Everton missed the chance to confirm a place in next season's UEFA Cup when they were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday. Nicklas Bendtner headed the only goal after 77 minutes at the Emirates stadium against a stubborn Everton side who needed just a draw to guarantee finishing fifth.
Didier Drogba sent Chelsea to their first Champions League final and got revenge on Rafa Benitez as his double strike clinched a 3-2 win against Liverpool in Wednesday's semifinal second leg. Drogba had given Chelsea the lead in the first half at Stamford Bridge before Fernando Torres sent the tie into extra-time.
Manchester United will take a giant stride towards retaining their Premier League title if they beat Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday. United's lead at the top was cut to two points by Chelsea after the Blues won 1-0 away to Everton on Thursday.
Rafael Benitez has identified his players' self-belief and the passion of the Anfield faithful as the keys that opened the door for Liverpool to progress to their third Champions League semifinal with Chelsea in four seasons. The Liverpool boss watched his side come from behind to seal a memorable 4-2 victory over Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger bullishly insisted that Arsenal would take the next step towards a league and European Cup double by beating Liverpool in their Champions League quarterfinal second leg at Anfield on Tuesday. Wenger's side arrive on Merseyside having failed to overcome Rafael Benitez's side in the first leg.
Chelsea signalled their intention to push Manchester United all the way to the wire in the Premier League title battle by cutting the champions' lead at the top back to two points with a 2-0 win at Manchester City on Saturday. United can re-establish a five-point advantage with five games to play by winning at Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Arsenal will be hoping the fear factor outweighs Liverpool's vast European experience when the two sides cross swords in an all-English Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday. Rafael Benitez has guided his side to two out of the last three finals of Europe's elite competition, but he will also be aware that, on the domestic front, Arsenal have had the edge.
The row over Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's squad rotation system continued to rumble on Wednesday as former Anfield goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar said lack of continuity was at the root of the Premier League club's ills. One day after current striker Fernando Torres had supported his boss's policy of switching the first team around, Grobbelaar hit out at the controversial method.
Liverpool tackle Italian giants Inter Milan in their Champions League second round clash on Tuesday desperately needing a victory to prevent their season falling apart. Liverpool will be one of two English clubs who entertain Milan's finest this week as Arsenal attempt to recover from their 4-0 FA Cup mauling by Manchester United.
