Bradford City, League Cup, Americans Abroad, Arsenal vs. West Ham

We just can't seem to get into a rhythm these days. The entire SSN Staff took a trip up to D.C. for the inauguration Monday and we were unable to produce posts until now. Apologies. Now, what went down?

Let's start with Phil Ball. He's in Spain (duh) and Barcelona lost last weekend. As we expected, since he lives in San Sebastian, he attended the match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona. Good stuff as always. 

We're sure everyone knows about Sunday's results. Yank Abroad Clint Dempsey scored very, very late to snatch a deserved draw for his Totttenham against ManU. At Stamford Bridge, Arsenal woke up too late and were overrun by Chelsea. 

Yesterday, however, Bradford City shocked the world by defeating Aston Villa (over two legs) and making the final of the What's In Your Wallet Cup. By eliminating Villa, Bradford became the first side from the fourth tier of English football to reach the League Cup final - or the showpiece of any of the two major knock-outs - since Rochdale in 1962. They're also the first team from outside the top two divisions to do so since Villa themselves in 1971. They are currently 10th in League Two! That's pretty damn impressive. Well played, Bantams! Daniel Taylor saw the history made at Villa Park. And this is pretty nice. Who says footballers don't care?

Now then, who will join them in that final match at Wembley? It'll be either Swansea City or Chelsea. They clash this afternoon, but as far as we can tell, there is no U.S. TV. Find a stream...

Holy Christ. The African Cup of Nations is already underway down in South Africa. Jonathan Wilson is there. Apparently, Gervinho doesn't suck. At least not all of the time.

Americans Abroad. Jozy continues to burn in Holland. He hit for three at the weekend. Here are all the rest.

Three More For Jozy

Speaking of Yanks Abroad, Tactics Master Michael Cox has an interesting piece on why Serie A clubs are moving away from the classic Number 10 and toward players in the mold of Roma's Michael Bradley. It's a big reason Sneijder is now in Turkey and no longer in Milan.

There is another Yank Abroad who deserves a mention. Stuart Holden. He played! Check it.

And that leads nicely into The Mill and your Plus One. The Dutch maestro had some fine years in Serie A but he'll now be enjoying the delights of Istanbul. That's really the only "big" news.

Right. There's a big match in the EPL this afternoon. Arsenal host West Ham in the match that was canceled back on Boxing Day. Arsenal are in crisis. They won't make the top four. Wenger out. Right? Here's a preview. And here's an interesting graphic thanks to Arseblog comparing the top 10 in the tables from this time last year and now:

Right! That'll do for now. We'll see you tomorrow.

Onward!!

-SSN