Here are some of the words and phrases that we used on this week’s show.
You can practise the vocabulary with our online crosswords and quizzes here
Also, check out the BBC’s football vocabulary page here
Kashima Antlers did the double in Japan recently after winning The Emperor’s Cup.
- relegated – to be demoted to a lower division
Hiroshima were relegated from the J1 division last week and will play in J2 next year.
- to have a fallout – have an argument
Joey Barton had a fallout with manager Sam Allardyce.
- two-footed tackles – an illegal (and dangerous) tackle when a player dives in to try and win the ball.
Chelsea’s Carvalho was sent off for a two-footed tackle on Agbonlahor.
- A flurry – a lot, many
A flurry of red cards were shown over the festive season as tackles went flying in.
- small fry – a very small fish but in football refers to a lower-League team.
The FA Cup is a chance for small-fry teams to face the bigger fish from The Premier League.
- To reap the rewards – to benefit, to do well from
The smaller teams may reap the rewards of ticket sales when playing away at a big team.
- minnows – small team, small fry
The minnows hope to embarrass the bigger teams in the Cup.
- On the ropes – to be struggling (from boxing)
Fulham are playing poorly and are on the ropes.
- Strength in depth – to have a large squad with many good players.
Newcastle have strength in depth and should beat Stoke.
- tie – game, match
Newcastle will not be looking forward to this tie.
- David and Goliath – a big difference between the two teams.
Swansea against Havant is a real David and Goliath affair.
- disputed – many people did not agree with the decision.
Chelsea’s winner against Newcastle was a disputed one.
- dour – unexciting, lacking in flair or colour.
The game between Portsmouth and Middlesbrough was a dour affair.
- to crush – to completely defeat the opposition by scoring lots of goals.
Swansea will crush Havant 5-0.
- to backfire – to not go as planned
Chelsea’s plan to rest players will backfire according to Damon.







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