newcastle who received a moment of good fortune this time. Martins scoring the equaliser from nowhere - a cracking left-foot shot into the top corner on 72 minutes. This helped warrant his price tag, being a truly sensational individual strike...



Soon after, Martins played a disguised through ball which Nicky Butt pounced onto, making the final score 2-3 in favour of Newcastle Utd.

In Sunday's early kick off, Everton were held to a 1-1 by Reading at Goodison Park. Although, the match seemed to be overshadowed by the appearance of Sylvester Stallone promoting his new film whilst entertaining the crowd in a way that only he could.

There was an element of fortune about the Readings' goal as Hunt's header from Shorey's free-kick ricocheted off Howard and eventually trickled over the line after Lescott's deflection.

Despite holding the lead for over an hour, Reading slipped up, allowing Andy Johnson to header home on eighty-one minutes , salvaging a point for the Merseyside club.

All Hail Henry

Despite playing with only ten men for the best part of eighty minutes in the husky Lancashire conditions, Arsenal made light work of an almost full strength Blackburn side. The sending off for the Gunners came after Gilberto Silva reacted to a typical attention-seeking, reaction-provoking Robbie Savage challenge. The incensed Gilberto then harmlessly flicked a leg out towards Savage which resulted in Rob Styles showing a red card in the direction of the Arsenal vice-captain. Although many pundits believe such a petty incident did not warrant a card at all.

Nonetheless, it was Arsenal who then turned on the flamboyant flair that we had already grown accustom to at Anfield; eventually resulting in a goal from Kolo Toure due to a sublime Henry set piece to pick the Ivory Coast international out of a mass of bodies.

Arsenal were comfortable from then on, showing signs of the confidence from when they were the most feared side in the premiership.

However the highlight of the match, turned out to be a moment of shear magic from the Arsenal captain. After, defending a Blackburn set piece within his own half the Frenchman picked up the ball deep in the oppositions half. Yet with no options on, was forced to run down the entire left flank before performing an exquisite one-two with the ever dominant Cesc Fabregas, and unleashing an unstoppable swerving drive into the roof of Brad Friedel's net. Definitely, a contender for goal of the season.

And for those who wern't lucky enough to see it first time round...



The game ended 2-0 to Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Arsenal rivals, Chelsea were on display at Stamford Bridge against Wigan. The London side were dominant from start to finish and this showed with the final scoreline being 4-0 to the Premiership holders, albeit there first three goals were down to comical errors from the Wigan defence.

The first error was from a tame Lampard free kick which spectacularly evaded everyone within the box including keeper Chris Kirkland. Whilst the second involved a cringing backpass in which Arjen Robben ran on to slide passed the Wigan keeper. The third error came from Chris Kirkland himself who pounced on Robbens low driven cross, only to see the ball trickle in to the back of his own net resulting in an embarrassing own goal. A fourth Chelsea goal was snapped up in stoppage time from a Didier Drogba header, adding to his already impressive goalscoring tally this season.

Current leaders, Man Utd also secured a win versus Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Ji-Sung Park grabbed Utd's first with a low driven shot past the hands of Sorensen. The game also saw Michael Carricks first goal in a Manchester Utd shirt, as a result of a superb flick up and firm volley into the corner of the Villa goal. Carrick later set up Ronaldo for an easy header, whilst Villa grabbed a consolation goal in reward of Milan Baros' persistence down the right work setting up Agbonlahor for an easy finish.

The match finishing 3-1 to the home side.

At the valley, relegation worries deepened for Charlton as Middlesborough won 3-1, to clinch needed points for the Teeside club. Goals from Catermole, Arca and Yakubu sealed the win, after Hasselbaink had scored against his former club.

Also in London, an Upton Park faithful watched a truly enthralling match. It was Fulham who opened the deadlock after sixteen minutes shortly after West Ham's Tevez was taken off injured. The replacement was in Bobby Zamora who found an equaliser on the half hour mark.

Within a minute after the second half restart Benayoun popped up on the edge of the box to chip delightfully over the Fulham keeper. Nevertheless, Fulham responded with a Brian McBride clinical finish notching him up to seven goals for the season.

Quite remarkably, the Hammers yet again grabbed another in Benayoun whit 25 minutes left on the clock. However Fulham who deserved a point for effort if not entertainment, scored in the form of Christanval in stoppage time, thus resulting in a 3-3 scoreline.

In a week which anybody connected with Liverpool Football Club would want to forget, the reds managed to end on a high. With Bellamy getting one and Crouch scoring a couple, Liverpool controlled the match. Watford hardly competed, and this was reflected in manager, Boothroyd's, post-match comments; "We didnt show heart and soul or passion"

Games at Brammall Lane and The Reebok Stadium ended in draws with Seffield Utd finishing 1-1 with Portsmouth whilst Boltons match with Man City ended goalless.

Back to Business

Albeit a year out of sink, Breathe Football has finally returned!

For reasons out of our control, we were forced to shut up shop towards the end of last year without any notice. For this we apologise.

Nevertheless we have returned with a vengeance and are determined to make it up to you with the latest news from around the globe regarding the world of football...or 'soccer' as David Beckham would say!

Wenger Responds With Rejection

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has reacted to recent Real Madrid links by firmly stating that he is committed to The Gunners. Current Real coach Wanderly Luxemburgo has received much criticism over the past weeks and speculation regarding his future at the Bernabeu has grown increasingly.

Florentino Perez the Madrid president said he was a fan of the Frenchman's entertaining playing style and overall tactics.

"Jose Mourinho and Fabio Capello are two of the world's best. I have another name for you, Wenger. I like him very much," Perez told a radio interview.

Wenger responded by saying that he was committed to his current North London club until the year of 2008.

Skipper, Thierry Henry has also been linked with the 'galacticos' as his contract at Arsenal is due to expire at the end of the season. Arsenal's highest scorer in their history says he will not discuss a new deal until the turn of the New Year. Florentino Perez is keen to have him at his club, however Wenger is aiming to persuade arguably the world's best striker to stay at Highbury (or even Ashburton Grove!)

Barca's Brazilian Bags Ballon D'Or

World Player of The Year, Ronaldinho scooped up another award last night with the only difference being that the latest was for European Player of The Year. He was always favourite to win, nevertheless Chelsea's Frank Lampard was close behind in second place.

Ronaldinho was a key part of the key to success for Barca last year. Many believe they would not have been able to secure La Liga if it wasn't for the South American ace. Hi form this season has been even better, having equalled last season’s goal tally of nine after only playing 12 games! His performances have been so bewildering that fierce Barcelona rivals, Real Madrid were forced to give the magician a standing ovation after grabbing a couple of goals.

Incidentally, Ronaldinho is the third player to win the award whilst playing at the Nou Camp. The other two being Ronaldo in 1997 and Rivaldo in 1999.

Here is a list of the past winners of the Ballon D'Or provided by BBC SPORT:

1956 - Stanley Matthews
1957 - Alfredo Di Stefano
1958 - Raymond Kopa
1959 - Alfredo Di Stefano
1960 - Luis Suarez
1961 - Omar Sivori
1962 - Josef Masopust
1963 - Lev Yachine
1964 - Denis Law
1965 - Eusebio
1966 - Bobby Charlton
1967 - Florian Albert
1968 - George Best
1969 - Gianni Rivera
1970 - Gerd Muller
1971 - Johan Cruyff
1972 - Franz Beckenbauer
1973 - Johan Cruyff
1974 - Johan Cruyff
1975 - Oleg Blokhin
1976 - Franz Beckenbauer
1977 - Alan Simonsen
1978 - Kevin Keegan
1979 - Kevin Keegan
1980 - Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
1981 - Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
1982 - Paolo Rossi
1983 - Michel Platini
1984 - Michel Platini
1985 - Michel Platini
1986 - Igor Belanov
1987 - Ruud Gullit
1988 - Marco Van Basten
1989 - Marco Van Basten
1990 - Lothar Matthaus
1991 - Jean-Pierre Papin
1992 - Marco Van Basten
1993 - Roberto Baggio
1994 - Hristo Stoichkov
1995 - George Weah
1996 - Matthias Sammer
1997 - Ronaldo
1998 - Zinedine Zidane
1999 - Rivaldo
2000 - Luis Figo
2001 - Michael Owen
2002 - Ronaldo
2003 - Pavel Nedved
2004 - Andrei Shevchenko
2005 - Ronaldinho

Rooney Is No Best, But He Is One Of The Best

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson compared Wayne Rooney to Old Trafford legend George Best after his side's 2-1 win at West Ham. I believe it is incorrect to make such claims as they are two players with different playing styles and it is not right to make such comparisons so soon after the death of footballing legend. No one compared the two beforehand, so why now?

Rooney made it onto the score sheet and also set up a goal as Man Utd won by two goals to one at Upton Park. Rooney scored just after the break two put The Red Devils back on track after Marlon Harewood had opened the scoring within the first minute.

He then assisted the vital winning goal for John O'Shea as United moved up to second in the table, bringing an emotional weekend for the club to a close. Alan Pardew the Hammers manager could not put it into words how well Rooney performed.

"Maybe he deserved to wear George Best's old number seven shirt - he was that good."

These types of comment were never mentioned before Best's death, so is it right to start making these claims now all of a sudden? Have your say by leaving a comment.

Meanwhile, In Fulham’s match up with Bolton at Craven Cottage, Brian McBride scored twice to help clinch a vital victory for Fulham. The first was stabbed home due to natural strike instinct whilst, the second was a textbook volley from 18 yrds out in order to double his tally.

Bolton's only goal came from a late Sylvain Legwinski own goal but a frustrating day ended when El-Hadji Diouf was red-carded after full-time for dissent. The match ended, 2-1.

Middlesborough versus West Brom proved to be an exciting contest which finished 2-2. A late penalty from Nigerian Yakubu rescued Boro' from defeat though The Baggies would be travelling away from The Riverside rather sombre, knowing that they could have got three points from the game.

Mark Viduka opened the scoring and Nathan Ellington and Kanu scored for Albion. The final result was a fair one after both sides created ample chances and provided great entertainment on a rain-drenched day in Middlesbrough.

Newcastle Fury As Officials Make Mistake

There were more cries for video technology to be incorporated into football, as Everton and Newcastle departed from Goodison Park in the early kick-off. Everyone but the referee and his assistants managed to see James McFadden handling Shola Ameobi's shot on goal. The game was preceded by one minute's applause in memory of George Best, with both sets of fans paying a fitting tribute to the Manchester United legend.

The contained little quality, if any, with both teams failing to really settle into each others style of play. Newcastle edged the play in the first half with a number off opportunities to break the deadlock in the last ten minutes. The main incident was when McFadden clearly made contact with the ball with the use of his hand in order to prevent Shola Ameobi's volley reaching the back of the net. Nevertheless the officials failed see it, and instead, waved play on. As well as this, there were flaying arms between Tim Cahill and Celestine Babayaro towards the dieing moments of the half however, the referee, Howard Webb did not punish either play.

Just after the break Joseph Yobo rose to meet Mikel Arteta's corner as Everton battled to earn a deserved victory. The goal was clocked at 54 seconds into the half which shows how inspirational Graeme Souness' half-time team talk was. Newcastle struggled to make any impression and Everton were rewarded with three points, though they could have scored plenty more if it wasn't for the remarkable Shay Given in The Toon goal.