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The FA Cup has always been a wonderful competition and the beauty of the tournament is it seldom goes exactly the way you think and upsets are always likely to happen. This is my list of five of the most memorable semi-finals.

This should not necessarily be seen as a definitive list of the top five semi-finals of all time – but more an opinion piece on five of my personal favourites. I would also like to point out that I have chosen games from the modern era to try and broaden appeal.

I would also point to the fact that three of the games feature Manchester United. Sorry if this offends anyone, but that’s just the way it has come out, I am not a Manchester United fan!

5 Newcastle United vs. Manchester United 2005 (1-4)

The match in 2005 was certainly an entertaining game and featured 5 goals in a packed Millennium Stadium. However, it tendered to be a rather one sided affair in which Manchester United always had an element of control in. The Red Devils looked in complete control at half time due to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Van Nistelrooy and Scholes. When Van Nistelrooy scored his second goal of the game in the 58th minute the tie looked done and dusted – but Newcastle at least threatened a comeback when Shola Ameobi scored. However, Ronaldo made absolutely sure with the fourth united goal in the 76th minute and they were through to the final.

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4 Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace 1995 (2-2)

This proved to be a more difficult game than Manchester United were expecting. The Red Devils went into this game looking for easy progress to the final. However, Crystal Palace gave Manchester United a good fight. In the end the game played at Villa Park finished 2-2 with goals from Denis Irwin and Gary Pallister for United and responses from Palace duo Armstrong and Dowie. Manchester won the reply 2-0.

Continue to the NEXT PAGE for the Top THREE…

3 Middlesbrough vs. Chesterfield 1997 (3-3)

For me this is one of the most memorable FA Cup ties. Before the match Middlesbrough were expecting a comfortable win – but there were given one hell of a fright by lower league Chesterfield United. In the match Chesterfield stormed into a 2-0 lead with goals from Morris and Dyche, but Middlesbrough were able to find a way back into the game and level matters with quick fire goals from Ravanelli and Hignett. Middlesbrough were confident of finding a winner – but continued to be frustrated. So the game entered a period of extra time – where there were two further goals, one for each side and the game finished 3-3. In the reply Boro won 2-0.

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2 Manchester United vs. Oldham 1990 (3-3)

Another fantastic example of what the FA cup brings; a classic game with both sides going all out looking for the win. It was a game that United really should have taken control of after having the lead on three separate occasions – but Oldham pegged them back again and forced the reply. Manchester United won the replay in extra time with Mark Robins hitting the winner.

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1 Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool 1990 (4-3)

What a fantastic game of football this turned out to be with Crystal Palace surprising Liverpool. The Merseyside club had led twice in the game during normal time and looked certain to win. But it was Palace who had the last laugh with an extra time winner from Alan Pardew. It proved to be sweet revenge for the London club, because they were beaten by Liverpool 9-0 earlier in the League that same season.

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Arsenal’s win last Sunday brought an air of ‘if only’ around the Emirates as Arsene Wenger’s men look back at another failed quest for the Premier League title. You do sense that next season it is vital that the club start to deliver silverware to appease those fans frustrated at the increase in ticket prices.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Arsenal blogs that includes Nasri provides Wenger with transfer dilemma; Arsenal’s own X-file mystery, while Arsene should think twice about Diaby.

We also look at the best Arsenal articles around the web this week.

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Just a case of right man, wrong philosophy at Arsenal

Forget Cesc, is this Wenger’s biggest transfer dilemma this summer?

What do Arsenal need the extra £4.5m for?

Arsene Wenger right to put Arsenal first in this case

Arsenal’s very own X-File mystery

Why Arsenal should think twice about selling Frenchman

Arguably Wenger’s TEN ‘Greatest Achievements’ at Arsenal

Arsenal & Liverpool hit with £20m asking price

Arsene Wenger’s ‘Greatest XI’ of all time

If I was you Arsene Wenger…

*Best of Web*

The most frustrating religion – Emirates FC – Gunnersphere

Game over… You lose again, Arsene! – Online Gooner

Stay A Little Longer Or Walk Away In Anger? – A Cultured Left Foot

Arsenal run over the golden goose, then reverse back over just to make sure – Le Grove

The real reason Cesc wants out, R.I.P Sir Henry, No to goal-line Technology.. – Highbury House

Ignore ticket farce at your peril, Mr Gazidis – Arsenal Insider

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Unai Emery has been granted a one-year contract extension as manager of Valencia, the Spanish club has announced.Emery has put pen to paper on a new deal tying him to Valencia until June 30, 2012, rewarding him for guiding the club to the Champions League for a second successive year.

That Emery managed to do so despite the absence of star players David Villa and David Silva – sold to ease financial strain at the club – makes the achievement all the more remarkable.

Expectations of Valencia were tempered prior to the season given the loss of Villa and Silva, but Emery still managed to lead his side to a third-place finish in La Liga behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Valencia President Manuel Llorente was delighted to have retained the services of his coach, who he believes can take the club to even greater heights in the next campaign.

“Unai has proven himself. To go directly into the Champions League is very valuable and we greatly appreciate his desire to improve us and his ability to do so,” Llorente said.

“We are growing, giving hope and joy to the fans. The challenge is to take another step forward in performance and be better every year and Unai is ambitious.”

“He has all the requirements and the confidence of the club.”

Emery added: “I am very happy to have another year with one of the best clubs in the world. It is my intention to keep developing this club and that project drives me.”

“The goal we have set is to improve and take further steps to make the most of our performance. We have a great team and they can give us great joy.”

Kevin Keen believes West Ham’s promotion battle starts on Sunday when they host Sunderland looking to finish a desperately disappointing season on a positive note.The Hammers were relegated after last Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Stoke, with manager Avram Grant sacked in the immediate aftermath.

Keen has been placed in temporary charge and admits he would love the job on a full-time basis, claiming he intends to impress the owners by bringing attractive football back to Upton Park.

“As far as I am concerned the first game of next season is this Sunday,” Keen said.

“I have a lot of young players chomping at the bit to play. It will be a West Ham side.”

“That is what I want, players who will go out and show a real desire to play for the claret and blue shirt, and hopefully show a flair and ability on the football that this club deserves.”

“We have got a game on Sunday we want to win. We owe the supporters so much.”

“My focus has been on making sure the players are aware of that.”

Keen said he wanted the coaching job at Upton Park.

“I am West Ham United through and through. I had nine years as a player and this is my ninth season back coaching.”

“Anyone who has got that connection with the football club would love to be given that opportunity.”

“If the opportunity was given to me it would be a great honour and I’d love to be able to do it.”

“I know the way the supporters want us to play, I know the way I want us to play, attacking football with flair and passing, but at the same time some of that Billy Bonds or Julian Dicks spirit, that when a tackle is there to be made they make it.”

“That is what the supporters want and hopefully that is what the future holds for West Ham.”

Keen admits it has been a woeful season under Grant, claiming the entire club’s staff and players should take responsibility.

“Whenever a manager leaves it is disappointing,” he said.

“You saw after the game last week how humble and disappointed Avram was that things hadn’t gone his way.”

“We underperformed as staff and as players they have underperformed.”

“There is no denying that. We are bottom of the league and we have underperformed.”

“Now I want to focus on getting West Ham a win and repaying the supporters who have backed us to the bitter end.”

England put in another shocking display which Fabio Capello put down to simply tiredness. It seems like a poor excuse from the outset, especially given the shocking errors from certain individuals.

In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that includes Crouch set to quit England, Wenger looks to rebuild squad, Chelsea must wait for Hiddink.

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Tevez – I decide my future – Sky Sports

Capello says his players were ‘exhausted’ after long season – Guardian

Chelsea must wait for Hiddink, says agent – Guardian

‘Hughes was too ambitious for Fulham’ – Guardian

Maradona: Fifa bosses are dinosaurs – Daily Telegraph

Cole set to end Anfield misery as Tottenham transfer nears completion – Daily Mail

I will expose Blatter: Angry CONCACAF president Warner promises to reveal all – Daily Mail

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Crouch quits Capello’s England: Swiss snub last straw for Spurs hitman – Daily Mail

City and United in £30m battle for Inter star – Mirror

Wenger cancels summer holiday to rebuild squad as three key stars face boot – Mirror

Barcelona feel they will finally land Cesc Fabregas with a renewed bid of £35m. Arsenal conceded that they are unlikely to stand in the Spaniard’s way providing that the Catalans meet their asking price and although there have been rumours in the press this morning that Cesc may look to go on strike in order to force a deal through; it seems unlikely that an amicable agreement won’t be reached.

In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Tottenham set for talks with Luka Modric; Liverpool willing to sacrifice kids to land Charlie Adam, while Sunderland trigger Wickham auction after having £13m bid accepted.

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Barcelona scent victory with renewed £35m Fábregas bid – Guardian

De Gea to seal £18.3m deal – Daily Telegraph

Chelsea still rebuilding as Abramovich considers Emenalo for director role – Daily Mail

Arsene’s letter to unhappy fan – Sun

Modric to hold talks with Tottenham – Guardian

Liverpool willing to sacrifice kids to land Adam – Mirror

City told not to rock the Boat – Sun

Sunderland trigger Wickham auction after agreeing £13m deal – Daily Mail

Spurs offer quartet to Bolton in bid to land Cahill – Daily Mail

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McLeish to offer Birmingham keeper swap deal – Mirror

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Yesterday it was announced that Aston Villa have agreed a £9.5m fee with Wigan Athletic for Charles N’Zogbia and the 25-year-old is set travel down to Villa Park to discuss personal terms today.

The French international who was last capped in 2010, will be a straight forward replacement on the left wing for the recently departed Stuart Downing and will become McLeish’s second summer signing after capturing N’Zogbia’s former Newcastle teammate Shay Given from Man City last week.

McLeish has long been an admirer of N’Zogbia and actually came within a whisker of signing him last summer for his former club Birmingham City but the deal collapsed at the 11th hour as they couldn’t agree personal terms. So although a fee has now been agreed it is still not 100% that he will be joining the club. However if as expected he does agree terms this week, McLeish will be hoping that he will be a suitable replacement for Downing and Young who had started to build up a potent attacking force alongside Darren Bent last season.

Villa have so far raised over £40 million from player sales this summer and N’Zogbia will be a major part of a new look Aston Villa side with the Alan Hutton and Scott Parker two other possible arrivals at Villa Park. Although he has experienced controversy in the past especially at Newcastle, I can see McLeish being disciplined with the winger and he will make sure the Villa fans only see N’Zogbia’s good side.

Interestingly he is actually classed as a home-grown player after being affiliated with an English club since the age of 18 when he brought over by Newcastle from Le Havre and will count as one of the eight players home-grown players needed in Villa’s 25-man-squad. This make it even more of a transfer bargain as everyone has seen that English players are moving at overinflated transfer fees partly due to this rule.

With Downing and Young sold, Villa were looking for a player that can create threats to the opposition and would also be responsible for set-pieces. In N’Zogbia they have this player as he is known for his match-winning ability, his excellent all round play and is one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League. He can also operate on either flank or as an attacking midfielder so it is understandable why Villa have snapped him up.

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It will be a new challenge for N’Zogbia who was influential in keeping the Latics in the Premier League last season and his two goals against West Ham in the penultimate game of the season all but secured their survival. Dave Whelan recently said of his prized asset: “I have always said for £10 million he is an absolute snip, if Stewart Downing can change hands for £20 million I don’t know what Charles is worth.”

He contributed with ten goals and seven assists for the Latics last season which is not too different to Downing’s total of seven goals and nine assists and this shows what a good deal Villa are getting with a reported £10.5 million difference in transfer fees.

With only 12 months left on his contract Wigan are getting a decent price for the winger but in terms of Downing’s move, it is still relatively cheap. He will only improve at a bigger club and in the right environment so N’Zogbia could be worth a lot more in the future. Downing’s £20m price tag was over-inflated by the fact he still had four years left on his contract at Villa Park but Villa fans must feel they are the end of a very good deal.

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Villa fans would have been saddened to see their player of the year Downing leave after his impressive form last season but I feel they are getting a more than adequate replacement in N’Zogbia. He has a similar goal scoring record, has the ability to change a game and is signing at a very reasonable price. The rebuilding has begun and securing N’Zogbia’s signature would be a great way to kick-start it.

Do you agree? Do you think N’Zogbia is the right man to replace Downing? Follow me on twitter @aidanmccartney

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As football fans around the country brace themselves for the start of the Premier League season, FFC wanted to point you in the direct of the NEW ESPN Goals App that is now available for you to download for FREE.

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* Goals footage is near-live with goals available shortly after being scored except for footage from matches on Saturday from 3pm, this is due to UEFA restrictions. Footage from these matches is available from approximately 5.15pm Saturday

With Man United finally giving up in their pursuit to sign Wesley Sneijder it is clear that Fergie believes this current squad is certainly good enough to retain their title this coming season. The fringe players have certainly stepped up in pre-season and given the United boss some genuine food for thought.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes no respite for United’s punch bag; Fergie set to save millions, while Hernandez provides a welcome throwback from the past.

We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this week.

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A burgeoning talent set to save Fergie millions?

A welcome headache for Sir Alex Ferguson

No respite for Manchester United’s punching bag

Are Manchester United really better off?

Win or lose, this time it matters for Manchester United

Have United’s rivals got what it takes to knock them off their perch?

Javier Hernandez – a throwback from the past

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Best of WEB

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United’s New Signing Could Hold The Key To Champions League Success – Red Flag Flying High

Reds’ vibrancy points to a flexible future – United Rant

Friendly competition for positions foretells a bright future – The Busby Way

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Fans Should Know That They Know As Much As The Players Do – United Religion

Manchester United ‘Pull Plug On Wesley Sneijder Deal’ – Red Flag Flying High

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Craig Bellamy has stated that it is an honour to be signed by Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish, and that he is looking forward to starting with Liverpool for the second time.

The 32-year-old played for the Merseyside club in 2006/07, and resigned for The Reds on transfer deadline day after being frozen out at big spending Manchester City.

Reports indicate that Tottenham were keen to bring the 32-year-old to White Hart Lane, but Bellamy had only one side in mind.

“I’ve grown up with Kenny Dalglish, now to be signed by him is a massive honour,” he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

“This is an exciting time. When Kenny took over, watching as a fan last season I got the buzz as well and it was great to see Liverpool end the season well.

“For me, the players they’ve signed this summer, there has been a lot of British which takes me back to when I started watching Liverpool. It looks so familiar to me and to be part of it is such a huge honour,” the Wales international continued.

Dalglish played for Liverpool for 13 years, winning six league titles and three European Cups, and Bellamy is full of praise for the Scottish coach.

“To every Liverpool fan, Kenny is probably the best player ever to pull on the red shirt so that speaks for itself. He was the first player-manager to do the double and just the way he conducted himself really.

“I know we’ve had bits of success since then but the club hasn’t been the same since he left, so to come back in and be a part of this with the players who are here – it’s a good time,” he concluded.

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Bellamy could be in line to make his debut against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on September 10th.

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