Hubo un sabor heroico en el empate que rescató este domingo el Sunderland en su propia casa, el Stadium of Light, resultado que ha evitado una victoria del Middlesbrough que habría sido histórica en este escenario. El 1-1 ha forzado, en cambio, un replay, que se jugará en Riverside para ver cuál de los dos equipos se mete en la quinta ronda de la FA Cup.
El Sunderland, que está experimentando una gran reacción desde que Martin O'Neill llegó al banquillo, no lo ha pasado bien este domingo ante un valiente equipo del Boro. La visita llegó incluso a ponerse por delante en el marcador, gracias a un gol de Barry Robson.
Sin embargo, los Black Cats no se entregaron, aún sin poder crear ocasiones claras contra la meta de Danny Coyne, más allá de un polémico gol anulado contra Craig Gardner en el primer tiempo. En el segundo, O'Neill buscó un revulsivo en la banca y lo encontró en Fraizer Campbell, un jugador que tiene una historia muy particular.
El delantero, ex del Manchestern United, no jugaba un partido oficial desde hacía más de un año y medio. Lastrado por las lesiones, alguna de ellas graves en la rodilla, Capmbell se dejó la piel en busca de la recuperación y este domingo ha tenido su momento de gloria. Tras salir como refresco para el segundo tiempo, anotó el gol del 1-1 que mantiene con vida al Sunderland en esta Copa.
El partido de desempate, por tanto, se jugará en Riverside, para buscar al rival del cruce que sostenían este domingo Arsenal y Aston Villa, en el Emirates Londres.
lunes, 30 de enero de 2012
FA Cup Arsenal 3 - 2 Aston Villa
El Arsenal anotó tres goles en siete minutos después del descanso para vencer el domingo 3-2 en casa al Aston Villa, en una dramática remontada que lo depositó en la quinta ronda de la Copa FA del fútbol inglés.
Arsenal perdía 2-0 al término del primer tiempo, pero dos tantos de tiro penal del delantero holandés Robin van Persie y otro de Theo Walcott dieron vuelta el marcador en la segunda mitad.
Su próximo rival será el vencedor de la serie entre Sunderland y Middlesbrough, que más temprano el domingo empataron 1-1 y necesitarán un partido revancha para definir el pase a la ronda siguiente.
Los jugadores del Arsenal se retiraron abucheados al final de la primera parte, cuando el Villa ganaba con goles de Richard Dunne y Darren Bent.
Sin embargo, el estadio Emirates recuperó las esperanzas cuando Van Persie descontó de penal en el segundo tiempo, luego de una falta de Dunne sobre el mediocampista Aaron Ramsey.
Tres minutos después Walcott colocó el 2-2 tras capturar un intento de despeje de Alan Hutton, luego de un intento previo del delantero que había sido salvado por el arquero rival.
La remontada de los dirigidos por Arsene Wenger se completó a los 61, cuando Van Persie volvió a convertir desde los 12 pasos tras una falta de Bent contra Laurent Koscielny.
En el encuentro previo del domingo, Middlesbrough -segunda división- había amenazado con dar la sorpresa al ponerse en ventaja con un gol de Barry Robson en su visita al Sunderland, de la Liga Premier.
Sin embargo, el Sunderland igualó después del descanso cuando el atacante Fraizer Campbell capitalizó un error de Robson y selló el 1-1.
(Reporte de Martyn Herman; Editado en español por Damián Pérez)
Arsenal perdía 2-0 al término del primer tiempo, pero dos tantos de tiro penal del delantero holandés Robin van Persie y otro de Theo Walcott dieron vuelta el marcador en la segunda mitad.
Su próximo rival será el vencedor de la serie entre Sunderland y Middlesbrough, que más temprano el domingo empataron 1-1 y necesitarán un partido revancha para definir el pase a la ronda siguiente.
Los jugadores del Arsenal se retiraron abucheados al final de la primera parte, cuando el Villa ganaba con goles de Richard Dunne y Darren Bent.
Sin embargo, el estadio Emirates recuperó las esperanzas cuando Van Persie descontó de penal en el segundo tiempo, luego de una falta de Dunne sobre el mediocampista Aaron Ramsey.
Tres minutos después Walcott colocó el 2-2 tras capturar un intento de despeje de Alan Hutton, luego de un intento previo del delantero que había sido salvado por el arquero rival.
La remontada de los dirigidos por Arsene Wenger se completó a los 61, cuando Van Persie volvió a convertir desde los 12 pasos tras una falta de Bent contra Laurent Koscielny.
En el encuentro previo del domingo, Middlesbrough -segunda división- había amenazado con dar la sorpresa al ponerse en ventaja con un gol de Barry Robson en su visita al Sunderland, de la Liga Premier.
Sin embargo, el Sunderland igualó después del descanso cuando el atacante Fraizer Campbell capitalizó un error de Robson y selló el 1-1.
(Reporte de Martyn Herman; Editado en español por Damián Pérez)
FA Cup Hull City 0-1 Crawley Town
There were, Steve Evans said, no great celebrations after Crawley Town advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the second consecutive season. His League Two promotion contenders arrived here expecting nothing less and, if anything, were disappointed not to have won by more than the second-half goal by their prolific leading scorer Matt Tubbs.
Evans has never been a man afraid of blowing his own trumpet, but, on this occasion, he spoke nothing but the truth. His team looked as though they knew exactly what they were doing from the opening whistle and the extent to which they dominated was remarkable.
"Since the draw was made, we did our homework, watching reserve games as well as the first team, and we played some great stuff," Evans said. Having hoped to get another chance against Manchester United, where they lost in the fifth round last season, he acknowledged he would be happy to draw Liverpool or Chelsea this time around.
Nick Barmby, who made seven changes to the Hull side who beat Reading in their last Championship outing, was gracious in defeat. "All credit to Crawley, they played well and we were beaten by the better team," said the former England international. "We didn't get the ball down and pass, but I don't want to take anything away from Crawley – they wouldn't let us."
The first 40 minutes was something of an embarrassment for the home supporters, who saw Crawley dominate possession. Tubbs, with an overhead kick, Tyrone Barnett and Sanchez Watt all went close, while only once did Hull seriously threaten, Robbie Brady's shot just before half-time drawing a diving save from Scott Shearer.
Barmby made changes at half-time, sending on a second out-and-out striker, Aaron McLean, and Tom Cairney immediately went close with a curling shot, but Crawley continued to attack and, on 57 minutes, got the goal that had been coming. Pablo Mills had already forced Vito Mannone to make a diving save when Tubbs beat the offside trap to run on to a long ball from Dannie Bulman down the left, cut into the penalty area and squeezed a sidefooted shot under the City keeper.
Hull almost levelled within two minutes, Shearer flinging himself to his left to palm Richard Garcia's slightly scuffed effort off the line, but Crawley continued to look the stronger side. They almost made the game safe, but Tyrone Barnett saw Joe Dudgeon block his effort on the line and Watt, following up, shot against the outside of the post. Only in the final few minutes did Hull exert any sustained pressure and, even then, Crawley, superbly marshalled by their experienced centre-back pairing of Mills and Claude Davis, never really looked like conceding.
The only negative for Crawley was the dismissal of their assistant manager, Paul Raynor, sent to the stands along with Hull fitness coach Sean Rush after a second-half altercation.
"We said to the boys at half-time, keep your concentration and focus, and a goal will come, and, in the end, it could have been three or four," Evans said. "That's not being condescending to Hull, because this is a Premier League club in the way it's set up. But we had some tremendous passages of football. Players like Tubbs and Kyle McFadzean should be playing at this level and they showed that today."
Evans has never been a man afraid of blowing his own trumpet, but, on this occasion, he spoke nothing but the truth. His team looked as though they knew exactly what they were doing from the opening whistle and the extent to which they dominated was remarkable.
"Since the draw was made, we did our homework, watching reserve games as well as the first team, and we played some great stuff," Evans said. Having hoped to get another chance against Manchester United, where they lost in the fifth round last season, he acknowledged he would be happy to draw Liverpool or Chelsea this time around.
Nick Barmby, who made seven changes to the Hull side who beat Reading in their last Championship outing, was gracious in defeat. "All credit to Crawley, they played well and we were beaten by the better team," said the former England international. "We didn't get the ball down and pass, but I don't want to take anything away from Crawley – they wouldn't let us."
The first 40 minutes was something of an embarrassment for the home supporters, who saw Crawley dominate possession. Tubbs, with an overhead kick, Tyrone Barnett and Sanchez Watt all went close, while only once did Hull seriously threaten, Robbie Brady's shot just before half-time drawing a diving save from Scott Shearer.
Barmby made changes at half-time, sending on a second out-and-out striker, Aaron McLean, and Tom Cairney immediately went close with a curling shot, but Crawley continued to attack and, on 57 minutes, got the goal that had been coming. Pablo Mills had already forced Vito Mannone to make a diving save when Tubbs beat the offside trap to run on to a long ball from Dannie Bulman down the left, cut into the penalty area and squeezed a sidefooted shot under the City keeper.
Hull almost levelled within two minutes, Shearer flinging himself to his left to palm Richard Garcia's slightly scuffed effort off the line, but Crawley continued to look the stronger side. They almost made the game safe, but Tyrone Barnett saw Joe Dudgeon block his effort on the line and Watt, following up, shot against the outside of the post. Only in the final few minutes did Hull exert any sustained pressure and, even then, Crawley, superbly marshalled by their experienced centre-back pairing of Mills and Claude Davis, never really looked like conceding.
The only negative for Crawley was the dismissal of their assistant manager, Paul Raynor, sent to the stands along with Hull fitness coach Sean Rush after a second-half altercation.
"We said to the boys at half-time, keep your concentration and focus, and a goal will come, and, in the end, it could have been three or four," Evans said. "That's not being condescending to Hull, because this is a Premier League club in the way it's set up. But we had some tremendous passages of football. Players like Tubbs and Kyle McFadzean should be playing at this level and they showed that today."
FA Cup West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Norwich City
Andrew Surman volleyed the Canaries ahead on the stroke of half time after the Baggies had spurned a handful of clear chances.
Shane Long made an immediate impact from the bench, slotting in a penalty after Jerome Thomas had been fouled.
But Morison made it three straight defeats for Albion with his second winning goal in as many league games.
Norwich equalled Blackburn's Premier League record by going 21 games into a season without keeping a clean sheet. But, judging by Canaries manager Paul Lambert's ebullience at the final whistle, it is not a statistic that will be keeping him awake at night.
Only ourselves to blame - Hodgson
Lambert has instilled a confidence that has seen his side amass an impressive 28 points this season.
But Albion were on top from the start at The Hawthorns, Peter Odemwingie signalling their intent with a fizzing drive from 25 yards that Ruddy palmed onto the bar.
The home side came close again when James Morrison unleashed a venomous shot on the half-volley that Surman headed off the line.
In a rare foray forward, Norwich hit the post - more through luck than design - when Ben Foster came racing out to hoof away a loose ball, but the clearance ricocheted off Morison and rolled against the base of the post.
The Baggies, perhaps trying too hard to score, poured forward in increasing numbers. It seemed inevitable they would be caught cold on the counter-attack and that moment came two minutes before the break.
DID YOU KNOW?
Continue reading the main story
Norwich have scored 13 headed goals in the Premier League this season - more than any other team.
Simeon Jackson latched onto a long ball before rolling it into the path of Wes Hoolahan, who picked out Surman in enough space to lash a classy volley beyond Foster.
Just as in their last Premier League outing at Queens Park Rangers, Norwich soaked up the pressure before hitting Albion on the break and the lively Jackson was a constant threat in attack.
But the home side were lifted when Long came off the bench to provide the Baggies with some much-needed firepower.
Striking over with his first touch before creating a clear chance for Simon Cox, Long finally rewarded West Brom for their dominance in the 68th minute.
Stepping up after Daniel Ayala's wild lunge brought down Thomas, Long nonchalantly stroked in from 12 yards, sending Ruddy the wrong way.
Lambert only has eyes on survival
Albion sensed blood and continued to push forward with a series of fraught attacks, pinning Norwich back for extended periods.
But Norwich never panicked, survived the storm, and hit the Baggies with a sucker-punch 11 minutes from the end.
Racing into space down the Norwich left, substitute Grant Holt exposed the home side with a marauding run, before clipping a left-footed cross to Morison, who powered his header past Foster.
Morison reeled away to celebrate in front of the travelling support, who will make the journey to the West Midlands again when the sides are due to meet in the fourth round of the FA Cup on 28 January.
West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson:
"We've done it against Everton, Wigan and now Norwich. We've paid a high price for our inability to finish games off or defend against the counter attack. We've only got ourselves to blame.
"We have to learn the lessons and live through this difficult period. The mistakes were of our own making.
"There is very little I can say to dispel the gloom I feel. There's nothing positive I can say, just hope any fortune falls our way in the next game."
Norwich City manager Paul Lambert:
"We might not win every game, but we certainly make a go of it.
"West Brom came at us strongly in the first half, but our first goal was a classic counter attack and a terrific finish from Surman. Overall, it was great to come away from home and get a win against a well-organised team.
"Morison still had a lot to do with his winning header. It was a terrific goal from a player who's been brilliant for me."
Shane Long made an immediate impact from the bench, slotting in a penalty after Jerome Thomas had been fouled.
But Morison made it three straight defeats for Albion with his second winning goal in as many league games.
Norwich equalled Blackburn's Premier League record by going 21 games into a season without keeping a clean sheet. But, judging by Canaries manager Paul Lambert's ebullience at the final whistle, it is not a statistic that will be keeping him awake at night.
Only ourselves to blame - Hodgson
Lambert has instilled a confidence that has seen his side amass an impressive 28 points this season.
But Albion were on top from the start at The Hawthorns, Peter Odemwingie signalling their intent with a fizzing drive from 25 yards that Ruddy palmed onto the bar.
The home side came close again when James Morrison unleashed a venomous shot on the half-volley that Surman headed off the line.
In a rare foray forward, Norwich hit the post - more through luck than design - when Ben Foster came racing out to hoof away a loose ball, but the clearance ricocheted off Morison and rolled against the base of the post.
The Baggies, perhaps trying too hard to score, poured forward in increasing numbers. It seemed inevitable they would be caught cold on the counter-attack and that moment came two minutes before the break.
DID YOU KNOW?
Continue reading the main story
Norwich have scored 13 headed goals in the Premier League this season - more than any other team.
Simeon Jackson latched onto a long ball before rolling it into the path of Wes Hoolahan, who picked out Surman in enough space to lash a classy volley beyond Foster.
Just as in their last Premier League outing at Queens Park Rangers, Norwich soaked up the pressure before hitting Albion on the break and the lively Jackson was a constant threat in attack.
But the home side were lifted when Long came off the bench to provide the Baggies with some much-needed firepower.
Striking over with his first touch before creating a clear chance for Simon Cox, Long finally rewarded West Brom for their dominance in the 68th minute.
Stepping up after Daniel Ayala's wild lunge brought down Thomas, Long nonchalantly stroked in from 12 yards, sending Ruddy the wrong way.
Lambert only has eyes on survival
Albion sensed blood and continued to push forward with a series of fraught attacks, pinning Norwich back for extended periods.
But Norwich never panicked, survived the storm, and hit the Baggies with a sucker-punch 11 minutes from the end.
Racing into space down the Norwich left, substitute Grant Holt exposed the home side with a marauding run, before clipping a left-footed cross to Morison, who powered his header past Foster.
Morison reeled away to celebrate in front of the travelling support, who will make the journey to the West Midlands again when the sides are due to meet in the fourth round of the FA Cup on 28 January.
West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson:
"We've done it against Everton, Wigan and now Norwich. We've paid a high price for our inability to finish games off or defend against the counter attack. We've only got ourselves to blame.
"We have to learn the lessons and live through this difficult period. The mistakes were of our own making.
"There is very little I can say to dispel the gloom I feel. There's nothing positive I can say, just hope any fortune falls our way in the next game."
Norwich City manager Paul Lambert:
"We might not win every game, but we certainly make a go of it.
"West Brom came at us strongly in the first half, but our first goal was a classic counter attack and a terrific finish from Surman. Overall, it was great to come away from home and get a win against a well-organised team.
"Morison still had a lot to do with his winning header. It was a terrific goal from a player who's been brilliant for me."
FA Cup Derby County 0-2 Stoke City
SD El Stoke City sigue su marcha ascendente en busca de la deseada final de la FA Cup y ayer derrotó a domicilio por 0-2 al Derby County, histórico equipo inglés que actualmente compite en la segunda división. Los goles fueron conseguidos por Cameron Jerome a los cinco minutos de partido y por el defensa alemán Robert Huth en el 81. este resultado clasifica directamente al rival del Valencia en la Europa League a la quinta ronda de la FA Cup, es decir los octavos de final de la competición más antigua de Inglaterra en la que las eliminatorias se disputan a partido único.
El técnico del Stoke City, Tony Pulis, alineó en el encuentro disputado en el Pride Park Stadium a Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Walters, Whitehead, Whelan, Etherington, Jerome y Crouch. Después jugaron también Pennant, el ex jugador del Liverpool y el Zaragoza, Fuller y Jones.
El conjunto inglés tiene ahora por delante tres jornadas consecutivas de la Premier League antes de medirse el próximo 16 de febrero al Valencia en la eliminatoria europea. Se enfrentará a Manchester United, Sunderland y Fulham. El stoke se encuentra en una cómoda octava posición con 30 puntos, a 6puntos de Europa pero muy lejos de la zona de descenso.
El técnico del Stoke City, Tony Pulis, alineó en el encuentro disputado en el Pride Park Stadium a Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Walters, Whitehead, Whelan, Etherington, Jerome y Crouch. Después jugaron también Pennant, el ex jugador del Liverpool y el Zaragoza, Fuller y Jones.
El conjunto inglés tiene ahora por delante tres jornadas consecutivas de la Premier League antes de medirse el próximo 16 de febrero al Valencia en la eliminatoria europea. Se enfrentará a Manchester United, Sunderland y Fulham. El stoke se encuentra en una cómoda octava posición con 30 puntos, a 6puntos de Europa pero muy lejos de la zona de descenso.
FA Cup Stevenage 1-0 Notts County
Stevenage reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history after holding off fellow League One side Notts County.
Borough, who had manager Gary Smith in charge for the first time, were deservedly ahead in the 12th minute thanks to Damion Stewart's own goal.
County's Lee Hughes and Alan Judge were denied equalisers by Chris Day.
Darius Charles hit the post for Stevenage, while Judge's low shot was kept out deep into injury time.
It was a game County manager Martin Allen described as a 'million pound tie' with the possibility of a draw against a Premier League side in the next round but they made a slow start.
Stevenage carved out an early chance when winger Luke Freeman latched onto a long ball and crossed for Charles, who fired just over from 12 yards.
But the Magpies did not heed the warning and fell behind in the 12th minute.
Freeman again raced onto a long ball and kept his cool under pressure from Magpies keeper Stuart Nelson and defender Alan Sheehan to squeeze in a shot that Stewart could only turn into his own net as he tried to scramble the ball clear.
The game was held up for five minutes as a shaken Nelson received treatment for a face injury picked up in the goal incident.
Thankfully for the visitors he suffered no lasting injury as he soon had to be at his best to tip away a Michael Bostwick 25-yard strike that was heading for the top corner.
Freeman then hit a fizzing shot that drifted just wide as Stevenage looked the most likely to add to the scoreline.
It was a disappointing first half from the visitors, who finally got a sight of goal 10 minutes before the break when Lee Hughes's close-range header was kept out by Day although the veteran striker was in an offside position.
His strike partner Jonathan Forte, making his debut after joining County on loan from Southampton for the rest of the season, was replaced at half-time by Ishmel Demontagnac after making little impression on his debut.
County came out fired up after the break and went close to an equaliser 10 minutes after the restart when Julian Kelly raced up from fullback to cross for Jeff Hughes but his far-post header was inches wide.
Defender Sam Sodje came off the bench to play upfront with half an hour to go as Allen went all out for an equaliser with three forwards, and the Nigerian went close with his first touch but his header was kept out by Day.
The former QPR keeper then made brilliant saves to deny Judge and Hughes as the visitors dominated possession, but they were almost caught out twice on the break from quick counter-attacks.
Freeman again caused trouble to set up Charles but his shot clipped the outside of the post before Lawrie Wilson raced in on goal only to be denied by the feet of Nelson.
County forced a number of corners late on and went close in the four minutes of injury time when Judge blasted a low shot through a congested penalty box but Day held his shot.
Notts County manager Martin Allen told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I thought we were very average in the first half and in the second half I thought we were absolutely superb, we dominated the game.
"It's a difficult place to come. They're a very powerful, hard working, honest team.
"In the first half they were better than us and in the second half we were definitely better than them but we didn't manage to get that goal to bring them back to Meadow Lane."
Borough, who had manager Gary Smith in charge for the first time, were deservedly ahead in the 12th minute thanks to Damion Stewart's own goal.
County's Lee Hughes and Alan Judge were denied equalisers by Chris Day.
Darius Charles hit the post for Stevenage, while Judge's low shot was kept out deep into injury time.
It was a game County manager Martin Allen described as a 'million pound tie' with the possibility of a draw against a Premier League side in the next round but they made a slow start.
Stevenage carved out an early chance when winger Luke Freeman latched onto a long ball and crossed for Charles, who fired just over from 12 yards.
But the Magpies did not heed the warning and fell behind in the 12th minute.
Freeman again raced onto a long ball and kept his cool under pressure from Magpies keeper Stuart Nelson and defender Alan Sheehan to squeeze in a shot that Stewart could only turn into his own net as he tried to scramble the ball clear.
The game was held up for five minutes as a shaken Nelson received treatment for a face injury picked up in the goal incident.
Thankfully for the visitors he suffered no lasting injury as he soon had to be at his best to tip away a Michael Bostwick 25-yard strike that was heading for the top corner.
Freeman then hit a fizzing shot that drifted just wide as Stevenage looked the most likely to add to the scoreline.
It was a disappointing first half from the visitors, who finally got a sight of goal 10 minutes before the break when Lee Hughes's close-range header was kept out by Day although the veteran striker was in an offside position.
His strike partner Jonathan Forte, making his debut after joining County on loan from Southampton for the rest of the season, was replaced at half-time by Ishmel Demontagnac after making little impression on his debut.
County came out fired up after the break and went close to an equaliser 10 minutes after the restart when Julian Kelly raced up from fullback to cross for Jeff Hughes but his far-post header was inches wide.
Defender Sam Sodje came off the bench to play upfront with half an hour to go as Allen went all out for an equaliser with three forwards, and the Nigerian went close with his first touch but his header was kept out by Day.
The former QPR keeper then made brilliant saves to deny Judge and Hughes as the visitors dominated possession, but they were almost caught out twice on the break from quick counter-attacks.
Freeman again caused trouble to set up Charles but his shot clipped the outside of the post before Lawrie Wilson raced in on goal only to be denied by the feet of Nelson.
County forced a number of corners late on and went close in the four minutes of injury time when Judge blasted a low shot through a congested penalty box but Day held his shot.
Notts County manager Martin Allen told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I thought we were very average in the first half and in the second half I thought we were absolutely superb, we dominated the game.
"It's a difficult place to come. They're a very powerful, hard working, honest team.
"In the first half they were better than us and in the second half we were definitely better than them but we didn't manage to get that goal to bring them back to Meadow Lane."
FA Cup Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Swansea City
Owen Coyle could be forgiven for feeling sceptical about the supposed benefits of an FA Cup run. Bolton Wanderers' 5-0 semi-final evisceration by Stoke City in April preceded a harrowing run that spanned the majority of 2011 and yet the manager's enthusiasm remains intact. In a meeting of two clubs whose priority is Premier League survival, Wanderers' greater willingness than Swansea City's to target a competition that has displayed a cruelty to them was rewarded with a third successive victory.
Coyle emerged buoyed. "We had a great Cup run last year and we are delighted to progress," he said. After last week's stirring triumph against Liverpool, he believes there is a revival at the Reebok. "It was more than a win," he said. "We were excellent." On a day when stand-ins outnumbered regular starters, it was one of the normal choices, Chris Eagles, who took Bolton into the last 16, courtesy of an error from an understudy, Swansea's reserve goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel. He spilled a shot from one winger, Martin Petrov, into the path of another and Eagles spun to convert the rebound.
"There is no blame attached to him," Brendan Rodgers, his manager, said. "I feel I have the No1 goalkeeper in the Premier League [the rested Michel Vorm] and Gerhard offers support to him. We could have prevented the move."
Yet contrasting approaches were apparent, as he made 10 changes to Coyle's three. One of those Bolton introduced was to play a pivotal part. Darren Pratley spent five years in Wales before opting for Wanderers instead of Swansea in the summer. For much of the subsequent time, it appeared a dreadful decision. While Swansea have been lauded for progressive passing, he has failed to command a place in a losing Bolton team. "Darren's probably been a bit frustrated," Coyle said.
Rodgers said: "Maybe the move hasn't quite worked out how he wanted."
But a reunion had a restorative effect. Pratley's equaliser meant he belatedly opened his Bolton account. Having forged a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder at the Liberty Stadium, he could have had a hat-trick against his old employers.
Separated by eight months, some 250 miles and around 50 yards on the pitch, Pratley's last two goals could scarcely be more different. The common denominator is Swansea. Having scored from his own half for the Welsh club against Nottingham Forest, he struck against them from six yards, heading in Petrov's free kick. A subdued celebration followed. "He was very respectful to his former team-mates and fans, even though they [the supporters] were chanting: 'Pratley, what's the score?'" Coyle said.
Further opportunities to enhance his day arrived. Pratley headed Petrov's cross against the bar and intercepted Ashley Richards's misjudged back-pass, shooting narrowly wide. In addition, Tremmel had made first-half saves from David Ngog and Mark Davies. "There's no doubt we are very deserving winners," said Coyle, who confirmed he has not received, and would not welcome, an offer from Sunderland for his captain, Kevin Davies, but is interested in signing the Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
Swansea had led. Wayne Routledge put the ball in the Bolton net but was deemed offside, a decision Rodgers disputed. Then they scored a legitimate goal with what the manager called a world-class finish. After Luke Moore met Leroy Lita's flick, a blend of pace and power took him past David Wheater, and Adam Bogdan was defeated by a composed finish.
When Swansea trailed, Rodgers sent for reinforcements and they were inches from earning a replay. Danny Graham, who had scored at both ends when they met in October, struck the post. "I felt we deserved something," Rodgers said. Elimination, however, could prove a boon.
Coyle emerged buoyed. "We had a great Cup run last year and we are delighted to progress," he said. After last week's stirring triumph against Liverpool, he believes there is a revival at the Reebok. "It was more than a win," he said. "We were excellent." On a day when stand-ins outnumbered regular starters, it was one of the normal choices, Chris Eagles, who took Bolton into the last 16, courtesy of an error from an understudy, Swansea's reserve goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel. He spilled a shot from one winger, Martin Petrov, into the path of another and Eagles spun to convert the rebound.
"There is no blame attached to him," Brendan Rodgers, his manager, said. "I feel I have the No1 goalkeeper in the Premier League [the rested Michel Vorm] and Gerhard offers support to him. We could have prevented the move."
Yet contrasting approaches were apparent, as he made 10 changes to Coyle's three. One of those Bolton introduced was to play a pivotal part. Darren Pratley spent five years in Wales before opting for Wanderers instead of Swansea in the summer. For much of the subsequent time, it appeared a dreadful decision. While Swansea have been lauded for progressive passing, he has failed to command a place in a losing Bolton team. "Darren's probably been a bit frustrated," Coyle said.
Rodgers said: "Maybe the move hasn't quite worked out how he wanted."
But a reunion had a restorative effect. Pratley's equaliser meant he belatedly opened his Bolton account. Having forged a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder at the Liberty Stadium, he could have had a hat-trick against his old employers.
Separated by eight months, some 250 miles and around 50 yards on the pitch, Pratley's last two goals could scarcely be more different. The common denominator is Swansea. Having scored from his own half for the Welsh club against Nottingham Forest, he struck against them from six yards, heading in Petrov's free kick. A subdued celebration followed. "He was very respectful to his former team-mates and fans, even though they [the supporters] were chanting: 'Pratley, what's the score?'" Coyle said.
Further opportunities to enhance his day arrived. Pratley headed Petrov's cross against the bar and intercepted Ashley Richards's misjudged back-pass, shooting narrowly wide. In addition, Tremmel had made first-half saves from David Ngog and Mark Davies. "There's no doubt we are very deserving winners," said Coyle, who confirmed he has not received, and would not welcome, an offer from Sunderland for his captain, Kevin Davies, but is interested in signing the Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
Swansea had led. Wayne Routledge put the ball in the Bolton net but was deemed offside, a decision Rodgers disputed. Then they scored a legitimate goal with what the manager called a world-class finish. After Luke Moore met Leroy Lita's flick, a blend of pace and power took him past David Wheater, and Adam Bogdan was defeated by a composed finish.
When Swansea trailed, Rodgers sent for reinforcements and they were inches from earning a replay. Danny Graham, who had scored at both ends when they met in October, struck the post. "I felt we deserved something," Rodgers said. Elimination, however, could prove a boon.
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