Many a time and oft my Spurs-supporting chum Ian has peddled the theory that Gareth Bale should be shoved right up the top, through the middle, and play as an out-and-out centre-forward. Outlandish it may be, but last night actually provided a glimpse of how the world would be run if Ian were King.

Appreciation

The legends descended on the hallowed turf of the Grove. This is probably the first time that I've ever used hallowed turf and new-ish stadium in the same sentence. For me (and I'm sure many others too), Highbury remained the truly real Arsenal stadium. However, with each match/season and the growing memories, not forgetting the continual Arsenalisation of the stadium, Emirates Stadium is turning into home.

Twenty two years this day the league title hung in balance as Arsenal needed two goals to win against Liverpool at Anfield on the last day.

Alan Smith got them going but one goal was not going to be enough and as each tense moment ticked by it was looking like Liverpool had sealed league victory.

Tuesday's friendly in Nashville comes with the usual roll call of unknowns: Who might play? Who will rise or shine? Which side can muster greater motivation, etc.?
But we can safely predict this about the U.S. meeting with Paraguay down in The Volunteer State: it won't look much like Saturday's night's memorable occasion in New Jersey, when Bob Bradley's U.

David Wheater, of Dancing With the Trotters fame, is our one signing in this transfer window which is just a few days from closing. To say that this silly season has been frustrating would be the understatement of the year. Let's have a roll call, shall we?
Curtis Davies: Just signed with Birmingham City
Ivan Rakitic: Just signed with Sevilla
Carlos Vela: Decided to go to West Brom for 6 months and help them get relegated.