For scoring tonight against the Gunners when Harry really needed you.
For keeping your head down when the media vultures pulled you apart, highlighting the unfortunate coincidence between your appearances and Premier League failure.
Having the best left foot at Tottenham Hotspur football club.
Not going on loan to a crap team.
....what a superb evening for the lily whites - unlucky Wenger's boys - great derby tonight.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Manchester United result 3-2 - 4-4 agg - Out of the Champions League
A missed opportunity for Manchester United tonight to make the semis of the Champions League. They looked pretty good prior to half time, leading 3-0 but Bayern managed to scrape one back just before the break. Ironically, it was ex Chelsea wing man Arjen Robben who made it 3-2, who was then briskly substituted in the 75th minute having secured the second vital away goal dumping Man Utd out of the Champions League 2010.
Is Messi really that good?
Champions League Result 6th April 2010: Barca 4: Arsenal 1
Last night Arsenal were absolutely battered by a team that Wenger readily admitted is "better than us [Arsenal] and that has the best player in the world". He described Messi as "unstoppable" and "the only player who can change direction at such a pace."
As well as all the accolades from players and commentators alike, there is little argument that Messi's form for Barca this year has been outstanding. Having already hit three hat-tricks in Barca colours in 2010, he upped his game even further against Arsenal and scored four goals in a match for the first time in his career. However Messi refused to bask in his own personal glory and praised the rest of his team.
So given his unquestionable talent and a penchant for modesty and teamwork, is this 22 year old Argentinian the perfect player? Some critics point out than in 18 matches for Argentina, Messi has only managed 4 goals, although those close to the South American game say this is due to weaknesses in the squad as a whole. Gooners currently licking their wounds might point out that he failed to score at the Emirates last week, which is certainly true. These points aside, after tonight's performance, is there a manager in the world who wouldn't pick Messi?
There is no doubt that Messi is an all-time great and fantastic for the neutral to watch. However even a player of his quality needs a good team around him to really shine. Just to rub salt in the Gooner wounds, their all time top scorer and darling of North London, Thierry Henry, didn't even get off the bench in this encounter. That's how strong Barca is.
Last night Arsenal were absolutely battered by a team that Wenger readily admitted is "better than us [Arsenal] and that has the best player in the world". He described Messi as "unstoppable" and "the only player who can change direction at such a pace."
As well as all the accolades from players and commentators alike, there is little argument that Messi's form for Barca this year has been outstanding. Having already hit three hat-tricks in Barca colours in 2010, he upped his game even further against Arsenal and scored four goals in a match for the first time in his career. However Messi refused to bask in his own personal glory and praised the rest of his team.
So given his unquestionable talent and a penchant for modesty and teamwork, is this 22 year old Argentinian the perfect player? Some critics point out than in 18 matches for Argentina, Messi has only managed 4 goals, although those close to the South American game say this is due to weaknesses in the squad as a whole. Gooners currently licking their wounds might point out that he failed to score at the Emirates last week, which is certainly true. These points aside, after tonight's performance, is there a manager in the world who wouldn't pick Messi?
There is no doubt that Messi is an all-time great and fantastic for the neutral to watch. However even a player of his quality needs a good team around him to really shine. Just to rub salt in the Gooner wounds, their all time top scorer and darling of North London, Thierry Henry, didn't even get off the bench in this encounter. That's how strong Barca is.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Arsenal v Barcelona champions league 2010
Is this quarter final the game where the gooners lay to rest the miserable champions league 2006? Playing against his former club Thierry Henry will no doubt know better than anyone how formidable a Wenger side can be in Europe, especially now that they have more physicality in their game this season.
On paper, Barcelona's first 11 is immense and made Manchester United look quite ordinary last season. However, when Arsenal's flowing football kicks in to some of these Champions League this team exhibits world class qualities that can lead to a quick succession of goals. Sol Campbell has helped their back line no end but they still have a bit of uncertainty between the sticks with Almunia. This was illustrated against Birmingham City this weekend with a bit of a howler, where we saw Kevin Philips bagging his 250th goal of his football career...but lets be fair a decent Prem 'keeper would have saved it.
Away at the Nou camp? I can see Barcelona getting an advantage in this 1st leg - maybe 1 goal.
On paper, Barcelona's first 11 is immense and made Manchester United look quite ordinary last season. However, when Arsenal's flowing football kicks in to some of these Champions League this team exhibits world class qualities that can lead to a quick succession of goals. Sol Campbell has helped their back line no end but they still have a bit of uncertainty between the sticks with Almunia. This was illustrated against Birmingham City this weekend with a bit of a howler, where we saw Kevin Philips bagging his 250th goal of his football career...but lets be fair a decent Prem 'keeper would have saved it.
Away at the Nou camp? I can see Barcelona getting an advantage in this 1st leg - maybe 1 goal.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
FA Cup 2010 Latest Spurs 3 Fulham 1 24/10/2010
FA Cup Result 24th March 2010 Latest Tottenham 3 Fulham 1
A game of two halves this evening in the sixth round FA Cup replay London Derby at White Hart Lane. An incredible bounce back by home team Tottenham Hotspur as they turned a 1 nil half time deficit in to a 3-1.
This was a great FA Cup night for Spurs. 4 goals, plenty of stress and drama but ultimately bags of talent on show from the home team. And yes, I am a lily white!
With many ex-Spurs players in the visiting team, there was irony in Bobby Zamora's cool, left-footed stroke past Tottenham goalkeeper Gomes. The way that Zamora found the space and executed the through ball speaks volumes about his form and the development that Roy Hodgson has orchestrated at the Cottage.
This evening, I thought Danny Murphy demonstrated the reason why he has the captaincy for Fulham. Industrious but attacking, Murphy helped win the midfield battle in the first half and overall Fulham managed to mute Tottenham Hotspur who have displayed great form this season.
Harry Redknapp put David Bentley and Tommy Huddlestone to begin the second half to galvanise the midfield effort of the home team. The impact was instant, as David Bentley swung in a Beckham like free kick that all defenders, forwards and most importantly the Fulham 'keeper Richard Schwarzer all missed watching it bounce directly into the net.
Spurs grabbed hold of the game, with pure aggressive attacking football. Between Bentley, Modric, Gudjonhson and Pavlyuchenko Tottenham had too much fire power for Fulham in the second half.
Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the second, enjoying such a maginificent run of form and proving to absolutely everyone that he is a major asset to Tottenham Hotspur. On loan forward Eidur Gudjonhson then finished off a superb passing move, scoring his second goal for Tottenham...Harry wants Gudjonhson permanently and he has proven what he can deliver. Sheringham like link up play and classic striker goals.
Pompey next for Tottenham - as Spurs great Jimmy Greaves would say 'its a funny old game'.
A game of two halves this evening in the sixth round FA Cup replay London Derby at White Hart Lane. An incredible bounce back by home team Tottenham Hotspur as they turned a 1 nil half time deficit in to a 3-1.
This was a great FA Cup night for Spurs. 4 goals, plenty of stress and drama but ultimately bags of talent on show from the home team. And yes, I am a lily white!
With many ex-Spurs players in the visiting team, there was irony in Bobby Zamora's cool, left-footed stroke past Tottenham goalkeeper Gomes. The way that Zamora found the space and executed the through ball speaks volumes about his form and the development that Roy Hodgson has orchestrated at the Cottage.
This evening, I thought Danny Murphy demonstrated the reason why he has the captaincy for Fulham. Industrious but attacking, Murphy helped win the midfield battle in the first half and overall Fulham managed to mute Tottenham Hotspur who have displayed great form this season.
Harry Redknapp put David Bentley and Tommy Huddlestone to begin the second half to galvanise the midfield effort of the home team. The impact was instant, as David Bentley swung in a Beckham like free kick that all defenders, forwards and most importantly the Fulham 'keeper Richard Schwarzer all missed watching it bounce directly into the net.
Spurs grabbed hold of the game, with pure aggressive attacking football. Between Bentley, Modric, Gudjonhson and Pavlyuchenko Tottenham had too much fire power for Fulham in the second half.
Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the second, enjoying such a maginificent run of form and proving to absolutely everyone that he is a major asset to Tottenham Hotspur. On loan forward Eidur Gudjonhson then finished off a superb passing move, scoring his second goal for Tottenham...Harry wants Gudjonhson permanently and he has proven what he can deliver. Sheringham like link up play and classic striker goals.
Pompey next for Tottenham - as Spurs great Jimmy Greaves would say 'its a funny old game'.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Arsenal 2 West Ham 0 20/03/2010 Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 2 West Ham 0 20th March 2010 Premier League
Arsenal looked to set this latest Premier League weekend's pace with a 2-0 win over London rivals West Ham United, putting them top for at least the next 20 hours or so.
For the first 30 minutes, the Gunners showed us their dominance up front. It took less than 5 minutes for the home team to take the lead with Denilson strike from just outside the area. The was not a great deal more excitement for the majority of the first half except for perhaps Diamanti and Campbell going in the book, but in the 44th minute the visitors had plenty to shout about when Vermaelen was controversially sent off for a challenge on Guillermo Franco in the box. However despite scoring in the previous 2 encounters between the London rivals, Almunia denied Diamanti his third time lucky. Gooners would say it was a great save, Hammers would point to the fact Almunia was a long way off his line. 1:0 to the home team at half time.
In the second half the Hammers tried their best to make their extra man work for them, but to no avail. Just after 80 minutes a hand ball by ex gunner Matthew Upson handed a penalty to the Arsenal, which Fabregas converted with ease. This galvanised the Wenger boys, who threatened a third for the remainder of the match. However going after 90 minutes top of the premiership is surely result enough for the Gooners. But will they able to play this convincingly against Barcelona??
Arsenal looked to set this latest Premier League weekend's pace with a 2-0 win over London rivals West Ham United, putting them top for at least the next 20 hours or so.
For the first 30 minutes, the Gunners showed us their dominance up front. It took less than 5 minutes for the home team to take the lead with Denilson strike from just outside the area. The was not a great deal more excitement for the majority of the first half except for perhaps Diamanti and Campbell going in the book, but in the 44th minute the visitors had plenty to shout about when Vermaelen was controversially sent off for a challenge on Guillermo Franco in the box. However despite scoring in the previous 2 encounters between the London rivals, Almunia denied Diamanti his third time lucky. Gooners would say it was a great save, Hammers would point to the fact Almunia was a long way off his line. 1:0 to the home team at half time.
In the second half the Hammers tried their best to make their extra man work for them, but to no avail. Just after 80 minutes a hand ball by ex gunner Matthew Upson handed a penalty to the Arsenal, which Fabregas converted with ease. This galvanised the Wenger boys, who threatened a third for the remainder of the match. However going after 90 minutes top of the premiership is surely result enough for the Gooners. But will they able to play this convincingly against Barcelona??
Premier League 20th March 2010 latest fixtures
Premier League 20th March 2010 latest fixtures and lunchtime result
Lunchtime match 20th March 2010 (12:45pm)
Aston Villa 2 Wolverhampton 2 PREMIER LEAGUE RESULT
3 o'clockers
Everton v Bolton, Goodison Park 3pm
Portsmouth v Hull, Fratton Park 3pm
Stoke v Tottenham, Brittania Stadium 3pm
Sunderland v Birmingham, Stadium of Light 2pm
Wigan v Burnley, JJB Stadium 15:00
Evening match
Arsenal v West Ham, Emirates Stadium 5.30pm
Lunchtime match 20th March 2010 (12:45pm)
Aston Villa 2 Wolverhampton 2 PREMIER LEAGUE RESULT
3 o'clockers
Everton v Bolton, Goodison Park 3pm
Portsmouth v Hull, Fratton Park 3pm
Stoke v Tottenham, Brittania Stadium 3pm
Sunderland v Birmingham, Stadium of Light 2pm
Wigan v Burnley, JJB Stadium 15:00
Evening match
Arsenal v West Ham, Emirates Stadium 5.30pm
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