An overview of the FA Cup Semi-Finals

I was going to make 300 separate blogs about the different issues, but then I’d be called sad and in need of a life. So posting one huge one makes me look better (somehow).

First off, the Wembley pitch. It’s a joke, I mean, James Milner should not be coming off after 3 minutes to change his boots because he’s slipping and sliding like a fool. (May I just hit a quick side note, that as someone who travelled and estimated 130 miles to go to Wembley Stadium, it’s a fantastic stadium, one of the best in the world and the only ground I’d love to go to more is probably the Camp Nou). Anyway, back on track, as a nation vigorously trying to host the biggest competition in the world (The World Cup) it’s no doubt those FIFA representatives are watching that pitch and are still thinking “Well it’s a beautiful stadium but a sh*t pitch and that must come first”, now okay, there’s a good chance it will be fine in 8 years but they don’t give you the World Cup in 8 years they give it in December. It’s a real surprise the FA haven’t broke the bank to get the critically acclaimed best groundsmen at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium (don’t believe they’re the best: http://www.pitchcare.com/magazine/football-groundsman-of-the-year-awards.html) to sort this travesty out. That or have some inquiry to find out what’s best. We’re a laughing stock, £789 million for a great big stadium with a crap pitch.

Secondly, why are the Semi-Finals played at Wembley? Oh that’s right they have to reap the money back, but to me, they were fine at Old Trafford/Villa Park, heck even the Emirates would be a good choice. The over-use of the ground, is another reason for it’s dodgy pitch.

Thirdly, Aston Villa are NOT a top four team. Now, I don’t have anything against Aston Villa, and I wish them the best but they’re not a top four club. Why? Because they lack a game changer. This is the one thing they lack, and  a main reason why they lost to Chelsea. Too many Villa players have cloned themselves onto the Villa bench. Look at his change yesterday (nothing against O’Neil he’s working with what he’s got) they are losing one-nil to Chelsea, their lofting high balls into the box are being caught by Cech and Carew is doing nothing with his size. So, who does he bring on for Carew, Emile Heskey, the exact same player with a new name and shirt number. Had he had a quick player to run at a tiring Chelsea back four he may well have made something of the match but he didn’t, if Villa want to make 4th they need to invest in a player to change the game from off the bench. Look at the top 3 for this season.
Chelsea: Can bring on Anelka, Malouda, Kalou all players capable of changing the game.
Manchester United: Can bring on Park, Nani, Valencia and at this time Mecheda (depending on which one starts)
Arsenal: Can bring on Walcott.
There proof that you need a game-changer in your team.

Finally, the refereeing in this country is a joke. Howard Webb is our best choice for the World Cup? God help us. He’s made so many wrong decisions and I think these referee’s need a Summer of re-coaching.