Arsenal End Yakubu’s FA Cup Dream

THE dream of Nigerian striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, to crown his return to England with the FA Cup trophy faded away yesterday.

A schoolboy error by Reading goalkeeper, Adam Federici, in the 106th minutes of the extra time, gave Arsenal passage into the English FA Cup final at Wembley yesterday.

Alexis Sanchez had scored for The Gunners in the 43rd minutes, but Garath McCleary leveller for Reading to send the match to extra time

In the 106th minutes, Federici fumbled with Sanchez shot to end the match 2-1 for the Gunners.

The Nigerian striker, Aiyegbeni, was brought in the 111st minutes for Reading, but it was too late to change the game.

In the English Premiership, Chelsea fans celebrated late into the night as the Blues defeated visiting Manchester United 1-0.

Chelsea will be Premier League champions if they win their next two matches. The victory ended Manchester United’s six-match winning league run.

Wayne Rooney bent a shot into the side netting from 18 yards as United controlled the early stages.

The hosts were ahead with their first shot on target when Eden Hazard latched onto Oscar’s back heel to slide home.
Hazard struck the bar before Radamel Falcao hit the post and Ander Herrera was booked for a late dive in the area.

Southampton’s hopes of Champions League qualification were dealt a severe blow as Stoke came from behind to end a four-match winless run.

Morgan Schneiderlin tapped home the visitors’ opener after Jose Fonte’s header from Steven Davis’s corner.
Stoke pulled level early in the second half as Mame Biram Diouf swept in from 10 yards after Steven Nzonzi’s miscued cross rebounded off the bar.

Substitute Charlie Adam volleyed in the winner from close range late on.

A bad afternoon for Southampton concluded with defender Toby Alderweireld leaving the field on a stretcher with a shoulder injury after landing awkwardly.

Defeat means Saints are five points adrift of fourth place having played a game more than their rivals.