As we reach the closing months of the 05/06 season, it’s all to play for as Chelsea look to retain their Premier League title whilst competing on all fronts, whilst I continue the eternal struggle that is the football league. As ever, we kick off with the first domestic trophy of the English season, the League Cup (sorry Charity Sheild fans)

League Cup

It’s a good start to trophy season for Tony Adams, his Chelsea side, coming from behind to beat Bolton, with the obvious bonus of Bolton’s keeper being sent off making all the difference.

What a happy Tony. Anyway, let’s see how the FA Cup turned out

The FA Cup

First of all, the semi finals saw Chelsea defeat Birmingham but Leicester sprung a surprise and beat Aston Villa. Should be a great final

Oh. Not quite then. Back in these days, it’s a good old fashioned replay to settle it.

Well well, Tony’s having himself a double! Leicester can take solace in a great run though.

Premier League

It was all getting a bit tight as Chelsea’s cup commitments left them with games in hand that could prove pivotal. However, this was a strange decision:

Man Utd’s goal keeper , who will be part of England’s World Cup squad, is sold to Bolton on the last day of the transfer window. No replacement is signed. How odd! There’s some other late movers too

Not to mention this

Perhaps one of his own free kicks hit him. Either way, he will miss the World Cup.

Anyway, it all boils down to the last day of the season in the Premier League, Chelsea are chasing Man Utd and need Brian Little’s Aston Villa to do them a favour.

An emphatic loss at Villa Park means Chelsea just have to dispatch Burnley – great times for Tony, he’s won the lot! At the bottom, all the sides involved in the relegation scrap over the final spot win, meaning Hull are relegated. Arsenal survive – just!

Note the goal scored column from the best league in the world. 44 scored in 38 games for the Champions…

Either way, the English sides are doing well in Europe. Keegan’s Blackburn triumph in Madrid

Whilst McManaman is victorious for Leeds

Champions League

No such luck for Chelsea in Europe though, despite a home win against Real Madrid they lose 4-2 on aggregate

Real Madrid go on to win the final in a thriller after extra time.

Meanwhile, you’re probably all wondering what happened to Liverpool. We just missed out on automatic promotion:

So it will have to be the playoffs. How did we get on? Well, you’ll have to read the next update.

As I have a World Cup to attend and a playoff final to win, I’m going to make this a 2 parter, but don’t worry, it’ll be available tomorrow. I’m sure I’ll see you here then.