The first defeat of the season is always the most tricky one to deal with. Perhaps that explains
why some feel that the earlier it comes, the better. At the beginning of the 2007-08
season, a determined young Arsenal squad made a typically flying start to
the campaign.
Some moments are never meant to be forgotten. The entire world of football witnessed one such
shocking moment a little less than two years ago in London. On a rainy evening at
Wembley, hosts England were expected to advance to the finals of
Euro 2008 with just a draw needed against visiting Croatia.
Despite a composed 1-0 win for the LA Galaxy at home to the New England Revolution this weekend,
soccer fans around the world (or at least in the US) are still in shock over the rift between two
Galaxy stars who missed this weekend's game. While superstar David Beckham is yet to return to the
Galaxy this season, his estranged teammate Landon Donovan was rested following a busy period
representing his country.
When Taylor Fisher named Federico Macheda last week's Wednesday Wonder, few people - myself
included - expected the 17 year old to make any further impact this season. Let's face it, Macheda
was only in the squad against Aston Villa because of injuries and suspensions, and his spot on the
bench against Sunderland was more out of respect for the Italian.
As soon as the final whistle was blown at the Dragao last night, Manchester United confirmed its
place in one of the two UEFA Champions League semifinals. Who was the opponent? A young
Arsenal side that had already been penciled in as one of the semifinalists, around half an hour
before United, courtesy of an emphatic 3-0 thrashing of Villarreal.
Following last week's Champions League quaterfinal first legs, the remaining eight teams have a
very clear view of what they need to do this week. With two English sides in action today and
another two tomorrow, fans around the country are all anxiously awaiting their team's kickoff.
With their dreams of Champions League spots all but shattered, but UEFA Cup spots already
solidified, Aston Villa and Everton will still not be coasting through the last seven matches of
the season. On Sunday they will meet at Villa Park in a match that promises to be a battle.
Aston Villa stumble into this match with only 1 point in their last 6
matches.
Fabio Capello may have led England to one of its best starts in a World Cup qualification campaign.
However, as the Three Lions' last outing against European Champions Spain suggests, there is still
a lot of learning to do for Mr. Capello before he gets his starting eleven completely right. At
least I feel this way.
Less than two weeks remain until Wembley Stadium witnesses Carling Cup holders Tottenham Hotspur's
title defense against reigning Premier League and European Champions Manchester United.
Unsurprisingly, fans across the world are actively debating the importance of this Cup final.
Unlike the FA Cup, which is universally acclaimed as arguably the most prestigious club cup
competition, the League Cup has earned itself the notorious nickname of "The Mickey Mouse
Cup," referring to its minor, if any, importance in many circles of football.
I don't know about you, but I am genuinely excited about the rest of the Premier League season.
Unlike other seasons, it's not just the title race that is exciting me. Instead, it's the whole
table. After the closing of the January transfer window, I can't help but take a look at the battle
going on between Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Everton.
What direction is football heading in? Sunday afternoon was supposed to be a feast of world class
football; a battle between the titans; Manchester United versus Chelsea. Instead, Howard Webb and
his team of assistant referees were determined to leave their own mark on the game, and for that
reason football was robbed of one of its great goals.
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate today reiterated his desire to keep winger Stewart Downing
at the Riverside. Despite not having the best season ever, Southgate believes it is not in the
club's or the player's best interest to move just yet. Downing has clearly been affected by
transfer speculation in recent weeks, and Boro fans are hoping the issue can be resolved as soon as
possible.
The Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has added his tuppence-worth to the Fabregas to Barcelona
saga, and says that the Spanish international as good as confessed to his team-mates that he was
"determined" to move to the Nou Camp during the summer. Vermaelen said: "Cesc carries Barcelona in
the heart, in his DNA.
Sources around the league are say that the league has determined the site for the 2008 MLS Cup
already. Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., has been chosen to host the 2008 MLS Cup on Nov. 23.
Chicago and Dallas were the other finalists. Expect an official announcement soon. The Toolbox also
hosted in 2003 and [...]
