I don’t know if the 2007/08 Premiership season has been the best ever – I’ll let you decide that but for a campaign that lasts the best part of nine months it was deliciously poised heading into the last of fixtures.

The number two would be the common denominator. For the first time since 1999 two clubs would decide the title, Manchester United and Chelsea. Everton and Aston Villa would battle it out the fifth spot and the UEFA Cup while two of three; Fulham, Birmingham City or Reading would fall through the trapdoor to the Championship.

With everything now decided it’s time to step back to August 11th2007 and those famed Webster predictions. Sure, the egg is running down my face on some of them but I’d like to think that I wasn’t too far off the mark – and hey while we’re at it…get your predictions out as well!

20th Derby: Webster predicted 20th

Stop the presses I’ll retire right now with a 100% rating. Look, before I wind myself with a healthy pat on the back, a blind, deaf and dumb Nostradamus could’ve predicted this. Has there ever been a team less equipped to survive in the top flight. Their record in the Premiership is the worst ever but we have to give the Rams credit – despite being crappier than most Chinese toys, their fans were unbelievable and with the American ownership prepared to invest, they should bounce straight back.

19th Birmingham: Webster predicted 17th

One season up, the next season down, the Blues better get hold of some Viagra because I’m getting dizzy and I’ve not even taken any. Parting ways with Steve Bruce was like asking Tiger to get rid of Steve Williams – a bone headed move because the man did bleed St. Andrews. The result was Alex McCleish, who would’ve been out of his depth in a paddling pool, four wins (two over Spurs!) a couple of police raids and the mother of all spankings in the Midlands derby. I’m not sure if they’ll be back. 

18th Reading: Webster predicted 15th

How could I have been so wrong!

The Royals will now join ‘second season syndrome’ sufferers Ipswich, West Ham and Wigan who shone so brightly in their Premiership debuts but then stunk it up like an overflowing diaper genie in the sophomore campaigns (that’s for all the dad’s). If rumors are to be believed, Steve Coppell, is wandering around the training ground mumbling like a ‘skid row’ resident. What I do know is that losing Steve Sidwell to Chelsea on a ‘Bosman’ before the campaign began was a monumental mistake - every team needs a heart and he was that.

17th Fulham: Webster predicted 18th

You wouldn’t ask Laurie Sanchez to mow your lawn let alone run a football team. It only took Mohamed Al Fayed until December to figure that out - perhaps he was distracted by the ‘trial’ but it nearly cost his club dear. I’m not even sure Roy Hodgson and his million pound ‘keep us up’ bonus’ was the answer however club captain, Brian McBride sure was. I guess the thought of Championship football or a return to MLS was the catalyst but he upped the stakes at just the right time.

16th Bolton: Webster predicted 16th

“Who said the table never lies?”

Seriously, this years standings must’ve been written by Pinocchio because Bolton were awful and in my opinion deserved to go down – the fact that they didn’t is a travesty. They played one memorable match (the Arsenal game) and did BLEEP all for the rest of the season except sell their only decent player, Nicolas Anelka. From regular UEFA Cup contenders to 16th is some kind of fall and I suspect that somewhere, Sam Allardyce, is feeling smug…maybe not because he’s still UNEMPLOYED!

15th Sunderland: Webster predicted 14th

Roy Keane's debut season as a Premiership manager must be considered a success as he kept the Black Cats up with 3 points to spare but knowing the Irishman he'll be disappointed. I expect him to be highly aggressive when it comes to 'bombing' personnel out of the Stadium of Light – think Alf-Inge Haland but armed with pink slips instead of boots - it will be brutal. Niall Quinn seems like the kind of chairman who is willing to stick his neck out for his manager and I think we’ll see Sunderland in the top half next season.

14th Wigan: Webster predicted 19th

Wigan may be the most poorly supported team in the Premiership but whoever deems to show up at the JJB should be singing 'one Stevie Bruce, there's only one Stevie Bruce. Dave Whelan made the bold move of bringing the ex-Brummie boss to rugby league country but it has paid off in another year of Premiership football. Look back to the mid point of the season and the Latics were firm favorites to make the drop (making me feel like a genius) until the man with football’s most mashed up nose took over. You can't but help wonder that if Bruce was given the budget of a 'big 4' club what he could achieve.

13th Middlesbrough: Webster predicted 13th

I have a question for Boro Chairman, Steve Gibson..."can you adopt me". The Boro owner seems like a Santa to me, he's kind, cuddly and generous to a fault. He certainly gave Gareth Southgate the benefit of the doubt after a poor first year in the job and in all honesty his second year wasn't much better - but they are still in the top flight and they managed that without a striker until Afonso Alves arrived. With one of the best youth set up’s in the country, Boro could turn from the girl everyone shunned at the disco into phooaar material.

12th Newcastle: Webster predicted 7th

Along with Tottenham, the Magpies have caused me the most pain and embarrassment. I did predict it wouldn’t be dull at St. James’ though and I wasn’t disappointed as Big Sam came and went in the blink of an eye only to be followed by the Geordie Messiah himself, King Kev. Keegan’s first order of business was to put together an eight game winless streak before finally remembering how to win…slightly. With boardroom and backroom shenanigans the order of the day on Tyneside, Newcastle, are seemingly destined to remain a directionless ‘biggish’ club.

11th Tottenham: Webster predicted 4th

I said that Martin Jol would be under the spotlight immediately and so it proved as he barely lasted the time it would take to make a cuppa. With Juande Ramos at the helm results improved somewhat but this campaign despite the Carling Cup triumph must go down as a huge disappointment. I honestly thought Spurs were ready to push on after two consecutive 5th place finishes – I was very wrong. Where do they go from here – I imagine more Cup wins as that is Juande’s specialty. Ultimately though if I were a Spurs fan I would be asking for a season ticket refund.

10th West Ham: Webster predicted 11th

Alan Curbishley guided West Ham into mid table mediocrity after six weeks and from that point they refused to move. It was like they’d found the womb of the Premiership – it was warm, fuzzy, safe and after last seasons terrifying flirt with danger a place that screamed comfort. Unfortunately it was incredibly boring and considering the payroll coming out of Upton Park, not good enough. Curbishley can look to injuries but in all honesty he’s lucky to be in a job and I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if he was eased out before August.

9th Manchester City: Webster predicted 12th

City owner, Dr. Thaskin Shinawatra, reminds me of a James Bond villain – he’s got a touch of Dr. No mixed with Goldfinger. In other words he’s got the money, the power, is intent on world domination but will inevitably make one fatal mistake – firing Sven Goran Eriksson is that mistake. The Swede has done a decent job in giving Manchester’s other club some belief including doing the double over United. I’m sure the prospect of yet another monster payout will soften the blow for Svennis as he departs with pocketfuls of cash. Its typical City really culminating in the most embarrassing score line of the season!

8th Portsmouth: Webster predicted 10th

Other than David Nuggent, Harry Redknapp, was he usual wheeling-dealing self in the transfer market and it paid off as Pompey were always in with a sniff of automatic UEFA Cup football. Throw in the FA Cup Final and they’ll be few complaints down Fratton Park way however I do think it has been bittersweet for Redknapp. He wanted the England job after the Steve McClaren fiasco but never had a chance after being arrested and subsequently released by the  police over corruption charges.

7th Blackburn: Webster predicted 8th

Rovers are so consistent they’re almost becoming boring. They can’t beat the big boys but rarely lose to the small fry, so any position between 6th and 10th is a given. I can’t blame Mark Hughes as he consistently turns vinegar into wine and you can’t point the finger at the boardroom either because they haven’t got the money to compete with the elite. They key at Ewood Park will be to retain the services of Hughes whilst unearthing two or three cheap nuggets along the line of, Roque Santa Cruz, the undoubted buy of the season.

6th Aston Villa: Webster predicted 6th

I look at this Villa team and think that they could compete with ‘B4’ but it is obvious that they are two or three top quality players away from that level. So basically it comes down to the willingness of American owner, Randy Lerner, giving the Irishman $60 million to spend. Top quality acquisitions could have made sure that stupid home losses to Sunderland and Wigan, which ultimately cost them European football would not have happened.

5th Everton: Webster predicted 9th 

David Moyes has cemented his reputation as the best manager outside of the ‘B4’ with another season of excellence but he must be getting frustrated at his clubs lack of financial clout. Someone needs to tell the Toffees that you 'can't take it with you' - give the man some serious money - let him bid and buy the best and see where the chips fall – and to be fair his record in the transfer market isn’t that bad. If the Goodison Park moneymen don’t start splashing, Moyes, will have no option but to split town.

3rd Arsenal: Webster predicted 5th

The Gunners played the most attractive football we've seen in years this season -it wasn't enough! Arsene Wenger is a legend, he's built three different teams but I believe his ego is getting in the way of Arsenal ever winning another League title. Why he didn't spend big in the transfer windows is a mystery and ultimately was the difference to winning and losing the BPL along with the Champions League. They were about as deep as a paddling pool and despite showing glimpses of character here and there, you couldn't help but feel that there was something fundamentally wrong in the dressing room. A strong personality is needed and Wenger must be able to power share.

4th Liverpool: Webster predicted 3rd

I'm glad I'm not a Liverpool fan because other than the success of, Fernando Torres, this must rank as the most embarrassing campaign in recent memory - in fact I'm longing for the days of Roy Evans when the Reds were a 'real' team. The gap between them and United was ultimately 11 points but if we're honest it was a million miles. The squabbling between the owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett was akin to a playground fight but what the two of them can't figure out or choose to ignore is that they’re hurting millions of fans. For sure they may own the club but they don't OWN the club - the fans own Liverpool, always have and always will. Until this mess gets sorted out and Rafa Benitez stops messing around with line-ups, the Reds will only be able to day dream about winning the one title that does mean excellence - the league title and not Cup competitions.

2nd Chelsea: Webster predicted 2nd

The seismic shift that occurred in September can still be felt today at Stamford Bridge. When Jose Mourinho was given his marching orders by Roman Abramovich the goal posts were shifted and not in the Blues favor. Sure the money and world-class players are still there but you can’t buy mentality. Mourinho may have been an obnoxious git but he was a winner, Roman’s mate, Avram Grant is not. In fact who is AG and what qualifications does he have? If any of you can answer that I suggest you send your resume to the Bridge because you’ve got the same chance of getting the same results out of the finest collection of footballers on the planet.

1st Man United: Webster predicted 1st

Despite the odd hiccup along the way was there ever a doubt. United scored the most goals, conceded the least goals, won the most games and kept their nerve when it mattered. Sir Alex Ferguson has built a team to rival the treble winners of ’99 and I believe much to my chagrin that they’ve just got started. With the bookies already installing the Red Devils as next season favorites we can only hope that SAF retires once he ties Liverpool for 18 league titles. Glory, glory Man United, you deserved it.

Until the next Premiership season, I’ll see you at the far post.

In theory Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson should be crowned Premier League Champions for the 10th time in two weeks but if they somehow fail - we’ll never forget the Stamford Bridge blunder.

When you’ve had the success that SAF has had over the last two decades it’s not easy to criticize because obviously something is working. However, who in their right mind leaves out the current best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, with the defining match of a nine-month season on the line. It is without a doubt the biggest gamble SAF has ever taken.

Can you imagine Bill Belichick saying to Tom Brady ‘take a breather today’ with the Super Bowl up for grabs or Phil Jackson asking Kobe Bryant to sit out game 6 of the NBA Finals as game 7 is a day away – its never going to happen – except on Saturday for some inexplicable reason it did.

Before I delve into possible reasons for this ‘brain BLEEP’ lets first give credit where credit is due. Chelsea fully deserved their victory and Avram Grant can finally breathe easy for a day or two.

The Blues were better in every department even though Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba seemed ready to roll around the Bridge pitch scratching each other’s eyes out. The reaction of Michael Essien as the two of them played kindergarten snatching the ball from their hands at a free kick late in the second half was priceless.

And to think that we’d almost written them off after that horrible 1-1 tie with Wigan – now that’s all forgotten and in a rich ironic twist, United, have to go to the JJB on the last day of the season and in all likelihood win.

If the Blues do happen to BLEEP the title it will surely be one of the most unlikely victories in the history of England’s top flight.

But back to Sir Alex and why he sat Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez who have scored a combined 56 goals on the bench…

The obvious reason is that they’re being saved for Tuesday night and the return leg with Barcelona in the Champions League but it can’t be that simple can it?

I can’t help but feel that he’s being too clever for his own good (just look at the trouble Rafa Benitez has given himself by messing around with his team) and if he’s concerned that they’re tired I’d also be very surprised. These kids are 23 and 24 respectively – they don’t get tired and I can’t imagine that they were happy sitting on the pitch for the biggest domestic game of the campaign either.

Football is a confidence game and Ronaldo and Tevez possess that quality in BLEEPs most of the time however the Nou Camp experience may have dented that slightly. What you need in that situation is another game not an opportunity to sit and stew.

Ferguson must know that victories cannot be guaranteed in the Premiership and with the points dropped at Boro and Blackburn now looming large, West Ham, cannot be taken for granted as they’ve owned the Red Devils recently.

Sir Alex famously coined this time of the season ‘squeaky bum time’ however if anyone has a ‘squeaky bum’ right now it has to be the Old Trafford supreme. United have been the favorites for both big trophies for months and the pressure just maybe beginning to tell – decisions like Saturday’s prove that.

At the end of the day I still fully expect United to do that double but as we’ve seen football can be a cruel game. You know Arsenal have been the best team of the year and won nothing, United have been the most consistent side and could yet win nothing while Chelsea have been dogged, unattractive and stubborn yet they could end up winning everything.

I hope SAF hasn’t spent the weekend second-guessing himself however that is the curse of the man who likes to gamble.

Until then, I’ll see you at the far post.

 

When I was a teenager it almost felt like that the European Cup was part and parcel of the domestic honors scene along with the league and FA Cup. It was in essence only a trophy that English clubs seemed to contest. Liverpool triumphed four times in 1977, ’78, ’81 & 84, Nottingham Forest twice in ‘1979 & ’80 and Aston Villa in 1982 – but then came the Heysel disaster and a five-year ban on English teams competing in Europe with Liverpool serving an additional year.

Since that horrific day in Brussels, 23 finals have been contested and English clubs have won the princely total of two!

And if I was to be completely honest with hand on heart, I would have to say that both victories owe a huge amount to luck and incredible collapses by the two teams in world football who you’d bet the house on if you were offered these two scenarios – a one goal lead in injury time and a three goal lead with a half to play.

Who could possibly think that United would score two goals in injury time as its usually, Bayern Munich, that break hearts (just ask Getafe in the UEFA Cup) but fate smiled on the Red Devils on the epic night in Barcelona. As for AC Milan throwing away the Mt. Everest of leads in Istanbul, impossible, but I guess that’s why they call it the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’.

So without these freak occurrences, English clubs in all seriousness would not have won the European Cup since Liverpool beat Roma in 1984.

This year though, if the semifinals play out they way I think they will, an English teams name will be engraved on the trophy. Luck may still play a part in the final result but at least it won’t be at the expense of those ‘Johnny Foreigner’ types from Europe.

Tuesday

Liverpool v Chelsea

At first glance this fixture has all the appeal of a trip to the dentists minus the anesthetic. In fact it has been described by Argentine great, Jorge Valdano in the following way ‘Put a turd hanging from a stick in the middle of this passionate, crazy stadium (Anfield) and there are people who will tell you it’s a work of art. It’s not: it’s a turd hanging from a stick.

When six previous Champions League meetings have produced a grand total of three goals, its hard to argue with Valdano’s description but this time though I believe a turd won’t be laid for the simple reason that Liverpool does not get Anfield in the 2nd leg. This will force Rafa Benitez to play a more expansive game in the 1st leg on Merseyside because the Reds must travel to Stamford Bridge with a lead. The reason is that the Blues are all but unbeatable on their home turf.

When you factor in revenge, the ‘it must be our time’ mentality and a desire to win the ‘big one’ before this Chelsea team breaks up, fireworks are a must. I also believe the players will make a contest out of this in spite of Avram Grant.

One final note is the continuing doubt over the fitness of Steven Gerrard. Who knows if Benitez is playing mind games but should the Liverpool captain be missing the odds of the Reds making their third final in four years lengthen considerably in my book. I backed Liverpool months ago to win it all – without Gerrard all bets are off!

Wednesday

Barcelona v Manchester United

Unlike the Liverpool/Chelsea saga this fixture at first glance has the purists drooling and they’ll be positively drowning in saliva if both teams recapture the magic of the 1999 Champions League. The two group games produced 12 goals and two amazing 3-3 ties. I’m not expecting that quantity this time around as defensively, United, are a far superior unit and don’t seem capable of conceding that many goals.

Offensively though they can score for fun and with Barcelona in terrible shape coming into this contest a 0-0 in Spain followed by a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford would have the Red Devils advancing.

Fans of Barcelona might think I’m disrespecting them but their current form reminds me of Arsenal. They’ve only won four times in thirteen and seem to be running out of gas at the wrong time of the season despite at times playing fantasy football. Supposedly Thierry Henry isn’t happy - Ronaldinho is busy learning Italian and eating pasta - Frank Rijkaard is flirting with Chelsea, which all results in bad form and unrest in the camp. All signs point to a spanking, which is something the English clubs used to hand out to the rest of Europe on a regular basis.

It was thirty-one years ago this year that English teams began their seven-year domination of Europe’s top cup competition. With a domestic team guaranteed to make the final in 2008 that will now be four consecutive years with English representation and with a victory, two wins in that same period.

With the Barclays Premier League now the cash cow of world football, it sure feels to me as though a new era of dominance has begun and will continue for the foreseeable future.

Until then, I’ll meet you at the far post.

Since the inception of the Premier League back in 1992, races to the finish line have been in short supply. On only three occasions has the title been decided on the final day of the season however if Manchester United and Chelsea can hold their respective nerves the destination of this years crown will not be know until May 11th.

With United beating Arsenal at Old Trafford in yet another classic, they hold all the aces as they strive for Premiership title number ten but to right off the Blues would be an act of folly as April 26th and a date a Stamford Bridge looms.

With four and five matches left for Sir Alex Ferguson and Avram Grant respectively lets take a look back at the five closest finishes in Premiership history and see if there are any lessons to be learned.

02/03: Champions Manchester United 5 points ahead of Arsenal

United finished the season in style, romping home against Blackburn, Spurs, Charlton and Everton. The title was effectively won the game before the Blackburn encounter though against…you guessed it, Arsenal. A thriller at Highbury saw Thierry Henry bag a brace, Sol Campbell sent off and the ageless, Ryan Giggs scoring the decisive equalizer.

98/99: Champions Manchester United 1 point ahead of Arsenal

The year of the treble and United simply wouldn’t be denied. A draw against big time rivals, Liverpool, made things scary as Arsenal beat Derby and then Spurs however when the Gunners choked against Leeds, United were ready to pounce – and yet if Spurs had not been beaten at Old Trafford thanks to a David Beckham special, Arsenal would’ve gone back-to-back.

97/98: Champions Arsenal 1 point ahead of Manchester United

With only a one-point gap the race to the title in 97/98 wasn’t as close as it sounds. In reality Arsenal won the title way back of March 14th beating United 1-0 at Old Trafford. Consecutive wins against Derby and Everton were offset by losses to Liverpool and Aston Villa. United did push Arsene Wenger hard winning five of their last seven but they couldn’t recover.

95/96: Champions Manchester United 4 points ahead of Newcastle

This was the year of Kevin Keegan’s infamous ‘I’d luv it’ meltdown. Newcastle were the favorites in February/March but United ground ‘em down – and once Ferguson’s front runners got their noses in the lead Leeds, Forest, Middlesbrough and much to Fergie’s delight, Liverpool, were nothing but window dressing for Premiership title number three.

94/95: Champions Blackburn 1 point ahead of Manchester United

The best Premiership race ever as last day nerves got the best of both Blackburn and United. A Kenny Dalglish inspired Rovers knew a win at Anfield and the crown would be theirs but they completely bottled it and lost 2-1 leaving the door wide open for the Red Devils who were at Upton Park. With news filtering through that Blackburn were losing on Merseyside, United, threw everything at West Ham but in a match that will go down in lore, they couldn’t find a winner as Andy Cole missed a last minute sitter that would’ve won the game and sent the title to the Theater of Dreams.

And so to the run-in for the 07/08 campaign…

United face Blackburn, a team that has had their number at Ewood Park, Chelsea at the Bridge, West Ham who beat them at Upton Park earlier this season and the punching bag of Wigan

Chelsea meets Wigan tomorrow, Everton on Thursday and with two wins, we’ll be tied with United at the top of the table setting up that juicy showdown on the 26th April. They finish with Newcastle and Bolton.

As many of you have commented, participating in the prediction game is a mugs business however I backed United at the beginning of the season and I’m not going to get of them now. If the results go the way I half expect them too, Sir Alex Ferguson will claim Premiership title number ten by the slimmest of margins – goal difference – now that’s a race!

Until then, I’ll see you at the far post.

When is enough not enough – how about three Premier League titles (’98, ’02 & ’04) and four FA Cups (’98, ’02, ’03 & ’05). For a perfectionist such as Arsene Wenger you can bet that it’s never enough. If Arsenal fails to advance against Liverpool on Tuesday night in the Champions League the ache will felt deeply as it will be three years since he last tasted that perfection in the form of silverware.

Three years is the longest trophy drought for the man known as the Professor since he arrived on English shores and took the reigns of Arsenal FC in 1996. In those days he was known as ‘Arsene Who’, no one calls him that anymore but one can’t help but wonder whether the three time Manager of the Year is beginning to lose his alchemists touch in the winning department?

You’ll find no argument from me regarding the quality of football that the Gunners have sometimes displayed this year. On occasions its reach a height that I’ve never seen before. The fluency, movement and sheer exhilaration of 100mph football being played flawlessly would take your breath away and it looked for much of the season that his boldness and belief in his kids would be rewarded – but then the lights were turned out.

Some may ask ‘where it all went wrong’ while others may say that this grand experiment in re-inventing football is a year ahead of schedule and that there were bound to be the odd hic-cup along the way.

If we look back at the campaign, Wenger’s decision not to aggressively enter the transfer market in July ’07 and in January ‘08 initially looked sound as they’ve topped the table for a total of 23 weeks. He only spent $16 million on Bakari Sagna and Lassana Diarra (who later moved to Portsmouth at a profit!) but its money that was not spent that looks like eventually hurting him.

I like many pundits thought that the squad while bursting with fresh, new and exciting talent was dangerously paper thin and above all lacked a ‘big’ personality. This has been borne out since the strange 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United in the 5th round of the FA Cup. What was once fast and stylish has now become slow and ponderous – it’s as though they’re punch drunk.

You can point to the win in Milan, which was epic, as was the comeback against Bolton last weekend but if you swing enough you’re bound to eventually connect. What’s missing is the stinging jab that’s landed over and over again.

Of course ‘Big’ personalities cost ‘big’ money and although Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell and Thierry Henry were all past their ‘sell-by-dates’ when Wenger wisely moved them out, their charisma and strength of personality has not been replaced. It wasn’t that he didn’t have a war chest though and when you consider that his three main challengers have spent in excess of $200 million since 2007, you have to wonder why the Emirates purse has been kept stashed firmly in his codpiece. For sure the players that have replaced the three ‘Highbury Titans’ are fitter and younger but it takes years to own a dressing room. When you look at the current behavior of club skipper, William Gallas, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

Supposedly Henry had too much of a say in the dressing room and with his diminishing skills was the reason that he was let go. Fair enough Arsene, I say but who is in charge now?

I know Wenger takes great pleasure in developing talent and his record is second to none but I can’t help but wonder whether he’s letting his ego get in the way of signing someone to boss his club where it matters – out on the park.

If you believe that Cesc Fabregas or Mathieu Flamini are the future, you’re correct, but they are not the complete finished article…yet!

At the end of the day Arsene Wenger wants to be in charge – he is in charge – he rules Arsenal and the Emirates, however, he needs to make available some space on his throne - for someone who is going to cost him a lot of money - and who will arrive in North London with an ego as big as his if not bigger.

Currently there is no danger of Wenger getting fired, in fact uttering that phrase would be considered sacrilegious but with football increasingly becoming more about the bottom line, Arsene Wenger and Arsenal Football Club need to start winning trophies again.

Until then, I’ll see you at the far post.

To attain the mythic title of ‘the world’s greatest footballer’, a player has to do more than top score in their league, they have to do more than win the odd domestic cup, they have to do more than bring home the league crown and individual baubles such as the FIFA World Player of the Year – they have to transcend the game. For those of us lucky enough to watch the Barclays Premier League each week, we maybe witnessing just such an event!

Since I’ve been watching football, as far as I’m concerned, the title of world’s greatest player has gone in this order. Attached to the player’s names are the honors that have established their pedigree.

Bobby Charlton: World Cup 1966, European Cup 1968

Pele: World Cups, 1958 & 1970, Copa Libertadores 1962 & ‘63

Johan Cruyff: European Cups, 1971, ’72 & ‘73

Franz Beckenbauer: European Championship 1972, World Cup 1974 & European Cup 1974, ’75 & ‘76

Michel Platini: European Championship 1984, European Cup 1985

Diego Maradona: World Cup 1986, UEFA Cup 1989

Ronaldo: World Cup 2002, UEFA Cup 1998

Zinedine Zidane: World Cup 1998, European Championship 2000 & European Cup 2002

Obviously the theme to greatness is winning either the World Cup/European Championship and a major European or South American club trophy. Sure all of these legends have won domestic leagues and cups but that does not and will never signify elevation to the highest level. What this exclusive list says to me is that we’re now in the midst of a six-year drought.

This weekend in Manchester though, Cristiano Ronaldo put together a performance of such dazzling splendor that I believe we have a serious contender for the title of ‘world’s greatest footballer’. 

Of course the stakes are high for Ronaldo and the probability of joining the gods of the game, long (that’s why there are so few names) but when you look at the next few months facing the twenty-three-year-old immortality surely beckons.

Sure Manchester United are a slam-dunk to win the league but as mentioned above that’s not good enough for this exclusive club. What Ronaldo does have on the horizon is a possible Champions League and European Championship.

According to the bookmakers who should know a thing or two about predicting winners, United, are favorites to win the Champions League while Portugal are third favorites to lift Euro 2008.

If United and Portugal make it all the way to their respective ‘promised lands’ and Ronaldo features prominently in each match the doors to football heaven will be opened.

Four years ago in Portugal, Ronaldo was too young to accept the invitation as his country lost to Greece in the final of Euro 2004. Even last year, the maturity wasn’t yet there as AC Milan’s, Kaka (who is surely destined to join Ronaldo on the above list) showed him in the UEFA Champions League semi-final that substance trumps style in the matches that matter most but this year…

This year we have been privileged to witness someone invent a new level of how football is played. In a way it reminds me something I heard about Barry Bonds during his pomp earlier in the decade. A reporter said that Bonds had mastered the impossible ‘the art of hitting’. I feel that Ronaldo has mastered football – he is unstoppable.

And yet if United and Portugal do fail this season, the tag of ‘world’s greatest footballer’ will allude him, perhaps temporarily or maybe even forever however don’t feel too sorry for the lad from Madeira, after all, he is only twenty-three – still plenty of time to join the giants of the game.

Until then, I’ll see you at the far post.

‘Grand Slam Sunday’ has emphatically established one simple fact – the ‘Big 4’ should now be renamed because certain memberships have been revoked. Lets now call it what it really is…the ‘Big 2’ – Arsenal and Liverpool it’s time to reapply.

Back on December 12th 2007 I did the first part of the A-Z of ‘GSS’ – here is part II.

Arsene Wenger you’ve been penny wise & pound foolish and now its cost you the title. I told you to buy in the January sales. You may get deals in the summer but you’ll have won nowt when it counts. What a time to have your worst run in over a decade?

Balls & bottle because Avram Grant finally demonstrated that he may have both when it matters.

Cristiano Ronaldo is putting together the finest season I can remember. Thirty-four goals is ridiculous and fifty cannot be ruled out. When one speaks of FIFA World Player of the Year, there can be only one serious candidate.

Didier Drogba maybe playing his last season in English football after sulking through most of the campaign but the man is still one of the deadliest strikers in the world when it comes to showing up in the ‘big’ games. Are you listening Adebayor!

Emmanuel Eboue you’re amazingly talent with a golden future but when are you going to grow up. Pouting, jawing and acting like a spoilt brat isn’t going to win you matches.

Frank Lamaprd you’re so overrated.

Gerrard, Steven you’re so overrated.

Home field advantage is massive.

Idiotic behavior is unacceptable at the highest level especially in matches that decide titles. What Javier Mascherano was playing at is anyone’s guess but if I was to offer an explanation ‘energy’ drinks must surely be the culprit because his mouth was working way faster than his brain.

Jamie Carragher has been a magnificent servant to Liverpool but you’ll need a mechanical digger to find him now. Wayne Rooney practically corkscrewed him down to China during one second half mazy.

Kalou, Salomon what a swing and a miss. Wow…what a sitter. What was missing…a silver platter, napkins, and waiters?

Liverpool Football club has now played almost 12 hours of Premiership football without scoring against Manchester United. When you wonder why it’s been eighteen years since you’ve had a sniff of domestic league glory…wonder no more!

Michael Carrick you’ll be truly appreciated by the OT faithful one day. I thought you were superb.

Nani, nice, nimble and naughty celebration after a sensational finish. I thought SAF had banned you from impersonating a gymnast.

Old Trafford has been a haven for the ‘prawn’ sandwich brigade for most of the campaign – it was positively exhilarating to hear it get back to ‘meat-and-potatoes’ mode on Sunday.

Pepe Reina you were United’s best player…Zoinks!

Questions that were answered: Chelsea just simply refuse to lose at fortress Stamford Bridge- that’s now 78 matches without defeat in domestic competition. United have had Liverpool’s number since 1993 – that’s a lifetime in football.

Rooney, Wayne you should’ve scored a couple but your all-round performance was a reminder that you are England’s greatest hope and most outstanding natural talent.

Steve Bennett you’re either a brave man or one big spoiler. I thought the first yellow card to Mascherano was well deserved for his late challenge on Paul Scholes - you’ve got to keep a lid on these pressure cookers before they explode. It then looked like the Argentine started badgering you, leading to the second yellow card as he sprinted 20-30 yards to get in your face. I guess we’ll never know what he said but I sure hope it was worth the red.

Ten…“Manchester United have all but wrapped up Premiership title number ten. Who wants to argue that?” If any of you do have a beef with that statement, come on down the FSC studios and I’ll buy you a snack from our deluxe vending machine and explain why you’re out to lunch.

Understated brilliance is the hallmark of Ricardo Carvalho. Forget the loss of John Terry and Petr Cech. When this man is out, the Blues are half a team.

Vidic, Nemanja reminds me of Jaap Stam with his beastly presence in the heart of the United back four. Ronaldo make take the plaudits but it’s the Serbian that provides the defensive steel making

Wesley Brown, so you think you deserve more money from the Old Trafford printing press? Putting one past the Scousers will certainly help loosen those purse strings...maybe!

X-cuses from the Professor and the Rotator are beginning to ring hollow because the Frenchman and the Spaniard are both brilliant coaches. The two men will meet three times over the next few weeks. Only one will have the opportunity to move on and possibly save their seasons. Who will it be…stay tuned?

Yesterday reminded me that the gap between the ‘haves and have nots’ is growing. We must find a way to redress the balance or the exclusive club that United and Chelsea have created will never accept new membership.

Zzzzzz’s, not a chance this time around. ‘GSS’ before Christmas was a snoozer while this was the real deal.

Until then, GTBI is retired and I’ll meet you at the far post.

When the final whistle blows at the end of the Barclays Premier League on May 11th one member of the ‘big four’ will be writing a new chapter in their history.

When the final whistle blows at the Champions League final in Moscow on May 21st one member of the ‘big four’ will maybe writing a new chapter in their history.

It’s incredible to think that after eight months of the most intense competition on the footballing planet, in seven weeks time, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool could end the season empty handed – that means trophy-less.

Last season it was Arsenal and Liverpool that spent a summer asking ‘what if’. This season it’s almost impossible to predict ‘what if’ however the draw for the Champions League and a tense weekend in the Premiership have given me a clue where the last two major pieces of silverware are heading as far as the ‘B4’ are concerned.

Manchester United: 1st in the Premiership and a quarterfinal tie with Roma in the Champions League.

When you’re top of the league with nine to play its obvious that the title is in your own hands but in a way it isn’t. Sir Alex Ferguson still has to play his fiercest rivals, Liverpool, host Arsenal, who boast a decent record at Old Trafford and visit Stamford Bridge in late April. Three draws and tonking everyone else will guarantee Premiership trophy number ten. They’ll do it.

Last year Roma were slaughtered 7-1 at the Theater of Dreams, this year it’ll be slightly different. If there was one club to avoid in this round it was Roma. The Italians led by Francisco Totti are a serious footballing outfit as demonstrated by their remarkable victory over Real Madrid. If United do not get a positive result in Rome, the Premier League trophy will be the only piece silverware the cleaning lady gets to polish over the summer. A one-trophy season.

Arsenal: 2nd in the Premiership and a quarterfinal tie with Liverpool in the Champions League.

Four consecutive draws have cost Arsenal the title, which is a crying shame. For my money the Gunners have been the best footballing team in the world for the last seven months but a lack of depth will deny them the title their football so richly deserves. Dropping six points to the bottom feeders of Birmingham, Wigan and Boro is like losing the winning lottery ticket. Arsene Wenger must put his ego aside this summer and sign the best.

Last season, Arsenal pulled down Liverpool’s shorts and spanked them harder than they’ve ever been spanked before in Cup competitions – it won’t happen this season unless Arsenal take a 2-0 lead to Anfield which in their present condition is almost impossible. Wenger has shocked us in the Champions League but they’ll be no more electricity coming from the Frenchman. A trophy-less season.

Chelsea: 3rd in the Premiership and a quarterfinal tie with Fernabache in the Champions League.

After consecutive draws versus Portsmouth and Liverpool it looked all over for the Blues however if they beat Arsenal next Sunday they’re right back in it especially as they host United on April 26th for a potential title showdown except…under Avram Grant this is a side incapable of winning the ‘big one’. Chelsea does not regain their crown.

What is it about Cup competitions and the Blues getting the softest draw imaginable? If there was one name in the hat ‘everyone’ wanted it was Fernabache. Granted and no pun intended, the 1st leg in Istanbul might be a little hairy but just look at the respective squads. Unfortunately this means another semi-final clash with Liverpool (pull my eyes out please!), a team they can’t beat. A trophy-less season. 

Liverpool: 4th in the Premiership and a quarterfinal tie with Arsenal in the Champions League.

The gap is eight points so stop thinking you’ve got a chance of the title – you blew that back in December when you thought the Champions League was more important. Rafa Benitez has all but rotated himself into the sack unless…

Call me crazy but Liverpool are peaking at exactly the right time. They’ll beat Arsenal, bore us to death against Chelsea and win a sixth Champions League title against Barcelona or Manchester United. I know it doesn’t seem fair after their horribly inconsistent season but that ladies and gentlemen is football. A one-trophy season.

You may wonder how I can predict with such certainty what will happen – it’s called ‘genius’ and when you look at all the available information plus the knowledge of twenty plus years - you too will come up with exactly the same conclusion if and only if you follow your brain and not your heart.

No one likes to be empty handed at the end of the season but at least two of the ‘B4’ will be asking ‘what if’.

Until then, get the beers in.

 

 

 

It’s been a rough seven days for Birmingham City defender, Martin Taylor, and Arsenal forward, Eduardo. The two men have taken a battering, one psychologically, the other physically. I sincerely hope that both men recover…they may not but they both know injuries are a part of football.

By now I’m sure you’ve all seen the horrific pictures of Eduardo’s left leg after Taylor mistimed his challenge at St. Andrews. Sights like that sicken the soul and stay imprinted on your mind for years to come.

Not surprisingly the response by players, fans and the media has run the full range. From sympathy to outright disgust both players have had their lives changed forever.

In the immediate aftermath, an emotional Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, called for Taylor to be banned for life saying, “people will say he is not the type of guy (Taylor) who does that. But it is like a guy who kills only once in his life. There is still a dead person.” Sensibly he later retracted that comment but a seed was planted amongst those less sophisticated. Death threats have since been made to the Birmingham defender while irate Croatian journalists tried to visit him at the clubs training facility .

In an interview with the English paper, The Independent, later in the week, Taylor gave his view of the events saying, “all I remember was him going deep into midfield, turning and taking a touch. I felt he showed me enough of the ball to win it. In my head I definitely thought I could get that ball. There was never any intention to hurt him. It is not in my mentality to be premeditated or hurt someone. I'm not even the type to be physical with an opponent to 'show him that I am there'. It was just a fact that I thought the ball was there to win and – as other people have said – Eduardo was too quick for me.”

This last statement ‘Eduardo was too quick from me’ seems to have fired up many people I’ve spoken to. Their argument being that if Taylor know that Eduardo was too quick, hacking him to pieces was the one sure fire way to slow him down.

Eduardo though has taken a more thoughtful view on his injury stating “I see this as a risk in professional football. Sometimes you go up, sometimes you go down.”

I can appreciate their comments having been on both sides of the coin they currently inhabit and this is my take.

Playing in the LA Municipal League eighteen years ago for boot money, my coach, told me to mark a very talented forward. The instructions were simple…‘don’t let him score’. In the opening minutes of the game what I thought was a 50/50 ball was up for grabs. My opponent, like Eduardo, was too quick for me though. Instead of playing the ball, I played his knee. The ‘pop’ was unmistakable. His ACL was torn. I’d gone in hard and aggressively - it looked from the sidelines like a terrible foul. It was a terrible ‘mistimed’ foul however there was absolutely no intent to injure this guy. I don’t know what happened to this kid – it was part of the game.

Ten years prior to this match I was a talented teenage midfield prodigy in England. I was playing youth football for a local club however I showed so much promise that the club I was affiliated with wanted to see me play with men. I was picked to play with the second eleven. I remember the day like it was yesterday.

It was cold, overcast and drizzling at Hackney Marshes otherwise known as the ‘Mecca’ of football as there are over 80 full size pitches. I was played through by a  teammate and attempted to chip the goalkeeper with the outside of my left foot while running diagonally right. The keeper game through me hard and aggressively – he wasn’t going to let a kid beat him. I didn’t hear the snap but my captain later told me, matches three fields away stopped playing. He said it sounded like a pistol shot.

I looked down at my left leg and didn’t recognize it. Then the shock kicked in and I became a frightened, young boy in more pain than I’d ever known in my life. My fibula and tibia were broken. I never saw the goalkeeper who broke my leg again – it was part of the game.

I have no doubt in my mind that Birmingham manager, Alex McLeish, told his team to mix it up with Arsenal. ‘Don’t give them time on the ball’ he would’ve said. Wenger on the other hand would’ve have told his players to test the Birmingham defenders early ‘run at them and make them scared of you’.

Ultimately as bad as Taylor’s challenge was and as horrific as Eduardo’s injury is, it’s part of the game. The day you take the physical side of the game out of football is the day that football dies. You have to have the cloggers because they’re the guys that make the skill players look so great.

Boxer, Ricky Hatton eloquently stated recently that his sport “ain’t a tickling contest” after getting a beating from Floyd Mayweather – football ain’t a tickling contest either and hopefully it will never become one.

Until then, get the beers in.

Jose come back and Martin who – Juande are you a genius and Avram are you a Muppet…A tale of four managers was played out at Wembley Stadium as the seasons first piece of silverware, the Carling Cup, was up for grabs on Sunday.

 

At the end of 120 absorbing and at times pulsating minutes, Tottenham won their first trophy since the 1999 League Cup and I was left with four questions.

 

1. What would Jose Mourinho have done?
2. Would Martin Jol even have been there?
3. Is Juande Ramos a Cup specialist?
4. Has Avram Grant been found out?

 

1. Jose Mourinho has been to seven Cup finals as a manager of FC Porto and Chelsea. His record is played seven, won seven. The reason for this success was a single-mindedness to win the trophy regardless of players and his relationship to them. If he had been coaching Chelsea on Sunday with a one goal lead and twenty minutes left to play the Blues would’ve won their third League Cup in four years. He would’ve made his team feel like giants instead they looked like mere mortals.
2. ‘Mr. Dead Man Walking’ himself, Martin Jol must be experiencing conflicting emotions. The team that ran out onto Wembley was pretty much his bar for Jonathan Woodgate and Alan Hutton. The likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Ledley King and Robbie Keane could only get the Dutchman fifth in the Premiership though and for a traditional cup team like Spurs, finals were nothing but a distant dream. The answer has to be No.
3. In two-and-a-half seasons of Spanish and English football, Juande Ramos has won six, I repeat six trophies and every one of them has been a Cup competition. Two UEFA Cups, the UEFA Sup Cup, The Copa Del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and now the Carling Cup. If that’s not a Cup specialist I don’t know what is. Perhaps it’s some Spanish trait that us English don’t know about - just look at Rafa Benitez at Liverpool. Whatever the answer is, Ramos has beaten in successive cup matches, Arsenal and Chelsea. Prior to this, Spurs combined record versus these two clubs in all competitions was a paltry six wins in their last 74 attempts. Genius or Cup specialist – you decide.
4. Avram Grant inherited a squad with experience, talent and know-how. Avram Grant inherited possibly the best squad in the world. Avram Grant has lost the three big games where coaching matters. He has lost to United and Arsenal in the Premier League derailing their hopes of regaining the title and now he’s lost in his first final. Why play Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka together when they’ve never worked together before. Does Anelka look like a wide man – no? Why leave Michael Ballack rotting on the bench for 88 minutes when Frank Lampard is having his usual Wembley stinker and replace Michael Essien. Why didn’t you start with Joe Cole, Chelsea’s most effective player all season? Avram Grant, you have been found out.

 

At the end of the day though the final question should be…’Did Tottenham deserve to win the Carling Cup’

 

The answer is a resounding YES.

 

From the opening whistle they played like they believed that this was going to be their day. So often in Cup Finals we see a cagey start but not this time as Spurs tore into Chelsea. I thought that Didier Zakora was excellent and completely over shadowed his like-for-like opponent John Obi Mikel. Woodgate and King were tremendous when Chelsea finally started exerting some pressure and I’m delighted for Paul Robinson. The Spurs keeper has been slaughtered recently for some terrible performances and rightly so however Ramos believed in him after a lengthy eleven matches out and was repaid with super saves from Cole and Salomon Kalou. Keane was commitment personified and have you ever seen a cooler penalty at Wembley as Berbatov sent the Petr Cech the wrong way for the equalizer. For Woodgate to then pop up in only his fourth Tottenham game to score the winner was pure fantasy.

 

Chelsea huffed, puffed and tried to squeeze the life out of the game but Spurs wouldn’t let them. If I’m honest the only time they looked like a Mourinho team was at the final whistle when they surrounded referee Mark Halsey. What a bunch of babies – you lost…deal with it and go home to West London.

 

Over in North London, Juande Ramos has the backing of the Spurs board and cash to play with. His Iberian counterpart, Jose Mourinho, used the Carling Cup as the springboard to further Chelsea success perhaps Tottenham can now have the belief to challenge the ‘big four’.

 

Until then, get the beers in.

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

 

With Old Trafford sizzling on Saturday as Manchester United and Arsenal readied for battle, the menu was set for a feast of football. The two best chef’s in the business, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger all set and ready to cook us a masterpiece but sometimes too many cooks spoil the broth. This time around the Frenchman was left with egg on his face because United deep fried, battered, poached, broiled and finally baked his Arsenal team with a performance that would’ve had Gordon Ramsay licking his lips.

 

Ferguson got his ingredients just right despite not having the secret sauce of Cristiano Ronaldo. Picking Darren Fletcher off the shelf looked a stroke of genius as the Scotsman only responded with his first two goals of the season while Nani was a times deliciously unplayable. Can you also imagine what the score would’ve been if Wayne Rooney had had his shooting boots on. The England striker by my own generous count missed three stone cold sitters that on any other day he would’ve tucked away with relish, dip and mustard. Throw in a majestic performance from the often criticized, Michael Carrick, and you can start talking about breakfast, lunch and dinner because the ‘Treble’ won in 1999 looks to be back on the table.

 

I don’t know the FA Cup draw yet but rest assured United will probably get Chelsea in the last eight after meeting Villa/Spurs and now Arsenal. Lyon provide the opposition in the Champions League while in the Premiership the Gunners currently have a five point lead but have yet to visit Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford for a massive six-pointer. No wonder the Scotsman has a spring in his step.

 

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger on the other hand looked to have lost the recipe that has made them the tastiest morsel this season. Wenger surely must’ve known that he couldn’t pull off an Anfield special at the Theater of Dreams. If Justin Hoyte and Armand Traore were waiters your meal would’ve surely been all over the floor. Whether it was a case of nerves, rust or lack of confidence, Wenger got it wrong defensively. What a time to relegate Mathieu Flamini to the bench as well. Flamini has been the engine room for the Gunners allowing Cesc Fabregas to prompt and conduct – not to knock Gilberto but the Brazilian’s best days are behind him.

 

And a problem that I thought Wenger had finally solved came back to leave a bad taste in the mouth…discipline. Emmanuel Eboue is an athletic chap but having an outstretched leg six feet of the floor with studs leading is asking for trouble – a straight red was the only course of action for the maitre d’, Alan Wiley. Luckily for captain, William Gallas, Wiley must’ve have spotted a fly in his soup because he missed the Frenchman lashing out at Nani, which would’ve been an instant red card. With Emmanuel Adebayor flopping around like the fish of the day and Gilberto somehow escaping a second yellow card after booting Luis Saha up in the air, there are some worrisome signs for Wenger ahead of their epic AC Milan clash in midweek.

 

Of course writing off Arsenal has proven to be a mugs game this year but we’re now at the stage of the season where the Michelin stars are being handed out. The pressure cooker is steaming and simple, silly mistakes can ruin the entire dinning experience. Wenger has a young squad that plays with a verve and panache unmatched in England they’ve just got to watch out for the wet floor.

 

So get your diaries out and make a reservation for April 12th and a battle between the Iron Chefs. You know that on that day, Old Trafford will be the culinary centerpiece of the universe.

 

Until then, get the beers in.

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

 

With Old Trafford sizzling on Saturday as Manchester United and Arsenal readied for battle, the menu was set for a feast of football. The two best chef’s in the business, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger all set and ready to cook us a masterpiece but sometimes too many cooks spoil the broth. This time around the Frenchman was left with egg on his face because United deep fried, battered, poached, broiled and finally baked his Arsenal team with a performance that would’ve had Gordon Ramsay licking his lips.

 

Ferguson got his ingredients just right despite not having the secret sauce of Cristiano Ronaldo. Picking Darren Fletcher off the shelf looked a stroke of genius as the Scotsman only responded with his first two goals of the season while Nani was a times deliciously unplayable. Can you also imagine what the score would’ve been if Wayne Rooney had had his shooting boots on. The England striker by my own generous count missed three stone cold sitters that on any other day he would’ve tucked away with relish, dip and mustard. Throw in a majestic performance from the often criticized, Michael Carrick, and you can start talking about breakfast, lunch and dinner because the ‘Treble’ won in 1999 looks to be back on the table.

 

I don’t know the FA Cup draw yet but rest assured United will probably get Chelsea in the last eight after meeting Villa/Spurs and now Arsenal. Lyon provide the opposition in the Champions League while in the Premiership the Gunners currently have a five point lead but have yet to visit Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford for a massive six-pointer. No wonder the Scotsman has a spring in his step.

 

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger on the other hand looked to have lost the recipe that has made them the tastiest morsel this season. Wenger surely must’ve known that he couldn’t pull off an Anfield special at the Theater of Dreams. If Justin Hoyte and Armand Traore were waiters your meal would’ve surely been all over the floor. Whether it was a case of nerves, rust or lack of confidence, Wenger got it wrong defensively. What a time to relegate Mathieu Flamini to the bench as well. Flamini has been the engine room for the Gunners allowing Cesc Fabregas to prompt and conduct – not to knock Gilberto but the Brazilian’s best days are behind him.

 

And a problem that I thought Wenger had finally solved came back to leave a bad taste in the mouth…discipline. Emmanuel Eboue is an athletic chap but having an outstretched leg six feet of the floor with studs leading is asking for trouble – a straight red was the only course of action for the maitre d’, Alan Wiley. Luckily for captain, William Gallas, Wiley must’ve have spotted a fly in his soup because he missed the Frenchman lashing out at Nani, which would’ve been an instant red card. With Emmanuel Adebayor flopping around like the fish of the day and Gilberto somehow escaping a second yellow card after booting Luis Saha up in the air, there are some worrisome signs for Wenger ahead of their epic AC Milan clash in midweek.

 

Of course writing off Arsenal has proven to be a mugs game this year but we’re now at the stage of the season where the Michelin stars are being handed out. The pressure cooker is steaming and simple, silly mistakes can ruin the entire dinning experience. Wenger has a young squad that plays with a verve and panache unmatched in England they’ve just got to watch out for the wet floor.

 

So get your diaries out and make a reservation for April 12th and a battle between the Iron Chefs. You know that on that day, Old Trafford will be the culinary centerpiece of the universe.

 

Until then, get the beers in.

I have a problem and it’s a problem as old as life itself – balancing work and a family.

After spending eight plus hours at the FSC studios doing nothing but watching, speaking, directing and producing football, my American wife gets her fashionable knickers in a right old twist when at the end of the day after fighting through Los Angeles, Westside traffic, I wearily trudge through my front door, peck her on the cheek, kiss the nipper and ask for the TV remote. Without looking at the devil’s tool, I punch in a set of numbers and up pops nirvana, football, 24 hours a day.

To be fair, she doesn’t complain. She knows it’s my job or that’s what I tell her as I sheepishly explain that the FA Cup is the oldest, most historic knockout competition in the world and that Mansfield Town versus Middlesbrough is ‘must see TV’. 

“Seriously, Mansfield Town can pull off the shock of the round. This is a ‘can’t miss’ match,” I explain. The eye roll that follows lets me know that soccer speak will only take me so far.

“Look,” she says, “I’ll come and watch you drag your sorry carcass around a pitch for two hours. I’ll watch you on the TV. I’ll even go online to read your ramblings but after four years, I still don’t understand this addiction you have and I’ll tell you and anyone who cares to read why.” 

Personally, I’m not sure I’m ready for this but according to an American women (my wife) the following are the reasons why they don’t ‘get’ a sport I’ve been in love with my whole life… 

“Courtney, here. Let me just start by saying that I love sports. I grew up in New England so I am no stranger to the thrill of victory nor the agony of defeat. I’ve celebrated the Celtics dynasty of the 80’s and early 90’s. Cried on more than one occasion about a Yankees victory and remember way back when the Patriots nearly perfect season was 1-13 (or something like that).

I would LOVE for soccer to be a big deal in America. I feel for Nick every time someone on TV, the Internet or the radio makes a crack about soccer being the most boring game in the world. I don’t think it’s the most boring but I see where there are some problems.

Okay, my thoughts in no particular order…and I know this will seem unsophisticated but here it goes:

There’s so many of them (matches). They always seem to be on (English/Spanish/Italian, Euros/World Cup/Whatever!). And it always seems as though it is some big qualifier for something. Then I ask, “So that’s it? Are they are out? It’s over?” The answer is invariably a complicated explanation of who needs to win and lose for the match to have really decided anything. I need higher stakes to care more about the game. It’s the same reason I have no interest in baseball or basketball until the post season. Unless it’s the Red Sox or Celtics…scratch that. Only if the Red Sox are playing the Yankees!

Ties are acceptable – no sudden death? This makes me crazy and it’s related to my previous point about the match not really being that importan