Saturday, October 13, 2012

Out of options - Hodgson calls up every man and his dog

International squad selections are always blighted by withdrawals through injury, and England's latest crop are no different.

Following Kieran Gibbs' thigh strain while playing for Arsenal and Frank Lampard's own inclusion being thrown into doubt, the inexperienced duo of Ryan Bertrand and Jonjo Shelvey have been called upon to reinforce the ranks.

Surely this means anyone is in with a chance of a call-up, right? Emile Heskey will be licking his lips in Australia, while sightings of Tom, Dick and Harry circling Wembley are plentiful.

Out-of-this-world Messi and Ronaldo touch down at El Clasico

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho claimed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were "from another planet" after their Clasico exploits on Sunday evening - and few who watched the action at Camp Nou would disagree.

The showpiece Liga clash was billed as the Ballon d'Or decider, the match which could determine once and for all which of the world's two leading lights should be considered the greatest of the modern game. However, after two sublime goals apiece and a share of the spoils for either side, the debate has only been further fuelled.

The Argentina and Portugal stars shone the brightest on a field of stellar talent as each side fought back from a goal down to draw a thrilling contest 2-2 and leave the title race (just about) still open.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Messi vs C Ronaldo

OLE! Arsenal's matadors make a mockery of West Ham

Arsenal built their solid start to the season with a 3-1 victory over West Ham on Saturday at Upton Park as Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla overturned Mohamed Diame's first-half opener.

The defeat was the Hammers' first of the season in the Premier League at home, while Arsene Wenger's side remain seven points behind Chelsea, who sit at the top of the table.

Instrumental in Arsenal's win were the Spanish midfield duo of Mikel Arteta and Cazorla, who were able to topple the industrious trio of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Diame.

#BUNCHOFTWITS! Chelsea & England put stop to Cole fury

Friday was eventful: firstly the chiefs at the FA released the written reasons behind John Terry's ban and fine, before later, Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole took to Twitter to berate the "bunchoft****" that had dared to suggest his account of events were altered.

Cole subsequently deleted his tweet after perhaps FINALLY receiving some intelligent advice from those at Chelsea and issued an unreserved apology to the FA. Incidentally, Cole will remain in the England squad for the two upcoming World Cup 2014 qualifiers and should hit the 100-cap mark.

What a pity this ill-thought out tirade will go onto tarnish such a monumental achievement.