For the first time since 1996 the annual curtain raiser to the English season, the Community Shield, will welcome an interloper. Usually this showpiece event is the exclusive domain of the ‘B4’ - thankfully that domination has finally ended as we welcome Portsmouth FC back to the scene of their May triumph, Wembley Stadium. So just who will win?

Goalkeepers:

Edwin van der Sar has been at Old Trafford for 2+ seasons. In that time United have won back-to-back Premier League titles and a Champions League…coincidence, I think not! The Dutchman has nothing more to prove having won everything that the domestic game has to offer and without the distraction of international football this season, he can devote everything to what potentially is his last Red Devil campaign. 

If goalkeepers are like fine wine and improve with age, David James must be nearing vintage stage. The 38-year-old had a sensational campaign last term and forced his way back into the England reckoning. In my mind there is not a better shot stopper in the English ranks but he still has these momentary lapses of reason which generally produce howlers.

Advantage: United

Back Line:

Pompey’s regular starting back four is one of the best outside of the ‘B4’. Sol Campbell, Slyvain Distin, Hermann Hreidarsson and Glen Johnson are a fearsome, highly experienced unit that does not ship lots of goals – excellent in the air, rugged in the challenge, they relish a physical battle however they can be outdone by pace and trickery.

Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra along with Rio Ferdinand were the heart, soul and culture of a United back line that was the meanest in the Premiership last term despite not having a steady right back. I can’t see anything changing this year except they might get even better with the addition of young Brazilian, Rafael da Silva or the return of Gary Neville.

Advantage: United

Midfield:

With Anderson away on Olympic duty, Ferguson will be missing his pit bull and heir apparent to Paul Scholes. The ‘Ginger Prince’ has stated that he’ll play two more years with United so expect him to leave everything on the pitch in every single match this season. Michael Carrick will also continue to blossom along with Ji-Sung Park. The one question mark for me is Owen Hargreaves. His versatility could be his undoing as I think he’ll want to make the holding role his own but he’ll be press ganged into other positions frequently.

Other than Niko Kranjcar, no other Pompey midfielder made over 30+ appearances last term and that must be a concern for Redknapp as he strives for consistency. His other options include Pedro Mendes who is wonderfully talented but as brittle as china, Sean Davis who doesn’t have the creativity while Pape Diop has yet to find his best form. The key could be Lassana Diarra who carries on his shoulder the biggest chip in the Premier League.

Advantage: United

Forwards:

Although Portsmouth did not score enough goals last season, I love their new forward line. It’s the classic ‘big man-little man’ partnership – Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe. Crouch knows all about Fratton Park and did well in his first spell on the South coast while Defoe is a proven commodity who scores goals. Once these two begin to understand one another, this could be one of the best partnerships in the Premiership.

No Cristiano Ronaldo, no Wayne Rooney equals no goals right? With Luis Saha easily claiming the ‘sick note’ tag all of the responsibility will fall on Carlos Tevez. I have no doubt he’s up for it but when he looks around he just might feel lonely. Supposedly Ferguson is hot on young Fraizer Campbell who did well at Hull City but he is untested at this level.

Advantage: Portsmouth

Managers:

Sir Alex Ferguson has the longevity, the trophies, the knighthood, the t-shirt plus six Shields and the hunger for seven is certainly not diminished. In fact it’s truly amazing how much stamina the Scotsman possesses as he enters his 22nd season at the helm. It’ll be interesting to see how he copes without his right hand man Carlos Queiroz though as the Portuguese coach wasn’t given enough credit during his time in Manchester.

The crafty cockney, Harry Redknapp must be relishing this challenge as he’s made a habit of beating SAF and United in one-off matches. As the gaffer of Bournemouth, West Ham and now Pompey somehow despite the odds he has raised his team, ridden his luck and come out on top after ninety minutes.

Advantage: Portsmouth

Finally we have to ask what does winning the Community Shield mean: Judging by the last ten years not a lot should be read into the result as Chelsea in ’05 and United in ‘07 are the only teams to have gone on to win the Premiership. That being the case and with Pompey rank outsiders (250-1) to win the Prem, I can’t help but feel Portsmouth could nick this one by the odd goal in three.

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've not received any offer to purchase the club (Liverpool) from #### or anyone else, much less accepted any such offer. Nor do I have any intention of doing so.”

The above quote was Liverpool FC co-owner, Tom Hicks, shooting down rumors that he intends to sell his share in the club. The club he so proudly purchased less than 12 months ago. Despite Hicks’ denial of the impending sale, this whole tawdry affair has got me hot!

Even though I’m not a supporter of the Reds, I am a proud, committed supporter of English football and I have a quote for Mr. Hicks and his like “take your money, take your profits and take your greed and never ever look at another football club on these shores again. Your behavior and attitude for one of my countries proudest, most historic institutions has been nothing short of shameful, sir. You have embarrassed, cheapened and degraded something that is special to the hearts of millions. Liverpool FC is not a toy like your Texas Rangers it is for many a way of life. You have opened up a Pandora’s Box that you just may find very difficult to close, sir.”

The outrage on Merseyside has been predictably hysterical in nature with yet another protest is in the works and scheduled for Monday when Aston Villa, ironically owned by another American, Randy Lerner, visit Anfield. Hicks will be well advised to stay Stateside as the faithful will be intent on venting their fury. In fact Hicks will in all likelihood have to take the same precautions as the Glazers of Manchester United do when they visit Old Trafford - he’ll have to be smuggled in and out of the ground making sure not to visit any local restaurants or clubs to sample the local hospitality.

I’m sure some of you are wondering just why the fans are in uproar and seemingly on the verge of meltdown when a few months ago the American was seen as the key to Premiership success. I’ll try and explain with the help of a little analogy.

Imagine that I’ve come into many hundreds of millions (not likely on what FSC pays) and I’m looking to buy something, anything. I decide on a whim the Chicago Cubs, one of America’s most storied institutions however please remember that I know nothing about basketball…nearly got ya – baseball. At the press conference to announce the purchase I make all the right noises about my love for the Cubs and proudly boast how much money I’m going to invest in players, a new stadium and how I’m going to bring back the World Series to Wrigley Field – you’re impressed right?

Of course you’re not, you’re su####ious, you’re angry and you’re highly dubious of my claims because it’s obvious that I’m not a baseball man. Imagine then that my next step is to undermine the coach and General Manager, in this case Lou Pinella and Jim Hendry, when it comes to trading players – chaos is ensured. I’m not finished yet though because Pinella has been talking to the press about this lack of support so I go and speak to Joe Torre about taking your position.

At this point you’re probably, if you’re a Cubs fan, ready to burn effigies. Just who is the English twit messing around with my traditions, my history and the club that I love. Well folks, that’s how Liverpool fans are feeling about now.

Sure, you could say that Liverpool was too quick to say yes to the almighty dollars that they thought would transform the club but you have to put that down to Rick Parry and David Moores, not the fans. The CEO and ex-owner must now be having many uncomfortable sleepless nights and wishing they could turn the clock back. Maybe they’ll be saved by ####, maybe they won’t, but it’ll surely be a lesson to other clubs thinking about American owners…are you watching Arsenal!

At the end of the day I don’t begrudge anyone making money and if Hicks and Gillett do sell up to #### they are rumored to be making a profit of $150 million each. Not bad money if you can get it however I do think it’s a disgrace to make money while messing with hearts and minds.

English people on the whole are a forgiving lot but our stiff upper lip will only quiver for so long and then it’ll be a case of the old Marquis of Queensbury.

Until then, get the beers in.

 

 

Grand Slam Sunday, Fantastic Four, Judgment Day, whatever you want to call it, December 16th is a four-and-a-half hour period…THAT I WANT BACK!

My heart told me that Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea would play the kind of fantasy football we saw from the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona, Bremen and…Wigan.

My brain told me it would be cagey and short of entertainment.

Guess whom I’m listening to next time especially as the West Coast kick off for the Anfield rascal was 5.30am.

Here is the A – Z critique of the finest that England has to offer.

Arsene Wenger couldn’t beat Jose Mourinho with a big stick and a large bulls-eye attached to the ‘Special One’s’ posterior but show him Avram Grant and Chelsea become a 3 point ATM.

Benitez...you getting sacked in the morning, sacked in the morning, you’re getting sacked in the morning.

Capello…good luck mate, you’ll need it.

Defense…wins matches. If you don’t believe me, ask coaches in the NFL.

Edwin van der Sar…if I spent as much time as you waving at my mum, I’d be out of a job. The same goes for you Petr Cech.

Frank Lampard…you are so overrated.

Gerrard, Steven…you are so overrated.

Highbury, you’re missed but the Emirates packed for a night match is pure theater. You could move this fixture to the West End and it would still snap, crackle and pop.

Ian Wright, you’ve taught your son SWP well, but blimey, the lad couldn’t finish a fish and chip supper. My boy, right, could’ve tucked that 75th minute sitter away.

John Terry, just because you’re the England captain does not give you the right to act like ‘Billy big boots’. I’m certainly not saying you deserved to get crocked but it looked from my standpoint that you had it coming.

Kuyt, the Dirk kind. Endeavor, commitment, hustle are great words if you’re a player trying to impress Steve McClaren but when a match is screaming out for class, you’re well out of your league.

Liverpool…eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years, eighteen years…sorry did I say eighteen years...and counting.

Manchester United own Rafa Benitez. In the Barclays Premier League the record is this. Played 7, Won 6, tied 1.

Nemanja Vidic is the most commanding center back in England.

Owen Hargreaves may have cost Sir Alex Ferguson an arm and a leg but for every minute he plays take another ton of the hefty $34 million price tag.

Patrice Evra is the most exciting left back in England.

Questions were answered on Sunday and the grades are in. United and Arsenal get ‘A’s. Chelsea and Liverpool a big fat ‘F’.

Riise, John Arne, you used to be the darling of the Kop but I’ll wager a weeks wages that come January you’ll be surplus to requirements…why…try beating the first defender with a cross for once.

Shevchenko, Andriy. If we want players who can’t finish in the MLS we’ll stick with the lads we’ve got at 1/100th of the price.

Tevez, Carlos…form is fleeting, class is permanent. Have any of you ever seen a forward pairing (Tevez & Rooney) that works as hard as these two do on both sides of the ball.

Ugly…but three points is three points.

Van Persie, the Robin kind. I know you’re a little rusty but c’mon. How many ways do you want to beat a keeper before you score?

William Gallas, you know how to bite the hand that used to feed you however I suggest you find a new barber, you’re current one seems to be blind.

X-factor…just how important will that 5/6 point gap between the top two be at the end of the season.

Y…are we always led to believe that big four clashes will be epic.

Zero chance that either Liverpool or Chelsea will win the Premier League this season.
I’m not really that bitter about Sunday but wouldn’t it be nice, if just for once, the headline on foxsports.com was ‘wow…football’ and not the gridiron kind.

Until then, get the beers in.

The Premier League is coming to play LIVE in America. It is no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ and you can quote me on that.

Yesterday at Wembley Stadium, London, England, two football teams, the Dolphins and the Giants took center stage with a capacity 90,000 plus in attendance. The ghosts that stalk the home of English football though must’ve been turning over in their graves because this encounter was far from the ‘beautiful game’ as we know it – unless you’re a moneyman.

To the movers and shakers of the National Football League this has to go down as the smartest piece of business since the AFL and NFL merged in 1966. Gridiron football sold to a country of non-believers in a nice, tasty, regular season package. In fact if reports are to be believed, non-believers could’ve filled Wembley two or three times over such was the demand…I hear cash registers ringing!

And if the till is ticking over, you can bet you’re last dollar that the ears of all the Premier League clubs are in a state of high alert because has there ever been a cartel that has better mastered the art of separating fans from their hard earned?

In what better country to do it than the nation that practically invented commerce…America. “No, never, you’re crazy, not on my dead body” are some of the things you’ll hear from the die-hards but globalization has arrived as demonstrated by the Fins and G-Men extravaganza. The suits at PL headquarters are just bummed they didn’t think of it first.

Traditionalists will say it’s not possible to accommodate one-off matches and that the integrity of the league will be called into question as teams always play each other home and away. Well, excuse me sir, that’s no problem. Have the clubs in question play both matches on US soil to cancel out any advantage.

I think we could conceivably start the experiment next season beginning with Manchester United versus Liverpool, I mean they’re American (owned) clubs anyway. And if we’re thinking big, lets think really big. To be fair, as an owner, I should be able to make money in any fashion I see fit and I’m sure that that is what the Glazers, Hick’s and Gillette’s feel.

If we do a little math you’ll see that the economics of doing this makes perfect sense…to the owners!

Firstly, pick a massive stadium on the East Coast because the time difference is about the only factor that would have to be taken into consideration. Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor will do as it seats 107,000. With tickets going for say an average of $100 (which is cheaper than most Premier League tickets) that tabs out to be $10.7 million, which I think is a conservative estimate.

Secondly concessions. With pints going for $8 a piece and 100,000 drinking $40 dollars worth of suds, well, that adds up to another $4 million, again a very conservative estimate! Match programs at $10 would sell at least 50,000 for the collectable appeal, which is worth $500,000.

Thirdly merchandising. If David Beckham can move 400,000 replica shirts in a matter of weeks, I’m positive United and Liverpool could shift 200,000 with a little marketing at $80 each resulting in yet another $16 million.

Fourthly, I’m sure that Virgin, British Airways or some other airline would love to sponsor the two-match series. How about calling it ‘football’s coming home’. That’s surely a $5 million value at the very least.

Finally the boost to the local economy will be staggering as I can pretty much guarantee that 80,000 of the crowd will be from Manchester and Liverpool. Let’s say that roughly, $25 million would be generated from food and lodging sales.

All this adds up to a mind blowing $60 million or so dollars and they’ll be doing this twice in a season…$120 million and I haven’t even factored in the pay-per-view, yet. For that kind of money, United and Liverpool would play on the moon!

As for the true fans who pony up for the season tickets – well the clubs will factor in the cost minus the American clash knowing that the hard-core support will organize their holidays around a trip to America. With the current exchange rate, it’ll almost be cheaper than traveling to Anfield or Old Trafford.

This thing has win/win written all over it with only one downside…how do you police it? Michigan’s finest may need a little help from their brethren on Merseyside and Moss Side because Wolverine fans going crazy will be like a tea party compared to Manchester and Liverpool colliding in a match that matters. But lets not let that little detail spoil the fun eh?

For sure this idea may seem a little whacky and perhaps it won’t happen in the next year or two but within the next ten years…it’s a no-brainer. Don’t be surprised though if a one-off isn’t staged Stateside. I can seriously see the Community Shield played here or even a made up final such as a Super Cup Final involving the League Cup winners versus the FA Cup winners – the Italians did it twice in 1993 and 2003 with RFK and Giants Stadium hosting and if it’s good enough for them…

At the end of the day as much as we’d like to claim ownership to English football that is simply no longer possible. As the NFL has demonstrated, football is global and money rules. If you don’t believe me check out these quotes from West Ham’s non-executive chairman, Eggert Magnusson and American billionaire and Arsenal part owner, Stan Kroenke.

Magnusson: “I can see that happening sooner rather than later (a game in America) – it would be good for the game.”

Kroenke: There is a good chance of getting a game to go over there (America) because both owners could agree to it.”

Businessmen, pure and simple…and always thinking of the bottom line.

Until then, get the beers in.

..I expect disciplined, efficient football from the Blues but United have been drab. No spark, invention and they look content to play this way. I thought Fergie said they'd play attacking football...the Scotsman was fibbing, big time! This has been one of their most uninspiring performances I've seen from them this year. What a way to open Wembley!

..start by both sides. Drogba nutted a Bridge cross over the bar but it was a tough chance. It looks like Rooney is up front on his todd with Giggs supporting. Ronaldo has yet to have a run against Ferreira yet.

...Wembley is open for business. Blimey I never thought we'd be back at the home of football but it looks like its been worth the wait. The stadium looks fantastic and boy is it loud. Prince Willie opened it up with the shortest speech in history which is alright by me and out come the teams...hair raising stuff...I'm lovin' it.

United - Chelsea...it gets the blood pumping doesn't it!

Finally after seven long years the showpiece of English football is back where it belongs…Wembley Stadium, the home of English football.

So what kind of treat will these two teams serve up – a stale tactical battle or a rip roaring blood and thunder epic? It’s hard to say and given my recent predictions woes I’m sitting uncomfortably on the fence!

In reality it’s all about the match-ups so let’s break them down.

Lord Fergie v the 'Special One’

The war of words has been heating up since in recent weeks. Mourinho has been needling Ronaldo and claiming United get all the penalties. Ferguson responds that the ‘Special One’ is panicking and can’t handle losing.

Ferdinand v Drogba

Mr. Casual cannot let down for a milli-second with Drogba roaming however the Ivorian has only scored two goals in his last nine outings. Carrying the Blues for the last two months has seemingly taken it out of him. That won’t be an excuse for Rio as he’s been watching telly for the last few weeks.

Terry v Rooney

 

JT hasn’t looked the same since returning from back surgery and will have to dig deep to stop Rooney…if the boy is up for it. You can’t bet against Rooney on the big stage though.

Lampard v Carrick

Stamina is the name of the game for Lamps and the big Wembley pitch should suit him down to the ground. Carrick has started to look like he belongs in Manchester the last few months but how will he cope with the big occasion.

 

Scholes v J Cole

Mr. Consistency is the man to make United tick over and when he clicks they purr like a well oiled machine. Joe Cole, just back from injury is the one player who can make something out of nothing.

 

Ronaldo v A Cole

Stopping Ronaldo will ultimately be the key to this match. In Cup Final history wingers have either shone brightly or not had a kick. Ashley Cole has a chance to show that he’s not just about the money although an ankle problem could knock him out.

 

Cech v van der Sar

Cech is the best in the business while I think that Edwin may just be beginning to show his age.

 

Wild Cards

Essien: What a beast. He has the ability, strength and skill to carry Chelsea on his broad shoulders.

 

Giggs: They just don’t make them like this anymore. It’s not only about the legs but the mind. Giggs has made the ‘promised land’ his home over the past decade and always has something left in the tank.

 

Team News: Injuries have hit the Blues hard. The loss of Sheva, Ballack and more importantly Carvalho are massive. The Red Devils will be without Mr. Dependable, Gary Neville and the oft injured, Luis Saha.

 

Conclusion: I can’t help but feel United will win this one 2-1 if they get the early goal and claim the domestic league and cup double. There I said it, which now means Chelsea will romp to victory!

 

As the season winds down, the drama just increases with every match and story touching near epic proportions. With so much happening in the world of football during the last seven days I thought it would be unfair to focus on just one item hence the quick hits. Manchester United: Even by the storied history of Manchester United last week was something special. After watching Edwin van der Sar meltdown at Fratton Park along with Mr. Casual, Rio Ferdinand, one couldn’t help but wonder if the wheels weren’t about to fall off their ‘treble’ dreams especially as this was their second consecutive loss following on the heels of defeat in Rome. To then produce THAT performance on Tuesday night in the 2nd leg of the Champions League against Roma defied the laws of football. Sure, the Italians weren’t that clever defensively however it’s still a remarkable feat to score SEVEN goals against anybody. Cristiano Ronaldo surely sealed the Player of the Year debate with yet another electrifying display as he was simply unplayable however I thought Ryan Giggs stole the man-of-the-match award. The Welshman who had three assists is like a Grandmaster chess champion in that he seemingly imagines moves develop seven passes before they actually happen…not bad for a 33 year-old playing top flight football for the 16th consecutive season. With Watford spanked out of sight on Saturday in the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park, a second ‘treble’ still looms large for the evergreen winger who is Obi-Wan Kenobi to Ronaldo’s, Luke Skywalker. Chelsea: CEO, Peter Kenyon likes to call the hunt for four the ‘Grand Slam’…well he would, wouldn’t he! As far as everyone else is concerned it’s the ‘quadruple’ and it looks more alive than ever. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there is no denying that this Blues machine is the most ruthless, efficient outfit we’ve seen in the last twenty years. Only the Liverpool teams of the late 70’s and early 80’s holds a candle to them. Jose Mourinho has instilled the quality of character throughout the backbone of his side and their stunning, yet not surprising victory in Valencia was testament to that. To then follow that win up by beating Blackburn in a thriller says to me that this club does not know when it’s beaten - they simply strangle the life out of you. If they do offer up a chance, you better take it because you only get one. Zinedine Zidane: According to the Guardian, a respected English newspaper, LA Galaxy GM, Alexi Lalas has been wooing the world’s greatest retired footballer into one last trip down memory lane, right here in La La Land. I also have it on good authority that the deal has already been done however you can't really trust the 5th cousin of the cleaning lady who used to tidy up the changing rooms at the Bernabeau or her sister! I can’t quite work out whether this would be good for MLS or not. Part of me would be thrilled to see Zizou display his wares on a weekly basis and I’m sure he’d dazzle even the likes of Eric Wynalda’s best mate, Jim Rome however he is almost 35 years-old. What with the 34 year-old Cuauhtémoc Blanco joining the Chicago Fire, it feels like that MLS is doing exactly what the NASL did – sign aging stars for too much money in an arms race to keep up with each other. I hope I’m wrong. Roy Keane: Talking of legends is there a better story this season than the job, Keano has done in his first management gig at Sunderland. I’ve written before how great players don’t necessarily make the best managers but in the Irishman’s case you’ve got to make an exception. From last to first in the space of seven months is truly a remarkable achievement. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that they win promotion or though I’m sure that won’t be needed. Next season when he takes the Black Cats to Old Trafford we’ll be something special and I have no doubt that we are witnessing the birth of Ferguson’s successor. The symmetry between Keane and Kenny Dalglish is eerie and we all know how well the Scotsman did in management. Michael Owen: Supposedly the ex ‘Boy Wonder’ will be fit to resume his career shortly for Newcastle United and I’m very happy about that because he has been missed from the game. England boss, Steve McClaren is quieting salivating at his return however the Magpies aren’t quite as thrilled and I don’t blame them. They’re out of pocket to the tune of $300,000 after the FA dumped Owen back on their doorstep injured after the World Cup finals and they’re demanding compensation. For once I’m in complete agreement with Newcastle chairman; Freddie Shepherd and I think it is only right that the FA and Football Associations in general should be made to pay for players injured while representing their countries. After all, these associations make a fortune from sponsors and TV money. It’s smacks of typical FA ineptitude. I say let Owen make his comeback nice and slowly, we’ll need him for the qualifiers in August/October. I told you it was a busy week in football. Until then, get the beers in.