Though Brad Friedel's dreams of a second domestic cup final appearance this season were shattered by Chelsea's 3-0 thumping of Aston Villa on Saturday, the Villa 'keeper said the referee played a big part in his side’s FA Cup semifinal defeat.
Friedel complained that referee Howard Webb should have awarded the Villains a penalty when John Obi Mikel hauled down Gabriel Agbonlahor in the box, and said that overall his team has fallen victim to some poor decisions when facing bigger clubs this season.
"Once again we were hard done by with a refereeing decision," Friedel told The Sun newspaper. "This also occurred in the Carling Cup final against Manchester United. It makes you wonder if referees have a hard time making the big decision against big teams on the big stage."
In Premier League action, Hull City had a chance to put some distance between themselves and fellow relegation strugglers Burnley on Saturday—and when Jozy Altidore's pass found Kevin Kilbane for the game's opening goal, it looked liked the Tigers were well on their way.
However, Burnley replied with four unanswered scores to dump the hosts, 4-1. The Tigers have now lost seven of their last eight games, and with only five games remaining and four points adrift from safety, Altidore's side is threatened with a the drop to the Championship.
West Ham's EPL future looks a little brighter after they defeated Sunderland, 1-0, on Saturday. Jonathan Spector picked up a yellow card in the tilt, but he helped the Hammers earn their first win in eight games, which moves them up to 16th place.
Tim Howard and Everton did not play this weekend but return to action on Wednesday vs. Friedel and Aston Villa.
North of the border, Maurice Edu helped Rangers to a 3-1 defeat of Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League. Edu won possession in midfield to help set the first goal for Rangers, who are now 13 points clear atop the standings and will wrap up the title with just two more victories. Edu's teammate DaMarcus Beasley dressed but did not play in the win.
In Germany, Steve Cherundolo's Hannover surprised title challengers Schalke with a 4-2 win on Saturday. Cherundolo went the full 90 minutes and earned a yellow card in the win, which lifts Die Roten into 16th place and out of immediate relegation danger.
Michael Bradley's Borussia Monchengladbach have secured their Bundesliga status for next season following a 2-0 defeat of Eintracht on Friday. Bradley tallied an assist for the first goal and later blocked an attempt from the visitors. Fellow American Ricado Clark dressed for Eintracht but did not see minutes.
In Greece, Aris—who have already secured a spot in the league playoffs—handed Freddy Adu his second start in as many games in a 2-1 road defeat at Asteras Tripolis. Adu picked up a yellow card in the 27th minute but played the full 90 minutes, while Eddie Johnson entered the game midway through the second half.
In Danish Superliga action, Yura Movsisyan's Randers continued their remarkable bid to remain in the top flight with a 1-0 win against league-leaders København. Randers are five points adrift from safety, though they began the second half of the season a whopping 14 points adrift.
Chris Rolfe played 77 minutes in AaB's 2-0 triumph over AGF, who subbed in Benny Feilhaber in the second half. AaB sit just a point from a Europa League berth.
And finally, it took a Herculean effort from American defensive duo Hunter Freeman and Clarence Goodson to keep Start unbeaten in five matches in Norway's Eliteserien. Start fended off a late surge from Brann on Saturday, ultimately winning the road tie, 4-3.
