I watched Chelski vs. Arsn*al today and it was a fantastic game. After thinking about it and determining that there was no way both teams could lose, I was pulling for a draw since that would harm them both almost equally. I figured if Chelski won then it would be yet another loss for the Arse, and if they lost then that would give Liverpool the opportunity to take a lead at the top.

What I will state emphatically, categorically, and beyond any doubt whatsoever, is that this win does not put Ars*nal back in the title race, no matter what small-minded twits are saying. Let’s be excruciatingly clear—in order for this to be the case, both Chelski and Liverpool would need to drop seven points (and Man Ure would need to clear out of the way as well) coupled with the small matter of Ars*nal not dropping any points at the same time.

What this match showed me is that the Arse are legitimate contenders for the Champions League trophy as the squad has the ability to elevate their game when playing quality opponents. What should be painfully clear to anyone with eyes is that this team fails when they play against teams who like the rough stuff. Unfortunately for them, Ars*nal play in England and that means there are plenty of Wigans, Boltons, Fulhams, Stokes, West Broms, Hulls, and Sunderlands around who don’t mind putting the boot in, and squads like Pompey, Spurs, Everton, Villa, Man City, and even Boro on their day who can also pass the ball. As odd as it sounds, I think Ars*nal would fancy facing Barcelona over any of these lot. What this weekend also showed is that I don’t think Villa or any of the chasing pack are any better, so I think the Big Four will remain unsettled for another year.

What about Chelski though? They went south so, so fast and showed practically no life after the second goal put them behind. Worrying times if you’re Big Phil, and I hope to God that Rafa doesn’t look the proverbial gift horse in the mouth and chooses a less than a full-strength squad. Yes, it’s only West Ham and they’ve been abysmal lately, but for God’s sake man, if the draw at Fulham hasn’t woken Rafa up (or, say, the last three years in the league) to the need to take full points in every game, there’s no hope for him.

Spurs are only out of the drop zone on goal difference. Can’t take the foot off the pedal yet lads…

Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy. I’m a big fan of one and not so much for the other. Care to guess which is which? One of these gentlemen did his job well today. The other? Not.

The Packers aren’t going to the play-offs this year and for my money the biggest reason is lousy offensive play calling, lousy defense, and god-awful special teams. (Hint: the quarterback isn’t in charge of any of these.)

Current Mood: Procrastinating |