Bloody Setanta!

Did anyone watch the Porto/Arsenal match? These announcers that have been covering the Arsenal matches are terrible! I thought they were awful during the Hamburg match but last night was pretty poor. They’re quite negative and seem to enjoy focusing on everything that is wrong with the game they are viewing. Every weak cross is greeted with an audible groan or sigh. It gets really annoying after a while.

From the outset last night it was obvious that both teams would play for a draw yet the commentators thought that to be insane. They were criticizing both teams for not attacking enough. Hello!? A draw gets both through to the next stage! If you want to criticize something, criticize the bloody system that UEFA has put in place, not the players! They’re just doing their job, and if that means a boring draw with little offensive output, so be it. That’s the way it’s been set up! The players are only doing what is necessary to ensure safe passage and more money for their club. At one point the play-by-play guy described the match as “torture.” Well, apologies to you sir. Sorry you had to fly to Porto to commentate on the game. Wankers. -Sanford

Cashly Cole Banknotes

Since most of us won't be at the match come Sunday, we can print these, cut them out, and use them on our arses...

http://arseblog.com/BANKNOTES.pdf

Man United, Arsenal, Porto, Lille reach 2nd round of Champions League

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-eurordp&prov=ap&type=lgns

Champions League: Who Progressed, Who's In The UEFA Cup, & Who's Eliminated Altogether

http://goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=184964

Champions League Best XI (Round 6)

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=185354

EPL Wrap: West Ham Replace Newcastle In Bottom Three

Newcastle have moved out of the bottom three in the Premiership with a 3-2 win over Reading, and they've been replaced by West Ham Unted, who lost 2-0 at home to Wigan Athletic.

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=185028

Fergie backing best of British for glory

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes a British club can win the Champions League this season.

The Red Devils joined Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Celtic in the knockout stages after a 3-1 victory over Benfica at Old Trafford in their final group match.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=394896&cc=5901

Nicky Campbell Column

Campbell looks at chants, the prospect of an NFL game in London ("Nail-biting, isn't it? Shall we send them Watford v Charlton in return?") and passes on the following supposedly true story... -Sanford

An alleged true story from an Arsenal season-ticket holder: his position last year was an absolute plum, halfway up Highbury's main stand, close to halfway. After the first few games of the season it became apparent that despite all home games being sell-outs, the two seats on his left were always empty. This continued until just after Christmas, when a guy and his young son appeared. Asked if he knew why the seats had been empty, he said: "Tell me about it. It was a lovely present. The wife bought me and my son season tickets - and gave them to us for Christmas."

http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,1966109,00.html

FIFA sets date for 2010 World Cup

Mark your calendars!!! -Sanford

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=Aq5m2lXoOhKqAsCHnRcxkTUmw7YF?slug=afp-fblfifarsawc2010&prov=afp&type=lgns

Milan have never been this bad, says Ancelotti

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti criticised his team after a 2-0 defeat to Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday saying they had never played so badly.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-championsmilanancelotti&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Soulless, goalless Arsenal go through

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fbleurc1porengporto&prov=afp&type=lgns

Spector: I Turned Down ManU Deal

http://www.soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Americans_Abroad/page_93_132443.shtml

Shevchenko: My Game Doesn’t Suit Mourinho

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=185301

Tony Cascarino on ManU/Benfica

How disappointing were Manchester United until they went a goal behind? Very. At times it was excruciating to watch. Plenty of pretty football, plenty of one-touch stuff, plenty of clever interpassing. But where did it get them? Nowhere.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,762-2491631,00.html

Ronaldo's Dive vs. Boro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qMOHvmt6po

Sanford's EPL Predictions Results

Another solid week as I got five correct and four incorrect, with two perfect scores.

The perfect scores were easy enough, with Villa and Pompey in the mix and Sheffield United winning 2-1 at home versus an anemic Charlton. I’m most pleased with my call on the Everton/West Ham clash – barring the late goal that would have been another perfect score.

Sadly, Wigan let me down when I thought they had the goods to hold Liverpool at the JJB. Liverpool took care of their away woes on the back of inspired work by Stevie G and Craig B.

And I came close to calling the draw at the Riverside but ManU’s ability to bounce back got them the deserved three points. I also read the Reading/Bolton fixture quite well. Bolton really get up for the big games but have been lacking against lower opposition. Reading deserved their win at home.

Finally, Arsenal proved me wrong with authority, or was it Spurs that did the same with an authoritative collapse? They were spineless and disorganized – a true Tottenham showing.

This weekend sees the Manchester Derby and Chelsea vs. Arsenal…

Phil Ball in Spain

There seems to have been a lot of chit-chat this week surrounding this year's golden balls, accompanied of course by a lens that has focused generally on La Liga and specifically on Real Madrid. The main talking point has been Fabio Cannavaro, and should he or shouldn't he have been awarded the big prize?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=394582&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2&cc=5901

Rafa favourite hoping to down United

If Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had got his way, Simao Sabrosa would have been a key member of his team by now.

Yet it is the red of Benfica and not the crimson of Liverpool that he is currently excelling and Manchester United may be regretting as much after Wednesday's crucial Champions League showdown at Old Trafford.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=394598&root=uefachampionsleague&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos3&cc=5901

Champions League Matchday 6 Preview: Groups A-D

Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are staring elimination in the face this week, as they prepare for Matchday 6 of the Champions League.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=182654

Manchester City 0-0 Watford: Battle at Eastlands

Man, this was an ugly encounter. Driving rain, no possession...a classic early winter battle. -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=199237&cc=5901

Tuesday's EPL Previews

Charlton v Blackburn: Preview
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=199238&cc=5901

Tottenham v Middlesbrough: Preview
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=199239&cc=5901

Blatter aiming for revolution with switch to summer game

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2487015,00.html

Battle of the Bosphorus stokes passions in heat of the night

The atmosphere of the Istanbul derby between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray is sampled at close quarters in the first of a series examining the most explosive matches in football.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2486937,00.html

Henry: Fleetness of foot and thinnest of skin

King of the hissy fit?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2487037,00.html

Why Germany really needs a Bayern-Bremen duopoly

It might sound counter-intuitive, but in order to be more successful abroad, Bundesliga clubs needs a little less competition back home.


http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/12/05/why_germany_really_needs_a_bay.html

Tuesday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1964245,00.html

James Richardson in Italy

If their latest disappointing result emphasised anything it was that the Rossoneri's biggest problem is their anaemic transfer policy.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/12/05/suazo_salvo_underlines_milans.html

Sid Lowe in Spain

Bushy moustaches and a unique tradition may not be enough to save Athletic Bilbao from their first ever relegation.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/12/04/are_bilbao_about_to_bow_out.html

The Insider at the Emirates Stadium

The Insider was on hand to see Arsenal win the first North London Derby at their new ground...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=394370&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos3&cc=5901

The Insider at Goodison Park

The Insider was also on hand to see an inspired Carlos Tevez fail to lead West Ham past the Toffees...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=394544&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901

EPL Weekend Reports

http://soccer-europe.com/EPL/Reports/Round16.html

Spain's Primera Liga reports

Real Madrid close in on Barcelona thanks to goals from the old Brazilian Guard...

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-spainreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Serie A Weekend Wrap

Palermo slips further off the pace in Serie A...

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=fbitreport&prov=st&type=lgns

Germany's Bundesliga Reports

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-germanyreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Gabriele Marcotti Column

Hernán Crespo believes in destiny. Ask him about the cruelest night of his career, when Liverpool staged arguably the greatest comeback in the history of soccer to wrest the 2005 Champions League crown from AC Milan, and Crespo has no doubt about what decided the game.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=cnnsi-thepickofdestin&prov=cnnsi&type=lgns

Liverpool draw Arsenal in FA Cup Third Round

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=394515&cc=5901


FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW

• Blackpool v Aldershot/Basingstoke
• Barnet v Colchester
• Sheff Utd v Swansea
• Reading v Burnley
• Portsmouth v Wigan
• Mansfield/Doncaster v Bolton
• West Ham v Brighton
• Leicester v Fulham
• Derby v Wrexham
• Wolves v Oldham
• Bury/Chester v Ipswich
• Man Utd v Aston Villa
• Sheff Wed v Man City
• Tamworth v Norwich
• Salisbury/Nottm For v Charlton
• Cardiff v Tottenham
• Preston v Sunderland
• Liverpool v Arsenal
• Bristol Rovers/Bournemouth v Hereford
• Watford v Stockport
• Crystal Palace v Swindon
• Bristol City v Coventry
• Peterborough v Plymouth
• QPR v Luton
• Southend v Barnsley
• West Brom v Leeds
• Hull v Middlesbrough
• Birmingham v Newcastle
• Torquay/Leyton Orient v Southampton
• Everton v Blackburn
• Chelsea v Macclesfield
• Stoke v Bradford/Millwall

Henry facing month on the sidelines as fallout spreads

Thierry Henry is not expected to play again in 2006, ruling him out of Sunday’s big match against Chelsea and the busy holiday programme. The Arsenal captain has been forced to accept that he needs a break, perhaps for more than a month, because of a sciatic nerve problem that has affected his form.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2485515,00.html

Wine, women and fun at Highbury

Here's a great quote from Perry Groves' book: "Cole? He's been a prat." Sums it up pretty well, I think...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2485098,00.html

Monday's rumours

Poor Thierry Henry! Oh when will someone give the poor lamb the respect he so richly deserves? Hot on the heels of discovering you don't get anywhere near the Fifa World Player of the Year award simply by diving through a major international tournament "like a woman", or by failing to show up for any of the finals your teams qualify for, he now finds that Arsene Wenger doesn't fancy treating him like the second coming of Christ. Oh Arsene, how could you!

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1963595,00.html

Sanford’s Premiership Predictions

Arsenal v Tottenham

Is the North London Derby just what the doctor ordered to stop the rot at Ashburton Grove? It’s obvious that without Henry the Gunners face an even more severe test. But how will his comrades perform after the misery of their last tow outings? Is it just a rot or a true crisis? Jol had his lads up for this fixture last campaign and there’s no better time than the present for Spurs to pick up an away win in this juicy local derby. A wounded beast Arsenal may be, but the beast appears to have been declawed.

0-2

Blackburn v Fulham

I like the Rovers here, simply because after their big win against Arsenal the trip north will be difficult for Fulham. Ewood Park is tough for the London sides and I can’t see Fulham replicating the stellar form they showed at Craven Cottage a couple of days later on the road.

3-1

Portsmouth v Aston Villa

Villa were humbled last time out and a trip to the south coast won’t be smooth sailing. That said, I like Martin’s Men to pick up a point. They’re still draw specialists in my book and I think Pompey have been overachieving just a smidge too much of late. ‘Arry’s due a disappointment in the form of two lost points.

2-2

Reading v Bolton

Reading have been awfully consistent this campaign and I think Bolton might show some fatigue after facing Arsenal and Chelsea in succession. I like Reading at home here – they’re proving to be the strongest of the promoted sides and appear to have the necessary components to avoid the drop.

2-1

Sheffield United v Charlton

It’s another excellent opportunity for United to pick up all three points with Charlton coming to town. I still don’t see the wisdom in dropping Ian Dowie so soon but the backroom antics may have been too much, who knows? Still, it’s only Darren Bent that can knock them in with any regularity for the Addicks and that won’t be enough on this trip. Look for Sheffield United to do the business.

2-1

Wigan v Liverpool

This is a tough fixture for Liverpool at a time when their injury list requires extra hard drive space. It’ll be a patched squad for them at the JJB but they’ve still got the quality to snatch a draw. I remain impressed with Paul Jewell’s work – his men always bring their game. It’ll be no different against the Reds.

1-1

Middlesbrough v Manchester United

Might a trip to the Riverside trip up the table toppers? Chelsea lost here already and Sir Alex has had trouble with Boro over the years. Boro are like James Bond’s morning shower: first ice cold and then burning hot. It’s never in between with these lads. It’s an intriguing fixture that offers more than you would think at first glance. I like Boro for a point.

3-3

Everton v West Ham

West Ham seem to have turned things around but the blue side of Liverpool has become a tough place for opposing squads to visit. This will be a grind it out affair, with a dubious call from the ref the possible decider.

1-0

Manchester City v Watford

Suddenly City are rolling and Watford will feel the pain. Not many have come to Eastlands and left with something, and Watford will be no different. They just aren’t scoring and with City suddenly in the mood, it could be a long afternoon for Bothroyd’s Boys.

3-0

Give the Gift of Soccer This Holiday Season!

http://www.mercycorps.org/mercykits/967

Henrik Larsson to join Manchester United in January on loan

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=394228&cc=5901

Henry out of derby game

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=394208&cc=5901

Roberto Gotta in Italy

The livewire of Livorno...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=393577&root=europe&cc=5901

EPL Preview: Arsenal-Tottenham Hotspur

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=180777

Chicago To Host 2007 Gold Cup Final, Venues Announced

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=180266

La Liga Preview

Bilbao hope Bernabeu challenge will spark revival...

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-spainpreview&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Serie A Preview

Unbeaten Inter aim to extend winning run...

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-italypreview&prov=reuters&type=lgns

West Brom star stable after stabbing

Ronnie Wallwork, the West Bromwich Albion midfield player, is recovering in hospital today after being stabbed several times in what police believe was a planned attack.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2481834,00.html

The excuses must stop as Wenger has to face up to flaws

With Sam Allardyce’s stinging condemnation of a man who “always looks for excuses” still ringing in his ears, the challenge facing Arsène Wenger is to prove him wrong.

The Arsenal manager insisted that there was nothing wrong with his side apart from their points total after losing at the Reebok Stadium last weekend, a specious claim shattered by the 2-1 defeat away to Fulham on Wednesday. Having failed to rouse his players for their moment of truth, Wenger must begin to be honest with himself by admitting to his side’s shortcomings, with the main problems listed below...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2480858,00.html

Luring Larsson to United is a Ferguson masterstroke

The shock capture of Henrik Larsson proves that Sir Alex Ferguson is still a canny genius.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/12/01/luring_larsson_to_united_is_a.html

Lawro's Premiership Predictions

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6183452.stm